JP2945321B2 - Card management machine - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a card management machine capable of storing a large number of cards, automatically counting the number of stored cards, and managing the number of cards in stock.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as this type of card management machine, for example, an apparatus as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 3-3098 is known. This card management machine has a storage case capable of storing a large number of cards and a counting sensor capable of counting the number of cards stored in the storage case. Could be displayed on a display disposed on the front of the storage case or printed on recording paper by a built-in printer.

[0003]

However, the above-described conventional card management machine can only confirm the number of stocks, and cannot easily determine whether the number of stocks is sufficient or not. Was. That is, whether the number of stocks is sufficient or insufficient cannot be specified simply by the number of stocks, but the number of stocks per day and the number of days after entering the order from the supplier for the cards to be replenished, is possible. It is necessary to make judgments based on the status of incoming and outgoing goods for each card store. There is a problem that it is not easy to determine whether the number is appropriate.

[0004] Of course, as a method of managing the stock of cards, a rough method of always ordering a large number of cards to a supplier in a slightly excessive manner so as not to run out of stock can be considered. Then, even a person who does not know at all the status of loading / unloading of the card can place an order with the supplier. However, in such an ordering method, although the amount of the card paid to the supplier increases with the increase of the excess stock, the card dealer side holds a large amount of cards that will not be sold immediately. There was a problem that the financial burden increased.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a more detailed
An object of the present invention is to provide a card management machine capable of knowing the status of a warehouse .

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a storage means capable of storing a large number of cards, and the number of cards stored in the storage means. A card management machine provided with a counting means capable of counting a number of times, including at least an unlocking mode and a replenishing mode.
User can select one operation mode from multiple operation modes
Can be arbitrarily selected, and operates in the unlocking mode.
Sometimes the number of cards stored in the storage means is
If it increases before and after the counting by the counting means,
The card removed from the storage means is
As the card was returned to the delivery means,
Statistical processing, when operating in the supply mode, the storage
The number of cards stored in the means is determined by the counting means.
If the number increases before and after counting, the newly purchased card
Entry and exit of cards as replenished to the storage means
It is characterized in that the situation is statistically processed .

[0007] In addition, card management machine according to claim 2, before
When operating in the unlocking mode, it is stored in the storage means.
Before and after the counting by the counting means.
It is increasing, and the number of increased
When there are more cards than the number of cards removed from the storage means
In this case, the occurrence of an error is reported .

Furthermore, card management device according to claim 3, the front
During operation in the replenishment mode,
Before and after the counting by the counting means.
When the number has decreased, the occurrence of an error is reported .

[0009] Still further, the card management machine according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, based on the number of stocks counted by the counting means,
Cumulative total number of cards issued in the past specified period
And the average number of shipments per unit period
Means for calculating an average number of articles to be delivered,
From the average outgoing number calculated by the number calculation means,
The number of cards that are expected to be issued within the specified period
Means for calculating the expected number of issues to be issued,
From the expected number of dispatched goods calculated by the step, the counting means
After subtracting the counted number of stocks, the future specified period
Insufficient to calculate the number of cards expected to be insufficient within
Number calculating means, and calculating by the insufficient number calculating means.
The number of cards to be replenished as
It is characterized in that it is calculated .

[0010]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS According to the card management machine of the present invention,
If the user selects the unlock mode, the storage
If the number of cards
Statistical processing is performed assuming that the returned card is
Is not considered replenished. In addition, the user
When the feed mode is selected, the
If the number of cards increases, it is assumed that cards are replenished
Statistical processing, the card was taken out first and returned again
Is not considered to have been committed. Therefore, just for the card
Not only increase or decrease, but also take out the card and return the card
Entry / exit status including rejection and replenishment of new cards
Can be grasped more accurately.

Further , according to the card management machine of the second aspect,
If the number of cards stored in the storage means is
It increased before and after counting by columns, and it increased
The number of minutes of the card
If the number is larger than the number, an error is notified. did
Therefore, cards that should not be stored in unlock mode
If you mistakenly mix
Wear.

Further, in the card management machine according to the third aspect ,
According to the number of cards stored in the storage means
If an error occurs before and after counting by means,
Notify. Therefore, despite the supply mode,
If you accidentally remove the card,
Can be detected.

[0013] Further , according to the card management device of the fourth aspect ,
If the average delivery number calculation means
Accumulate the total number of issued cards and issue the total
Calculate the average number of outgoings per unit period from the number of
From the average number of outgoing tickets, the expected number of outgoing tickets calculation means
Number and calculate the expected number of articles to be dispatched, and calculate the number of missing sheets.
Is subtracted from the number of stocks counted by the counting means.
Card that is expected to run short within a predetermined period in the future
Is calculated, and the power calculated by the shortage number calculating means is calculated.
Card count as the number of cards to be replenished.
You. Therefore, the past shipping status can be checked manually, etc.
Easily replenish the required number of cards without looking up
And the status of loading and unloading of cards is not
Can easily replenish the required number of cards.
Wear.

In the card management machine having such a configuration, the longer the longer the predetermined period in the past in which statistical processing is performed, the more the error due to temporary fluctuation can be eliminated. Is obtained. Also, if weighting the data when the number of issues is relatively large, or increasing the average number of issues by some percentage,
Although the number of inventories becomes somewhat large, it is possible to cope with a case where the number of outgoing goods increases unexpectedly. Therefore, the number of outgoing outgoing goods may be set to be large as necessary. Also, the cards to be replenished
The method of presenting the number is, for example, a display (eg, CRT, L
CD, 7-segment LED, etc.)
There may be a way to display the number numerically, but
The number of cards does not necessarily need to be specified numerically.
For example, simply notify the lack of cards with a lamp or buzzer
When the required number of cards have been replenished,
There is no problem even if the operation of the key stops.

Further, as a countermeasure against unexpected increase in the number of articles to be delivered, an inventory quantity counted by the counting means may be used.
And the average delivery calculated by the average delivery number calculation means.
After a predetermined period based on the number of warehouses
Replenish if the stock of the card is expected to run out
May be provided.
Thus, the stock number of sheets counted by the counting means, based on the average unloading number calculated by the average unloading number calculating means, if the stock of cards is expected to disappear within a predetermined period a predetermined In addition, if the alarm means is configured to notify a warning that replenishment is required, it is possible to detect, for example, that the card is depleted before reaching the next replenishment date by a warning from the alarm means,
Necessary countermeasures can be taken, such as temporarily replenishing cards in addition to normal replenishment. In addition, the warning that replenishment is required is displayed on the screen of the display unit, printed on the printer,
Any kind of information such as notification by a lamp or a buzzer may be used.

Further , the replenishment number is calculated by the replenishment number calculating means.
The number of cards to be replenished
An information transmitting unit that can transmit the information to the external device may be provided. With such a configuration, for example, it is possible to construct a card management system in which information transmitted from a large number of card management machines installed in a branch or the like is received by a host computer or the like installed in the head office, Since the total number of cards in shortage at all branches can be grasped at the head office, orders to card suppliers can be collectively performed at the head office. In particular, hundreds of prepaid cards are assumed to be the main management target of this card management machine,
Since there are many cases where suppliers deliver in thousands of units, for example, when it is expected that dozens of shortages are expected at each branch, placing orders for several thousand at each branch is extremely excessive. Although there is a problem that inventory occurs, the use of the card management machine eliminates excess inventory held at each branch.

[Specific Example] Next, in order to further clarify the embodiment of the present invention, a specific example of the card management machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The specific examples described below are merely examples of the embodiments of the present invention, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the specific examples illustrated below.

As shown in FIG. 1, the card management machine 1 has a card storage unit 2 in which a plurality of cards can be sorted and stored by type, and an operation unit capable of inputting various instructions to the card management machine 1. 3, a display unit 4 capable of displaying various messages and the like, and a printer unit 5 capable of printing information such as the number of cards managed by the card management machine 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, the card housing 2 has a metal housing 13 having metal doors 11 and 12 on the front side.
And six drawers 14 arranged inside the housing 13,
Card counter 15 mounted on each drawer 14
It is composed of At the front center of each drawer 14,
A handle 16 for withdrawal operation is provided, and next to the handle 16 is provided a label posting section 17 which can insert a label or the like in which the type of the stored card is written.

The operation unit 3 includes a key switch 21 operated by a key (not shown), a power lamp 22 which is turned on when the power is turned on, and a keyboard 23 in which a plurality of keys are arranged. The key switch 21 is ON / OFF for enabling / disabling various operations from the keyboard 23.
In addition to the position, it is possible to switch to three types of setting positions for setting a recitation number, time, and the like. Further, the keyboard 23 includes numeric keys “0” to “9”, an “ENT / STOP” key used to determine an input numerical value, an instruction to interrupt a process being executed, and “CLR” used to cancel an input numerical value. ”Key, and a“ キ ー ”key and a“ ↓ ”key for scrolling the display range on the display unit 4 up and down.

Further, the display section 4 comprises a liquid crystal monitor 25 capable of displaying three lines of character strings. The printer unit 5 further includes a printer base 32 that can be gripped by the handle 31 and pulled out as shown in the figure, a printer 33 mounted on the printer base 32, and an outlet 35 for discharging the printed roll paper 34. And an upper cover 36 that can be opened and closed to replace the roll paper 34.

Next, the detailed structure of the card management machine 1 will be described in more detail. The card management machine 1 has a door 11
Has a locking mechanism inside. This locking mechanism is shown in FIG.
(A), as shown in FIG. 7 (b), a latch 43 which engages with engagement fittings 41, 42 fixed to the housing 13 side, respectively.
44 and a solenoid 4 for operating each of the latches 43 and 44
5 and 46, and a predetermined operation (described later) on the operation unit 3
Is performed, the energization / non-energization of the solenoids 45 and 46 is switched, and the latches 43 and 44 operate to operate the engagement fitting 4.
1, 42.

The door 11 has a cylinder lock 47 that can be rotated by a key (not shown), a plate 48 that rotates with the cylinder lock 47 to a position shown by a dotted line, and a plate 48 that rotates when the plate 48 rotates. ON / O contact
And a contact switch 49 for switching the FF. When the cylinder lock 47 is operated, the contact switch 49 is turned on / off.
The energization / non-energization of the solenoids 45, 46 is switched according to the FF, and the latches 43, 44 are engaged with the engagement fittings 41, 42.
It comes out of the.

Further, the rods 51 and 52 which move up and down with the rotation of the plate 48, the rods 51 and 52 are slidably inserted and caught by the flanges 51a and 52a, respectively, while the latches 43 and 52 are respectively provided. When the cylinder lock 47 is rotated, the latches 43 and 44 operate even when power cannot be supplied to the solenoids 45 and 46 due to a power failure or the like. Then, it can be detached from the engagement fittings 41 and 42.

In other words, the locking mechanism normally unlocks the door by electrically operating the latches 43 and 44 by either the operation of the operation unit 3 or the operation of the cylinder lock 47 by a key. Under the circumstances where the latches 43 and 44 cannot be actuated electrically,
The latch can be unlocked by operating the latches 43 and 44 mechanically by the operation of.

A weight 55 is fixed in the middle of the rod 52, and the weight 55 constantly applies a load to the rod 52 downward. As a result, the cylinder lock 47 is always urged to rotate to the locking side, and the latch 43,
44 is urged to move to the side where it engages with the engagement fittings 41 and 42. Therefore, even if the locking operation is not performed consciously, if the door 11 is closed, the latches 43 and 44 will be engaged with the engagement fittings 41 and 42, so that there is no accidental forgetting to lock.

In addition, when the door 11 is opened, the housing 13 protrudes to the front side by the force of a built-in spring and is turned ON. Then, a door switch 57 that is turned off by being retracted toward the housing 13 by the contraction of the spring is provided. This door switch 5
7 is used to detect the open / closed state of the door 11 according to ON / OFF. At the same time, when the latches 43, 44 are disengaged from the engagement fittings 41, 42, the door 11 is opened by the force of a built-in spring. It functions to push 11 open. As a result, once the latches 43 and 44 are disengaged from the engagement fittings 41 and 42 by the unlocking operation, the doors 11 are slightly opened by being simultaneously pushed by the door switch 57, and thereafter the latches 43 and 44 return to the initial positions. However, it is not locked again. Therefore, during the unlocking operation, the solenoid 45,
46 may be energized for a minimum necessary time.

Incidentally, the above-mentioned locking mechanism is usually provided by the operation unit 3.
It is assumed that the key is unlocked by the operation in (1).
When unlocking by a key or unlocking by an improper method is performed, an alarm buzzer sounds in conjunction with turning on of the door switch 57. This buzzer is supplied with power from a battery and operates even at the time of a power failure or the like.

The keyboard 23 is provided with a door switch 57.
When is ON, no input is received. Therefore, to perform an operation from the keyboard 23, it is necessary to close the doors 11 and 12. Next, the card counter 15 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 4, the card counter 15 includes a front wall 61, a rear wall 62, a left wall 63, a right wall 64, and a bottom plate 65.
And a hopper 66 formed by stacking a plurality of cards C and stacking them in a line in the longitudinal direction.
Pressing member 6 for pressing card C toward left wall 63
7, a first moving body 69 movable in the longitudinal direction along the rear wall 62, and a counting sensor mounted on the first moving body 69 and capable of counting the number of cards C stored in the hopper 66 while moving. 71, a second moving body 73 that can move in the longitudinal direction along the front wall 61, and a resin roller 75 mounted on the second moving body 73 and pressing the card C toward the rear wall 62 while moving. And

The pressing member 67 includes a hopper 66
Through the guide hole 77 formed in the bottom plate 65
And slides on the upper surface of the bottom plate 65. And the third moving body 78
It is connected to one end of a coil spring 80 that is bent and wound in a substantially U shape by a roller 79. This allows
When the pressing member 67 is slid to the right in the drawing, the coil spring 80 is extended, and as a result, a force is applied to the pressing member 67 to the left in the drawing. To the left.

The first moving body 69 is connected to a timing belt 83 stretched over pulleys 81 and 82, and moves along a rail 85 as the pulley 81 is driven to rotate by a DC motor 84. Further, at both ends of the movement path of the first moving body 69, optical sensors 86 and 87 each including a pair of light emitting element and light receiving element are provided.
On the upper surface side of the first moving body 69, shielding plates 88 and 89 are protrudingly provided at positions where the optical paths of the optical sensors 86 and 87 are blocked with the movement of the first moving body 69. The drive position of the first moving body 69 is detected by ON / OFF of 86 and 87, and drive control of the DC motor 84 is performed.

The second moving body 73 also includes a pulley 90,
It is connected to the timing belt 92 that is bridged over 91,
As the pulley 90 is driven to rotate by the DC motor 93, the pulley 90 moves along the rail 94. And
Optical sensors 95 and 96 each including a pair of light emitting element and light receiving element are provided at both ends of the movement path of the second moving body 73, and the first moving body 69 is provided on the upper surface side of the first moving body 69.
A shielding plate 97 is protruded at a position where the optical path of the optical sensors 95 and 96 is interrupted by the movement of the optical sensor 95, 96. The drive control of the DC motor 93 is performed.

The counting sensor 71 is a reflection-type optical sensor that detects light reflected from the surface of the object by projecting from the light emitting element, and as shown in FIG.
2 are arranged so as to project light toward the end face of the card C via the slit 101 formed in the card 2. The counting sensor 71 counts the number of cards C by utilizing the fact that the projected light is reflected at the end face of the card C but is not reflected correctly at the boundary between the two cards C. By counting the timing that becomes
The number of cards C can be known. In addition, hopper 6
The left wall 63 of FIG. 6 has cutouts 102 corresponding to the positions where the counting sensors 71 are provided. Such a notch 102
Is provided, the light projected from the counting sensor 71 does not reflect toward the counting sensor 71. Therefore, even if the counting sensor 71 passes in front of the left wall 63, the card C
Does not occur. Notch 1
02 may have a structure that does not reflect the light projected from the counting sensor 71 toward the counting sensor 71, and the same function is provided by forming a cutout having a shape other than the shape shown in the drawing or absorbing light. It can also be realized by applying a paint or the like to the end surface of the left wall 63.

The roller 75 is provided rotatably about a support shaft 104 fixed to the roller support 103 and protrudes inside the hopper 66 through a slit 105 formed in the front wall 61 of the hopper 66. . The roller support 103 is slidably attached to two parallel pins 107 fixed to the second moving body 73, and is constantly pressed toward the front wall 61 by a spring 108. These members are configured such that, when the card C is stored in the hopper 66, the roller 75 abuts on the end face of the card C with the spring 108 compressed to some extent due to the mutual dimensional relationship. The card C is pressed toward the rear wall 62 by the elastic force of the spring 108. The rollers 75 roll on the end face of the card C with the movement of the second moving body 73, and press each card C in order from the end toward the rear wall 62.

The hopper 66 has an internal size capable of storing up to 2500 pachinko prepaid cards as the card C. The front wall 61 and the rear wall 62 are provided to facilitate the insertion and removal of the card C. The upper end has a slope extending upward. Although not shown in FIG. 4, as shown in FIG.
9. The entire moving range of the second moving body 73 is covered with the protective covers 110 and 111.

Next, a control section for controlling each section of the card management machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Control unit 120
Is a logical operation circuit mainly composed of a well-known CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like. The switch 57, the counting sensor 71, the DC motor 84 for the first moving body, the optical sensors 86 and 87, the DC motor 93 for the second moving body, the optical sensors 95 and 96 are each a dedicated control circuit (not shown). Is connected to the control unit 120 via the. Further, the card management machine 1 includes a modem 121 for transmitting / receiving data to / from an external device such as a host computer, a buzzer 123 for alarm, a buzzer 123
A buzzer stop switch 124 and the like for stopping the buzzer are provided, and these are also connected to the control unit 120. The card management machine 1 is normally connected to an external power supply to receive power, but also has a built-in emergency battery, so that during a power outage or the like, internal data and the like are kept for a certain period (for example, 72 hours). Can be maintained.

Next, the operation of the card counter 15 controlled by the control unit 120 will be described. Control unit 120
Operates the card counter 15 according to the procedure shown in FIG. 7 when the card C is inserted into and removed from the card counter 15.

That is, as shown in FIG. 7, first, the DC motor 93 is driven to operate the second moving body 73 (S10).
0). As a result, the roller 75 presses the card C sequentially from the end toward the rear wall 62 side. Further, the DC motor 84 is driven with a slight delay to operate the first moving body 69 (S105).

Here, the operation timing of the two is slightly delayed by moving the roller 75 and the counting sensor 71 such that the card C is counted by the counting sensor 71 immediately after the card C is pressed by the roller 75. In order to maintain the positional relationship, in this specific example, a shift of about several tens to several hundreds of milliseconds is set in the movement start timing of the two. In this specific example, since the first moving body 69 and the second moving body 73 face each other in the initial position, the operation start timing is shifted, but the initial positions of both are slightly shifted in advance. Therefore, even if the movement is started at the same time, the above positional relationship between the roller 75 and the counting sensor 71 can be maintained.

Next, the control unit 120 controls the counting sensor 71.
, A pulse signal that repeats ON / OFF is input, and the number of cards C is counted by counting the ON timing of this input signal (S110).
Next, when the optical sensor 95 is turned off, it is determined that the second moving body 73 has moved to the end (S115: YE).
S), the DC motor 93 is stopped to stop the second moving body 73 (S120). When the optical sensor 87 is subsequently turned off, it is determined that the first moving body 69 has moved to the end (S125: YES), and the DC motor 84 is stopped to stop the first moving body 69 (S125: YES). S13
0).

Next, the DC motor 93 is driven in reverse to operate the second moving body 73 to the initial position (S135), and the DC motor 84 is driven in reverse to move the first moving body 69 to the initial position. It is operated (S140). Then, the control unit 120 again inputs a pulse signal that repeats ON / OFF from the counting sensor 71, and turns ON the input signal.
Then, the number of cards C is counted by counting the timing of (S143). Then, the optical sensor 96
Is turned off, it is determined that the second moving body 73 has moved to the initial position (S145: YES), and the DC motor 9 is turned off.
3 to stop the second moving body 73 (S15
0). When the light sensor 86 is turned off, the first
It is determined that the moving body 69 has moved to the extreme end (S155:
YES), the DC motor 84 is stopped, and the first mobile unit 6 is stopped.
9 is stopped (S160).

Thus, the number of cards C is
9 are counted at the time of forward movement and at the time of backward movement, respectively, and when both counting results match, the number of cards C is
The storage number at that time is determined. If the two counting results do not match, an error is further reported on the LCD monitor 2.
5, and a process of sounding a buzzer and notifying is performed. Incidentally, the number of stored sheets counted in the past is stored in the memory of the control unit 120, and the number of articles to be delivered and the number of sheets to be replenished can be calculated based on the difference from the newly counted number of stored sheets. Will be described.

As described above, according to the card counter 15,
The card C stored in the hopper 66 is pressed against the rear wall 62 by the roller 75, so that the card C is
Are forced to come into contact with each other. As a result, at least the abutted end faces are uniformly aligned in the same plane, and the aligned end faces are scanned by the counting sensor 71.
Can be accurately counted. In particular, the counting operation is completed relatively quickly because the alignment operation by the roller 75 and the counting operation by the counting sensor 71 end almost simultaneously due to the relationship between the arrangement positions of the roller 75 and the counting sensor 71.

Next, various functions of the card management machine 1 will be described together with an operation method. The card management machine 1 has seven basic functions of unlocking, counting, replenishment, ordering, transmission, monitor confirmation, and replenishment data writing. These functions are executed by operating the key switch 21 to the ON position and then selecting and inputting a desired number from the keyboard 23.

More specifically, the key switch 21 is normally in the OFF position. At this time, only the date and time are displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 25, and no operation from the keyboard 23 is accepted. Here, when the key switch 21 is operated to the ON position, the controller 120
Indicates the selection items (1) to (4) together with the number on the LCD monitor 2.
5 is displayed. At this time, only three items (three lines) are displayed on the LCD monitor 25 due to the screen size.
When the “↑” key or the “↓” key on the keyboard 23 is pressed, the display content is scrolled by one line in the designated direction to display an item that is not displayed. When a numeric key is pressed, the corresponding item number is displayed in black and white in reverse on the screen. And "ENT / STOP"
When the key is pressed, the function whose number is highlighted is executed. On the other hand, after the numeric key is pressed, “ENT / ST
If the "CLR" key is pressed before the "OP" key is pressed, the highlighted number is returned to the normal display, and the selection by the numeric keys is canceled.

Next, each of the above-mentioned functions will be described in more detail. When "unlock" is selected from the above functions, the unlocking process shown in FIG. 8 is executed. This unlocking process is executed when a card for sale is removed from the device or when the removed card is stored in the device again.

In the unlocking process, first, the user is required to input a password (S200). Specifically, a message prompting the user to input a recitation number is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 25, and input from the keyboard 23 is awaited. Here, the user inputs a 4-digit reciting number registered in advance, and enters “EN”.
Press the "T / STOP" key.

The control section 120 compares the input recite number with the registered recite number (S210), and if not, returns to S200. On the other hand, if they match,
The solenoids 45 and 46 are driven to open the door 11 (S
220). At this time, the door switch 57 pushes the door 11 open by the force of the built-in spring as described above, and at the same time, is turned ON. Then, a message "Now in stock" is displayed on the LCD monitor 25 (S230), and the process waits until the door switch 57 is turned off (S24).
0).

When the door 11 is closed after the card has been loaded and unloaded, the door switch 57 is turned off.
240: YES), a message "counting is being processed" is displayed on the LCD monitor 25 (S250), and the card counter 15 is controlled to count the cards (S260) as described with reference to FIG. This counting process is executed for each of the card counters 15 built in the card storage unit 2.

After finishing the counting process, it is checked whether or not the current number of sheets stored is equal to or less than the maximum allowable number (S).
270). The maximum allowable number is usually the number of cards stored before opening and closing of the door performed for the first time on the day (only when the replenishment of cards to be described later is performed, the number of replenished cards is added). . Therefore, if the card is simply taken in and out, it is unlikely that the current number of stored cards exceeds the maximum allowable number. Therefore, if the number exceeds the maximum allowable number (S270: N
O), an entry / exit error is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 25, and a buzzer sounds to notify the user (S280). Therefore, for example, when a card that should not be stored is mistakenly mixed, it can be immediately detected.

On the other hand, if the current number of sheets stored is equal to or less than the maximum allowable number, it is determined that the proper loading / unloading has been performed, and the current number of stored sheets is stored in the memory of the control unit 120 for each of the card counters 15. (S290), the unlocking process ends. Next, of the above functions
Is selected, the tallying process shown in FIG. 9 is executed. This tallying process is executed when data relating to card entry / exit stored in the card management machine 1 is output to the printer 33.

In the tabulation process, first, the type of tabulated data to be output to the printer 33 is selected (S310). The total data that can be selected here can be any one of the number of issues and the number of stocks. The control unit 120 displays these selectable items on the liquid crystal monitor 25 and waits for input from the keyboard 23. The user selects the number of the desired total data with the numeric keys and presses “ENT”. /
Press the "STOP" key.

When the total data is selected in this way, the control unit 120 displays a message on the LCD monitor 25 that "the inventory data is being output now" (in the case of the stock, "the inventory data is now being output") (S320). ,
The total amount, the average amount, and the like are calculated based on the unit price of the card set in advance for each card counter 15 and the number of cards (number of issued or number of stocks) stored in the memory (S330).

More specifically, in this specific example, six card counters 15 each have a capacity of 100
0 yen, 2000 yen, 3000 yen, 3000 yen (that is, 3 yen
000 yen is duplicated) 5000 yen, 1
A denomination such as 0000 yen is set in advance and stored in the memory of the control unit 120. In addition, the number of cards that have been taken in and out of each card counting machine 15 is always counted for stock every time a stocking operation is performed, and based on that, the stock for today, the stock for today, the stock for replenishment, etc. are calculated again. The data is updated and stored in the memory of the control unit 120.
Therefore, based on these data, it is possible to calculate the number of stocks or the number of stocks, the total amount thereof, the average amount thereof, and the like.

Then, these amounts and the like are stored in the printer 33.
Is printed out (S340). For example, if the number of issues for today is as shown in FIG. 10, for each denomination of the card,
The denomination, the number, and the total amount are output, and further, the total sum of all the denominations is output. When the same denomination (3000 yen in this specific example) is set in a plurality of card counters 15, they are summed in advance without being divided and output. Further, for example, when it is desired to view the data of the delivery for the past three days, the data for three days is repeatedly output by setting from the keyboard. Further, the average number of issues per day and the like are also output as the average amount, the denomination of each card, and the total sum of all denominations. Then, when S340 ends, the counting process ends.

Next, when "supply" is selected from among the above functions (1) to (4), a replenishment process shown in FIG. 12 is executed.
This replenishment processing is executed when replenishing a newly purchased card into the apparatus. In the replenishment process, first, as in the unlocking process, an input of a recitation number is requested (S400). The control unit 120 compares the input recitation number with the registered recitation number (S410).
Return to. On the other hand, if they match, the solenoid 45,
46 is driven to open the door 11 (S420), and a message that "the card is currently being replenished" is displayed on the LCD monitor 25 (S430). And door switch 5
It waits until 7 is turned off (S440).

When the door 11 is closed after the card supply is completed, the door switch 57 is turned off (S4).
40: YES), a message “counting is being processed” is displayed on the LCD monitor 25 (S450), and FIG.
As described above, the card counting is performed by operating the card counter 15 (S460). This counting process is executed for each of the card counters 15 built in the card storage unit 2.

After finishing the counting process, it is checked whether or not the current number of stored sheets is equal to or more than the minimum allowable number (S).
470). This minimum allowable number is the number of cards stored before the door is opened by this processing. Therefore, unless the internal card is taken out at least, it is unlikely that the current number of stored sheets falls below the minimum allowable number. Therefore, if the number is smaller than the minimum allowable number (S4
70: NO), an entry / exit error is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 25, and a buzzer sounds to notify the user (S480).
Therefore, for example, in the case where the card is accidentally taken out even though the door is opened in the replenishment mode, it can be immediately detected.

On the other hand, if the current number of sheets stored is equal to or more than the minimum allowable number, it is determined that replenishment has been properly performed, and the current number of stored sheets is stored in the memory of the control unit 120 for each of the card counters 15. (S490), and the supply process ends. Next, when "order" is selected from among the above functions, order processing shown in FIG. 13 is executed.
This order processing is executed in order to calculate the optimum number of replenishment cards according to the sales situation when ordering a replenishment card from a supplier. In this specific example, it can be executed only once a week on a specific day of the week. Can be set to

In the order processing, first, it is checked whether or not it is a day of the week on which order data can be output (S500). The day of the week is separately set in advance and stored in the memory, and is checked by comparison with the current day of the week managed by the timer.

If it is not a day of the week on which order data can be output (S500: NO), a message indicating "weekly weekday setting error" is displayed on the LCD monitor 25, and a buzzer sounds to notify the user (S510). Then, the present process ends. On the other hand, if the order data can be output on a day of the week (S500: YES), a message "Order data is being output" is displayed on the LCD monitor 25 (S520), and the card stock stored in the memory is displayed. , And the average number of issues per day, the number of orders and the amount thereof are calculated for each denomination of the card (S530).

More specifically, in this specific example,
Using the average number of issues X per day, the number of stocks Y, the number of days D1 from order to delivery to the supplier, and the number of spare days D2 to absorb uncertain variables such as delivery delay and sales increase,
The quantity Z to be ordered is calculated based on the following equation (1).

[0064]

Z = X × 7− {Y− (X × D1 + X × D2)} In the above equation, the number in parentheses indicates the number of sheets that are expected to be delivered during the period from ordering to before delivery (variables are also taken into account). ), And the number in parentheses indicates the number of stocks at the present time Y
By subtracting from, the number of sheets is expected to be still in stock at the time of delivery. Accordingly, by subtracting this number from the number (X × 7) expected to be delivered during the period from the delivery to the next delivery one week later, it is possible to secure the number expected to be required in the period until the next delivery. The optimum number Z to be replenished is determined. In the apparatus of this specific example, the number of days D1 is set to 9 days in advance, and the number of days D2 can be separately selected from 1, 2, and 3 days.
May be able to set any variable value.

After calculating the number of sheets Z to be ordered for each denomination of the card, the number of sheets, the total amount, and the like are printed out by the printer 33 (S540), and the order processing is terminated. The order data printed out is
The data is output in substantially the same format as the delivery data shown in FIG. Therefore, by looking at this order data, it is possible to order the optimum number from the supplier.

Next, when "Send" is selected from among the above functions, the transmission process shown in FIG. 14 is executed.
This transmission processing is executed when the retrieval data is printed out in the same manner as the above-mentioned totaling processing, and at the same time, the retrieval data is transmitted to an external device such as a host computer via a telephone line. In the transmission process, first, by setting the type of total data to be transmitted, the average amount of money such as the number of actual sunrise warehouses, the number of sunrise warehouses in the past three days, the total number of weekly warehouses one week ago and the average number of daily warehouses, The total sum of all the denominations and the like for each card denomination is calculated (S630). All of these data may be set to be transmitted, or any of them may be arbitrarily selected. In the former case, there is an advantage that the labor for selection can be saved, and in the latter case, there is an advantage that only necessary data can be sent.

Next, connection is made to an external device such as a host computer via a telephone line (S640).
Here, if connection with an external device cannot be established (S650:
(NO), an error message is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 25 (S660), and the process is temporarily terminated.

On the other hand, if connection with an external device can be established (S6)
50: YES), the unit price of the card, the number of issues, the number of stocks,
These amounts are transmitted to the external device (S670), and the line with the external device is disconnected when the transmission is completed (S68).
0). Then, the same data as the transmitted outgoing data is printed out by the printer 33 in the same format as that of the above-described aggregation processing (S690), and the transmission processing ends.

The external device as the transmission destination may be any computer or the like that can process data, and is located at only one location such as a head office. On the other hand, the card management machine 1 is arranged in each of a plurality of branches. This makes it possible for the sales of a plurality of branches to be tabulated at the head office. For example, cards are ordered at the head office based on the tabulation results at the head office, and the required number of cards are distributed to each branch after delivery. And so on. In this way, for example, even if a prepaid card can be purchased only in large units such as 1000 units from a supplier, it is not necessary to purchase in 1000 units for each branch, and it is possible to avoid having excess stock in all branches. There is a merit that it will be good.

The transmission process can be executed by a manual operation (manual mode), but can also be executed automatically at a designated time (automatic mode).
In the automatic mode, the transmission process is automatically executed at a predetermined time that is reserved in advance, and the above data is transmitted to the external device that is the transmission destination. Therefore, if the setting is made to transmit data at the time when the work is normally completed, such as in the middle of the night, data can be transmitted regularly every day, and the transmission of data does not require labor. Note that the automatic mode is automatically executed when the main power of the apparatus is turned on, but is not executed when the main power is turned off.

Next, when "monitor confirmation" is selected from the above functions (1) to (4), monitor confirmation processing is executed. This monitor confirmation process is executed when the outgoing / stock data that can be output in the above-described totaling process and the order data that can be output in the above-described order process are output to the liquid crystal monitor 25 instead of the printer 33. Note that this processing is substantially the same processing except for the difference in the output destination, and a detailed description of the specific processing will be omitted.

Next, when "supply data write" is selected from among the above functions (1) and (2), the replenishment data write processing is executed, and the number of refilled cards can be corrected. More specifically, in the unlocking process described above, if the number of cards increases before and after opening and closing the door, the card that was previously removed is statistically processed as being returned, and the card is regarded as having been replenished. Absent. Conversely, in the supply process described above, if the number of cards increases before and after opening and closing the door,
Statistical processing is performed as if the card was replenished, and the card is not considered to have been removed and returned again. Here, if it is supposed that replenishment is performed by mistake in the unlocking process, if the number of replenished sheets is larger than the number previously taken out, it can be determined that such a return is impossible, so that it can be processed as an error. However, if the replenishment is performed in the unlocking process by mistake, if the number of replenished cards is less than the number previously removed, it can only be determined that the card has been returned despite the replenished card. In addition, the sold card and the replenished card are offset, and the number of sales and the number of replenished cards are both small and statistically processed. Therefore, in the unlikely event that such a situation arises, "supply data write" is selected to correct the number of cards supplied.

In the replenishment data writing process, first, the user is requested to input correction contents. Specifically, the LCD monitor 2
5 shows input items as shown in FIG.
Waiting for input from 3. These input items can be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 25 for only three lines (for example, those within the dotted line in the figure), but when the "↑" key or the "↓" key on the keyboard 23 is pressed, the display content is changed to one line in the designated direction. You can scroll by minutes to see items that are not displayed.
Then, after inputting an appropriate numerical value for each item using the numeric keys, the "ENT / STOP" key is pressed.

When the "ENT / STOP" key is pressed,
The control unit 120 determines the input numerical value as the number of sheets to be supplied,
The content stored in the memory is updated, and the process ends. The basic functions of the card management machine 1 have been described above, but there is also a function of notifying the shortage of the remaining card amount. This function is executed when the key switch 21 is returned from ON to OFF, and the remaining amount of cards of a certain card counter 15 is set to be equal to or less than two days of the average number of issues per day calculated from data of the past four weeks. If so, the denomination is displayed on the LCD monitor 25, and a buzzer sounds for a fixed time to warn the user. This state is released by replenishing the card.

Further, the card management machine 1 has, as auxiliary functions for the manager, a recall number, a denomination of the card counter, the number of orders, a switching time, a date / time, a weekday, data rewriting, data rewriting, and the like. It has nine functions, clear and setting data print. These functions are executed by operating the key switch 21 to the set position and then selecting and inputting a desired number from the keyboard 23. When the key switch 21 is operated to the set position, the control unit 120 requests an input of a reciting number before selecting a function, and selects each function only when an appropriate reciting number is input. be able to.

Next, each of the above-mentioned functions will be described. In addition, all are messages (input fields if necessary)
, The input of numerical values, and the updating of the stored contents of the memory (only printout), the illustration of the flowchart is omitted. First, when "replication number" is selected, the control unit 120 displays a 4-digit numeric input box together with a message "Please set a recite number" on the LCD monitor 25, and waits for an input from the keyboard 23. Become. Here, the user inputs an arbitrary number of four digits and presses an “ENT / STOP” key. Control unit 120
Stores the input number in a memory and uses the number as a recitation number thereafter.

Next, when “denomination of card counter” is selected, the control unit 120 responds to the six card counters 15 with a message “Please set the hopper amount” on the LCD monitor 25. Are displayed, and input from the keyboard 23 is awaited. In each entry field, two digits of thousands and thousands can be entered. Here, the user enters an arbitrary two-digit number and enters “ENT / STO”.
Press the "P" key. The control unit 120 stores the input number in the memory, and thereafter stores the input number in each card counter 15.
Use as the unit price of the card stored in. Note that “00” can be input as a two-digit number. In this case, the card counter 15 is excluded from the statistical processing.

Next, when “order quantity” is selected, the control unit 120 displays “+1 day worth, +2 day” on the liquid crystal monitor 25.
A selection item “day, +3 days” is displayed, and input from the keyboard 23 is awaited. This is “preliminary days D2” described in the above-described order processing, and the user inputs a desired number and presses an “ENT / STOP” key. The control unit 120 stores the selected number in the memory, and thereafter uses the number as the spare days D2.

Next, when "switching time" is selected, the control unit 120 displays a message "Please set the switching time" on the LCD monitor 25 and an input field in which hour and minute can be input in two digits. Is displayed and input from the keyboard 23 is awaited. Here, the user enters an arbitrary number into two digits.
Input two sets and press the “ENT / STOP” key. The control unit 120 stores the input number in the memory, and uses the time as a switching time thereafter.

Note that the switching time is a switching time of a date when statistics of entry / exit are taken. For example, if it is set to 01:00, entry / exit is performed after 12:00 midnight. Even if it does, statistics will be taken until 1:00 am as the entry and exit of the previous day. Therefore, even when a normal day's work is past 12:00 midnight, if the time at which the work is surely finished is set, the daily arrival / exit status can be statistically processed accurately.

Next, when "Date / Time" is selected, the control unit 120 displays a message "Please set the date and time" on the LCD monitor 25 along with four digits of the year, two digits of the month,
Displays input fields where you can enter 2 digits for the day, 2 digits for the hour, and 2 digits for the minute,
It waits for input from the keyboard 23. Here, the user inputs the required date and time by numeral, and enters “ENT / STO”.
Press the "P" key. The control unit 120 sets a built-in timer to an appropriate date and time based on the input number.

Next, when “Weekday” is selected, the control unit 120 displays a message “Please set the day of the week” on the LCD monitor 25 and “Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
.., Day ”is displayed, and input from the keyboard 23 is awaited. Here, the user selects an arbitrary number and presses an “ENT / STOP” key. Control unit 1
Numeral 20 stores the selected number in the memory, and thereafter automatically updates the total for the previous week on the day of the week. The above-described order processing can be executed only on this day.

Next, when "data rewrite" is selected,
The control unit 120 displays a selection item “Today's delivery data, supply data” on the liquid crystal monitor 25 and waits for input from the keyboard 23. Then, when any number is selected, a four-digit input field is displayed for each denomination of the card, and input from the keyboard 23 is awaited again. Here, the user enters an arbitrary number of four digits for each denomination,
Press the "ENT / STOP" key. The control unit 120 updates the number of outgoing stocks or the number of supplies in the memory today with the input numbers. This function is used when today's entry / exit data for the current day has an inappropriate value due to some kind of trouble.

Next, when "data clear" is selected, the control unit 120 displays a selection item "today's delivery data, all data" on the liquid crystal monitor 25, and waits for an input from the keyboard 23. Here, the user selects one of the numbers and enters “ENT / STOP”
Press the key. The control unit 120 deletes the number of today's outgoing goods or all statistical data in the memory according to the selected number. This function is used when new statistics are to be collected due to some trouble.

Next, when “SETTING DATA PRINT” is selected, the control unit 120 displays “Now
"Setting data is being output" is displayed, and the list of the various setting data is printed out by the printer 33. This output result is output in the format shown in FIG.

As described above, according to the card management machine 1 of this specific example, usually, the past entry / exit status is statistically managed just by performing the entry / exit of the card, and the order is placed based on the status. Since the optimal number of cards to be calculated can be calculated, the labor required for managing the sales of the cards is significantly reduced.

Further, since the statistically managed data can be transmitted via the telephone line, the data of a plurality of card management machines 1 can be further aggregated, and a card order can be executed collectively. Therefore, when the same card sales business is carried out at many branches, each branch does not need to have excess stock.

Although the specific examples of the present invention have been described above, various specific configurations of the present invention may be considered in addition to the above specific examples. For example, in the above specific example, the description has been made assuming a prepaid card for a pachinko parlor, but it can be used as a management machine for various cards such as a telephone card and various credit cards.

[0089]

As described above, according to the card management machine of the present invention, not only the increase / decrease of cards but also the removal of cards.
Return the card and replenish a new card
Can be more accurately monitored.
You.

According to the card management device of the second aspect, in the unlock mode, a card that should not be stored is erroneously identified.
Can be immediately detected
You. According to the card management device of the third aspect, replenishment is provided.
I accidentally removed the card despite being in mode
In such a case, it can be immediately detected.

Further, according to the card management device of the fourth aspect, it is not necessary to manually check the past delivery status manually.
Can easily replenish the required number of cards.
Even those who do not particularly know the status of card entry and exit,
The required number of cards can be easily supplied.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a card management machine.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where a door and the like of the card management machine are opened.

3A and 3B show a locking mechanism of the card management machine, FIG. 3A is a front view thereof, and FIG. 3B is a side view showing only a part thereof.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the structure of the card counter.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line AA of the structure of the card counter.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing a control circuit of the card management machine.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a counting process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an unlocking process.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a tallying process.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an output format of delivery data.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an output format of weekly total data one week ago.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a supply process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing order processing.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a transmission process.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display format of an input column for supply data.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an output format of setting data.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Card management machine, 2 ... Card storage unit, 3 ...
・ Operation unit, 4 ・ ・ ・ Display unit, 5 ・ ・ ・ Printer unit, 1
1, 12 door, 13 housing, 14 drawer, 15 card counter, 16, 31 handle,
17 ... label display part, 21 ... key switch, 2
2 ... power lamp, 23 ... keyboard, 25 ...
・ LCD monitor, 32 ・ ・ ・ Printer base, 33 ・
..Printer, 34 roll paper, 35 discharge outlet, 36 upper cover, 41, 42 engagement fitting, 43, 44 latch, 45, 46 solenoid , 47 ... cylinder lock, 48 ... plate, 4
9 contact switch, 51, 52 rod, 51
a, 52a: flange, 53, 54: coupling tool, 55
... weight, 57 ... door switch, 61 ... front wall, 6
2 ... rear wall, 63 ... left wall, 64 ... right wall, 65
... Bottom plate, 66 ... Hopper, 67 ... Pressing member, 69 ... First moving body, 71 ... Counting sensor,
73: second moving body, 75, 79: roller, 7
7 ... guide hole, 78 ... third moving body, 80 ... coil spring, 81, 90 ... pulley, 83, 9
2: Timing belt, 84, 93: DC motor, 85, 94: Rail, 86, 87, 95, 9
6 ... optical sensor, 88, 89, 97 ... shielding plate,
101, 105: slit, 102: notch, 1
03: roller support, 104: support shaft, 107
... Pin, 108 ... Spring, 110, 111 ...
Protective cover, 120: control unit, 121: modem, 123: buzzer, 124: buzzer stop switch.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) G07F 5 / 00,9 / 00 G06F 17 / 06,19 / 00

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] In a card management machine provided with a storage means capable of storing a large number of cards and a counting means capable of counting the number of cards stored in the storage means, at least an unlock mode and a supply mode are set. Multiple movements including
The user can select one operation mode from the operation modes
It is configured to be selectable , and when operating in the unlocking mode,
Before and after counting by the counting means
In the past, if it was taken out of the storage means in the past
The returned card shall be returned to the storage means
Statistical processing of the card loading / unloading status, and when operating in the supply mode , the card is stored in the storage means.
Before and after counting by the counting means
If the number of cards increased, the newly purchased card
Statistics on the status of card entry and exit
Card management device which is characterized in that sense. 2. The card management machine according to claim 1, wherein when the card is operated in the unlock mode , the card is stored in the storage means.
Before and after counting by the counting means
In the past, the number of increased
More than the number of cards removed from the storage means
A card management machine for notifying the occurrence of an error in a case . 3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 card management machine according, when operating in the supply mode, accommodating of the accommodating means
Before and after counting by the counting means
A card management machine for notifying the occurrence of an error when the number of cards has decreased . 4. The card management machine according to claim 1, wherein a past number is calculated based on the number of stocks counted by said counting means.
The total number of cards issued within a given period of time
And the average number of issues per unit period from the total number of issues
Means for calculating the number of issued items, and the average number of issued items calculated by the average number of issued items
From a card that is expected to be issued within a predetermined period in the future
Expected issue number calculation means for calculating the number of warehouses, and expected issue number calculated by the expected number of issue calculation means
From the inventory quantity counted by the counting means
Card that is expected to run short within a predetermined period in the future
The number of cards calculated by the shortage number calculating means ,
A card management machine for calculating the number of cards to be replenished .