JP3029847U - Card management machine - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [PROBLEMS] To provide a card management machine capable of knowing the past fluctuation status of the number of stored goods and the number of discharged goods, and also knowing the number of cards that need to be replenished as necessary. A card management machine (1) has six card counters (15) built-in, and whenever a card is loaded or unloaded,
The number of cards in stock is counted for each card counter 15. The counted stock quantity is updated and stored in the memory as a new stock quantity, and the warehousing / discharging quantity of the day is calculated from the difference with the previous stock quantity, which is also updated and stored in the memory. Further, the number of cards that need to be replenished is calculated from the relationship between the past average number of delivered products and the number of stocks. Numerical data such as the number of stocks can be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 25 or printed out by the printer 33 by operating the keyboard 23.

Description

[Detailed description of the device]

[0001]

[Technical field to which the device belongs]

 The present invention relates to a card management machine capable of storing a large number of cards and automatically counting the number of stored cards to manage the number of stocks.

[0002]

[Prior art]

 Conventionally, as this type of card management device, for example, a device described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-3098 is known. This card management machine has a storage case that can store a large number of cards and a counting sensor that can count the number of cards stored in the storage case.The number of cards counted by the counting sensor Could be displayed on a display arranged on the front of the storage case, or printed on recording paper with a built-in printer.

[0003]

[Problems to be solved by the device]

 However, the above-mentioned conventional card management machine can only confirm the number of stocks at that time, and cannot know the change situation of the number of stored goods in and out of the past.

Further, even if the number of stocks can be simply confirmed, it is not easy to judge whether the number of stocks is sufficient or insufficient. In other words, whether the number of stocks is sufficient or not is not simply specified by the number of stocks, but how many days after the order of the number of delivered cards per day and the cards to be replenished from the supplier can be received. In addition, since it is necessary to make decisions based on the loading and unloading status that differs for each card store, unless a manager who understands the loading and unloading status of cards calculates according to the loading and unloading status. There was a problem that it was not possible to easily judge whether or not the number of stocks was appropriate.

Of course, as a method of managing the inventory of cards, a rough method of always ordering a large number of cards to a supplier in an excessive manner so as not to run out of stock can be considered. In this case, even a person who does not know the card loading / unloading status can place an order with the supplier. However, with such an ordering method, as the excess number of stocks increases, the price of cards paid to the supplier increases, but a large amount of cards that are not sold immediately are held, so card sales There was a problem that the financial burden on the store side increased.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the purpose thereof is to be able to know the past fluctuation status of the number of warehousing and the number of warehousing, and to replenish as needed. It is to provide a card management machine that can know the number of required cards.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

 In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides 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. In the provided card management machine, an inventory number storage unit for storing the number of cards counted by the counting unit as an inventory number, and the number of cards counted by the counting unit when a card is added to the storage unit. And the stock number stored in the stock number storage means, the stored number calculation means for calculating the number of stored cards, and the card counted by the counting means when the cards are taken out from the storage means. Number of stored cards and the number of stored cards stored in the inventory number storage means, the number of outgoing cards calculation means for calculating the number of outgoing cards; The goods movements number of the calculated card by number calculation means, characterized in that a goods movements situation storage means for storing for a predetermined period, each per unit period.

Further, the card management machine according to claim 2 is an average for calculating the average number of issued cards per unit period from the total number of issued cards stored within the past predetermined period stored by the entry / exit situation storage means. The number-of-issues calculation unit, the number-of-issues calculation unit that calculates the number of cards that are expected to be issued within a predetermined future period from the average number-of-issues calculated by the average number-of-issues calculation unit, and the expected number-of-issues number. A shortage quantity calculation means for subtracting the stock quantity counted by the counting means from the expected output quantity calculated by the calculation means to calculate the number of cards expected to run short in a predetermined future period. It is characterized by

Further, the card management machine according to claim 3 divides the number of stocks counted by the counting means by the average number of stocks calculated by the average number-of-outputs calculation means, and when the card is out of stock. Inventory shortage date calculation means for calculating the expected date, and alarm means for notifying a warning that replenishment is required when the date calculated by the inventory shortage date calculation means falls within a predetermined period It is characterized by having and.

Further, the card management machine according to claim 4 is such that the shortage number calculated by the shortage number calculation means can be displayed or printed out, and the shortage number display by the information output means. Alternatively, it is characterized by being provided with an information output date restriction means for permitting print output only on a predetermined predetermined date and prohibiting it on other dates.

Further, in the card management machine according to a fifth aspect, the inventory number stored in the inventory number storage means, the entry / exit number stored in the entry / exit status storage means, and the average delivery number calculation means are calculated. It is characterized by further comprising information transmitting means capable of transmitting information such as the average number of delivered sheets or the number of deficient sheets calculated by the deficient number of sheets calculating means to an external device via a communication line.

[0012]

[Embodiment of device]

 According to the card management machine of the present invention, the number of cards counted by the counting means is stored as the number of stocks in the inventory quantity storage means, and the difference between the number of cards newly counted by the counting means and the receipt The number-of-sheets calculating means and the number-of-leaving-sheets calculating means calculate the number of warehousing and the number of warehousing respectively, and the number of warehousing / leaving is predetermined by the warehousing / leaving status storage means for each unit period (for example, for one day) Remember for a period (eg, one month).

Therefore, if the numerical data stored in the storage / storage status storage means is presented to the user by displaying or printing it in an appropriate format, it is possible to know the past fluctuation status of the number of stored and stored products. be able to. Particularly, as described in claim 2, the average number-of-issued-sheets calculating means accumulates the total number of issued cards of the past within a predetermined period, and calculates the average number of issued cards per unit period from the total number of issued cards. The expected number of delivered sheets calculation unit calculates the expected number of delivered units from the average number of delivered units, and the estimated number of delivered units is subtracted from the number of inventories counted by the counting unit to determine a predetermined future period. It is necessary even for those who are not particularly aware of the card loading / unloading status by adding a configuration to calculate the number of cards expected to run short and displaying or printing the number of missing cards in an appropriate format. The number of cards can be easily replenished.

As a concrete method of presenting the number of cards to be replenished, for example, a method of displaying the number of cards numerically on a display (for example, CRT, LCD, 7-segment LED, etc.) or a printer can be considered. The number of cards to be replenished does not necessarily have to be specified numerically.For example, a lamp or buzzer can be used to simply notify the lack of cards, and when the required number of cards have been replenished, the lamp or buzzer operation There is no problem even if it is stopped.

In the card management machine having such a configuration, the longer the past predetermined period for statistical processing is set, the more the error due to temporary fluctuations can be eliminated. However, the short-term setting indicates a recent trend. It is possible to obtain data that reflects well. Also, if the data when the number of delivered goods is relatively large is weighted or if the average number of delivered goods is increased by some percentage, the number of inventories will increase a little, but even if the number of delivered goods unexpectedly increases. Since it is possible to deal with it, you can set a larger number of expected delivery numbers if necessary.

Further, as a measure against the unexpected increase in the number of delivered goods, as described in claim 3, the inventory shortage date calculation means calculates the inventory quantity counted by the counting means by the average issued quantity calculation means. Calculate the expected date when the card will be out of stock by dividing by the average number of issued products, and if the due date falls within a predetermined period, the warning means will warn you that supply is required. With such a configuration, it is possible to detect that the card is out of stock before the next supply date is reached, for example, by a warning from the alarm means, and in addition to normal supply, supply cards temporarily It is possible to take necessary measures such as. It should be noted that the warning that the replenishment is required may be any kind of display such as a screen display on a display, a print display on a printer, or a notification by a lamp or a buzzer.

Furthermore, when the information output means is configured to display or print out the shortage number calculated by the shortage number calculation means as described in claim 4, the information output due date regulation means uses the information output means. If the display or printout of the deficient number is allowed only on a predetermined date set in advance and prohibited on other dates, for example, the deficient number is checked only on a specific day every week. On other days of the week, it is possible not to check the number of shortages. This will prevent problems such as checking the shortage of cards earlier than the expected order date from the supplier and ordering a smaller number of cards than the actual required number.

In addition, as described in claim 5, the information transmitting means causes the inventory quantity stored in the inventory quantity storage means, the entry / exit quantity stored by the entry / exit status storage means, and the above-mentioned average exit quantity. Information such as the average number of delivered sheets calculated by the calculating means or the insufficient number of sheets calculated by the insufficient number calculating means may be transmitted to an external device via a communication line.

With this configuration, for example, a card management system is constructed in which the host computer installed in the head office receives information transmitted from a large number of card management machines installed in branches and the like. For example, the head office side can grasp the card loading / unloading status at all branches. . Also, since the head office can grasp the total number of cards missing at all branches, the head office can collectively place orders for card suppliers. In particular, prepaid cards, which are assumed to be the main management object of this card management machine, are often delivered by the supplier in units of hundreds or thousands, so for example, each prepaid card can If there is a shortage of ten cards, and if you order several thousand cards for each branch, you will have a problem that an excessive inventory will be generated. Excess inventory that is held every time is eliminated.

[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 section 2 in which a plurality of cards can be sorted and stored according to type, and an operation capable of inputting various instructions to the card management machine 1. The system includes a section 3, a display section 4 capable of displaying various messages and the like, and a printer section 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 storage unit 2 includes a metal housing 13 having metal doors 11 and 12 on the front side, and six drawers 14 arranged inside the housing 13. And a card counter 15 mounted on each of the drawers 14. A handle 16 for pulling out is provided in the center of the front side of each drawer 14, and next to the handle 16, there is provided a label display part 17 capable of sandwiching a label or the like in which the type of the stored card is entered. ing.

The operation unit 3 also includes a key switch 21 operated by a key (not shown), a power lamp 22 that lights up when the power is turned on, and a keyboard 23 in which a plurality of keys are arranged. . The key switch 21 can be switched to three positions, that is, an ON / OFF position where various operations from the keyboard 23 are enabled / disabled, and a setting position for setting a code number, time and the like. Further, the keyboard 23 is a numeric key of "0" to "9", an "ENT / STOP" key used for deciding an input numerical value, an instruction to interrupt the process being executed, etc., and a "CLR" used for canceling the input numerical value. Keys and "↑" and "↓" keys for scrolling up and down the display range on the display unit 4 are provided.

Further, the display unit 4 is composed of a liquid crystal monitor 25 capable of displaying a character string of three lines. Furthermore, the printer unit 5 has a printer base 32 that can be pulled out as shown by grasping the grip 31, a printer 33 mounted on the printer base 32, and an outlet for ejecting the printed roll paper 34. 35, 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 includes a lock mechanism inside the door 11. As shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), this locking mechanism includes latches 43, 44 which engage with engaging fittings 41, 42 fixed to the housing 13 side, and latches 43, 44, respectively. When a predetermined operation (described later) is performed by the operation section 3, the solenoids 45 and 46 are operated, and the solenoids 45 and 46 are switched between energized and deenergized, and the latches 43 and 44 are operated. It can be removed from the fittings 41, 42.

The door 11 includes 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 indicated by a dotted line, and a plate 48 that rotates when the plate 48 rotates. A contact switch 49 is provided, which switches ON / OFF by contact with 48, and when the cylinder lock 47 is operated, energization / de-energization of the solenoids 45 and 46 is switched according to ON / OFF of the contact switch 49. The latches 43 and 44 can be disengaged from the engaging fittings 41 and 42.

Further, the rods 51 and 52 that move up and down in accordance with the rotation of the plate 48 and the rods 51 and 52 are slidably inserted and caught by the flange portions 51a and 52a, respectively. When the cylinder lock 47 is rotated, the latches 43, 44 are provided on the side of the latches 43, 44, and even if the solenoids 45, 46 cannot be supplied with power due to a power failure or the like, the latches 43, 44 can be operated to be disengaged from the engaging fittings 41 and 42.

That is, the above-described locking mechanism can normally unlock the lock by electrically actuating the latches 43 and 44 by either the operation of the operation unit 3 or the operation of the cylinder lock 47 by the key. Under the condition that the latches 43 and 44 cannot be electrically operated, the cylinder lock 47 can be mechanically operated to unlock the latches 43 and 44.

A weight 55 is fixed in the middle of the rod 52, and the weight 55 always applies a downward load to the rod 52. As a result, the cylinder lock 47 is always urged to rotate toward the locking side, and the latches 43 and 44 are urged to move toward the side engaging with the engagement fittings 41 and 42. Therefore, even if the locking operation is not performed intentionally, if the door 11 is closed, the latches 43 and 44 will be engaged with the engaging fittings 41 and 42, and it is possible to avoid forgetting to lock by mistake.

In addition, on the side of the housing 13, when the door 11 is opened, the force of the built-in spring projects to the front side to turn it on, while when the door 11 is closed, the door 11 is pushed. A door switch 57 is provided which is turned off by retracting the spring when the spring is contracted. The door switch 57 is used to detect the open / closed state of the door 11 according to ON / OFF, and at the same time, when the latches 43, 44 are disengaged from the engaging fittings 41, 42, a spring incorporated therein. Function to push open the door 11 with the force of. As a result, once the latches 43 and 44 are disengaged from the engaging fittings 41 and 42 by the unlocking operation, at the same time, the door switch 57 is pressed to open the door 11 slightly, and then the latches 43 and 44 are returned to their initial positions. Even if it returns, it will not be locked again. Therefore, when the unlocking operation is performed, the solenoids 45 and 46 should be energized for the minimum required time.

The locking mechanism is normally designed to be unlocked by the operation of the operation unit 3, and can be unlocked when the key switch 21 is not turned on (for example, by a key). When unlocked or unlocked by an illegal method), the alarm buzzer sounds in synchronization with the ON of the door switch 57. This buzzer receives power from the battery and operates even during a power failure.

The keyboard 23 does not accept any input when the door switch 57 is ON. Therefore, in order to operate 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 is formed by a front wall 61, a rear wall 62, a left wall 63, a right wall 64, and a bottom plate 65, and stacks a plurality of cards C in the longitudinal direction. A hopper 66 that can be stored in a state of being aligned in one row, a pressing member 67 that presses the cards C toward the left wall 63, and a first moving body 69 that can move in the longitudinal direction along the rear wall 62. A counting sensor 71 mounted on the first moving body 69 and capable of counting the number of cards C stored in the hopper 66 while moving, and a second moving body 73 capable of moving in the longitudinal direction along the front wall 61. And a resin roller 75 that is mounted on the second moving body 73 and presses the card C toward the rear wall 62 while moving.

Of these, the pressing member 67 is connected to the third moving body 78 arranged on the lower surface side of the bottom plate 65 through the guide hole 77 formed in the bottom plate 65 of the hopper 66, and the upper surface of the bottom plate 65 1 is connected. Slide side. Then, the third moving body 78 is connected to one end of a coil spring 80 which is bent by a roller 79 into a substantially U shape and bridged. As a result, 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 that urges the pressing member 67 to the left in the drawing acts, and the card C is pressed to the left by the pressing member 67.

The first moving body 69 is connected to the timing belt 83 spanning the pulleys 81 and 82, and moves along the rail 85 as the pulley 81 is rotationally driven by the DC motor 84. Further, optical sensors 86 and 87 composed of a pair of a light emitting element and a light receiving element are disposed at both ends of the moving path of the first moving body 69, and the first moving body 69 is provided on the upper surface side of the first moving body With the movement of 69, shield plates 88 and 89 are provided so as to project from the optical paths of the optical sensors 86 and 87, and the first movable body 69 is turned on / off by the shield plates 88 and 89. Is detected, the drive control of the DC motor 84 is performed.

The second moving body 73 is also connected to the timing belt 92 that is bridged over the pulleys 90 and 91, and along with the rail 94 being driven by the DC motor 93 rotating the pulley 90. Moving. Then, optical sensors 95 and 96 composed of a pair of a light emitting element and a light receiving element are arranged at both ends of the movement path of the second moving body 73, and the first moving body 69 is provided with a first moving unit. As the body 69 moves, a shield plate 97 is projected at a position that blocks the optical paths of the optical sensors 95 and 96. The shield plate 97 turns on / off the optical sensors 95 and 96 to change the moving position of the second moving body 73. Upon detection, drive control of the DC motor 93 is performed.

The counting sensor 71 is a reflection type optical sensor that detects the light projected from the light emitting element and reflected on the object surface by the light receiving element, and is formed on the rear wall 62 of the hopper 66 as shown in FIG. It is arranged so as to project light toward the end surface of the card C through the slit 101. This counting sensor 71 counts the card C by utilizing the fact that the projected light is reflected at the end surface of the card C but is not reflected correctly at the boundary between the two cards C, and the counting sensor 71 is turned on. The number of cards C can be known by counting the timing at which Further, a notch 102 is formed on the left wall 63 of the hopper 66 corresponding to the position where the counting sensor 71 is arranged. When such a notch 102 is provided, the light projected from the counting sensor 71 does not reflect toward the counting sensor 71, so even if the counting sensor 71 passes in front of the left wall 63, the card C is left on the left wall 63. There is no such thing as counting as. The notch 102 may have any structure as long as it does not reflect the light projected from the counting sensor 71 toward the counting sensor 71, and the same function may be provided with a notch having a shape other than the illustrated shape. It can also be realized by applying a light absorbing paint or the like to the end surface of the left wall 63.

The roller 75 is rotatably provided around a support shaft 104 fixed to the roller support 103, and protrudes inside the hopper 66 through a slit 105 formed in a 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 by the panel 108 toward the front wall 61 side. Due to their mutual dimensional relationship, these members are configured such that when the card C is stored in the hopper 66, the roller 75 contacts the end surface of the card C with the spring 108 compressed to a certain extent. The card C is pressed toward the rear wall 62 by the elastic force of the spring 108. Then, as the second moving body 73 moves, the roller 75 rolls on the end surface of the card C and presses each card C in order from the end toward the rear wall 62 side.

It should be noted that the hopper 66 has an internal size capable of storing up to 2500 prepaid cards for pachinko as the above-mentioned card C, and the front wall 61 and the rear wall 62 are provided in order to facilitate the loading and unloading of the card C. The upper end of the is sloped upward. Although not shown in FIG. 4, as shown in FIG. 5, the first moving body 69 and the second moving body 73 are covered with protective covers 110 and 111 in their entire moving ranges.

Next, a control unit that controls each unit of the card management machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 120 is a logic operation circuit mainly composed of a well-known CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and includes the key switch 21, the keyboard 23, the liquid crystal monitor 25, the printer 33, the solenoids 45, 46 for the locking mechanism, The contact switch 49, the door switch 57, the counting sensor 71, the DC motor 84 for the first moving body, the optical sensors 86, 87, the DC motor 93 for the second moving body, the optical sensors 95, 96, etc. are dedicated to each of them. Is connected to the control unit 120 via the control circuit (not shown). The card management machine 1 also 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 stop switch 124 for stopping the ringing of the buzzer 123, and the like. And these are also connected to the control unit 120. The card management machine 1 is usually connected to an external power source and supplied with power, but it also has an internal emergency battery, so if there is a power failure, internal data will be stored for a certain period of time (eg 72 hours). Etc. can be held.

Next, the operation of the card counter 15 controlled by the controller 120 will be described. The control unit 120 operates the card counter 15 according to the procedure shown in FIG. 7 when the card C is taken in and out of 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 (S100). As a result, the roller 75 presses the card C sequentially from the end toward the rear wall 62 side. Also, the DC motor 84 is driven with a slight delay to operate the first moving body 69 (S105).

Here, the operation timing of both is slightly delayed when the roller 75 and the counting sensor 71 are moved, and 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 such a positional relationship, in this specific example, a shift of several tens to several hundreds of milliseconds is set at the timing of starting the movement of both. 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 previously set. With a slight deviation, the above-described positional relationship can be maintained between the roller 75 and the counting sensor 71 even if the movement is started at the same time.

Next, the control unit 120 inputs a pulse signal that repeats ON / OFF from the counting sensor 71, and counts the number of cards C by counting the timing of turning ON 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 extreme end (S115: YES), the DC motor 93 is stopped, and the second moving body 73 is stopped (S120). ). If the optical sensor 87 is subsequently turned off, it is determined that the first moving body 69 has moved to the extreme end (S125: YES), the DC motor 84 is stopped, and the first moving body 69 is stopped. (S130).

Next, the DC motor 93 is reversely driven to move the second moving body 73 to the initial position (S135), and the DC motor 84 is reversely driven to move the first moving body 69 to the initial position. Is operated (S140). Then, the control unit 120 inputs the pulse signal which repeats ON / OFF from the counting sensor 71 again, and counts the number of the cards C by counting the timing of ON of this input signal (S143). . When the optical sensor 96 is turned off, it is determined that the second moving body 73 has moved to the initial position (S145: YES), the DC motor 93 is stopped, and the second moving body 73 is stopped (S150). . Further, when the optical sensor 86 is turned off, it is determined that the first moving body 69 has moved to the extreme end (S155: YES), the DC motor 84 is stopped, and the first moving body 69 is stopped (S160). ).

In this way, the number of cards C is counted when the first moving body 69 is moving forward and backward, and when both count results match, the number of cards C at that time is counted. It is decided that the number of stored sheets. When the counting results of both do not match, an error is further displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 25 and a buzzer sounds to notify. By the way, the number of stored sheets that has been counted in the past is stored in the memory of the control unit 120, and the number of delivered sheets and the number of replenished sheets can be calculated based on the difference with the newly counted number of stored sheets. Detailed description.

As described above, according to the present card counter 15, the card C stored in the hopper 66 is pressed toward the rear wall 62 by the roller 75, so that the card C is forced on the rear wall 62. As a result of being brought into contact with each other, at least the contacted end faces are evenly aligned in the same plane, and the aligned end faces are scanned by the counting sensor 71, so that the number of cards C can be accurately counted. You can In particular, due to the relationship of the arrangement positions of the roller 75 and the counting sensor 71, the alignment operation by the roller 75 and the counting operation by the counting sensor 71 proceed almost at the same time and end, so that the counting operation is completed relatively quickly.

Next, various functions of the card management machine 1 will be described together with operation methods. The card management machine 1 has seven basic functions as unlocking, totaling, replenishing, ordering, transmitting, 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, and at this time, only the date and time are displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 25, and the operation from the keyboard 23 is not accepted. Here, when the key switch 21 is operated to the ON position, the control unit 120 displays the selection items described above together with the numbers on the liquid crystal monitor 25. At this time, only three items (three lines) are displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 25 due to the screen size. However, when the “↑” key or “↓” key of the keyboard 23 is pressed, the displayed contents are changed. Scroll one line in the specified direction to display the items that are not displayed. When the number key is pressed, the number of the corresponding item is displayed in black and white in reverse on the screen. Then, if the "ENT / STOP" key is further pressed, the function whose number is highlighted is executed. On the other hand, if the "CLR" key is pressed before the "ENT / STOP" key is pressed after the numeric key is pressed, the highlighted number is returned to the normal display and the selection by the numeric key is canceled.

Next, each of the above 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 the card for sale is taken out of the device or when the taken card is stored again in the device.

In the unlocking process, first, the input of the password is requested (S200). Specifically, a message prompting the user to input a recitation number is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 25, and the keyboard 23 waits for input. At this point, the user inputs a previously registered 4-digit code number and presses the "ENT / STOP" key.

The control unit 120 compares the input recitation number with the registered recitation number (S210), and if they do not match, returns to S200. On the other hand, if the two match, the solenoids 45 and 46 are driven to open the door 11 (S220). 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, switches on. Then, a message “Currently in and out of storage” is displayed on the LCD monitor 25 (S230), and the system waits until the door switch 57 is turned off (S240).

By the way, when the door 11 is closed after the card is loaded and unloaded, the door switch 57 is turned off (S240: YES), and the message “currently counting is in progress” is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 25. (S250), as described with reference to FIG. 7, the card counting machine 15 is controlled to count the cards (S260). It should be noted that this counting process is executed for each of the card counters 15 built in the card storage unit 2.

After this counting process is completed, it is checked whether or not the current number of stored sheets is less than or equal to the maximum allowable number (S270). This maximum allowable number of cards is usually the number of cards stored before opening and closing the door for the first time on the day (only when the number of cards to be described later is being added, the number of cards added is added). . Therefore, if the card is simply taken in and out, the current number of stored sheets cannot exceed the maximum allowable number. Therefore, if the maximum permissible number is exceeded (S270: NO), a loading / unloading error is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 25 and a buzzer is sounded to notify (S280). Therefore, for example, if a card that should not be stored is mistakenly mixed in, it can be immediately detected.

On the other hand, if the current number of stored sheets is less than or equal to the maximum allowable number, it is determined that 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 card counter 15. (S290), the unlocking process ends. By the way, next, when “aggregate” is selected from the above functions, the aggregate processing shown in FIG. 9 is executed. This tabulation process is executed when the data relating to the loading and unloading of cards 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 aggregate data that can be selected here can be either the number of deliveries or the number of stocks. Since 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 desired aggregate data number with the numeric keys. Press the "ENT / STOP" key.

When the aggregated data is selected in this way, the control unit 120 displays a message on the liquid crystal monitor 25, "Currently outputting the shipping data" (in the case of stock, "Currently outputting the inventory data") (S320). , The total amount, the average amount, etc. are calculated based on the unit price of the card preset for each card counter 15 and the number of cards stored in the memory (the number of delivered or the number of stock) (S330). .

To explain using a more specific example, in this specific example, the six card counters 15 are set to 1000 yen, 2000 yen, 3000 yen, and 3000 yen, respectively (that is, 3000 yen is set redundantly). Denominations such as 5000 yen and 10000 yen are preset and stored in the memory of the control unit 120. As for the number of cards loaded and unloaded into and from each card counter 15, the inventory is always counted each time the loading / unloading operation is performed, and based on this, the inventory for today, the inventory for today, the inventory for replenishment, etc. are calculated. It is corrected and updated and stored in the memory of the control unit 120. Therefore, based on these data, it is possible to calculate the number of deliveries or the number of stocks, their total amount, and the average amount.

Then, these amounts and the like are printed out by the printer 33 (S340). For example, in the case of the number of deliveries for today, as shown in FIG. 10, the denomination, the number, and the total amount of money are output for each denomination of the card, and further, the total amount of money of all denominations is output. If the same denomination (3000 yen in this specific example) is set for a plurality of card counters 15, they are not separately separated but summed in advance and output. Also, for example, if you want to see the data for the delivery for the past 3 days, you can output repeatedly for 3 days by setting from the keyboard. Furthermore, the average number of deliveries per day, etc. are also output as the average amount, for each card denomination, and for all denominations. Then, when S340 ends, the aggregation process ends.

Next, when “replenishment” is selected from the above-mentioned functions, the replenishment process shown in FIG. 12 is executed. This replenishment process is executed when a newly purchased card is replenished in the device. In the replenishment process, first, similarly to the unlocking process, the input of the password is requested (S400). The control unit 120 compares the input recitation number with the registered recitation number (S410), and if they do not match, returns to S400. On the other hand, if the two match, the solenoids 45 and 46 are driven to open the door 11 (S420), and the LCD monitor 25 displays a message "Currently supplying cards" (S430). Then, it waits until the door switch 57 is turned off (S440).

When the door 11 is closed after the supply of the card is completed, the door switch 57 is set to OF F (S440: YES), and the message “currently counting is in process” is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 25. (S450), as described in FIG. 7, the card counting machine 15 is operated to count the cards (S460). It should be noted that this counting process is executed for each of the card counters 15 built in the card storage unit 2.

After this counting process is completed, it is checked whether or not the current number of stored sheets is equal to or larger than the minimum allowable number (S470). This minimum allowable number is the number of cards that were stored before the door was opened by this processing. Therefore, it is impossible for the current number of stored cards to fall below the minimum allowable number, unless at least the internal cards are removed. Therefore, if the number is below the minimum permissible number (S470: NO), a storage / delivery error is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 25 and a buzzer is sounded (S480). Therefore, for example, if the card is accidentally taken out even though the door is opened in the supply mode, it can be immediately detected.

On the other hand, if the current number of stored sheets is equal to or larger than the minimum allowable number, it is determined that the replenishment is properly performed, and the current stored number of 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 the above functions, the order processing shown in FIG. 13 is executed. This ordering process is executed in order to calculate the optimum number of replenishment cards according to the sales situation when ordering a replenishment card from a trader. In this specific example, it can be executed only once a week on a specific day of the week. Can be set.

In the order processing, first, it is checked whether it is a day of the week on which order data can be output (S500). This day of the week is separately preset and stored in memory and checked by comparison with the current day of the week managed by a timer. If it is not a day on which order data can be output (S500: NO), the message "Weekly weekday setting error" is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 25, and a buzzer sounds to notify (S510). To finish.

On the other hand, if the day of the week on which order data can be output (S500: YES), a message “Currently outputting order data” is displayed on the LCD monitor 25 (S520), and the card stored in the memory is displayed. Based on the number of stocks in stock and the average number of stocks issued per day, the number of orders and the amount are calculated for each denomination of card (S530).

More specifically, in this specific example, the average number of deliveries X per day, the number of stocks Y, the number of days D1 from ordering to delivery to a supplier, the delivery delay, uncertain fluctuations such as sales increase, etc. The number Z of spare days to absorb the element is used to calculate the number Z of sheets to be ordered based on the following mathematical formula 1.

[0067]

[Equation 1] Z = X × 7− {Y− (X × D1 + X × D2)} In the above formula, the number in () is the number of items expected to be delivered within the period from the time of ordering to the time of delivery (variable amount is also expected). The number in {} is the number expected to be in stock at the time of delivery by subtracting this number from the current inventory quantity Y. Therefore, by subtracting this number from the number expected to be delivered in the period from the delivery to the next delivery one week later (X × 7), the expected number required for the period until the next delivery is secured. The optimum number of sheets Z to be replenished in order to do so is found. In the apparatus of this specific example, the number of days D1 is preset to 9 days, and the number of days D2 can be selected separately from 1, 2, and 3 days. Both may allow arbitrary variable values to be set.

In this way, after calculating the number Z of sheets to be ordered for each denomination of the card, the number of sheets and the total amount are printed out by the printer 33 (S540), and the order processing is ended. The order data to be printed out is output in a format substantially similar to the delivery data shown in FIG. Therefore, by looking at this order data, it is possible to order the optimum number of sheets from the dealer.

Next, when “send” is selected from the above functions, the sending process shown in FIG. 14 is executed. This transmission processing is executed when the delivery data is printed out as in the above-mentioned aggregation processing, and at the same time, the delivery data is also transmitted to an external device such as a host computer via a telephone line.

In the transmission process, first, by setting the type of aggregated data to be transmitted, the number of deliveries today, the number of sunrises for each of the past 3 days, the weekly total number of deliveries before the week, the average number of daily deliveries, etc. The average amount of money, each card denomination, and the total sum of all denominations are 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 effort of selection can be saved, and in the latter case, there is an advantage that only necessary data can be sent.

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

On the other hand, if the connection with the external device is possible (S650: YES), the unit price of the card, the number of issued cards, the number of stocks, and the amount thereof are transmitted to the external device (S670), and when the transmission is completed. The line with the external device is disconnected (S680). Then, the same data as the sent out data is printed out by the printer 33 in the same format as the above-mentioned tabulation processing (S690), and the transmission processing is ended.

The external device as the transmission destination may be any computer or the like capable of data processing, and is arranged at only one place such as the head office. On the other hand, the card management machine 1 is installed in each of a plurality of branches. This allows sales at multiple branches to be aggregated at the head office.For example, based on the aggregated results at the head office, card orders can be collectively made at the head office and the required number of cards will be distributed to each branch after delivery. You can easily do such things. By doing this, for example, even if the prepaid card that can be purchased only in large units such as 1,000 cards from the supplier, it is not necessary to purchase in 1000 cards at each branch, and each branch holds an excessive stock. There is a merit that it will not be necessary.

By the way, 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 case of this automatic mode, the transmission process is automatically executed at the predetermined time reserved in advance, and the above data is transmitted to the external device which is the transmission destination. Therefore, if you set the settings so that the data is sent at the time when the work is normally completed, such as in the middle of the night, the data can be sent regularly every day, and there is no need to bother with sending the data. . The automatic mode is automatically executed when the main power supply of this machine is ON, but it is not executed when the main power supply is OFF.

Next, if “monitor confirmation” is selected from the above functions, monitor confirmation processing is executed. This monitor confirmation processing is executed when the shipping / stock data that can be output by the above-mentioned aggregation processing and the order data that can be output by the above-mentioned order processing are output to the liquid crystal monitor 25 instead of the printer 33. . Since this process is substantially the same except for the output destination, detailed description of the specific process will be omitted.

Next, by selecting “replenishment data writing” from among the above functions 1 to 3, it is possible to execute the supplementation data writing process and correct the number of replenished cards. More specifically, in the unlocking process described above, if the number of cards increased before and after the door was opened / closed, the previously taken out card was statistically processed as being returned, and it was determined that the card was replenished. Do not regard On the contrary, in the above-mentioned replenishment process, if the number of cards increases before and after the door is opened and closed, it is statistically processed as if the card was replenished, and it is not considered that the card was first taken out and returned again. . In this case, if it is assumed that replenishment was made by unlocking by mistake, if the number of replenished sheets is greater than the number of sheets that were previously taken out, it can be determined that such a return is not possible and can be treated as an error. . However, if it is mistakenly replenished by the unlocking process, if the number of replenished cards is less than the number that was previously taken out, it can only be judged that the card was replenished even though it was a replenished card, and as a result , The cards sold and the cards replenished are offset, resulting in a problem that both the number of sold and the number of supplied are statistically processed. Therefore, in the unlikely event of such a situation, select "replenishment data write" and correct the number of replenished cards.

In this supplementary data writing process, first, the correction contents are requested to be input. Specifically, input items as shown in FIG. 15 are displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 25, and the input from the keyboard 23 is awaited. Although these input items can be displayed on the LCD monitor 25 for only 3 lines (for example, within the dotted line in the figure), pressing the "↑" key or "↓" key on the keyboard 23 causes the displayed contents to be displayed in one line in the specified direction. You can scroll by minutes to see the hidden items. Then, use the numeric keys to enter the appropriate value for each item and then press the “ENT / STOP” key.

When the “ENT / STOP” key is pressed, the control unit 120 determines that the input numerical value is the replenishment number, updates the memory content of the memory, and ends this processing. The basic functions of the card management machine 1 have been described above, but in addition to this, there is a function of notifying the shortage of the remaining card capacity. This function is executed when the key switch 21 is turned back from ON to OFF, and the remaining amount of the card of a certain card counter 15 is equal to or less than 2 days of the average number of deliveries per day calculated from the data of the past 4 weeks. If so, the denomination is displayed on the LCD monitor 25 and a buzzer sounds for a certain period of time to warn. It should be noted that this state is canceled by supplying a card.

Furthermore, the card management machine 1 has, as an auxiliary function for the manager, a code number, a denomination of the card counter, the number of orders, a switching time, a date / time, a weekday, a data rewrite, and a data rewrite. It has nine functions of 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 the input of the recitation number before selecting the function, and only when the appropriate recitation number is input, the selection of each function is performed. It can be performed.

Next, each of the above functions will be described. Note that all of them are simple processing procedures of displaying a message (an input field if necessary), inputting a numerical value, and updating the stored contents of the memory (print output only), so the flow chart is not shown. First of all, when the “recitation number” is selected, the control unit 120 displays a four-digit numeric input field on the LCD monitor 25 along with a message “please set the recitation number” and waits for input from the keyboard 23. Become. Here, the user inputs an arbitrary number of four digits and presses the "ENT / STOP" key. The control unit 120 stores the inputted number in the memory and thereafter uses the number as a recitation number.

Next, when the “card denomination of the card counter” is selected, the control unit 120 displays the message “Please set the hopper amount” on the liquid crystal monitor 25, and the card counters 15 for 6 units are displayed. The corresponding six input fields are displayed, and the input from the keyboard 23 is awaited. Two digits of ten thousand and thousands can be entered in each input field. Here, the user inputs an arbitrary two-digit number and presses the "ENT / STOP" key. The control unit 120 stores the input number in the memory, and thereafter uses that number as the unit price of the cards stored in each card counter 15. Note that "00" can be entered as a two-digit number, and in this case, the card counter 15 is excluded from the statistical processing target.

Next, when the “order quantity” is selected, the control unit 120 displays the selection items “+1 day, +2 day, +3 day” on the liquid crystal monitor 25 and waits for input from the keyboard 23. Becomes This is the "preliminary number of days D2" explained in the above-mentioned order processing, and the user inputs the desired number and presses the "ENT / STOP" key. The control unit 120 stores the selected number in the memory and thereafter uses that number as the number of spare days D2.

Next, when “switching time” is selected, the control unit 120 causes the LCD monitor 25 to display a message “please set the switching time” and an input field in which the hour and minute can be entered in 2 digits each. Is displayed and the input of the keyboard 23 is awaited. Here, the user inputs an arbitrary number of 2 digits x 2 sets and presses the "ENT / STOP" key. The control unit 120 stores the input number in the memory and thereafter uses that time as the switching time.

Note that this switching time is the date switching time when collecting and warehousing statistics. For example, if it is set to 01:00, the warehousing will start after 12:00 midnight. Even if it was done, the statistics will be taken until the day before 1:00 am as the warehousing of the previous day. Therefore, even if the normal day's work is past 12:00 midnight, if the time when the work is surely finished is set, statistical processing of the day's loading and unloading situation will be performed accurately. You can

Next, when “Date / Time” is selected, the control unit 120 displays a message “Please set the date and time” on the liquid crystal monitor 25, together with a four digit year, two digit month, two digit day, and hour. An input box for inputting two digits and two digits for minutes is displayed, and the input is awaited from the keyboard 23. Here, the user inputs the required date and time by numbers and presses the "ENT / STO P" key. The control unit 120 sets the built-in timer to an appropriate date and time based on the input numbers.

Next, when “weekly day of the week” is selected, the control unit 120 displays a message “please set the day of the week” on the liquid crystal monitor 25 and a selection item “month, fire, water, ..., Day”. Is displayed and the input of the keyboard 23 is awaited. Here, the user selects an arbitrary number and presses the "ENT / STOP" key. The control unit 120 stores the selected number in the memory, and thereafter automatically updates the total for the previous week on that day. Also, the order processing described above can be executed only on this day of the week.

Next, when “data rewrite” is selected, the control unit 120 displays a selection item “Today's delivery data, replenishment data” on the liquid crystal monitor 25 and waits for input from the keyboard 23. Then, when any one of the numbers is selected, a 4-digit input field is displayed for each denomination of the card, and the keyboard 23 waits for input again. Here, the user inputs four digits of any number for each denomination and presses the "ENT / STOP" key. The control unit 120 updates the number of today's deliveries or the number of replenishments in the memory with the input number. In addition, this function is used when there is some trouble and the input / output data for today becomes an inappropriate value.

Next, when “DATA CLEAR” is selected, the control unit 120 displays a selection item “Today's shipping data, all data” on the liquid crystal monitor 25, and waits for input from the keyboard 23. Here, the user selects any number and presses the "ENT / STOP" key. The control unit 120 erases the number of today's shipments or all the statistical data in the memory according to the selected number. This function is used when there is some trouble and new statistics are collected.

Next, when “setting data print” is selected, the control unit 120 displays “Currently outputting setting data” on the liquid crystal monitor 25, and prints out a list of the various setting data by the printer 33. . The output result is output in the format shown in FIG.

As described above, according to the card management machine 1 of this specific example, normally, the past loading / unloading status is statistically managed only by loading / unloading the card. Also, since the optimum number of cards to be ordered can be calculated based on this, the labor required for managing the sales of cards is significantly reduced.

Further, since the statistically managed data can be transmitted via the telephone line, the data of the plurality of card management machines 1 can be further aggregated to collectively carry out card orders and the like. Therefore, if a large number of branches carry out similar card sales operations, it is not necessary for each branch to hold an excessive stock.

Although specific examples of the present invention have been described above, various specific configurations of the present invention are possible other than 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 device for various cards such as a telephone card and various credit cards.

[0093]

[Effect of device]

 As described above, according to the card management device of the present invention, the number of warehousing / discharging numbers is automatically counted and the data for the predetermined period in the past is stored, so that the fluctuation status of the number of warehousing / discharging numbers in the past can be easily performed. You can know.

In particular, according to the card management machine of claim 2, it is possible for anyone to easily know the number of cards that need to be replenished. Can be replenished, and the labor and financial burden of managing cards can be reduced significantly.

Further, according to the card management machine of the third aspect, it is convenient that even if the number of goods issued exceeds the expected amount, it can be detected before the shortage of cards occurs. Further, according to the card management machine of the fourth aspect, it is possible to prevent erroneous confirmation of the number of cards to be supplied at an unscheduled date.

In addition, according to the card management machine of claim 5, it is possible to manage the loading / unloading status of a large number of card management machines on the side of one external device, and to order the number of cards to be supplied together. It is also possible to further reduce the financial burden due to the occurrence of excess inventory.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a door of the card management machine is opened.

FIG. 3 shows a locking mechanism of the card management machine, (a) is a front view thereof, and (b) is a side view showing only a part thereof.

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

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

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an outline of 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 showing a totaling process.

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

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an output format of weekly previous weekly data.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a supply process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing order processing.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a transmission process.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display format of a replenishment data input field.

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

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Card management machine, 2 ... Card storage unit, 3 ...
・ Operating unit, 4 ... Display unit, 5 ... Printer unit, 1
1, 12 ... Door, 13 ... Housing, 14 ... Drawer, 15 ... Card counter, 16, 31 ... Handle,
17 ... Label display section, 21 ... Key switch, 2
2 ... power lamp, 23 ... keyboard, 25 ...
・ LCD monitor, 32 ・ ・ ・ Printer base, 33 ・
..Printer, 34 ... Roll paper, 35 ... Ejection port, 36 ... Top cover, 41, 42 ... Engaging metal fittings, 43, 44 ... Latch, 45, 46 ... Solenoid , 47 ... Cylinder lock, 48 ... Plate, 4
9 ... Contact switch, 51, 52 ... Rod, 51
a, 52a ... collar part, 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 ... Spindle, 107
... Pin, 108 ... Spring, 110,111 ...
Protective cover, 120 ... Control unit, 121 ... Modem, 123 ... Buzzer, 124 ... Buzzer stop switch.

Claims (5)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. A card management machine comprising 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, wherein the card counted by the counting means From the difference between the number of cards counted by the counting means when a card is added to the storing means and the number of stocks stored in the stock number storage means. A storage number calculation means for calculating the number of stored cards, and a difference between the number of cards counted by the counting means when the cards are taken out from the storage means and the stock number stored in the stock number storage means. From, the number-of-issues calculation unit that calculates the number of cards that have been issued, the number-of-receipts-calculation unit, and the number-of-receipts-and-receipts of the cards calculated by the number-of-receipts calculation , Card management device, characterized in that a goods movements situation storage means for storing for a predetermined period, each per unit period. 2. The card management machine according to claim 1, wherein an average of the number of issued cards per unit period is calculated from the total number of issued cards stored in the entry / exit situation storage means within a predetermined period in the past. The number-of-issues calculation unit, the number-of-issues calculation unit that calculates the number of cards that are expected to be issued within a predetermined future period from the average number-of-issues calculated by the average number-of-issues calculation unit, and the expected number-of-issues number A shortage number calculation means for calculating the number of cards expected to be short in the future predetermined period by subtracting the number of stocks counted by the counting means from the expected number of goods output calculated by the calculation means Card management machine characterized by. 3. The card management machine according to claim 2, wherein the inventory quantity counted by the counting means is divided by the average issued quantity calculated by the average issued quantity calculating means, so that the card is out of stock. Inventory shortage due date calculating means for calculating an expected due date, and alarm means for giving a warning that replenishment is required when the due date calculated by the inventory shortage due date calculating means falls within a predetermined period A card management machine characterized by having and. 4. The card management machine according to claim 2 or 3, wherein an information output unit capable of displaying or printing out the shortage number calculated by the shortage number calculation unit, and the shortage number by the information output unit. A card management machine comprising: an information output deadline regulation means for permitting the display or printout of the above only on a predetermined predetermined date and prohibiting it on other dates. 5. The card management machine according to claim 1, wherein the inventory number stored in the inventory number storage means, the inventory number stored in the inventory status storage means, and And an information transmitting means capable of transmitting information such as the average number of delivered sheets calculated by the average delivered sheet number calculating means or the number of insufficient sheets calculated by the insufficient sheet number calculating means to an external device via a communication line. Characteristic card management machine.