JP3048024U - Vending machines and vending systems for compact discs - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To provide a compact disk vending machine having both a selling function and an information providing function of providing various information on compact disks to be sold. SOLUTION: In a compact disk vending machine for selecting and purchasing a desired one from a plurality of stored compact disks, an antenna unit for receiving a signal distributed from a ground station via a communication satellite, A tuner section for extracting a required audio signal and video signal from the signal received via the antenna section, an audio reproduction section for reproducing audio from the audio signal, and a video reproduction section for reproducing video from the video signal, The reproduced audio and video includes identification information for identifying the plurality of compact discs, thereby providing various information to help a purchaser selectively purchase a compact disc.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

[0001]

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

 The present invention relates to a vending machine for vending compact discs (hereinafter simply referred to as “CDs”). More specifically, information to be distributed from a ground station via a communication satellite to a purchaser is provided to the purchaser. It relates to a vending machine that allows a buyer to select a desired CD.

[0002]

[Prior art]

 Recently, CD vending machines (vending machines) have begun to become widespread in order to reduce labor costs and achieve omissions. With such a vending machine, the purchaser can purchase a CD even after the store closes, which is very convenient. Further, for example, there is a convenience store in which a purchaser can purchase a CD without permission so that employees do not have to pay attention.

[0003]

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

 However, if you purchase food or miscellaneous goods at such convenience stores, the purchaser generally knows the contents well, so it is rare to ask for detailed explanations when purchasing them. . But for CDs, or perhaps hobby music, that is not the case. It should be a well-known thing that has already been hit and broadcasted many times on television or radio. However, there is often little information about these new songs that have just been released, or songs that have not yet reached a hit stage, so it is often difficult to tell whether they will suit your taste without actually listening to them. Furthermore, the purchaser also wants to know information such as the position on the hit chart that is ranked. However, conventional compact disk vending machines do not have the function to provide the above-mentioned information to buyers. Further, it is meaningless if the information is new song information or hit chart information as described above unless it is real-time information.

The applicant of the present invention provides a service of providing image (text) and voice information to various parts of the country using a communication satellite. According to this method, all information can be delivered simultaneously without regional differences. The inventor of the present invention, having such experience, thought whether this communication satellite could be applied to a vending machine for CDs as a means for solving the above-mentioned problems. This problem can be solved at once by docking the convenience of vending machines with the information functions of communication satellites. Therefore, the inventor of the present invention basically followed the conventional vending machine, and added a means for providing various types of information to the vending machine, thereby creating a new vending machine for CDs. It was constructed. The details are explained in the section again.

[0005]

Means for Solving the Problems Constitution of the invention described in claim 1 A vending machine for a CD according to the invention described in claim 1 is a conventional CD for selecting and purchasing a desired one from a plurality of CDs. Is an improved version of the vending machine. That is, this vending machine for CDs has a disk storage for storing a plurality of (plural types) of CDs, a clearing means for clearing the purchase price for purchasing the CDs, and a clearing means for reducing the purchase price. A disc unloading unit for unloading the selected CD from the disk storage after the settlement, a selection operation unit for selecting a CD desired by the purchaser, and a discharge unit controlled based on a command from the selection operation unit. Control means. Further, the vending machine of the CD has an antenna section for receiving a signal distributed from a ground station via a communication satellite, and an audio signal and a video signal required from the signal received via the antenna section. A tuner unit for extracting audio from the audio signal, audio reproducing means for reproducing audio from the audio signal, and video reproducing means for reproducing video from the video signal.

[0006] Vending machines CD exerted effect above invention according to claim 1, coins, bills, after the prepaid card, received a consideration CD purchaser pays by credit card or the like (liquidation), the The purchaser operates the selection operation means such as a selection button to automatically carry out the selected CD, and the purchaser can receive the CD. The CD is carried out by a disc carrying means. In other words, the disc ejecting means receives a command from the control means after the settlement means completes the settlement, thereby selecting and ejecting the selected CD from the disc storage. A signal distributed from a ground station via a communication satellite (including a broadcasting satellite) is first received by an antenna unit. The antenna unit sends a received signal to a tuner unit, and the tuner unit extracts an audio signal and a video signal from the signal. The audio signal is reproduced by the audio reproducing means, and the video signal is reproduced by the video reproducing means, and becomes audio and video. These sounds and images provide a variety of information to CD buyers. A typical example of such information is an introduction (voice) and title (image) of music recorded on a CD to be sold. Since the information is distributed using communication satellites, information can be sent to the whole country in real time.

The structure of the invention according to claim 2 The vending machine for a CD according to the invention according to claim 2 has basically the same structure as that according to claim 1. The greatest feature is that, in addition to the configuration described in claim 1, the reproduced video includes a display for specifying a CD on which the reproduced audio is recorded. This display may include information other than the information for specifying the CD, if necessary, for example, the hitch trunk information of the CD.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first aspect, the vending machine of the present invention has a function of storing the voice (music) currently being listened to in the vending machine. Buyers can be notified if they are recorded on a CD. For example, buyers often listen to music that is playing for the first time, but often like it and want to buy a CD that contains the music. In some cases, the CD on which it is recorded can be identified from the music being played, but such is very rare. If information such as the title of the music (CD) and the singer (performer) that are playing is reproduced by video, the purchaser who sees the information can specify the desired CD. This is desirable because it is very convenient for buyers and also leads to sales promotion of CDs for sellers.

The structure of the invention according to claim 3 The vending machine for a CD according to the invention according to claim 3 is basically the same as that according to claim 2. The most significant feature is that, in addition to the configuration described in claim 2, video and audio are automatically converted to different ones periodically.

Operation and effect of the invention described in claim 3 In addition to the operation and effect in the case of claim 2, the vending machine of this CD can automatically provide different information to the purchaser. This allows the purchaser to automatically obtain a wide variety of information, so that a more meaningful selection can be made when purchasing a CD. Also, for the seller, the vending machine for the CD can be provided with a function of a so-called advertisement tower, which can be used to promote the sales of the CD.

The structure of the invention described in claim 4 The vending machine for a CD according to the invention described in claim 4 has basically the same structure as that described in claim 2. The greatest feature is that, in addition to the configuration, a storage means for storing sales information indicating the sales status of the compact disc is provided.

Operation and effect of the invention described in claim 4 In addition to the operation and effect of the invention described in claim 2, this vending machine for CDs provides the sales status of compact discs of CDs in various directions as sales information. be able to. For example, if the type and number of sold CDs and the sales time can be managed, the seller can accurately grasp the stock of the CDs, the timing of replenishment, and the like, so that CDs can be purchased appropriately. Further, this sales information is extremely effective not only for sellers but also for CD distributors and manufacturers, etc., in order to grasp the trends of purchasers. This allows the purchaser to automatically obtain a wide variety of information, thereby making a more meaningful selection when purchasing a CD. Also, for the seller, the vending machine for the CD can be provided with the function of a so-called advertising tower, which is useful for promoting the sales of the CD.

The structure of the invention according to claim 5 The CD vending machine according to claim 5 has basically the same structure as that according to claim 4. The feature is that, in addition to the structure of claim 5, in order to centrally manage the sales information, the sales information is sent to the host computer through a communication line.

Operation and effect of the invention described in claim 5 In addition to the operation and effect of this invention, this CD vending machine can centrally manage sales information sent from one or a plurality of units. A wider range of information can be collected even when away from the system. As a result, it is possible to provide, in particular, important business information to CD distributors and manufacturers.

The invention described in claim 6 relates to a system for automatically selling CDs. That is, the vending system for CDs includes a disk storage for storing a plurality of CDs for selecting and purchasing a desired one from a plurality of compact disks, a clearing means for clearing the purchase price. A disc ejecting means for ejecting the selected CD from the disc storage after the settlement by the settlement means, a selection operation means for selecting a CD desired by the purchaser, and the ejection means based on a command from the selection operation means. And a control means for controlling the vending machine. Further, a ground station for uplinking the signal, a communication satellite for downlinking the received signal, an antenna unit for receiving a signal distributed from the ground station via the communication satellite, and a receiving unit via the antenna unit Tuner section for extracting necessary audio and video signals from the reproduced signal, audio reproducing means for reproducing audio from the audio signal, video reproducing means for reproducing video from the video signal, and sales showing the sales status of the compact disc Storage means for storing information, wherein the reproduced audio and video images include a specification for specifying a plurality of stored compact discs.

The operation and effect of the invention described in claim 6 From the characteristics of such a system, basically the same operation as the operation and effect in the case of claim 2 is produced. A variety of information can be given to CD buyers.

The structure of the invention described in claim 7 The CD vending system according to the invention described in claim 7 has basically the same structure as that described in claim 6. The video and audio were automatically converted to different ones periodically.

According to the effects this configuration of invention as set forth in claim 7, in addition to the effects in the case of claim 6, it is possible to provide an automatic different information to the purchaser, produces effects that .

The structure of the invention described in claim 8 The CD automatic vending system according to the invention described in claim 8 has the structure described in claim 6 or 7, in addition to the structure described in claim 6, for centrally managing sales information. The sales information was sent to the host computer via a communication line.

According to the effects this configuration of invention as set forth in claim 8, in addition to the effect of claim 6 or 7, since the sales information sent from the 1 group or more groups may centrally manage, away from the system Even so, a wider range of information can be gathered.

Definition of Terms The term "discharge means" in the present specification may be any means capable of receiving a CD selected by the purchaser, such as, for example, The door that opens the CD storage room so that the buyer can receive the CD that has been dropped into the CD receiving slot, and allows the buyer to take out the CD inside, and releases the mechanism that holds the CD. In some cases, buyers can pull out the CD. Similarly, the “storage means” includes, for example, a storage circuit in which a RAM (random access memory readable and writable storage device) is incorporated. Similarly, a “communication line” may be any type of device capable of transmitting sales information, such as a telephone line, an optical communication line using an optical cable, or a communication satellite. There is a communication satellite line using. Similarly, the “host computer” may be any computer capable of managing sales information in a capacity-capable manner.

[0022]

[Embodiment of the invention]

 Next, an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as “the present embodiment”) will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an entire CD vending system (hereinafter, referred to as a “CD vending system”). FIGS. 2 and 3 show the CD vending machine shown in FIG. 1 (hereinafter, a “CD vending machine”). "). FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the CD vending machine.

Configuration of Automatic CD Vending System The CD vending system generally includes a ground station 100, a communication satellite 200, and a CD vending machine 1, as shown in FIG. The ground station 100 converts the image data and audio data into image signals and audio signals, respectively, and digitizes these signals and amplifies them to a level that can be transmitted. A transmission parabolic antenna connected to the transmission device 100 120. The image data and the audio data are composed of specific information (song name, singer name, artist name, selection number, hit chart rank, etc.) for specifying a CD to be sold by the CD vending machine 1. The specific information is configured to be automatically converted periodically. The communication satellite 200 is for amplifying a signal (radio wave) transmitted from the base station 100 by a built-in relay amplifier (Transponder) and sending the amplified signal to the earth. The signal transmitted from the communication satellite 200 is received by the CD vending machine 1. The CD vending machine 1 is connected to a computer 20 when it is dried via a communication line 19 (described later).

Configuration of CD Vending Machine As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the CD vending machine 1 generally includes a CD vending machine main body 5 and an information receiving unit 30. The main body 5 of the CD vending machine has a plurality of display panels 9, 9. . . And a CD receiving port 10 opened at the lower end of the front panel 7. Each display board 9 is composed of a transparent plastic plate and a piece of paper on which the title and singer of each CD are printed together with the selection number, so that the CD purchaser can know the selection number of the CD to be purchased. Has become. The in-stock CDs are stored in a CD storage 11 in the main body 5 of the CD vending machine. The CDs selected by the purchaser are taken out and delivered to the CD receiving slot 10. This unloading is performed by a CD unloading mechanism (disc unloading means) 13 installed in the CD vending machine main body 5. Since various types of existing CD vending machines are used for the CD unloading mechanism 13, detailed description thereof will be omitted in this specification. The control of the CD unloading mechanism 13 is performed by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 15 constituting a control unit.

Note that coins (banknotes) as a price for purchasing a CD are supplied to the currency handling mechanism 14 (FIG. 2) through a coin insertion slot 6 (banknote insertion slot 4) attached to a front panel of the information receiving section 30. See). The money handling mechanism 14 determines whether or not the inserted coin or the like should be accepted, whether or not the amount satisfies the set price of the CD, and the like. 15 The CPU (clearing means) 16 incorporated in the money handling mechanism 14 performs the determination of the authenticity of the coin (bill) and the determination of whether the price setting is satisfied. The control unit 15, which has received a notification that it can be sold from the money handling mechanism 14, sends support to the CD unloading mechanism 13 to unload the selected CD from the CD storage 11.

The CD vending machine main body 5 according to the present embodiment further includes a ROM 17 (storage means), and indicates the sales status of the CDs such as the stock status of each CD, the type and number of the sold CDs, and the sales time. Information is stored in this. For example, the sales information may be retrieved and managed on a daily or weekly basis. In the present embodiment, the sales information is sequentially transmitted to the host computer 20 via the communication line 19, and It is configured to send in real time. A plurality of CD vending machines 5,5. . . If you connect a (CD vending machine system), you can collect sales information from them at the same time. By statistically analyzing the sales information collected from multiple locations in this way, CD sellers and manufacturers can provide important information for pursuing purchasers' purchase preferences and future sales trends. can do.

Configuration of Information Receiving Unit The information receiving unit 30 generally comprises an antenna unit 33 and a receiving unit main body 32 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the antenna unit 33 includes a parabolic antenna 34 and a converter 37 for converting a reception frequency to a lower frequency. The antenna section 33 shown in FIG. 1 is installed on the top of the receiving section main body 32. If it is difficult to receive a signal from the communication satellite 200 by this installation method, install the antenna section 33 on the roof of a building or the like. You may make it. Reference numeral 3 denotes a key input unit (selection operation means) for inputting a selection number or the number of CDs to be purchased, reference numeral 4 denotes a bill insertion unit for inserting bills, and reference numeral 6 denotes coins. The reference numeral 8 denotes a return port for returning change.

Structure of Tuner Section Reference numeral 36 in FIG. 3 (a part surrounded by a dashed line) indicates that. A tuner section 36 for extracting necessary audio signals and image signals from signals received via the antenna section 33. The tuner unit 36 includes a channel selection unit 38 for selecting a necessary channel (frequency) from the received signal, and a demodulation unit 39 for extracting a video signal and an audio signal from the signal of the selected channel. The video signal and the audio signal extracted by the demodulation unit 39 are sent to a video reproduction device (video reproduction unit) 40 and an audio reproduction device (audio reproduction unit) 50, which will be described later.

The video reproducing apparatus configuration diagram 3 shows the video reproducing apparatus as 40, amplifies the image processing unit 42 for processing the analog and the like of the video signal sent from the demodulator 39, the processed signal And a liquid crystal display 46 for making the amplified signal visible. The screen of the liquid crystal display 46 is mounted on the front panel of the receiving section main body 32 as shown in FIG. 1, so that various kinds of image information on a CD to be sold can be provided to a CD purchaser or the like. Has become. In this embodiment, the image information and the audio information are synchronized, music recorded on a certain CD is played from the speakers 56, 56, and the singer or performer of the music is displayed on the liquid crystal display together with the selection number. It is projected on 46 at the same time. Relying on this, the CD purchaser will identify and purchase the desired CD.

The audio reproducing apparatus configuration diagram 3 shows as audio playback apparatus 50, amplifies the audio processing unit 52 for processing the analog and the like of the audio signal sent from the demodulator 39, the processed signal And a speaker 56 for making the amplified signal audible to the ear. As shown in FIG. 1, two speakers 56, 56 are mounted on the front panel of the receiving section main body 32, thereby providing audio information on a CD to a CD purchaser or the like.

[0031] Referring to operation diagram 1, 2 and 4 of the present embodiment, the operation of the present embodiment. The liquid crystal display 46 shown in FIG. 1 displays the title, singer name and hit chart rank of the CD (stored in the disk storage 11) to be sold by the CD vending machine 1 with the selection number (for example, "1"). )it's shown. This CD is assumed to be "A". At the same time, the speakers 56, 56 are playing the introduction of this CD "A". Since the video and the audio in the present embodiment are configured to be switched periodically, the image and the audio of the CD “A” are changed to “B”, “C”, “C” at predetermined intervals (for example, 10 seconds). D "... Are reproduced. The reproduced video and music provide information for selecting a favorite CD to a CD purchaser who has watched or listened to the reproduced video or music.

In this state, the purchaser of the CD likes the CD “A” very much and decides to purchase the CD. Here, the explanation is continued assuming that the set price of CD “A” is 3,300 yen. The CD purchaser inserted a 1,000-yen bill into the three bill insertion slot 4 and inserted a 500-yen coin into the coin insertion slot 6 (S1). The inserted coins and bills are sent to the coin processing mechanism 14 to check their authenticity, that is, whether or not they should be accepted (S2). If the inserted 1000-yen bill and 500-yen coin are to be accepted, the process proceeds to S3, and if not, the process proceeds to S20 to return the received coin (banknote).

If the coin (banknote) is to be accepted, it is confirmed that the coin (banknote) is opened and closed (S3), and if the passage is closed, the coin (banknote) is returned (S3). 20) If the passage is open, coins (banknotes) are accepted and counting is performed (S4). When the counting is completed, a comparison is made with the total amount of the inserted coins and bills (in this case, 3,500 yen) (S5). In this case, since the input amount (3,500 yen) is larger than the set price of 3,300 yen, it is checked whether or not change has been made, that is, whether or not the change enough to be returned is stocked (S25). If the change has run out, the accepted coin (banknote) is returned (S20). In the case of the present embodiment, the change amount is 200 yen. If the change is sufficient, coins (banknotes) corresponding to the change amount are discharged to the change return port 8 (S30). By returning the change, the purchase amount and the set price become equal, and the CD can be sold (unloaded).

When the input amount is equal to the set price, the CPU 15 is notified of this fact, and upon receiving this, the CPU 15 waits for a selection signal from the key input unit 3, and instructs the CD transport mechanism 13 in response to the selection signal. And the selected CD is carried out (S7, S8). Input to the key input unit 3 is performed by a CD purchaser. In the case of the present embodiment, the selection of the CD is completed by the purchaser inputting the selection number "1" of the CD "A" and the number "1" (S6).

By unloading the CD, the control unit 15 subtracts “1” from the stock number of the CD “A” (S 9), and also sells the type (ie, “A”) and quantity (ie, “ 1)), the sales information indicating the sales status such as the stock quantity and the purchase time is sent to the storage device 17 and stored therein (S10). At the same time, this sales information is sent to the host computer 20 via a communication line (telephone line), and the sales information is centrally managed together with the sales information sent from another CD vending machine (S11).

[0036]

[Effect of the invention]

 By using the CD vending machine and the CD vending system according to the present invention, in addition to the convenience of the conventional CD vending machine, it is possible to provide information related to the CD to be sold in real time without any regional difference. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an entire CD vending system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the vending machine for the CD shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vending machine for the CD shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of a CD vending machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 CD vending machine 3 Key input part 4 Banknote 5 CD vending machine main body 6 Coin 7 Front panel 8 Change 9 Display board 10 CD receiving port 11 CD storage 13 CD unloading mechanism 14 Money processing mechanism 15 Control part 16 Clearing means (CPU) 17 ROM Reference Signs List 18 Huffer 19 Communication Line 20 Host Computer 30 Information Receiving Unit 32 Receiving Unit Main Body 33 Antenna Unit 34 Receiving Parabona ANT 35 Converter 36 Tuner Unit 37 Converter 38 Channel Tuning Unit 39 Tuning Unit 40 Video Reproducing Device 42 Video Processing Unit 44 Amplifying Unit 46 liquid crystal display 50 sound reproducing device 52 sound processing unit 54 amplifying unit 56 speaker

Claims (8)

[Utility model registration claims] 1. A compact disk vending machine for selecting and purchasing a desired one from a plurality of compact disks, wherein the compact disk vending machine has a disk storage for storing a plurality of compact disks, Clearing means for liquidating the purchase price of the compact disk; disk discharging means for discharging the selected compact disk from the disk storage after the clearing of the clearing means; and a purchaser for selecting a desired compact disk. Selection operation means, and control means for controlling the discharge means based on a command of the selection operation means, further comprising: an antenna unit for receiving a signal distributed from a ground station via a communication satellite; Extract required audio and video signals from signals received via the antenna unit Yuna portion and vending machines compact discs, characterized in that it comprises a, and image reproducing means for reproducing the video from the audio reproducing means and said video signal for reproducing sound from the audio signal. 2. A vending machine for a compact disk, which allows a user to select and purchase a desired one from a plurality of compact disks, wherein the vending machine for a compact disk includes a disk storage for storing a plurality of compact disks, Clearing means for liquidating the purchase price of the compact disk; disk discharging means for discharging the selected compact disk from the disk storage after the clearing of the clearing means; and a purchaser for selecting a desired compact disk. Selection operation means, and control means for controlling the discharge means based on a command of the selection operation means, further comprising: an antenna unit for receiving a signal distributed from a ground station via a communication satellite; Extract required audio and video signals from signals received via the antenna unit And a video reproducing unit for reproducing a video from the video signal, wherein the reproduced voice and the video are for identifying the plurality of compact discs. Vending machine for compact discs, characterized in that it includes a specific display. 3. The compact disk vending machine according to claim 2, wherein said video and audio are automatically converted into different ones periodically. 4. A compact disk vending machine for selecting and purchasing a desired one from a plurality of compact disks, wherein the compact disk vending machine has a disk storage for storing a plurality of compact disks, Clearing means for liquidating the purchase price of the compact disk; disk discharging means for discharging the selected compact disk from the disk storage after the clearing of the clearing means; and a purchaser for selecting a desired compact disk. Selection operation means, and control means for controlling the discharge means based on a command of the selection operation means, further comprising: an antenna unit for receiving a signal distributed from a ground station via a communication satellite; Extract required audio and video signals from signals received via the antenna unit A tuner unit, an audio reproducing unit that reproduces audio from the audio signal, a video reproducing unit that reproduces video from the video signal, and a storage unit that stores sales information indicating a sales status of the compact disc, The vending machine for compact discs, wherein the reproduced sound and video include a specific display for specifying the plurality of compact discs. 5. A compact disk vending machine according to claim 4, wherein said sales information is sent to a host computer through a communication line in order to centrally manage said sales information. 6. A disk storage for storing a plurality of compact disks for selecting and purchasing a desired one from a plurality of compact disks, a clearing means for clearing the purchase price of the compact disks, A disc unloading unit for unloading the selected compact disc from the disc storage box after the settlement by the settlement unit; a selection operation unit for selecting a compact disc desired by the purchaser; and A vending machine including control means for controlling a discharging means, a ground station, a communication satellite, an antenna unit for receiving a signal distributed from the ground station via the communication satellite, and the antenna unit A tuner unit for extracting a required audio signal and video signal from a signal received via the Audio reproducing means for reproducing the video signal from the video signal, and a storage means for storing sales information indicating the sales status of the compact disc, the reproduced audio and video, An automatic vending system for a compact disk, comprising a specific display for specifying the plurality of compact disks. 7. The compact disk vending system according to claim 6, wherein said video and audio are automatically converted to different ones periodically. 8. The compact disk automatic vending system according to claim 6, wherein the sales information is sent to a host computer via a communication line in order to centrally manage the sales information.