JP4259716B2 - Vending machine control equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a control device for a vending machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The present applicant has already proposed a control device for a vending machine disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-334323. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device for the vending machine is connected to the customer service section 2 and the transport section 3 as a plurality of constituent units 1 constituting the vending machine via wire harnesses 4A and 4B, respectively. Sub MPUs (microprocessor units) 5a and 6a provided in the control units 5 and 6 are connected, and the sub MPUs 5a and 6a and one main MPU 7a provided in the main control unit 7 are connected to the communication line 8 respectively. Connected through. The contents of the control software in the sub MPUs 5a and 6a are limited to the control by the input / output process for the constituent units 1 such as the customer service unit 2 and the transport unit 3 and the communication process for the main control unit 7, and the main control unit 7 Thus, not only data control processing but also customer service control processing and conveyance control processing program management are performed. As a result, the sub MPUs 5a and 6a can be configured by the same type of one-chip microcomputer (MPU_B) that can perform common operations (input / output processing for the configuration unit 1 and communication processing for the main control unit 7). The cost can be reduced due to the effect, and the control processing software itself is concentrated on the main control unit 7, so that the control processing software can be changed flexibly with new development, etc. It is also possible to prevent deterioration in quality.
[0003]
By the way, output data from a plurality of constituent units 1 constituting a vending machine such as a push button for product selection of the customer service unit 2 and the transport unit 3, a price display unit, a temperature adjustment mechanism, a transport mechanism, etc. are output to each sub control unit 5. , 6 are output as they are to the main control unit 7 via the communication line 8, the processing control for the data is performed by the main control unit 7, and subsequent instructions are sent from the main control unit 7 to If the sub-control units 5 and 6 are configured to output via the communication line 8, the sub-control units 5 and 6 and the main control unit 7 each time a state change notification is made in each component unit 1. There is a problem that communication must be performed, the number of times of communication becomes very large, an expensive communication device or main control unit 7 is required, and the processing timing is delayed by the communication processing time. Occur will.
[0004]
Therefore, in order to deal with such a problem, each of the sub-control units 5 and 6 and the constituent units 1 connected to the sub-control units 5 and 6 (for example, the constituent unit 1 corresponding to the sub-control unit 5 is a customer service unit. 2 and the control unit (hereinafter referred to as sub-side control process) that can be performed only between the sub-control unit 6 and the sub-control unit 6 is the transport unit 3) This is performed as an input / output process, and the number of communications between the sub-control units 5 and 6 and the main control unit 7 is reduced. The sub-side control process is either an input waiting branch process or a time waiting branch process or a combination of these input waiting branch process and time waiting branch process.
[0005]
Each of the sub-control units 5 and 6 includes a mask ROM, a PROM, or the like that stores a control process for each component unit 1 and a control process for the main control unit 7, and is electrically non-rewritable ROM 5b. , 6b, and the sub MPUs 5a, 6a execute the sub-side control processing in accordance with the programs stored in the ROMs 5b, 6b.
[0006]
According to this configuration, the sub-control units 5 and 6 receive the instruction data from the main control unit 7 and perform sub-side control processing based on the branch condition and branch destination of the instruction data. It is only necessary to perform an input / output operation that is performed on the transport unit 3 and the like, and the processing result is output to the main control unit 7. The flow is not performed between the main control unit 7 and the sub-control units 5 and 6, and the instruction of the control contents and the result data are input between the sub-control units 5 and 6 and the main control unit 7. Since it is only output, the quality of the control content does not deteriorate.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in this type of conventional vending machine, various control processes for the component unit 1 are improved, for example, switching operation between the dynamic input / output and the static input / output of the transport unit 3 during the payout operation, and the switching timing thereof. When the improvement operation of the sub-control units 5 and 6 in which the improvement program is recorded is performed, the improvement operation of switching from a non-periodic operation to a fixed period or variable period is performed. Must be performed individually by humans, especially when the program related to a large number of component units 1 is improved, the replacement operations and the rewriting operations of the corresponding ROMs 5b and 6b of the large number of sub-control units 5 and 6 are performed. It had to be a lot of work and time.
[0008]
Further, even when the same instruction content is output from the main control unit 7 to the sub-control units 5 and 6 (for example, when product delivery is performed a plurality of times), the same execution command data is repeatedly sent, so the communication data amount increases. And increased communication time.
[0009]
Further, when it is desired to perform a plurality of processes in the constituent unit 1, the execution command data corresponding to each process is sequentially output from the main control unit 7 to the sub-control units 5 and 6. Increased volume and communication time. In addition, there is a problem that even when it is desired to synchronize a plurality of processes in the configuration unit 1 or to combine a plurality of processes, such a process cannot be handled.
[0010]
The present invention solves the above-mentioned problem, and even when there is an improvement in the control processing, it can be dealt with satisfactorily without much effort and time, and does not cause an increase in the amount of communication data or an increase in communication time. It is an object of the present invention to provide a control device for a vending machine capable of performing the above control process satisfactorily.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention as set forth in claim 1 is provided with one main control unit corresponding to each of a plurality of constituent units constituting the vending machine and connected to the main control unit. And a plurality of sub-control units connected to each other via a communication line, and a storage unit for storing execution command data as instruction contents from the main control unit to the sub-control unit When the execution control data is output from the main control unit to the sub control unit and the corresponding control content is executed by the sub control unit, the execution command data is stored in the sub control unit. When the main control unit instructs the sub control unit to execute the same execution instruction, the restart data that instructs the restart of the execution instruction stored in the sub control unit is stored in the storage unit. Just outputted from the sub-control unit, which is constituted so as to perform the control content of the execution instruction data sub-control unit is stored in the storage unit.
[0012]
With the above configuration, when it is desired to improve various control processes for the constituent units, the improvement program is stored in the main control unit, and the improvement program is output to the necessary sub-control unit via the communication line. . Accordingly, since the improved program is stored in the storage unit of the sub-control unit in the corresponding sub-control unit, the improved program can be executed again by the sub-control unit while minimizing time and effort. After that, when outputting the same instruction content from the main control unit to the sub control unit, only the restart data instructing the restart of the execution command data from the main control unit is output to the sub control unit. Therefore, the amount of communication data from the main control unit to the sub-control unit can be minimized.
[0013]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the control device for a vending machine according to the first aspect, the sub-control unit can execute a plurality of execution instruction data in parallel, and further re-execute the plurality of execution instruction data already executed. The composite restart data to be started can be output from the main control unit to the sub control unit, and the sub control unit that has input the composite restart data has received a plurality of restart data corresponding to the composite restart data. As in the case, the control contents of a plurality of execution instruction data stored in the storage unit are executed.
[0014]
With the above configuration, when it is desired to perform a plurality of processes in the configuration unit, the sub control unit simply outputs composite restart data from the main control unit to the sub control unit, and the sub control unit stores a plurality of execution instructions stored in the storage unit. Executes data control contents.
[0015]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the control device for a vending machine according to the first or second aspect, the sub-control unit can synchronize a plurality of execution instruction data with each other, and the executed instruction data has been executed. The composite synchronous restart data that restarts in synchronization with each other can be output from the main control unit to the sub control unit, and the sub control unit that has input the composite synchronous restart data corresponds to the composite restart data. It is configured to execute the control contents of the plurality of execution instruction data stored in the storage unit in synchronization with each other, as in the case of associating a plurality of restart data and synchronizing each restart data. is there.
[0016]
With the above configuration, even when it is desired to synchronize a plurality of processes in the configuration unit, a plurality of control contents can be synchronized with each other simply by outputting the corresponding composite synchronous restart data from the main control unit to the sub-control unit. Can be executed well.
[0017]
The present invention according to claim 4 is similar to the control content of the execution command data already stored in the storage unit of the sub-control unit in the control device for the vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3. When a part of similar control content is instructed, the sub control unit outputs the restart data to which the execution command data for changing only the different control content part is added from the main control unit to the sub control unit. The contents are configured to be executed.
[0018]
With the above configuration, when instructing similar control contents similar to the control contents of the execution instruction data already stored in the storage section of the sub-control section but partially different from the main control section, only the different control contents portions are displayed. The sub control unit executes the similar control content only by outputting the restart data to which the execution command data to be changed is output from the main control unit to the sub control unit.
[0019]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the control device for a vending machine according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, at least one of the main control unit that outputs to the sub control unit and stores the sub control unit in the storage unit. One execution instruction data is a program of an execution instruction that can switch input / output between the sub-control unit and the constituent unit between dynamic input / output and static input / output at a predetermined condition and at a predetermined timing.
[0020]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the control device for a vending machine according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, at least one output from the main control unit to the sub control unit and stored in the storage unit of the sub control unit. One execution instruction data is an execution instruction program that can switch the output from the sub-control unit to the component unit from one having no period to one having a fixed period or variable period.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same function as the past.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 1, also in the control device of this vending machine, the customer service unit 2 and the transport unit 3 as a plurality of constituent units 1 constituting the vending machine are respectively connected via wire harnesses 4A and 4B. Sub-MPUs (microprocessor units) 5a and 6a provided in the sub-control units 5 and 6 are connected, and the sub-MPUs 5a and 6a and one main MPU 7a provided in the main control unit 7 are respectively connected to communication lines. 8 is connected. The contents of the control software in the sub MPUs 5a and 6a are limited to the control by the input / output process for the constituent units 1 such as the customer service unit 2 and the transport unit 3 and the communication process for the main MPU 7a, and only the data control process by the main MPU 7a. In addition, the program management of the customer service control process and the conveyance control process is also performed.
[0023]
In addition, each sub-control unit 5, 6 and the configuration unit 1 connected to the sub-control unit 5, 6 (for example, the configuration unit 1 corresponding to the sub-control unit 5 corresponds to the customer service unit 2 and the sub-control unit 6. Control processing (hereinafter referred to as sub-side control processing) that can be performed only with the component unit 1 is the transport unit 3) is performed as input / output processing within each of the sub-control units 5 and 6, and the sub-control unit The number of communications between 5, 6 and the main control unit 7 is reduced. Further, the sub-side control process can perform either an input waiting branch process or a time waiting branch process, or a combination of these input waiting branch process and time waiting branch process.
[0024]
In addition to these configurations, this vending machine control device is an electrically rewritable memory composed of an EEPROM or the like for storing execution command data as instruction contents from the main control unit 7 to the sub-control units 5 and 6. Parts 5c, 6c and 7c are provided in the sub-control parts 5 and 6 and the main control part 7, respectively. The main control unit 7 is connected to a card reader 10 for storing an improved program or the like in the storage unit 7c of the main control unit 7, and an IC card 11 storing the improved program is mounted. Thus, the improved program can be taken into the storage unit 7c of the main control unit 7.
[0025]
When the execution command data is once output from the main control unit 7 to the sub control units 5 and 6 and the corresponding control contents are executed by the sub MPUs 5a and 6a, the execution command data is sent to the sub control units 5 and 6 respectively. When the main control unit 7 instructs the sub control units 5 and 6 again to execute the same execution instruction data, the storage units of the sub control units 5 and 6 are stored. By simply outputting restart data (for example, an identification number of the execution instruction data) instructing restart of the execution instruction data stored in 5c and 6c from the main control unit 7, the sub control units 5 and 6 can store the storage unit. The control contents of the execution instruction data stored in 5c and 6c are executed. Further, when instructing similar control contents similar to the control contents of the execution instruction data already stored in the storage sections 5c and 6c of the sub-control sections 5 and 6, but corresponding to different control contents. The restart data to which the execution command data is added is output from the main control unit 7 to the sub control units 5 and 6, so that the sub control units 5 and 6 execute the similar control contents.
[0026]
Further, the sub-control units 5 and 6 are configured to be able to output composite restart data for restarting a plurality of execution instruction data from the main control unit 7 to the sub-control units 5 and 6, and the sub-control unit 5 and 6 to which the composite restart data is input. The control units 5 and 6 execute the control contents of the plurality of execution instruction data stored in the storage units 5c and 6c as in the case where the plurality of restart data corresponding to the composite restart data is received. Yes. Further, the sub-control units 5 and 6 are configured to be able to output composite synchronous restart data from the main control unit 7 to the sub-control units 5 and 6 to restart a plurality of execution command data in synchronization with each other. The sub-control units 5 and 6 that have input the activation data receive a plurality of restart data corresponding to the composite restart data and associate the respective restart data with each other as shown in FIG. , 6c, the control contents of the plurality of execution instruction data are synchronized and executed.
[0027]
Here, as execution command data output from the main control unit 7 to the sub-control units 5 and 6 and stored, for example, communication between the sub-control units 5 and 6 and the component unit 1 is performed using dynamic input / output and static input. This is a program of execution instructions that can be switched to the output at a predetermined condition and at a predetermined timing. As another example, the output from the sub-control units 5 and 6 to the component unit 1 is fixed from the one without a period to the period. Alternatively, it is a program of execution instructions that can be switched in a variable cycle.
[0028]
In the vending machine, at the shipping stage, execution command data corresponding to various control contents are stored in advance in the storage units 5c and 6c of the sub-control units 5 and 6, and the control contents corresponding to the execution command data are used. The sub-control units 5 and 6 control the constituent unit 1. Therefore, when the control contents of the execution command data already stored in the storage units 5c and 6c of the sub-control units 5 and 6 are executed by the sub-control units 5 and 6 with the vending machine installed, Instead of outputting the execution command data again from the main control unit 7 to the sub-control units 5 and 6, it is only necessary to output only the data of the restart command instructing the restart of the execution command data. Thereby, the amount of communication data from the main control unit 7 to the sub-control units 5 and 6 can be reduced as compared with the case where the execution command data is output again. Of course, even if execution command data corresponding to various control contents is not stored in advance in the storage units 5c and 6c of the sub-control units 5 and 6 at the shipping stage, it is stored when the execution command data is first output. Therefore, similar control is possible.
[0029]
Thereafter, when an improved program for merchandise carry-out processing is introduced into the vending machine, the IC card 11 in which the improved program is written is temporarily mounted, and the improved program is stored in the storage unit 7c of the main control unit 7. Download to. When the main control unit 7 recognizes that the improvement program is stored in the storage unit 7 c, the main control unit 7 outputs the improvement program via the communication line 8 to the sub-control units 5 and 6 to which the improvement program is to be introduced. As a result, in the corresponding sub-control units 5 and 6, the improved program is stored in the storage units 5c and 6c of the sub-control units 5 and 6, and then a restart command corresponding to the improved program is sent to the main control unit 7. From this, the improvement program is executed again only by outputting to the sub-control units 5 and 6.
[0030]
As an example, in the past, communication between the sub-control units 5 and 6 and the component unit 1 was limited to either dynamic input / output or static input / output. It is possible to easily provide an improved program that can be switched to an output at a predetermined condition and at a predetermined timing, or to provide a program that improves the switching condition and timing. For example, in the transport unit 3 of a vending machine such as a direct stacking type having a large number of product storage columns, each product storage unit can be switched by dynamically switching the control signal of the sub-control unit 6 for the transport unit 3 during standby. The state (for example, sold out state) can be detected well. On the other hand, a good payout operation can be reliably performed by statically switching the control signal for the corresponding product storage unit at the time of sale.
[0031]
When introducing the improved program in this way, it is only necessary to store the improved program in the storage unit 7c of the main control unit 7 as described above, and the improved program can be divided into a plurality of programs. Thus, labor and time can be minimized as compared with the case where the human exchanges and rewrite operations of the ROM of the sub-control unit in which the improved program is recorded.
[0032]
Further, the composite restart data can be output from the main control unit 7 to the sub-control units 5 and 6, and the sub-control units 5 and 6 having input the composite restart data are stored in the storage units 5c and 6c. The control contents of a plurality of execution instruction data are executed. Specifically, for example, when it is detected that the selection button has been pressed after the insertion of money in a vending machine configured to deliver the product on a conveyor and move the product to the product outlet on the conveyor. Combined restart data corresponding to the control contents of the payout operation on the conveyor and the drive operation of the conveyor when it is desired to perform the payout operation on the conveyor and the drive operation of the conveyor. Data is output from the main control unit 7 to the sub-control units 5 and 6 and instructed. Thereby, the output from the main control unit 7 to the sub-control units 5 and 6 can be completed in one time, and the product is discharged onto the conveyor, conveyed on the conveyor and discharged to the product outlet. Become.
[0033]
At this time, it corresponds to the restart data of the command execution data corresponding to the payout operation and the conveyor drive operation so as to start driving the conveyor in synchronization with the detection of the completion of the payout operation of the product on the conveyor. Combined with the restart data of the instruction execution data, composite synchronous restart data including data performed by synchronizing these control operations may be output from the main control unit 7 to the sub-control units 5 and 6. Thus, for example, in synchronization with the end of the operation of dispensing the goods on the conveyor, the conveyor starts to be driven and the timer starts counting, and when the timer confirms that a certain time has elapsed, the conveyor While the conveyor is being driven, the conveyor is driven at a high speed until a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of driving. On the other hand, when the product approaches the product outlet after a predetermined time has elapsed, the conveyor is driven at a relatively low speed. By driving the conveyor, it is possible to reduce the impact of the product as much as possible when the product is delivered to the product take-out port while the drive time of the conveyor can be shortened to a relatively short time. Further, the rotational speed can be freely changed for a condenser, a cooling fan, and the like in the refrigeration cycle for cooling the product storage section, and the energy saving specification can be dealt with. In this case, since it is not necessary to output the execution command data for changing the cycle from the main control unit 7 to the sub-control units 5 and 6 even when switching from a non-cycle to a fixed or variable cycle, the main control unit The amount of increase in communication data from 7 to the sub-control units 5 and 6 can be minimized.
[0034]
Further, when instructing similar control contents which are similar to the control contents of the execution instruction data already stored in the storage sections 5c and 6c of the sub-control sections 5 and 6, but differ in part, only the different control contents portions are indicated. Since the restart data to which the execution instruction data to be changed is added is output from the main control unit 7 to the sub control units 5 and 6, the sub control units 5 and 6 execute the similar control content. Many types of control processing can be performed while minimizing an increase in communication volume. For example, energy can be saved by adding data that adjusts the driving time of the conveyor according to the distance between the payout position and the product outlet.
[0035]
Further, check data for each execution instruction number so that the main control section 7 can monitor whether or not the execution instruction data already stored in the storage sections 5c and 6c of the sub-control sections 5 and 6 is accurately stored. And the check data may be periodically transmitted from the sub-control units 5 and 6 to the main control unit 7. According to this, the check data is stored in the storage units 5 c and 6 c of the sub-control units 5 and 6. The execution command data can be confirmed on the main control unit 7 side, and the reliability is improved.
[0036]
In the above embodiment, the case where the constituent units 1 of the customer service unit 2 and the transport unit 3 are targeted has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other constituent units 1 can be similarly dealt with. Needless to say. Further, the number of sub MPUs 5a and 6a is not limited at all.
[0037]
Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the main control unit 7 includes the card reader 10 for storing the improved program in the storage unit 7c of the main control unit 7 has been described. The present invention is not limited, and the storage unit 7c of the main control unit 7 may be downloaded from outside the vending machine via a communication line without providing the card reader 10 or the like. Only the portion 7c is composed of a mask ROM, a PROM, or the like, and an electrically non-rewritable ROM is used. When the improvement program is updated, only the ROM may be replaced.
[0038]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the main control unit and the sub control unit are provided with the storage unit that stores the execution command data that is the instruction content from the main control unit to the sub control unit, and the main control unit to the sub control unit. When the execution instruction data is output and the corresponding control content is executed by the sub-control unit, the execution command data is stored in the storage unit of the sub-control unit, and then the main control unit again performs the sub-control unit. When the same execution instruction is instructed, the sub control unit stores the restart data instructing the restart of the execution instruction stored in the sub control unit from the main control unit to the sub control unit. By configuring to execute the control contents of the execution command data, it is possible to minimize the effort and time even when various control processes for the constituent units are to be improved. Reluctant the improved control process can satisfactorily perform the, moreover, it is possible to suppress the amount of communication data to the sub-control unit from the main control unit to a minimum.
[0039]
Furthermore, it is possible to minimize the increase in traffic by configuring the composite restart data, composite synchronous restart data, and restart data with execution command data added from the main control unit to the sub control unit. However, many types of control processes can be performed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control device of a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control device of a conventional vending machine.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Component unit 2 Service department (component unit)
3 Conveyance unit (component unit)
4A, 4B Wire harness 5, 6 Sub-control units 5a, 6a, 7a Storage unit 7 Main control unit 8 Communication line

Claims (6)

One main control unit, and a plurality of sub-control units that are provided and connected corresponding to a plurality of component units constituting the vending machine and that are connected to the main control unit via communication lines And a storage unit for storing execution command data, which is an instruction content from the main control unit to the sub control unit, is provided in the main control unit and the sub control unit. When the execution command data is output to the control unit and the corresponding control content is executed by the sub control unit, the execution command data is stored in the storage unit of the sub control unit. When instructing the sub-control unit to execute the same execution instruction, the sub-control unit simply outputs the restart data instructing the restart of the execution instruction stored in the sub-control unit from the main control unit to the sub-control unit. Control device for the automatic vending machine configured with to perform the control content of the execution instruction data stored in the storage unit. In the sub control unit, a plurality of execution instruction data can be executed in parallel, and further, composite restart data for restarting a plurality of executed instruction data can be output from the main control unit to the sub control unit. The sub-control unit that has input the composite restart data executes the control contents of the plurality of execution instruction data stored in the storage unit as in the case of receiving a plurality of restart data corresponding to the composite restart data. The control device for a vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the control device is configured. It is possible to synchronize multiple execution instruction data with each other in the sub-control unit, and to output composite synchronous restart data from the main control unit to the sub-control unit that synchronizes and restarts executed execution instruction data with each other The sub-control unit configured and input this composite synchronous restart data receives a plurality of restart data corresponding to this composite restart data and associates each restart data with each other, The control device for a vending machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control contents of a plurality of execution instruction data stored in the storage unit are executed in synchronization. Reboot with execution command data added to change only the different control content when specifying similar control content that is similar to the control content of the execution command data already stored in the storage unit of the sub-control unit The vending machine control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sub control unit executes the similar control content by outputting data from the main control unit to the sub control unit. At least one execution instruction data to be output from the main control unit to the sub control unit and stored in the storage unit of the sub control unit is input / output between the sub control unit and the constituent unit as dynamic input / output and static input / output. The control device for a vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is a program of execution instructions that can be switched at a predetermined condition and at a predetermined timing. At least one execution command data to be output from the main control unit to the sub control unit and stored in the storage unit of the sub control unit is output from the sub control unit to the component unit from a non-period to a fixed period or variable period The vending machine control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control device is a switchable execution instruction program.

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