JP4701517B2 - Vending machine, vending machine management system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vending machine provided with an image display device such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display, a vending machine operating system and a vending machine management apparatus using the vending machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, vending machines have been developed that are provided with an image display device such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display so that commercials of products can be displayed. Furthermore, as disclosed in JP-A-10-143732 (G07F 9/00), a touch panel is provided on the image display device provided in the vending machine, a questionnaire screen is displayed on the image display device, and input from the touch panel is performed. In response to this, a vending machine that conducts questionnaires has also been proposed.
[0003]
The vending machine displays a number of products, asks which product is preferred among them, and sends the answer results from the touch panel to the host computer via a communication line and totals them. In that way, it investigates the preferences of customers who purchase products and obtains materials for marketing.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, with the conventional vending machines described above, it is merely possible to investigate customer preferences and obtain materials for marketing, and it has not been possible to directly reflect the results of the questionnaire on the vending machines. In addition, there is a problem that customers are not actively responding to questionnaires, and a sufficient amount of questionnaires cannot be collected.
[0005]
In consideration of such points, the present invention takes a questionnaire at the time of product sales and enables the result to be directly reflected in the vending machine and enables the customer to actively respond to the questionnaire. It is the purpose.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problem, the vending machine according to claim 1 is a vending machine that mixes raw materials and sells beverages, and includes an image display unit and a beverage that is produced and sold after the sale. Display control means for displaying the contents of the questionnaire, answer input means for inputting answers to the questionnaire, questionnaire count means for counting the answers input from the answer input means, and sales based on the counting results of the questionnaire count means The present invention is characterized by comprising sales control means for adjusting the blending of beverages to be given, and privilege giving means for giving points giving a monetary value to the respondents of the questionnaire. In this way, the result of the questionnaire can be directly reflected in the vending machine, and the customer can actively respond to the questionnaire by giving a privilege to the respondent of the questionnaire. Also,
Based on the results of the questionnaire, it can be formulated to suit the tastes of many customers.
[0010]
Further, the questionnaire counting means of the vending machine according to claim 2 is characterized by counting based on the answers within the latest predetermined period. In this way, it is possible to adjust the sales conditions of the sales product based on the questionnaire result reflecting the situation around the vending machine that changes every moment.
[0011]
The vending machine operating system according to claim 3 includes a plurality of vending machines connected to a communication line, and a vending machine management apparatus capable of communicating with the plurality of vending machines connected to the communication line. The vending machine is a vending machine that mixes raw materials and sells beverages, and displays the image display means and the image after the beverage is made and sold. Display control means for displaying questionnaire contents on the means, answer input means for inputting an answer to the questionnaire, and communication means for transmitting the answer input from the answer input means to the vending machine management apparatus together with customer identification data; , Sales control means for adjusting the blend of beverages sold for sale based on the control data received from the vending machine management device, and point achievement notification from the vending machine management device When receiving, and comprises a privilege granting means for providing benefits to the corresponding customer, the vending machine management system, a questionnaire means for aggregating the survey results received from the vending machine, the survey results Point accumulation means for accumulating points for each customer, point achievement notification means for transmitting point achievement notification to the vending machine together with customer identification data when predetermined points are accumulated, and questionnaire totalization Control data creation means for creating control data for each vending machine based on the total result of the means, and control data transmission means for sending the control data created by the control data creation means to the vending machine. Features. In this way, the questionnaires accepted by a plurality of vending machines can be collected by one vending machine management apparatus. In addition, the result of the questionnaire can be directly reflected in the vending machine, and a privilege can be given to the respondent of the questionnaire.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of a vending machine according to the present invention. The main control unit 1 is a terminal control unit that controls each part of the vending machine such as the input control unit 4, the display control unit 8, the sales control unit 13, and the premium carry-out control unit 14 while performing communication via the data bus 15. To control. The main control unit 1 has a memory 2 for storing various setting data such as sales conditions. A modem 3 is connected to the main control unit 1 so that it can communicate with the management center via a telephone line network, a mobile phone network, a PHS network, or the like.
[0016]
An input device 5 having a data display 6 and a keyboard 7 is connected to the input control unit 4. Various data settings can be made by operating the keyboard 7 while displaying necessary items on the data display 6. Is done.
[0017]
The display control unit 8 is connected to a product selection button 9 provided on the front face of the vending machine and a price indicator 10, and notifies the main control unit 1 which product selection button 9 has been pressed. The amount inserted into a coin insertion slot (not shown) is displayed on the amount display 10. The display control unit 8 is connected to an image display device 11 made of a CRT, a color liquid crystal or the like, and can display an image of a commercial CM or the like, and can display a questionnaire screen related to a sold product. Further, when a questionnaire screen is displayed on the image display device 11, an answer input device 12 for inputting the answer is also connected. As the answer input device 12, for example, a touch panel attached to the surface of the display surface of the image display device 11 can be used.
[0018]
Based on the command from the main control unit 1, the sales control unit 13 controls the preparation of the raw material of the product, controls the temperature, controls the product unloading mechanism, and unloads the product to the product take-out port. . The prize carry-out control unit 14 causes the customer who answers the questionnaire to carry out the prize.
[0019]
FIG. 2 is an external view of the vending machine according to the present invention. The reference numerals correspond to those in FIG. 1, 16 is a coin insertion slot, 17 is a return lever, 18 is a coin return slot, 19 is a product outlet, and 20 is a product sample. The image display device 11 is provided at an easily viewable position on the front surface of the vending machine, and a touch panel is provided on the display surface.
[0020]
During the standby period, sales merchandise, sales company CM images, and the like are displayed on the image display device 11 to attract the attention of passersby. When a coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot 16, the operation guidance screen is displayed. When any product selection button 9 is pressed, the corresponding product is carried out to the product outlet 19.
[0021]
Thereafter, a questionnaire screen as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the image display device 11, for example. At that time, voice guidance may be played. When the customer touches a necessary part on the screen with a finger, the result is notified to the main control unit 1 via the display control unit 8. The main control unit 1 aggregates the results of the questionnaire. For example, when there are many opinions that the product temperature is low, the main control unit 1 instructs the sales control unit 13 to increase the set temperature. Further, in the cup type vending machine, for example, as shown in B in FIG. 4, a questionnaire regarding taste is taken and the questionnaire results are totaled in the same manner as described above. Based on the results, the main control unit 1 The taste is adjusted by changing sales conditions such as beverage data set in the memory 2. The beverage data includes raw material amount, sugar amount, milk amount, mixing rate, beverage temperature, and the like. Next, the control performed based on the questionnaire result will be described.
[0022]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing control based on the questionnaire result.
Step 1: On the questionnaire screen in FIG. 4, it is determined what the answer about temperature was.
Step 2 If the answer is “hot”, add 1 to the cumulative number C _{T +} of “hot”.
Step 3: If the answer is “moderate”, 1 is added to the cumulative number C _T0 of “moderate”.
Step 4... If the answer is “Stuffed”, 1 is added to the cumulative number C _T− of “Stuffed”.
[0023]
The cumulative number C _{T +} , the cumulative number C _T0, and the cumulative number C _T− are totaled every predetermined period, for example, every 10 minutes, and are sequentially stored in the memory 2 in the form shown in FIG. The questionnaire results can be tabulated later by time.
[0024]
Step 5: On the questionnaire screen in FIG. 4, it is determined what the answer about sweetness was.
Step 6: If the answer is “sweet”, 1 is added to the cumulative number C _{S +} of “sweet”.
Step 7: If the answer is “moderate”, 1 is added to the cumulative number C _S0 of “moderate”.
Step 8: If the answer is “bitter”, 1 is added to the cumulative number C _S− of “bitter”. At this time, the cumulative number C _{S +} , the cumulative number C _S0, and the cumulative number C _S− are totaled for each predetermined period, similarly to the cumulative number C _{T +} , the cumulative number C _T0 , and the cumulative number C _T− .
[0025]
Step 9: The totals of the cumulative number C _{T +} , the cumulative number C _T0 , and the cumulative number C _T− of the most recent hour are calculated, and the ratios of the cumulative number C _{T +} and the cumulative number C _T− are calculated, and each predetermined ratio It is determined whether or not the number is exceeded.
Step 10: If the ratio of the cumulative number C _{T +} exceeds a predetermined ratio (for example, 50%), there are many people who feel that it is hot, so the set temperature is lowered by 1 ° C.
Step 11... If the ratio of the cumulative number C _T− exceeds a predetermined ratio (for example, 50%), it means that there are many people who feel that it is slippery, so the set temperature is raised by 1 ° C.
[0026]
Step 12: The totals of the cumulative number C _{S +} , the cumulative number C _S0 , and the cumulative number C _S− of the most recent hour are obtained, and the ratios occupied by the cumulative number C _{S +} and the cumulative number C _S− are calculated, respectively. It is determined whether or not the number is exceeded.
Step 13: If the ratio of the cumulative number C _{S +} exceeds a predetermined ratio (for example, 50%), there are many people who feel that it is sweet, so the set value of the amount of sugar is lowered by one step.
Step 14: If the ratio of the cumulative number C _S- exceeds a predetermined ratio (for example, 50%), it means that there are many people who feel bitter, so the set value of the amount of sugar is increased by one step.
[0027]
In this way, the control amount is adjusted based on the result of the questionnaire for the most recent fixed period (1 hour in the above example), so that it is possible to make adjustments corresponding to the temperature, traffic, and customer base at each time point. Furthermore, for example, when the result of a questionnaire appears extremely, such as when the percentage of people who feel hot exceeds 80%, the set value is changed in two steps at once, or the judgment period is halved (up In this example, 30 minutes) may be used to make finer adjustments.
[0028]
In this vending machine, a premium is given to the respondent of the questionnaire so that the customer can actively respond to the questionnaire. A column for storing prizes is provided in the vending machine, and a prize carry-out device is provided at the lower end of the column. The prize carry-out device is controlled by the prize carry-out control unit 14, and one prize is carried out to the merchandise outlet 19 when the answer input for all items is completed on the questionnaire input screen.
[0029]
Further, instead of offering a product, the price of the product may be discounted. In that case, when the answer input for all items is completed on the questionnaire input screen, a fixed amount, for example, 10 yen is returned from the coin return slot 18.
[0030]
Furthermore, in the point system, when the input of all items is completed on the questionnaire input screen, a certain point is given, and when the point reaches a certain number, one product is added or a certain amount You may make it present cash. In that case, each customer's points may be written on a magnetic card distributed to each customer, or an ID is assigned to each customer, and the vending machine side manages the points for each ID. Also good.
[0031]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the individual vending machines are individually controlled has been described. However, the questionnaire result can be transmitted to the management center via the modem 3 and the communication line. In that case, the contents of the questionnaire may be asked for a favorite product, or for hot or cold preference. Further, a questionnaire may be taken on matters that are not directly related to the products sold at the vending machine. The questionnaire results can be transmitted to the management center, and the questionnaire results sent from a plurality of vending machines can be aggregated at the management center to be used as marketing materials.
[0032]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a vending machine operating system according to the present invention. In FIG. 6, 20 is a management center, 21 is a vending machine management server, 22-24 are vending machines, 25 is a mobile phone, and 26 is a communication line.
[0033]
The vending machine management server 21 is connected to the communication line 26, and the vending machines 22 to 24 are also connected to the communication line 26. Each of the vending machines 22 to 24 includes an image display device that displays a questionnaire screen after selling products, an answer input device that inputs an answer to the questionnaire, and a device that inputs customer identification data. As the answer input device and the device for inputting customer identification data, the touch panel method described above can be adopted.
[0034]
Further, as customer identification data, a number unique to each customer having a predetermined number of digits can be used. However, it becomes difficult to remember when the number of digits increases. Therefore, it is also effective to use a mobile phone or PHS number. Further, a mobile phone or PHS may intercept a telephone number that is constantly transmitted to the base station for location registration and use it as customer identification data. In this way, the trouble of inputting customer identification data can be saved. Furthermore, the mobile phone 25 may be connected to a vending machine, and an answer to a questionnaire may be input using the mobile phone 25. The cellular phone 25 in FIG. 6 shows an example of its use.
[0035]
Then, the input answer is transmitted to the vending machine management server 21 together with the customer identification data. The vending machine management server 21 tabulates the questionnaire responses received from the vending machines 22 to 24 and creates control data for the vending machines 22 to 24 based on the tabulated results. Then, the created control data is transmitted to the vending machines 22-24. The vending machines 22 to 24 change the received control data and perform subsequent control.
[0036]
The vending machine management server 21 accumulates points for each customer every time a questionnaire response is received from each of the vending machines 22 to 24, and when a predetermined point is accumulated, a point achievement notification is sent together with the customer identification data. Send to the appropriate vending machine. When the point achievement notification is received from the vending machine management server 21, the vending machine gives a privilege such as giving a premium or discounting to the corresponding customer.
[0037]
Furthermore, if a vending machine is equipped with a temperature sensor or a human detection sensor that detects the temperature, and sends the questionnaire date and time, temperature, purchased products, traffic information, etc. along with the above questionnaire results to the management center, it becomes more detailed. You can get marketing materials.
[0038]
【The invention's effect】
Since the present invention is configured as described above, the following effects can be obtained. That is, the vending machine according to claim 1 is a vending machine that mixes raw materials and sells beverages, and displays image contents on the image display means and the questionnaire after the beverage is made and sold. Display control means, answer input means for inputting answers to the questionnaire, questionnaire count means for counting the answers input from the answer input means, and blending of beverages to be sold based on the counting results of the questionnaire count means The sales control means to be adjusted and the points given monetary value to the questionnaire respondents were given. As a result, the result of the questionnaire can be directly reflected in the vending machine, and by giving a benefit to the questionnaire respondent, the customer actively responds to the questionnaire.
[0042]
In addition, since the vending machine according to claim 2 is tabulated based on the answers within the most recent predetermined period, based on the questionnaire result reflecting the situation around the vending machine that changes from time to time, It is possible to adjust the sales conditions of the products for sale.
[0043]
The vending machine operating system according to claim 3 is an image display means, a display control means for displaying a questionnaire content on the image display means after the beverage is made and sold, and an answer input for inputting an answer to the questionnaire Means, a communication means for transmitting an answer inputted from the answer input means together with customer identification data to the vending machine management apparatus, and when receiving a point achievement notice from the vending machine management apparatus, A vending machine that mixes a plurality of raw materials with a bonus granting means that gives a bonus and sells beverages, a questionnaire counting means that counts the questionnaire results received from each vending machine, and receives the questionnaire results A point accumulating means for accumulating points for each customer, and when a predetermined point is accumulated, points together with customer identification data A point achievement notifying means for sending a notification of success to the vending machine, a control data creating means for creating control data for each vending machine based on the counting results of the questionnaire counting means, and a control created by the control data creating means A vending machine management apparatus having control data transmission means for transmitting data to the vending machine was connected by a communication line. As a result, questionnaires received by a plurality of vending machines can be tabulated by one vending machine management apparatus. In addition, the result of the questionnaire can be directly reflected in the vending machine, and a privilege can be given to the respondent of the questionnaire.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of a vending machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an external view of a vending machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing control based on a questionnaire result.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of a questionnaire screen.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of accumulation of questionnaire results.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a vending machine operating system according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
9 ... Product selection button 10 ... Amount indicator 11 ... Image display device 16 ... Coin slot 17 ... Return lever 18 ... Coin return port 19 ... Product outlet 20 ... Management center 21 ... Vending machine management servers 22-24 ... Automatic Vending machine 25 ... mobile phone 26 ... communication line

Claims (3)

A vending machine that mixes ingredients and sells beverages,
Image display means;
Display control means for displaying a questionnaire content on the image display means after making and selling a beverage ;
An answer input means for inputting an answer to the questionnaire;
Questionnaire counting means for counting answers input from the answer input means;
Sales control means for adjusting the blending of beverages to be sold based on the results of the questionnaire counting means;
A vending machine comprising a privilege granting means for giving a point given a monetary value to a questionnaire respondent. 2. The vending machine according to claim 1 , wherein said questionnaire totaling means totals based on answers within a most recent predetermined period . A vending machine operating system comprising a plurality of vending machines connected to a communication line and a vending machine management device connected to the communication line and capable of communicating with the plurality of vending machines,
The vending machine is a vending machine that mixes raw materials and sells beverages,
Image display means;
Display control means for displaying a questionnaire content on the image display means after making and selling a beverage;
An answer input means for inputting an answer to the questionnaire;
A communication means for transmitting an answer input from the answer input means to the vending machine management apparatus together with customer identification data;
Sales control means for adjusting the blend of beverages sold for sale products based on the control data received from the vending machine management device;
When receiving a point achievement notification from the vending machine management device, it comprises a privilege granting means for giving a privilege to the corresponding customer,
The vending machine management apparatus includes a questionnaire counting means for counting the questionnaire results received from each vending machine,
Each time the questionnaire result is received, a point accumulation means for accumulating points for each customer;
Point achievement notification means for transmitting a point achievement notification to the vending machine together with customer identification data when a predetermined point is accumulated;
Control data creating means for creating control data for each vending machine based on the counting results of the questionnaire counting means;
Control data transmitting means for transmitting the control data created by the control data creating means to the vending machine;
Vending machine operation system characterized by having

Images