JP4718036B2 - Vending machine data setting device and vending machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention classifies products by type, stores them in a plurality of columns, and controls sales for each product, such as product price, of a vending machine that dispenses products selected by the operation of the product selection unit from each column. The present invention relates to a data setting device for setting data, data for a product selection unit such as a selection button for each column, and other control data.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  Conventionally, control data such as the price of a vending machine has been set for each vending machine by going to the vending machine installation site. And because it handles a wide variety of products such as cigarette vending machines, vending machines that have many columns inside the vending machine and store the products separately for each column prevent control data setting errors. Therefore, open the vending machine door and operate the setting device attached to the vending machine while checking the type of product stored in each column and the arrangement and capacity of each column. Each setting. For vending machines with a large number of columns, see the sales situation, change the settings for the best-selling products to use columns with more capacity, or sell the same type Settings may be changed to accommodate products, but such changes were made while checking the storage capacity and arrangement of each internal column with the vending machine door open. Then, after setting and changing the control data in this way, the price tags were replaced and the products in the column were refilled.
[0003]
  Apart from that, for example, in the technology related to cup-type beverage vending machines, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-31259, a general-purpose external terminal such as a portable personal computer is used. Control data such as size and product price can be set, and data such as sales information and maintenance information can be collected. As disclosed in JP-A-11-283090, graphic display is possible. 2. Description of the Related Art An external terminal such as a personal computer is known in which cooking timing is set while graphically displaying a cooking timing chart, and the set data is transmitted to a vending machine and written into a memory.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  As described above, control data such as the price of a vending machine has been set up for each vending machine by going to the vending machine installation site. It took a lot of effort. In particular, in a vending machine that has a large number of columns inside and stores the products divided into each column, the vending machine door is opened to prevent any setting mistakes. Since it is necessary to set data while checking the type of stored products, the arrangement and storage capacity of each column, and labor is also required to check each column and open and close the door, the maintenance effort is further increased. It was great.
[0005]
  In addition, in the technology disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-31259 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-283090, control data such as product price and cooking timing are set using an external terminal such as a personal computer. Since the set data is sent to the vending machine and set, it is not necessary to go to the vending machine installation location and set it for each machine. In a vending machine that needs to store various types of products divided into a number of columns, such as a cigarette vending machine, the types of products stored in each internal column and the arrangement of the columns Cannot be applied as is when there is a request to set control data while checking the capacity.
[0006]
  The present invention allows the control data to be set without opening the door of the vending machine and at a place away from the vending machine as if the column inside the vending machine is actually being viewed. The purpose is to.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The invention according to claim 1 is a data for setting control data of a vending machine that divides products into types and stores them in a plurality of columns, and throws out the products selected by the operation of the product selection unit from each column. The setting device is connected to the central processing unit for controlling and calculating the entire device, and the arrangement of the plurality of columns in the vending machine and the product storage capacity of each column are visually illustrated with a graphic. Display means capable of displaying a column control data setting screen for displaying control data for each column, and operating the column control data setting screen connected to the central processing unit and displayed by the display means. Setting means for setting data andA communication means connected to the central processing unit for transmitting control data set by the operation of the setting means to the vending machine;It is set as the structure provided with.
[0008]
  In this case, the display means of the data setting device displays a column control data setting screen that visually represents the arrangement of each column in the vending machine and the product storage capacity. Then, the control data can be set by operating the column control data setting screen by the setting means. Therefore, control data can be set without opening the door of the vending machine and at a place away from the vending machine as if you were actually looking at the column inside the vending machine. Fast and accurate settings are possible. Then, by transmitting the set control data to the vending machine through the communication means, it is possible to perform data setting for each vending machine.
[0009]
  The invention according to claim 2 is claimed in claim1In the data setting device of the vending machine according to the above, the display means displays a rectangular column graphic corresponding to each of the plurality of columns, and the inside of the vending machine depends on the display position of each column graphic. The arrangement of each column is expressed, and the product capacity of each column is expressed by the length of the long side of each column graphic.
[0010]
  In this case, the display of the control data setting screen is a rectangular column graphic corresponding to each of a plurality of columns inside the vending machine, and the arrangement of each column is expressed by the display position of each column graphic. The product storage capacity of each column is expressed by the length of the long side of each column graphic, and the display is very close to the actual column configuration inside the vending machine, making it easier to set control data.
[0011]
    According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the data setting device of the vending machine according to the first or second aspect, the control data is stored at least in the product brand data stored in the columns and in the columns. A brand / selection unit control data setting screen that includes data of the product selection unit set for each column corresponding to the product to be displayed, and displays the product brand / selection unit control data for each column by the display means And the product brand / selection unit control data is set by operating the brand / selection unit control data setting screen by operating the setting means.
[0012]
  At least data of product names stored in each column of the vending machine and data of a product selection section such as a selection button number set for each column corresponding to the product stored in each column The control data of the vending machine can be set quickly and accurately by the data setting device having the configuration of the first or second aspect as if the column inside the vending machine is actually viewed.
[0013]
  The invention according to claim 4 is the data setting device of the vending machine according to claim 3, wherein the control data includes brand control data for each brand of the product, and the brand control for each brand by the display means. A brand control data setting screen for displaying data is displayed, and the brand control data is set by operating the brand control data setting screen by operating the setting means.
[0014]
  In this case, the display means of the data setting device displays the brand control data for each brand of the product in addition to the column control data setting screen for visually expressing the arrangement of the columns and the product capacity in the vending machine. The brand control data setting screen can be displayed, and the brand control data such as the product size and the product price for each brand can be set by operating the brand control data setting screen with the setting means.
[0015]
  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the data setting device of the vending machine according to the first to fourth aspects, the data setting device includes a change data output means for outputting control data changed as a result of setting by operation of the setting means. To do.
[0016]
  In this case, the changed control data is output by printing, etc., and the manual change work of the actual vending machine necessary for the change of the control data (price change, product refill, column size, etc.) It can be used as a procedure manual when making changes, etc., and quick and accurate change work can be performed.
[0017]
  The invention according to claim 6 stores the control data set by the data setting device of the vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5 in the memory of the vending machine and uses it as sales control data. Is.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0019]
  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the vending machine 1 in an open state. This example is applied to a cigarette vending machine, and the vending machine main body 2 of the vending machine 1 has a plurality of main bodies formed vertically so as to store products (cigarettes) stacked in the vertical direction. Side product columns 3, 4, 5 are provided. In the example of FIG. 1, three column rows are provided on the left side (left side of the drawing) as viewed from the front, and three columnar product-side product columns 3 are vertically stacked, and adjacent to each other (center in the horizontal direction in the drawing). ), Three column columns are provided, with the upper part being a medium-sized main body side product column 4 and the lower stage being a short main body-side product column 3, and a long main body on the right side (right side of the drawing). Four side product columns 5 are provided. A dispensing unit 6 is provided at the lower end of each of the body-side product columns 3, 4, 5 to push out and dispense in order from the lowest product among the products stacked and stored in the vertical direction.
[0020]
  Similarly, door-side product columns 8, 9, and 10 are provided on the door 7 of the tobacco vending machine 1. In the example of FIG. 1, there are four column examples in which the opened door is on the left side (left side of the drawing) when viewed from the inside, the upper row is the short door-side product column 8, and the lower row is the medium-sized door-side product column 9. Four long door-side product columns 10 are provided on the right side (right side of the drawing) adjacent to each other. In the same manner, the dispensing units 6 are also provided at the lower ends of the door-side product columns 8, 9, and 10.
[0021]
  In addition, a product take-out port 11 is provided at the lower portion of the door 7. In the lower part of the vending machine main body 2, a chute 12 for guiding the products thrown out from the main body side product columns 3, 4, 5 and the door side product columns 8, 9, 10 to the product outlet 11 is provided. ing.
[0022]
  The cigarette vending machine 1 stores the cigarettes classified by type (brand) in the main body side product columns 3, 4, 5 and the door side product columns 8, 9, 10; Not limited to examples.
[0023]
  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vending machine 1 and the data setting device 13 in this embodiment.
[0024]
  The data setting device 13 displays a CPU (central processing unit) 14 that performs control and calculation of the entire device, a memory 15 that stores a control program of the data setting device 13 and set data, a data setting screen, and setting results. Control data, etc. between the display means 16, setting means 17 for setting data by operating a data setting screen, changed data output means 18 for outputting changed control data by printing, etc. The memory 15, the display unit 16, the setting unit 17, the communication unit 19, and the change data output unit 18 are connected to the CPU 14, respectively.
[0025]
  On the other hand, the vending machine 1 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 20 that controls and operates the entire vending machine, a memory 21 that stores a control program, set data, sales data, and the like of the vending machine 1, and a consumer. A product selection unit 22 (select button) for selecting a product that the user wants to purchase, and a product delivery unit 23 (including the delivery unit 6) for throwing out the product selected by the product selection unit 22 from the product column And a money processing unit 24 for processing money input into the vending machine 1 and a communication means 25 for communicating control data and the like with the data setting device 13, a memory 21, a product selection unit 22. The product dispensing unit 23, the money process 24, and the communication means 25 are each connected to the CPU 19.
[0026]
  FIG. 3 is an external view of the vending machine and the data setting device. The data setting device 13 includes a display 31 as the display means 16 and a personal computer 34 having a keyboard 32 and a mouse 33 as the setting means 17, and further performs communication with the vending machine 1 for transmission and reception of control data. As means 19, an optical adapter 35 is connected by a communication cable. Although not shown, an optical adapter for performing data communication with infrared light is provided on the front surface of the vending machine 1 with the optical adapter 35 of the data setting device 13. The personal computer 34 is connected to a printer 36 as the change data output means 18 for printing the change points of the setting data.
[0027]
  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating functions of the data setting device. The data setting device 13 has various functions shown in FIG.
[0028]
  The model setting function 41 is a function for setting each model name, the number of product columns, and the number of selection buttons for a plurality of types of vending machines 1 targeted by the data setting device 13. It also has a column-specific setting function 42 for setting the number of items accommodated by item column and the size of accommodated items.
[0029]
  The brand setting function 43 is a function for setting a size, a price, and the like for each brand for a plurality of types of merchandise brands sold by the vending machine 1. Regarding prices, two types of prices can be set by predicting price changes.
[0030]
  The vending machine selection function 44 is a function for selecting the vending machine 1 to be set with control data prior to column control data setting and transmission / reception of control data, which will be described later.
[0031]
  The column control data setting function 45 is a function for setting control data for each product column of the selected vending machine 1, and further provides control data such as product brand data of the stored product and data of the corresponding product selection unit. The change point of the control data is output by the brand / selection button setting function (brand / selection part control data setting function) 46 to be set and the change data output means 18 (printer 36) described above, and the price display of the vending machine 1 is displayed. And a change procedure printing function 47 for printing a procedure such as a change.
[0032]
  The transmission function 48 is a function for transmitting the set control data to the vending machine 1. The transmitted control data is stored in the memory 21 via the communication means of the vending machine 1.
[0033]
  The reception function 49 is a function for reading the control data stored in the memory 21 of the vending machine 1 into the data setting device 13.
[0034]
  Each function can be called from the main menu 50 activated when the data setting device 13 is started up, and is operated by operating the setting unit 17 while viewing the operation screen displayed on the display unit 16 of the data setting device 13. Is possible.
[0035]
  Hereinafter, each function will be described in detail.
[0036]
  FIG. 5 shows an example of a main menu display screen that is activated when the data setting device 13 is started up. When the data setting device 13 is started up, the main menu is first activated, and the menu shown in FIG. Each function can be called by clicking the corresponding portion of this menu with the mouse 33.
[0037]
  FIG. 6 shows an example of a model setting screen displayed when the model setting function 41 is called. Data such as the number of columns and selection buttons for each type of vending machine and the number and size of products that can be stored in each column are normally registered in advance in the data setting device 13, but there are unregistered models. If the data needs to be changed, use this function to set the data.
[0038]
  In the model setting screen of FIG. 6, first, the model name of the target vending machine is input to the model name display unit 61. This input is performed by inputting characters from the keyboard 32 or by operating the mouse 33 and selecting an existing model name from the pull-down menu.
[0039]
  Next, numerical values are input to the column number display unit 62 and the selection button number display unit 63.
[0040]
  If the OK button 65 is clicked with the mouse, the set data is saved and the screen returns to the main menu. If the cancel button 66 is clicked with the mouse, the set data is not saved and the screen returns to the main menu.
[0041]
  In the model setting screen of FIG. 6, the column-specific setting function 42 can be called by clicking the column-specific setting button 64 with a mouse.
[0042]
  FIG. 7 shows an example of the column-specific setting screen. In this column-specific setting screen, the model name, the number of columns, and the number of buttons set by the model setting function are displayed at the top of the screen, and below that, a column number display unit 71 that displays the column number for each column, An accommodation number display unit 72 that displays the number of products that can be stored in each column (product storage capacity) and a product size display unit 73 that displays the size of the products that can be stored are provided. In the column number display portion 71, column numbers automatically assigned in order from the first are displayed.
[0043]
  The accommodation number displayed on the accommodation number display part 72 is input from the keyboard 32 for each column.
[0044]
  In addition, in the product size display section 73, check fields are listed in advance for each existing product size (S, R, L, etc.), and the product size is displayed by clicking the corresponding part with the mouse 33. The
[0045]
  The example of FIG. 7 shows that, for example, the first column is set to be capable of accommodating two types of products, K size and SK size, where the number is 26.
[0046]
  In this way, when the number of items accommodated and the product size are input for each column and the OK button 74 is clicked with the mouse, the set data is saved and the screen returns to the model setting screen (FIG. 6). If cancel button 75 is clicked on with a mouse, it returns to the model setting screen (FIG. 6) without saving the set data.
[0047]
  FIG. 8 shows an example of a brand control data setting screen displayed when the brand setting function 43 is called. The brand data of the products stored in each column for sale by the vending machine 1 is normally registered in advance in the data setting device 13, but it is necessary to sell new brand products or to change the data. If it occurs, the brand setting function 43 is used to set data.
[0048]
  In the brand control data setting screen of FIG. 8, the brand name of the product to be set is input to the brand name display unit 81. This input is performed by inputting characters from the keyboard 32 or by operating the mouse 33 and selecting an existing brand name from the pull-down menu. Then, the product size display unit 82 is inputted with the size of the product to be set. As the product size, existing product sizes (S, R, L, etc.) are listed in advance, and the corresponding part is clicked with the mouse 33. In the example of FIG. 8, “K size” is selected.
[0049]
  In addition, the first price and the second price of the set product are input to the first price display unit 83 and the second price display unit 84, respectively. Unless otherwise specified, the control system of the vending machine 1 recognizes the first price as the price of the product. Therefore, normally, the first price is set to the price of the current product, and the second price is set to the price expected to be changed in the future.
[0050]
  When input is made in this way and the OK button 85 is clicked with the mouse, the set data is saved and the screen returns to the main menu. If the cancel button 86 is clicked with the mouse, the set data is not saved and the process returns to the main menu.
[0051]
  FIG. 9 shows an example of a vending machine selection screen displayed when the vending machine selection function 44 is called. On this screen, the model and management number of the vending machine for which control data is to be set or changed are input to the model display unit 91 and the management number display unit 92, respectively. The manager of the vending machine often manages many vending machines of the same model, and therefore distinguishes the vending machines by the management number assigned to each vending machine being managed.
[0052]
  When input is made in this way and the OK button 93 is clicked with the mouse, the set data is saved and the screen returns to the main menu. If cancel button 94 is clicked on with a mouse, the set data is not saved and the screen returns to the main menu.
[0053]
  When the setting by the vending machine selection function 44 is completed and the model and management number are selected, the column control data setting function 45, the brand / selection button setting function 46, the change procedure printing function 47, the transmission function 48, The setting and processing by the receiving function 49 are the setting and processing for the vending machine corresponding to the selected model and management number. When changing the data for a vending machine having a different model and management number, the vending machine selection function 44 is called again to change the model and management number settings.
[0054]
  FIG. 10 shows an example of a column control data setting screen displayed when the column control data setting function 45 is called. In this column control data setting screen, the actual arrangement of the main body side product columns 3, 4, 5 and the door side product columns 8, 9, 10 of the vending machine 1 shown in FIG. A plurality of column graphics 101 that visually represent the capacity (the vertical length of the column) are displayed.
[0055]
  The column graphic 101 is a rectangle, the actual product column assembly position is relatively expressed by the display position of each column graphic 101, and the product storage capacity of the actual product column is determined by the length of the long side of each column graphic 101. (Length of column in the vertical direction) is expressed relatively.
[0056]
  That is, the right half portion 102 at the top of the column control data setting screen in FIG. 10 conforms to the arrangement of the main body side product columns 3, 4, 5 of the actual vending machine 1 shown in FIG. Then, on the right side of the center of the screen, three column graphic rows are displayed in which three short column graphics 101 are vertically stacked, and adjacent to the right side, the upper column is a medium column graphic 101 and the lower column is a short column. Three column graphic columns, which are the column graphic 101, are displayed, and four long column graphic 101 are displayed adjacent to the right side thereof.
[0057]
  In the left half 103 at the top of the screen, in accordance with the arrangement of the door-side product columns 8, 9, and 10 and the product capacity, the upper column is a short column figure 101 on the left side of the center of the screen, and the lower is a medium size The column graphic 101 is displayed in four columns, and the long column graphic 101 is displayed in four columns adjacent to the left.
[0058]
  By displaying the column graphic 101 in this way, the internal column arrangement and capacity (length in the vertical direction) visible when the door 7 of the vending machine 1 is opened are visually expressed as they are. . Therefore, the administrator can operate the data setting device 13 as if he / she actually looks at the column structure inside the vending machine.
[0059]
  Hereinafter, the display and operation of the column control data setting screen will be described in detail. The column control data setting screen displays and sets the product form data that is the control data for each column, parallel sales group data, extra column selection data, first price or second price selection data, etc. can do. Also, the selection button number (product selection part data) that is control data for each column is also displayed, and the selection button number and the brand of the product stored in the corresponding column are set in the product brand / selection part control data described later. The screen can be switched and set (see FIG. 12).
[0060]
  FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the column graphic 101 at the upper left corner of the display screen of FIG. 10 as a display example of the column graphic 101.
[0061]
  As shown in FIG. 11, the column graphic 101 includes a column number display unit 111 that displays a column number, a selection button number display unit 112 that displays a corresponding selection button number, and a product form display unit that displays a product form. 113,ParallelA parallel sales group display unit 114 for displaying the sales group is provided.
[0062]
  The column number is a number that is fixedly assigned to each column. In this embodiment, since the vending machine 1 has 31 columns, numbers 1 to 31 are assigned to the respective columns.
[0063]
  The selection button number is the number of the selection button associated with each column. FIG. 11 shows that the merchandise in the 20th column is paid out when the 20th selection button is pressed.
[0064]
  The product form shows a form in which the product stored in the column is sold at one time, “single sale” indicating a single sale in which one product is paid out by pressing one selection button, and one selection button pressing “2P” indicating two-sale for paying out two products by “2P”, and “2P” indicating sales for paying out two-packed products in which two products are combined into one pack by pressing the selection button once “5P”, which indicates the sale of paying out a 5-pack product that combines 5 products into one pack by pressing the select button once, and when a product in another associated column is sold, such as a writer “Bonus” indicating sales for paying out extra items is displayed. In the example of FIG. 11, it is shown that the products in the 20th column are two-pack products.
[0065]
  The parallel sales group indicates a grouping for performing parallel sales. Parallel sales means that multiple columns containing the same type of products are grouped together, and if any column in the group is sold out, the corresponding column is not sold out and the corresponding selection button is pressed. Is a sales method in which products are paid out from other columns in the group. In the example of FIG. 10, it is shown that the 20th and 21st columns are set in the third group (G3). In this case, even if there is no product in the 20th column, it is not sold out, and when the 20th selection button is pressed, the product is paid out from the 21st column.
[0066]
  As described above, in the column control data setting screen of FIG. 10, the column number, the corresponding selection button number, the sales form, and the like are displayed in the frame of each short column figure 101, so that each column is set. The control data can be grasped at a glance, and what control data is set in which column of the actual vending machine 1 can be intuitively grasped.
[0067]
  In setting the control data for each column, in order to select the column to be set on the column control data setting screen in FIG. 10, the column number for which control data is to be set or changed is input to the column selection unit 104. This input can be performed by inputting numbers using a keyboard or selecting from a pull-down menu using a mouse. In the example of FIG. 10, the column of column number 20 (the column graphic at the upper left corner) is selected.
[0068]
  After selecting a column in this way, the product form selection unit 105, the parallel sales group selection unit 106, the extra column selection unit 107, and the second price selection unit 108 set various column control data.
[0069]
  The product form selection unit 105 can select a product form to be set for the selected column from the above-described five types of product forms. This selection is possible by clicking the desired product form with the mouse. In the example of FIG. 10, “2P size” is selected, and “2P” is displayed on the product form display portion 113 (see FIG. 11) of the 20th column figure currently selected.
[0070]
  The parallel sales group selection unit 106 can select the parallel sales group described above or perform selection so as not to perform parallel sales. This selection can be made by clicking the desired group “1-8 group” or “none” with the mouse. In the example of FIG. 10, “3 groups” is selected, and “G3” is displayed on the parallel sales group display portion 114 (see FIG. 11) of the 20th column figure currently selected. In the example of FIG. 10, the 20th column is grouped into “3 groups” together with the adjacent 21st column.
[0071]
  The bonus column selection unit 107 can select a column that stores a product to be paid out as a bonus when selling the product in the currently selected column. This selection can be made by clicking a column in which a desired extra is stored with the mouse or clicking “none”. In the example of FIG. 10, the currently selected column No. 20 indicates that the column is the bonus target column of the column No. 10 in which the bonus items are stored. In this case, when the 20th selection button is pressed and a product is paid out and sold from the 20th column, at the same time, it is controlled to pay out the extra product from the 10th column.
[0072]
  By clicking with the mouse 33, the second price selection unit 108 can change the sales price of the product in the currently selected column to the second price set by the brand setting function 43. At the time when the brand of the product stored in the column is set by the brand / selection button setting function 46, the selling price is automatically set to the first price. The sales price can be changed to the second price by clicking the second price selection unit 108, and at this time, the date at this time is displayed.
[0073]
  When various data are selected in this way and the OK button 109 is clicked with the mouse, the set data is stored in the memory 15 and the main menu is restored. If cancel button 110 is clicked on with a mouse, the set data is not saved and the display returns to the main menu.
[0074]
  In addition, when the selection button number display portion 112 (see FIG. 11) of the column graphic 101 is clicked on the column control data setting screen of FIG. 10, the brand / selection button setting function is called and the product brand / selection button setting screen is displayed. Is done. FIG. 12 shows a display example of the brand / selection button setting screen.
[0075]
  In the brand / selection button setting screen (brand / selection part control data setting screen) in FIG. 12, the column number of the column graphic 101 to which the clicked selection button number display part 112 belongs is displayed in the column number display part 121. The name selection unit 122 displays the brand (type) of the product accommodated in the product column of the displayed column number, and the corresponding button display unit 123 displays the number corresponding to the number of selection buttons set by the model setting function 41. Is displayed.
[0076]
  In the brand name selection unit 122, when a pull-down menu is displayed with a mouse, a registered brand is displayed. Therefore, by selecting a brand to be set, it is possible to set product brand data. If the brand to be set is not in the pull-down menu, it is necessary to set a new brand by the brand setting function 43.
[0077]
  The corresponding button display unit 123 displays the number corresponding to the number of selection buttons set by the model setting function 41 as described above. Then, the data of the corresponding selection button (product selection unit) can be set by clicking the number of the selection button desired to correspond to the product column displayed in the column number display unit 121 with the mouse. In the example of FIG. 12, No. 20 is selected as the corresponding selection button.
[0078]
  In the selection button setting, a plurality of selection buttons can be associated with one column, and a single selection button can be associated with a plurality of columns. In the example of FIG. 10, the two selection buttons 15 and 16 are associated with the 16th column, and the same 14th selection button is associated with the 14th and 15th columns.
[0079]
  When the brand name and selection button are selected in this way and the OK button 124 is clicked, the set data is saved in the memory 15 and the column control data setting function 45 is returned. When the cancel button 110 is clicked, the set data is not saved and the column control data setting function 45 returns.
[0080]
  When the print button 130 is clicked on the column control data setting screen of FIG. 10, the change procedure manual print function 47 is called, and the change procedure output means 18 (printer 36) outputs (prints) the change procedure manual. FIG. 13 shows a print example of the change procedure manual.
[0081]
  By clicking the print button 130 in FIG. 10, the change procedure manual 131 can be printed. The change procedure manual 131 indicates the change work of the vending machine 1 that must be performed manually by the administrator of the vending machine 1 in accordance with the change of the column control data changed by the column control data setting function 45 (for example, the column size). (Change of horizontal width and depth width, change of price display, etc.) are printed. FIG. 13 shows an example of the change procedure manual.
[0082]
  In the change procedure manual 131 of FIG. 13, the change procedure manual is printed on the upper left, and the date when the procedure change manual 131 is output is printed on the upper right. Then, the model name and control number of the target vending machine are printed, and then the column for which the control data has been changed corresponds to the column number, the brand name of the product to be stored, the column size, the price of the product, and the column. The selection button number to be printed is printed. For the column size, price, and selection button, the data before and after the change are printed so that the manual change operation can be easily performed.
[0083]
  In the example of FIG. 13, it is shown that the control data of the columns with the column numbers 1, 7, and 20 has changed. For example, in the 20th column, the brand of the product to be stored is “Glory Mild”, the product size is changed from “SK” to “K”, and the product price is also changed from “250 yen” to “260 yen”. The corresponding selection button is number 20 and there is no change. In accordance with the change procedure manual 131, the administrator performs operations such as changing the column size and changing the price display.
[0084]
  The control data set in this way can be transmitted to the vending machine 1 by the transmission function 48. The transmission function 48 is called by selecting transmission from the main menu (FIG. 5). Then, a transmission screen (not shown) is operated to transmit control data. At this time, the vending machine 1 to be transmitted is a vending machine having a management number selected by the vending machine selection function 44, and the transmitted control data is stored in the memory via the communication means of the vending machine 1.21And used as subsequent sales control data.
[0085]
  Further, as described above, the data setting device 13 is the memory of the vending machine 121Is received by the data setting device 13 and is selected from the main menu (FIG. 5) to call the reception function 49, which is already set in the vending machine 1. The control data can be read into the data setting device 13. Therefore, the contents of the control data of the vending machine 1 can be confirmed by graphic display on the display means 16 (display 25) of the data setting device. In addition, the control data of one of the two vending machines can be received via the data setting device 13 and transmitted to the other vending machine. Can be easily equalized.
[0086]
  Although an example of the embodiment has been described above, the present invention can be implemented in various other modes.
[0087]
  For example, in the description of the above embodiment, the communication unit 24 has shown an example of infrared communication using the optical adapter 35. However, various other types of wireless communication such as a cellular phone can be used, and communication is possible. Wired communication with a cable connected may be used.
[0088]
  In addition, on the display screen when the column control data setting function 45 is called (FIG. 10), the brand of the stored product set by the brand / selection button setting function 46 may be displayed on each column graphic. The display of the brand in that case may be a brand name or abbreviation, product package image data, or the like.
[0089]
  Moreover, although the case of the cigarette vending machine was described in the said embodiment, of course, this invention is applicable also to vending machines other than a cigarette vending machine.
[0090]
【The invention's effect】
  As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the column control data setting screen for visually expressing the arrangement of each column in the vending machine and the product storage capacity is displayed by the display means of the data setting device. By operating the column control data setting screen with the setting means, you can set the control data, without opening the vending machine door, or in a place away from the vending machine. , Automatic
Control data can be set as if you were actually looking at the column inside the vending machine, making it possible to set it quickly and accurately.
[0091]
  In particular, a rectangular column graphic is displayed corresponding to each of a plurality of columns, and the arrangement of each column inside the vending machine is expressed by the display position of each column graphic, and the length of the long side of each column graphic is displayed. By configuring so as to express the product capacity of each column, a screen display very close to the actual column configuration inside the vending machine can be obtained.
[0092]
  The data setting device for a vending machine according to the present invention is set for each column corresponding to data such as brand names of products stored in each column of the vending machine and products stored in each column. It is suitable for setting control data of vending machines including data of product selection section such as selection button number, etc. Also, data such as brand names of products stored in each column of vending machines and stored in each column It is also suitable for setting the data of the product selection section such as the selection button number set for each column corresponding to the product being sold, and such control data is as if actually looking at the column inside the vending machine Can be set quickly and accurately.
[0093]
  Further, the data setting device of the vending machine according to the present invention is not limited to the column control data setting screen for visually expressing the arrangement of each column inside the vending machine and the product storage capacity by the display means. The brand control data setting screen that displays the brand control data is displayed, and the brand control data setting screen such as the product size and price for each brand is set by operating the brand control data setting screen with the setting means. You can also
[0094]
  In addition, the changed control data is output by printing, etc., and the manual change work of the actual vending machine necessary for the change of the control data (price change, product refill, column size By using it as a procedure manual when making changes, etc., it is possible to make a quick and accurate change work.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an open state showing an internal structure of a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vending machine and a data setting device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an external view of a vending machine and a data setting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing functions of the data setting device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 shows an example of a main menu display screen in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 shows an example of a model setting display screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 shows an example of a display screen for setting by column in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 shows an example of a brand setting display screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 shows an example of a display screen for selecting a vending machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 shows an example of a column control data setting screen in the embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a column graphic display example on the column control data setting screen of FIG.
FIG. 12 is a display example of a brand / selection button setting screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a printing example of a change procedure manual according to the embodiment of the present invention
[Explanation of symbols]
    1 Vending machine
    3 Short product column
    4 Medium-size product column
    5 Long product column
    8 Short door side product column
    9 Medium-sized door-side product column
  10 Long door side product column
  13 Data setting device
  14 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
  15 memory
  16 Display means
  17 Setting means
  18 Changed data output means
  19 Communication means
  25 Communication means
  31 display
  32 keyboard
  33 mice
  34 PC
  35 Optical adapter
  36 Printer
  41 Model setting function
  42 Column-specific setting function
  43 Brand setting function
  44 Vending machine selection function
  45 Column control data setting function
  46 Brand / Selection Button Setting Function
  47 Change procedure print function
  48 Transmission function
  49 Reception function
  50 Main menu
101 Column figure
104 Column selector
105 Product form selector
106 Parallel sales group selection section
107 Bonus column selector
108 Second price selection section
111 Column number display
112 Selection button number display
113 Product form display
114 Parallel sales group display
121 Column number display
122 Brand Name Selection Section
123 Corresponding button selection part
131 Change Procedure Manual

Claims (6)

A data setting device that sets the control data of a vending machine that divides the products into types and stores them in a plurality of columns, and throws out the products selected by the operation of the product selection unit from each column,
A central processing unit for controlling and calculating the entire apparatus;
Column control data setting that is connected to the central processing unit and visually represents the arrangement of the plurality of columns in the vending machine and the product storage capacity of each column by means of graphics, and displays control data for each column Display means capable of displaying a screen;
A setting unit connected to the central processing unit and performing data setting by operating the column control data setting screen displayed by the display unit;
A vending machine data setting device comprising: a communication unit connected to the central processing unit and transmitting control data set by the operation of the setting unit to the vending machine. The display means displays a rectangular column graphic corresponding to each of the plurality of columns;
The arrangement of each column inside the vending machine is expressed by the display position of each column graphic.
Data setting device for the automatic vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the length of the long side of each column shape, characterized in that to represent the product accommodating capacity of each column. The control data includes at least product brand data stored in each column and data of the product selection unit set for each column corresponding to the product stored in each column,
The display means displays a brand / selection part control data setting screen for displaying product brand / selection part control data for each column,
3. The data setting of the vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the product brand / selection unit control data is set by operating the brand / selection unit control data setting screen by operating the setting means. apparatus. The control data includes brand control data for each brand of the product,
By the display means, a brand control data setting screen for displaying brand control data for each brand is displayed,
4. The data setting device for a vending machine according to claim 3, wherein the brand control data is set by operating the brand control data setting screen by operating the setting means.   The data setting device for a vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising change data output means for outputting control data changed as a result of setting by operation of the setting means.   The vending machine which memorize | stores the control data set by the data setting apparatus of the vending machine of any one of Claims 1-5 in memory, and uses it as sales control data.

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