JPH01205294A - Data collector for automatic vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enhance reliability when data are stored into a memory card by once storing the respective types of the data generated during the work of an automatic vending machine into a RAM, thereafter, confirming the installation of the memory card in the automatic vending machine and transferring and storing the data to the memory card. CONSTITUTION:The title device is a card-shaped data memory means, which is installed through a connector CC in the automatic vending machine, and accessed through the connector CC by a CPU 1, and it is equipped with a memory card 2 which is composed by storing a key word 2A to identify the device itself. Further, the CPU 1 reads the key word 2A from the memory card 2, discriminates that the key word 2A is correct, and then the collecting data stored into a RAM 4 are transferred to the memory card 2. Thus, the reliability when the respective types of the data generated in the automatic vending machine are stored into the memory card 2 can be enhanced.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] [Industrial application field]

The present invention relates to a device that collects various data generated in a vending machine (also referred to as a vending machine) when the machine operates, such as sales data, abnormal data, etc. In particular, the present invention relates to a device that collects various data generated in a vending machine (also referred to as a vending machine), such as sales data and abnormal data. The present invention relates to a data collection device that facilitates data collection, increases the reliability of the collection operation, and enriches the content of collected data to enable more efficient installation and operation of vending machines. Note that in the following figures, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[Conventional technology]

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a conventional sales data collection system. In the figure, 01 is a vending machine, 02 is a data collection device, 06 is a vending machine control device in the vending machine 01, and 07 is a sales count storage means, which inputs a signal each time a product is sold from the control device 06, counts it, and stores it. Communication control means 08 is connected to the data collection device 02 via connectors CI, C2 and signal line DL, and performs control for transmitting sales data stored in the sales count storage means 07 to the data collection device 02. With the above configuration, the data collection device 02 collects sales data for each vending machine 01. When collecting sales data here, data collection device 02
When data collection is activated from the upper keyboard 02a, a signal requesting sales data is sent to the vending machine 01 via the data communication signal line DL. In response to this request, the vending machine 01 side stores the sales count storage means 07.
The sales data stored in the data collection device 02 is transmitted to the data collection device 02 according to a specific communication procedure determined between the communication control means 08 and the data collection device 02. The data collection device 02 stores the sales data collected as described above in its own internal memory (not shown). After collecting sales data for a plurality of vending machines using similar operations, the data collection device 02 is taken back to the office and the collected sales data is transmitted to the computer 04 via the relay device 03. In this way, by manually inputting sales data to FF A O4, sales by vending machine, total sales,
This involves intensive sales management of the sales cycle for each product. In addition, regarding vending machine abnormality data, if you store abnormality data such as malfunctions such as sold out of products or jammed coins, and power outages that occur in vending machines along with the time of occurrence, you can retrieve and analyze such data later. This makes it possible to understand the sales of products, and also to prevent complaints by identifying trends in abnormalities. Therefore, installing a device that collects such abnormal data is an effective means for efficiently managing vending machines. Conventionally, such a common abnormality data collection device stores the above-mentioned abnormal data in a part of the memory area of the vending machine control device, and when reading this abnormal data, the vending machine control device 06 Display and read the abnormal data one by one on the keyboard display (not shown above), or connect the data collection device 02 to the vending machine 01 and collect the abnormal data as in the case of collecting sales data. bag ff
There is something that can be transferred to O2 and printed out.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, the above sales data collection method has the following problems. (1) Since the storage capacity of the data collection device 02 is limited, if the number of vending machines for which sales data should be collected is large, a problem occurs in which sales data cannot be collected. Therefore, the number of vending machines for which sales data can be collected is limited. (2) If the data collection bag WO2 experiences some kind of abnormality, such as data disappearing due to a memory backup power failure, or memory data being destroyed due to a runaway CPU of the data collection device 02, all sales of the collected vending machine There is a risk that the data may become invalid all at once. (3) Since the data that can be collected is mostly limited to sales data, we will not be able to install new vending machines in specific areas in the future.
Data for consideration when developing a new installation location (for example, cost data such as the fact that the operating rate of the cooling/heating unit differs depending on the number of times the product is replenished, resulting in a difference in electricity rates; service information such as the number of failures and failure details specific to each model) data)
etc. cannot be grasped. Furthermore, even with the method of collecting abnormal data, it takes a long time to read the abnormal data using the keyboard of the vending machine control device 06, and it takes time and effort to transport and carry the data collecting device 02. There was a problem in that it was interfering with business operations. Therefore, the problem of the present invention is to attach a memory card to each vending machine, store the sales data, abnormal data, and various vending machine generated data on this memory card, and use this memory card as a new memory card for data collection. By replacing the memory cards and collecting them, and having the contents read and investigated at the sales office, and by providing a means to confirm the installation status of the memory card in the vending machine when using this memory card, In order to improve trustworthiness by preventing sales data from being lost even if one forgets to insert it into a vending machine, and by preventing sales figures from being garbled, data collection work can be done in a short time, and data collection methods can be used. The purpose is to make the vending machine smaller and lighter, and to enrich the content of data collected from the vending machine, thereby making it possible to more accurately install and operate the vending machine efficiently.

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to solve the above problems, the device of the present invention uses fCPU
(1 etc.), a RAM that stores various data generated within the vending machine (hereinafter referred to as collection data)
(4, storage means 24, etc.), a card-shaped data storage means that is attached to the vending machine via a connector (CC, etc.) and accessed by the CPU via this connector. It is a memory card with a keyword () to identify itself in advance.
2A, etc.), and the CPU reads the keyword from the memory card, and in a state where the keyword is determined to be correct, collects data stored in the RAM. to the said memory card" or further "transfer
The data to be collected includes sales data consisting of the number of products sold by product column, sales amount, etc., and occurrence abnormalities (failures, sold-outs, power outages, etc.) (obtained from the failure/sold-out detection circuit 7, power outage detection circuit 8, etc.) , abnormal data including the date and time of the abnormal occurrence (obtained from the clock circuit 9, etc.), or historical data regarding the operation rate of the cooling and heating load and various setting data.

[For use]

This invention involves installing a memory card in each vending machine and storing various data generated in the vending machine (data related to sales and abnormalities, operation rate of the cooling/heating unit, change history of various setting data, failure history, etc.) to the memory card. The memory card is stored in the vending machine, and when the vending machine is touring the vending machine, the memory card is removed from the vending machine and taken home, and the data is read from the memory card after the vending machine is touring the vending machine. When recording data to a memory card, a specific keyword is written on the memory card in advance, and the presence or absence of the memory card is determined by reading out the keyword and checking for a match. By providing an opening/closing detection means, it is detected whether a memory card is being inserted or removed. As a result of this detection, the data to be collected is written to the memory card only when the memory card is present and has not been inserted or removed; otherwise, the data to be collected is left stored in the RAM, and then the data is written to the memory card again. By writing the contents of the RAM to the memory card when the card is inserted and the card ejection door is opened, the data collected while the memory card is removed will not be erased, and the data will not be garbled when the memory card is inserted or removed. It also makes sure that there is no such thing.

【Example】

Based on the same technical idea as the present invention (as an invention, it is an earlier application of the present applicant). There is a patent application No. 62-265755 entitled ``Data collection device for vending machines''. First, the content of the prior application will be explained as a first embodiment of the present invention using FIGS. 1 to 3. Here, FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of main parts of a vending machine control circuit, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are flowcharts illustrating different operations from FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, 1 is a CPU that controls the entire vending machine; 3.
4 is a ROM and RAM belonging to the J-CPUI. 2 is the RAM card (built-in RAM) and IC card (built-in CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.) installed in this vending machine.
This memory card 2 is connected to the control system of the vending machine via a card connector CC. Note that CG is the card guide section that serves as a guide when inserting the card 2 into the card connector CC, CD is the card door that is the door that is used when inserting and removing the memory card 2 into the vending machine, and DC
is a door guide portion that serves as a guide when opening and closing the card door;
PS is an optical sensor incorporated in the door guide part DG, and is used to detect whether the card door CDO is open or closed. Further, the memory area in the memory card 2 is provided with storage areas for a keyword 2A for specifying this card 2, sales data 2B, and abnormality data 2C. Reference numeral 6 denotes a product column serving as a sales product storage shelf provided corresponding to each of the product selection switches (not shown), each of which is provided with a carry-out mechanism for carrying out the product. 7 is a failure/sold-out detection circuit that detects a failure in the product column (such as the delivery mechanism) or a product is sold out; 8 is a power outage detection circuit that detects a power outage, which is one of the abnormalities; and 9 is a circuit that detects the occurrence of an abnormality. A clock circuit outputting a date and time signal for knowing the date and time; 10 is the memory card 2, which is a means to be controlled by the CPUI; Product column 6, failure sold-out detection circuit 7. Power outage detection circuit 82 clock circuit 9 etc. and C
Input/output ink face (■1) for combining with PUI
(also written as 0). When the user inserts money into a currency discrimination means (not shown) and presses the product selection switch to select the product he/she wants to purchase, the CPU
determines this and controls the removal of the product from the product column 6 in question, but at this time, a product column type signal 6a indicating the sale of the product is output corresponding to the product column in question,
The CPUI is notified via l1010. Next, FIGS. 2 and 3 will be explained with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a processing procedure for sales data (sales data) generated each time a product is sold. That is, when the CPU detects the sale of a product based on the product column type signal 6a (Stella 11115 branch Y), it counts the number of sales of that product column, etc., and stores this sales count data in a sales data memory (not shown) in the RAM 4. (step 112). If sales count data is stored in this sales data memory (step 113° branch Y), first read keyword 2A from memory card 2 (step 114), and check whether it matches the keyword pre-stored in ROM 3. Check whether or not. If they match, it is determined that the memory card 2 is installed in the vending machine (step 1151 branch Y). Next, the optical sensor PS checks the open/closed state of the card door CD of the memory card 2, and when it is confirmed that the card door CD is closed (
Step 1165 branch Y), storage contents of sales data memory in RAMJ and sales data 2B in memory card 2
is added (Step 117), and the added contents are written again into the storage area of the sales data 2B of the memory card 2 (Step 118), and then the contents of the sales data memory in the RAM are cleared (Step 119). In this way, sales can be counted even when the memory card 2 is not inserted into the vending machine, and since data is not written to the memory card when the memory card is inserted or removed, half-finished data can be written to the memory card. This improves reliability by eliminating problems such as garbled data. Further, FIG. 3 shows an example of a procedure for processing abnormal data that occurs during operation of a vending machine. In other words, this procedure is assumed to be activated when an abnormality such as a failure, a sellout, or a power outage occurs. In the figure, the CPU first checks in step 121 whether there is any new abnormality content, and if there is no new abnormality content, it jumps to step 123, and if there is new abnormality content, it proceeds to step 122. In step 122, the new abnormality contents are temporarily stored in the RAM 4, and the process proceeds to step 123. In step 123, a check is made to see if any of the abnormal contents that have occurred up to now have been cleared. If there are no abnormal contents that have been canceled, the process jumps to step 125, and if there are any abnormal contents that have been canceled, the process proceeds to step 124. . In step 124, the content of the canceled abnormality is temporarily stored in the RAM, and the process proceeds to step 125. In step 125, the date and time data is read from the clock circuit 9, and then the process proceeds to step 126. In step 126, data on newly generated abnormalities and canceled abnormalities temporarily stored in the RAM 4 is written to the memory card 2 together with the date and time data. After that, the process returns to the main routine (not shown). Note that the storage period of abnormal data is set for a certain period (
For example, if the period is set to 3 days), the efficiency of the memory capacity of the memory card 2 can be improved. Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained using FIGS. 4 to 6. Here, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the new vending machine control circuit, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the main operation of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the contents of the data to be collected in FIG. 4. It is. The control circuit of the vending machine 11 in FIG. 4 has a configuration of a so-called distributed control system, and this control circuit includes various slave control units (also referred to as slaves) that share and execute assigned control, and each slave control unit. The control unit includes a main control unit (also called a mask) that causes each slave control unit to execute its control while cyclically communicating with the main control unit. That is, in the figure, 12 is the mask, 13 to 16 and 18 are the slaves, and 19 is a data communication line connecting the master 12 and each slave. Here, 13 is a door slave, which controls the blinking of the sales availability display lamp 13A and the sold-out display lamp 13B according to the data transmitted from the master 12, and also controls the blinking of the sales availability display lamp 13A and the sold-out display lamp 13B.
It has a function of transmitting input data indicating a change in the input to the master 12. 14 is a keyboard slave, which transmits various setting data input via the keyboard 14A to the master 12, and displays data transmitted from the master 12 on the display section 14B.
It has a function to display on. Reference numeral 15 denotes a carry-out slave which has the function of transmitting input data indicating changes in the input of the sell-out switch 15B, etc. to the master 12, and also controlling the carry-out mechanism 15 in accordance with sales commands from the master 12. Reference numeral 16 denotes an electrical equipment box as a slave, and according to the on/off command from the master 12, a cooling means (also abbreviated as MC) 16A, a heating means (heater) 16B, an air blowing means (fan) 16C, a lighting means ( It has a function to control fluorescent lamps) 16D, etc. 18 is Coin Mex slave (coin knock is C7)
(also abbreviated as M) has a function of determining the inserted coin, transmitting the determination data as input data to the master 12, and dispensing change based on a command from the master 12. 17 is a power supply box that connects the master 12. Slave 13~
16.18, it has the function of supplying power. The master 12 is connected to each slave 13 to 16.18 as described above.
are centrally managed via the communication line 19, and the details of the failure are coded and stored, and when each slave detects a failure, it receives the details and further transmits the details of the failure to the keyboard slave 14 as a failure code. Function to display,
It also has arithmetic processing functions for various setting data and sales data, a storage function for the data, a clock function, etc. Further, 22 inputs the storage data of the master 12 from the master 12 via the serial data bus 21, and also receives data for detecting the on/off states of the energy saving target loads 168 to 160 via the state detection line 20. It is a collection device. Further, 26 is a memory card 2 provided in this device 22.
It is a data retrieval device into which the data is inserted. This data collection device 22 further includes a data processing means 23, which will be described later. Storage means 24. Communication control means 25°-time storage calculation means 28. Data conversion means 29 and the like are provided. FIG. 6 shows the names of various collection data stored in the memory cart 2 by the data collection device 22, sorted by number. Next, it differs depending on the type of data to be collected as shown in FIG. Fourth
The operation during data collection shown in the figure will be explained using FIG. (1) No. 1 to No. 16 and No. of Fig. 6
, 21 to No., 3o data: After installing the vending machine 11 and initializing it (step S
L, S2), and after T time has elapsed (step 33), the data processing means 23 in the data acquisition device 22
1 to the master 12 (step S
4). In response to this request, the master 12 transmits the data stored within itself according to a specific communication procedure determined between the master 12 and the data processing means 23.
The data is sent to the data processing means 23 (step 5.6). The data processing means 23 performs arithmetic processing on the data received from the master 12 (step S7), converts the data into data that can be stored in the storage means 24 (step S38), and
The converted data is sent to 4 (step S9). (2) In the case of data No. 17 to No. 20 in FIG. 6: After the procedures of steps Sl and S2 are completed, the cooling means 16A and heating means 1 as the loads to be recorded in the operating state
6B, the operating state of the load (for example, operation or suspension depending on the presence or absence of voltage) is detected through the state detection lines 20 connected to the air blowing means 16C1 and the illumination means 160 (step 5IO), and -time storage calculation is performed. Temporarily stored in the means 28 (step 5ll), and after T time has elapsed (step 512),
The data for T hours is added through this time storage calculating means 28 (step 513), and the load operation rate (operating time/T waiting time 100%) is calculated (step 514).
The data is converted into data that can be stored in the storage means 24 via the data conversion means 29 (step 515), and the converted data is sent to the storage means 24 (step 516). In the storage means 24, the data processing means 23. Data conversion means 2
The data sent from 9 is stored. (Step 517
). Next, when data is to be collected, the memory card 2 is inserted and connected to the data collection device 26 (step 518). The data collection device 26 reads the keyword from the memory card 2 (step 319), and checks whether it matches the keyword stored in advance in the data collection device 26 (step 20). When the data collection device 26 determines that there is a match, the data collection device 26 issues a data transmission request to the communication control means 25 (step 521). In response to this transmission request, the communication control means 25 sends the data stored in the storage means 24 to the data collection device 26 according to a specific communication procedure determined between the communication control means 25 and the data collection device 26. Step 522). The data collection device 26 transfers the data received from the communication control means 25 to the memory card 2.
(Step S23). With the above steps, the operating status of the vending machine can be recorded and output as data.

【Effect of the invention】

According to the present invention, sales data generated during operation of a vending machine,
Abnormal data, operating rate of cooling and heating loads, change history of various setting data, failure history, etc. are stored in RAM, and after confirming that the memory card is installed in the vending machine, they are transferred to the memory card and stored. This makes it possible to improve reliability when storing data on a memory card. In addition, in the event of an abnormality such as a breakdown, sold out, or power outage,
Since the data on the details of the abnormality and the time of occurrence are sequentially written to the memory card, abnormality analysis becomes easy, and it becomes possible to accurately analyze phenomena whose causes were previously unknown. In addition, the data is collected by simply replacing the memory card, and the contents of the memory card collected at the sales office are analyzed, expanding the number of vending machines that can be used for data collection.
The operability for collecting information can be improved. Also, regional characteristics of vending machines (differences in the operation rate of the cooling/heating unit due to differences in sales results and loading times)
Additionally, the characteristics of each machine type (failure rate and frequency of specific failures) can be grasped in the database, making it possible to install and operate vending machines more efficiently. In addition, in distributed control type vending machines, the mask centrally manages each slave that exclusively controls various mechanisms of the vending machine, and collects various data from the mask to the data collection device using communication means, and also saves energy. The operating rate of the target load is calculated by detecting the presence or absence of the voltage and is collected as data to the data collection device, so various data and even the fact that the mask goes down can be collected as data. can do.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 2 and 3 are flowcharts explaining different operations from FIG. 1, and FIG. Block diagram showing the system configuration as the second embodiment, No. 5
The figure is a flowchart explaining the main operation of figure 4, and figure 6.
This figure shows the types of data to be collected by number, and FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a conventional data collection system. 1: CPU, 2: Memory card, 2A: Keyword,
2B; Sales data, 2C: Abnormal data, CC: Card connector, CD: Card door, PS: Optical sensor, 3: R
OM, 4: RAM, 6: Product column, 6a: Product column type signal, 7: Failure/sold out detection circuit, 8: Power outage detection circuit, 9: Clock circuit, 11: Vending machine, 12: Main control unit (mask) , 13: Door slave, 14: Keyboard slave, 15: Export slave, 16: Electrical box, 16
A: cooling means, 168: heating means, 16C: blowing means,
16D: Lighting means, 17: Power box, 18: C/M
slave, 19: data communication line, 20: state detection line, 21: data path, 22: data collection device, 23: data processing means, 24: storage means, 25: communication control means,
26; Data collection device, 28 Temporary storage calculation means, 29
: Data conversion means. Figure 2 O Figure 3 Self-disciplined skill＼ ○1 Off figure

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1) A vending machine equipped with a CPU and a RAM that stores various data generated within the vending machine (hereinafter referred to as collection data), wherein the vending machine A memory card serving as a card-shaped data storage means that is attached to the CPU and accessed by the CPU through the connector,
The CPU is provided with a memory card storing a keyword for identifying itself in advance, and the CPU reads the keyword from the memory card, and when the CPU determines that the keyword is correct, the CPU reads the keyword from the memory card, and when the CPU determines that the keyword is correct, the CPU reads the keyword from the memory card. A data collection device for a vending machine, characterized in that the data is transferred to the memory card. 2) In the device according to claim 1, the collection data includes sales data including the number of products sold by product column, sales amount, etc., anomaly information including the details of the abnormality, the date and time of the abnormality, etc. 1. A data collection device for a vending machine, characterized in that the data collection device includes data, or historical data regarding the operating rate of a cooling/heating load and various setting data.