JPH02105290A - Card type automatic vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To inhibit the illegal use of a card type automatic vending machine by preparing plural process means and granting the application of the second card only in case the card amount is less than the highest commodity price. CONSTITUTION:When the first magnetic card is applied, a CPU 21 works accord ing to a program recorded into a ROM 22. Then the CPU 21 reads the record of a RAM 23 and grants the application of the second card only when the remaining amount is less than the highest commodity price. When the applica tion of the card is possible, a signal is supplied to an informing device 31 and a second card application switch 30A is operated. The first card is sent into a store box when the second card is applied. Furthermore the CPU 21 calculates the total amount of both cards and stores this amount in the RAM 23 to prepare for the sales actions. When the remaining amount is equal to the highest com modity price, the CPU 21 returns the second card. In such a way, the remaining amount is compared with the highest commodity price and both the card amounts are stored in the RAM 23 via plural process means or the cards are returned. Thus the illegal use of cards can be prevented with a card type auto matic vending machine.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] (A) Industrial application field The present invention reads the card amount recorded on a magnetic card when it is inserted, and sells products according to the card amount. , relates to a card-type vending machine in which the remaining amount after subtracting the sales amount from the card amount is written on the magnetic card as a new card amount and returned.

(b) Prior Art In such card-type vending machines, if the amount on the card is insufficient to cover the selling price of the product, the card cannot be used, so it is necessary for the customer to settle the amount.

Therefore, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-248091, a switch for writing additional balance on the card is provided, and when the second card is inserted by operating the switch, the first card that has already been inserted is A configuration is disclosed in which the card is guided to a storage, the total amount of both is recorded on a second card, and the card is returned.

Furthermore, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 62-248089, when a second card is inserted following the first card, the first card is introduced into the storage, and the total amount of both cards is A configuration for controlling sales is disclosed in .

(C) Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, according to the former prior art, when an attempt is made to purchase a product using the total amount recorded on the second card,
The disadvantage is that you have to insert the card again. Although such a drawback can be prevented according to the latter conventional technology, there is an inconvenience that when multiple cards are sequentially inserted, the total amount added sequentially is recorded on the card, and in this case, it is difficult to record the amount. If a malfunction occurs, it will be a serious problem.

Furthermore, when the second card inserted is an invalid card, the first card must be promptly returned, but in all of the above conventional techniques, when the second card is inserted, In order to take the first card into the storage,
There is a problem with not being able to return it.

Therefore, the present invention provides a card-type vending machine that allows insertion of a second card only when the card amount is less than the maximum product selling price.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a card-type vending machine that can reliably guarantee the amount of the first card if the second inserted card is an invalid card.

(d) Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems, the card-type vending machine according to the first invention provides a discriminating means for discriminating whether the card amount of the inserted magnetic card is less than the maximum selling price. , a card insertion control means for allowing the insertion of a second card when the card amount is less than the maximum selling price, and a notification means for notifying this when the insertion of the second card is possible; When the first card insertion switch and the second card insertion switch are operated and the second card is inserted, the first card is guided to the storage and the total amount of both cards is calculated. a first processing means that stores the total amount in preparation for the sales operation; and when a second card is inserted and an instruction is given to return the card, records the total amount on the second card and returns it. and a second processing means.

The card-type vending machine according to the second invention further includes a third processing means for printing out the card amount of the first card using a printer when the second card is invalid.

(*) Effect When a card is inserted into the vending machine and the card amount is read, the determining means determines whether the card amount is less than the maximum selling price. When the card amount is less than the maximum selling price, the card insertion control means allows the insertion of the second card, and the notification means notifies the customer of this fact. When the second card insertion switch is operated and the second card is inserted, the first processing means guides the first card to the storage and calculates the total amount of the amounts of both cards. hand,
Hold for sale action. Therefore, when it comes to selling, the customer can purchase products according to the total price. However, when the second card is inserted and an instruction is given to return the card, the second processing means records this total amount on the second card and returns it.

At this time, if the second card is an invalid card,
The third processing means prints out the card amount of the first card using a printer.

(F) Embodiment FIG. 1 shows a card processing device 29, in which an insertion slot 1 for receiving a card inside is provided in the upper part in a horizontal direction. It is connected to a conveying path 3 through a bend 2 for vertically converting the material. This conveyance path 3 is formed with a set of substrates so as to guide the card downward. And conveyance path 3
is provided with a conveyance device 6 for vertically conveying the card, and this conveyance device 6 includes a pair of opposing pulleys 7A, 7B, pulleys 8A, 8B1, pulleys 9A, 9B, pulley IOA, It is formed by an IOB and a belt 11. Each boot is rotatably supported by a fixed plate 4 or a movable plate 5, and a belt 11 is stretched around pulleys 7A, 8A, 9A, and 10A.

Such a conveying device 6 is equipped with a motor 12 that can rotate in forward and reverse directions.
The rotational force is transmitted to the pulley 8A to drive it. A magnetic head for reading information on the card and recording information on the card is disposed in the middle of the conveyance path 3.

The suppression roller 17 presses the card passing through the conveyance path 3 against the magnetic head 16. Further, at the rear of the conveyance path 3, a storage 13 is arranged for collecting cards that are no longer needed.

FIG. 2 shows the circuit configuration of an embodiment for controlling this vending machine in blocks, 21 is a CPU, 22
is a ROM, 23 is a RAM, 24 is an I10 interface, and these are an address bus 25''j and a data bus 26.
It is connected at

Card processing device 29. Sales device 271 selection device 28.2
1st card input switch 30. The notification device 31 and the display device 32 are connected to the CCPU 21 via the I10 interface 24, and the CPU 21 controls these operations based on a program stored in the ROM 22. The card processing device 29 reads card information, stores old information on the card, returns inserted cards, and stores them in the storage 13 in accordance with control signals given from the CPU 21 . The selection device 2B includes a plurality of selection switches depending on the type of product to be sold, and outputs a predetermined selection signal to the CPU 21 in response to a selection operation by a customer. CPU
When the product 21 determines that the product indicated by the selection signal can be sold for the amount on the card, it gives a control signal to the sales device 27 to control the sales operation of the product. The notification device 31 notifies the customer that the second card can be inserted in response to a control signal from the CPU 21, and in this example, includes a buzzer and an LED indicator. The second card insertion switch 30A is operated by the customer when inserting the second card.
is this switch 30 when the second card can be inserted.
When A is operated, it waits for the second card to be inserted.

The card return switch 30B is operated by a customer who wishes to return the inserted card. The display device 32 is the CPU 2
The printer 33 displays the card balance information given from the CPU 21, and the printer 33 prints out the amount information given from the CPU 21.

As shown in FIG. 4, the card 12 inserted into the card processing device 29 has specific data 40 and an operator hood 42 in its magnetic stripe section 20 to distinguish it from other card systems, as well as information on the card. The specific data in this example is 'TS
It consists of three characters: "E", and when this data changes to "TSe", it becomes processing data indicating that the card is being processed. This is to deal with.

That is, when a card is inserted and the card information is read by the card processing device 29, the C, PU 21
0 is “TSE” and operator code 42
The suitability of the card is determined by checking whether the card is normal, and if the card is a proper card, the card processing device 29 is controlled to process the card in this direction.
The data being processed “TSe” is recorded on the card. If the card is pulled back in this state, it cannot be used because the data being processed is recorded on the card, thereby preventing fraud.

The operation will be explained with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 3A to 3E. First, when a card is inserted in step S1, the CPU 21 reads the card information of the inserted card by the card processing device 29 in the next step S2. Next step S3
Then, the card information read by the card processing device 29 is stored in the RAM.
23.

In step S4, the CPU 21 determines whether the inserted card is a valid card from the read card information. This determination is made by determining whether the card information includes correct specific data 40 and operator code 42. If the specific data 40 or operator code 42 is incorrect, the CPU 21 gives a control signal to the card processing device 29 to return the inserted card. In the next step 85, it is determined whether the card information includes data being processed. In case of a normal card, specific data, namely TSE
" is recorded, the processing of the CPU 21 proceeds to step S6. However, if the processing data "TSe" is set, this card will be returned.

In step S6, the specific data "TSE" of the card information stored in the RAM 23 is converted to "TSe". Then, in step S7, the CPU 2 outputs this card information to the card processing device 29 and records the card information on the card. At this time, only the specific data of the card information changes to the data being processed, and the other data is recorded with the same content as when it was read.

In the next step S8, the amount data of the read card information is output to the display device 32, and the remaining amount of the inserted card is displayed on the display device 32. Then, in step S9, the CPU 21 determines whether the remaining amount on the card is less than the price of the highest priced product. The selling price of the product to be sold is stored in the RAM 23 in advance, and the CPU 21 compares the maximum selling price with the remaining amount on the card, and if the remaining amount on the card is equal to or higher than the maximum selling price, allows the insertion of a second card. ZuS4
The process consists of three steps (Fig. 3E).

In step S43, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the card return switch 30B has been operated. If the return switch 30B has been fully operated, the CPU 21 proceeds to step 846. If the return switch 30B has not been operated, the CPU 21 proceeds to step 344. Proceed to. In this step S44, when a selection signal is input from the selection device 28, the CPU 21 gives a control signal to the sales device 27 to perform a sales operation if the product indicated by the selection signal can be sold, and the sale ends. Then, the process advances to the next step S45. However, if the selection signal is not generated from the selection device 28, or if the product cannot be sold even if a selection signal is generated, the process advances to step S43.

In step S45, which is a process when a sale is made, change is calculated, and in the next step 346, the amount data of the card information stored in the RAM 23 is rewritten to the amount of change. Next, in step S47, the CPU 21
adds 1 to the usage count data 41 of the card information stored in the RAM 23 and proceeds to step 848. In step S48, the card information being processed data "T"
The data being processed is reset by changing "Se" to the specific data "TSE".The data being processed is also reset when the input card is returned.The following 34
In step 9, the CPU 21 gives the card information to the card processing device 29, records it on the card, and then returns the card. Therefore, after the sale, the usage count data 41 and amount data 43 of the card information will be updated, recorded, and returned.

If it is determined in the process of step S9 that the remaining amount of the card is less than the maximum selling price, the CPU 21 allows the second card to be inserted, and the process of the CPU 21 proceeds to step S10. In step S10, the CPU 21 gives a control signal to the notification device 31, and the notification device 31 notifies the customer that the second card can be inserted by flashing an LED indicator and driving a buzzer. In the next Sll step, the CPU 21 presses the second card input switch 3.
Determine whether 0B has been operated, and if it has been operated, S1
Proceed to step 4 (Figure 3B).

If the second card insertion switch 30B is not operated, C
The process of PU21 proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, the CPU 21 selects the selection device 28.
When a selection signal is input from , if the product indicated by this selection signal is less than the card amount and can be sold,
A control signal is given to the sales device 27 to initiate a sales operation, and when the sale is completed, the process proceeds to step 346 for post-sale processing. However, if the sale is not to be carried out, the process proceeds to step S13, where the CPU 21 determines whether the card return switch 30B has been operated, and if it has been operated, the process proceeds to step 848 to return the card. If the card is not operated, the processing of the CPU 21 returns to step S9, and the second card insertion switch 30 is pressed.
Waits until B is operated, a sales operation is performed, or return switch 30B is operated.

When the second card insertion switch 30B is operated and step S14 is reached, the CPU 21 stops outputting the control signal to the notification device 31 and deactivates both the LED indicator and the buzzer. In the next step 915, the CPU
21 determines whether a second card has been inserted into the card processing device 29. 311 if the second card is not inserted.
Proceed to step 3. In this step S16, C
When the selection signal is input from the selection device 28, the PU 21 sends a control signal to the sales device 27 to initiate a sales operation, and the sale ends if the product indicated by the selection signal is less than the card price and can be sold. The process then proceeds to step 346 for post-sale processing. The selling operation in step 516 is that the customer operated the switch 30B to insert the second card, but changed his mind and did not insert the second card, instead using the card amount of the card he had already inserted. This happens when you select a product that is available for purchase.

However, if the sale is not to be carried out, the process proceeds to step S17, where the CPU 21 determines whether the card return switch 30B has been operated, and if so, returns the card to step 848 to return the card.
Proceed to step.

When the second card insertion switch 30B is operated and the second card is inserted, 318 steps are processed. At step 318, the CPU 21 gives a control signal to the card processing device 29 to guide the first card to the storage 13, but in conjunction with this operation, the second card is taken in, and the magnetic head 16 The card information of the second card is read at . In the next step 819, the CPU 21 starts timer operation.

Then, in step S20, the CPU 21 reads the card information of the second inserted card using the card processing device 29,
In step S21, the card information read by the card processing device 29 is stored in the RAM 23. In the next step 822, the CPU 21 determines from the read card information whether the second inserted card is a valid card or not based on the specific data 40 and the operator code 42. If the second card is an invalid card, the process of the CPU 21 proceeds to step S36 (FIG. 3D). In the next step 823, it is determined whether the card information includes data being processed, and if the data being processed is included, the card has been withdrawn illegally, and the processing by the CPU 21 proceeds to step S36. Proceed to.

If the second input card is a valid card and does not contain any data being processed, the process goes to step 524 (Figure 3C).
Proceed to.

In this step 824, the CPU 21 uses the RAM 2
The specific data "TSE" of the card information of the second card stored in 3 is converted to "TSe". 8
In step 25, the CPU 21 outputs this card information to the card processing device 29, and records this card information on the second card. Therefore, in the same way as the first card, only the specific data of the card information is rewritten and recorded as the data being processed on the second card. In the next step 826, the CPU 21 adds the card amount of the second card to the card amount of the first card stored in the RAM 23 and stores it in the RAM 23, and in the next step S27, this total amount is Data display device 3
2 to display the total amount. When a selection signal is input from the selection device 28 in step 828, the CPU 21 determines if the product indicated by the selection signal is less than the total price of the first and second cards and can be sold. , a control signal is given to the vending device 27 to start the selling operation, and when the sale is completed, the process proceeds to step 329 for post-sale processing. In this step S29, the CPU 21 calculates the change, and in the next step S30, it is stored in the RAM 23. Rewrite the amount data of the card information of the second card that is currently in use to the amount of change. Subsequently, in step S33, the CPU 21 adds 1 to the usage count data 41 of the card information of the second card, and proceeds to S34. In step S34, the data currently being processed is changed by changing the data currently being processed "TSe" of the card information of the second card to specific data "TSE". In the next step 835, the CPU 21 gives the card information of the second card to the card processing device 29 and records it on the card.
Return the first card.

However, if the sale is not made in 528 steps, S3
This is a one-step process, and the CPU 21 determines whether the card return switch 30B has been operated. If the return switch 30B is not operated, the CPU 21 will process 528.
Return to step. On the other hand, when the return switch 30B is operated, in the next step 832, the CPU 21
The total amount of the first and second cards is set in the card information of the second card stored in step 23, and the process proceeds to step 833. And thereafter, S33. S34.
After each step of S35 is processed, the second card has the total amount, the number of usage data that has been updated, and the specific data "T".
SE” is recorded and returned.

The processing of the CPU 21 when the fully inserted second card is determined to be an invalid card in step 322 or when data being processed is recorded on the second card will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3D. In this case, the first card has already been introduced into the storage 13 because the second card has been taken into the card processing device 29.

In step S36, the CPU 21 provides a control signal to the card processing device 29 to control the return of the second card. In the next step 537, it is determined whether the timer time started in step S19 has expired, and if the timer time has not expired, the process advances to step 339. In step S39, it is determined whether a new second card has been inserted. If it has been inserted, the process advances to step 819 (FIG. 3B), where the CPU 21 processes this new second card. If a new second card has not been inserted, the process of the CPU 21 proceeds to step S40. S40
In step, when a selection signal is input from the selection device 28, the CPU 21 selects the item from the sales device if the item indicated by the selection signal is less than the card price of the first card that has already been loaded and can be sold. A control signal is given to 27 to perform a sales operation, and when the sale is completed, the process proceeds to step 841 for post-sale processing.

This sales operation in step S40 occurs when the customer inserts a second card but this card cannot be used, so the customer selects a product that can be purchased with the card amount of the first card. . However, if this sale is not carried out, the process returns to step S37.

When a sale is made and the process goes to step S41, the CP
For U21, calculate the sales amount from the card amount of the first card.
The remaining amount is calculated by calculating l;i, and in step 842, this remaining amount information and date and time information are provided to the printer 33.

As a result, the printer 33 prints out this information, and the vending machine records that the sale was made using the first card that has already been taken in and cannot be returned, and that the remaining amount must be returned to the customer. It is now possible to respond to payment requests.

However, if the second new card is not inserted within the timer period, the CPU 21 proceeds to step 53B.

In this step, the CPU 21 provides the printer 33 with information on the card amount and date and time of the first card that has already been taken and cannot be returned. In this case, the customer has not purchased a product using the first card, and the amount on this card is printed out as is, so that the customer's payment request can be handled.

The above vending machine allows a second card to be inserted if there is a product that cannot be purchased because the amount on the first card is less than the maximum selling price.

When the second card is inserted, you can purchase the product with the total amount of the first and second cards, and
If the customer wishes to return the first card, the total amount is recorded and returned. Therefore, since the second card is only allowed to be inserted when the amount of the first card is less than the maximum selling price, multiple cards are inserted one after another and a large amount of money is written on one card. You will no longer have to worry about it.

If the second card cannot be used, the amount on the first card is printed out and the record is kept visually, so that the customer can be dealt with effectively.

(G) Effect of the Invention According to the present invention, since the insertion of a second card is only permitted on the condition that the card amount of the first card is less than the maximum selling price, it is possible to blindly insert a second card into one card. It is possible to prevent the writing of large amounts of money, and in the event of an accident, damage can be minimized. Moreover, even if you import the first card by accepting the second card and later need to return the amount of this first card, you can print out and retain this card amount. A highly reliable card-type vending machine is provided.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a card processing device, Fig. 2 is a control circuit diagram of a card-type vending machine according to the present invention, and Figs.
The flowcharts up to and including FIG. E are flowcharts for explaining the operation, and FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the recording format of the card. 13...Storage, 21...CPU, 22...
・ROM, 23...RAM, 29...Card processing device.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. When a magnetic card is inserted, the card amount recorded therein is read, and when a product is sold according to the card amount, the remaining amount after subtracting the sales amount from the card amount is A card-type vending machine in which the card amount is written as a new card amount on the magnetic card and the card is returned. a card insertion control means that allows the insertion of a second card when the price is less than the maximum selling price; a notification means that notifies this effect when the second card can be inserted; and a second card insertion switch. , when the second card insertion switch is operated and the second card is inserted, the first card is guided to the storage, the total amount of the amounts of both cards is calculated, and the sales operation is performed. a first processing means for preparing and holding the card; and a second processing means for recording and returning the total amount on the second card when a second card is inserted and an instruction is given to return the card. A card-operated vending machine equipped with 2. The card-type vending machine according to claim 1,
If the second card is invalid, the third card prints out the card amount of the first card using the printer.
It further includes processing means.