JPH0452895A - Automatic vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve commodity purchasing will and the using efficiency of the automatic vending machine by providing the machine with an image data generating means, a matrix type display device and a touch panel. CONSTITUTION:An image relating to a commodities to be vended is displayed on the matrix type display device 53 arranged in the front of the machine body based upon the image data generated from the image data generating means 52. Thereby, extremely various expressions can be attained as compared with a conventional example for setting up samples and the purchasing will of the commodities to be vended can be improved. When the touch panel 54 arranged in the front of the device 53 is touched with a hand, its touched position can be detected, and if the touching operation is synchronized with the display operation of the device 53, input operation can be executed correspondingly to the display contents, improving the using efficiency of the machine.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] [Industrial application fields] The present invention relates to a vending machine.

[Prior Art] In recent years, the types of products sold by vending machines have diversified, including cigarettes, various beverages, and prepaid cards. Additionally, the functions of vending machines have become more sophisticated, and they now provide voice responses in response to operations such as inserting money. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a typical conventional vending machine 1. The vending machine 1 is provided with a plurality of columns 2 in which products are stored, and each column 2 is provided with a carry-out mechanism 3 for carrying the products out of the machine. Furthermore, sold-out sensors 4 are provided for detecting that the products stored in each column 2 are sold out.

In order to select products for each column 2, sales buttons 5 corresponding to the number of columns 2 are arranged on the front of the vending machine 1, and the sales buttons 5 are arranged in a manner that corresponds to the number of the sold-out sensors 4. Corresponding to the output, a sold-out indicator lamp 6 is provided which lights up when the product is sold out. Corresponding to each sales button 5 on the front of the machine, storage shelves 7 for storing samples of products to be sold are provided in a number corresponding to the number of columns 2. In each category, product samples 8 and list price holes 9 are arranged.

Further, if the product to be sold is a new product, a new product display is attached to the corresponding category of the storage shelf 7 using, for example, various colored films.

It is controlled by a microcomputer 10 provided in the vending machine 1 having such a configuration.

The microcomputer 10 includes a memory 11 that stores the list price of each product, and a central processing unit (hereinafter abbreviated as CPU).
12 , and the CPU 2 and each delivery mechanism 3 , sold-out sensor 4 , sales button 5 , etc., mutually transmit data via an interface circuit 13 .

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In the conventional vending machine 1 mentioned above, the products to be sold are displayed only in Sample 8, which lacks positive and diverse appeal, and also makes it difficult to change and sell products. When changing the list price, it is necessary to remove the storage shelf 7 from the machine and replace the sample 8 or the list price hole 9, which is complicated and has poor usability.

This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide a vending machine that is highly appealing and has significantly improved usability.

[Means for Solving the Problems] As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1, the vending machine of the present invention has a plurality of columns 51 in which products to be sold are stored.
It is equipped with An image data generation means 52 for generating image data is provided for each column 51, and the generated image data is displayed on a matrix type display device 53.

This matrix type display device 53 is equipped with a touch panel 54 in the form of a transparent thin film, and when a conductor such as a human finger is brought into contact with the touch panel 54, the contact point can be detected. If this detection operation and the display operation on the matrix display device 53 are performed in synchronization, input corresponding to the displayed content can be performed.

[Work] The characteristic operation of the vending machine of the present invention will be explained.

Matrix type display device 53 provided on the front of the aircraft
Based on the image data generated from the image data generation means 52, images related to the products to be sold are displayed. Therefore, compared to the conventional example in which only a sample of the product to be sold is placed, extremely diverse expressions are possible, and the appeal of the product to be sold is greatly improved. Furthermore, when a conductor such as a human finger is brought into contact with the touch panel 54 mounted on the front surface of the matrix display device 53,
The contact point can be detected. By synchronizing this detection operation with the display operation on the matrix display device 53, input operations can be performed in accordance with the displayed content.

That is, the matrix-type display device 53 can display any shape including the external shape of the product, and can achieve high appeal. Furthermore, various displays can be realized simply by changing the image data generated from the image data generating means 52, so it is easy to change the products being sold, change the list price, and display new products. This greatly improves usability.

[Example 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front side of a vending machine 21 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the vending machine 21 with the front plate 22 opened. be. Vending machine 2
1 includes a main body 26 in which a plurality of columns 23 in which items to be sold are stored, a coin mech 24, and a currency storage device 25 are stored. The front plate 22 is attached to the main body 26 so as to be openable and closable, and the front side of the front plate 22 has a large liquid crystal display device 27 having a width close to the width of the front plate 22, a coin slot 28, and a bill slot. 29 and product outlet 3
Can be set to 0.

On the other hand, a control panel 31 is provided on the back side of the front plate 22. On the operation panel 31, a numeric keypad 32, a function setting key 33, a confirmation key 34, and a small liquid crystal display device 35 are arranged. Further, connected to this operation panel 31, a barcode reader 36 and an image scanner 37 are provided.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of the vending machine 21. The vending machine 21 is provided with a control device 38, which stores programs that define the operation of the vending machine 21, and a land access memory (ROM) 39 which stores image data, which will be described later. RAM) 40 is included, and these operations are controlled by a central control unit (CPU) 41.

Data from the barcode reader 36, image scanner 37, and operation panel 31 are input to the control device 38 and processed by the CPU 41. The control device 38
is provided for each column 23 and is connected to a carry-out mechanism 42 for carrying out the products stored in the corresponding column 23 to the outside of the machine, and a sold-out sensor 43 for detecting the sold-out state of the products in the column 23.

On the other hand, a so-called touch panel 44 is fixed to the front side of the large liquid crystal display device 27.

The touch panel 44 has a well-known configuration, in which a large number of strip-shaped electrodes with minute widths are formed in parallel, and these are sequentially scanned. When this touch panel 44 is touched with a conductor such as six human fingers, a plurality of strip electrodes corresponding to the contact range become electrically connected to each other. By detecting the range of the conductive band-shaped electrodes, it is possible to detect at which location on the touch panel 44 scanning has been completed. In other words, large L
A plurality of sections AR are arranged in a matrix on the CD27 as shown in the first diagram.
For example, if images of the appearance of multiple types of cigarettes are displayed in each section, the customer can use the large CLD2.
By touching a desired product on the large CLD 27 with a finger, the control device 38 can detect which part of the large CLD 27 the finger has touched from the scan result of the touch panel 44 .

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the overall operation of the vending machine 21.

In step s1, the vending machine 21 detects whether it is in the current operating mode or vending mode. If it is the sales mode, sales processing is performed in step s2, and then the process returns to step s1. If the determination is negative in step s1, it is determined in step S3 whether or not the column data input mode is set. If affirmative, the process moves to step s4, performs column data input processing to be described later, and then returns to step s4.
Return to 1.

If the determination is negative in step s3, it is determined in step s5 whether or not it is the product image setting mode. If affirmative, a product image setting process to be described later is performed in step s6, and this post-processing returns to step s1. If the determination in step s5 is negative, the process moves to step s7, and it is determined whether the mode is a confirmation mode in which it is confirmed whether the data input in steps s3 and s5 are appropriate. If affirmative, a confirmation process to be described later is performed in step S8, and then the process returns to step S1. If the determination in step s7 is negative, other processing is performed.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating details of the column data input process shown as step s4 in FIG.

In step s9, a column number i for individually specifying each column 23 and a section number j for individually specifying each section ARj set on the large LCD 27 described above are set to an initial value of 1.

In step slO, as shown in FIG.
The column number i is displayed on D35.

In step all, the barcode reader 36 is used to read the barcode 46 displayed on the side of the exterior 47 of the cigarette 48 shown in FIG. This barcode 46 includes at least data regarding the type of cigarette 48.

In step s12, it is determined whether or not this barcode manual input has been completed. If this determination is negative, the process returns to step sll and input of the barcode 46 is continued. If the judgment is affirmative, the type data is stored in RAM2O in step s13.

In step s14, it is determined whether the input type data is the same as the previously input type data. If they are not the same, the block number j is incremented by +1 in step s15, and data such as the price of the currently input type of cigarette 48 is stored in the RAM 40 in step s16.
Read from. If the types of cigarettes 48 are the same, the process moves to step s16 without performing step s15, and the process described above is performed.

In step s17, the large LCD 27 shown in FIG.
The length of each section ARj in is calculated. That is,
All different types of cigarettes 48 are set in each column 23,
And if all columns 2B are used, large LCD 27
The number of sections CN of section ARj is the maximum number of sections CNm,
Each section ARj has a minimum section length L1. Here, regarding the actual number of sections CNr that is actually required in cases where the same type of cigarettes 48 are set in different columns 23 or when some columns 23 are used, each section A at this time
The section length of Rj is calculated by L-(CNm/CNr) XLI. Based on such calculation results, large L
The CD27 has a plurality of sections ARj as shown in FIG.
will be displayed.

In step s18, the data Dj such as product prices are displayed in each section ARj. In step S19, it is determined whether or not to designate the product as a new product, and if designation is made, the corresponding section ARj is displayed in reverse video, for example, in step s20.

After this, the process proceeds to step s21 where the column number i is +
Increment by 1.

If the new product is not specified in step s19, the process immediately moves to step s21.

In step s22, it is determined whether or not the column data has been completed manually, and if it has not been completed, the process returns to step slO and the above-described process is repeated. If the process has been completed, the process returns to step sl in FIG.

In this way, for each column 23, the column indicator such as the type of product stored in the column 23 can be input by reading the barcode 46 displayed on the product in advance with the barcode reader 36. This greatly simplifies the column data input operation. In addition, while inputting column data, new product designations and the like are displayed on the large LCD 27, making it easy to make new settings and changes for new product display. The sections 45 set on the large LCD 27 are set corresponding to the number of columns 23 actually used among all the columns 23 provided in the vending machine 21, and are divided into plural sections 45 in which the same type of products are stored. The column 23 is set to correspond to a single section 45. Therefore, column 2
Even if the correspondence between the column 3 and the products stored in the column 23 is changed, the task of displaying the stored products to the customer becomes much easier.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of the product image setting process in step s6 of FIG.

In step 523, the column number l and section number j are each initialized to +1.

In step s24, column data such as the type and price of the product corresponding to column number i or whether or not a new product is specified is read out from the RAM 40, and in step s25,
Display on CD35.

In step s26, the image scanner 37 shown in the third diagram
An image such as the product name of the exterior 47 of the cigarette 48 shown in FIG. 8 is read using the image data and stored in the RAM 40 as image data.

In step s27, it is checked whether the product has a new product setting, and if not, in step s27, it is detected whether the product is actually stored in the corresponding column 23. If the judgment in step s27 is affirmative, step s28
The new product data is set in step s29, and the process moves to step s29. If the determination in step s29 is affirmative, the process moves to step s31, where the stored image data is developed as image data in a display buffer set in the RAM 40, and is displayed on the large LCD 27 in step s32. If the determination in step s29 is negative, sold-out data is set in step s30, and the process moves to step s31, where an image including a sold-out indication is displayed while performing the above processing.

In step s33, the column number i is incremented by +1, and in step s34, it is determined whether or not the product image setting operation has been completed. If it has not been completed, the process returns to step s24 and repeats the above-described process for other column numbers l.

If the judgment in step s34 is affirmative, step S1 in FIG.
Return to

In this way, when products sold by the vending machine 21 are displayed to customers, images of the products to be sold are displayed on the large LCD 27 instead of the conventional product samples. Furthermore, input of the image data is easily performed using the image scanner 37. Therefore, even when changing the products for sale, changing the designation of new products, changing the column 23 to be stored, etc., the work efficiency is greatly improved.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing details of the confirmation process shown as step s8 in FIG.

In step s35, the operator inputs a desired column number i.

In step s36, various data such as the product type, price, new product designation, and product image, which have already been stored in correspondence with column number i, are read out from the RAM 40, and in step s37, these data are displayed on, for example, the large LCD 27. .

In step s38, it is determined whether or not to end the confirmation process. If not, the process returns to step s35 and the above-described process is repeated for other column numbers i. When the confirmation process is finished, the process returns to step S1 in FIG. 4.

Since the vending machine 21 of this embodiment is set with such a confirmation function, it is possible to easily detect whether the input column data and image data are appropriate.
The reliability of such a vending machine 21 is improved.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating details of display processing in each of the above processes.

In step s39, the section number j is initialized to +1, and in step s40 it is determined whether new product designation is set for the product corresponding to section ARj. If the determination is negative, the process moves to step s42, and it is determined whether sold-out data is set in section j. If the judgment in step s40 is affirmative, in step s41, for example,
An operation is performed to invert the black and white of the display data of j, and the process moves to step s42.

If sold-out data is set for the section ARj in step s42, the RAM 40 is set in step s43.
Image data for displaying a sold-out display is read from the RAM 40, for example, and the image is displayed on the large LCD 27 in step s44. If sold-out data is not set in step s42, display is performed in step s44 without performing step s43.

In step s45, it is detected whether, for example, a human finger or the like has touched the area of the touch panel 44 corresponding to the section ARj of the large LCD 27. If contact is detected, in step s46, the carry-out mechanism 42 is activated to carry out the product, cigarettes 48 in this embodiment, from the column 23 corresponding to the section ARj out of the vending machine 21, and the process moves to step s47. If the judgment in step s45 is negative, step s4
The process immediately moves to step s47 without performing step 6.

In step s47, the block number j is incremented by +1, and in step s48, it is determined whether the block number j matches the block number J. If they do not match, step s40
Go back and perform the above process for all sections. step s
If the determination in step 48 is affirmative, the display process ends.

As described above, in this embodiment, appearance, price, new product display, etc. of products to be sold are displayed on a large LC of matrix display type.
Since it is displayed in D27, when displaying products for sale, you can change the product for sale, change the sales standard, add a new product, change the appearance of the product, change the order of settings in column 23, etc. The corresponding work becomes much easier compared to conventional techniques. In addition, the product display can be displayed in a large matrix display type L.
Since it is displayed on the CD 27, any image can be read and displayed, not only the appearance of the cigarette 48 as a sales product shown in FIG. 8, and usability is improved.

The large LCD 27 is a matrix display type, and by appropriately selecting an operation program set in the vending machine 21, it is possible to display a moving image without scrolling the image displayed on the large LCD 27. A vending machine 21 with improved usability and expressiveness can be realized. The image displayed at this time does not have to be limited to the appearance of the product at all times; for example, an infrared sensor or the like may be installed, and the image displayed on the vending machine 21 may be displayed until it is detected that a customer is standing in front of the vending machine 21. It may also be possible to display advertisements for stores that have installed , and to display images of products when a customer is detected.

The vending machine of the present invention is not limited to selling cigarettes 48 as in the above embodiment, but can be used for a wide variety of products such as various prepaid cards, transportation tickets, dry batteries, and photographic film. It is something.

[Effects of the Invention] According to the present invention as described above, the matrix type display device 5
3, images related to the products to be sold are displayed based on the image data generated from the image data generation means 52. Therefore, compared to the conventional example in which mere samples of the products to be sold are displayed, extremely diverse expressions are possible, and the appeal of the products to be sold is greatly improved. Moreover, various displays can be realized simply by changing the image data generated from the image data generating means 52, so it is easy to change the products being sold, change the list price, or display new products. This greatly improves usability.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vending machine 21 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the vending machine 21 with its front plate 22 opened. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the vending machine 21. FIG. 5 is a flowchart explaining the overall operation of this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart explaining column data input processing. 8 is a perspective view of a cigarette 48, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the large LCD 27, FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing product image setting processing, and FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the confirmation process, FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the display process, and FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of a typical conventional vending machine 1. [Explanation of symbols 21...Vending machine, 23...Column, 27...Large LCD. 31...Operation panel, 35...Small LCD. 36... Barcode reader, 37... Image scanner, 38... Control device, 40... RAM. 44... Touch panel, 45... Section, 46... Bar code, 51... Column, 52... Image data generation means, 53... ...
- Matrix display device, 54...Touch panel. Ganjin Co., Ltd. Shibaura Manufacturing Figure 2 Figure 1 Figure 3 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 11

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. In a vending machine in which goods are stored in each of a plurality of columns (51) and coins are inserted and the stored goods are sold, the vending machine corresponds to the goods in each column (51). An image data generation means (52) that generates image data, and a matrix display device that is provided on the front of the aircraft and displays images related to articles to be sold based on the image data from the image data generation means (52). (53), mounted on the front of the matrix type display device (53),
A vending machine characterized by being equipped with a transparent thin film-like touch panel (54) on which a contact position during a contact operation using a conductor is input.