JPH08153260A - Automatic vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide an automatic vending machine capable of setting up corresponding relation between a selecting pushbutton and a storing column without generating an error. CONSTITUTION: Bar codes are provided on both of a commodity 8 and a dummy commodity 5, the bar codes of the commodity 8 and the dummy commodity 5 are read out by a bar code reader 9, identification(ID) numbers for the storing column 3 and the selecting pushbutton 4 are key-inputted, and the ID numbers of the column 3 and the pushbutton 4 are correspondingly recognized based upon these recognition information so that commodity sort of tire commodity 8 coincides with that of the dummy commodity 5. Consequently, corresponding relation between the pushbutton 4 and the column 3 can be set up without generating an error and such a trouble that a commodity 8 different from a commodity intended by a customer is discharged is not generated.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vending machine, and more particularly to a vending machine which handles a wide variety of products.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an increasing number of vending machines handle products of various brands. In this type of vending machine, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a storage column 3 (3 ₁ , 3 ₂ , 3 ₃ , ...) For storing products (not shown) in the vending machine body 1.・ Multiple 3 _n ) are provided so that products of various brands can be sold. Further, on the customer service surface of the front door 2 which is rotatably supported by the vending machine body 1, selection push buttons 4 (4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , 4 ₃ , ... 4 _m ) for selecting products are provided. A plurality of items are provided, and a dummy product 5 indicating a product selected by the selection push button 4 is associated with the selection push button 4 and the sample shelf 6
It is located on the top of the.

In this type of vending machine, there is one in which the storage column 3 that performs a payout operation when the selection push button 4 is pressed can be freely set. In this vending machine, a selection push button 4 for a hot-selling product is provided. It is possible to set a large number of storage columns 3 to be stored, and to set a plurality of storage columns 3 to one selection push button 4, which is convenient.

When an automatic vending machine of this type is installed and initially set or when the product to be sold is changed, the positions of the storage columns 3 for performing the payout operation when the selection push button 4 is pressed are set correspondingly. There must be. Therefore, in such a case, conventionally advance predetermined or adapt any storage column 3 to which selection push button 4 in advance, the key input unit 7 provided on the rear surface of the front door 3 after this, selection pushbutton 4 And the correspondence between the storage column 3 was input. That is, an identification number is given to each selection push button 4 and each storage column 3 in advance, the first selection push button 4 ₁ and the third storage column 3 ₃ are made to correspond to each other, and the second selection push button 4 ₂ is assigned. When associating the fourth storage column 3 ₄ with each other, the clerk inputs, for example, "1" and "3" and then sets "2" and "4".

[0005]

However, in the above-described conventional vending machine, a staff member or the like selects the push button 4 for selection.
And the storage column 3 are considered in advance, and after that, the input operation is performed according to this idea to set.
The selection push button 4 and the storage column 3 are set in an erroneous relationship due to misunderstanding of the correspondence or input error, and in this case, a product different from the product intended by the customer is paid out. Was occurring.

The present invention solves the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic vending machine which can set the correspondence between the selection push button and the storage column without error.

[0007]

In order to solve the above problems, the first means of the present invention is to provide each product with a product bar code section for displaying a bar code of the type of the product, and for each dummy product, A dummy product barcode section that displays the same barcode as a product of the same type is provided, a barcode reader that reads the barcodes of the product and the dummy product is provided, and the barcode information of the product read by the barcode reader is input. By inputting and storing identification number information given in advance in the storage column that stores and stores this product, the product type and the identification number of the storage column that stores this product are recognized in association with each other, and the barcode Bar code information of the dummy product read by the reader is input and stored, and the identification information previously given to the selection push button corresponding to the dummy product is stored. By inputting and storing the number information, the product type of the dummy product and the identification number of the selection push button corresponding to the dummy product are recognized in association with each other, and the product of the product and the dummy product is recognized based on these recognition information. The identification numbers of the storage column and the selection push button are associated and recognized so that the types match, and when the selection push button is pressed in the sellable state, the payout operation is performed from the storage column corresponding to this selection push button. It has a sales control unit.

A second means of the present invention is to provide each product with a product bar code portion for displaying a bar code of the type of the product, and to identify the storage column at or near each storage column. A column bar code part that shows the number as a bar code is provided, and a dummy product bar code part that displays the same bar code as the same type of product is provided for each dummy product, and this dummy product bar code part is provided near each selection push button or each selection push button. The push button bar code section that shows the identification number of the selection push button by a bar code is provided, and the bar code reader that reads the bar code is provided. The bar code information of the product read by the bar code reader and the identification of the storage column that stores this product By inputting the number bar code information, the product type and the identification number of the storage column that stores this product are recognized in association with each other, and the bar code The product type of the dummy product and the identification number of the selection push button corresponding to the dummy product are input by inputting the barcode information of the dummy product read by the printer and the identification number barcode information of the selection push button corresponding to the dummy product. The corresponding identification numbers of the storage column and the selection push button are associated with each other so that the product types of the product and the dummy product match based on the recognition information, and the product is selected in the sellable state. When the push button is pressed, a sales control unit is provided to perform a payout operation from the storage column corresponding to the selection push button.

The third means of the present invention is to provide each product with a product bar code section for displaying a bar code of the type of the product, and to read the bar code of the stored product in each storage column. A bar code reader is provided, and each dummy product is provided with a dummy product bar code section that displays the same bar code as the same type of product, and the dummy product bar code is placed at each dummy product installation location in the vending machine body. A dummy product barcode reader to read is provided, and when the product is stored in the storage column, the barcode information of the product read by the product barcode reader is input to identify the product type of the product and the storage column that stores this product. The dummy product bar code read by the dummy product bar code reader when the dummy product is placed in a predetermined location Input information to recognize the product type of the dummy product and the identification number of the selection push button corresponding to the dummy product, and recognize the product type of the product and the dummy product based on the recognition information. The sales control unit that recognizes the identification numbers of the selection push button and the storage column in association with each other and, when the selection push button is pressed in the sellable state, performs the payout operation from the storage column corresponding to the selection push button. It is provided.

[0010]

According to the first means, the bar code of the product is read by the bar code reader, and the identification number of the storage column for storing the product is entered from the key input section or the like, thereby identifying the product type and the product. It can be recognized by associating it with the identification number of the storage column to be stored.Next, the barcode of the dummy product is read by the barcode reader and the identification number of the selection push button corresponding to this dummy product is input from the key input section etc. By inputting, the product type of the dummy product and the identification number of the selection push button corresponding to this dummy product can be associated and recognized. Then, since the identification numbers of the selection push button and the storage column are associated and recognized so that the product types of the product and the dummy product match based on these recognition information, the correspondence relationship between the selection push button and the storage column is recognized. Can be set without error.

According to the second means, the product type and the product are stored by reading the bar code of the product and the bar code indicating the identification number of the storage column for storing the product with the bar code reader. The identification number of the storage column to be stored can be recognized in association with each other, and then the barcode of the dummy product and the barcode indicating the identification number of the selection push button corresponding to the dummy product can be read by the barcode reader. The product type of the dummy product and the identification number of the selection push button corresponding to the dummy product can be associated and recognized. Then, since the identification numbers of the selection push button and the storage column are associated and recognized so that the product types of the product and the dummy product match based on the recognition information, the correspondence relationship between the selection push button and the storage column is recognized. Can be set without error.

Further, according to the third means, by storing the products in the respective storage columns, the bar code of the stored products is read by the product bar code reader, and these storages are carried out by the identification numbers of the storage columns. The product type of the product stored in the column can be recognized. Then, by placing the dummy product at a predetermined location, the dummy product barcode reader reads the dummy product's barcode, and the selection pushbutton is identified. The product type of the dummy product corresponding to these selection push buttons can be recognized for each number. Since the identification numbers of the selection push button and the storage column are associated and recognized so that the product types of the product and the dummy product match based on the recognition information,
The correspondence between the selection push button and the storage column can be set without error.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to those having the same functions as those of the conventional one.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each product 8 has a product bar code section 8 for displaying a bar code of the product type.
a is printed, and a dummy product barcode portion 5a that displays the same barcode as the product 8 of the same type is provided on the back surface of each dummy product 5. Further, the vending machine body 1 is provided with one bar code reader 9 for reading these bar codes, a sales control unit 10 for controlling the sales operation, and a storage connected to the sales control unit 10. A section 11 is provided. Further, reference numeral 12 in FIG. 1 denotes a product dispensing device that carries out a product dispensing operation.

When the vending machine is installed and initially set or when the product to be sold is changed, the vending machine performs the control operation as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. First, an operator operates the barcode reader 9 to read the barcode representing the product type from the product barcode section 8a of the product 8. When the barcode of the product 8 is read, the sales control unit 10 inputs this barcode information and stores it in the storage unit 11 as product type information (steps # 1 and # 2).
Then, the attendant inputs the identification number given in advance to the storage column 3 for storing the product 8 from the key input unit 7, for example, in the case of the storage column 3 ₁ having the identification number 1, "1" is input to the attendant. Let In the sales control unit 10, this storage column 3
The identification number information of is input and stored in the storage unit 11 (steps # 3, # 4). Then, the sales controller 10 sells the product 8
The product type and the identification number of the storage column 3 of the product 8 are associated and recognized (step # 5). Thereafter, steps # 1 to # 5 are repeated according to the number of storage columns 3 to be set (step # 6).

Next, an operator operates the bar code reader 9 to read the bar code indicating the product type from the dummy product bar code portion 5a of the dummy product 5. When the barcode of the dummy product 5 is read, the sales control unit 10 inputs this barcode information and stores it in the storage unit 11 as dummy product type information (steps # 7, # 8). Subsequently, the attendant inputs the identification number previously given to the selection push button 4 corresponding to the arrangement position of the dummy product 5 from the key input unit 7, and for example, in the case of the selection push button 4 ₃ of the identification number 3, "3" Let the attendant enter. The sales control unit 10 inputs the identification number information of the selection push button 4 and stores it in the storage unit 11 (steps # 9, # 10). And the sales control unit 1
At 0, the product type of the dummy product 5 and the identification number of the selection push button 4 corresponding to the dummy product 5 are associated and recognized (step # 11). Thereafter, steps # 7 to # 11 are repeated according to the number of selection push buttons 4 to be set (step # 12).

The sales control unit 10 further recognizes the identification numbers of the storage column 3 and the selection push button 4 in association with each other so that the product types of the product 8 and the dummy product 5 match based on the recognition information. (Step # 13). And
When the selection push button 4 is pressed in the salable state, the product dispensing device 12 of the storage column 3 corresponding to the selection push button 4 is driven to perform the dispensing operation.

As a result, the correspondence relationship between the selection push button 4 and the storage column 3 can be set without error, and the problem that the product different from the product intended by the customer is not paid out is eliminated, and the vending machine can be operated. Improves reliability.

5 to 7 show another embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals are given to those having the same functions as those in the above embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, in this vending machine, in addition to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, a column indicating the identification number of the storage column 3 by a bar code in the vicinity of the product inlet 3b of each storage column 3. A bar code section 3a is provided. Further, on the lower surface of the sample shelf 6, there is provided a push button bar code section 4a corresponding to each selection push button 4 and showing the identification number of the selection push button by a bar code.

When the vending machine is installed and initially set or when the sale item is changed, the vending machine performs the control operation as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. First, an operator operates the bar code reader 9 to read the bar code representing the product type from the product bar code part 8a of the product 8, and at the same time from the column bar code part 3a of the storage column 3 that stores the product 8. Scan the bar code showing the identification number. When the bar codes of the product 8 and the storage column 3 are read, the sales control unit 10 inputs this bar code information and stores it in the storage unit 11 as the product type information of the product 8 and the identification number bar code information of the storage column 3. (Steps # 21 to # 24). Then, the sales controller 10 recognizes the product type of the product 8 and the identification number of the storage column 3 of the product 8 from these pieces of information in association with each other (step # 25). Thereafter, step # 21 to step # 25 are repeated according to the number of storage columns 3 to be set (step # 26).

Next, an operator operates the bar code reader 9 to read the bar code indicating the product type from the dummy product bar code portion 5a of the dummy product 5 and select the dummy product 5 corresponding to the location. A bar code representing the identification number of the push button 4 is read. When the bar codes of the dummy product 5 and the selection push button 4 are read, the sales control unit 10 inputs the bar code information to the storage unit 11 as the product type information of the dummy product 5 and the identification number bar code information of the selection push button 4. Store (Step # 27
~ # 31). Thereafter, steps # 27 to # 31 are repeated according to the number of selection push buttons 4 to be set (step # 32).

The sales control unit 10 further recognizes the identification numbers of the storage column 3 and the selection push button 4 in association with each other so that the product types of the product 8 and the dummy product 5 match based on the recognition information. (Step # 33). And
When the select push button 4 is pressed in the sellable state, the payout operation is performed from the storage column 3 corresponding to the select push button 4.

Also by this, the correspondence relationship between the selection push button 4 and the storage column 3 can be set without error, and the problem that the product different from the product intended by the customer is not paid out is eliminated, and the vending machine is eliminated. Improves reliability. Further, according to this embodiment, it is not necessary for an attendant to confirm the identification numbers of the storage column 3 and the selection push button 4 and manually input them through the key input unit 7 as in the above-described embodiments. Check errors can be prevented and work efficiency can be improved.

8 to 10 show another embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals are given to those having the same functions as those in the above embodiment. In this embodiment, each storage column 3
Product bar code readers 13 for reading the bar codes of the stored products 8 are respectively provided at the product insertion ports. Dummy product bar code readers 14 for reading the bar codes of the dummy products 5 are provided on the rear surface of the front door 2 where the dummy products 5 are installed. The sales control unit 10 can recognize the identification numbers of the storage column 3 and the selection push button 4 by the output signals of the product bar code reader 13 and the dummy product bar code reader 14.

When the vending machine is installed and initially set or when the sale item is changed, the vending machine performs the control operation as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Storage column 3
When the product 8 is stored in the product, the bar code of the product 8 is read by the product bar code reader 13 (step # 41). In the sales control unit 10, the read barcode information of the product 8 is input and stored in the storage unit 11, and the storage column 3 is input from the input portion of the barcode information.
Of the product 8 and the identification number of the storage column 3 for storing the product 8 are recognized in association with each other (steps # 42 to # 44). After that, steps # 41 to # 44 are repeated according to the storage column 3 to be set (step # 45).

When the dummy product 5 is set on the sample shelf 6, the barcode of the dummy product 5 is read by the dummy product barcode reader 14 at this time (step # 46). In the sales control unit 10, the read barcode information of the dummy product 5 is input and stored in the storage unit 11, and the identification number of the corresponding selection push button 4 is determined from the input position of the barcode information, and the dummy product 5 is stored. And the identification number of the selection push button 4 corresponding to the dummy product 5 are associated and recognized (steps # 47 to # 49).
Thereafter, steps # 46 to # 49 are repeated according to the selection push button 4 to be set (step # 50).

The sales control section 10 further recognizes the identification numbers of the storage column 3 and the selection push button 4 in association with each other so that the product types of the product 8 and the dummy product 5 match based on the recognition information. (Step # 51). And
When the select push button 4 is pressed in the sellable state, the payout operation is performed from the storage column 3 corresponding to the select push button 4.

Also by this, the correspondence relationship between the selection push button 4 and the storage column 3 can be set without error, and the problem that the product different from the product intended by the customer is not paid out is eliminated, and the vending machine is eliminated. Improves reliability. In particular, according to this embodiment, the clerk does not have to operate the bar code reader 9 to perform the bar code detection operation of the product 8 or the dummy product 5 and the recognition of the identification number of the selection push button 4 or the storage column 3. Because it can be done automatically,
It is possible to more reliably prevent mistakes in confirming the identification number, and
Work efficiency is further improved.

On the other hand, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and FIGS.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 7 requires an operation by the bar code reader 9 and is relatively time-consuming, but has the advantage that the manufacturing cost can be relatively low because only one bar code reader 9 is required.

Although the product 8 is a canned beverage in the above embodiment, the invention is not limited to this and can be applied to a vending machine for selling cigarettes and other products. Absent. Further, the selection push button 4 and the storage column 3 are not limited to one-to-one correspondence, and a plurality of storage columns 3 correspond to one selection push button 4 or vice versa. It is possible to apply the examples. Further, the places where the barcodes of the product 8 and the dummy product 5 are provided are not limited to the outer peripheral surface, and may be provided on the upper surface portion or the lower surface portion, and accordingly, the product barcode reader 13 and the dummy product barcode reader 14 are provided. May be provided.

[0031]

As described above, according to the present invention, a bar code is provided on a product and a dummy product, the bar codes of the product and the dummy product are read by a bar code reader, and the identification numbers of the storage column and the selection push button are identified. Let me enter
By recognizing the identification numbers of the storage column and the selection push button in association with each other so that the product types of the product and the dummy product match based on the recognition information, the correspondence relationship between the selection push button and the storage column is erroneous. It can be set without any need, and the problem that the product different from the product intended by the customer will not be paid out, the reliability of the vending machine is improved, and only one bar code reader is required, It also has an advantage that the cost can be relatively low.

The same effect can be obtained by indicating not only the product type of the product and the dummy product but also the identification numbers of the storage column and the selection push button by a bar code and reading them by a code reader. At the same time, the operation of confirming the identification number of the storage column or the selection push button and the manual input operation can be omitted, so that the work efficiency is improved.

Further, by providing a bar code reader for reading the bar code of the product of each storage column or the dummy product of each selection push button portion, the bar code detection operation of the product or the dummy product and the identification number of the selection push button or the storage column can be performed. Since all recognition can be done automatically, mistakes in confirming the identification number can be prevented more reliably, and work efficiency is further improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the same vending machine.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of the vending machine.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the vending machine.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing an automatic vending machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of the same vending machine.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of the same vending machine.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing a vending machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation of the same vending machine.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of the same vending machine.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a conventional vending machine.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a conventional vending machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 3 Storage column 3a Column bar code part 4 Selection push button 5 Dummy product 5a Dummy product bar code part 7 Key input part 8 Product 8a Product bar code part 9 Bar code reader 10 Sales control part 11 Storage part 12 Product delivery device 13 Product bar code Reader 14 Dummy product barcode reader

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A vending machine in which a plurality of storage columns for storing products are provided, a plurality of selection pushbuttons for selecting products are provided, and dummy products for display are arranged on the customer service surface corresponding to the selection pushbuttons. That is, each product is provided with a product bar code part that displays a bar code of the product type, and each dummy product is provided with a dummy product bar code part that displays the same bar code as the product of the same type. A bar code reader that reads the bar code of the dummy product is provided, and the bar code information of the product read by the bar code reader is input and stored, and the identification number information given in advance is input to the storage column that stores this product. By storing the data, the product type and the identification number of the storage column that stores this product are recognized in association with each other, and the barcode read by the barcode reader is recognized. By inputting and storing the bar code information of the merchandise item and inputting and storing the identification number information given in advance to the selection push button corresponding to the dummy merchandise, the merchandise type of the dummy merchandise and the dummy merchandise can be corresponded. The identification numbers of the selection pushbuttons are recognized in association with each other, and the identification numbers of the storage column and the selection pushbuttons are recognized in association with each other so that the product types of the product and the dummy product match based on the recognition information. , A vending machine provided with a sales control unit for performing a payout operation from a storage column corresponding to the selection push button when the selection push button is pressed in a sellable state. 2. A vending machine in which a plurality of storage columns for storing products are provided, a plurality of selection pushbuttons for selecting products are provided, and dummy products for display are arranged on the customer service surface corresponding to the selection pushbuttons. In addition, each product is provided with a product bar code section that displays a bar code of the product type, and a column bar code that indicates the identification number of this storage column by a bar code in each storage column or in the vicinity of each storage column. A dummy product bar code part that displays the same bar code as the same type of product is provided on each dummy product, and the identification number of this selection push button is displayed on a bar code in the vicinity of each selection push button or each selection push button. The push button bar code section shown is provided, the bar code reader for reading the bar code is provided, and the bar code information of the product read by the bar code reader and the storage for storing this product By inputting the identification number bar code information of the column, the product type and the identification number of the storage column for storing this product are recognized in association with each other, and the bar code information of the dummy product read by the bar code reader and this dummy By inputting the identification number bar code information of the selection push button corresponding to the product, the product type of the dummy product and the identification number of the selection push button corresponding to this dummy product are recognized in association with each other, and based on these recognition information The identification numbers of the storage column and the selection push button are associated and recognized so that the product types of the product and the dummy product match, and when the selection push button is pressed in the sellable state, it corresponds to the selection push button. An automatic vending machine equipped with a sales control unit that performs payout operations from a storage column. 3. A vending machine in which a plurality of storage columns for storing products are provided, a plurality of selection pushbuttons for selecting products are provided, and dummy products for display are arranged on the customer service surface corresponding to the selection pushbuttons. Therefore, each product is provided with a product bar code section that displays the bar code of the product type, and each storage column is equipped with a product bar code reader that reads the bar code of the stored product, and each dummy product is A dummy product barcode section that displays the same barcode as the same type of product is provided, and a dummy product barcode reader that reads the barcode of each dummy product is installed and stored at each location of the dummy product in the vending machine body. When the product is stored in the column, enter the barcode information of the product read by the product barcode reader to store the product type of the product and the storage code that stores this product. The dummy product barcode and the dummy product's product type are entered by inputting the barcode information of the dummy product read by the dummy product barcode reader when the dummy product is placed at a predetermined location. Recognize the identification numbers of the selection pushbuttons corresponding to the products by associating them, and corresponding the identification numbers of the selection pushbuttons and the storage columns based on the recognition information so that the product types of the products and the dummy products match. An automatic vending machine provided with a sales control unit that recognizes the selection pushbutton when the selection pushbutton is pressed in the sellable state and performs the payout operation from the storage column corresponding to the selection pushbutton.