JPH0969183A - Method for controlling operation of automatic vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation controlling method capable of properly switching a program for a host computer to be in an energy saving mode correspondingly to users in overtime work without changing the program every time. SOLUTION: When an energy saving instruction is given to an automatic vending machine(AVM) C1 with #1 in the case of controlling the operation modes of plural AVMs connected to a host through communication lines, the host is informed of the instruction by #2 through the communication line. The host recognizing the instruction gives the instruction for switching all the AVMs from a normal operation mode to an energy saving operation mode with #3 through the communication lines and the AVMs C1 to C3 are switched to be in the energy saving operation mode by #4 to #5.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of controlling an operation mode of a plurality of vending machines connected to a host by a communication line.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In this type of vending machine system, it is adopted to unmanned the total sales of each vending machine, and a host computer regularly commands the vending machine via a communication line. , The sales total accumulated in each vending machine is read and transferred to the host computer.

Further, in a vending machine system in which a vending machine can be used with a post-payment card, the host computer is configured to deliver the identification code of the invalid card to the vending machine via a communication line.

An electric light for illuminating a product sample or the like is provided on the customer service side of the vending machine, and in the case of the vending machine installed outdoors, the vending machine is installed based on the detection of the built-in daylight switch. Even if the installation location is dark, the illumination light normal mode turns on the light when the place gets dark and turns it off when the place gets dark, and the contents set manually in the control unit built into each vending machine directly From midnight to early morning, it is configured to be able to set any of an electric lamp energy saving mode in which the electric lamp is forcibly turned off (hereinafter, the energy saving mode is referred to as an energy saving mode).

An automatic vending machine that cools and sells canned beverages is equipped with a cooling device that cools the inside of the product stocker. Normally, a cooling device that operates the cooling device so that the inside temperature approaches the target temperature T1. Cooling device energy saving mode in which the cooling device is operated so that the internal cold storage temperature approaches the temperature T2 slightly higher than the target temperature T1 based on the mode and the contents manually set in the control unit built into each vending machine. It is configured to be able to set either of the above.

[0006]

Since the switching between the normal mode and the energy saving mode of each vending machine is carried out for each vending machine in this manner, all vending machines installed on each floor of the building are In order to automatically switch from the normal mode to the energy saving mode when the building is unmanned, it is necessary to visit each vending machine in advance and manually set the switching time.

Alternatively, it is conceivable that the host computer instructs each vending machine to switch to the energy saving mode via the communication line at the switching time.

However, in such an operation control method of switching based on a preset time, even if a person remains in the building and works overtime even after the scheduled time, all vending machines are operated. The inconvenience that the user has to use the vending machine with the light turned off after switching to the energy-saving mode, or that they can only purchase cold beverages with a temperature T2 that is higher than the temperature T1. Occurs.

An object of the present invention is to provide an operation control method capable of appropriately implementing switching to an energy saving mode for a user who is working overtime without changing the program of the host computer each time.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operation control method, wherein when controlling an operation mode of a plurality of vending machines connected to a host by a communication line, any one of the vending machines described above. Or, when a switching instruction is given to a specific vending machine and the host recognizes that the switching instruction is accepted, the host switches from the normal operation mode to the energy saving operation mode to all the vending machines via the communication line. Is instructed to switch each vending machine to the energy saving operation mode.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the operation control method, when controlling the operation mode of a plurality of vending machines connected to a host through a communication line, any one of the above-mentioned vending machines or a specific vending machine can be used. When the host recognizes that the switching instruction has been received and the host has accepted the switching instruction, the host instructs the vending machine of a specific group to switch from the normal operation mode to the energy saving operation mode via a communication line. The specific vending machine is switched to an energy saving operation mode.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the operation control method according to the first and second aspects, the host or each vending machine detects that the specified time has come after the vending machine enters the energy saving operation mode. It is characterized by returning to the normal operation mode.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the operation control method according to any one of the first, second and third aspects, it is detected that a specific card has been input to the customer service card reader of the vending machine, and the normal operation mode is set. It is characterized by switching from the to the energy saving operation mode.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show [First Embodiment].

As shown in FIG. 2, in this vending machine system, "No. 1 vending machine C ₁ " is installed on the first floor of building A, and "No. 2 vending machine" is installed on the second and third floors. C ₂ "" N
o. 3 vending machines C ₃ ″ are installed, and a host computer D is installed on the 4th floor. Each vending machine C _{1 to} C
₃ "is connected to the host computer D via the communication line E, the host computer D Each vending machine C ₁ -C
Manages the sales total of ₃ .

Further, the host computer D when it detects that the reception energy saving instruction from one of the vending machine C ₁ -C _3, each vending machine as shown in FIG. 1 C ₁ -C ₃
To switch the operation mode.

In the communication procedure shown in FIG. 1, the guard who manages the entrance and exit of people near the entrance B of the building A
When it is determined that there are no more people staying in building A at night, operating the keyboard inside "No. 1 vending machine C ₁ " installed near doorway B with # 1 to enter the energy saving instruction code. When keyed in, the "No. 1 vending machine C ₁ " notifies the host computer D via the communication line E that the energy saving instruction is accepted in # 2.

When the host computer D recognizes that the energy saving instruction is received from any of the vending machines, # 3
Then, the host computer D instructs the vending machines C _{1 to} C ₃ to switch to the energy saving mode via the communication line E.

Each of the vending machines C _{1 to} C _{3 which} has detected the instruction to switch from the host computer D to the energy saving mode
Switches from the normal mode to the energy saving mode in # 4, # 5 and # 6.

In this way, the guards are installed not only on the "No. 1 vending machine C ₁ " but also on the 2nd and 3rd floors only by giving the "No. 1 vending machine C ₁ " an energy saving instruction. "N
o. 2 Vending machine C ₂ "" No. The 3 vending machine C ₃ ″ can also be switched from the normal mode to the energy saving mode.

In the early morning, when the guard operates the internal keyboard of the "No. 1 vending machine C ₁ " at # 7 to key in the normal instruction code, the "No. 1 vending machine C 1"
₁ "notifies the host computer D via the communication line E that the normal instruction has been accepted in # 8.

When the host computer D recognizes that it has received the normal instruction from any of the vending machines, the host computer D goes to the normal mode via the communication line E to each of the vending machines C _{1 to} C ₃ in # 9. Instruct to return.

Each of the automatic vending machines C _{1 to} C _{3 which} have detected the instruction to switch from the host computer D to the energy saving mode.
Switches from the energy saving mode to the normal mode in # 10, # 11, and # 12.

As described above, the guards simply give the "No. 1 automatic vending machine C ₁ " a normal instruction so that not only the "No. 1 automatic vending machine C ₁ " but also the second and third floors are installed. "N
o. 2 Vending machine C ₂ "" No. The 3 vending machine C ₃ ″ can also be switched from the energy saving mode to the normal mode.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment. In the communication procedure shown in FIG. 3, when the security guard who manages the entrance and exit of the building A near the entrance B of the building A determines that no one stays in the building A at night, the entrance B is located near the entrance B. Installed "No. 1"
If you operate the keyboard inside the vending machine C ₁ "with # 1 and key in the code for the energy saving instruction," No. The vending machine C ₁ ″ notifies the host computer D via the communication line E that the energy saving instruction is accepted in # 2.

When the host computer D recognizes that the energy saving instruction is received from any of the vending machines, # 3
Then, the host computer D instructs the vending machines C _{1 to} C ₃ to switch to the energy saving mode via the communication line E.

Each of the vending machines C _{1 to} C _{3 which} has detected the instruction to switch from the host computer D to the energy saving mode
Switches from the normal mode to the energy saving mode in # 4, # 5 and # 6.

In this way, the guards are installed not only on the "No. 1 vending machine C ₁ " but also on the second and third floors only by giving the "No. 1 vending machine C ₁ " an energy saving instruction. "N
o. 2 Vending machine C ₂ "" No. The 3 vending machine C ₃ ″ can also be switched from the normal mode to the energy saving mode.

When the host computer D detects that it is early morning after a specified time has passed after the instruction to switch to the energy saving mode is issued in # 3 after detecting the energy saving instruction in # 2, this second execution Form of host computer D
And instructs switching to the normal mode through the communication line E in # 7 in each vending machine C ₁ -C _3.

Each of the vending machines C _{1 to} C _{3 which} has detected the instruction to switch from the host computer D to the normal mode,
The energy saving mode is switched to the normal mode in # 8, # 9, and # 10.

In this way, the security officer "No. 1 Vending machine C ₁ "" No. 2 Vending machine C ₂ "" No. 3 The vending machine C ₃ ″ can be returned from the energy saving mode to the normal mode.

In the first and second embodiments, "No. 1"
The case where the energy-saving instruction is received by the vending machine C ₁ ”is described as an example, but the energy-saving instruction can be received from any of the vending machines C _{1 to} C ₃ , or“ No. 1
The energy saving instruction can be received only from a specific vending machine such as only from the vending machine C ₁ ″.

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment. According to the communication procedure shown in FIG. 4, when the security guard who manages the entrance and exit of the building A near the entrance B of the building A determines that no one stays in the building A at night, there is no sign near the entrance B. Installed "No. 1"
The keyboard inside the vending machine C ₁ ″ is operated with # 1 to enter the energy saving instruction code and the group code.

Specifically, "No. 1 vending machine C ₁ "
And “No. 3 vending machine C ₃ ” is a cold beverage vending machine, and “No. 2 vending machine C ₂ is a cigarette vending machine. In this [third embodiment], The case where only the vending machine is switched to the energy saving mode will be described as an example.

In # 1, the group code is "No. 1".
Vending machine C ₁ "and" No. Beverage group code designating the group of vending machine C ₃ "is keyed in." The vending machine C ₁ ″ notifies the host computer D via the communication line E that the energy saving instruction and the group code have been received in # 2.

When the host computer D recognizes that the energy saving instruction and the group code have been received from any of the vending machines, the host computer D determines in # 3 the vending machine C ₁ and the vending machine C specified by the group code. ₃ via the communication line E indicating the switching to the energy-saving mode.

The automatic vending machine C ₁ and the automatic vending machine C ₃ , which have detected the instruction from the host computer D to switch to the energy saving mode, switch from the normal mode to the energy saving mode in # 4 and # 5.

In this way, the guard simply gives the "No. 1 vending machine C ₁ " an energy saving instruction and a group code,
Only specific vending machines C ₁ and C ₃ can be switched from the normal mode to the energy saving mode.

In the early morning, when the guard operates the internal keyboard of the "No. 1 vending machine C ₁ " at # 6 to key in the normal instruction code, the "No. 1 vending machine C 1"
₁ "notifies the host computer D via the communication line E that the normal instruction has been accepted in # 7.

When the host computer D recognizes that it has received the normal instruction from any of the vending machines, the host computer D goes to the normal mode via the communication line E to each of the vending machines C _{1 to} C ₃ in # 8. Instruct to return.

Each of the automatic vending machines C ₁ and C _{3 which} has detected the instruction from the host computer D to switch to the energy saving mode switches from the energy saving mode to the normal mode at # 9 and # 10.

In the [third embodiment], when a security guard is keying in an energy saving instruction and a normal instruction as in the [first embodiment], only a specific group is switched to the energy saving mode. Those not in the specific group were in the case of keeping the normal mode without switching to the energy saving mode. However, as shown in FIG. 3, the security officer keyed in the energy saving instruction and the host computer Even when D or the elapse of the specified time is detected and the normal mode is automatically restored, as in the case of the third embodiment, the group code is designated together with the energy saving instruction and only the specific one is put into the energy saving mode. You can also switch.

In the third embodiment and the embodiments related thereto, when the host computer D detects the elapse of the specified time, the vending machine side is automatically distributed the switching to the normal mode. The vending machine that has switched from the normal mode to the energy saving mode according to the instruction from the host computer D in response to the energy saving instruction detects the lapse of the specified time and returns the vending machine to the normal mode. It can also be configured to.

In each of the above embodiments, the energy saving instruction and the normal instruction are described as being input by the guard operating the keyboard inside the vending machine, but in any of the embodiments, the prepayment card is used. Or, in the case of a vending machine that can be used as a postpaid card, prepare a special card with a special code written for switching the energy saving mode, and the guard will use this special card when switching the operation mode. The card reader installed on the customer service side, recognizes the special code for switching the energy saving mode by the card reader, and notifies the host computer D of the energy saving instruction reception via the communication line E. Thus, it is not necessary to operate the keyboard inside the vending machine when switching the operation mode. Further, in this case, the code of the group of the vending machine to be switched to the special card is written, and the host computer D is also notified of the code of this group, thereby further improving the operability. it can.

[0045]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, all that is required for the host computer to be switched over the communication line is to give a switching instruction to any one or a specific vending machine connected to the host computer through the communication line. The automatic vending machine can be switched to the energy-saving operation mode, and the mode can be appropriately switched to the energy-saving mode in response to the user working overtime without changing the program of the host computer each time.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the host computer is connected to the host computer through the communication line or a specific vending machine is simply instructed to switch, and the host computer is connected through the communication line to the specific group. The automatic vending machine can be switched to the energy-saving operation mode, and the mode can be appropriately switched to the energy-saving mode in response to the user working overtime without changing the program of the host computer each time.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the first and second aspects, the normal time is detected by the host computer or each vending machine when the vending machine has reached the specified time after entering the energy-saving operation mode. Since the mode automatically returns to the operation mode, the operability is improved by simply switching to the energy-saving mode at night and returning to the normal operation mode in the early morning without any operation by a staff member.

According to the structure of claim 4, in claim 1, claim 2, and claim 3, the customer service card reader of the vending machine is used for input instruction, and a specific card is input to the service card reader. By detecting that it has been done and switching from the normal operation mode to the energy saving operation mode,
The operability of a staff member who switches the operation mode is improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a communication sequence diagram according to a first embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an installed state of the vending machine system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a communication sequence diagram of the second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a communication sequence diagram of the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

C ₁ -C ₃ vending machine D host computer E communication line

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. When controlling the operation mode of a plurality of vending machines connected to a host by a communication line, a switching instruction is given to one of the vending machines or a specific vending machine, When the host recognizes that the vending machine has received the switching instruction, the host instructs all the vending machines to switch from the normal operation mode to the energy saving operation mode via the communication line, and the vending machines are set to the energy saving operation mode. Vending machine operation control method to switch to. 2. When controlling the operation mode of a plurality of vending machines connected to a host by a communication line, a switching instruction is given to one of the vending machines or a specific vending machine, When the host recognizes that it has received the switching instruction of the above, the host instructs the vending machine of the specific group to switch from the normal operation mode to the energy saving operation mode through the communication line, and the specific vending machine is activated. Operation control method for vending machines that switches to energy-saving operation mode. 3. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the host or each vending machine detects that the specified time has come after the vending machine has entered the energy saving operation mode, and returns to the normal operation mode. Operation control method of machine. 4. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the normal operation mode is switched to the energy-saving operation mode by detecting that a specific card is input to the customer service card reader of the vending machine. Operation control method of machine.