JPH10111978A - Commodity display retrieval device and automatic commodity handling system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a commodity display retrieval device which can easily confirm the stock states of desired commodities to be lent and also can easily perform the selection of the commodities in an automatic rental system. SOLUTION: A commodity display retrieval device 3 of an automatic rental system 1 includes a holding part 34 which holds plural retrieval sheets 32 showing the rental commodities in a booklet form where the sheets 32 can be successively opened facing to each other, plural selection buttons 33 which select the display parts 31 held on the sheets 32, a detector 35 which detects a sheet 32 that is currently set at a facing position, and a selective switch function which can select the parts 31 held on the retrieval sheets 32 (k) and 32 (k+1) set in the facing states via the buttons 33 based on the detection result of the detector 35. Then the commodities shown on the sheets 32 (k) and 32 (k+1) kept in the facing states can be automatically selected by the buttons 33. Thus, it's possible to easily select the desired commodities by operating each corresponding button 33.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an automatic product handling system for automatically renting or selling compact discs (CDs), video cassette tapes and the like. More specifically, the present invention relates to an automatic product handling system provided with a product display and retrieval device capable of confirming the stock status of a product and selecting a product in a form that is easy for a user to use.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The present applicant has previously described Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-50518.
In Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication, an automatic rental machine for automatically renting a CD or a video cassette tape is proposed. This automatic rental machine comprises an automatic rental machine main body, a plurality of search devices, and a membership card for using the rental machine. The search device includes a display unit in which a large number of search cards are arranged in an album. Each search card displays the contents of a rental item, and the corresponding product code number is a bar code. The configuration is indicated by.

When a user inserts a membership card into a search device and reads a bar code of a search card on which a product to be borrowed is displayed by using a bar code reader provided in the search device, the read card is read. The code number is transmitted to the rental machine itself and recorded on the membership card. After selecting a product to be borrowed using the barcode in this way, if the member of the rental machine inserts a membership card and inserts a rental amount, the rental of the selected product is automatically performed.

In the automatic rental machine configured as described above, the contents of a product are displayed on a display unit in which a large number of search cards are arranged in an album. Therefore, it is possible to display the contents of a large number of rental items as compared with the case where the products are displayed on the display shelf or the like of the rental machine main body, which is convenient for the user.

[0005] If the automatic rental machine itself has a built-in selection function, it is necessary to select and borrow a product in front of the automatic rental machine, so that one user occupies the automatic rental machine. This is inconvenient for waiting passengers. However, as described above, the automatic rental machine main body and the search device for selecting a rental item are separate components, and a large number of search devices can be installed, so that such inconvenience can be solved.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to improve an automatic rental machine having the above-mentioned structure and a vending machine having a similar structure proposed by the present applicant.

[0007] That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a product display and retrieval device that allows a user to easily perform a product selection operation without operating a barcode reader or the like in the product automatic handling system having the above-described configuration. It is in.

Another object of the present invention is to propose a product display and retrieval device capable of displaying the stock status of a product in an easily understandable form.

[0009]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention relates to at least one product display and retrieval device provided integrally or separately with a product handling device for renting and selling products. A search sheet on which a display section carrying information of a handled product is formed, a holding section for holding a plurality of the search sheets in a booklet so as to be sequentially opened, and the search sheet A plurality of selection buttons for selecting the display unit carried on the display unit, detection means for detecting which search sheet is at the spread position, and a spread state based on the detection result of the detection means. A configuration is provided that includes selection switching means for enabling the display section carried on the search sheet to be selected by one of the selection buttons.

In the merchandise display and retrieval apparatus of the present invention configured as described above, the search sheets held in a booklet form may be sequentially opened to search for a commodity to be borrowed or purchased. When the search sheet on which the corresponding product is displayed is opened, the detection unit automatically detects which sheet is the search sheet in the spread state. When the sheet is detected by the detecting means, each of the display portions of the products displayed on the search sheet in the facing state can be selected by the selection button by the selection switching means. That is, the product code number displayed on each of the display units is assigned to the selection button, and by operating the selection button, the product code number can be input.

Therefore, according to the present invention, a desired product can be selected by sequentially opening a booklet-like search sheet and operating a selection button at a location where the corresponding product is found. For this reason, a desired product can be selected by an extremely simple operation as compared with a case where a product code number is input by operating a bar code reader.

Here, if the selection button is provided with a product code display surface for displaying which product the selection button is assigned to, the user can select the product without error. It is convenient because it can be done.

Further, in addition to the above-mentioned configuration, the apparatus further includes a communication unit for transferring data to and from the product handling device, and a storage unit, and stores at least inventory data of the handled product via the communication unit. It is desirable to receive the information in real time from the side of the product handling device and to store the information in the storage means.

In this case, it is desirable that the selection button be provided with a stock display surface for displaying the stock status of the commodity selectable by the selection button based on the stock data.

In addition to transmitting inventory data in this way,
So that it can be displayed on the corresponding select button,
When a user operates a selection button for selecting a desired product, the user can immediately know the stock status of the product by looking at the selection button, which is convenient.

Further, as the holding unit, the search sheet is held in a double-open state, and selection buttons are arranged at positions corresponding to each display unit on both sides of the left and right two search sheets in the double-open state. The configuration can be as follows. By physically associating the positional relationship between each display unit of the product and the selection button, the operation of selecting the product is simplified.

The above-mentioned detecting means is provided between the left and right search sheets in a double-open state, and detects any page information carried on the binding side of the search sheet. Can be detected whether or not the search sheet is in a double-page spread state.

Next, the present invention relates to an automatic product handling system for automatically renting, selling, etc., a product, a product display / search apparatus having the above-described configuration, and a product display / search apparatus which stores the handled product and stores the product. It has a product handling device that operates based on a command from the device, and a membership card for specifying a user who uses the product handling device.

The product display and retrieval device includes a card reader for reading the membership card, and communication means for transmitting selection information by the selection button to the product handling device together with membership card information read by the card reader. . The product handling device includes a card reader that reads a membership card, a money processing unit that accepts money, and information that is transmitted from the product display and search device, and also displays the stock status of the handled product and the product display and search device. Communication means to be transmitted to the member, the member information read by the card reader, the amount of money received by the money processing unit, and the lending and selling of the selected product based on the product selection information received by the communication means. And a processing unit for performing the above processing.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An automatic CD rental system to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of an automatic CD rental system. As shown in the figure, the automatic rental system 1 includes one automatic rental device 2 and a plurality of product display / search devices 3 (3-1, 3-1) connected to the automatic rental device 2 so as to be able to communicate information. 3-2 ...)
And a membership card 4 for using the automatic rental system 1.

The automatic rental device 2 has a cabinet 21 and can rent out a plurality of built-in CDs by automatic search.
A return processing function unit, a money processing function unit, a book function unit and the like (not shown) are provided. On the front surface of the cabinet 21, a CD display window 22 provided as necessary, and an operation unit 23
And a receiving port 24 for receiving the rented CD. Further, although not shown in the figure, it has necessary functional parts such as a return port. The operation unit 23 includes a display unit 25 for displaying operation procedures and necessary explanations, a card processing function unit including a card reader 26 for reading the membership card 4, an input port 27 for inputting rental money, and the like. ing.

The merchandise display / retrieval device 3 includes a display unit 31 (31-1, 3-1) holding various kinds of CD information as rental merchandise.
1-2) is provided with a plurality of search sheets 32, and these search sheets 32 (n) (n = 1,
2,3 ...) can be opened sequentially
It is held in a booklet form (album form) by the holding section 33. The holding unit 33 of the present example holds the search sheet 32 in a double-open state, and displays the display units 31-1 on both sides of the left and right two search sheets 32 (k) and 32 (k + 1) in the double-open state. , 31-2 are provided with selection buttons 33 (m) (m = 1 to 4), respectively.

The product display / search device 3 includes a detector 34 for detecting which of the search sheets 32 (n) is at the facing position. Further, based on the detection result by the detector 34, the search sheet 32 in the spread state is
There is provided a selection switching means for allocating the four display units 31 carried on (k) and 32 (k + 1) to each of the four selection buttons 33 (m). This switching means is a function realized by, for example, a built-in control circuit (not shown) constituted by a microcomputer or the like.

The automatic rental device 2 and the merchandise item display and retrieval device 3 are provided with a communication function for transmitting and receiving data between them. A storage circuit for storing and holding the stock status is also mounted.

Next, referring to FIG.
The (n) holding unit 34 and the detector 35 for detecting the search sheets 32 (k) and 32 (k + 1) in the spread state will be described. As shown in these figures, the holding section 34 includes two guides 341 and 342 detachably attached to the apparatus front panel 3a. These guides are bent in an inverted U shape as a whole. However, on one side, the vertical portion 343 is
a, extending vertically from the other side, but with a vertical portion 344 on the other side.
Is bent so that the upper half thereof swells in the lateral direction.

Each search sheet 32 (n) has a guide hole 32 into which these guides 341 and 342 can be inserted.
1, 322 are formed. These guide holes 32
1 and 322 are slightly larger than the guides 341 and 342, so that each search sheet 32 (n) passed through these guides 341 and 342 can sequentially turn pages along the guides. In other words, the search sheets in the double-page spread state can be sequentially switched.

As described above, the left and right search sheets 32 held in the form of a booklet by the two guides 341 and 342.
The detector 35 is disposed between (n). The detector 35 is installed on the front panel 3a, and has a shape in which an upper end portion protrudes in the lateral direction. The lower surface of the protruding portion is a sensor surface 351. Immediately below the sensor surface 351, the binding side portion 323 of the search sheet 32 (k) on one side in the double-page spread state is located. A bar code 324 for specifying the search sheet 32 (k) is printed on the surface of the binding side portion 323. In this example, the page data of the search sheet 32 (k) is printed in the form of a barcode. In this example, the search sheet 32 (n) is bound by two guides 341 and 342 in a predetermined order. Therefore, one search sheet 32 in the double-page spread state
By reading the barcode printed on (k), the search sheets 32 (k), 32 in a double-page spread state are read.
The page of (k + 1) can be detected. Therefore, based on this detection, each of the selection buttons 3 (3) is selected so that the commodities carried on the search sheets 32 (k) and 32 (k + 1) can be selected.
The product code number can be associated with 3 (m).

Next, FIG. 3 shows the surface of the selection button 33 (m). The selection button 33 (m) of the present example includes a product code display surface 331 that indicates to which product the selection button is assigned. On the front surface 331, the product code number assigned based on the detection result by the detector 35 as described above is displayed. In addition, the selection button 33 (m) is based on the inventory data supplied from the automatic rental device 2, and indicates that the product selected by the selection button can be rented.
There is also provided a stock status display surface 332 for displaying that the rental is not possible and the rental is not possible. FIG. 3A shows an example of a display form in the case of lending and the rental is not possible, and FIG. 3B shows a display form in the case of the rental possible (reservation possible). An example is shown.

The merchandise retrieval and display device 3 includes a guide panel 36 for indicating operation procedures and a card reader 37 for reading the membership card 4. Guide panel 36
Is composed of a combination of a plurality of display panels P1 to P9 which are individually selected and turned on, as shown in FIG.

Next, with reference mainly to the flowchart of FIG. 5, the function and use method of the thus configured automatic rental system 1 of this embodiment will be described.

First, a person (member) who borrows a CD goes to a vacant product search and display device 3 and inserts his / her membership card 4 into a card reader 37. At this time, guide panel 3
At 6, the panels P1, P2 and P3 are selectively displayed (step 50). In the product search and display device 3, the number N1 of CDs already borrowed from the member card 4 is indicated.
Is read, and the number N1 is subtracted from the maximum number N2 that can be borrowed at the same time to calculate the number N3 actually borrowed, and the numerical value is displayed (steps 51, 52, and 5).
3, panel P8). If N2 have already been borrowed, the number of borrowed is 0, so that is displayed, a buzzer sounds and the member card 4 is returned (steps 54 and 55, panels P8 and P7). ).

Next, the search sheet 3 in the double-page spread state
2 (n) is sequentially switched, that is, the pages of the booklet-like search sheet 32 (n) are sequentially turned over, and
Look for D. After the display section 31 of the target CD is found, the selection button 33 (m) corresponding to the display section 31 is pressed (step 56, panel P4).

Here, when the search sheet 32 (k) on which the display section 31 of the target CD is placed is opened, the page data of the search sheet 32 (k) is automatically detected by the detector 34. Read. This detector 34
Based on the detection result, the search sheet 32 in the double-page spread state
(K) and 32 (k + 1) are specified, and the selection button 33 (m) is assigned so that the product displayed there can be selected. Therefore, when the search sheet 32 (n) on which the target CD is placed is opened, the product displayed there is automatically selected by the select button 33.
(M) enables selection. Therefore, select button 33
When (m) is operated, a product code number indicating the target CD is generated, and the product is selected.

The product code number of the selected CD is stored in the internal memory in association with the membership card information (step 59).

Here, as described above, the selection button 33
On the surface of (m), a product code display surface 331 and a stock status display surface 332 are formed. Select button 33 (m)
Are assigned a product code number, the product code number is displayed on the display surface 331,
The stock status of the corresponding product transmitted in real time from the automatic rental device 2 is also displayed on the stock status display screen 332.

When a selection error is made, a predetermined cancel key is operated to delete the immediately stored data in the already stored member card (steps 61 and 62, panel P5). It should be noted that if the button is repeatedly pressed, the data can be erased one by one.

After selecting all the desired CDs and pressing a predetermined end key, or after the selected total number N reaches the number N3, the data in the internal memory is transferred to the automatic rental device 2.
And return the membership card (step 6).
3, 64, 65, 55).

The person who has selected the CD to borrow in this way goes to the automatic rental device 2 with the returned member card 4 and inserts the member card 4 into the card reader 26. The automatic rental apparatus 2 proceeds according to the procedure of a normal automatic rental machine except for the operation of selecting a CD. That is, by inputting a necessary amount of money into the slot 27, the code number already selected is read out from the internal memory, and the CD to be rented is supplied to the receiving slot 24. If the money is not inserted within a certain time, the member card 4 is returned and the corresponding data in the internal memory is deleted. In addition, if a borrowing operation is not performed on the automatic rental device 2 side even though a search is performed on the product search and display device 3, the reservation data is automatically transmitted after a certain period of time has elapsed. Will be erased.

(Other Embodiments) The above example relates to an automatic CD rental system.
The present invention can be similarly applied to an automatic rental system that handles rental items other than CDs. Further, the present invention can be similarly applied to an automatic product sales system.

On the other hand, in the above example, the number of display portions of the search sheet and the number of selection buttons in the product search and display device are not limited to the above example. Further, the configuration of the holding unit that holds the search sheet in a booklet form is not limited to the above example. Further, although the search sheet is double-opened, the display unit may be displayed in a single-open state.

[0042]

As described above, in the product search and display device of the automatic product handling system of the present invention, a product to be purchased or borrowed is obtained by sequentially opening a plurality of search sheets held in a booklet form. Can be found, and when a corresponding product is found, the product can be automatically selected by the selection button. Therefore, it is possible to select a product by an extremely simple operation as compared with a case where a product is selected by operating a bar code reader or the like.

The selection button displays the code number of the product assigned to the selection button.
The stock status of the product is also displayed. Therefore, when operating the selection button, it is possible to immediately know whether or not the product can be reserved, and it is extremely convenient that a selection error can be avoided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of an automatic rental system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a retrieval sheet and a detector of the commodity retrieval and display device in the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a display form of a display surface of a selection button in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a guide panel of the product search and display device.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing functions of the system of FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 1 automatic product rental system 2 automatic rental device 3 product display / search device 4 member card 31 display unit 32 search sheet 32 (k), 32 (k + 1) search sheet 33 in a spread state 33 selection button 34 holding unit 35 detector 36 Guide panel 37 Card reader

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A search sheet in which at least one product display and retrieval device is provided integrally or separately with a product handling device for renting and selling a product, wherein a display unit carrying information on the handled product is formed. And a holding unit that holds the plurality of search sheets in a booklet so that they can be sequentially opened, and a plurality of selection buttons for selecting the display unit that is held by the search sheets. Detecting means for detecting which search sheet is at the facing position; and, based on the detection result of the detecting means, the display section carried on the facing search sheet in a spread state. And a selection switching means for enabling selection by one. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the selection button is
A merchandise display and retrieval device comprising a merchandise code display surface for displaying which merchandise the selection button is assigned to. 3. The product according to claim 1, further comprising a communication unit for transferring data to and from the product handling apparatus, and a storage unit, and at least a stock of the handled product via the communication unit. A merchandise display and retrieval device, wherein data is received in real time from the merchandise handling device and stored in the storage means. 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the selection button is
And a stock display surface for displaying a stock status of a product which can be selected by the selection button based on the stock data. 5. The search sheet according to claim 1, wherein the holding unit holds the search sheet in a double-open state, and the left and right two search sheets in the double-open state. The product display search device, wherein the selection buttons are arranged at positions corresponding to the respective display units on both sides. 6. The search means according to claim 5, wherein the detection means is arranged between the left and right search sheets in a double-open state and detects page information carried on a binding side of the search sheet. A product display search device characterized in that it is a product. 7. An automatic merchandise handling system for automatically renting and selling merchandise, wherein the merchandise display / search device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and the merchandise handled are stored. The product display and search device has a product handling device that operates based on a command from the product display and search device, and a membership card for specifying a user who uses the product display device. The product display and search device reads the membership card. A card reader and communication means for transmitting selection information by the selection button together with the member card information read by the card reader to the product handling device, wherein the product handling device reads a membership card, A money processing unit for receiving money; receiving information transmitted from the product display / search device; Communication means for transmitting to the search device side, member information read by the card reader, the input amount received by the money processing unit, and lending of the selected product based on the product selection information received by the communication means, An automatic product handling system comprising: a processing unit that performs processing such as sales.