JPS6258036B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to an improvement in a vending machine with an audio device.

(Prior art) These days, vending machines such as vending machines are installed everywhere, and they are equipped with an audio device and a sensor that detects the approach of a person, and the audio device is activated by the sensor output. This type of vending machine was disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 53-39200 and other publications.

However, although there are devices that call out simply by approaching a person, there are no devices that call out in a way that is appropriate for the person's approach distance.

(Problem to be Solved) This invention was made with the focus on the fact that if the call is made in a manner appropriate to the person's approach distance, it will be possible to attract more people. To provide a vending machine with an audio device that makes a call appropriate to the proximity of a person and increases sales effectiveness.

(Means for Solving the Problems) The vending machine of the present invention uses a distance sensor that detects the approaching distance of a person and obtains an output corresponding to the distance. The apparatus has a judgment circuit which inputs the output of this distance sensor, judges whether the input reaches one of a plurality of reference values corresponding to a predetermined distance, and obtains an output indicating the judgment. Furthermore, a switching circuit is provided which inputs the output of this judgment circuit and selectively switches between a plurality of audio signals in accordance with this input.

(Function) As a result, the approach distance of the person to the vending machine is detected, and the voice signal that makes the call according to the distance is selected and the call is made.

(Embodiment) FIG. 1 is an external view of an ice cream show case, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an audio device attached thereto.

In the figure, 1 is an unmanned vending machine. It is an ice cream show case, and a transparent door 1a is provided at the top, and customers can open this door 1a and take out the contents. The vending machine 1 may be of any other known type.

2a is an ultrasonic sensor attached to the vending machine 1 toward the front, and 2b is an ultrasonic sensor attached to the vending machine 1 toward the side. The ultrasonic sensors 2a and 2b are composed of an ultrasonic oscillator and an ultrasonic receiver, and each emits ultrasonic waves toward the front or side of the vending machine 1, receives reflected waves from an approaching human body, and detects the human body. Detects the distance and outputs it. As the distance sensor, other known sensors such as those capable of emitting infrared rays and measuring the distance to the human body by reflecting the infrared rays may be used.

Reference numeral 3 designates a micro switch that is activated when the door 1a is opened, and may be any other known device such as a photo switch.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a speaker provided on the vending machine 1 facing forward.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a judgment circuit that inputs the outputs of the ultrasonic sensors 2a, 2b, and 3, and the outputs from the ultrasonic sensors 2a and 2b as shown in FIG. Predetermined distance D1, D2
It is determined whether the reference values R1 and R2 have been reached. The judgment circuit 5 also judges whether there is an output from the microswitch 3 and outputs a signal according to these judgments. The judgment circuit 5 is a known one,
The output is not limited to one that transmits various signals through one wire. The configuration of the judgment circuit 5 is known.

6a, 6b and 6c are first, second and third tape players. Each tape player is a known one, and may also be a known sound synthesis device that produces three types of audio output. The first audio signal 6a says, "I'm bored." The second audio signal 6b says, "Would you like some ice cream?" The third audio signal 6c says, "〇〇〇is on sale this time. This is a new product. Please try it once. Thank you for your continued support. Please pay at the cashier." It is repeated a certain number of times.

7 is a judgment circuit 5 and tape players 6a, 6;
This is a switching circuit that inputs the respective outputs of b and 6c. The switching circuit 7 is configured such that the distance between the human body and the ultrasonic sensor is D1.
When the output indicating that the distance D2 has been reached is inputted to the first tape player 6a, the output indicating that the distance D2 has been reached is inputted to the second tape player 6b, indicating that there is an output from the micro switch. When the output is input, the third tape player 6c
A signal for activating each tape player is given to the tape players, and the output audio signals of those tape players are input to the speaker 4. The switching circuit 7 is a known one.

When a person approaches the ice cream case 1 from the front or side and approaches the distance D1, the output from the ultrasonic sensor 2a or 2b is
Since the distance R1 has been reached, the judgment circuit 5 outputs an output indicating that the distance between the human body and one of the ultrasonic sensors has reached D1. Therefore, the switching circuit 7 activates the first tape player 6a and supplies its output audio signal to the speaker 4, so that "Irresistible" is heard from the speaker 4 a predetermined number of times.

Similarly, if a person is at a distance D to the ultrasonic sensor
When you get close to 2, "Would you like some ice cream?" is played in the same way.

Furthermore, when you approach and open the door 1a, the micro switch 3 activates and says, ``〇〇〇 has been released this time...
Please check with the cashier.'' is played.

Although the above embodiments were related to ice cream vending machines, they are not limited to this, and can be implemented in various vending machines.
The type, number, and distance of sensors can also be set as appropriate.

(Effects) As described above, according to the present invention, depending on the approach distance of the human body, a call suitable for that distance is made,
Since it is possible to provide a vending machine that is highly likely to attract people, it is possible to make the vending machine with an audio device even more effective in sales.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show an embodiment of the invention, in which FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view, FIG. 2 is a block diagram,
FIG. 3 is a waveform diagram, and FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram. In the drawing, 1 is an ice cream vending machine, and 2a and 2b are ultrasonic sensors (distance sensors).
5 is a judgment circuit; 6a, 6b, and 6c are first, second, and
This is a third tape player (audio signal generator).

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1 A judgment circuit that inputs a distance sensor that detects the distance to the human body and the output of this distance sensor, judges that the output of this distance sensor has reached one of a plurality of reference values, and outputs an output indicating that judgment. and a switching circuit that inputs the output of this judgment circuit and selectively switches one of the audio signals of different contents from the audio signal generation device according to the output of this judgment circuit. Machine.