KR20030073620A - A Bending Machine of Simplex V Protocol Provided with a Coin Mechanism of MDB Protocol and an Interface Board therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A vending machine of a simplex V protocol having a coin mechanism of an MDB(Multi Drop Bus System) protocol and an interface board for the vending machine are provided to improve the selectivity of the coin mechanism by connecting the vending machine using the simplex V protocol to the coin mechanism using the MDB protocol. CONSTITUTION: A coin mechanism(30) receives or transmits communication contents of an MDB protocol. A main control unit(20) receives or transmits communication contents of a simplex V protocol. An interface board(10) is provided between the coin mechanism(30) and the main control unit(20) and changes the communication contents inputted from the coin mechanism(30) to the simplex V protocol to output them to the main control unit(20). The interface board(10) changes the communication contents inputted from the main control unit(20) to the MDB protocol to output them to the coin mechanism(30).

Description

A vending machine of Simplex V Protocol Provided with a Coin Mechanism of MDB Protocol and an Interface Board therefor}

Field of invention

The present invention relates to a vending machine in which a coin mechanism of a multidrop bus system (MDB) type is installed in a vending machine of a Simplex V type, and an interface board assembly therefor. More specifically, the present invention relates to a coin mechanism using the MDB protocol and a bill identifier and a main controller interface board assembly using the Simplex V protocol and a vending machine implemented through the same.

Background of the Invention

Conventional vending machines have generally adopted a scheme in which a central control unit controls and processes each slave that is divided and subordinated by function. However, this method has a problem in that it is difficult to add a new terminal for adding a new function to the original vending machine when the development of a new product requires the entire system redesign.

The solution to this problem is to ensure the independence of the functional units divided by each function. That is, a separate control unit for each function has a separate independent control function for independently performing a unique function according to the function, and instead, the main control unit responsible for data transmission and control between the control units (slave) for each function ( The system is provided with a main control section and allows each of the controllers (slave) connected through the main controller to the serial serial communication system to function as a vending machine.

Representative systems that each of these functional units have independent control functions are the MDB (Multi Drop Bus System) in the US type, and Simplex V in the European type. In the vending machine, the control is divided for each function. Therefore, when a new function is added, the control is easy to change and the development period is shortened. In particular, a coin mechanism (hereinafter referred to as "C / M") and a bill identifier ( In the following, the use of "B / V") is not limited to any specific company, but any C / M and B / V that conforms to the protocol may be used. In addition, MDB and Simplex V have standard protocols, respectively.

However, the European Simplex V and the American MBD have a problem in that a terminal using the MDB protocol cannot be added to a vending machine using the Simplex V protocol because the protocols are different from each other. In particular, the existing Simplex V vending machine can be used only for coins and does not have a recognition function for banknotes, so there is a problem that the Simplex V vending machine cannot be operated in a country where bills are to be used. On the contrary, the MDB vending machine does not have such a problem as it has a function for identifying bills.

Accordingly, the present inventors have developed a method for using an MDB coin mechanism in a Simplex V-type bending machine (hereinafter referred to as "V / M") and an interface board for the simplex V-type V / M. In addition to the use of paper money, they have developed a method to selectively use a coin mechanism that can be easily obtained by region.

An object of the present invention is to provide a vending machine connecting a coin mechanism using a MDB type protocol to a bending machine using a Simplex V type protocol and an interface board for the same.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a vending machine capable of identifying bills while using the Simplex V protocol.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method for replacing a coin mechanism using an MBD type protocol which is relatively easy to obtain as compared to a coin mechanism using a Simplex V type protocol.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method and an interface board for allowing a coin mechanism to use only MDB protocol in a vending machine using Simplex V protocol.

The above and other objects of the present invention can be achieved by the present invention described below.

1 is a schematic diagram of a vending machine including an interface board according to the present invention.

2 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a process of moving communication content in one embodiment of the vending machine according to the present invention.

3 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a process of moving communication contents in another embodiment of the vending machine according to the present invention.

4 is a flowchart schematically showing a process of processing communication contents of a bill identifier in the vending machine of FIG.

Brief description of the main symbols in the drawing

10: interface board 11: power unit

12, 13: communication port 14: CPU

20: main control unit 30: coin mechanism

40: banknote identifier 50: product discharge unit

60: product selection unit 70: amount indicator

80: setting part

Summary of the Invention

Vending machine according to the present invention is a vending machine having a plurality of independent control unit for each function including at least a coin mechanism for determining, storing, and discharging the input amount and the main control unit for data transmission and control between the independent control unit A coin mechanism for receiving or sending communication contents of the MDB protocol; A main controller for receiving or sending communication contents of the Simplex V protocol; And located between the coin mechanism and the main controller, the communication content input from the coin mechanism is converted into a Simplex V protocol, and outputted to the main controller, and the communication content input from the main controller is changed into an MDB protocol. Interface board for output to the coin mechanism; characterized in that it comprises a. To this end, the present invention includes a first communication port for inputting / outputting communication contents of the Simplex V protocol to / from a main control unit for data transmission and control between a plurality of subordinate control units having control functions independently for each function of the vending machine; A second communication port for inputting / outputting the communication contents of the MDB protocol to / from a coin mechanism for determining, storing, and discharging the amount of money put into the vending machine; A CPU for changing communication content input through the first communication port into an MDB protocol and changing communication content input through the second communication port into a Simplex V protocol; And a power supply unit supplying power to the first and second communication ports and the CPU.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail the contents of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

1 is a schematic diagram of a vending machine including an interface board according to the present invention. The present invention provides a separate independent control function for independently performing a unique function according to a function. A main control section which is responsible for data transmission and control between a plurality of independent controllers for each function and the respective controllers for each function. The vending machine consisting of The present invention relates to the above-mentioned vending machine, the coin mechanism (hereinafter referred to as "C / M") and bank note identifier (hereinafter referred to as "B / V") uses the MDB protocol and the remaining function-specific slave and main The controller uses the Simplex V protocol.

As shown in FIG. The vending machine according to the present invention transmits data through the main control unit 20 while controlling the C / M 30 using the MDB protocol, the main control unit 20 using the Simplex V protocol, and independent function control. It consists of a plurality of functional control unit 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 using the Simplex V protocol, and the interface board 10 for connecting the main control unit and the C / M. The C / M is, in principle, the concept of the same function as the slave for each function except that it uses the MDB protocol.

The C / M is a coin sorting unit for determining the input amount, a cassette for storing the input amount separately for coins, a change dispensing unit for dispensing change, a coin no-detection unit, and a force for forcibly removing the stored coin. Consists of a carrying out part and a connecting connector, which are defined as general specifications of the C / M. The control unit for each function includes a product dispensing unit 50 in charge of dispensing a product, a product selecting unit 60 for displaying a product selection and stockout, an amount display unit 70 displaying an input amount, and a selling price and sales amount. And a setting unit 80 for providing the convenience of the manager and a power supply unit (not shown) for supplying power to all loads. However, if necessary, the function-specific control unit may include other elements.

The main control unit 20 is responsible for controlling the entire system by receiving data from the control unit for each function and processing the same or transmitting the data to another control unit. It should be noted that the control unit for each function may be controlled for each of its own functions, and the main control unit may serve as an intermediate manager that aggregates the status check of the control unit for each function and data input therefrom or transmits the data to the control unit for each function. do. The main control unit 20 and the control unit for each function are connected in a serial communication manner, and the main control unit 20 transmits communication contents for requesting a status check to the control unit for each function at extremely short intervals. Each function control unit responds to the status check request of the main control unit 20. In other words, it can be said that the main control unit and each function control unit always exchange information with each other.

The interface board 10 serves as an interface between the main control unit 20 and the C / M, through which the communication content of the Simplex V protocol transmitted from the main control unit 20 is changed to the MDB protocol. It is input to C / M. To this end, the interface board 10 uses a first communication port 12 for communication with the main controller, a second communication port 13 for communication with C / M and B / V, and the first communication port. CPU 14 for changing the communication content input through the MDB protocol, and the communication content input through the second communication port to the Simplex V protocol, and all the loads of the interface board and the C / M It consists of a power supply unit 11 for supplying power to the B / V to be described later. Preferably, the CPU should be equipped with a RAM, a ROM, and a processor for controlling communication, processing, change, etc. according to the present invention.

Since the C / M 30 and the B / V 40 use the MDB protocol, the voltage does not match the power of the vending machine of the Simplex V protocol supplied to the market. Therefore, the power supply for the C / M and B / V is separately installed on the interface board. However, when the C / M and B / V are matched with the power used in the vending machine of the Simplex V protocol, the power installed in the vending machine of the Simplex V protocol may be shared.

Vending machine according to the present invention further comprises a B / V (40) that was not available in the vending machine of the conventional Simplex V protocol. To this end, the vending machine according to the present invention stores the processing procedures related to communication with the B / V, change of protocol, and the like in the ROM of the CPU 14 of the interface board 10. The vending machine according to the present invention performs serial communication in the communication method between the main control unit 20 and the control unit for each function as in the conventional vending machine. However, since the main controller of the Simplex V protocol does not contain any processing procedures for exchanging information with the B / V, the vending machine according to the present invention processes this through the CPU 14 of the interface board 10. . In addition, preferably, the B / V and the interface board 10 communicate in a parallel manner, not in a serial manner, and a plurality of dedicated communication lines are provided for this purpose. Through the respective dedicated communication lines, various signals such as a signal related to the amount of bills and a failure signal are respectively transmitted to the CPU of the interface board.

Specifically, the signal regarding the amount of bills obtained through the B / V is transmitted to the CPU, and the CPU converts the number of coins into the number of coins and outputs it to the main controller so that the main controller receives the C / M. It is determined that coins corresponding to the bill amount are obtained. In addition, the CPU and the failure of the B / V and other signals are processed.

2 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a process of moving communication content in one embodiment of the vending machine according to the present invention. The main control unit transmits the communication content of the Simplex V protocol requesting the C / M to check its status at predetermined time intervals (S _a 1). The time interval is very short (about 10-200 μs), and it can be said that there is always communication of information. The communication content of the Simplex V protocol is input to the first communication port 13 of the interface board, and the CPU 14 of the interface board 10 changes this to the MDB protocol (S _a 2). The communication content of the MDB protocol is input to the C / M through the second communication port 12 and the C / M transmits communication content in response to the status check request (S _a 3). The response may be an indication of no abnormality, or may indicate that a coin has been obtained.

The response communication content of the C / M is input to the CPU 14 of the interface board 10 through the second communication port, and is similarly changed to the Simplex V protocol so that the main control unit 20 through the first communication port. ) Is output (S _a 4). The main control unit which has input the response communication content transmits the communication content requesting a status check again or requesting a specific task to the control unit for another function according to the content of the response (S _a 5).

3 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a process of moving communication contents in another embodiment of the vending machine according to the present invention. 3 is a diagram illustrating a communication process between the B / V and the main control unit when the B / V is installed in the vending machine according to the present invention. It should be noted that the B / V does not respond to the status check request from the main control unit, but converts the bill received signal sent from the B / V into a C / M response signal according to the receipt of the bill. .

When a certain amount of banknotes are put into the B / V, the B / V transmits the communication contents regarding the amount of money input of the MDB protocol to the second communication port 12 of the interface board 10 (S _b 1). The CPU of the interface board 10 converts the input amount into the number of coins corresponding thereto (S _b 2). In other words, if 1,000 won is obtained, the signal is changed to 10 100 won coins. The CPU changes the communication content to the Simplex V protocol and transmits it to the main controller 20 (S _b 3). The main control unit 20 receiving the communication content determines that 10 100 won coins have been obtained through C / M and processes the same.

Preferably, the CPU sends the communication content of the B / V in a response signal to the status check request to the C / M of the main control unit. Through this, the main controller 20 determines that the communication content from the B / V is transmitted from the C / M.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a process of the CPU of the interface board processing communication contents of the bill identifier in the vending machine of FIG. 3. When a bill is obtained, the B / V transmits the information about the bill to the CPU 14 of the interface board 10, and the CPU, which obtains the bill, processes the information as a coin is received in the C / M. Transmission to the control unit 20. However, the B / V needs to provide information on the state of the B / V, for example, a failure, etc., in addition to the information on obtaining the bills, and request a processing thereof. In general, the receiving and processing of the information about the control unit for each function is programmed to be processed by the CPU of the main control unit, but the main control unit according to the present invention does not have a program for the B / V. I can't. Therefore, in the present invention, a processing procedure is input to the CPU of the interface board so as to receive and process such a B / V request.

In addition, the communication between the B / V and the interface board is preferably used in parallel communication rather than serial. In other words, a plurality of communication lines are provided, and predetermined information for each type is transmitted along each communication line. Therefore, the CPU may determine in advance the type of information input according to the communication line, and accordingly, the CPU may determine whether to transmit the information to the main controller or to process the information by itself.

Specifically, the B / V sends the communication content of the MDB protocol in accordance with the change of the situation (for example, the acquisition or breakdown of the bill) (S _c 1). The communication content is received at the communication port of the interface board (S _c 2), and the CPU of the interface board determines whether the communication content should be transmitted to the main controller (S _c 3). The information to be transmitted to the main control unit is information on the banknote acquisition amount, and other information is preferably processed by the CPU as described above. The communication content regarding the amount of banknotes is converted into information about coins and is changed to Simplex V protocol and transmitted to the main controller (S _c 4).

If the communication content input from the B / V requires its own processing such as a failure, the CPU directly processes it. For example, in case of failure, the CPU disconnects communication with the B / V so that new bills cannot be obtained. As described above, since the power source of the B / V is the power supply unit 11 of the interface board, the CPU disconnects the B / V by disconnecting the power source to the B / V. The other information is processed by the CPU in a predetermined manner.

The present invention provides a method that can replace the coin mechanism using the MBD-type protocol that is relatively easy to obtain compared to the coin mechanism using the Simplex V-type protocol in the vending machine, and the Simplex V-type protocol is provided. It provides a vending machine that can recognize bills while using it, and also provides a coin mechanism using the MDB protocol and a method for interfacing a bending machine using the Simplex V protocol and an interface board for the same. Has an effect.

Simple modifications and variations of the present invention can be easily made by those skilled in the art, and all such modifications or changes can be seen to be included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (9)

In the vending machine is provided with a plurality of independent control unit for each function including at least a coin mechanism for determining, storing, and discharging the input amount and the main control unit for data transmission and control between the independent control unit, A coin mechanism for receiving or sending communication contents of the MDB protocol; A main controller for receiving or sending communication contents of the Simplex V protocol; And Located between the coin mechanism and the main control unit, the communication content input from the coin mechanism is changed to the Simplex V protocol and output to the main control unit, and the communication content input from the main control unit is changed to the MDB protocol and the coin is An interface board for outputting to the mechanism; Vending machine comprising a. The method of claim 1, wherein the interface board A communication port for inputting or outputting communication content between the main controller and the coin mechanism; And A CPU for changing a protocol of the input communication content; Vending machine comprising a. According to claim 1, It further comprises a bill identifier for receiving or sending the communication content of the MDB protocol, the interface board outputs to the main control unit by changing the communication content input from the bill identifier to Simplex V protocol And change the communication content input from the main control unit into an MDB protocol and output the same to the bank note identifier. The method of claim 3, wherein the interface board changes the communication content of the input bill amount input from the bill identifier to the communication content of the number of coins corresponding to the bill amount, and outputs to the main control unit vending machine. A first communication port for inputting / outputting communication contents of the Simplex V protocol from / to a main control unit for data transmission and control between a plurality of subordinate control units having a control function independently for each function of the vending machine; A second communication port for inputting / outputting the communication contents of the MDB protocol to / from a coin mechanism for determining, storing, and discharging the amount of money put into the vending machine; A CPU for changing communication content input through the first communication port into an MDB protocol and changing communication content input through the second communication port into a Simplex V protocol; And A power supply unit supplying power to the first and second communication ports and the CPU; Interface board, characterized in that consisting of. 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the second communication port is capable of inputting / outputting communication contents of an MDB protocol from / to a banknote identifier, and wherein the CPU is configured to transfer communication contents related to a banknote amount inputted from the banknote identifier to the banknote amount And converting the communication content of the number of coins corresponding to the data into the main control unit. 7. The interface board of claim 6, wherein the CPU disconnects communication with the banknote identifier when a failure signal is input from the banknote identifier. A plurality of control units for each function having independent control functions and including at least a coin mechanism and a main control unit for data transmission and control between the control units for each function are provided, and each control unit connected to the serial control unit through the main control unit. In a vending machine where the slaves have a vending function, The communication content of the Simplex V protocol to be transmitted from the main control unit to the coin mechanism is changed to the MDB protocol, and the communication content of the MDB protocol to be transmitted from the coin mechanism to the main control unit is transmitted to the Simplex V protocol. Communication method of a vending machine. The method of claim 8, wherein changing the protocol of the communication content comprises: An interface board is provided between the main control unit and the coin mechanism; Changing the state checking communication content inputted from the main control unit to the interface board to an MDB protocol and outputting it to the coin mechanism; The coin mechanism sends response communication content to the status communication content of the MDB protocol; And Changing the response communication content inputted from the coin mechanism to the interface board into a Simplex V protocol and outputting the same to the main controller; Communication method of the vending machine, characterized in that consisting of steps.