JP3692753B2 - Vending machine and vending machine management system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vending machine and a vending method in a vending machine management system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In order to manage vending machines, information necessary for managing vending machine sold-outs, breakdowns, sales data, etc., is linked to commercial PCs such as telephone lines, mobile phones, PHS, etc. The sales office collects these data and centrally manages the vending machines in each place.
[0003]
Each vending machine may be individually connected to a management department such as a sales office through these communication means. In this case, a contract for use of a telephone line etc. must be concluded for each vending machine. , Each increases costs and system costs increase.
[0004]
Therefore, in recent years, a data collection device has been installed in the vicinity of the vending machine, and only this data collection device and a management department such as a sales office are connected by a commercial communication means, and the data collection device and each vending machine are connected. Are connected by a simple communication means of their own, for example, a transceiver function of a specific low-power radio, a private wired telephone, or a PHS.
[0005]
This data collection device collects various data of the vending machine in charge, in accordance with instructions from a management department such as a sales office, and temporarily stores the collected data in its own storage device. Or, various data stored in response to a request from a management department such as a sales office are transmitted to the management department of the sales office.
[0006]
By doing so, there is a merit that the contract with the commercial communication means is only one and the cost can be reduced.
[0007]
Communication equipment must be installed in both the vending machine management system of the first format and the vending machine management system of the second format.
[0008]
For this reason, even if it is understood that such a system is effective in improving the operation efficiency of the vending machine, the initial investment fund collection means such as the installation of communication facilities and the line contract fee can only be reduced by the efficiency. However, there is a limit to the amount to be collected, and further, there is a running cost such as a line usage fee. Therefore, in many cases, the introduction of such facilities has not been completed.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
It is an object of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a further function in the vending machine management system so that this system can be further spread.
[0010]
Therefore, the present invention uses the characteristic that vending machines are installed throughout the country and everywhere where there are many people, and the communication equipment that is always installed in such a vending machine management system is used as a vending machine. It is not only used for data collection management, but also by making communication facilities open to the outside, that is, unspecified number of people, making it easier to recover the funds invested in the system with the income obtained from this It is.
[0011]
In addition, when using the open communication equipment, advertising is also performed at the same time, so that the revenue from advertising is reduced or free of charge for the use of the communication equipment, and at the same time the funds are collected for the introduction of this system. Turn around.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
This problem is solved by the following means.
[0013]
(1) a first invention product sales means;
A vending machine data transmission / reception function capable of transmitting data on merchandise sales made by the merchandise sales means and receiving operation command data commanding the operation of the vending machine;
A customer-sending data capturing means for capturing data that the customer wishes to transmit;
An email data transmission function capable of transmitting the data captured by the customer transmission data capturing means as email data;
Address input means for inputting an e-mail address to which e-mail data transmitted by the e-mail data transmission function is to be sent;
A common communication terminal in which transmission / reception of vending machine data by the vending machine data transmission / reception function and transmission of e-mail data by the e-mail data transmission function are performed via a common terminal;
Vending machine equipped with.
[0014]
(2) Second invention In the vending machine of the first invention,
The vending machine characterized in that the data transmitted by the e-mail data transmission function is data in which advertising data is added to data that the customer captured by the customer transmission data capturing means desires to transmit.
[0015]
(3) Third invention The vending machine described in the first or second aspect of the invention further includes a display device, and an advertisement is displayed on the display device.
[0016]
(4) Fourth invention In the vending machine according to any one of the first to third aspects,
The vending machine, wherein the customer transmission data fetching means is an image reading means.
[0017]
(5) Fifth invention In the vending machine according to any one of the first to third aspects,
The vending machine, wherein the customer transmission data fetching means is voice input means.
[0018]
(6) In the vending machine according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the invention,
The vending machine, wherein the address input means is a numeric keypad capable of inputting alphabets together with numbers.
[0019]
(7) Seventh invention In the vending machine according to any one of the first to fifth inventions,
The vending machine, wherein the address input means is card reading means capable of reading a card in which the e-mail address is recorded.
[0020]
(8) Eighth Invention Commercial communication line by collecting product sales data from a plurality of vending machines having a communication function and transmitting operation command data for instructing the operation to these vending machines Vending machine management system for managing vending machine groups via a vending machine,
An automatic vending machine management system characterized in that the vending machine is provided with an e-mail transmission function and an e-mail service is provided by the communication function.
[0021]
(9) Ninth Invention In the vending method in the vending machine management system of the eighth invention,
A vending method in a vending machine management system, wherein advertisement is added to the e-mail service.
[0022]
【Example】
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a vending machine according to the present invention is connected to a data collection device, a provider, and the Internet. E-mail data sent mainly by an e-mail transmission function provided in the vending machine according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows the communication path | route.
[0023]
The vending machine 1 is connected to a data collection device 2 via its own communication line 6, and this data collection device 2 is further connected to a provider 3, which is further connected to the Internet 4. Each is connected by a commercial communication line 5.
[0024]
Some vending machines 1 are directly connected to the provider without being connected to the data collection device 2.
[0025]
Data related to sales of the vending machine 1 is connected to a personal computer such as a business office connected to the commercial communication line 5 via the commercial communication line 5 (not shown).
[0026]
Data for managing the vending machine 1 is collected from the vending machine 1 by a personal computer at the sales office, and a data signal for controlling the operation of each vending machine 1 is sent to the vending machine 1. It is.
[0027]
The e-mail transmission service in the vending machine of the present invention is sent to a provider whose information is directly connected to the commercial communication line 5 indirectly or without going through the data collection device 2 shown in the figure, Furthermore, since the provider is connected to the Internet, it is delivered to the mailbox of the PC user who subscribes to each provider via the Internet.
[0028]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the inside of the vending machine 1 of the present invention.
[0029]
The main controller 11 controls the overall operation of the vending machine 1. The master control device 11 controls the slave control device 18 via the internal bus 19.
[0030]
The sub-control devices 18 respectively control elements of the vending machine 1 (for example, a money handling device, a product dropping device, a display device for displaying sold-out, etc.).
[0031]
The communication control device 13 controls the operation of the communication device 12 for performing communication with the outside of the vending machine 1. The communication control device 13 controls the image input device 15, the voice input device 16, etc. in order to perform an e-mail transmission service, causes them to acquire image data and voice data, and sets the acquired data to the Internet standard. Convert to compatible data.
[0032]
Therefore, the communication control device 13 supports the TCP / IP protocol and the electronic mail (SMTP and POP3) protocol. Also, a function for converting the input audio data into digital (WAV) and a function for storing the same, a function for converting the input image data into JPEG and the like, a function for storing this, and the stored information to the MIME code etc. It has a function to convert.
[0033]
The display device 14 displays an advertisement or a numeric keypad on the display screen 63 in FIG. 3 and recognizes the pressing of this key. In this example, the display screen 63 is a touch panel, but an independent numeric keypad may be provided.
[0034]
The communication device 12 includes hardware such as a terminal for directly connecting to the commercial line 5 or hardware such as a terminal for connecting to a communication line 6 connected to the data collecting device 2.
[0035]
In the above example, the function of converting the data so as to conform to the Internet standard is also provided to the communication control device 13 of each vending machine 1. However, when the data collection device 2 is used, this function is used as the data. It can be provided on the collecting device 2 side. In this way, it is not necessary to provide each of the vending machines 1 with the data conversion function, and the price of the system can be further reduced.
[0036]
FIG. 3 is a view showing the appearance of a vending machine as an example of the present invention.
[0037]
In this example, a can beverage vending machine is shown, but what is sold is not limited to cans, but can be any beverage such as packed beverage, confectionery, tobacco, or any other item that can be automatically sold.
[0038]
In the figure, 51 is a sample can, 52 is a product selection button, 53 is a product drop tray, 54 is a currency receiving port, and 55 is a currency return port, which is not particularly different from that of a normal vending machine.
[0039]
The product selection button 52 is provided with a lamp that lights up to indicate that the amount or the remaining amount of money put into the money receiving port 54 is sufficient to purchase the product.
[0040]
The money accepting port 54 is for accepting coins, bills, prepaid cards or the like equivalent to money. If a card that can store information such as a prepaid card is used, a large number of e-mail addresses, which will be described later, are stored in advance, and an e-mail destination can be specified by selection from a display screen. .
[0041]
In the figure, 60 is a recess provided in a part of the box of the vending machine 1. A CCD camera 61 is provided in the upper portion of the recess 60, and this CCD camera holds a document placed on a document placing table 62 below in its visual field.
[0042]
Reference numeral 66 denotes an illuminating device, which is provided on the upper left and right sides, and illuminates an original placed on the original placement table 62. Reference numeral 64 denotes a microphone, which is used when audio is transmitted.
[0043]
The display screen 63 is a cathode ray tube display, an LCD display, or the like, and may be any display that can display advertisements and promotions described later.
[0044]
In this example, a touch panel is pasted on the table of the display screen 63. When, for example, a numeric keypad is displayed on the display screen 63, when the finger touches a predetermined key, the touch panel senses the position, and the key is displayed. Generate the appropriate signal.
[0045]
Reference numeral 65 denotes an infrared communication window. In recent years, since many portable information devices such as portable personal computers have an infrared communication function, information is transmitted through the infrared communication window 65 when an electronic mail is sent from such a device.
[0046]
When using the e-mail service, the user presses a specific key on the display device 63 to instruct whether the data to be captured is image data, audio data, or both.
[0047]
When image data is selected, a document is set on the document table 62 according to an instruction on the display screen 63 or a voice instruction from a speaker (not shown), and when a predetermined key is pressed, the CCD camera captures the document. Then, image data is acquired.
[0048]
Similarly, when the voice data and infrared communication function is selected, instructions are given by the display screen 63 or voice, so that the infrared communication window of the information device is directed to the microphone 64 or the infrared communication window, and transmission information is input according to the instructions. To do.
[0049]
When the transmission data is acquired, the transmission content is displayed or indicated by voice, and confirmation is requested from the user. Information input by the user at this time and advertisement / promotion information sent together with the information are also displayed.
[0050]
When the confirmation is made, the user is asked for the e-mail address of the transmission destination, so the user inputs the e-mail address using the numeric keypad on the display screen 63 or the like.
[0051]
Since the input of the transmission data has been completed, the information amount of the data is grasped, and the fee is calculated from this information amount and the mail address.
[0052]
When an e-mail address is entered, a fee is displayed on the display screen.
[0053]
When the fee has been charged, the device sends an e-mail, settles the fee, and pays out change when necessary.
[0054]
【The invention's effect】
Advantages of the Invention of Claim 1 The vending machine according to the present invention uses such a characteristic that vending machines are installed everywhere in the country and everywhere where there are many people. The present invention not only uses the installed communication equipment for data collection management of the vending machine, but also opens the communication equipment to the outside, that is, to the unspecified number of people, and the income obtained from this makes it possible to This makes it easy to collect funds invested in the system using the vending machine. The effect of facilitating the recovery of the invested funds can further promote the data collection and management system of the vending machine.
[0055]
Advantages of the Invention of Claim 2 In addition to the effects of the invention of claim 1, further, when using the open communication facility, the advertisement is also carried out at the same time, so the income obtained from the advertisement is communicated. There is an effect that it can be used for the collection of funds accompanying the introduction of this system at the same time as the facility usage fee is reduced or made free of charge.
[0056]
Advantages of the invention of claim 3 In addition to the effects of the invention of claim 1 or claim 2, the advertisement is not only sent to the destination, but also shown to the user of this vending machine, so that The effect is that an advertising effect is produced.
[0057]
Advantages of the Invention of Claim 4 In addition to the effects of the inventions of claims 1 to 3, since the e-mail data is acquired by the image capturing means, it is troublesome as if the text is keyed in on the spot. There is no effect.
[0058]
Advantages of the Invention of Claim 5 In addition to the effects of the inventions of Claims 1 to 3, since the e-mail data is acquired by voice input means, it is bothersome as when inputting text on the spot. There is no effect.
[0059]
Advantages of the Invention of Claim 6 In addition to the effects of the inventions of claims 1 to 5, the push-type telephone is widely used because the address input is performed by a numeric keypad capable of inputting alphabets together with numerals. This is the same as the usage of, and has the effect of being easy to use.
[0060]
Advantages of the Invention of Claim 7 In addition to the effects of the inventions of claims 1 to 5, the address input is performed by reading a card on which an e-mail address is recorded, so that it is easy to use without error. There is an effect.
[0061]
Advantages of the Invention of Claim 8 The vending method of the present invention uses the characteristic that vending machines are installed throughout the country and everywhere where there are many people. In addition to simply using the installed communication equipment for data collection management of vending machines, the communication equipment will be opened to the outside, that is, open to the unspecified number of people. This has the effect of facilitating the recovery of the invested funds. With this effect, the data collection and management system of the vending machine can be further spread.
[0062]
Advantages of the Invention of Claim 9 In addition to the effects of the invention of claim 8, further, when using the open communication equipment, advertising is also performed at the same time. There is an effect that it can be directed to collecting funds for the introduction of the system at the same time as the reduction or free of charge.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a vending machine of the present invention is connected to a data collection device, a provider, and the Internet, and an e-mail sent mainly by an e-mail transmission function provided in the vending machine of the present invention It is a figure which shows the communication path | route of data.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the inside of the vending machine 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of a vending machine as an example of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vending machine 2 Vending machine data collection device 3 Provider 4 Internet 5 Commercial communication line 6 Own communication line 11 Main controller 12 Communication device 13 Communication control device 14 Display device 15 Image input device 16 Voice input device 17 Infrared communication device 18 Sub-control device 19 Vending machine internal bus 51 Sample can 52 Product selection button 53 Product drop tray 54 Money receiving port 55 Money return port 60 Recess 61 CCD camera 62 Document placement table 63 Display screen 64 Microphone 65 Infrared communication window 66 Illumination apparatus

Claims (9)

Product sales means;
A vending machine data transmission / reception function capable of transmitting data on merchandise sales made by the merchandise sales means and receiving operation command data commanding the operation of the vending machine;
A customer-sending data capturing means for capturing data that the customer wishes to transmit;
An email data transmission function capable of transmitting the data captured by the customer transmission data capturing means as email data;
Address input means for inputting an e-mail address to which e-mail data transmitted by the e-mail data transmission function is to be sent;
A common communication terminal in which transmission / reception of vending machine data by the vending machine data transmission / reception function and transmission of e-mail data by the e-mail data transmission function are performed via a common terminal;
Vending machine equipped with. The vending machine according to claim 1,
The vending machine characterized in that the data transmitted by the e-mail data transmission function is data in which advertising data is added to data that the customer captured by the customer transmission data capturing means desires to transmit. The vending machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a display device, wherein an advertisement is displayed on the display device. In the vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The vending machine, wherein the customer transmission data fetching means is an image reading means. In the vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The vending machine, wherein the customer transmission data fetching means is voice input means. In the vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The vending machine, wherein the address input means is a numeric keypad capable of inputting alphabets together with numbers. In the vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The vending machine, wherein the address input means is card reading means capable of reading a card in which the e-mail address is recorded. Collect vending machine data from multiple vending machines with communication functions, and send operation command data to command these vending machines through commercial communication lines. Vending machine management system for managing vending machines,
An automatic vending machine management system characterized in that the vending machine is provided with an e-mail transmission function and an e-mail service is provided by the communication function. In the vending method in the vending machine management system according to claim 8,
A vending method in a vending machine management system, wherein advertisement is added to the e-mail service.

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