JPH09128623A - Video disk vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To relieve the burden on customer for searching the sales commodity and to discharge sales commodity not by a method by containing the multiple kinds of sales commodities by of dropping the commodity a simple work without stacking them. SOLUTION: The video disk vending machine has a structure housing a commodity housing shelf 15-1 for housing plural DVDs(digital video disk) vertically by a rotary movement system with a chain 21-2, pushing-out required DVD by a commodity push-out unit 30 and discharging it to a take-out port by rolling of the runner 31-2 of a discharge chute 31, and is provided with a function for projecting the promotion videos of various kinds of DVD packages. Bar codes indicating a coordinate code are adhered to the respective housing positions of the respective commodity housing shelfs 15-1 to 15-17, the coordinate code is read by a bar code reader, the bar code indicating the JAN code (commodity code) of DVD is read, the commodity code is registered in a coordinate file in accordance with the coordinate code and stock management and DVD discharge control are executed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to software for storing a plurality of types of storage media storing video software as sales commodities and selling the sales commodities selected and designated by the customer based on the customer's selection designation and settlement. Regarding vending machines.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a device for automatically selling a storage medium storing, for example, video software as a sale product has not been widely spread. Tickets, cigarettes, beverages and the like are well known as products that are generally sold as an automatic vending machine. As shown in FIG. 20, in an automatic vending machine such as a cigarette or a beverage which sells a plurality of types of products for sale, which is not printed and issued as necessary, like an automatic vending machine such as a ticket, as shown in FIG. It stores items for sale such as cigarettes and beverage cans.

FIG. 23 shows an example in which products to be sold are vertically stacked and stored for each type. In such an automatic vending machine, it is possible to store a maximum number of columns of types of products for sale. When the customer pays and selects and specifies the desired sales product, only the one sales product at the lowest position in the selected and designated column is dropped and discharged from the outlet under the device. Has become.

FIG. 24 shows an example in which a plurality of sales commodities are separately stored on a shelf partitioned vertically and horizontally from each of the sales commodities of a predetermined type. In such an automatic vending machine, it is possible to store the maximum number of shelves of the types of sales products. This automatic vending machine is equipped with a biaxial transport mechanism that can perform positioning control with the X axis and the Y axis.

A window made of transparent glass or resin is attached to this automatic vending machine so that the customer can see the products for sale in each shelf through the window. A number is assigned to each shelf, and the customer selects a desired sale product and inputs the number of the shelf. Then, based on that number, go to the position of the shelf that corresponds to that number.
The robot arm or product tray is transported by the axis transport mechanism. In the case of a robot arm, the robot arm directly takes out the sold product, and in the case of a tray, it drives the push-out mechanism provided behind the shelf to receive the tray. Push out the items for sale to place. Then, the two-axis transport mechanism transports the taken-out sale product to a predetermined outlet.

[0006]

In recent years, a DVD (digital video disk) has been developed as a CD-size video storage medium, and video data can be stored on this DVD as a conventional video or set tape or VD (video). It is expected to be sold as an alternative product to the disc.

In the automatic vending machine shown in FIG. 23, since the types of products for sale are divided by columns, the number of items for sale can be increased, but the type of items to be stored is limited and there is a problem. Moreover, since the sale item is dropped as a take-out method, the sale item is limited to one that does not have a problem with the drop, and the DVD main body and the case are also made of resin, and therefore, there are problems such as damage and deterioration in the drop. However, there is a problem in that the structure of such an automatic vending device cannot sell.

On the other hand, in the vending machine shown in FIG. 24, since the biaxial transport mechanism (especially the Y-axis (vertical) transport mechanism) is used, high precision is required in the positioning control, and the control section is burdened. There is a problem that the development cost of the control software is large and is high.

In addition, the storage space for the sold products is
Limited to the area of the wall to be installed), there was a problem that the work of storing the products for sale such as high and low shelves was troublesome. In addition, there is a problem that a customer has a burden of searching for a desired sales product, and the sales efficiency is poor when the customer overlooks despite the desired sales product.

Therefore, according to the present invention, many kinds of products to be sold can be stored by a simple storing operation without stacking them, and the product is not burdened with searching for a desired product to be sold. An object of the present invention is to provide a software vending machine that can be discharged by a method that does not depend on dropping.

[0011]

The invention corresponding to claim 1 is:
In a video software vending machine that stores a plurality of types of storage media storing video software as sales products and sells the sales products selected and designated by the customer based on the customer's selection designation and settlement, a plurality of storage media are stored. A storage unit for storing in one row, a rotation moving unit for arranging and rotating a plurality of storage units in a ring shape, and moving the designated storage unit to a predetermined position near the discharge port of the storage medium serve as a reference. A reference index provided in one storage unit, a count index provided in other storage units other than the one storage unit serving as a reference, and when the reference index is detected, the count value is set to 0, and the count index is detected. Then, a counter for incrementing or decrementing the count value by +1 or -1 according to the rotation direction of the rotation moving mechanism, coordinate marks indicating storage position information provided near each storage position of the storage medium of each storage unit, and each storage. With a product mark that is provided on the body and that reads the storage position information from the coordinate mark and reads the product information from the product mark, and the storage unit number corresponding to the count value from the counter and the mark reading device. Storage position registration means for storing the read storage position information and product information in association with each other, and product search means for searching the corresponding product information stored in the storage position registration means based on the customer's selection and designation of the sale product, Ejection by driving the rotational movement means based on the storage unit number and storage position information stored corresponding to the product information searched by the product search unit, and discharging the corresponding storage medium from the corresponding storage unit after the settlement is completed. And means are provided.

According to a second aspect of the invention, in the first aspect of the invention, an inventory information flag is provided corresponding to the storage unit number, storage position information and product information stored by the storage position registration means, and a storage medium. When the stock flag is set to be in stock when stored, the corresponding stock flag is set to not in stock when the storage medium is discharged, and the stock flag is out of stock for all the corresponding product information searched by the product search means, and the corresponding product When there is no information, the product out-of-stock notification means is provided to notify the customer of the out-of-stock.

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the coordinate mark is a bar code.

In the invention according to claim 4, in the invention according to claim 1, the discharging means starts driving the rotation moving means immediately after the end of the search by the product search means.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 1, in which the discharging means starts driving the rotational movement means immediately after the purchase is determined.

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the video software is stored in each storage medium, and the storage medium to be stored in each storage section. A promotion storage means for storing the promotion video data produced for each type of video software, and a promotion for reading the promotion video data corresponding to the sale product selected and designated by the customer from the promotion storage means and displaying it on the display means. And an implementation means.

[0017]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a video software vending machine to which the present invention is applied.
This video software vending machine 1 is composed of a product storage unit 2 and a display unit 3, and systematically connects a plurality of video software vending machines 1, 1, ...
A device with a host function (for example, host computer, POS (point of sales) device) 5 is connected via a rea network 4.

A hood 6 is provided on the display unit 3.
The screen of the CRT 7 can be viewed only by a customer who watches a 15-inch CRT (cathode ray tube) 7 whose screen is installed in the center of the CRT. The sound accompanying the image broadcast on the screen of the CRT 7 can be heard by the attached headphones 8. As will be described in detail later, inside the display unit 3, a settlement machine is built in together with a personal computer, and on its surface, a coin slot 9, a bill slot 10 and a change return slot of the settlement machine. 11 is provided.

On the surface of the front door 12 of the product storage section 2,
Take out the area 13 that introduces the new video software, and the DVD (digital video disk) package (DVD in the case) as the purchased product.
An outlet 14 is provided for discharging. In addition,
The height of the outlet 14 is the best ergonomical height for taking out the DVD package. Front door 1
When you open 2, the product storage shelf (stocker) is inside.
, 15-17 are built in, and a bar code reader 16 used when carrying out a work for housing a DVD package is attached.

FIG. 2 is a front structural view showing the internal structure of the product storage unit 2. FIG. 3 is a side view showing the internal structure of the product storage unit 2. The product storage shelf 15-1 ~
The 15-17 can accommodate 60 DVD (digital video disc) packages vertically, and has a 10-section structure with 6 DVD packages and 1 section. Chains 21-1 and 21-2 are rotatably connected to the projecting connection members provided on the upper portions of both side surfaces of each of the product storage shelves 15-1 to 15-17. 21-2 is attached to pulleys 22-1 and 22-2 that are rotatably supported up and down,
It forms a large elliptical orbit. A gear 24 is fixed to the rotary shaft 23 of the pulley 22-2 below, and the gear 24 and the rotary shaft of an inverter motor 25 with a brake are spanned by a belt 26.
The gear 24 and the pulley 22-2 are adapted to rotate in association with the rotation of the rotary shaft of No. 5. Although not shown, a chain guide is provided along the elliptical orbits of the chains 21-1 and 21-2.

In addition, a protrusion-like member (not shown) for preventing rocking is provided at the lower portions of both side surfaces of the commodity storage shelves 15-1 to 15-17.
The chain 21-1 and 21-2 are provided with the product storage shelves 15-1 to 15 at the straight line portions (central portion, all four locations) of the elliptical orbit of each chain 21-1 and 21-2. -17 Stocker guides 26-1 to 26-4 (26-4 are overlapped, so they are not shown in the figure)
) Is fixed. That is, the product storage shelf 15-1
The projecting members 15 to 17 for preventing swinging pass through the slits of the stocker guides 26-1 to 26-4. Further, in order to forcibly dampen the swing of the product storage shelves 15-1 to 15-17 in advance at the portion where the product storage shelves 15-1 to 15-17 enter the upper stocker guide 26-1. Auxiliary guide 27-made of resin material
1, 27-2 are fixed.

The outlet 1 at the center of the product storage unit 2
4 is provided with a stop fixing position 28 of the product storage shelves 15-1 to 15-17, and the product storage shelves 15-1 to 15-17 reaching the stop fixing position 28 are illustrated. Not held by the holding member in pressure contact, height position (Y-axis position)
Also, the lateral position (X-axis position) is forcibly corrected.

On the rear side (inner side, inner side) of the commodity storage shelves 15-1 to 15-17 that have reached the stop fixing position 28, the commodity fixed to the drive base of the X-axis unit 29 for linear drive. A push-out unit 30 is arranged, and a discharge chute 31 is arranged on the front side (outside, front side) of the commodity storage shelves 15-1 to 15-17 at the stop fixing position 28.
That is, the discharge chute 31 is provided in the product storage unit 2
It is fixed to the body side. First and second pusher pins 30-1 and 30-2, which are driven forward and backward by a motor as described later, are provided at both ends of the product pushing unit 30.
Is provided. These pusher pins 30-1, 30
The thickness of -2 is less than the width of the DVD package, and one DVD package stored in the product storage shelves 15-1 to 15-17 is pushed out at a safe pressure and speed that does not damage it. .

As shown in FIG. 4, the ejection chute 31 includes a guide plate 31-1 for ejecting the DVD package in a vertical position and a roller for assisting smooth impact-free pushing movement of the DVD package. It is composed of 31-2. FIG. 4A is a top view for explaining the positional relationship between the partition structure of the product storage shelf 15-1 and the structure of the guide plate 31-1 of the discharge chute 31. Since the other product storage shelves 15-2 to 15-17 have the same structure as the product storage shelf 15-1, the positional relationship with the structure of the guide plate 31-1 of the discharge chute 31 is exactly the same. The description is omitted here. FIG. 4B is a front view for explaining the guide plate 31-1 of the discharge chute 31. The guide plate 31-1 of the discharge chute 31 is formed at a pitch corresponding to one section for storing six DVD packages of the product storage shelf 15-1 and has a taper that gradually narrows. The tip of the opening constitutes an opening to form the outlet 14. As described above, the DVD package stored in any position of each section of the commodity storage shelf 15-1 can be pushed out and ejected in the vertical state without falling.

A cover (not shown) is provided on the ejection side of the DVD package of the guide plate 31-1 so as to cover the entire front surface of the ejection chute 31 except for the opening through which the DVD package is ejected. ing.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing the product storage shelf 15-1. Since the other product storage shelves 15-2 to 15-17 have the same structure as the product storage shelves 15-1, the drawings showing them are omitted. A bar code indicating a coordinate code indicating a storage position is attached to each partition that stores one DVD package in the product storage shelf 15-1. Each of the product storage shelves 15-1 has a No. No. 1 to No. 1
Stocker numbers up to 7 are assigned, and the stocker number No. On one side surface of the commodity storage shelf 15-1 of No. 1, a reference projecting member 32 different from the projecting connecting member to which the chain 21-1 is connected and the projecting member for rocking prevention is provided. , Another stocker number No. 2-No. 1
7 side product storage shelves 15-2 to 15-17 on the opposite side,
A counter projection member 33 (indicated by a broken line) different from the projection connection member and the rocking prevention projection member is provided.

FIG. 6 shows the video software vending machine 1 (
FIG. 3 is a block diagram mainly showing a circuit configuration of a main part of a display unit 3). Reference numeral 41 denotes a CPU (central
processing unit). A ROM (read only memo) in which program data for processing performed by the CPU 41 is stored
ry) 42, a RAM (random access memory) 4 having a storage capacity of 16 MB as a main memory in which areas of various memories used when the CPU 41 performs processing are formed.
3, a hard disk interface 45 for writing and reading to and from the hard disk 44 having a storage capacity of 814 MB, and 6 built-in 6 CD (compact disk) -ROMs storing promotional video data
SCSI interface 47, which controls data transmission to and from the continuous CD changer 46, FDD (floppy disk d
The FDD interface 49 for controlling data transmission with the rive) 48 and the PCIBUS card slot 50 for controlling data transmission with an external device via the LAN 4 are connected to the CPU 41 via a system bus 51.

The PCIB is connected via the LAN 4.
The data received by the US card slot 50 is loaded down to the FDD 48.

Further, the CPU 41 has a keyboard interface 53 for controlling data transmission with a keyboard 52 via the system bus 51, an MPEG card 54 to which the headphones 8 and the CRT 7 are connected,
An RS-232C interface 56 that controls data transmission with a first peripheral device unit 55 described below, and a D / I (input / outpu) that controls a second peripheral device unit 57 described later.
t) It is connected to the card 58.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first peripheral device section 55. A touch panel controller 62 for controlling a touch panel 61 attached to the surface of the screen of the CRT 7 is connected to the first signal line (COM1) of the RS-232C line. A switching device 63 is connected to the second signal line (COM2) of the RS-232C line, and the switching device 63 has an RS-232C converter 64 and a bar code reader controller for controlling the bar code reader. 65 is connected, and the second signal line is automatically connected to either one of them when necessary. In the RS-232C converter 64,
A change machine 66 and a bill machine 67, which constitute a settlement machine, are connected.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the second peripheral device section 57. The D / I / O card 58 includes a stepping motor 68 for driving a ball screw (not shown) of the X-axis unit 29, the inverter motor 25, and a P1 motor for driving the first pusher pin 30-1 of the product pushing unit 30. 69, a P2 motor 70 that drives the second pusher pin 30-2 of the product pushing unit 30, the reference projecting member 32 and the counter projecting member 33 of the product storage shelves 15-1 to 15-17, respectively. A sensor unit 71 composed of various sensors including an optical transmission sensor for detection is connected.

Further, the D / I / O card 58 has a count value of 0 according to a detection signal from an optical transmissive sensor for detecting the reference protruding member 32 of the sensor section 71, and the protruding portion for the counter. A counter 72 that counts +1 or -1 according to a detection signal from an optical transmission sensor that detects the member 33 is attached.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a part of the memory configuration of the hard disk 44. Various files such as a product information file 81, a coordinate file 82, a product search file 83, a search item file 84, a transaction file 85, and a transaction total file 86 are formed or formed on the hard disk 44. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a memory configuration of the product information file 81. In this product information file 81, for each product code, title kanji name, title kana name, price, genre code, selling agency code, director code, performer code, content, front label video, back label video, video data An area for storing each data of the file name is formed.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a memory configuration of the coordinate file 82. In this coordinate file 82, the product code, changer No. , An area for storing each data of the stock classification is formed. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a memory configuration of the product search file 83. The product search file 83 is created based on the product information file 81. In the product search file 83, a product code, a changer number. , Title Kanji name, title Kana name,
An area for storing each data of price, genre code, selling agency code, director code, performer code, content, front label video, back label video, video data file name, new product category is formed. FIG. 13 shows the search item file 8
4 is a diagram showing a memory configuration of FIG. The search item file 84 is provided with four tables: a genre table, a selling agency table, a director table, and a performer table. The genre table has areas for storing data of genre kanji names and genre kana names for each genre code. The selling agency table has areas for storing each data of the selling agency kanji name and the selling agency kana name for each selling agency code. The director table has an area for storing each data of the director's kanji name and the director's kana name for each director code. The performer table has areas for storing data of performer kanji names and performer kana names for each performer code.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a memory configuration of the transcript file 85. In this Tranfile 85,
For each product code, transaction type, result code, sales date,
Areas for storing various data such as sales time and purchaser data are formed. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a memory configuration of the transaction total file 86. The transaction total file 86 has areas for storing various data such as sales volume total, sales amount total, content inquiry count total, preview count total, chance loss count total, and the like for each product code.

Instructions by the keyboard 52 or the L
Based on the Tranfile 85, data on the number of sales, the amount of sales, the number of contents inquiries, the number of previews, and the number of chance losses are calculated by the inquiry from the AN4. It is written in each area of the transaction total file 86.
For example, the total number of previews is calculated by counting the number of data sets indicating the previews in the transaction type of the tran file 85, and comparing with the previous data stored in the total number of previews area of the tran total file 86. It is performed by an update process of adding and adding. Then, the result of the aggregation and update processing is displayed on the CRT 7 or transmitted to the host function device 5 via the LAN 4.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the flow of the product storing process performed by the CPU 41. First, step 1 (ST1
), The bar code reader 16 enters a standby state until the reading of the coordinate code attached to each of the product storage shelves 15-1 to 15-17 is completed. When the reading of the coordinate code is completed, the coordinate code in the coordinate file 82 is searched and the write pointer is set to the address of the searched coordinate code. Although not shown, if the coordinate code cannot be searched, error processing is naturally performed.

Next, the DVD by the bar code reader 16
The standby state is set until the reading of the JAN code attached to the package is completed. When the reading of the JAN code is completed, the read JAN code information (product code) is written in the product code area of the coordinate file 82.
(Registration). That is, the product code of the DVD package to be stored is registered corresponding to the retrieved coordinate code.

Next, 1 is set in the area of the stock category of the coordinate file 82, and it is judged by the input from the keyboard 52 whether or not all the DVD packages have been stored.
If it is determined that the DVD package has not been stored yet, the process returns to step 1 above. Further, when it is determined that the storage of all DVD packages is completed, the product storage processing is ended.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the flow of the sales registration process performed by the CPU 41. First, step 2 (ST2
As a process of), the CRT 7 displays the initial screen on which the company name logo and the message “Purchasing applicant, or person who wants to be previewed, please press any key” are laid out. Next, as a process of step 3 (ST3), a CRT is used.
Based on the input from the touch panel 61 installed on the screen surface of No. 7, it is determined whether or not a search instruction is input.

If it is determined that no search instruction has been input, the process proceeds to step 4 (ST4) described later. When it is determined that a search instruction has been input, a search process is performed using the product search file 83 by genre, sales agency, director, and performer based on the input on the touch panel 61 and the search item file 84. The search screen display process is performed, and the process proceeds to the next step 4.

The processing of step 4 is performed by the product search file 8
In the screen display of the CRT 7 based on 3, it is determined based on the input on the touch panel 61 whether or not the title is input. If it is determined that the title has not been input, the process returns to step 3 described above. When it is determined that the title has been input, the data of the corresponding product information is read from the product search file 83 by the product code corresponding to the input title, and the read product information is displayed on the CRT 7.

Next, based on the read product code of the product information, the coordinate file 82, and the input on the touch panel 61, the JAN code control process for starting the movement of the DVD package to be sold to the discharge position is performed.
When the code control process is completed, as the process of step 5 (ST5), based on the input from the touch panel 61,
It will be in a standby state until an instruction to perform a preview of the promotion, purchase, or end is given.

When the promotion preview is instructed, the changer No. of the read product information is displayed. Based on the above, the video data of the corresponding promotion is read from the 6-series CD changer 46, the promotion video is broadcast (reproduced) on the CRT 7 by the video data, and the preview flag is set in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 43.
When the broadcasting of the promotion video is completed or the stop key on the touch panel 61 is pressed, the process returns to the above-mentioned step 5 again.

In the process of step 5 described above, if a purchase is instructed instead of a promotion preview, after the purchaser data registration process (not shown), "please pay"
Is displayed on the CRT 7 and the system waits until the input amount of money becomes equal to or higher than the price of the selected DVD package. Of course, when the cancellation is instructed by the touch panel 61, the process returns to the above step 5 again.

When the input amount exceeds the price, the settlement process including the process of paying the change and the designated one of the P1 motor 69 and the P2 motor 70 are driven to eject the corresponding DVD package and the corresponding coordinate file. The product passing process for setting 0 in the stock category is performed. When the settlement process and the product delivery process are completed, it is determined whether the preview flag is set in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 43. If it is determined that the preview flag is not set, the data indicating the content inquiry is set to the transaction type of the transaction file 85, the data indicating the purchase is set to the result code, and the sale date and the sale time are set from the current time. Register the transaction data (content inquiry purchase) to be set,
The process returns to the above-mentioned step 2 again.

When it is determined that the preview flag is set, data indicating preview is set in the transaction type of the transaction file 85, data indicating purchase is set in the result code, and the sale date and sale time from the current time are set. Register the transaction data (pre-purchase purchase) for setting
The preview flag set to 3 is cleared, and the process returns to the above-described step 2 again.

In the process of step 5 described above, when the end is instructed, not the promotion preview and purchase, the RAM is
It is determined whether or not the preview flag is set in a predetermined storage area 43. If it is determined that the preview flag is set, the data indicating the preview is set in the transaction type of the transaction file 85, and it is confirmed whether or not the data indicating the out of stock is set in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 43. If the out-of-stock is not set, the result code is set to no purchase, and if the out-of-stock is set, the chance code is set to the result code, and the sale date (preview date) and sale time (preview Register the trans-data (trial) for setting the
The preview flag set to 3 is cleared, and the process returns to the above-described step 2 again.

When it is determined that the preview flag is not set, data indicating content inquiry is set in the transaction type of the transaction file 85, and whether data indicating out of stock is set in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 43. If the out-of-stock item is not set, the result code is set to no purchase, and if the out-of-stock item is set,
Chance loss is set in the result code and sales date (content inquiry date) and sales time (content inquiry time) from the current time
The transaction data (content inquiry) for setting is registered, and the process returns to the above-mentioned step 2 again.

FIG. 18 shows the above-mentioned J performed by the CPU 41.
It is a figure which shows the flow of AN code control processing. First, as the process of step 7 (ST7), the product code area (JAN code) of the product information read from the product search file 83 during the sales registration process described above is searched in the product code area of the coordinate file 82. , It is determined whether or not there is a searched product code. If it is determined that there is no searched product code, step 8 (ST8 described later)
).

When it is determined that the retrieved product code exists, it is determined whether 1 is set in the area of the stock category corresponding to the area in which the product code is registered. Here, 1 is not set in the area of inventory category
If it is determined that (0 is set), the process proceeds to step 8. When it is determined that 1 is set in the stock category area, the coordinate code in which the product code is registered is read, and the stop count value is stored in the RAM based on the stocker number of this coordinate code.
Set it in a predetermined storage area of 43, and select the pusher pin closer to the X-axis coordinate set in the coordinate code from the current positions of the two pusher pins 30-1 and 30-2,
The X-axis coordinate of the coordinate code is set in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 43.

As for the relationship between the stocker number and the stop count value, the stocker number 1 corresponds to the stop count value 0 because the standard storage member 15-1 is provided with the reference protruding member 32. The two stocker numbers correspond to two stop count values. For example, stocker number 3
Corresponds to stop count values +3 and -14, and stocker number 11 corresponds to stop count values +11 and -6. Therefore, in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 43,
Stop count value 0 or two stop count values are set. When two stop count values are set, when the count value of the counter 72 coincides with either one, it is recognized as detection of the product storage rack to be positioned, and the positioning stop control is started.

Next, an instruction to start preparations for product discharge is given by DI
Output to the O card 58. As a result, the inverter motor 25 and the stepping motor 68 start driving, and C
The product storage shelf that stores the DVD package displaying the product information at RT7 starts moving to the stop fixing position 28,
The movement of the product pushing unit 30 by the X-axis unit 29 for positioning the selected pusher pin is started to the position where the DVD package is stored on the product storage shelf. When the output of the instruction to start the product discharge preparation is completed,
The JAN code control process is ended, and the process returns to the above-mentioned sales registration process.

At this time, the inverter motor 25 is
When the count value set in the predetermined storage area of M43 and the counter 72 match, the sheet is conveyed by a preset distance (distance from the sensor position to the fixed stop position 28) and stopped. Further, the stepping motor 68 is the RAM 4
When the X-axis coordinate set in the predetermined storage area 3 and the position of the selected pusher pin match, the operation is stopped. In addition,
At this time, the inverter motor 25 does not carry the preset distance at one time (with 1 control), but the product storage shelf 15-1.
It may be transported leaving a distance of about half the height of ~ 15-17. Then, in the above-mentioned settlement / commodity passing process during the sales registration process, the DVD package may be ejected by the pusher pin after carrying the remaining distance.

In the process of step 8, it is determined whether or not the search of all the data registered in the coordinate file 82 has been completed. If it is determined that the search for all the data in the coordinate file 82 has not been completed, the process returns to step 7 described above. If it is determined that the search for all the data in the coordinate file 82 is completed,
In addition to displaying a notification that the product is out of stock on the CRT 7, RAM
Data indicating that the product is out of stock is set in a predetermined storage area 43, the JAN code control process is terminated, and the process returns to the sales registration process.

In the first embodiment having such a structure, first, an operator who stores a new-package DVD package or a DVD package to be supplemented as a product for sale opens the front door 12 of the product storage unit 2 and opens the bar. The code reader 16 reads the coordinate code from the bar code attached on the vacant position of the product storage shelf for storing the DVD package. Next, the bar code reader 16 reads the JAN code (including the product code) from the bar code attached to the DVD package stored at that position, and the DVD package is stored at the above-mentioned position where the product storage shelf is vacant. To store. By repeating the above work, the operator stores the DVD package in the empty position of the product storage shelf without considering anything. On the other hand, in the coordinate file 82, the product code of the DVD package is registered for each coordinate code of the product storage shelf.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a screen of the CRT 7 of the display unit 1, and first, the initial screen shown in FIG. 9 (a) is displayed. Company name logo and message field A in the approximate center
The message "Please press any key if you want to purchase or want to preview" is displayed. When the customer presses any key on the touch panel 61, the screen shown in FIG.
The new music introduction screen shown in (b) is displayed. Image field B
, The image of the front label of the new DVD package is displayed, and the product code and price of the DVD package are displayed in the image field C formed below the image field B. This display screen is prepared for a plurality of pages, and the pages can be turned by operating the direction keys on the touch panel 61. In addition to the above-mentioned direction keys, purchase and search keys are also displayed and formed on the touch panel 61.

When the search key is pressed, the search screen shown in FIG. 9 (c) is displayed. In this search screen, search items such as genre, sales agency, director, and performer are displayed in the search item field D, and by directly touching the desired search item,
The search item window E opens, and a search list (for example, genre list) is displayed. This search item window E
By selecting a desired search target from the search list, all the product titles corresponding to the search target are listed in the corresponding title field F.

The search list displayed in the search item window E and the list of corresponding product titles displayed in the corresponding title field F can be turned (scrolled) by operating the direction keys on the touch panel 61.

By selecting a desired applicable product title from the list of applicable product titles in the applicable title field F, the content inquiry screen shown in FIG. 19D is displayed. Product information (product code, title name, price, director, performer, content (synopsis), etc.) of the selected DVD package is displayed in the product information inquiry field G, and the table label of the selected DVD package is displayed in the screen field H. The image of the back label is displayed in the screen field I. Here, keys for video, search, purchase, end, etc. are displayed and formed on the touch panel 61. FIG.
In the new music introduction screen of 9 (b), if the image field B is directly touched, the DVD package of the front label can be selected, and the content inquiry screen shown in FIG. 19 (d) is displayed.

At this time, the coordinate code of the stock category 1 is read from the coordinate file 82 by the product code of the selected DVD package, and the product storage in which the selected DVD package is stored is based on this coordinate code. The shelf is moved to the fixed stop position 28, and the product pushing unit 30 is moved so as to position one of the pusher pins 30-1 and 30-2 at the position where the DVD package is stored in the product storage shelf. Further, when the coordinate code of the stock category 1 cannot be retrieved, the out-of-stock item is set in the RAM 43.

By pressing the image key on the touch panel 61 in the content inquiry screen of FIG. 19 (d), a preview screen shown in FIG. 19 (e) is obtained. The product information inquiry field G on the content inquiry screen is displayed as it is,
In the preview field J, the promotion video (20 to 30 seconds) of the selected DVD is mounted in a 6-series CD changer 46.
Read from and play. At this time, a preview flag indicating that the preview has been made is set in the RAM 43. When this promotion video ends (or the stop key on the touch panel 61 is pressed), the content inquiry screen of FIG. 19 (d) returns again.

By pressing the purchase key on the touch panel 61 on the content inquiry screen of FIG. 19 (d), a purchase window K opens on the content inquiry screen as shown in FIG. 19 (f). In the purchase window K, as a purchaser data input mode, a message for inputting the age, sex, and occupation is first displayed and an input area is formed. When the age, sex, and occupation are entered in this input area, the age, gender, and occupation information is registered in the Tranfile 85, and then, in the purchase window K, as the payment mode, "Price payment" is entered. Message. ”Is displayed. At this point, the system waits until the input amount exceeds the price of the selected DVD package, and when the input amount exceeds that price, the message "Are you sure?" Is displayed on the purchase window K as a confirmation execution screen. Is displayed. Here, when the Yes key on the touch panel 61 is pressed, the change is returned to the change return port 11 if necessary.
One of the pusher pins positioned in the product push-out unit 30 is driven to drive the purchased DVD package from the outlet 14 of the product storage unit 2.

At this time, it is confirmed whether or not the preview flag is set in the RAM 43. When the preview flag is set, the transaction data of the transaction type and the transaction code of the purchase result code or the preview flag is set. When it is not set, the transaction data in which the transaction type is content inquiry and the result code is purchase is stored in the transaction file 85 together with the product code of the DVD package.

By pressing the end key on the touch panel 61 in the content inquiry screen of FIG. 19 (d), the new music introduction screen of FIG. 19 (b) is displayed. At this time, R
When the preview flag and the out-of-stock data are set in the AM 43, the transaction type is the preview, the result code is the non-purchase transaction data, or the preview flag is set in the RAM 43 but the out-of-stock data is not set. , The transaction data in which the transaction type is preview and the result code is chance loss is stored in the transaction file 85 together with the product code of the DVD package.

Further, when the preview flag is not set in the RAM 43 and the out-of-stock data is set, the transaction type is referred to for the transaction type, the transaction code of the non-purchase is the result code, or the preview flag and the out-of-stock are stored in the RAM 43. If the data is not set, the transaction data in which the transaction type is inquired and the result code is chance loss is stored in the transaction file 85 together with the product code of the DVD package.

The transaction data stored in the transaction file 85 is the sales volume total data for each product code,
Sales amount total data, content inquiry count total data, preview count count total data, chance loss count total data, are stored in the transaction total file 86, and host functions such as a host computer and a POS device with a host function via the LAN 4 It is transmitted and output to the attachment device 5.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the commodity storage shelves 15-1 to 15-17 for vertically storing a plurality of DVD packages are rotatably accommodated by the chain, and the commodity extruding unit is provided. A desired DVD package is extruded by 30 and ejected to the ejection port 14 by rolling of the roller 31-2 of the ejection chute 31.
It has the function of previewing the promotional image of the package, and when the DVD package is stored by attaching the bar code indicating the coordinate code on the DVD storage position of each of the product storage shelves 15-1 to 15-17. The bar code indicating the coordinate code is read by a bar code reader, then the bar code indicating the JAN code of the DVD package is read, and the JAN code (product code) is registered in the coordinate file 82 in correspondence with the coordinate code. By controlling the inventory of packages and controlling the ejection of DVD packages based on the coordinate code at the time of sale, D
The VD package can be ejected with a sliding extrusion that does not drop. Further, the DVD package is stored in the product storage shelves 15-1 to 15-17 without considering the arrangement and the type at all.
The product is stored in a vacant position and the product code is registered in correspondence with the coordinate code to manage the storage position of the DVD package. Therefore, many kinds of products for sale can be stored by simple storage work without stacking. Since the DVD package can be searched and the DVD package can be searched, the DV desired by the customer can be obtained.
It is possible to obtain the effect of avoiding the burden of searching for a D package.

Further, in the first embodiment, when the DVD package is selected by the search and the contents are inquired, the corresponding DVD package is moved to the stop fixing position 28 corresponding to the outlet 14. By starting the movement and keeping it in the discharge standby state, the time from the input of the price to the discharge of the DVD package can be shortened to the maximum.

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The second embodiment has the same system configuration as the first embodiment described above except that part of the sales registration processing is different. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same members. The description is omitted.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a flow of sales registration processing performed by the video software automatic vending apparatus (CPU 41) according to the second embodiment. First, step 11 (ST11)
As the processing of, the initial screen on which the company name logo and the message "Purchasing applicant or person who wants to be previewed, please press any key" is displayed on the CRT 7. Next, as the processing of step 12 (ST12), C
Based on the input from the touch panel 61 installed on the screen surface of the RT 7, it is determined whether or not a search instruction is input.

If it is determined that the search instruction has not been input, the process proceeds to step 13 (ST13) described later. When it is determined that a search instruction has been input, a search process is performed using the product search file 83 by genre, sales agency, director, and performer based on the input on the touch panel 61 and the search item file 84. The search screen display process is performed, and the process proceeds to the next step 13.

In the process of step 13, in the screen display of the CRT 7 based on the product search file 83, it is determined whether or not there is a title input based on the input from the touch panel 61. If it is determined that the title has not been input, the process returns to step 3 described above. When it is determined that the title has been input, the data of the corresponding product information is read from the product search file 83 by the product code corresponding to the input title, and the read product information is displayed on the CRT 7.

Next, based on the read product code of the product information, the coordinate file 82, and the input on the touch panel 61, the JAN code inventory process for starting the movement of the DVD package to be sold to the discharge position is performed.
When the code inventory process is completed, step 14 (ST14
As a process of (1), it is in a standby state until an instruction for promotion preview, purchase, or end is instructed based on the input on the touch panel 61.

When the promotion preview is instructed, the changer No. of the read merchandise information is displayed. Based on the above, the video data of the corresponding promotion is read from the 6-series CD changer 46, the promotion video is broadcast (reproduced) on the CRT 7 by the video data, and the preview flag is set in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 43.
When the broadcasting of the promotion video is completed or the stop key on the touch panel 61 is pressed, the process returns to the above-mentioned step 14.

In the above-mentioned step 14, if a purchase instruction is given instead of a promotion preview, a discharge preparation process described later is performed.

Upon completion of this discharge preparation process, although not shown, after the purchaser data registration process, a message "please insert the price" is displayed on the CRT 7, and the input amount of the selected DVD package is displayed. It will be in a standby state until it becomes more than the price. Of course, when the cancellation is instructed by the touch panel 61, the above-mentioned step 1 is performed again.
It returns to the processing of 4.

When the input amount exceeds the price, the settlement process including the process of paying the change and the designated one of the P1 motor 69 and the P2 motor 70 are driven to eject the corresponding DVD package and the corresponding coordinate file. The product passing process for setting 0 in the stock category is performed. When the settlement process and the product delivery process are completed, it is determined whether the preview flag is set in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 43. If it is determined that the preview flag is not set, the data indicating the content inquiry is set to the transaction type of the transaction file 85, the data indicating the purchase is set to the result code, and the sale date and the sale time are set from the current time. Register the transaction data (content inquiry purchase) to be set,
The process returns to the above-mentioned step 11 again.

When it is determined that the preview flag is set, the data indicating the preview is set in the transaction type of the transaction file 85, the data indicating the purchase is set in the result code, and the sale date and the sale time from the current time are set. Register the transaction data (pre-purchase purchase) for setting
The preview flag set to 3 is cleared, and the process returns to step 11 described above.

When the end of the process is instructed in the process of step 14 described above instead of the promotion preview and purchase, RA
It is determined whether or not the preview flag is set in the predetermined storage area of M43. If it is determined that the preview flag is set, the data indicating the preview is set in the transaction type of the transaction file 85, and it is confirmed whether or not the data indicating the out of stock is set in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 43. If the out-of-stock is not set, the result code is set to non-purchase, and if the out-of-stock is set, the chance loss is set to the result code and the sales date and sales time are set from the current time.
The preview image is registered, the preview flag set in the RAM 43 is cleared, and the process returns to step 2 described above.

If it is determined that the preview flag is not set, data indicating content inquiry is set in the transaction type of the transaction file 85, and whether data indicating out of stock is set in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 43. If the out-of-stock item is not set, the result code is set to no purchase, and if the out-of-stock item is set,
The chance loss is set in the result code, the transaction data (content inquiry) for setting the sale date and the sale time from the current time is registered, and the process returns to the above-mentioned step 2 again.

FIG. 21 shows the above-mentioned J performed by the CPU 41.
It is a figure which shows the flow of AN code stock processing. First, as the processing of step 15 (ST15), the coordinate file 82
In the product code area of, the product code (JAN code) in the product information read from the product search file 83 during the above-described sales registration processing is searched to determine whether or not there is the searched product code. If it is determined that there is no retrieved product code, step 16 (to be described later)
The process proceeds to ST16).

When it is determined that the retrieved product code exists, it is determined whether 1 is set in the area of the stock division corresponding to the area in which the product code is registered. If it is determined that 1 is set in the stock category area, the JAN code stock process is terminated and the process returns to the sales registration process. Also,
If it is determined that 1 is not set (0 is set) in the area of the stock division, the process proceeds to step 16. The process of step 16 determines whether or not the search for all the data registered in the coordinate file 82 has been completed. If it is determined that the search for all the data in the coordinate file 82 has not been completed, the process returns to step 15 again. When it is determined that all the data in the coordinate file 82 have been searched, a display indicating that the product is out of stock is displayed on the CRT 7, and the data indicating the product is out of stock is set in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 43. Then, the process returns to the above-mentioned sales registration process.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a flow of the above-mentioned discharge preparation processing performed by the CPU 41. First, the above-mentioned coordinate code in which the product code is registered is read, and the stop count value is RA based on the stocker number of this coordinate code.
Set it in a predetermined storage area of M43, and select the pusher pin closer to the X-axis coordinate set in the coordinate code from the current positions of the two pusher pins 30-1 and 30-2, and The X-axis coordinate is set in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 43.

As for the relationship between the stocker number and the stop count value, the stocker number 1 corresponds to the stop count value 0 because the reference storage member 15-1 is provided with the reference protruding member 32. The two stocker numbers correspond to two stop count values. For example, stocker number 3
Corresponds to stop count values +3 and -14, and stocker number 11 corresponds to stop count values +11 and -6. Therefore, in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 43,
Stop count value 0 or two stop count values are set. When two stop count values are set, when the count value of the counter 72 coincides with either one, it is recognized as detection of the product storage rack to be positioned, and the positioning stop control is started.

Next, an instruction to start preparation for product discharge is given by DI
Output to the O card 58. As a result, the inverter motor 25 and the stepping motor 68 start driving, and C
The product storage shelf that stores the DVD package displaying the product information at RT7 starts moving to the stop fixing position 28,
The movement of the product pushing unit 30 by the X-axis unit 29 for positioning the selected pusher pin is started to the position where the DVD package is stored on the product storage shelf. When the output of the instruction to start the product discharge preparation is completed,
The discharge preparation process is terminated, and the process returns to the above-mentioned sales registration process.

At this time, the inverter motor 25 has the RA
When the count value set in the predetermined storage area of M43 and the counter 72 match, the sheet is conveyed by a preset distance (distance from the sensor position to the fixed stop position 28) and stopped. Further, the stepping motor 68 is the RAM 4
When the X-axis coordinate set in the predetermined storage area 3 and the position of the selected pusher pin match, the operation is stopped. In addition,
At this time, the inverter motor 25 does not carry the preset distance at one time (with 1 control), but the product storage shelf 15-1.
It may be transported leaving a distance of about half the height of ~ 15-17. Then, in the settlement / commodity passing process during the above-mentioned sales registration process, the DVD package may be ejected by the pusher pin after carrying the remaining distance.

In the second embodiment having such a configuration, unlike the first embodiment, DV search is performed.
Even if the D package is selected, the product storage shelf is not moved, and when the customer instructs the purchase, the product storage shelf containing the selected DVD package is moved to the fixed stop position 28, and the product storage shelf is also moved. The pusher pins 30-1 and 30-2 at the position where the DVD package is stored.
The product extruding unit 30 is moved so as to position one of them. During such a discharge preparation operation, the customer inputs the amount of money and performs the settlement process.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above, and further, it is possible to prevent unnecessary movement of the product storage rack, and It is possible to efficiently reduce the time from the input of the price to the ejection of the DVD package.

[0090]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
Many types of products for sale can be stored by simple storage work without stacking, and it does not impose the burden of searching for desired products for customers and discharges the products for sale without falling. It is possible to provide a software vending machine capable of doing so.

FIG. 18 shows the above-mentioned J performed by the CPU 41.
It is a figure which shows the flow of AN code control processing.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a video software vending device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front structural view showing an internal structure of a product storage unit of the video software automatic vending apparatus according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side structural view showing an internal structure of a product storage unit of the video software automatic vending apparatus according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a top view showing a positional relationship between a partition structure of a product storage shelf and a guide chute guide plate structure of the video software automatic vending apparatus of the embodiment, and a front view showing the guide plate of the discharge chute.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing each product storage shelf of the video software automatic vending apparatus according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a main part of the video software vending device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a first example of the video software vending device according to the embodiment.
3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a peripheral device section 55 of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a second view of the video software vending device according to the same embodiment.
3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a peripheral device section 57 of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a part of a memory configuration of a hard disk of the video software automatic vending apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a memory configuration of a product information file of the video software automatic vending apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a memory configuration of a coordinate file of the video software automatic vending apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a memory configuration of a product search file of the video software automatic vending apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a memory configuration of a search item file of the video software automatic vending apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a view showing a memory configuration of a Tranfile of the video software automatic vending apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a memory configuration of a transaction total file of the video software automatic vending apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a flow of a product storing process performed by the video software automatic vending apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a flow of sales registration processing performed by the video software automatic vending apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a view showing a flow of JAN code control processing during sales registration processing performed by the video software automatic vending apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a view showing a display example of a CRT during sales registration work of the video software automatic vending apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a flow of sales registration processing performed by the video software automatic vending device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a flow of JAN code inventory processing during sales registration processing performed by the video software automatic vending apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a flow of a discharge preparation process during a sales registration process performed by the video software automatic vending apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a simplified diagram for explaining an example of storage by stacking in an automatic vending device for cigarettes, beverages, etc. of a conventional example.

FIG. 24 is a simplified diagram for explaining an example of storage by shelves partitioned vertically and horizontally in a conventional vending machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 7 ... CRT, 15-1 to 15-17 ... Commodity storage rack (stocker), 16 ... Bar code reader, 21-1, 21-2 ... Chain, 22-1, 22-2 ... Pulley, 25 ... Inverter motor, 29 ... X-axis unit, 30 ... Commodity extruding unit, 30-1, 30-2 ... Pusher pin, 31 ... Ejecting chute, 32 ... Reference protruding member, 33 ... Counter protruding member, 41 ... CPU, 46 ... 6 Serial CD changer, 61 ... Touch panel, 68 ... Stepping motor, 71 ... Sensor part, 72 ... Counter, 82 ... Coordinate file, 83 ... Product search file, 84 ... Search item file, 85 ... Tranfile, 86 ... Tran total file.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A software vending machine for storing a plurality of types of storage media storing software as a sale product, and selling the sale product selected and designated by the customer based on the customer's selection designation and settlement. And a storage unit for storing the storage media in a row, and a plurality of storage units arranged in a ring to rotate and move, and a specified storage unit to move to a predetermined position near the discharge port of the storage medium. Means, a reference index provided in one reference storage unit, a count index provided in another storage unit other than the one reference storage unit, and a count value when the reference index is detected Is set to 0, and a counter that increments the count value by +1 or -1 according to the rotation direction of the rotation moving mechanism when the count index is detected, and is provided near each storage position of the storage medium of each storage unit, Coordinate marks indicating storage position information, product marks indicating product information provided in each of the storage media, mark reading means for reading storage position information from the coordinate marks and reading product information from the product marks, and the counter Storage part number corresponding to the count value from
Storage position registration means for storing the storage position information and product information read by the mark reading means in association with each other, and corresponding product information stored in the storage position registration means based on the customer's selection and designation of the sale product And a storage medium corresponding to the storage unit that drives the rotation moving unit based on the storage unit number and storage position information stored corresponding to the product information searched by the product search unit. An automatic vending machine for software, characterized by being provided with a discharging means for discharging after the settlement. 2. The software automatic vending apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an inventory information flag corresponding to the storage part number, the storage position information and the product information stored by the storage position registration means, and storing the storage medium. Sometimes when the stock flag is in stock, when the storage medium is discharged the corresponding stock flag is not in stock, and when the stock flag is out of stock for all the corresponding product information searched by the product search means, and An automatic vending machine for software, characterized by being provided with an out-of-stock notifying means for notifying a customer of an out-of-stock when there is no product information. 3. The software automatic vending apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coordinate mark is a bar code. 4. The software automatic vending apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discharging means starts driving the rotation moving means immediately after the end of the search by the product searching means. 5. The software automatic vending apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discharging means starts driving the rotation moving means immediately after a purchase decision is made. 6. The software automatic vending apparatus according to claim 1, wherein video software is stored in each of the storage media, and the storage media to be stored in each of the storage units. Promotion storage means for storing the promotion video data produced for each type of video software, and the promotion video data corresponding to the sale product selected and designated by the customer are read from the promotion storage means and displayed on the display means. An automatic vending machine for software, which is provided with means for executing promotion.