CA1236546A - Vending machine - Google Patents
Vending machineInfo
- Publication number
- CA1236546A CA1236546A CA000463913A CA463913A CA1236546A CA 1236546 A CA1236546 A CA 1236546A CA 000463913 A CA000463913 A CA 000463913A CA 463913 A CA463913 A CA 463913A CA 1236546 A CA1236546 A CA 1236546A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- sales
- memory
- data
- price
- vending machine
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure A vending machine includes a plurality of selection switches corresponding, respectively to a plurality of items to be sold. In response to the insertion of coins and the subsequent operation of any of the selection switches, the item corresponding to the selection switch is vended. A RAM is installed in association with a microcomputer, and this RAM contains memory areas for storing the sales quantity and the sales amount on an item basis. These data are renewed at every vending. The RAM further contains a price memory area for storing the sales price of each item. When any of the selection switches is operated in the ready state of the machine, the price of the item corresponding to that selection switch is read from the RAM and is displayed on the inserted-amount display. Furthermore, when a selection switch is depressed in the state when the management mode is set up, the price of the item corresponding to that switch is displayed likewise.
Moreover, in response to a selective operation of the selection switch, the sales quantity and the sales amount of an arbitrary item stored in each memory area of the RAM
can be displayed in the management mode. When "continuous confirmation" command is given in the management mode, the price, sales quantity or the sales amount as described above can be displayed continuously in sequence for each item.
Moreover, in response to a selective operation of the selection switch, the sales quantity and the sales amount of an arbitrary item stored in each memory area of the RAM
can be displayed in the management mode. When "continuous confirmation" command is given in the management mode, the price, sales quantity or the sales amount as described above can be displayed continuously in sequence for each item.
Description
iZ36S~
The present invention relates to a vending machine. More specifically, the present invention relates to a so-called mul-ti-vending type vending machine which is provided with a plurality of selection switches, which 5enables the sale of an arbitrary item out of a plurality of items in response to the selective operation of the switches.
One example of a vending machine of this kind is disclosed in United States Patent No. 4,231,105, issued on October 28, 1980. According to this prior art document, the total accumulated sales figures can be displayed for the owner or the manager of the vending machine. However, despite this vending machine being capable of vending a plurality of items, only sales data as a whole can be 15displayed. Accordingly, the sales amount on each item basis is not available in an exact manner.
In the invention disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 161996/1979, laid-open on December 22, 1979, accumulated data are obtainable on each item basis, and the same can be displayed. Accordingly, the actual sales situation can be grasped accurately on each item basis, and this brings more effective in~ormation to the owner and the manager. In this prior application, however, specially installed switches must be used to read 25the accumulated data on each item basis, and Accordingly, not only the configuration becomes complicated as a whole, but also the machine becomes expensive, and furthermore when the totalization is performed frequently, its maneuverability becomes a problem.
Therefore, the principal object of the present invention is to provide a vending machine which has a simpler and more economical configuration and which can ascertain the accumulated data and the like on each item basis.
35Another object of the present invention is to provide a vending machine of good maneuverability.
Accordingly, one aspect of the invention provides a vending machine comprising, a plurality of , : ., i selection switches corresponding to a plurality of sales items, memory means having a plurality of memory areas corresponding respectively to the plurality of sales items, addressing means for addressing a corresponding memory area of the memory means in response to operation of any of the selection switches, a plurality of indicators corresponding to the plurality of selection switches, and indicator driving means for driving a corresponding one of the plurality of indicators in response to operation of any of the selection switches.
L~nother aspect of the invention provides a vending machine comprising, a plurality of selection switches corresponding to a plurality of sales items, a valuable media insertion part accepting insertion oE
valuable media, value calculating means for calculating lS the value of the valuable media inserted through the valuable media insertion part, memory means having a plurality of price memory parts corresponding to the plurality o~ sales items, addressing means for addressing a corresponding price memory part of the memory means in response to operation of any one of the selection switches, determining means for determining whether or not the item corresponding to the selection switch operated is capable of being sold, price data reading means for reading the price data from the price memory part addressed by the addressing means in response to determination that the item is not capable of being sold by the determining means, and a numeric value display capable of selectively displaying the value calculated by the calculating means or the price data read by the price reading means.
A further aspect of the invention provides a vending machine comprising, a plurality of selection switches corresponding to a plurality of sales items, a valuable media insertion part insertion of valuable media, value calculating means for calculating the value of the valuable media inserted through the valuable media insertion part, memory means having a plurality of special .. . ..
1;~3659~
data memory areas corresponding to the plurality oE sales items, addressing means for addressing- a corresponding special data memory area of the memory means in response to operati~n of any of the selection switches, reading means for reading the special data from the special data memory area addressed by the addressing means, and a common display for displaying the value calculated by the calculating means and the special data read by the reading means.
Thus, by using a selection switch, data of the relevant item, for example, the price, sales quantity, sales amount and the like can be referred to and read from a memory means, for example, a RAM. That is to say, in the present invention, the memory means has a plurality of memory areas corresponding to respective vending items, and in response to an operation of any of the selection switches, the corresponding one of the plurality of memory areas is addressed.
In accordance with the present invention, the selection switches can be used in common for both sales and storing or confirmation of data, and thereEore extra switches can be dispensed with in comparison with the arrangement disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Wo.
161996/1979, as a result oE which a vending machine which has a simpler configuration and is economical is obtainable.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, data read from the RAM can be displayed by a display for displaying the inserted amount. Accordingly, in accordance with this embodiment, a further display or indicator for verifying the price, sales quantity, sales amount or the like can be dispensed with.
In another embodimen-t of the invention, change-over means for the change-over of a normal sales mode and a management mode is installed. Moreover, in the management mode, in response to operation of any one of the selection switches, the corresponding address of the price memory part of the RAM is accessed, and the price lZ365~6 can be changed by entering the numeric value through an input means such as a keyboard or bar code reader. In accordance with this embodiment, the selection switch can be used in addressing the pr ce memory part to change the price, and therefore no other switch is required to be installedl whereby the configuration becomes simpler.
In still another embodiment of the invention, in either the normal vending mode or the management mode, in response to operation of a selection switch, the indicator installed correspondingly to that selection switch is driven, and thereby it can be indicated that a particular selection switch has been operated. Display by means of such an indicator is very effective, particularly in the management mode, for confirmation and setting of price, totalization of data or the like.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vending machine in accordance with an embodiment o the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the machine of Figure 1 with a front panel open;
Fiyure 3 is a perspective view oE the machine of Figure 1 with inner door open;
Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3;
Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view showing a register bank contained in the CPU in Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view showing memory areas of the RAM in Figure 4; ana E'igures 7~ through Figure 7D are flow charts explaining the operation of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 6.
Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a vending machine 10 capable of vending a plurality of articles or commodities. However, it is pointed out in i~36S46 advance that the present invention can be applied equally to a vending machine which vends such items as services and the like.
The vending machine 10 includes a housing 12, and at the bottom end of this housing 12, legs 14 are provided for installation. On the front face opening of the housing 12, a front panel 16 is mounted which is capable of opening and closing. On this front panel 16, a coin slot lB is formed, and this coin slot 18 can accept a 5-cent coin, 10-cent coin, 25-cent coin, and one-dollar coin. In relation to this coin slot 18, a bill inlet may be further installed so that a dollar bill can be inserted through it. Furthermore, a means may be installed capable of handling other valuable media, for example ticket, card and the like.
On the front panel 16, for example, a return switch 19 composed of a lever is further installed, and this return switch 19 is utilized to return the coin inserted through the coin slot 18. An amount display 20 is, for example, a d.gital display capable of displaying four-digit numeric values, being utilized Eor displaying the total ~mount of coins or the inserted amount. This amount display 20, as is described later, can be furthe.r utilized for displaying the price of each vending item in the normal vending mode and the management mode and for displaying the totalized data in the management mode.
Under the amount display 20, a no-change indicator 21 is installed, and this no-change indicator 21 displays the comment "correct change only" when the stock of nickel, dimes and the like to be paid off for change becomes short or runs out-On the front panel 16, a plurality of selection switches 221-22n are further installed, and accordingly this vending machine 10 can vend a number (N) of items.
For the selection switches 221, 22i, 22n, for example, a type i5 employed which contains a transparent plastic cover and is operated by depressing this cover. And then, at respective positions of these selection switches 221, ~365~
22i, 22n, "on-sale" indicators 24i-2~n and "sold-ou-t"
indicators 26i-26n are installed. The "on-sale"
indicators 24i-24n are composed of, for example, lamps, light emitting diodes or the like, indicating that the item selected by the relevant selection switch can be vended, this "on-sale" indication is performed only when the inserted amount is larger than the price oF the commodity and also the stock of the commodity is present.
The "sold-outl' indicators 26i-26n are likewise, composed of lamps or light emitting diodes, indicating that the item selected by the relevant switch is in the "sold-out"
state.
At the lower portion of the front panel 16, a delivery part 28 is formed, and the commodity belng vended can be removed from this delivery part 28. A coin pay-oEf part 29 is formed in the vicinity of this delivery part
The present invention relates to a vending machine. More specifically, the present invention relates to a so-called mul-ti-vending type vending machine which is provided with a plurality of selection switches, which 5enables the sale of an arbitrary item out of a plurality of items in response to the selective operation of the switches.
One example of a vending machine of this kind is disclosed in United States Patent No. 4,231,105, issued on October 28, 1980. According to this prior art document, the total accumulated sales figures can be displayed for the owner or the manager of the vending machine. However, despite this vending machine being capable of vending a plurality of items, only sales data as a whole can be 15displayed. Accordingly, the sales amount on each item basis is not available in an exact manner.
In the invention disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 161996/1979, laid-open on December 22, 1979, accumulated data are obtainable on each item basis, and the same can be displayed. Accordingly, the actual sales situation can be grasped accurately on each item basis, and this brings more effective in~ormation to the owner and the manager. In this prior application, however, specially installed switches must be used to read 25the accumulated data on each item basis, and Accordingly, not only the configuration becomes complicated as a whole, but also the machine becomes expensive, and furthermore when the totalization is performed frequently, its maneuverability becomes a problem.
Therefore, the principal object of the present invention is to provide a vending machine which has a simpler and more economical configuration and which can ascertain the accumulated data and the like on each item basis.
35Another object of the present invention is to provide a vending machine of good maneuverability.
Accordingly, one aspect of the invention provides a vending machine comprising, a plurality of , : ., i selection switches corresponding to a plurality of sales items, memory means having a plurality of memory areas corresponding respectively to the plurality of sales items, addressing means for addressing a corresponding memory area of the memory means in response to operation of any of the selection switches, a plurality of indicators corresponding to the plurality of selection switches, and indicator driving means for driving a corresponding one of the plurality of indicators in response to operation of any of the selection switches.
L~nother aspect of the invention provides a vending machine comprising, a plurality of selection switches corresponding to a plurality of sales items, a valuable media insertion part accepting insertion oE
valuable media, value calculating means for calculating lS the value of the valuable media inserted through the valuable media insertion part, memory means having a plurality of price memory parts corresponding to the plurality o~ sales items, addressing means for addressing a corresponding price memory part of the memory means in response to operation of any one of the selection switches, determining means for determining whether or not the item corresponding to the selection switch operated is capable of being sold, price data reading means for reading the price data from the price memory part addressed by the addressing means in response to determination that the item is not capable of being sold by the determining means, and a numeric value display capable of selectively displaying the value calculated by the calculating means or the price data read by the price reading means.
A further aspect of the invention provides a vending machine comprising, a plurality of selection switches corresponding to a plurality of sales items, a valuable media insertion part insertion of valuable media, value calculating means for calculating the value of the valuable media inserted through the valuable media insertion part, memory means having a plurality of special .. . ..
1;~3659~
data memory areas corresponding to the plurality oE sales items, addressing means for addressing- a corresponding special data memory area of the memory means in response to operati~n of any of the selection switches, reading means for reading the special data from the special data memory area addressed by the addressing means, and a common display for displaying the value calculated by the calculating means and the special data read by the reading means.
Thus, by using a selection switch, data of the relevant item, for example, the price, sales quantity, sales amount and the like can be referred to and read from a memory means, for example, a RAM. That is to say, in the present invention, the memory means has a plurality of memory areas corresponding to respective vending items, and in response to an operation of any of the selection switches, the corresponding one of the plurality of memory areas is addressed.
In accordance with the present invention, the selection switches can be used in common for both sales and storing or confirmation of data, and thereEore extra switches can be dispensed with in comparison with the arrangement disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Wo.
161996/1979, as a result oE which a vending machine which has a simpler configuration and is economical is obtainable.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, data read from the RAM can be displayed by a display for displaying the inserted amount. Accordingly, in accordance with this embodiment, a further display or indicator for verifying the price, sales quantity, sales amount or the like can be dispensed with.
In another embodimen-t of the invention, change-over means for the change-over of a normal sales mode and a management mode is installed. Moreover, in the management mode, in response to operation of any one of the selection switches, the corresponding address of the price memory part of the RAM is accessed, and the price lZ365~6 can be changed by entering the numeric value through an input means such as a keyboard or bar code reader. In accordance with this embodiment, the selection switch can be used in addressing the pr ce memory part to change the price, and therefore no other switch is required to be installedl whereby the configuration becomes simpler.
In still another embodiment of the invention, in either the normal vending mode or the management mode, in response to operation of a selection switch, the indicator installed correspondingly to that selection switch is driven, and thereby it can be indicated that a particular selection switch has been operated. Display by means of such an indicator is very effective, particularly in the management mode, for confirmation and setting of price, totalization of data or the like.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vending machine in accordance with an embodiment o the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the machine of Figure 1 with a front panel open;
Fiyure 3 is a perspective view oE the machine of Figure 1 with inner door open;
Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3;
Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view showing a register bank contained in the CPU in Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view showing memory areas of the RAM in Figure 4; ana E'igures 7~ through Figure 7D are flow charts explaining the operation of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 6.
Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a vending machine 10 capable of vending a plurality of articles or commodities. However, it is pointed out in i~36S46 advance that the present invention can be applied equally to a vending machine which vends such items as services and the like.
The vending machine 10 includes a housing 12, and at the bottom end of this housing 12, legs 14 are provided for installation. On the front face opening of the housing 12, a front panel 16 is mounted which is capable of opening and closing. On this front panel 16, a coin slot lB is formed, and this coin slot 18 can accept a 5-cent coin, 10-cent coin, 25-cent coin, and one-dollar coin. In relation to this coin slot 18, a bill inlet may be further installed so that a dollar bill can be inserted through it. Furthermore, a means may be installed capable of handling other valuable media, for example ticket, card and the like.
On the front panel 16, for example, a return switch 19 composed of a lever is further installed, and this return switch 19 is utilized to return the coin inserted through the coin slot 18. An amount display 20 is, for example, a d.gital display capable of displaying four-digit numeric values, being utilized Eor displaying the total ~mount of coins or the inserted amount. This amount display 20, as is described later, can be furthe.r utilized for displaying the price of each vending item in the normal vending mode and the management mode and for displaying the totalized data in the management mode.
Under the amount display 20, a no-change indicator 21 is installed, and this no-change indicator 21 displays the comment "correct change only" when the stock of nickel, dimes and the like to be paid off for change becomes short or runs out-On the front panel 16, a plurality of selection switches 221-22n are further installed, and accordingly this vending machine 10 can vend a number (N) of items.
For the selection switches 221, 22i, 22n, for example, a type i5 employed which contains a transparent plastic cover and is operated by depressing this cover. And then, at respective positions of these selection switches 221, ~365~
22i, 22n, "on-sale" indicators 24i-2~n and "sold-ou-t"
indicators 26i-26n are installed. The "on-sale"
indicators 24i-24n are composed of, for example, lamps, light emitting diodes or the like, indicating that the item selected by the relevant selection switch can be vended, this "on-sale" indication is performed only when the inserted amount is larger than the price oF the commodity and also the stock of the commodity is present.
The "sold-outl' indicators 26i-26n are likewise, composed of lamps or light emitting diodes, indicating that the item selected by the relevant switch is in the "sold-out"
state.
At the lower portion of the front panel 16, a delivery part 28 is formed, and the commodity belng vended can be removed from this delivery part 28. A coin pay-oEf part 29 is formed in the vicinity of this delivery part
2~, and coins to be returned or coins for change are paid off at the coin pay-off part 29.
The front panel 16 can be opened as shown in Figure 2, and in the housing 12, an inner door 30 which also can be opened and closed freely is further mounted and is visible when this front panel 16 is opened. On the front face oE this inner door 30, a control box 32 i9 mounted, and in this control box 32, electronic components required for controlling the CPU and the like are ~5 accommodated, which are explained later with reference to Figure 4. In conjunction with the control box 32, a light pen 34 is installed. This light pen or bar code reader 34 is for scanning the bar code sheet (not illustrated) and reading the content of the bar code depicted thereon, forming an input unit. For the input unit, a keyboard 36 may be employed -together with the light pen 34 or in place oE the light pen 34. The keyboard 36 is provided with ten-keys marked 0-9, and relevant unction keys. The function keys, for example, include a key 36a for confirming or setting the price, a key 36b for confirming the total sales quantity, a key 36c for confirming the sales quantity Eor each selection, a key 36d for ., lZ3~6 conEirming the total sales amount, a key 36e for confirming sales amount for each selection, and the like~
Furthermore, on this key board 36, a "clear" key, "termination" key and the like are installed as re~uired.
Furthermore, in addition to the individual function keys 36a-36e, individual on a mode basis as described above, one common function key may be installed to discriminate each mode by means of the number of times of operation of this common function key. In this case, for example, one-time operation of the common function key sets the total sales quantity mode, two-time operation sets the sales quantity mode for each selection, 3-time operation sets the total sales amount mode, and 4-time operation sets the sales amount mode for each selection.
On the front face of the control box 32, a manually operable change-over switch 38 is installed for change-over of the normal vending mode and the management mode. On the front face of the control box 32, a buzzer 48 is further installed, and, as explained later, this buzzer 48 is utilized for informing of the completion oE
preparation for inputting data.
on the rear side oE the fron-t panel 16, or example, a hollow-tube-shaped coin chute 42a is mounted in conjunction with the coin slot 18, and when the front panel 16 is closed, the bottom end part of this coin chute 42a corresponds to the top end part of a coin hopper 42b having fixed at the bottom end thereof a coin selector 44 which is installed in the housing 12. Although not illustrated, this coin selector 44 contains switches of a kind operating on an inserted coin basis, and by closing the switch once, a signal representing insertion of one coin o the corresponding kind is given to the control box 32. Under the coin selector 44, a coin stocker 46 is installed, and the inserted coins passing through the coin selector 44 are stocked in this coin stocker 46, and the stocked coins can be recovered by the owner or manager or are utilized appropriately for change.
~;~ J~
~36S~6 On the front panel 16, an opening 28a is formed and communicates with the delivery part 28 as shown in Figure 1, and articles or commodities are discharged into the delivery part 28 through the opening 28a. When the front panel 16 is closed, the opening 28a further communicates with a path 28b formed beneath the control box 32. In the housing 12, a power supply 40 is further installed under the coin stocker 46, and this power supply 40 supplies the control box 32 and other necessary locations with DC or AC power.
As shown in Figure 3, when the inner door 30 is opened, a plurality of columns 501, 50i, 50n are formed which extend in the direction of the height of the automatic vending machine 10. In general, the columns 501, 50i, 50n are formed in a number equal to that of the selection switches 221, 22i, 22n (Figure 1) as in the embodiment described hereinafter, and different klnds of articles or commodities are stocked in respective columns.
However, the number of these columns is sometimes larger than that o~ the selection switches. In this case, salable commodities are accommodated, for example, in two columns, and b~ depressing one common selection switch, commodities of the same kind are discharged alternately Erom the two columns.
A vending chute 52 is installed under the columns 501, 50i, 50n to vend commodities, and this vending chute 52 is formed at a location adjacent the bottom part of the inner door 30 in the configuration in which the inner door 30 is closed, also positionally correspondin~ to the path 28b communicating with the opening 28a of the front panel 16. In the housing 12, means is installed (not illustrated) for removing commodities containing, for example, a motor and other components in relation to the respective columns 501, 50i, 50n. To supply this means for removing commodities with signals and power~ a cable 54 is wired which extends from the control box 32 and the power supply 40 (Figure 2).
1~365~6 In the housing 12, a cooler unit 56 is provided for cooling commodities, for example, cola, juice and the like accommodated in the columns 501, 50i, 50n.
Figure 4 is a block diagram of an electric circuit configuration for one embodiment of the present invention. For example, the "8039" manufactured by Intel can be utilized for CPU 60, the "TC 5517" manufactured by Toshiba can be utilized for RAM 62, the "2764"
manufactured by Intel can be utilized for ROM 64, and the "M5L8243" manufactured by Mitsubishi can be utilized for I/O in-terface 68. These components 60, 62, 64 and 68 are interconnected by means oE an address bus 70 and a data bus 72.
A vending unit 74 is further connected to the I/O interface 68. This vending unit 74 is installed in relation to the respective columns 501, 50i, 50n. The detailed configuration of this vending unit 74 and other means or units which are described hereinafter are disclosed in Figure 10 of United States Patent Application Serial No. 592,410, entitled "AN INPUT UNIT OF A~
AUrrOMATIC VENDING MACHINE" which was filed on March 23, 198~.
The vending unit 7~ contains motors for the respective columns 501, 50i, 50n (Figure 3), and the CPU
60 gives the vending command to these motors (not illustrated) through the I/O interface 68, and also a signal is input to the CPU 60 from this vending unit 74 through the I/O interface 68 on every vending.
A selection unit 76 comprises the selection switches 221, 22i, 22n (Figure 1) and so on, and -from this unit 76, a sign~l representing that the selection switch has been operated is input to the CPU 60 through the I/O
interface 68. A display unit 78 comprises the amount display 20, the no-change indicator 21, the "on-sale'l indicators 24i - 24n, and the "sold-outi' indicators 26i-26n. The display unit 78 is controlled by the CPU 60 through the I/O interface 68.
, 1~3~i5~
A coin mechanism 80 cornprises the coin selector 44, the coin stocker 46r the coin pay-off unit ~not illustrated) and so on, and the kind and number o~
inserted coins are input to the CPU 60 from this coin mechanism 80 through the I/0 interface 68, and also a command signal for paying off required coins is given to this coin mechanism 80 from the CPU 60.
An input unit 82 comprises the light pen or the bar code reader 34 and/or the keyboard 36, and input data from this input unit 82 are input to the CPU 60 through the I/0 interface 68. In addition, the change-over switch 38 is installed in association with the input unit 82, and this change-over switch 38 is utilized for change-over of the normal vending mode and the management mode as described previously.
The buzzer 48 is connected to the I/0 interface 6~.
The CPU 60 contains a register bank 84 as shown in Figure 5~ In the register bank ~4, a display buffer 84a is formed, and display data for the display unit 78 (Figure 4), that is, the amount display 20, the "on-sale"
indicators 241, 24i, 24n and the "sold-out" indicators 26i - 26n are loaded in this display buffer 84a. Numeric inEormation is loaded, for example, as ~-digit numeric data, and inEormation for lighting or extinguishing the indicator ls loaded as "1" or "0" of one bit for one indicator. ~ return timer 84b and a column timer 84c are formed in the register bank 84. The return timer 84b is a timer for making the machine return automatically to the ready state, that is, the normal vending mode when no data is input ~or a certain time in the management mode as described later. The column timer 84c provides the address change time in performing sequential increments (or decrements) of the column, namely, the memory area (address) of the R~M 62 in the continuous confirmation mode as described later. A column register 84d is formed in the register bank 84, and this column register 84d stores the number of the column, namely, the selection ~2365~6 specified at that time. A mode flag ~4e formed in the register ban~ 84 is composed of a plurality-digit registers, and flag data for discriminating respective modes in the management mode, for example, "price", "sales totalization", "continuous conEirmation", "totalization clear" or "termination" mode can be set. This flat data for each [node is the leading address of the relevant memory area of the RAM 62, and the mode data set in this mode flag register 84e becomes a reference of the address of the item associated with each column, namely, the selection switch.
A CCON flag 84f is set in the "continuous confirmation" mode wherein the price or totalization data can be continuously confirmed automatically in the column sequence, that is, in the selection sequence, being reset after the data from the final column has been displayed.
A CDISP flag 84g is a flag for enabling the selection switches 221, 22i, 22n (Figure 1) in the management mode, being utilized Eor controlling the ON or OFF condition of the indicators 24i - 24n and/or 26i - 26n which are installed in relation to each selection switch. The register bank 84 further contains an amount register 8~h~
an~ this amount register 8~h is utilized for storing the total amount oE inserted coins. In the register bank 84, in addition to the above, address registers wherein the address data of the R~M 62 are loaded, registers for storing the kind and number o inserted coins, and other flag areas are formed.
Figure 6 is a schematic view showing a memory format of the RAM. At least five areas 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d and 62e are formed in the RAM 62. The area 62a is an area for storing the price data for each selection switch, containing a number (N~ of addresses corresponding to the number of the selection switches 221, 22i, 22n. The area 62b is an area for sto~ing the total sales quantity, and the area 62c is an area for storing the sales quantity for each column, that is, for each selection switch, containing a number (N) of addresses which is e~ual to the ~Z3654~
number of the selection switches. The area 62a is an area for storing the total sales amount, and the area 62e is an area for storing the sales amount for each column, that is, for each selection switch, having a number (N) of addresses which is equal to the number of the selection switches 221, 22i, 22n.
Next, a description will be given of the operation of the present embodiment with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 6 and Figure 7A through Figure 7D.
Figure 7A principally shows operation in the normal vending mode, and Figure 7B through Figure 7D show operation in the management mode.
With reference to Figure 7A, initialization is performed in the first step SlOl. In the next step S 103, the CPU 60 reads the coin data from the coin mechanism 80.
An then, the coin data which has been read are loaded in the relevant register of the register bank 84 in the next step S105. Tha-t is to say, in step S105, the kind and number of inserted coins are stored in the relevant register ~not illustrated) in the register bank 84. ~ased on the kind and number oE coins, the CPU 60 calculates the inserted amount, and that amount is stored in the amount regLster 84h (Figure 5). In this step S105, the change data is further stored in the relevant register (not illustrated) of the register bank 84, and this change data, for example, contains the kind and number of coins which can be paid off as change. Therea~ter in step Sl07, the CPU 60 decides whether or not the return switch 19 has been operated based on the data from -the input unit 82.
If it is detected that the return switch l9 has been operated in step S107, the return data is set in the display buEfer 84a (Figure 5) in the following step S109.
Accordingly, at this time, the amount to be paid back is displayed on the amount display 20. And then, in step Slll, the CPU 60 gives a command to the coin mechanism 80, and responsively this coin mechanism 80 is operated and coins of the displayed amount are paid off into the coin pay-oEf part 29 (Figure 1).
,q ~
~6~
If the return switch 19 is not turned-on, the CPU 60 reads the states of the selection switches 221, 22i, 22n based on the data from the selection unit 76 in the next step S113. And then, in step S115, a decision is made as to whether or not any of the selection switches is turned-on. If any selec-tion switch is turned-on, the processing proceeds to step S117, and if none of the selection switches is turned-on, the processing proceeds to step S127. In step S117, the decision is made as to whether or not the commodity or item corresponding to the selection switch which has been turned-on can be vended.
More specifically, a decision is made as to vending capability only when the inserted amount is larger compared with the price of the item.
When vending capability is detected in step S117, the CPU 60 gives a command to the vending unit 74 in the next step Sll9, and responsively the vending unit 74 is operated and the commodity is discharged to the delivery part 28 (Figure 1), for example, Erom the column 50i corresponding to the selection switch 22i which has been turned~on through the vending chute 52, the opening 28c, the path 28b and the openings 28a. Thereafter, the CPU 60 renews the data oE the sales amount and the sales quantity stored in the RAM 62 in step S121, also renewing the content of the amount register 84h in step S123. In step S123, concretely, the price of the sold item is subtracted from the inserted amount, and the result is stored again in the amount register 84h. Then, the residual is paid off as change, or the next commodity selection is made possible.
When the CPU 60 detects a vending incapability in the step S117, the CPU 60 reads the price data of -the item of the selection switch, for example, 22i rom the relevant address of the RAM 62 in the step Example, setting that price data in the display buffer 84a. In the next step S127, the data is given to the display unit 78.
That is, in this step S127, when any of the selection switches is turned-on, the price of the item corresponding lZ36~i~6 to that switch is displayed by the amount display 20, and when none of the selection switches is turned-on, the inserted amount is displayed by the amount display 20. In either case, the "on-sale" indicators 24i - 24n and the "sold-out" indicators 26i - 26n are lighted or extinguished respectively.
In the next step S129, the CPU 60 receives the data Erom the vending unit 74 and stores the data oE the "sold-out" item in the relevant register (not illustrated) of the register bank 84. In step S131, the CPU 60 decides the possibility of vending for each item. More specifically, in this step S131, the CPU 60 decides the items which can be vended at the inserted amount based on the price, the sold-out state and the no-change state for the item corresponding to each selection switch, storing that data in the relevant register of the register bank 84. In step S133, a decision is made as to whether or not coins are required to be returned automatically. Even iE
the inserted amount is larger than the highest price, automatic pay-back is required when vending is impossible for all the items, and if the residual amount shown in the amount register 84h is smaller than the lowest price aEter completing vending, automatic pay-back is required. In step S133, a decision is made on these matters, and if automatic pay-back is required, the processing proceeds to step S109, and, if not required, the CP~ 60 decid0s whether or not the management mode has been set in step S135. This setting of the management mode is performed by operating the change-over switch 38 (Figure 1 and Figure 4). If the management mode has not been set, the processing goes back to step S103 in a similar manner as iE the procedure aEter step Slll or step S123 has been executed. If the management mode has been set, the processing moves to the management mode as shown in Figure 7B through Figure 7D.
Meanwhile, change-over to the management mode can be made by reading the bar code data for the management mode by means oE the bar code reader 34 in ~2365~6~
place of operating the switch 38 as described above.
Also, Figure 7B and Figure 7C principally show operation in each mode con-tained in the management mode and Figure 7D principally shows common operation in each mode.
With reference to Figure 7B, in the first step S201 of the management mode, initialization is performed.
That is to say, in this step S201, the display buffer 84a (Figure 5) is initialized, both the CCON flag 84f and the CDISP flag 84g are reset, and "~" i5 written. At the same time, in this step S201, the return timer 84b (Figure 5) is reset. After initialization is completed as described above, the buzzer 48 (Figure 2 and Figure 4) is energized in the Eollowing step S203 to inform the operator of completion of initialization of the management mode. In the next step S205, the mode flag 84e (Figure 5) is reset, and in step S207, the CPU 60 reads the data from the input unit 82. Therea~ter, if input data is present, the processing proceeds to respective modes, but if no data is present, it maintains the state of awaiting input.
Input awaitinq When it is detected that no data is input from the input unit 82 in step S209, the processing jumps to step S313 as shown in Figure 7D. In this step S313, display is performed by the display unit 78. Thereafter, in the following step S315, a decision is made as to whether or not the CDISP flag is "1", but in the input-awaiting state, the flag 84g is not set, and, accordingly, processing proceeds to step S319. In this step S319, the indicators 2~i - 24n and 26i - 26n are turned-off. Then, in step S321, the CPU 60 reads the states of the selection switches 221, 22i, 22n based on the data from the selection unit 76. In step S323, a decision is made as to whether or not any of -the selection switches is turned-on. None of the selection switches is turned-on in the input-awaiting state, and, accordingly, step S329 is executed next. In this step S329, a decision is made as to whether or not the CCON flag 84f is set, but this flag 84f is not set in the input awaiting state, and ~23~
accordingly the processing proceeds to step S3~1. In this step S341, decrement of the return timer 84b set in the initial step S201 (Figure 7B) is performed, and in the next step S343, the CPU 60 decides whether or not the count of the return timer 84b has become zero, that is, whether or not the set time of the return timer 84b has expired. When the set time oE the return timer 84b has expired, the processing moves to step S103 as shown in Figure 7A, and automatic change-over to the normal vending mode is performed. That is, in this input-awaiting state, if no data is input within a certain time which is counted by the return timer 84b from the movement to the management mode, change-over is made to the normal vending mode.
Price conEirmation In order to execute the price confirmation mode, the operator has only to scan the bar code for that mode by the bar code reader 34 or to turn-on the Eunction key 36a contained in the keyboard 36. When either o the above operations is performed, "YES" is decided in step S209 as shown in Figure 7B. Accordingly, the CPU 60 sets the return timer 84b and also wri-tes a numeric value zero to the CCON flag 84f in the following step S211. If a decision is made to be in the price confirming mode in step S213, the data representing the price mode, namely, the leading address of the area 62a of the RAM 62 as shown in Figure 6 is set in the mode flag register 84e ~Figure 5) in step S215.
Thereafter, the processing jumps to step S301 as shown in Figure 7D, and in this step S301, "1" is written to the CDISP flag 84g. Accordingly, operation of the selection switches in the subsequent processing is enabled. In the following step S303, the CPU 60 sets a numeric value 1 in the column number register 8~c (Figure 5). That is, in this step S303, the initial column 501, that is, the initial selection switch 221 is specified. Then the buzzer 48 is energized in step S305 and subsequently in step S307, the leading address of the 1~36S~6 area 62a corresponding to the initial column 501, that is, the initial selection switch 221 is set in the address register ~not illustrated) con-tained in the register bank 84. Accordingly, in the price confirmation mode, at first the price of the i-tem corresponding to the initial column or selection switch is read from the R~M 62 in step S309.
Then, in step S311, the read price data is set in the display buffer 84a (Figure 5), and in step S313, th~ price of the item of the initial selection switch 221 is displayed by the amount display 20 (Figure 1). "1" is written to the CDISP flag 84g in step S311, and therefore "YES" is decided in step S315, and in the next step S317, the relevant indicators, that is, the indicators 241 and/or 261 corresponding to the initial column 5501, that is, the selection switch 221 are lighted.
In this price confirmation mode, if any of the selection switches is turned-on, the processing moves to step S325. Skep 325 is the same as the previous step S315, and accordingly, the following step S327 is executed subsequently. In this step S327, for example, the number "i" of the selection switch 22i is set in the column number register 84d (Figure 5). ThereaEter, the previous steps S305, S307, S309, S311 and S313 are executed again, and the price oE the item which can be vended by that selection switch 22i i5 displayed by the amount display 20 ~Figure 1). Thus, the price of an arbitrary item intended to be confirmed can be selectively displayed on the amount display 20.
Meanwhile, needless to say the relevan-t indicators, for example, 24i and/or 26i are lighted every time step S317 i5 executed also while the corresponding price is displayed by specifying this selection switch.
And, if no selection switch is operated for more than the set time of the return timer 84b, automatic return to the normal mode is performed via step S343.
Sales totalization The sales totalization mode can be set by scanning any of a number of kinds of bar code representing ~3659~G
the sales totalization mode by the bar code reader 34 or by operating any of the function keys 36b - 36e contained in the keyboard 36. If such a processing is performed, "YES" is decided in step S217 (Figure 7B). Accordingly, in step S219, the CPU 60 sets the data representing the totalization mode in the mode flag 84e (Figure 5). In this case, if this "sales totalization" has been set by operating the function key 36b, the address of the memory area 62b of the RhM 62 as shown in Figure 6 is loaded in the mode flag register 84e. If the function key 36c has been operated, the leading address of the memory area 62c of the RAM 62 is loaded in the mode flag register 8~e.
Likewise, the address of the memory area 62d is loaded in response to an operation of the function key 36d and the leading address of the memory area 62e is loaded in response to an operation of the function key 36e respectively in the mode flag register 84e.
Then, like the previous price confirmation mode, steps S301 - S313 as shown in Figure 7D are executed.
Accordingly, in -this mode, data from respective leading addresses of the areas 62b - 62e of the RAM 62 are displayed by the amount display 20 (Figure 1). When the "sales totalization" is set by operating the functiorl key 36b, the data representing the total sales quantity from the memory area 62b of the RAM 62 is displayed by the amount displ~y 20 by the initial execution of step S313.
~n the case where "sales -totalization" is set by operating the function key 36c, the sales quantity of the item which is vended by the initial column 501, that is, the selection switch 221 read from the leading address of the memory area 62c of the R~M 62 is displayed by the initial execution of step S313. Furthermore, in the case where the function key 36d is operated, the data representing the total sales amount from the memory area 62d is displayed by the amount display 20 in step S313.
Moreover, in the case where the "sales totalization" is set by operating the function key 36e, the sales amount of the item of -the initial column 501 ~selection switch 221) 6S~Çi read from the leading address oE the memory area 62e o~
the ~AM 62 can be displayed by the initial execution oE
step S313.
If the sales quantity or the sales amount of the item is intended to be confirmed by operating an arbitr~ry one of the selection switches 221 - 22n, the selection switch has only to be turned-on in step S3~1. When a selection switch 22i for any column, for example 50i, is turned-on, step S327 is executed via step S323 and s-tep S325. Accordingly, the corresponding address of the area 62c or the area 62e of the RAM 62 is specified, and the data of the sales quantity or sales amount of the item corresponding to the selection switch 22i is read from the address in step S309. The totalization data which has been read is displayed by the amount display 20 in step S313. In addition, in the case where the "sales totalization" is set by the function key 36b or 36d, such an operation of the selection key can be dispensed with.
If no subsequent operation of the selection switch is performed for more than a certain time which is set by the return timer 84b, automatic return to the normal vending mode is per~ormed via step S343.
_ ice settin~
Thi~ mode is set in response to reading the correspondLng bar code by the bar code reader 34 or to an operation of the function key 36a and ten-key of the keyboard 36. When this mode is commanded, the CPU 60 decides to be "YES" in step S221 as shown in Figure 7B.
~ccordingly, the processing moves to step S223. In this step S223, the CPU 60 decides whether or not the price mode has been set previously. Accordingly, if no price mode has been set at this time, the processing moves to step S313 as shown in Figure 7D, and therefore no price setting can be made. As a result, the processing for writing the data of the price moae to the mode ~lag 84e has to be performed in the subsequent step. Thus, this price setting mode is so programmed that it can be ~236S~6 executed only after the previous price conEirmation mode has been executed.
When the price confirmation mode has been executed previously and the price mode is set in the mode flag register 84e (Figure 5), the CPU 60 decides to be "YES'i in step S223. Responsively, the processing moves to step S225, and in this step S225, the address of the memory area 62a of the R~M 62 wherein the price of the item intended to be set is stored, is set in the address register (not illustrated) contained in the register bank 84. Any of the selection switches is operated in the previous price confirmation mode, and thereby this address is set. In this price setting mode, the price data to be set can be input by scanning the bar code reader 34 or by operating a ten-key contained in the keyboard 36. In the next step S226, this input price data is written to the address specified in step S225. After this step S226 has been executed, the processing jumps to steps S305 as shown in Figure 7D. Accordingly, step S305 to S327 are executed in sequence, and the price da-ta set as described above is displayed by the amount display 20 ~Figure 1) in step S313, Corltinuous con~irmation This mode can be set by reading the predetermined bar code by the bar code reader 34 or by operating the corresponding function key contained in the keyboard 36. When this mode is set, the CPU 60 decides to be "YES" in step S227 as shown in Figure 7C.
Responsively, the processing moves to step S229D
In step S229, "1" is written to the CCON flag 34f (Figure 5). In the next step S231, the column timer 84c contained in the register bank 84 is set. This column timer 84c is for counting the time interval of sequential data reading in the case of continuous confirmation.
Then, in step S233, the CPU 60 decides whether or not the mode is the price confirmation mode. This, as explained previously, can be decided by the data from the input unit 82. In the case oE the price mode, the data representing ~36S~6~
the price mode is set in the mode flag register 84e in step S235. If the mode is not the price confirmation moder it is the sales totalization mode. As a result, this continuous confirmati~n mode is only applied to either of the price confirmation mode and the sales totalization mode. Accordingly, when "NO" is decided in step S233, the CPU 60 sets any of the data representing the totalization mode as explained previously in the mode ~lag register 84e in the following step S237. When either step S235 or step S237 has been executed, the processing moves to step S313 as shown in Figure 7D. Thereafter, steps S313 to S323 are executed. In step S323, the CPU 60 decides whether or not any of the selection switches has been turned-on. However, in the continuous conEirmation mode, no selection switch is required to be operated, and therefore the CPU 60 naturally decides to be "NO" in step S323. Accordingly, the processing moves to step S329.
In step S329, a decision is made as to whether or not the CCON flag 84f is "1". Since this Elag 84f is set in the previous step S229 (Figure 7C), the next step S331 is executed. Thereafter, in this step 5331, a decision is made as to whether or not column timer ~34c is zero. If the column timer 84c is counting zero, the CPU
60 resets that column timer 8~c in step 333.
In the next step S335, the CPU 60 decides whether or not the maximum column (selection switch) number, for example, "N" is set. If "NO" is decided in step S335, the CPU 60 sets the next number in the column number register 84d (Figure 5) in the following step S337.
Then, the processing moves to step S305, and this step S305 and the subsequent step S307 are executed in sequence. Accordingly, in step S313 r the price or totalization data (sales quantity or sales amount) of the item of the number set in the register 84d is displayed by the amount display 20 (Figure 1). And then, when the data corresponding to the number "N" of the column 50n, that is, the selection switch 22n is displayed and the step S335 is executed again, "YES" is decided this time in this ~236S~6 step S335. Accordingly, the processing returns to the initial step S201 (Figure 7B) oE the management mode, becoming the input awaiting state.
Furthermore, if "NO" is decided in step S331, the CPU 60 decrements the content of the column timer 84c in the following step S339, decrementing the content of the return timer 34b in the following step S341. And, if the set time oE the return timer 34b has expired, then automatic return to the normal vending mode is perEormed.
However, if the return timer 84b is not "0" and "NO" is decided in step S343, then the processing returns to step S207 again (Figure 7B), becoming the input awaiting state.
Furthermore, it will be easily understood that, in this continuous confirmation mode, whether the price data is displayed or the sales data is displayed in step 313 depends upon through which oE steps S235 and S237 the jump to step S313 has been performed.
If steps S239, S241, S243 and S250 as shown in Figure 7C are executed, then the totalization data is cleared. However, this clear mode is not of significant importance and therefore further detailed description is omitted here.
Furthermore, in step S247, a decision is made as to termination. Thus, termination of the mana~ement mode is perEormed by operating the change-over switch 38 (Figure 2 and Figure 4), by reading the bar code reader 34 (Figure 2) the bar code representing "termination", or by operating the corresponding function key contained in the keyboard 36. Accordingly, not only automatic return to the vending mode by the return timer 84b but also manual change-over from the management mode to the normal vending mode can be performed.
Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only, and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention bein~
limited only by the terms of the appended claims.
The front panel 16 can be opened as shown in Figure 2, and in the housing 12, an inner door 30 which also can be opened and closed freely is further mounted and is visible when this front panel 16 is opened. On the front face oE this inner door 30, a control box 32 i9 mounted, and in this control box 32, electronic components required for controlling the CPU and the like are ~5 accommodated, which are explained later with reference to Figure 4. In conjunction with the control box 32, a light pen 34 is installed. This light pen or bar code reader 34 is for scanning the bar code sheet (not illustrated) and reading the content of the bar code depicted thereon, forming an input unit. For the input unit, a keyboard 36 may be employed -together with the light pen 34 or in place oE the light pen 34. The keyboard 36 is provided with ten-keys marked 0-9, and relevant unction keys. The function keys, for example, include a key 36a for confirming or setting the price, a key 36b for confirming the total sales quantity, a key 36c for confirming the sales quantity Eor each selection, a key 36d for ., lZ3~6 conEirming the total sales amount, a key 36e for confirming sales amount for each selection, and the like~
Furthermore, on this key board 36, a "clear" key, "termination" key and the like are installed as re~uired.
Furthermore, in addition to the individual function keys 36a-36e, individual on a mode basis as described above, one common function key may be installed to discriminate each mode by means of the number of times of operation of this common function key. In this case, for example, one-time operation of the common function key sets the total sales quantity mode, two-time operation sets the sales quantity mode for each selection, 3-time operation sets the total sales amount mode, and 4-time operation sets the sales amount mode for each selection.
On the front face of the control box 32, a manually operable change-over switch 38 is installed for change-over of the normal vending mode and the management mode. On the front face of the control box 32, a buzzer 48 is further installed, and, as explained later, this buzzer 48 is utilized for informing of the completion oE
preparation for inputting data.
on the rear side oE the fron-t panel 16, or example, a hollow-tube-shaped coin chute 42a is mounted in conjunction with the coin slot 18, and when the front panel 16 is closed, the bottom end part of this coin chute 42a corresponds to the top end part of a coin hopper 42b having fixed at the bottom end thereof a coin selector 44 which is installed in the housing 12. Although not illustrated, this coin selector 44 contains switches of a kind operating on an inserted coin basis, and by closing the switch once, a signal representing insertion of one coin o the corresponding kind is given to the control box 32. Under the coin selector 44, a coin stocker 46 is installed, and the inserted coins passing through the coin selector 44 are stocked in this coin stocker 46, and the stocked coins can be recovered by the owner or manager or are utilized appropriately for change.
~;~ J~
~36S~6 On the front panel 16, an opening 28a is formed and communicates with the delivery part 28 as shown in Figure 1, and articles or commodities are discharged into the delivery part 28 through the opening 28a. When the front panel 16 is closed, the opening 28a further communicates with a path 28b formed beneath the control box 32. In the housing 12, a power supply 40 is further installed under the coin stocker 46, and this power supply 40 supplies the control box 32 and other necessary locations with DC or AC power.
As shown in Figure 3, when the inner door 30 is opened, a plurality of columns 501, 50i, 50n are formed which extend in the direction of the height of the automatic vending machine 10. In general, the columns 501, 50i, 50n are formed in a number equal to that of the selection switches 221, 22i, 22n (Figure 1) as in the embodiment described hereinafter, and different klnds of articles or commodities are stocked in respective columns.
However, the number of these columns is sometimes larger than that o~ the selection switches. In this case, salable commodities are accommodated, for example, in two columns, and b~ depressing one common selection switch, commodities of the same kind are discharged alternately Erom the two columns.
A vending chute 52 is installed under the columns 501, 50i, 50n to vend commodities, and this vending chute 52 is formed at a location adjacent the bottom part of the inner door 30 in the configuration in which the inner door 30 is closed, also positionally correspondin~ to the path 28b communicating with the opening 28a of the front panel 16. In the housing 12, means is installed (not illustrated) for removing commodities containing, for example, a motor and other components in relation to the respective columns 501, 50i, 50n. To supply this means for removing commodities with signals and power~ a cable 54 is wired which extends from the control box 32 and the power supply 40 (Figure 2).
1~365~6 In the housing 12, a cooler unit 56 is provided for cooling commodities, for example, cola, juice and the like accommodated in the columns 501, 50i, 50n.
Figure 4 is a block diagram of an electric circuit configuration for one embodiment of the present invention. For example, the "8039" manufactured by Intel can be utilized for CPU 60, the "TC 5517" manufactured by Toshiba can be utilized for RAM 62, the "2764"
manufactured by Intel can be utilized for ROM 64, and the "M5L8243" manufactured by Mitsubishi can be utilized for I/O in-terface 68. These components 60, 62, 64 and 68 are interconnected by means oE an address bus 70 and a data bus 72.
A vending unit 74 is further connected to the I/O interface 68. This vending unit 74 is installed in relation to the respective columns 501, 50i, 50n. The detailed configuration of this vending unit 74 and other means or units which are described hereinafter are disclosed in Figure 10 of United States Patent Application Serial No. 592,410, entitled "AN INPUT UNIT OF A~
AUrrOMATIC VENDING MACHINE" which was filed on March 23, 198~.
The vending unit 7~ contains motors for the respective columns 501, 50i, 50n (Figure 3), and the CPU
60 gives the vending command to these motors (not illustrated) through the I/O interface 68, and also a signal is input to the CPU 60 from this vending unit 74 through the I/O interface 68 on every vending.
A selection unit 76 comprises the selection switches 221, 22i, 22n (Figure 1) and so on, and -from this unit 76, a sign~l representing that the selection switch has been operated is input to the CPU 60 through the I/O
interface 68. A display unit 78 comprises the amount display 20, the no-change indicator 21, the "on-sale'l indicators 24i - 24n, and the "sold-outi' indicators 26i-26n. The display unit 78 is controlled by the CPU 60 through the I/O interface 68.
, 1~3~i5~
A coin mechanism 80 cornprises the coin selector 44, the coin stocker 46r the coin pay-off unit ~not illustrated) and so on, and the kind and number o~
inserted coins are input to the CPU 60 from this coin mechanism 80 through the I/0 interface 68, and also a command signal for paying off required coins is given to this coin mechanism 80 from the CPU 60.
An input unit 82 comprises the light pen or the bar code reader 34 and/or the keyboard 36, and input data from this input unit 82 are input to the CPU 60 through the I/0 interface 68. In addition, the change-over switch 38 is installed in association with the input unit 82, and this change-over switch 38 is utilized for change-over of the normal vending mode and the management mode as described previously.
The buzzer 48 is connected to the I/0 interface 6~.
The CPU 60 contains a register bank 84 as shown in Figure 5~ In the register bank ~4, a display buffer 84a is formed, and display data for the display unit 78 (Figure 4), that is, the amount display 20, the "on-sale"
indicators 241, 24i, 24n and the "sold-out" indicators 26i - 26n are loaded in this display buffer 84a. Numeric inEormation is loaded, for example, as ~-digit numeric data, and inEormation for lighting or extinguishing the indicator ls loaded as "1" or "0" of one bit for one indicator. ~ return timer 84b and a column timer 84c are formed in the register bank 84. The return timer 84b is a timer for making the machine return automatically to the ready state, that is, the normal vending mode when no data is input ~or a certain time in the management mode as described later. The column timer 84c provides the address change time in performing sequential increments (or decrements) of the column, namely, the memory area (address) of the R~M 62 in the continuous confirmation mode as described later. A column register 84d is formed in the register bank 84, and this column register 84d stores the number of the column, namely, the selection ~2365~6 specified at that time. A mode flag ~4e formed in the register ban~ 84 is composed of a plurality-digit registers, and flag data for discriminating respective modes in the management mode, for example, "price", "sales totalization", "continuous conEirmation", "totalization clear" or "termination" mode can be set. This flat data for each [node is the leading address of the relevant memory area of the RAM 62, and the mode data set in this mode flag register 84e becomes a reference of the address of the item associated with each column, namely, the selection switch.
A CCON flag 84f is set in the "continuous confirmation" mode wherein the price or totalization data can be continuously confirmed automatically in the column sequence, that is, in the selection sequence, being reset after the data from the final column has been displayed.
A CDISP flag 84g is a flag for enabling the selection switches 221, 22i, 22n (Figure 1) in the management mode, being utilized Eor controlling the ON or OFF condition of the indicators 24i - 24n and/or 26i - 26n which are installed in relation to each selection switch. The register bank 84 further contains an amount register 8~h~
an~ this amount register 8~h is utilized for storing the total amount oE inserted coins. In the register bank 84, in addition to the above, address registers wherein the address data of the R~M 62 are loaded, registers for storing the kind and number o inserted coins, and other flag areas are formed.
Figure 6 is a schematic view showing a memory format of the RAM. At least five areas 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d and 62e are formed in the RAM 62. The area 62a is an area for storing the price data for each selection switch, containing a number (N~ of addresses corresponding to the number of the selection switches 221, 22i, 22n. The area 62b is an area for sto~ing the total sales quantity, and the area 62c is an area for storing the sales quantity for each column, that is, for each selection switch, containing a number (N) of addresses which is e~ual to the ~Z3654~
number of the selection switches. The area 62a is an area for storing the total sales amount, and the area 62e is an area for storing the sales amount for each column, that is, for each selection switch, having a number (N) of addresses which is equal to the number of the selection switches 221, 22i, 22n.
Next, a description will be given of the operation of the present embodiment with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 6 and Figure 7A through Figure 7D.
Figure 7A principally shows operation in the normal vending mode, and Figure 7B through Figure 7D show operation in the management mode.
With reference to Figure 7A, initialization is performed in the first step SlOl. In the next step S 103, the CPU 60 reads the coin data from the coin mechanism 80.
An then, the coin data which has been read are loaded in the relevant register of the register bank 84 in the next step S105. Tha-t is to say, in step S105, the kind and number of inserted coins are stored in the relevant register ~not illustrated) in the register bank 84. ~ased on the kind and number oE coins, the CPU 60 calculates the inserted amount, and that amount is stored in the amount regLster 84h (Figure 5). In this step S105, the change data is further stored in the relevant register (not illustrated) of the register bank 84, and this change data, for example, contains the kind and number of coins which can be paid off as change. Therea~ter in step Sl07, the CPU 60 decides whether or not the return switch 19 has been operated based on the data from -the input unit 82.
If it is detected that the return switch l9 has been operated in step S107, the return data is set in the display buEfer 84a (Figure 5) in the following step S109.
Accordingly, at this time, the amount to be paid back is displayed on the amount display 20. And then, in step Slll, the CPU 60 gives a command to the coin mechanism 80, and responsively this coin mechanism 80 is operated and coins of the displayed amount are paid off into the coin pay-oEf part 29 (Figure 1).
,q ~
~6~
If the return switch 19 is not turned-on, the CPU 60 reads the states of the selection switches 221, 22i, 22n based on the data from the selection unit 76 in the next step S113. And then, in step S115, a decision is made as to whether or not any of the selection switches is turned-on. If any selec-tion switch is turned-on, the processing proceeds to step S117, and if none of the selection switches is turned-on, the processing proceeds to step S127. In step S117, the decision is made as to whether or not the commodity or item corresponding to the selection switch which has been turned-on can be vended.
More specifically, a decision is made as to vending capability only when the inserted amount is larger compared with the price of the item.
When vending capability is detected in step S117, the CPU 60 gives a command to the vending unit 74 in the next step Sll9, and responsively the vending unit 74 is operated and the commodity is discharged to the delivery part 28 (Figure 1), for example, Erom the column 50i corresponding to the selection switch 22i which has been turned~on through the vending chute 52, the opening 28c, the path 28b and the openings 28a. Thereafter, the CPU 60 renews the data oE the sales amount and the sales quantity stored in the RAM 62 in step S121, also renewing the content of the amount register 84h in step S123. In step S123, concretely, the price of the sold item is subtracted from the inserted amount, and the result is stored again in the amount register 84h. Then, the residual is paid off as change, or the next commodity selection is made possible.
When the CPU 60 detects a vending incapability in the step S117, the CPU 60 reads the price data of -the item of the selection switch, for example, 22i rom the relevant address of the RAM 62 in the step Example, setting that price data in the display buffer 84a. In the next step S127, the data is given to the display unit 78.
That is, in this step S127, when any of the selection switches is turned-on, the price of the item corresponding lZ36~i~6 to that switch is displayed by the amount display 20, and when none of the selection switches is turned-on, the inserted amount is displayed by the amount display 20. In either case, the "on-sale" indicators 24i - 24n and the "sold-out" indicators 26i - 26n are lighted or extinguished respectively.
In the next step S129, the CPU 60 receives the data Erom the vending unit 74 and stores the data oE the "sold-out" item in the relevant register (not illustrated) of the register bank 84. In step S131, the CPU 60 decides the possibility of vending for each item. More specifically, in this step S131, the CPU 60 decides the items which can be vended at the inserted amount based on the price, the sold-out state and the no-change state for the item corresponding to each selection switch, storing that data in the relevant register of the register bank 84. In step S133, a decision is made as to whether or not coins are required to be returned automatically. Even iE
the inserted amount is larger than the highest price, automatic pay-back is required when vending is impossible for all the items, and if the residual amount shown in the amount register 84h is smaller than the lowest price aEter completing vending, automatic pay-back is required. In step S133, a decision is made on these matters, and if automatic pay-back is required, the processing proceeds to step S109, and, if not required, the CP~ 60 decid0s whether or not the management mode has been set in step S135. This setting of the management mode is performed by operating the change-over switch 38 (Figure 1 and Figure 4). If the management mode has not been set, the processing goes back to step S103 in a similar manner as iE the procedure aEter step Slll or step S123 has been executed. If the management mode has been set, the processing moves to the management mode as shown in Figure 7B through Figure 7D.
Meanwhile, change-over to the management mode can be made by reading the bar code data for the management mode by means oE the bar code reader 34 in ~2365~6~
place of operating the switch 38 as described above.
Also, Figure 7B and Figure 7C principally show operation in each mode con-tained in the management mode and Figure 7D principally shows common operation in each mode.
With reference to Figure 7B, in the first step S201 of the management mode, initialization is performed.
That is to say, in this step S201, the display buffer 84a (Figure 5) is initialized, both the CCON flag 84f and the CDISP flag 84g are reset, and "~" i5 written. At the same time, in this step S201, the return timer 84b (Figure 5) is reset. After initialization is completed as described above, the buzzer 48 (Figure 2 and Figure 4) is energized in the Eollowing step S203 to inform the operator of completion of initialization of the management mode. In the next step S205, the mode flag 84e (Figure 5) is reset, and in step S207, the CPU 60 reads the data from the input unit 82. Therea~ter, if input data is present, the processing proceeds to respective modes, but if no data is present, it maintains the state of awaiting input.
Input awaitinq When it is detected that no data is input from the input unit 82 in step S209, the processing jumps to step S313 as shown in Figure 7D. In this step S313, display is performed by the display unit 78. Thereafter, in the following step S315, a decision is made as to whether or not the CDISP flag is "1", but in the input-awaiting state, the flag 84g is not set, and, accordingly, processing proceeds to step S319. In this step S319, the indicators 2~i - 24n and 26i - 26n are turned-off. Then, in step S321, the CPU 60 reads the states of the selection switches 221, 22i, 22n based on the data from the selection unit 76. In step S323, a decision is made as to whether or not any of -the selection switches is turned-on. None of the selection switches is turned-on in the input-awaiting state, and, accordingly, step S329 is executed next. In this step S329, a decision is made as to whether or not the CCON flag 84f is set, but this flag 84f is not set in the input awaiting state, and ~23~
accordingly the processing proceeds to step S3~1. In this step S341, decrement of the return timer 84b set in the initial step S201 (Figure 7B) is performed, and in the next step S343, the CPU 60 decides whether or not the count of the return timer 84b has become zero, that is, whether or not the set time of the return timer 84b has expired. When the set time oE the return timer 84b has expired, the processing moves to step S103 as shown in Figure 7A, and automatic change-over to the normal vending mode is performed. That is, in this input-awaiting state, if no data is input within a certain time which is counted by the return timer 84b from the movement to the management mode, change-over is made to the normal vending mode.
Price conEirmation In order to execute the price confirmation mode, the operator has only to scan the bar code for that mode by the bar code reader 34 or to turn-on the Eunction key 36a contained in the keyboard 36. When either o the above operations is performed, "YES" is decided in step S209 as shown in Figure 7B. Accordingly, the CPU 60 sets the return timer 84b and also wri-tes a numeric value zero to the CCON flag 84f in the following step S211. If a decision is made to be in the price confirming mode in step S213, the data representing the price mode, namely, the leading address of the area 62a of the RAM 62 as shown in Figure 6 is set in the mode flag register 84e ~Figure 5) in step S215.
Thereafter, the processing jumps to step S301 as shown in Figure 7D, and in this step S301, "1" is written to the CDISP flag 84g. Accordingly, operation of the selection switches in the subsequent processing is enabled. In the following step S303, the CPU 60 sets a numeric value 1 in the column number register 8~c (Figure 5). That is, in this step S303, the initial column 501, that is, the initial selection switch 221 is specified. Then the buzzer 48 is energized in step S305 and subsequently in step S307, the leading address of the 1~36S~6 area 62a corresponding to the initial column 501, that is, the initial selection switch 221 is set in the address register ~not illustrated) con-tained in the register bank 84. Accordingly, in the price confirmation mode, at first the price of the i-tem corresponding to the initial column or selection switch is read from the R~M 62 in step S309.
Then, in step S311, the read price data is set in the display buffer 84a (Figure 5), and in step S313, th~ price of the item of the initial selection switch 221 is displayed by the amount display 20 (Figure 1). "1" is written to the CDISP flag 84g in step S311, and therefore "YES" is decided in step S315, and in the next step S317, the relevant indicators, that is, the indicators 241 and/or 261 corresponding to the initial column 5501, that is, the selection switch 221 are lighted.
In this price confirmation mode, if any of the selection switches is turned-on, the processing moves to step S325. Skep 325 is the same as the previous step S315, and accordingly, the following step S327 is executed subsequently. In this step S327, for example, the number "i" of the selection switch 22i is set in the column number register 84d (Figure 5). ThereaEter, the previous steps S305, S307, S309, S311 and S313 are executed again, and the price oE the item which can be vended by that selection switch 22i i5 displayed by the amount display 20 ~Figure 1). Thus, the price of an arbitrary item intended to be confirmed can be selectively displayed on the amount display 20.
Meanwhile, needless to say the relevan-t indicators, for example, 24i and/or 26i are lighted every time step S317 i5 executed also while the corresponding price is displayed by specifying this selection switch.
And, if no selection switch is operated for more than the set time of the return timer 84b, automatic return to the normal mode is performed via step S343.
Sales totalization The sales totalization mode can be set by scanning any of a number of kinds of bar code representing ~3659~G
the sales totalization mode by the bar code reader 34 or by operating any of the function keys 36b - 36e contained in the keyboard 36. If such a processing is performed, "YES" is decided in step S217 (Figure 7B). Accordingly, in step S219, the CPU 60 sets the data representing the totalization mode in the mode flag 84e (Figure 5). In this case, if this "sales totalization" has been set by operating the function key 36b, the address of the memory area 62b of the RhM 62 as shown in Figure 6 is loaded in the mode flag register 84e. If the function key 36c has been operated, the leading address of the memory area 62c of the RAM 62 is loaded in the mode flag register 8~e.
Likewise, the address of the memory area 62d is loaded in response to an operation of the function key 36d and the leading address of the memory area 62e is loaded in response to an operation of the function key 36e respectively in the mode flag register 84e.
Then, like the previous price confirmation mode, steps S301 - S313 as shown in Figure 7D are executed.
Accordingly, in -this mode, data from respective leading addresses of the areas 62b - 62e of the RAM 62 are displayed by the amount display 20 (Figure 1). When the "sales totalization" is set by operating the functiorl key 36b, the data representing the total sales quantity from the memory area 62b of the RAM 62 is displayed by the amount displ~y 20 by the initial execution of step S313.
~n the case where "sales -totalization" is set by operating the function key 36c, the sales quantity of the item which is vended by the initial column 501, that is, the selection switch 221 read from the leading address of the memory area 62c of the R~M 62 is displayed by the initial execution of step S313. Furthermore, in the case where the function key 36d is operated, the data representing the total sales amount from the memory area 62d is displayed by the amount display 20 in step S313.
Moreover, in the case where the "sales totalization" is set by operating the function key 36e, the sales amount of the item of -the initial column 501 ~selection switch 221) 6S~Çi read from the leading address oE the memory area 62e o~
the ~AM 62 can be displayed by the initial execution oE
step S313.
If the sales quantity or the sales amount of the item is intended to be confirmed by operating an arbitr~ry one of the selection switches 221 - 22n, the selection switch has only to be turned-on in step S3~1. When a selection switch 22i for any column, for example 50i, is turned-on, step S327 is executed via step S323 and s-tep S325. Accordingly, the corresponding address of the area 62c or the area 62e of the RAM 62 is specified, and the data of the sales quantity or sales amount of the item corresponding to the selection switch 22i is read from the address in step S309. The totalization data which has been read is displayed by the amount display 20 in step S313. In addition, in the case where the "sales totalization" is set by the function key 36b or 36d, such an operation of the selection key can be dispensed with.
If no subsequent operation of the selection switch is performed for more than a certain time which is set by the return timer 84b, automatic return to the normal vending mode is per~ormed via step S343.
_ ice settin~
Thi~ mode is set in response to reading the correspondLng bar code by the bar code reader 34 or to an operation of the function key 36a and ten-key of the keyboard 36. When this mode is commanded, the CPU 60 decides to be "YES" in step S221 as shown in Figure 7B.
~ccordingly, the processing moves to step S223. In this step S223, the CPU 60 decides whether or not the price mode has been set previously. Accordingly, if no price mode has been set at this time, the processing moves to step S313 as shown in Figure 7D, and therefore no price setting can be made. As a result, the processing for writing the data of the price moae to the mode ~lag 84e has to be performed in the subsequent step. Thus, this price setting mode is so programmed that it can be ~236S~6 executed only after the previous price conEirmation mode has been executed.
When the price confirmation mode has been executed previously and the price mode is set in the mode flag register 84e (Figure 5), the CPU 60 decides to be "YES'i in step S223. Responsively, the processing moves to step S225, and in this step S225, the address of the memory area 62a of the R~M 62 wherein the price of the item intended to be set is stored, is set in the address register (not illustrated) contained in the register bank 84. Any of the selection switches is operated in the previous price confirmation mode, and thereby this address is set. In this price setting mode, the price data to be set can be input by scanning the bar code reader 34 or by operating a ten-key contained in the keyboard 36. In the next step S226, this input price data is written to the address specified in step S225. After this step S226 has been executed, the processing jumps to steps S305 as shown in Figure 7D. Accordingly, step S305 to S327 are executed in sequence, and the price da-ta set as described above is displayed by the amount display 20 ~Figure 1) in step S313, Corltinuous con~irmation This mode can be set by reading the predetermined bar code by the bar code reader 34 or by operating the corresponding function key contained in the keyboard 36. When this mode is set, the CPU 60 decides to be "YES" in step S227 as shown in Figure 7C.
Responsively, the processing moves to step S229D
In step S229, "1" is written to the CCON flag 34f (Figure 5). In the next step S231, the column timer 84c contained in the register bank 84 is set. This column timer 84c is for counting the time interval of sequential data reading in the case of continuous confirmation.
Then, in step S233, the CPU 60 decides whether or not the mode is the price confirmation mode. This, as explained previously, can be decided by the data from the input unit 82. In the case oE the price mode, the data representing ~36S~6~
the price mode is set in the mode flag register 84e in step S235. If the mode is not the price confirmation moder it is the sales totalization mode. As a result, this continuous confirmati~n mode is only applied to either of the price confirmation mode and the sales totalization mode. Accordingly, when "NO" is decided in step S233, the CPU 60 sets any of the data representing the totalization mode as explained previously in the mode ~lag register 84e in the following step S237. When either step S235 or step S237 has been executed, the processing moves to step S313 as shown in Figure 7D. Thereafter, steps S313 to S323 are executed. In step S323, the CPU 60 decides whether or not any of the selection switches has been turned-on. However, in the continuous conEirmation mode, no selection switch is required to be operated, and therefore the CPU 60 naturally decides to be "NO" in step S323. Accordingly, the processing moves to step S329.
In step S329, a decision is made as to whether or not the CCON flag 84f is "1". Since this Elag 84f is set in the previous step S229 (Figure 7C), the next step S331 is executed. Thereafter, in this step 5331, a decision is made as to whether or not column timer ~34c is zero. If the column timer 84c is counting zero, the CPU
60 resets that column timer 8~c in step 333.
In the next step S335, the CPU 60 decides whether or not the maximum column (selection switch) number, for example, "N" is set. If "NO" is decided in step S335, the CPU 60 sets the next number in the column number register 84d (Figure 5) in the following step S337.
Then, the processing moves to step S305, and this step S305 and the subsequent step S307 are executed in sequence. Accordingly, in step S313 r the price or totalization data (sales quantity or sales amount) of the item of the number set in the register 84d is displayed by the amount display 20 (Figure 1). And then, when the data corresponding to the number "N" of the column 50n, that is, the selection switch 22n is displayed and the step S335 is executed again, "YES" is decided this time in this ~236S~6 step S335. Accordingly, the processing returns to the initial step S201 (Figure 7B) oE the management mode, becoming the input awaiting state.
Furthermore, if "NO" is decided in step S331, the CPU 60 decrements the content of the column timer 84c in the following step S339, decrementing the content of the return timer 34b in the following step S341. And, if the set time oE the return timer 34b has expired, then automatic return to the normal vending mode is perEormed.
However, if the return timer 84b is not "0" and "NO" is decided in step S343, then the processing returns to step S207 again (Figure 7B), becoming the input awaiting state.
Furthermore, it will be easily understood that, in this continuous confirmation mode, whether the price data is displayed or the sales data is displayed in step 313 depends upon through which oE steps S235 and S237 the jump to step S313 has been performed.
If steps S239, S241, S243 and S250 as shown in Figure 7C are executed, then the totalization data is cleared. However, this clear mode is not of significant importance and therefore further detailed description is omitted here.
Furthermore, in step S247, a decision is made as to termination. Thus, termination of the mana~ement mode is perEormed by operating the change-over switch 38 (Figure 2 and Figure 4), by reading the bar code reader 34 (Figure 2) the bar code representing "termination", or by operating the corresponding function key contained in the keyboard 36. Accordingly, not only automatic return to the vending mode by the return timer 84b but also manual change-over from the management mode to the normal vending mode can be performed.
Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only, and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention bein~
limited only by the terms of the appended claims.
Claims (18)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A vending machine comprising:
a plurality of selection switches corresponding to a plurality of sales items, memory means having a plurality of memory areas corresponding respectively to said plurality of sales items, addressing means for addressing a corresponding memory area of said memory means in response to operation of any of said selection switches, a plurality of indicators corresponding to said plurality of selection switches, and indicator driving means for driving a corresponding one of said plurality of indicators in response to operation of any of said selection switches.
a plurality of selection switches corresponding to a plurality of sales items, memory means having a plurality of memory areas corresponding respectively to said plurality of sales items, addressing means for addressing a corresponding memory area of said memory means in response to operation of any of said selection switches, a plurality of indicators corresponding to said plurality of selection switches, and indicator driving means for driving a corresponding one of said plurality of indicators in response to operation of any of said selection switches.
2. A vending machine in accordance with Claim 1, wherein said indicators include at least one of an "on-sale" indicator displaying that the pertinent item is available for sales and a "sold-out" indicator displaying that the corresponding item has been sold out.
3. A vending machine comprising:
a plurality of selection switches corresponding to a plurality of sales items, a valuable media insertion part accepting insertion of valuable media, value calculating means for calculating the value of said valuable media inserted through said valuable media insertion part, memory means having a plurality of price memory parts corresponding to said plurality of sales items, addressing means for addressing a corresponding price memory part of said memory means in response to operation of any one of said selection switches, determining means for determining whether or not the item corresponding to said selection switch operated is capable of being sold, price data reading means for reading said price data from said price memory part addressed by said addressing means in response to determination that said item is not capable of being sold by said determining means, and a numeric value display capable of selectively displaying the value calculated by said calculating means or the price data read by said price reading means.
a plurality of selection switches corresponding to a plurality of sales items, a valuable media insertion part accepting insertion of valuable media, value calculating means for calculating the value of said valuable media inserted through said valuable media insertion part, memory means having a plurality of price memory parts corresponding to said plurality of sales items, addressing means for addressing a corresponding price memory part of said memory means in response to operation of any one of said selection switches, determining means for determining whether or not the item corresponding to said selection switch operated is capable of being sold, price data reading means for reading said price data from said price memory part addressed by said addressing means in response to determination that said item is not capable of being sold by said determining means, and a numeric value display capable of selectively displaying the value calculated by said calculating means or the price data read by said price reading means.
4. A vending machine in accordance with Claim 3, wherein said determining means determines that the item is incapable of being sold when the value calculated by said value calculating means is zero.
5. A vending machine in accordance with Claim 4, wherein said determining means determines that the item is incapable of being sold when the value calculated by said value calculating means fails to reach the price of the item selected by said selection switch.
6. A vending machine in accordance with Claim 3, which further comprises management mode setting means for setting the management mode.
7. A vending machine in accordance with Claim 6, wherein said price data reading means comprises means for reading said price data in response to operation of any of said selection switches in said management mode set by said management mode setting means.
8. A vending machine comprising:
a plurality of selection switches corresponding to a plurality of sales items, a valuable media insertion part accepting insertion of valuable media, value calculating means for calculating the value of said valuable media inserted through said valuable media insertion part, memory means having a plurality of special data memory areas corresponding to said plurality of sales items, addressing means for addressing a corresponding special data memory area of said memory means in response to operation of any of said selection switches, reading means for reading said special data from said special data memory area addressed by said addressing means, and a common display for displaying the value calculated by said calculating means and the special data read by said reading means.
a plurality of selection switches corresponding to a plurality of sales items, a valuable media insertion part accepting insertion of valuable media, value calculating means for calculating the value of said valuable media inserted through said valuable media insertion part, memory means having a plurality of special data memory areas corresponding to said plurality of sales items, addressing means for addressing a corresponding special data memory area of said memory means in response to operation of any of said selection switches, reading means for reading said special data from said special data memory area addressed by said addressing means, and a common display for displaying the value calculated by said calculating means and the special data read by said reading means.
9. A vending machine in accordance with Claim 8, which further comprises mode setting means for selectively setting a normal vending mode and a management mode, said calculating means being enabled in said normal vending mode and said reading means being enabled in said normal vending mode and said management mode.
10. A vending machine in accordance with Claim 9, wherein said special data memory area of said memory means includes a sales totalization data memory part for storing sales totalization data as said special data, and further comprises means for reading said sales totalization data from said sales totalization data memory part in the management mode set by said mode setting means, said sales totalization data read being displayed by said common display.
11. A vending machine in accordance with Claim 10, wherein said sales totalization data contains at least one of the total sales quantity and the total sales amount.
12. A vending machine in accordance with Claim 10, wherein said memory area of said memory means includes a plurality of sales quantity memory parts for storing said sales quantity of said plurality of sales items as said sales totalization data, and further comprises means for reading said sales quantity data from the corresponding one of said sales quantity memory parts in response to operation by any of said selection switches in said management mode set by said mode setting means, said sales quantity data read being displayed by said common display.
13. A vending machine in accordance with Claim 10, wherein said memory area of said memory means includes a plurality of sales amount memory parts for storing said sales amount of said plurality of sales items as said sales totalization data, and further comprises means for reading the sales amount data from the corresponding one of said sales amount memory parts in response to operation of any of said selection switches in said management mode set by said mode setting means, said sales amount data read being displayed by said common display.
14. A vending machine in accordance with Claim 8, 9 or 10, which further comprises continuous confirmation commanding means for commanding a continuous sequential confirmation of the content of said memory areas of said memory area of said memory means, and address changing means for performing sequential increments (or decrements) of address by said addressing means in response to a command by said continuous confirmation commanding means.
15. A vending machine in accordance with Claim 11, 12 or 13, which further comprises continuous confirmation commanding means for commanding a continuous sequential confirmation of the content of said memory areas of said memory area of said memory means, and address changing means for performing sequential increments (or decrements) of address by said addressing means in response to a command by said continuous confirmation commanding means.
16. A vending machine in accordance with Claim 9, which further comprises price data inputting means for inputting the price data as said special data in said management mode set by said mode setting means, and means for writing said price data inputted by said price data inputting means to the pertinent one of said special data memory areas of said memory means.
17. A vending machine in accordance with Claim 8, which further comprises a plurality of indicators corresponding to said plurality of selection switches, and indicator driving means for driving the corresponding one of said plurality of indicators in response to operation of any of said selection switches.
18. A vending machine in accordance with Claim 17, wherein said indicator comprises at least either of an "on-sale" indicator displaying that the pertinent item is available for sales and a "sold-out" indicator displaying that the corresponding item has been sold out.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000463913A CA1236546A (en) | 1984-09-24 | 1984-09-24 | Vending machine |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000463913A CA1236546A (en) | 1984-09-24 | 1984-09-24 | Vending machine |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1236546A true CA1236546A (en) | 1988-05-10 |
Family
ID=4128770
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000463913A Expired CA1236546A (en) | 1984-09-24 | 1984-09-24 | Vending machine |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1236546A (en) |
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