JP2003203030A - Data communication method for automatic vending machine online system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily realize the load processing to two or more automatic vending machines. <P>SOLUTION: A center PC 1 is mounted with an FTP client 8, an automatic vending machine 1 is mounted with an FTP server 9, and automatic vending machines 3 and 4 are mounted with load exclusive servers 12 and 15. The FTP server 9 transmits the data in the automatic vending machine to the load exclusive servers 6 and 18 of the automatic vending machines 3 and 4 through data lines 6 and 18 when a command is received from the FTP client 8. The load exclusive servers 6 and 18 receive the data and store them in their own machines. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vending machine online system in which a plurality of vending machines are connected to a center by a communication line, and more particularly to a method for loading data into the plurality of vending machines.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, maintenance of vending machines installed in various places (updating of data stored in the vending machines) has been performed online from a center via a network. As described above, by maintaining the vending machines in various regions online, the maintenance can be performed immediately and the labor cost of the maintenance staff can be saved. This vending machine maintenance is performed by loading data from the center to the vending machine.

[0003]

However, in the conventional vending machine online system, the center maintains the individual vending machines individually (the center updates the individual vending machines individually. Had been loaded). In addition, the proposal to build a system for collectively maintaining multiple vending machines is a method that can be realized entirely by dedicated processing, and an easy configuration of an automatic vending machine online system that can collectively maintain multiple vending machines At present, the method (construction method) has not been established yet.

As described above, in the conventional vending machine online system, it has been difficult to maintain a plurality of vending machines, that is, to load data into the plurality of vending machines.

An object of the present invention is to provide a method capable of easily realizing a data loading process for a plurality of vending machines in an vending machine online system.

[0006]

The present invention provides a data communication method in a vending machine online system in which a center is connected to a plurality of vending machines via a network and data is loaded online from the center to the plurality of vending machines. Is assumed.

The first aspect of the present invention is that the FT is installed in the center.
An FTP server is provided for at least one of the plurality of vending machines, and a dedicated load server for loading data is provided for the other vending machines.
A data line is established between the server and the load-only server, a command line is established between the FTP server and the FTP client, and when the FTP server receives a command from the FTP client via the command line, the command line It is characterized in that data communication is performed with the load-only server according to the instruction content.

Thus, by transmitting a command from the information processing device of the center to the vending machine provided with the FTP server, the FTP server is provided by utilizing the linked data communication between the FTP server and the load-only server. It is possible to load data from other vending machines to other vending machines.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first aspect, a command file in which information regarding data loading is registered is stored in the vending machine provided with the load-only server, and the FTP is provided. Data loading between the server and the load-only server is performed based on the information registered in the command file.

As a result, the load-only server can refer to the registration information in the command file to instruct the data to be exchanged with the FTP server, identify the data, and the like. According to the first aspect, in the first aspect, an access restriction file in which information for restricting access to the load-only server is further stored in an automatic vending machine provided with the load-only server, Based on the setting information of the access restriction file,
It is characterized in that access to the load-only server is restricted.

As a result, the load-only server can restrict the connection partner based on the setting information of the access restriction file and prevent illegal access.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an automatic vending machine online system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The center PC 1 is a PC (Personal Computer) server installed in the center, and includes a plurality of vending machines (vending machines) 2, 3, 4, ... N and a network 1.
00 for connection. Although the network 100 is simplified in FIG.
00 is, for example, a plurality of vending machines 2, 3, 4, ... N.
Are connected via a LAN (Local Area Network), and a public line or an IP (Internet P
rotocol) The network is connected. The topology of the network 100 can take various forms other than the above.

Next, each embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following embodiments, a system with three vending machines will be taken up for the sake of clarity. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

In these embodiments, three vending machines 2
(Host A), 3 (Host B), 4 (Host C) are connected to the center PC 1 via the network 100. The center PC 1 has an FTP (File Tranfer Proto
col) client 8 is installed and FT is installed on vending machine 2.
A P server 9 is installed. Load-only servers 12 and 15 are mounted on the vending machines 3 and 4. [First Embodiment] From the FTP server 9 to the load-only server 1 according to the first processing of the load-only servers 12 and 15 and the operation from the center PC 1 in the first embodiment.
A method of loading data into Nos. 2 and 15 will be described with reference to FIG. (I) First processing of load-only server [Function] Accepts connection request, receives communication data,
The received data is saved with a fixed data name.

[Processing] The above function is realized by the following processing procedure. 1) On the vending machines 3 and 4, a specific port (X port 13,
16) is opened and waiting for a connection request from the other party (listening). Note that the FTP server 9 and the FTP client 8 use port 20 for the data transfer connection and 2 for the control connection.
Since the port number of 1 is used, X1, X2, Y1,
For Y2, a number that is not used in any process other than 20 and 21 is used. 2) When receiving a connection request, establish a communication path (data line) with the other party. In the example of FIG. 2, the vending machine 3 and the vending machine 4 are connected to the data line 6 between the vending machine 2 and the vending machine 2, respectively.
7 has been established. 3) Read the received data from the established data lines 6 and 7 (until it becomes empty), and save the received data in the memory (not shown) of the own device with a fixed data name. 4) When the data reception is completed, the data lines 6 and 7 are disconnected.

Next, by the operation from the center PC 1,
A data load process from the FTP server 9 to the load-only servers 12 and 13 will be described. (Ii) Data loading process from FTP server 9 to load-only servers 12 and 13 by operation from center PC 1 [Function] Data in vending machine 2 is loaded into vending machines 3 and 4.

[Processing] The loading process is performed in the following procedure. 1) Connect from the FTP server 9 (center PC 1) to the FTP server 9 (vending machine 2). As a result, the center P
A communication path (command line 5) is established between C1 and the vending machine 2. 2) Using command line 5, FTP client 8
Transmits a command (a command for prompting a connection between the vending machine and the vending machine, here, a command for prompting a connection to the X port of the vending machine 3) to the FTP server 9. This command causes the FTP server 9 (port 20 of vending machine 2) to load-only server 12 (port X of vending machine 3).
To the FTP server 9 (2 of vending machine 2).
The data line 6 is established between the 0th port 10) and the load-only server 12 (X1 port 13 of the vending machine 3). Then, the FTP server 9 (vending machine 2) returns the result of this processing as a response to the FTP client 8 (center PC 1) via the command line 5. 3) Using command line 5, FTP client 8
From the vending machine to the FTP server 9 (command for loading data between vending machine and vending machine. Here, command for loading data in vending machine 2 to vending machine 3). FT
Upon receiving this command, the P server 9 sends data to the load-only server 12 (vending machine 3) via the data line 6. The load-only server 12 reads (receives) the data and stores the received data in a memory (not shown) in the vending machine 3 with a fixed data name. Then, the load-only server 12 disconnects the data line 6 when the received data becomes empty. The FTP server 9 (vending machine 2) is
Command line 5 with the result of this processing as a response
Via FTP to the FTP client 8 (center PC 1).

In the above processing, it is assumed that the data transmitted from the vending machine 2 to the vending machine 3 is stored in the vending machine 2 in advance. 4) The data loading process from the vending machine 2 to the vending machine 4 is executed by the same processing as the above 2) and 3).

[Second Embodiment] The load-dedicated server 1 according to the second embodiment by the second processing of the load-dedicated servers 12 and 15 and the operation from the center PC 1.
A method of loading data from 2, 15 to the FTP server 9 will be described with reference to FIG. (I) Second processing of load-only servers 12 and 15 [Function] Accepts a connection request and sends the data held by itself to the communication path with which the connection is established.

[Processing] The above function is performed in the following procedure. 1) The vending machines 3 and 4 open specific ports (Y1 port 14 and Y2 port 17, respectively) and wait (listen) for a connection request from the other party. Y1, Y
2 is the X number (X1 number, in the above-described first embodiment,
X2) port is determined in the same manner as in the case of the port. 2) When the connection request is accepted, the communication path (data lines 18 and 19) with the other party is established. 3) The data held by itself is transmitted to the established data lines 18 and 19. 4) Disconnect the data line after data transmission is completed. (Ii) Data loading process from the load-only servers 12, 15 to the FTP server 9 by operation from the center PC 1 [Function] The data in the vending machines 3 and 4 is loaded into the vending machine 2.

[Processing] The above-mentioned functions are executed in the following procedure. This processing procedure is almost the same as that of the above-described first embodiment, but the following points are different regarding the processing 2), 3), and 4) of the first embodiment.

Regarding <2)> The FTP server 9 and the load-only server 12 are connected to the port 20 of the vending machine 2.
To the Y port 14 of the vending machine 3, and establishes the data line 18 between these ports.

<Regarding (3)> The load-only server 12 (vending machine 3) is connected to the FTP server 9 via the data line 18.
Flow (send) data to (vending machine 2).

<Regarding (4)> Data is loaded from the vending machine 4 to the vending machine 2. Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the same components as those shown in FIG. 2 are designated by the same reference numerals.

[Third Embodiment] In the third embodiment, a function for designating data to be loaded is added to the above-described first embodiment. In order to realize this function, a load-only function is provided. Command files 20 and 21 are newly provided in the vending machines 3 and 4 in which the servers 12 and 15 are mounted. (I) Third Processing of Load-Only Servers 12, 15 In the load-only servers 12, 13 of the first embodiment described above,
Add the following functions.

[Function] When the command files 20 and 21 exist in the vending machines 3 and 4 themselves, the data loading process is performed according to the contents of the command file. [Processing] The above function is realized by the following processing procedure.

1) In each vending machine 3 and 4, a specific port (X
1st port 13, X2th port 16, Y1th port 1
4, Y2 port 17) is opened, waiting for a connection request from the other party (listening).

Ports X (X1 and X2) are dedicated to reception, and ports Y (Y1 and Y2) are dedicated to transmission. 2) When receiving a connection request, establish a communication path (data line) with the other party. In the example of FIGS. 3 and 4, FT
The connection request from the P server 9 is accepted, and the data lines 6, 7, 18, 19 and the like are established.

3) When the command files 20 and 21 are present, the load-only servers 12 and 15 specify the data to be handled according to the contents of those files. -When the port X is connected, the received data is saved in its own file with the designated data name registered in the command files 20 and 21. Further, if the size is specified in the command files 20 and 21, and the size of the received data does not match the specified size, the received data is discarded. -When the port Y is connected and the command file 20 or 21 is specified to load the data body, the specified data in the device itself is read and transmitted. On the other hand, when the data information is designated, not the data body, the designated data itself is not transmitted, but a file in which the data information (size, creation date, etc.) of the designated data is described is transmitted. 4) Disconnect the data line at the end of load processing.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of registration information of the command files 20 and 21 used in the above process 3). In the command files 20 and 21, items of “type”, “data name”, “load format”, and “constraint information” are registered. The "constraint information" is an option and does not necessarily need to be registered.

"Type" ... load-only servers 12, 1
The direction of data loading seen from 5. DOWNROAD: Receives data and saves data to itself (FT
P server 9-> load-only server 12, 15) UPROAD: Send data held by itself (load-only server 12, 15-> FTP server 9) "data name" ... data name used during load processing Specify.

In the case of receiving (DOWNROAD), the data name used for saving in its own memory. In the case of transmission (UPROAD), what data to send
Data name indicated) "Load format" ... Data name (data, size,
Creation date and time, data attributes (readable and writable), etc.)
"Constraint information" for specifying whether or not to handle is described if there are any restrictions when loading. For example, if the size is specified in this item by specifying DOWN ROAD and the size of the data received by the load process does not match the specified size, the received data is discarded. (Ii) Data loading process from the load-only servers 12, 15 to the FTP server 9 by operation from the center PC 1 [Function] The data in the vending machines 3 and 4 is loaded into the vending machine 2.

[Processing] The above function is realized by the following procedure. 1) By the method of the first embodiment, data (for example, compressed data) including the command file 20 is transmitted from the vending machine 2 to the vending machine 3. The vending machine 3 receives the data and holds it. 2) FT from FTP client 8 (center PC 1)
Connect to the P server 9 (vending machine 2). This allows FT
A communication path (command line 5) is established between the P client 8 and the FTP server 9. 3) The FTP client 8 uses the command line 5 to send a command (a command for prompting a connection between the vending machine and the vending machine; here, a command for prompting a connection to the Y port 14 of the vending machine 3). . This command causes the FTP server 9 (port 20 of the vending machine 2) to load the dedicated server 12 (Y1 port 14 of the vending machine 3).
A connection request is made and the communication path (data line 18) is established. Further, the result of this processing is returned from the FTP server 9 (vending machine 2) to the FTP client 8 (center PC 1) as a response. 4) The FTP client 8 uses the command line 5 to send a command (a command for loading data between the vending machine and the vending machine. Here, a command for loading the data in the vending machine 3 to the vending machine 2) to the FTP server 9. To do.
This command causes the data line 18 to be loaded from the dedicated server 18 (vending machine 3) to the FTP server 9 (vending machine 2).
Send (send) data to. That is, the load-only server 18 reads the data held by itself and sends it to the data line 18. Then, the load-dedicated server 18 sends the data line 18 at the end of the data transmission.
Disconnect.

With the above, data loading from the vending machine 3 to the vending machine 2 is completed. 5) Vending machine 4 to vending machine 3 in the same manner as 1) to 4) above.
Data is loaded to. By the way, when loading from the vending machine 2 to the vending machines 3 and 4, if the command files 20 and 21 are used, the data name (file) to be loaded can be specified. This is the command file 20, 21
[[Type] = DOWNLPAD, [Data name] = Name of data to be loaded (file name), [Load format] = Main body])
It becomes possible by registering the record set as (see FIG. 5). Therefore, the load-only servers 12, 1
5 can specify to the FTP server 9 the data to be loaded in itself.

Further, in the above-mentioned first embodiment,
All the data loaded from the vending machine 2 to the vending machines 3 and 4 may be in a compressed format. In this case, the load-only servers 12, 15 of the vending machines 3, 4
Decompresses the data loaded from the vending machine 2 and returns it to a file or the like.

The command file 20 shown in FIG.
21 may further include an “item indicating whether the data to be loaded is in a compressed format”. By adding this item, it is possible to load two types of data, that is, compressed data and uncompressed data, between the vending machine 2 and the vending machines 3 and 4.

As described above, in the third embodiment, the use of the command files 20 and 21 enables the following. First, regarding the loading of data from the FTP server 9 (vending machine 2) to the load-only servers 12, 15 (vending machines 3, 4), the load-only servers 12, 15 (vending machines 3, 4) name the data to be loaded. (File name etc.) can be specified. Also, not only the data itself,
Notification of data information is also possible. Furthermore, when loading,
The abnormal data can be discarded by checking the size of the received data.

[Fourth Embodiment] The fourth embodiment of the present invention is different from the above-described first embodiment in that it has a function of restricting access to the load-only servers 12 and 15 by an access restriction file. It is something to add.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the fourth embodiment. Connection to the load-only servers 12 and 15 can be normally performed from any device via the network 100. Therefore, the safety of the data in the vending machines 3 and 4 cannot be guaranteed. In the fourth embodiment, the access restriction files 40 and 41 are mounted in the vending machines 3 and 4 in order to prevent illegal access to the vending machines 3 and 4. The load-only servers 12 and 15 in the vending machines 3 and 4 are
By referring to the access restriction files 40 and 41, only the connection request from the specific host permitted to connect is accepted.

FIG. 7 shows the access restriction files 40 and 41.
It is a figure which shows an example. Remote (connection partner) connection information 51 is included in the access restriction files 40 and 41 shown in FIG.
Then, the local (self) connection information 52 is registered. The remote (connection partner) connection information 51 includes “the IP address of the partner who is allowed to connect” and “the port number of the partner who is allowed to connect”.
Have. The load-only servers 12 and 15 set the communication partners who are permitted to connect in the remote (connection partner) connection information 51 in the access restriction files 40 and 41.
The IP address and port number specified by the P address and port number and not set in the remote (connection partner) connection information 51 are not connected (reject the connection,
Disconnect).

The local (self) connection information 52 is
It has a "load processing (reception) port number" and a "load processing (transmission) port number". Each of these port numbers is the port number of the load-only server itself. In the system shown in FIG. 6, the "load processing (reception) port number" and the "load processing (transmission) port number" of the vending machine 3 are "X1" and "Y1", respectively. Further, the “load processing (reception) port number” and the “load processing (transmission) port number” of the vending machine 4 are “X2” and “Y2”, respectively.

In the fourth embodiment, even when the two port numbers set in the local (self) connection information 52 are changed, the load-only server itself requests from others (only requests from those permitted to connect). ). As a result, the port numbers of the load-only servers 112 and 15 can be known only by the connection of the communication partner who is permitted to connect, and it becomes difficult to connect from the other party who is not permitted to connect.

The processing (functions) of the fourth embodiment can be summarized as follows. (1) Restrict access permission / non-permission by the partner IP address (2) Restrict access permission / non-permission by the partner port number (3) The vending machines 3 and 4 are their own load-only servers 1
Port numbers used for 2 and 15 (X1, X2 in Fig. 6
(Y1, Y2, etc.) is changed by the load-only servers 12 and 15 of the own device only when there is a request from a communication partner permitted to connect.

Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, for example,
The load-only server 12 permits only the FTP server 9 to connect, and establishes the data lines 6 and 7 with the FTP server 9. In this case, the IP address of the FTP server 9 and the port number 20 are set in the remote (connection partner) connection information 51 of the access restriction files 40 and 41 of FIG. 7, and the local (self) connection information 52 is "X1" is set as the load processing (reception) port number, and "Y1" is set as the load processing (transmission) port number.

As described above, according to the present invention, in the vending machine online system, the FTP server (FTP server 9) is mounted on one vending machine (vending machine 2) and the other vending machines ( Load-only servers (load-only servers 12, 15, ...
・ ・) Is implemented. Then, by accessing the vending machine having the FTP server installed from the center PC 1 installed in the center and transmitting a command to the vending machine, another vending machine (a load-only server A communication path with the installed vending machine) is established, and data communication is performed through the communication path. As a result, the load-only server (the vending machine in which it is installed) and F
Data can be loaded from the center to a plurality of vending machines by linking with (a vending machine in which the TP server is installed). The results of these processes are notified to the center PC 1 as a response from the vending machine in which the FTP server is installed.

As described above, by linking the load-only server and the FTP server, it becomes easy to construct the vending machine online system. Also, when loading data from the center to the vending machine, if the system is such that the center PC-vending machine is a public line and the LAN is connected between the vending machine-vending machine (the public line is the data In case of charging by volume or when communication speed of LAN is faster than public line), data loading from the center PC to the vending machine only needs to be done once. After that, between vending machines and vending machines Therefore, it is possible to suppress the communication charge and shorten the communication time.

In addition, a command file (command file 20, 2,
By distributing 1), the vending machine can identify the data to be loaded. Also, it is possible to exchange data information and discard abnormal data. Furthermore, by distributing the access restriction files (access restriction files 40 and 41) to the vending machine in which the load-only server is installed, it is possible to restrict access to the load-only server, which results in illegal access. Therefore, the data in the vending machine can be protected.

[0049]

According to the present invention, at least one vending machine is provided with an FTP server, and other vending machines are provided with load-dedicated servers, and the FTP server and the load-dedicated server are linked to perform automatic sale. Since data can be loaded between machines, the construction of vending machine online system becomes easy.

Further, depending on the type of communication line between the information processing device of the center and the vending machine and the network form connecting the vending machine to the vending machine, the communication charge for data loading is suppressed as compared with the conventional system. Or communication time can be shortened.

By configuring the command file to be stored in the vending machine provided with the load-only server, the load-only server can specify the data to be loaded,
It is possible to expand various functions such as sending and receiving data information and discarding abnormal received data during loading.

Further, by configuring the access restriction file to be stored in the vending machine provided with the load exclusive server, the load exclusive server can refer to the access restriction file to restrict the connection partner. It becomes possible to protect the data in the own machine from illegal access.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configurations and operations of the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration and operation of a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating registration information of a command file.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating setting information of an access restriction file.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Center PC 2, 3, 4, ..., N Vending machines (vending machines) 5 Command line 6,7,18,19 data lines 9 FTP server 10 port 20 11 Port 21 13 X port 1 14 Y1 port 16 x port 2 17 Y2 port 12,15 Road dedicated server 20,21 Command file 40, 41 access restriction file 51 Remote (connection partner) connection information 52 Local (self) connection information

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A data communication method in a vending machine online system, wherein a center is connected to a plurality of vending machines via a network, and data is loaded online from the center to the plurality of vending machines. An FTP server is provided in at least one of the plurality of vending machines, and a load-dedicated server that loads data is provided in the other vending machines, and a data line is established between the FTP server and the load-dedicated server. A command line is established between the server and the FTP client, and when the FTP server receives a command from the FTP client via the command line, it performs data communication with the load-only server according to the instruction content of the command. Vending machine online characterized by Data communication method in the system. 2. A command file in which information regarding data loading is registered is stored in a vending machine provided with the load dedicated server, and data loading between the FTP server and the load dedicated server is performed. 2. The data communication method in the vending machine online system according to claim 1, wherein the data communication method is performed based on information registered in the command file. 3. An access control file in which information for restricting access to the load-only server is stored in an automatic vending machine provided with the load-only server, and the access control file is set. The data communication method in the vending machine online system according to claim 1, wherein access to the load-only server is restricted based on information.