JPH08263729A - On-line automatic vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To construct an on-line automatic vending machine capable of issuing cards or tickets of various kinds and presenting service information also as printed matter. CONSTITUTION: The on-line automatic vending machine is provided with an information input part consisting of an OCR scanner 2 and a tablet 3 to primarily receive information from a user and a communication part consisting of a MODEM 7 to secondarily acquire information by communicating with a center through an on-line based on the input information when necessary. An information processing part consisting of a CPU for processing received or acquired information and generating printing data, a printed part consisting of a color printer for printing out the printing data on paper, working a print to be an article and providing the printed matter to the user and a receiving part consisting of a coin identifying device 9 for receiving the charge of the presented printed matter from the customer are integrated in the inside of a box 1.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to online vending machines. More specifically, the present invention relates to a machine that automatically sells printed matter represented by business cards, postcards, and other cards, and gift certificates, service tickets, and other printed matter online.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A vending machine is characterized in that it can provide a commodity that a customer needs at a familiar place in real time. There are a wide variety of products that can be sold automatically, such as cigarettes, beverages, and daily necessities. The simplest vending machine detects the amount of coins inserted and the product selection of the customer, and provides the corresponding product as it is. Recently, a vending machine has been developed which provides products by performing some processing according to the instructions of users. For example, an automatic stamp vending machine equipped with an automatic engraving device for engraving the stamp surface of a printing material is disclosed in JP-A-63-18808.
It is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. Further, an automatic vending machine which has a built-in printing machine and provides a specific printed matter as a product has been put into practical use in various fields. A typical example is a ticket vending machine installed in a railway station.
A vending machine for business cards installed on the street has been developed and is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 108953/1993. It has the function of a word processor and allows you to create business cards in a short time.

[0003]

The use of the automatic ticket vending machine and the automatic business card vending machine is limited, and the printed matter as a product that can be provided is specified. Even though it has a printing function, its use is not considered. Further, although the printed matter is originally an information transmission medium, it has not been utilized in that respect. Conventional vending machines and vending machines are stand-alone types, and have not reached the service field such as information provision using a printing function.

In various fields, a service system in which a user terminal and a host computer of a service center are connected by an online network has been put into practical use. For example, ticketing systems such as airline tickets, travel tickets, and boarding tickets have been introduced into various transportation facilities. However, the user terminal is basically operated by an operator, and there is no known vending machine that receives a ticket while the user interactively exchanges information. The bank's online system allows you to automatically withdraw money from your customer's account. However, this customer terminal takes out the customer's own deposit and is different from the vending machine. In the distribution field, a point-of-sale information (POS) system has been introduced. The terminal integrated with the cash register registers the sales for each individual product based on the product code. This POS terminal is known to have a meal ticket issuing function, and is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-267499. However, this POS terminal is also basically operated by the operator and cannot be freely accessed by the user himself.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an online vending machine capable of producing a wide variety of cards and tickets by utilizing a printing function. And It is also an object of the present invention to construct an online vending machine capable of providing service information and the like as a product by utilizing the information transmission function of printed matter. The following measures have been taken in order to achieve this object. That is, the online vending machine according to the present invention has, as a basic configuration, an information input unit, a communication unit, an information processing unit, a printing unit, and a receiving unit. The information input unit temporarily receives information from users. Based on the information, the communication unit communicates with the center online if necessary and secondarily acquires the information. The information processing unit processes the received or acquired information to generate print data. The printing unit prints a sheet based on the print data, processes it into a printed matter, and provides it to the customer. The receipt section fetches the fee for the printed matter provided from the customer.

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, the information processing unit processes personal information received from a customer to create formatted print data, and the printing unit formats the print data based on the formatted print data. The paper is printed and processed into a card print. In another aspect, the communication unit communicates online with a center based on inquiry information regarding purchase of tickets received from a customer to obtain ticketing information of the ticket, and the information processing unit acquires the ticketing information. The processed printing data is generated to generate standardized print data, and the printing unit prints a sheet based on the standardized print data to create a printed matter that is a physical item of the corresponding ticket. In another aspect, the communication unit communicates online with the center based on the search information received from the user to obtain service information according to the request of the user, and the printing unit describes the service information. Create service prints. In a specific configuration example, the information input unit includes an image reader, and reads an application form written by a customer to temporarily accept information. Further, the receipt section is equipped with a currency identification device, and physically captures currency as a fee in exchange for printed matter.

[0007]

The online vending machine according to the present invention includes an information input unit such as an image reader, a communication unit such as a modem, and a CP.
It has a structure in which an information processing unit including U, a printing unit including a color printer, and a receiving unit including a currency identification device are integrally built in a box. The information input section equipped with an image reader reads the application form written by the customer and temporarily receives the information. The image reader can quickly capture the primary information of the customer. Of course, a keyboard or tablet may be provided in addition to the image reader. In particular, if a tablet is used, interactive primary information input can be performed. When the personal information of the customer is input, cards such as business cards can be created based on this. Alternatively,
Based on the customer's identification information, the customer file can be read online from the center to immediately make a business card. In this case, it is not necessary to input detailed personal information. The customer can also input inquiry information regarding purchase of tickets such as travel tickets and air tickets. Based on this inquiry information, it communicates with the center online to obtain ticketing information for the relevant ticket. Based on this ticketing information, the actual tickets can be immediately printed and provided to the customer. Furthermore, the user can input various search information such as events, real estate properties, stock quotes, etc. The online vending machine communicates online with the center based on the search information and acquires service information according to the customer's request. It is possible to immediately provide a service printed matter that describes the acquired service information as a product. The online vending machine physically takes in money as the price of the printed matter provided. Alternatively, instead of this, payment by a prepaid card may be accepted.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an online vending machine according to the present invention. This online vending machine has a box 1 in which an information input section, a communication section, an information processing section, a printing section, and a receiving section are integrally incorporated. The information input unit includes the OCR scanner 2 and the tablet 3, and temporarily receives information from users. The OCR scanner 2 optically reads the application form handwritten by the user and receives the primary information. The OCR scanner 2 is activated by operating the scanner SW4. The tablet 3 is used when interactively correcting input information using the electronic pen 5. The input information is displayed on the LCD mounted on the upper surface of the tablet 3 or the display 6 mounted on the top of the box 1.

Next, the communication unit is equipped with a modem 7, and communicates with the center online on an as needed basis based on the primary information to obtain the secondary information. Furthermore, the information processing unit is C
It consists of a PU and processes the received primary information or the acquired secondary information to generate print data. This print data is visually displayed on the display 6. Further, a printing unit including a color printer is housed inside the box 1, and print processing is performed on the sheet based on the print data to process it into a printed matter to be provided to the customer. If the product is a printed card, the outlet 2 at the top of the box 1
Emitted from 7. When the product is a service printed matter in which desired service information is described, it is taken out from the discharge port 8 at the bottom of the box 1.

Next, the receipt section comprises the currency identification device 9,
Capture the fee for printed materials from customers. Specifically, currency is physically taken in as a fee in exchange for printed matter. In addition to this, a prepaid card may be accepted. A return button 10 and a display 11 are attached to the currency identification device 9. The display 11 displays the amount of money put in and the like. In addition to these, a human sensor 12 is mounted on the front surface of the box 1 to detect the approach of a user,
A message is displayed on the display 6. Further, the print SW 13 is attached, and after confirming the print contents displayed on the display 6, the print SW 13
It can be operated. As a result, the internal color printer is activated, and the printed matter is discharged to the outside from the outlet 27 or the outlet 8. In addition, as a special purpose, a business card scanner 14 is provided as a part of the information input unit, so that the original business card of the customer can be directly read and a large number of business card duplications can be created.

With this configuration, the online vending machine can instantly provide a wide variety of printed materials as products, and can quickly provide service information acquired through the online network to users in the form of products using the printed materials as a medium. . For example, the online vending machine processes personal information received from customers to generate formatted print data. Based on this formatted print data, a fixed-size paper is printed and processed into card prints such as business cards, postcards, and stickers. Alternatively, the online vending machine communicates online with the center based on inquiry information regarding purchase of tickets such as admission tickets, reservation tickets and travel tickets received from users, and obtains ticket issuing information of the tickets.
This ticketing information is processed to generate stylized print data. Based on this stylized print data, printing processing is performed on the paper to create a printed matter that is the actual item of the relevant ticket. Further, the online vending machine communicates online with the center based on the search information received from the user regarding employment, further education, recruitment, accommodation, etc., and acquires service information according to the customer's request. A service printed matter that describes this service information is created.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the components of the online vending machine will be described in detail. This online vending machine has a CPU 15 as an information processing unit, and controls various operations of the vending machine in addition to various information processing and information communication. The CPU 15 has a 3.5-inch floppy disk drive (FDD), a 540M hard disk drive (HDD), 8MB main memory, and 25
A 6 kB cache memory is installed in advance. CPU
Reference numeral 15 has an RS232C serial interface and a parallel interface. Also, the video board 16 connected to the display 6 and the OCR scanner 2
And a dedicated I / F board 18 connected to the LCD-tablet 3. CP
U15 is supplied with an AC-100V commercial power source through the uninterruptible power source 27.

A modem 7, a business card scanner 14, and a control board 19 are connected to the RS232C serial interface. A color printer 20 is connected to the parallel interface. A paper feed unit 21 and a paper discharge unit 22 are attached around the color printer 20. The control board 19 controls the currency identification device 9, the display unit 11, the operation key 23, the scanner SW4, the print SW 13, the cancel SW 24, the human sensor 12, the buzzer 25, and the like.

The individual parts will be described below. O
The CR scanner 2 has a resolution of 400 DPI in full color and the reading size is A4. The SCSI board 17 is used as an interface with the CPU. OC
The R scanner 2 reads the application written by the customer and transfers the primary information as image data to the CPU 15. The business card scanner 14 has a monochrome resolution of 400 DPI and a reading size of 54 × 91 mm.
CP via RS232C serial interface
It is connected to U15. The business card scanner 14 reads the actual business card and uses the image data as the primary information C
Transfer to PU15. The LCD-tablet 3 has a 9-inch LCD as the display unit.

This LCD is an STN transmissive type, can display 16 colors, and has a dot configuration of 640 × 480. The tablet adopts an electromagnetic transfer action method, and information is input using a dedicated electronic pen 5. That is, a message is displayed on the LCD screen, and information is interactively input using the electronic pen 5. The communication speed of the modem 7 is 14400
bps. It is connected to the center through a telephone line and acquires necessary secondary information from the center database based on the primary information. A handset 26 for emergency contact is connected to the modem 7.

In addition to this, the modem 7 sends the operating status of the vending machine and the stored customer information when accessed from the center. Also, at the time of advance notice of sold-out or when an error occurs in the internal device, auto dialing is performed and a message is faxed. The currency used by the currency identification device 9 is for 1,000-yen bills only. The number of sheets that can be stored is 300. The currency identification device 9 determines the inserted 1000-yen bill and sends a sale permission command to the CPU 15. The color printer 20 adopts a bubble jet printing method, is full color, and has a resolution of 360 DPI. The print processing is executed based on the print data supplied from the CPU 15 via Centronics.

The control board 19 mounts a Z-80 CPU board. The control board 19 is an interface board for controlling the currency identification device 9, the paper discharge unit 22 and the like by the CPU 15. The control board 19 sets the price, the number of sales, the machine number and the like. The display 11 is integrated with the currency identification device 9, and is a 7-segment LE.
It is equipped with 4 digit D and 2 LED lamps.
The display 11 displays whether the product is on sale or discontinued and the amount of money that has been put in. The hopper capacity of the paper discharge unit 22 is 10 to 100 sheets. The paper discharge unit 22 conveys printed cards to the outlet 7. In addition, a paper discharge unit that conveys the created service print to the discharge port 8 is also incorporated.

The paper feeding unit 21 is of a cassette exchange type and has a stack capacity of 2,100 sheets. The paper feeding unit 21 stores paper and automatically supplies it to the color printer 20. The operate key 23 is used when registering the selling price, the number of sold sheets, the machine number, and the like. The scanner SW4 is operated when reading the application form. The print SW 13 is operated when the color printer 20 is activated. Cancel SW 24
Is operated when returning the inserted 1,000-yen bill on the way. The human sensor 12 is an ultrasonic sensor with a built-in power supply. When the customer approaches within 50 cm of the box 1 of the vending machine, a detection signal is output to the CPU 15. The buzzer 25 informs when there is an error in the operation of the customer.

Further, the control function of the control board 19 will be described in detail. The control board 19 is a currency identification device 9,
Paper discharge unit 22, indicator 11, various switches SW
4, SW13, SW24, the human sensor 12, and the buzzer 25 are controlled. The transmission / reception control code by RS-232C is defined by predetermined software. Under the control of the control board 19, the currency identification device 9 sends out a genuine note signal when it receives a 1,000-yen bill. An abnormal signal is output when a bill jam or an error occurs. When prohibiting the acceptance of bills, a prohibition signal is accepted from the CPU 15 via the control board 19. The human sensor 12 is attached to the front surface of the box 1 under the control of the control board 19 and outputs a detection signal when the user approaches within 50 cm. In order to extend the life of the display device, the demonstration screen such as the display 6 is erased when there are no customers.

The buzzer 25, under the control of the control board 19, generates a warning sound when an abnormality occurs in the machine. The lamp incorporated in the display 11 is turned on when it is available for sale. On the contrary, the light is turned off when the power SW is off, when the paper runs out, when the ink runs out, or when an error occurs in the paper discharge unit 22. The lamp incorporated in the scanner SW4 blinks when the scanner operation is required. The lamp incorporated in the print SW blinks when the print operation becomes possible. The amount of money displayed on the display 11 is turned off during standby. When the 1,000-yen bill is inserted, 1000 is displayed, and when the electronic pen 5 or the scanner SW4 is operated, the display is erased. While the amount is displayed, the cancel SW 24 can be operated to request the return of the inserted bill.

FIG. 3 shows a nationwide online network system constructed by using the online vending machine according to the present invention. This system can provide merchandise and information in the form of printed matter in real time when a customer needs it. This online network system has a hierarchical structure, and the vending machines 31 arranged at each spot are the local center 32 and the area center 3.
3 is connected to the data bank 34 of the central center. The vending machine of the terminal calls up necessary information from the data bank 34 via the network and immediately provides various printed matter to the customer as a product. For example, as printed products, business cards, postcards, stickers, cards, admission tickets,
Reservation tickets, travel tickets, party tickets, service tickets, gift certificates, lottery tickets, gambling tickets, lottery tickets, etc. can be provided.

FIG. 4 shows an online network system for the purpose of providing service information.
The center 41 and the vending machine installation shop 42 are connected by an online network. At the same time, the center 41
Is online connected to information providers, partners, and buyers 43. The center 41 acquires desired service information from the information source 43 based on the inquiry information of the customer.
This service information is transferred to the vending machine installation store 42 side and printed out. Service information includes employment, further education, recruitment, accommodation, apartments, condominiums,
Travel, map, shopping, ceremonial hall, event, entertainment, movie,
It includes things related to theater and market prices.

Next, the operation of the online vending machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the power SW is turned on to start the online vending machine. The CPU executes the initial program, and if there is no abnormality in each I / O unit, the on-sale lamp is turned on to enter the standby state (step S1).

Next, when money (for example, 1,000-yen bill bill) inserted by the customer is detected (step S2), a message is displayed on the display 6 or the LCD of the tablet 3 (step S3). This message is a graphical display of, for example, "Please fill out the application form and set it in the OCR scanner, and then press the scanner button." In response to this message, the customer fills in the application form with personal information, identification information, inquiry information, search information, etc. according to the purpose and sets it in the OCR scanner 2. Then, it is determined whether the scanner SW is turned on by the customer (step S4).

When the scanner SW is turned on, the primary information of the customer described in the application form is read (step S5). If the front / back discrimination mark on the application form cannot be read, the buzzer 25 is sounded and a warning message "Please set the vertical direction correctly with the entry side facing down" is displayed graphically. OCR scanner 2
The image data read by the CPU 15 is character-recognized by the CPU 15 and fetches primary information. During this time, the message "Reading application form. Please wait" is displayed graphically until the end. Subsequently, the input information that has been captured is displayed on the display 6 or the LCD of the tablet 3. At this time, at the same time, the message "Reading is complete. If there is an error in the content, please correct it with the electronic pen" is displayed graphically (step S6).

After determining whether or not there is a correction (step S7)
Predetermined information processing is performed based on the input information of the customer. This includes communication with the center (step S
8). Subsequently, print data is created based on the information directly input by the customer or indirectly acquired from the center (step S9).

This print data is displayed on the display 6 or the LCD of the tablet 3. The user operates the print SW after confirming the content of the displayed print data. When the print SW is turned on (step S10), print data is transferred from the CPU 15 to the color printer 20 and a predetermined print process is executed (step S11).

During this period, the message "printing now. Please wait for a while" is graphically displayed together with the time until the end of printing (step S11).
Finally, the paper discharge unit 22 operates and the printed matter is discharged (step S12).

For example, when the printed matter is a business card, a predetermined number of sheets are printed by the color printer and stored in the business card hopper. The paper discharge unit is activated and the printed business card is lifted and discharged to the ejection port 7. When the business card is taken out of the outlet 7, a message "Thank you" and a message "For reuse, please enter your PIN (identification number) with an electronic pen" are displayed. This personal identification number is downloaded to the center via the online network and filed with the personal information of the customer. When the customer is more than 50 cm away from the vending machine, or when 30 seconds have passed, the display screen disappears.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show an example of an application form set in the OCR scanner, which is the case of a business card application form. On the front surface side shown in FIG. 6, there are provided columns for describing the items necessary for creating a business card, and the user manually writes the predetermined items. Instructions for setting the OCR scanner are printed in advance on the back surface side shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 shows an example in which the business card input contents are displayed on the display after the items described in the business card application form shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are read. If there is an error in the displayed content, the relevant portion is touched with the electronic pen 5 and then hiragana input is performed, and the correct character is selected from the character candidates displayed by the kana-kanji conversion function and re-input with the electronic pen 5. When the correction is over, use the electronic pen 5 to "end"
Touch. In this way, the information desired by the customer can be accurately input to the vending machine interactively.

The personal information once input is recorded in the data bank of the center and is reused. In the case of reuse, first, "reuse" is selected with the electronic pen on the start screen. A reuse input screen appears on the LCD of the tablet, and the desired input is performed using the electronic pen. That is,
Enter your phone number and PIN. Based on this, the registered data is searched and the content is displayed on the LCD. If there is any change in the content, correct it with the electronic pen. After that, the business card is printed according to the determined content.

Instead of input using the application form, it is possible to make a copy print using the actual business card as it is. A business card scanner 14 is incorporated for this purpose. Set the business card in the business card scanner 14 and press the ON button. As a result, the business card scanner 14 starts reading.
At this time, the start screen changes and the reading density can be changed with the electronic pen only for 10 seconds. The read business card is displayed on the LCD of the tablet 3. Check the business card image and if there is no problem, press the print SW 13. If there is a problem, the business card scanner 14 can read again up to three times.

As described above, the online vending machine according to the present invention can quickly issue a desired printed matter with a simple operation when cards such as business cards and various tickets are needed. After inserting money into the charge slot, the customer fills in the specified items on the provided application form and sets it in the OCR scanner. The content read by the OCR scanner is recognized and displayed on the display. The user looks at the contents of the display screen, and if there is an error in the character recognition result, it can be corrected by touching the screen with a dedicated pen. Finally, if the user confirms the screen and presses the print SW, desired cards and tickets are printed and come out at the exit.

This vending machine is brought online with the management center via a telephone line, and the operating status of each terminal can be managed outside the installation location. Moreover, since it is networked, the customer can access the data bank of the management center by inputting the personal identification number or identification number at any vending machine at any installation location. By utilizing such an online network function, it is possible to sell tickets, such as tickets and reservation tickets, which require a real-time processing due to the limited number of issued cards, on a 24-hour basis. Furthermore, by inputting the search information, the required service information can be immediately obtained in the form of a printed matter.

[0036]

As described above, according to the present invention, an online vending machine can be used without bothering users.
It operates for four hours and can automatically sell desired printed materials as products. With handwriting recognition, even users who are not good at keyboard operation can easily create desired cards. It is also possible to instantly make a copy print using the actual cards that the customer has as a manuscript. Once entered, the customer information is saved at the management center and can be reused by any vending machine anywhere in the country. The operation center can check the operating status of vending machine terminals such as sold-out and breakdowns, which enables efficient route service. The center can collect sales of vending machines and create management reports. In addition to cards, you can rationally sell a wide variety of tickets. Further, in addition to cards and tickets, service information and the like can be provided as products as printed matter.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a basic configuration of an online vending machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of an online vending machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a network configuration of an online vending machine.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing another example of a network configuration of an online vending machine.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the online vending machine.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an example of an application form used for inputting information of an online vending machine.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an example of an application form used for inputting information of an online vending machine.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an example of input information displayed on a display of an online vending machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Box 2 OCR Scanner 3 Tablet 5 Electronic Pen 6 Display 7 Modem 9 Currency Identification Device 14 Business Card Scanner 15 CPU 19 Control Board 20 Color Printer

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An information input unit that temporarily receives information from a user, a communication unit that online communicates with the center as needed based on the information, and secondarily acquires information, and information that has been received or has been received. An information processing unit that processes the print data to generate print data, a print unit that prints a sheet based on the print data and processes it into a printed matter to be provided to the customer, and a charge for the provided printed matter from the customer An online vending machine characterized by having a receipt section integrated. 2. The information processing unit processes personal information received from a customer to generate formatted print data, and the printing unit prints a fixed-sized sheet based on the formatted print data. The online vending machine according to claim 1, which is processed into a card printed matter. 3. The communication unit communicates online with a center based on inquiry information about purchase of tickets received from a customer to obtain ticket issuing information of the ticket, and the information processing unit processes the ticket issuing information. 2. The printed data is generated as a standardized print data, and the printing unit prints a sheet based on the standardized print data to create a printed product that is a physical product of the corresponding ticket. Online vending machine described. 4. The communication unit communicates with the center online based on the search information received from the customer to obtain service information according to the customer's request, and the printing unit describes the service information as a service. The online vending machine according to claim 1, wherein a printed matter is created. 5. The online vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the information input unit includes an image reader, and reads the application form written by the customer to temporarily accept the information. 6. The online vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the receipt section is provided with a currency identification device, and currency is physically taken in as a fee in exchange for a printed matter.