KR102393284B1 - Vending Machine Management Device, Vending Machines Management Method in Network, and Management Server Used Therein - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed are an apparatus for managing a vending machine, a method for managing a vending machine through a network, and a management server used therein. The present invention includes a communication unit that receives product payment information and status information of the vending machine from the vending machine, and a calculation unit that generates a management request for the vending machine based on product payment information or status information of the vending machine, wherein the communication unit includes the vending machine Sends a management request to the management server. According to the present invention, the vending machine management device transmits a management request for a vending machine generated based on product payment information in the vending machine or status information of the vending machine to the management server, and the management server transmits it to the terminal of the manager in charge. Efficient management of vending machines installed in the area is possible. In addition, according to the present invention, an order plan for vending machine sales products can be established more efficiently by enabling the manager to check in real time whether the product needs to be replenished and the required quantity of each vending machine through the manager terminal without visiting the place where the vending machine is installed. be able to do

Description

A vending machine management device, a vending machine management method through a network, and a management server used therein

The present invention relates to an apparatus for managing a vending machine, a method for managing a vending machine over a network, and a management server used therefor, and more particularly, to a vending machine generated by the apparatus for managing a vending machine based on product payment information in the vending machine or status information of the vending machine. By sending the management request to the management server and the management server sending it to the terminal of the manager in charge, efficient management of vending machines installed in each area is possible, As it is possible to check whether the product needs to be replenished and the required quantity in real time through the manager terminal, it is possible not only to establish an order plan for vending machine sales products more efficiently, but also to manage vending machines installed in each region through the management server. The present invention relates to a vending machine management apparatus capable of establishing an efficient management process for a vending machine as remote control becomes possible, a method for managing a vending machine through a network, and a management server used therein.

Vending machines that sell various products such as coffee and beverages are scattered and installed in various places such as parks, subway stations, and public places.

On the other hand, in order to manage such a vending machine, the manager in charge must periodically visit the place where the vending machine is installed to check the status of the vending machine and the remaining amount of product stock, and accordingly, the vending machine must be repaired and insufficient products must be replenished.

However, since the vending machines installed in various places have different usage frequencies and states, there is a problem in that the management efficiency is poor when the manager predicts the management demand of the vending machine and periodically visits the vending machine installation place.

In addition, there is a limitation in that the manager cannot make an order plan for vending machine sales products in advance because the necessity of replenishing products and the required quantity can be checked only when the manager directly visits the vending machine installation location.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to transmit a management request for a vending machine generated by the vending machine management device based on product payment information in the vending machine or status information of the vending machine to the management server, and the management server transmits it to the terminal of the manager in charge This enables efficient management of vending machines installed in each area, and enables the manager to check in real time whether the product needs to be replenished and the required quantity of each vending machine through the manager's terminal without visiting the vending machine's installation location. Not only will it be possible to more efficiently establish an order plan for vending machine sales products, but also remote control of the vending machines installed in each region through the management server is possible, so that an efficient management process for the vending machines can be established. An object of the present invention is to provide a vending machine management apparatus, a method for managing a vending machine through a network, and a management server used therefor.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for managing a vending machine, comprising: a communication unit configured to receive product payment information in the vending machine and status information of the vending machine from the vending machine; and a calculation unit generating a management request for the vending machine based on the product payment information or status information of the vending machine, wherein the communication unit transmits the management request for the vending machine to a management server.

Preferably, the state information of the vending machine comprises an inventory amount for each product of the vending machine.

In addition, the product payment information may include information on a cash payment amount in the vending machine.

In addition, the calculating unit is characterized in that when the inventory amount for each product is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value, the management request including the product replenishment request is generated.

In addition, the calculator generates the management request including a collection request when the cash settlement amount information is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value.

Meanwhile, in the method for managing a vending machine through a network according to the present invention, (a) the management server generates a management request for the vending machine based on product payment information of the vending machine or status information of the vending machine, and the management receiving a request; and (b) sending, by the management server, the management request to a terminal of a manager who manages the vending machine.

Preferably, the method further comprises: (c) receiving, by the management server, a management execution report for the vending machine from the manager terminal.

On the other hand, the management server according to the present invention comprises: a receiver configured to receive the management request from a vending machine management device that generates a management request for the vending machine based on product payment information of the vending machine or status information of the vending machine; and a transmitter configured to transmit the management request to a terminal of a manager who manages the vending machine.

Preferably, the receiving unit receives a management execution report for the vending machine from the manager terminal.

According to the present invention, the vending machine management device transmits a management request for a vending machine generated based on product payment information in the vending machine or status information of the vending machine to the management server, and the management server transmits it to the terminal of the manager in charge. Efficient management of vending machines installed in the area is possible.

In addition, according to the present invention, an order plan for vending machine sales products can be established more efficiently by enabling the manager to check in real time whether the product needs to be replenished and the required quantity of each vending machine through the manager terminal without visiting the place where the vending machine is installed. be able to do

In addition, according to the present invention, as remote control of vending machines installed in each region is possible through the management server, it is possible to establish an efficient management process for vending machines.

1 is a configuration diagram of a vending machine management system through a network according to an embodiment of the present invention;
2 is a functional block diagram showing the structure of a vending machine management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
3 is a functional block diagram illustrating the structure of a management server executing a method for managing a vending machine over a network according to an embodiment of the present invention;
4 is a signal flow diagram illustrating an execution process of a method for managing a vending machine through a network according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the same components in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals wherever possible. In addition, detailed descriptions of well-known functions and configurations that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention will be omitted.

1 is a block diagram of a vending machine management system through a network according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1 , a vending machine management system over a network according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a vending machine 10 , a vending machine management device 100 , a management server 200 , and a manager terminal 300 .

As shown in FIG. 1 , a vending machine management device 100 is installed adjacent to each vending machine 10 installed in each region of the country, and the vending machine management device 100 communicates with the vending machine 10 through a short-distance communication module such as an NFC module. Receives product payment information and status information of the vending machine 10 from the vending machine 10 in real time.

Accordingly, the vending machine management device 100 generates a management request for the vending machine 10 based on product payment information received from the vending machine 10 and status information of the vending machine 10 , and transmits the generated management request to the management server 200 . ) to send

The management server 200 is a server installed and operated by a business operator that provides a vending machine management service through a network according to an embodiment of the present invention. The management server 200 is adjacent to the vending machines 10 installed in various parts of the country. Receives a vending machine management request from the installed vending machine management device 100, searches for a manager in charge of the area where the vending machine 10 is installed, and transfers to the manager terminal 300, which is a wireless terminal such as a smart phone possessed by the searched manager. Send a vending machine management request.

Accordingly, as the manager receives a vending machine management request from the management server 200 through the manager terminal 300, the manager goes to the place where the vending machine 10 is installed and performs vending machine management tasks such as product replenishment and cash collection, and the manager terminal Through 300 , management execution information such as product supplement information and cash collection information is input, and the manager terminal 300 transmits a management execution report including management execution information to the management server 200 .

2 is a functional block diagram illustrating the structure of an apparatus for managing a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2 , the vending machine management apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a communication unit 110 , a memory unit 130 , and an operation unit 150 .

The communication unit 110 of the vending machine management device 100 includes information on the amount of cash payment that users who use the vending machine 10 put into the vending machine 10 to purchase products from the vending machine 10 installed adjacently, information on the amount of payment using a credit card, Receive product payment information including payment amount information using a transportation card, payment amount information using an NFC tag, and the like.

To this end, in implementing the present invention, a payment support module such as a cash input amount recognition module installed in the vending machine 10 includes an NFC module for short-distance communication with the communication unit 110 of the vending machine management device 100 . This would be preferable.

In addition, the communication unit 110 of the vending machine management device 100 transmits the state information of the vending machine 10, including inventory amount information for each product according to product sales in the vending machine 10 and information on whether the vending machine 10 operates normally for each function. It is received from the vending machine 10 .

In carrying out the present invention, the inventory amount information for each product includes information on the inventory quantity of a single product, such as canned beverages sold through the vending machine 10, coffee powder required for manufacturing beverages such as coffee sold through the vending machine 10, Inventory quantity information for each raw material product, such as sugar, and inventory quantity information of paper cups, which are beverage containers such as coffee sold through the vending machine 10 , may be included.

Meanwhile, for this purpose, it is preferable that the sensor module for measuring the inventory amount of each product sold in the vending machine 10 includes an NFC module for short-distance communication with the communication unit 110 of the vending machine management device 100 .

In addition, in implementing the present invention, the self-inspection module provided in the vending machine 10 that checks whether each function of the vending machine 10 is operating normally includes NFC for short-distance communication with the communication unit 110 of the vending machine management device 100 . It would be desirable to have a module or the like.

As described above, various types of information received through the communication unit 110 of the vending machine management device 100 are stored in the memory unit 130 , and the calculation unit 150 receives the above-described product payment from the vending machine 10 as described above. A management request for the vending machine 10 is generated based on the information and the state information of the vending machine 10 .

Specifically, in carrying out the present invention, the calculation unit 150 of the management server 200 determines that the cumulative sum of the cash settlements that users who use the vending machine 10 put into the vending machine 10 to purchase products is a predetermined value. When it is determined that the reference value (eg, 500,000 won) or more is greater, the cash collection request of the vending machine 10 may be generated as a management request.

In addition, the operation unit 150 of the management server 200 sends a product replenishment request including the corresponding product information when the inventory amount for each product according to product sales in the vending machine 10 is less than or equal to a predetermined reference value (eg, 5 pieces). It can be created by management request.

In addition, the calculation unit 150 of the management server 200 includes a specific function module of the vending machine 10 (eg, a coin or bill recognition module, a water supply module, a drain module, a heating module, a vending machine door opening/closing module, a cup discharging module, etc.) ), when an operation error message is received from the vending machine 10 , a maintenance request including the corresponding function module information may be generated as a management request.

Meanwhile, the communication unit 110 of the management server 200 transmits the management request generated by the operation unit 150 of the management server 200 to the management server 200 in real time as described above.

3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a structure of a management server executing a method for managing a vending machine over a network according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3 , the management server 200 executing the method for managing a vending machine over a network according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a receiver 210 , a storage 230 , a determiner 250 , and a transmitter 270 . includes

First, the receiving unit 210 of the management server 200 receives a management request generated based on product payment information of the vending machine 10 or status information of the vending machine 10 from the vending machine management device 100 .

The determination unit 250 of the management server 200 searches for a manager in charge of managing the vending machine 10 based on vending machine-specific information such as a serial number included in the management request received from the vending machine management device 100 . do.

The transmitter 270 of the management server 200 transmits a management request for the vending machine 10 to the manager terminal 300 possessed by the searched manager.

On the other hand, in the storage unit 230 of the management server 200 , information specific to vending machines installed in various parts of the country includes information about the installation area of the vending machine 10 and the manager's terminal 300 in charge of managing the vending machine 10 . It would be desirable to be stored together with unique number information, such as a phone number of .

4 is a signal flow diagram illustrating an execution process of a method for managing a vending machine through a network according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, an execution process of a method for managing a vending machine through a network according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 .

First, the communication unit 110 of the vending machine management device 100 provides product payment information such as information on the amount of cash that users who use the vending machine 10 have put into the vending machine 10 to purchase products from the vending machine 10 installed nearby. is received in real time, and status information of the vending machine 10 including information on the inventory amount for each product according to product sales in the vending machine 10 and information on whether the vending machine 10 is operating normally for each function in real time from the vending machine 10 to receive (S410).

The calculator 150 of the vending machine management device 100 generates a management request for the vending machine 10 based on the product payment information received from the vending machine 10 as described above and the status information of the vending machine 10 (S420) .

For example, the calculation unit 150 of the management server 200 determines that when the cumulative sum of cash payments that users who use the vending machine 10 put into the vending machine 10 to purchase a product is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value, the vending machine ( 10) generates a cash collection request, and when the inventory amount for each product is less than or equal to a predetermined reference value, generates a product replenishment request including corresponding product information, and a specific function module of the vending machine 10 (eg, a bill recognition module, etc.) When the operation error message of the vending machine 10 is received, a maintenance request including the corresponding function module information may be generated.

Meanwhile, the generated vending machine management request is transmitted in real time to the management server 200 through the communication unit 110 of the management server 200 (S430).

Accordingly, as the receiving unit 210 of the management server 200 receives the management request from the vending machine management device 100 , the determination unit 250 of the management server 200 transmits the vending machine's unique serial number included in the management request. Based on the information, a manager in charge of managing the vending machine 10 and a unique number such as a phone number of the manager terminal 300 possessed by the manager are searched ( S440 ).

As described above, as the determination unit 250 of the management server 200 searches for the manager in charge, the transmitter 270 of the management server 200 uses the manager terminal 300 possessed by the searched manager to use the vending machine in step S430. The vending machine management request received from the management device 100 is transmitted (S450).

Meanwhile, in carrying out the present invention, when the management server 200 has the same manager for a plurality of management requests received from the plurality of vending machine management devices 100 , each region in which the plurality of vending machines 10 are installed Based on the information and the manager's current location information received from the manager terminal 300 , an optimal moving path that the manager needs to move in order to manage all of the plurality of vending machines 10 is generated, and the generated moving path is divided into a plurality of vending machines 10 . By transmitting to the manager terminal 300 together with the management request, it will be possible to support more efficient management tasks of the manager.

Accordingly, the manager in charge of the vending machine 10 checks the vending machine management request received from the management server 200 through the manager terminal 300 , and goes to the place where the vending machine 10 is installed to replenish products and provide cash. Management tasks such as collection and maintenance of vending machines will be performed.

Thereafter, the manager inputs vending machine management execution information, such as product replenishment quantity information, cash collection amount information, and vending machine maintenance completion information including maintenance target function module information, through the manager terminal 300 ( S460 ).

Meanwhile, as vending machine management execution information is input to the manager terminal 300 , the management server 200 transmits a vending machine management execution report including the vending machine management execution information input by the administrator from the manager terminal 300 , which is the management server It is stored and stored in the storage unit 230 of 200 (S470).

Meanwhile, in carrying out the present invention, in order to prevent accidents such as theft of vending machine products and cash theft inside the vending machine, the vending machine 10 is attached to the vending machine management device 100 attached to the back or bottom surface of the vending machine 10. ) may be provided with an impact detection sensor that detects an external impact applied to it.

In this case, the operation unit 150 of the vending machine management device 100 detects an impact sensor as an external shock is applied to the vending machine 10 in the process of an attempt to forcibly discharge products sold from the vending machine, an attempt to steal cash inside the vending machine, etc. When it is determined that the amount of shock exceeds a predetermined reference value (eg, 1 kg·m/s), an emergency crime prevention request is generated as a management request, and it can be transmitted to the management server 200 through the communication unit 110 . There will be.

Accordingly, the management server 200 searches for a manager in charge of the vending machine 10 as in steps S440 and S450 described above, and transmits an emergency crime prevention request to the found manager's terminal 300 and at the same time as the vending machine 10. A lockdown signal for stopping all functional operations, such as discharging products, may be transmitted to the communication module provided in the vending machine 10 or to the vending machine management device 100 .

Accordingly, as the vending machine 10 receives the lockdown signal directly from the management server 200 or through the vending machine management device 100 , all functional operations of the vending machine 10 such as discharging products are stopped.

In addition, in implementing the present invention, the vending machine management device 100 may transmit real-time operation information of the vending machine 10 including payment information and status information received from the vending machine 10 to the management server 200 . The real-time operation information may include sales history information for each payment method, such as credit card, transportation card, NFC tag, and cash, and sales history information for each product.

Accordingly, the management server 200 transmits the real-time operation information of the vending machine 10 received from the vending machine management device 100 to the terminal 300 of the manager in charge of the vending machine 10 so that the manager can replenish products, place product orders, etc. You will be able to prepare your work in advance.

In addition, in implementing the present invention, the general manager of the vending machine management system according to the present invention also accesses the management server 200 through his/her manager terminal 300 to view real-time operation information for each vending machine installed in various parts of the country. , it would be desirable to be able to edit and download it.

In addition, in implementing the present invention, the general manager uses his/her manager terminal 300 to provide unique information such as the serial number of a specific vending machine 10 and an operation control command for the vending machine 10 (eg, specific product discharge, theft alarm, etc.) can be input, and the management server 200 transmits an operation control command to the vending machine 10 or the vending machine management device 100 installed in the vending machine 10 . will be able

Accordingly, the vending machine 10 receives the operation control command directly from the management server 200 or through the vending machine management device 100 to discharge a specific product, or a theft alarm through a speaker module provided in the vending machine 10 itself. By generating the sound, the general manager can remotely control the vending machines 10 installed throughout the country.

In addition, in carrying out the present invention, in a state in which the general manager is connected to the management server 200 through the manager terminal 300 , unique information such as the serial number of the vending machine 10 and the management request of the vending machine 10 are requested. You will be able to enter setting information for the generated reference value.

Accordingly, the management server 200 transmits the reference value setting information input by the general manager to the vending machine management device 100 installed in the vending machine 10, and the calculator 150 of the vending machine management device 100 sends the management server ( 200), by updating and setting a preset reference value based on the reference value setting information received from 200), the general manager can remotely set the management request generation reference value in the vending machines 10 installed nationwide.

In addition, in carrying out the present invention, the general manager through the manager terminal 300, unique information such as the serial number of a specific vending machine 10 and the raw material ratio set value information when manufacturing beverages such as coffee in the vending machine 10 Mixture recipe information including (eg, coffee powder, water, sugar, and cream powder ratio set value) can be input, and the management server 200 is then sent to the vending machine 10 or the vending machine 10. The mixture recipe information is transmitted to the installed vending machine management device 100 .

Accordingly, the vending machine 10 receives the mixture recipe information directly from the management server 200 or through the vending machine management device 100, and the control device provided in the vending machine 10 receives the mixture recipe information based on the received mixture recipe information. By updating and setting the ratio setting value preset in the mixed beverage manufacturing module such as coffee provided in 10), the general manager can execute remote setting for the mixture recipe in the vending machines 10 installed in various parts of the country. .

Terms used in the present invention are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the present application, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to designate that a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification exists, but one or more other features It should be understood that this does not preclude the existence or addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

In the above, preferred embodiments and applications of the present invention have been illustrated and described, but the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments and applications described above, and the present invention is not limited to the scope of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art to which this belongs, of course, and these modifications should not be individually understood from the technical spirit or prospect of the present invention.

10: vending machine, 100: vending machine management device,
200: management server, 300: administrator terminal.

Claims (5)

a communication unit configured to receive product payment information and status information of the vending machine from the vending machine; and
a calculator configured to generate a management request for the vending machine based on the product payment information or status information of the vending machine
includes,
The communication unit transmits a management request for the vending machine to a management server,
The product payment information includes cash payment amount information in the vending machine,
The calculation unit generates the management request including a collection request when the cash settlement amount information is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value,
The state information of the vending machine includes information on whether the vending machine operates normally for each function,
The operation unit generates the management request including information on a function module having an operation error based on information on whether the vending machine operates normally for each function,
The calculation unit generates the management request including an emergency crime prevention request when the amount of impact sensed by the impact sensor provided in the vending machine exceeds the standard impact amount as an impact is applied to the vending machine;
When the management server receives the emergency method request, the communication unit receives a lockdown signal from the management server to stop the product dispensing function of the vending machine,
The communication unit receives the mixture recipe information including information on the raw material ratio set value when the beverage is manufactured in the vending machine, which the management server receives from the manager terminal, from the management server,
and the control device provided in the vending machine updates and sets the ratio setting value preset in the mixed beverage preparation module of the vending machine based on the mixture recipe information.
(a) receiving, by a management server, the management request from a vending machine management device that generates a management request for the vending machine based on product payment information of the vending machine or status information of the vending machine; and
(b) sending, by the management server, the management request to a terminal of a manager who manages the vending machine
includes,
The product payment information includes cash payment amount information in the vending machine,
The vending machine management device generates the management request including a collection request when the cash payment amount information is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value;
The state information of the vending machine includes information on whether the vending machine operates normally for each function,
the vending machine management device generates the management request including information on a function module having an operation error based on information on whether the vending machine is operating normally for each function;
The vending machine management apparatus generates the management request including an emergency crime prevention request when an impact amount detected by an impact sensor provided in the vending machine exceeds a reference impact amount as an impact is applied to the vending machine;
(c) receiving, by the management server, the emergency crime prevention request from the vending machine management device;
(d) transmitting, by the management server, a lockdown signal for stopping an operation of a product dispensing function of the vending machine to the vending machine management device in response to receiving the emergency crime prevention request;
(e) receiving, by the management server, mixture recipe information including information on a raw material ratio setting value when manufacturing a beverage in the vending machine, from the manager terminal; and
(f) transmitting, by the management server, the mixture recipe information to the vending machine management device
further comprising,
The method for managing a vending machine through a network, wherein the control device provided in the vending machine updates and sets the ratio setting value preset in the mixed drink manufacturing module of the vending machine based on the mixture recipe information.
3. The method of claim 2,
After step (b), before step (c),
and receiving, by the management server, a vending machine management execution report including vending machine management execution information input by the administrator into the manager terminal from the manager terminal.
In the management server,
a receiving unit receiving the management request from a vending machine management device that generates a management request for the vending machine based on product payment information of the vending machine or status information of the vending machine; and
A transmitter that transmits the management request to a terminal of a manager who manages the vending machine
includes,
The product payment information includes cash payment amount information in the vending machine,
The vending machine management device generates the management request including a collection request when the cash payment amount information is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value;
The state information of the vending machine includes information on whether the vending machine operates normally for each function,
the vending machine management device generates the management request including information on a function module having an operation error based on information on whether the vending machine is operating normally for each function;
The vending machine management apparatus generates the management request including an emergency crime prevention request when an impact amount detected by an impact sensor provided in the vending machine exceeds a reference impact amount as an impact is applied to the vending machine;
When the receiving unit receives the emergency method request, the vending machine management device receives a lockdown signal for stopping the product dispensing function of the vending machine from the transmitting unit,
The vending machine management device receives the mixture recipe information including information on the raw material ratio set value when the beverage is manufactured in the vending machine, received by the receiver from the manager terminal, from the transmitter,
The control device provided in the vending machine updates and sets the ratio setting value preset in the mixed beverage preparation module of the vending machine based on the mixture recipe information.
5. The method of claim 4,
wherein the receiver receives, from the manager terminal, a vending machine management execution report including vending machine management execution information input by the administrator into the manager terminal.

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