JPS6233632B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] <Industrial Application Field> The present invention relates to a vending machine determining device for determining whether change can be dispensed, and in particular, it determines whether or not change can be dispensed based on the stored amount of change coins and the scheduled amount of change. This relates to determining whether it is possible to sell based on the following.

<Conventional technology> The basic criteria for determining whether a vending machine can be sold is that it can be sold on the condition that an amount (K) greater than or equal to the sales set price (SPi) has been inserted (K≧SPi). It is to judge. However, in order to disallow sales where change cannot be paid out, it has been conventional practice to limit the conditions under which sales can be made when there is a shortage of stored coins for change. If there is a shortage of stored change coins of high denominations and there is enough stored change coins of low denominations, the change corresponding to high denominations can be replaced with low denomination coins and dispensed as described above. It is acceptable to permit sales based on basic criteria for determining whether a product can be sold. However, if there is a shortage of low denomination change coins, there is a risk that change cannot be dispensed, so generally,
Sales were permitted only when change was not required (that is, when the input amount K and the set sales price SPi exactly matched), and in other cases, sales were not allowed even if the input amount was greater than the set sales price. Therefore, when there is a shortage of stored coins for change (particularly low denomination coins), sales opportunities are often missed, and there is a problem in that the operating efficiency of the vending machine is reduced.

As one measure to solve the above-mentioned problem, if there is a shortage of stored change coins for low denominations but not for high denominations, even sales that require change can be done. Conventionally, it has been considered that if the change can be paid out in the high denomination coin, the sale is permitted. For example, Tokuko Sho 55-41475
In the publication, the input amount K and the sales set price are
When comparing SPi, add the amount of a predetermined high denomination coin (for example, 50 yen) to the sales set price SPi in advance, compare the addition result with the input amount, and when the two match (K = SPi + 50) indicates that it is determined that the item can be sold. In other words, the fact that the sum of the predetermined high denomination coin amount added to the sales set price matches the input amount means that the difference between the input amount and the sales set price, that is, the change, can be paid out in the high denomination coin. . In addition, as another countermeasure for times when there is a shortage of change, Japanese Patent Publication No. 54-39159 states that the number of each type of coins inserted is stored, and when there is a shortage of valid change, change is paid out using the number of each type of coins inserted. It is indicated that sales will be permitted only if possible. In other words, if the money that has just been inserted can be used as change for the sale at that time, the sale is permitted.

<Problems to be Solved by the Invention> However, in the conventional methods of determining sales availability, such as the former and latter methods, the concept of lack of change (or lack of change) is based on the maximum amount of change in one change disbursement. Since it is based on the amount, it may be determined that there is a lack of change even though there is still a small amount of coins left for change, and therefore it may be determined that the coins cannot be sold. For example, in the former case, if the number of stored coins for both low denominations and high denominations is less than a predetermined number, it is determined that there is a shortage of change, and sales that require change are prohibited. However, depending on the amount of money input, it is possible that change can be paid out with only a small amount of change coins remaining, so it is not desirable to determine that the item cannot be sold in such a case. In the latter case, only the number of types of coins inserted at that time is taken into account, so even though change can be paid out with the few remaining change coins, it is determined that it is impossible to pay out change based on the number of types of coins inserted. If this happens, there will be an inconvenience that the sale will not be permitted. For example, there are two 10 yen coins left for change, the sales price is 80 yen, and the input coins are 80 yen.
If it is a 100 yen coin, the maximum amount of change for a 10 yen coin is generally set to 9 coins, so it is determined that there is not enough change, and since only one 100 yen coin is inserted, it is determined that change cannot be dispensed, and in the end, the sale is not permitted. Also, since it is not common for a portion of the input coins to be returned as change (because it is normal for only the minimum necessary amount to be input), the latter method is used. However, the probability of expanding sales opportunities is not very high.

This invention was made in view of the above points,
To provide a vending machine vending machine sales possibility determination device capable of efficiently determining sales possibility without missing a sales chance as much as possible when stored coins for change are running low. Another object of the present invention is to make comparisons in view of the recent diversification of selling prices in vending machines, the diversification of usable coins, and the increase in prices and the accompanying diversification of change coins. To provide an optimal vending machine for a type of vending machine that handles various types of change coins and also accepts the dispensing of relatively large amounts of change.

<Means for Solving the Problem> The sellability determination device according to the present invention includes a comparison unit that compares the amount of money inserted with at least one sales setting price and determines whether the sale is possible or not; Calculating means for calculating the expected change amount by calculating the difference between the input amount and the sales setting price, and a counting means for calculating the number of stored change coins for each denomination by adding and subtracting the input coins and the paid coins for each denomination. and a change dispensing possibility determining means for determining that change can be dispensed when the number of coins held by each denomination or the combination of the number of coins held of each denomination determined by the counting means satisfies the scheduled amount of change, and the comparison means The present invention is characterized in that when it is determined that change is possible and the change dispensing permission determining means determines that change can be disbursed, sales at the sales set price are permitted.

<Function> Even when the number of change coins held falls below the conventional change shortage detection standard number, the counting means can determine the number of coins held, so sales are unconditionally prohibited. However, sales where change can be paid out based on the remaining number of tickets are permitted. Therefore, according to the present invention, sales opportunities can be expanded compared to conventional products.

In a preferred embodiment, it is determined whether or not change can be paid out for each digit of the scheduled change amount, and sales are permitted when all digits of the scheduled change amount can be paid out. This is because when a relatively large amount of change is requested, it is certain that whether or not the change can be dispensed is determined for each digit depending on whether or not there is change money of the denomination corresponding to that digit. However, the invention is of course not limited to this.

Further, in a preferred embodiment, whether or not the scheduled amount of change can be paid out is determined not only by the number of coins held by denomination determined by the counting means but also by a conventional change shortage detection means based on a predetermined number of coins. I try to make a judgment based on that. This can increase the reliability of the determination.

<Embodiment> Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In FIG. 1, an inserted money detection unit 10 detects money inserted into a vending machine and generates inserted money detection signals S1000 to S10 corresponding to the denomination. As an example, S1000 is a thousand yen bill, S
500 is a 500 yen coin (or banknote), S100 is
A 100 yen coin, S50 corresponds to a 50 yen coin, and S10 corresponds to a 10 yen coin. The number of inserted coins by denomination counting unit 11 counts the number of inserted coins (amount) for each denomination based on the inserted coin detection signals S1000 to S10 for each denomination. The input amount calculating section 12 sums up the contents of the input number counting section 11 for each denomination to obtain the total value K of the input amount. The total value of this input amount K
As described later, decreases each time collection control or change disbursement control is performed, and in fact indicates the balance of the input amount (before a sale is made, the entire input amount corresponds to the balance). ing.

The set sales price storage unit 13 stores data indicating set sales prices _SP1 to SPn for each product given from a price setting switch (not shown). For example, when the input amount K is 0, that is, during standby, SP ₁ to _{SP o} are written to the storage unit 13. The comparison calculation unit 14 compares the data indicating the input amount K given from the input amount calculation unit 12 with the sales set prices SP ₁ to SP _o of each product given from the sales set price storage unit 13, and determines that K≧SPi.
(however, i = 1, 2,...n) is determined for each set price SP ₁ to SP _o , and "K
−SPi=Ri” to find the difference between the input amount K and the set price SPi, that is, the expected change amount Ri,
Data indicating this scheduled change amount Ri is output for each decimal digit (R1000i, R100i, R10i). Here, if "K≧SPi" holds true, it means that the amount K that is greater than or equal to the set price SPi has been invested, and if there is no shortage of stored coins for change, then the set price SPi
This means that the product is available for sale. Further, the planned change amount Ri is not the amount of change that is actually to be paid out, but is the amount of change that is required when it is assumed that the input amount K is used to sell the product at the set price SPi. R1000i indicates the value of the thousand (thousand yen) digit in this scheduled change amount Ri,
R100i indicates the value in the hundred (100 yen) digit, and R10
i indicates the value of the + (10 yen) digit. Comparison calculation unit 14
Comparison (K≧SPi) and operation (K−SPi=
Ri) is performed in a time-division manner for each set price SPi according to time-division timing pulses t ₁ to _{t o} . For this purpose, time-division timing pulses t ₁ to _{t o} are given to the sales set price storage unit 13 and the comparison calculation unit 14, and each set price stored in the storage unit 13
Data indicating SP ₁ to SP _o is read out in a time-division manner according to pulses t ₁ to t _o , and is applied to the comparison calculation section 14.

The change money holding count unit 15 counts the number of change money held in the vending machine by denomination. RC1000 indicates the number of 1,000 yen bills held for change, RC500 indicates the number of 500 yen coins held,
RC100 is 100 yen, RC50 is 50 yen, RC10 is 10
Indicates the number of yen held. A coin storage device (not shown) for change is provided for each denomination, and the coins inserted are automatically replenished into the storage device corresponding to the denomination, and the coins to be dispensed from the vending machine as change or return money. is dispensed from the storage device corresponding to the denomination. The change coin holding number counting unit 15 adds and counts the number of coins replenished to the change coin storage device, and subtracts and counts the number of coins paid out from there, thereby calculating the amount of coins currently held in the storage device. Number of sheets from RC1000 to RC10
demand. That is, the counting unit 15 adds and counts the number of inserted coins for each denomination based on the input coin detection signals S1000 to S10 for each denomination, and receives the coin payout confirmation signal OS ₁₀ to ₁₀₀₀ for each denomination given from the money dispensing mechanism unit 16. The number of coins paid out is subtracted and counted based on the number of coins paid out.

By the way, when the change money storage device becomes full, the coins inserted thereafter overflow from the storage device and are stored in a cash box (not shown). Therefore, when the change money storage device becomes full, an overflow signal OVF is generated corresponding to the denomination and is applied to the counter 15. In the counting section 15, the overflow signal
Addition counting of input coins corresponding to denominations in which OVF has occurred is prohibited, and input coins that have not been replenished to the storage device are not included in the account. Methods for inhibiting addition counting when an overflow signal occurs include, for example, blocking the inserted coin detection signals S1000 to S10 corresponding to the denomination for which the overflow signal OVF is occurring to prevent actual addition from occurring, or An appropriate method may be used, such as subtracting the overflowing money that is sent to the cash box, so that the input money is not actually added.

The change storage device can be a cassette-type device that is detachable from the changer mechanism of the vending machine. When a cassette-type device is used, it is convenient because the entire coin storage device can be removed from the changer mechanism when collecting money, and the stored coins can be discharged all at once. After the coins are ejected, the empty storage device is attached to the changer mechanism again, but since the coins are not ejected at this time by the coin dispensing mechanism section 16,
No subtraction is performed in the change coin holding number counting unit 15. Therefore, even though the inside of the storage device is empty, the contents of the counter 15 may show a value as if money were stored. In order to eliminate such inconveniences, a reset signal RR is generated when the cassette type change storage device is removed from the changer mechanism, and this reset signal is
All contents of counting section 15 by RR from RC1000 to
All you have to do is reset RC10.

On the other hand, if the cassette-type storage device is once removed, but the coins inside are not ejected or all of them are ejected and the appropriate number of coins are manually replenished and the device is reinstalled, resetting the counter 15 becomes more inconvenient. In order to deal with such a case, outputs EP1000 to EP of the change shortage detection means 17, which will be described later, should be used.
10 may be used to control the reset (or preset). For example, if it is specified that when a cassette-type storage device is removed, it is always reinstalled with a predetermined number of sheets held, the counter 15 can be initialized to the predetermined number by the reset signal RR generated at the time of removal. You may also do so.

As described above, in the coin storage device for change, there is a possibility that coins are sometimes supplied or discharged manually. In that case, it would be more preferable if the manual input and withdrawal of money is accurately reflected in the change coin holding number counting section 15, but even if this is not the case, the present invention can be practiced without any inconvenience. In other words, even if the counting unit 15 adds and subtracts only the input money and the dispensed money, since most of the money coming in and out of the vending machine is due to these, the increase or decrease in the number of coins held for change can be grasped without any inconvenience. .

The change shortage detection means 17 is known as an empty sensor, and consists of sensors arranged at a predetermined number of positions in the change storage device for each denomination. Generally, the predetermined number of coins position where the empty sensor is placed is a position corresponding to the maximum number of coins of the denomination or a slightly higher number when the coins of the denomination are dispensed at one time as change. The detection means 1
Change shortage detection signal EP by denomination output from 7
1000 to EP10, EP1000 is a thousand yen coin,
EP500 is a 500 yen coin, EP100 is a 100 yen coin, EP
50 corresponds to a 50 yen coin, and EP10 corresponds to a 10 yen coin. If the number of coins stored for change of a certain denomination is greater than or equal to the predetermined number, a corresponding shortage detection signal EP100 is sent.
0 to EP10 indicate "change is available" (for example, "1"), and when the number is less than a predetermined number, it indicates "change is insufficient" (for example, "0").

Since the number of change coins in possession counting unit 15 counts the number of coins RC1000 to RC10 in possession for each denomination, there is some overlap in the functions of the change shortage detection means 17 and the counting unit 15, but as described above. When coins are manually supplied or discharged from the change coin storage device, the contents of the counter 15 may become unreliable. is useful for checking the reliability of the counting section 15. On the other hand, even if the lack of change detecting means 17 detects a lack of change, there is a possibility that a small amount of money may still be stored in the change money storage device. In such a case, the presence of stored coins can be confirmed by the counter 15. In this way, by using the change money counting unit 15 and the change shortage detection means 17 together, it becomes possible to detect the amount of change money held in a complementary and effective manner.

The change dispensing possibility determination unit 18 includes a comparison calculation unit 14
The comparison result (K≧SPi) given by and each digit data of the expected change amount Ri R1000i, R100
i, R10i, and change coin holding number counting unit 15
data on the number of change coins held for each denomination from RC1000 to RC10 given by the change coins, and a change shortage detection signal for each denomination given from the change shortage detection means 17.
Based on EP1000 to EP10, it is determined whether the scheduled change amount Ri can be paid out using the change coins currently held, and if it is possible to pay out (including the case where Ri=0 of course), K≧ A sales enable signal Vi is output on the condition that SPi is established. To determine whether change can be paid out, each digit of the change amount Ri is R100.
0i, R100i, R10i and the number of change coins of the denomination corresponding to the digit RC1000 to RC1
This is done by comparing each with 0.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure for determining whether a product can be sold, which is executed by the comparison calculation section 14 and the change dispensing possibility determination section 18. This sale possibility determination program starts when "money has been deposited", that is, when the deposited amount K reaches some value other than 0. First, in step 19, it is determined whether the sales set price SPi is 0 or not. When SPi is 0, it is meaningless to determine whether the item can be sold, so return to the start (RTN).
If SPi is not 0, the process moves to step 20 via the NO route of step 19. In step 20, the subtraction "Ri=K-SPi" is performed to calculate the difference between the input amount K and the set price SPi, that is, the expected change amount Ri.
seek. In step 21, it is determined whether the difference Ri is 0 or more. Determining whether “Ri≧0” holds true is equivalent to determining whether “K≧SPi” holds true. Step 2
If the decision in step 1 is NO, the input amount K is the selling price.
This means that it is less expensive than SPi, and cannot be sold, so return to the start (RTN). If the judgment in step 21 is YES, it means that the input amount K is equal to the selling price SPi (Ri = 0) or higher (Ri > 0), and the processing from step 22 onward is performed. to determine whether change can be paid out. The processing in steps 19, 20, and 21 corresponds to the processing in the comparison calculation section 14 in FIG.
The processing from step 22 onwards corresponds to the processing in the change dispensing permission determination section 18.

In step 22, a change detection signal of 1,000 yen coins is detected.
Based on EP1000, it is determined whether there is a shortage of 1,000 yen coins for change. If there is a shortage, in step 23, the number of thousand yen change coins held is RC1000 and the value R of the thousand digit of the planned change amount Ri.
1000i to determine whether "RC1000≧R1000i" holds true. When the EP 1000 indicates that there is change, step 23 is skipped and step 24 is performed. Step 23 is NO
In this case, since change R1000i in the thousand yen digit cannot be paid out, it is determined that the sale is not possible and the process returns to the start (RTN). If step 23 is YES, it means that even if the lack of change detection means 17 detects a lack of change in thousand yen coins, there are enough coins RC1000 to pay out the thousand-digit change amount R1000i, and therefore, This thousand-digit change R1000
It is determined that i can be paid out, and the process moves to step 24. In addition, when EP1000 indicates "Change available", it means that the number of thousand yen coins held is greater than the maximum number of coins that can be paid out at one time, so change in the thousand digit R10
00i can of course be paid out.

In step 24, a change detection signal for 100 yen coins is detected.
Based on EP100, it is determined whether there is a shortage of 100 yen coins for change. If the amount is insufficient, in Step 25, enter the number of 100 yen change coins held RC100 and the hundreds digit R100i of the expected change amount Ri.
It is determined whether "RC100≧R100i" holds true. If this judgment is YES, even if a shortage of 100 yen coins is detected, the change amount in the hundreds digit R
Number of 100 yen coins held that can pay out 100i RC1
This means that 00 exists. Therefore, it is determined that this hundreds-digit change amount R100i can be paid out, and the process moves to step 26. On the other hand, EP100
If indicates "Change available", proceed to step 25.
Skip over and move to step 26. When EP100 indicates "change available", the number of 100 yen coins held is 1
This means that the number of coins to be paid out is equal to or greater than the maximum number of coins to be paid out, so it is naturally possible to pay out change R100i in the hundreds digit.

If step 25 is NO, hundred digit change R1
This means that 00i is larger than the number of hundred yen coins held, RC100, and in this case, it is determined whether or not the hundred-digit change R100i can be paid out using 500 yen coins. First, in step 72, R1
It is determined whether 00i is 5 or more, and if NO, the process goes to return (RTN), and if YES, the process goes to step 27. Next, in step 27,
Based on the lack of change detection signal EP500 for 500 yen coins
Determine whether there is a shortage of 500 yen coins for change. If “Yes”, move on to step 28.
Subtract 5 from the hundreds digit R100i of the change Ri, and replace the subtraction result with R100i. Therefore, R100i obtained in step 28 is the change R in the hundreds digit.
It shows the number of 100 yen coins when paying 100i using a combination of 500 yen coins and 100 yen coins. In the next step 29, the same determination as in step 25 described above (whether or not RC100≧R100i holds) is made. However, R100i has become a value 5 less than that at step 25 due to the subtraction at step 28. Therefore, at step 25, “RC100≧
Even if “R100i” does not hold, step 29
There is a possibility that it will come true. This step 29
If YES, it means that the hundred digit change R100i can be paid out in a combination of 500 yen coins and 100 yen coins, and the process moves to step 26. If step 29 is NO, it means that the hundred digit change R100i cannot be paid out either as a 100 yen coin or in combination with a 500 yen coin and a 100 yen coin, and the process returns to the start (RTN).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 27 that there is a shortage of 500 yen coins for change, the process moves to step 30.
Number of 500 yen coins held for change in counting unit 15 RC
It is determined whether 500 is 0 or not. “RC500＝
0” is YES, change in the hundreds digit R100i
This means that you cannot pay out in 500 yen coins (not to mention 100 yen coins), and return to the start (RTN).
When "RC500=0" is NO, the process moves to step 28, and step 29 is further executed in the same manner as described above.

In step 26, a change detection signal for 10 yen coins is detected.
Based on EP10, it is determined whether there is a shortage of 10 yen coins for change. If there is a shortage, the number of 10 yen coins held for change is RC10 in step 31.
and the + digit R10i of the change amount Ri, and
≧R10i” is established. If this determination is YES, it means that even if a shortage of 10 yen coins is detected, the number of 10 yen coins held is sufficient to pay out the change amount R10i in the + digit. Therefore, it is determined that the change amount R10i in the +10 digit can also be paid out, and the process moves to step 32. On the other hand, if EP10 indicates "change available", it means that the number of 10 yen coins held is greater than the maximum number of coins that can be paid out at one time, so change R in the tens digit
10i can of course be paid out, and the process skips step 31 and moves to step 32.

If step 31 is NO, ten digit change R1
This means that 0i is larger than the number of 10 yen coins held, RC10, and in this case, the R10i is 50
It is determined whether or not it can be paid out using yen coins. first,
In step 73, it is determined whether R10i is 5 or more, and if NO, return (RTN).
If the answer is YES, proceed to step 33. Next, in step 33, a change detection signal for 50 yen coins is sent.
Based on EP50, it is determined whether there is a shortage of 50 yen coins for change. If "Yes", the process moves to step 34, subtracts 5 from R10i, and replaces R10i with the result of the subtraction. In the next step 35, the same judgment as in step 31 is made, ``RC10≧R10i'', but R10i at this time is a value 5 less than R10i at step 31. on the other hand,
If you do not have enough 50 yen coins for change, proceed to step 33.
Then, the process moves to step 36, and it is determined whether the number of 50 yen coins held for change RC50 is 0 or not. RC50
When = 0, it means that the ten-digit change R10i cannot be paid out in 50 yen coins (of course, in 10 yen coins), and the process returns to the start (RTN). "RC50=0"
If NO, steps 34 and 35 are executed.
Therefore, if you can pay out ten-digit change R10i in a combination of 50 yen coins and 10 yen coins, select YES in step 35.
The process moves to step 32 via the route shown in FIG. In step 32, a sales enable signal Vi is output, and then the process returns to the start (RTN). As mentioned above, the input amount K
and the sales set price SPi, that is, the amount R1000i, R100i, R10i of each digit of the change amount Ri
and the number of change coins of the denomination corresponding to that digit
RC1000 to RC10 are compared, and when change of all digits can be paid out, it is determined that the change can be sold. Of course, in the case of a sale that does not require change, that is, when Ri=0, steps 23, 25, and 3 are performed.
Since 1 is always YES, the number of coins held is RC1000.
Even if all of RC10 to RC10 are 0, the sales enable signal Vi is generated.

As an example, when the input amount K is 500 yen and the sales set price SPi is 200 yen and 80 yen, the number of 100 yen coins held for change is RC100.
The explanation will be given assuming that the number of 10 yen coins held is "5" and the number of 10 yen coins RC10 is "1". First, if SPi=200,
The planned amount of change is Ri = 300, and the thousandth digit is R10.
00i=0, hundreds digit R100i=3, tens digit R1
0i=0. Therefore, steps 23, 25,
31 are all YES, and a sellable signal Vi is generated. On the other hand, when SPi=80, Ri=420,
R1000i=0, R100i=4, R10i=
2, steps 23 and 25 are YES, but step 31 is NO and step 35 is also NO, so it is determined that the item cannot be sold (assuming, of course, that EP10 indicates a shortage). If the number of change coins in possession corresponding to the same digit is insufficient, the determination may be made by transferring the number of change coins in the lower digit. In that case, when determining the lower digits, the number of transferred sheets shall be excluded from the determination. For example, when determining R100i, RC10
If you transfer 10 coins from RC100, R1
When determining 0i, 10 cards are excluded from RC10 and the determination is made.

FIG. 3 shows an example in which the change dispensing permission determination section 18 of FIG. 1 is constructed by a discrete circuit, and performs the same function as the processing from step 22 onward of FIG. 2. The comparison unit 36 compares the thousands digit R1000i of the planned change amount Ri, and compares "RC1000≧R1000i" and "RC500i".
÷2≧R1000i” are compared in two ways. Each comparison result is provided to an OR circuit 37. OR circuit 3
The remaining input of 7 is a detection signal for detecting a shortage of 1,000 yen coins for change.
EP1000 is added. "RC1000≧R1000i"
is the same as the comparison in step 23 in Figure 2, and the number of thousand yen coins held for change RC1000 is R10.
When the value is 00i or more, "1" is output. "RC500÷
2≧R1000i” means the number of 500 yen coins held for change RC50
Divide 0 by 2 and transfer it to the number of thousand yen coins, this is R
It is compared to see if it is 1000i or more. If the thousand-digit change R1000i can be paid out in 500 yen coins, this comparison output will be "1". Also,
If there is clearly no shortage of 1,000 yen coins for change, the signal EP1000 is "1". Therefore, when the thousand-digit change R1000i can be paid out, any input signal of the OR circuit 37 is "1",
Its output becomes "1".

Comparison section 38 Hundreds digit of expected change amount Ri R100i
The following three types of comparisons are performed. "RC100≧R100i" is the same as in step 25 in FIG. "RC100
≧R100i-5”, step 28 and 2 in Figure 2
This is the same process as step 9, and by subtracting “5” from R100i, the combination of 500 yen coins and 100 yen coins becomes R1.
Calculate the number of 100 yen coins when paying out 00i, and if this is 0 or more and the number of 100 yen coins held RC
Compare whether it is 100 or less. When this comparison condition is satisfied, "1" is applied to the AND circuit 40. The other input of the AND circuit 40 is for change.
A 500 yen coin shortage detection signal EP500 and a signal indicating the number of 500 yen coins held for change RC500 are applied via an OR circuit 41. When RC500 is not 0 or EP500 is “1”, that is, for change.
OR circuit 4 when there are some 500 yen coins
1 becomes "1", and the AND circuit 40 becomes operational. Therefore, the hundred digit change R100i
When it is possible to pay out a combination of 500 yen coins and 100 yen coins, or when it is possible to pay out 500 yen coins alone (when R100i-5=0), the output of the AND circuit 40 becomes "1", and the output is given to the OR circuit 39. It will be done. "RC50÷2≧R100i" is to divide the number of 50 yen coins held for change RC50 by 2, transfer it to the number of 100 yen coins, and compare whether this is equal to or greater than R100i. If the hundred digit change R100i can be paid out in 50 yen coins, this comparison output will be "1",
The signal is applied to the OR circuit 39. The other input of the OR circuit 39 is given a 100 yen change coin shortage detection signal EP100. With the above configuration, hundred digit change R
When 100i can be paid out, any input signal of the OR circuit 39 is "1", and its output becomes "1".

The comparison unit 42 calculates the tens digit R10i of the planned change amount Ri.
The following two types of comparisons are performed. “RC10≧R10i” is step 3 in Figure 2
This is the same as the comparison in step 1, and when the number of 10 yen coins held for change RC10 is equal to or greater than R10i, it outputs "1" and feeds it to the OR circuit 45. “RC10≧R10i−5”
is the same as the processing in steps 34 and 35 in Figure 2, and subtracts "5" from R10i to find the number of 10 yen coins when paying out R10i with a combination of 50 yen coins and 10 yen coins, and this is 0. and above and 10
Compare whether the number of yen coins held is RC10 or less. When this comparison condition is satisfied, the AND circuit 43
“1” is given to “1”. Other inputs of the AND circuit 43 are supplied via an OR circuit 44 with a 50 yen change coin shortage detection signal EP50 and a signal indicating the number of 50 yen change coins held RC50. OR circuit 4 when RC50 is not 0 or EP50 is "1", that is, when there are some 50 yen coins for change.
4 becomes "1", and the AND circuit 43 becomes operational. Therefore, if R10i can be paid out in a combination of 50 yen coins and 10 yen coins (or 50 yen coins alone), the output of the AND circuit 43 becomes "1" and is applied to the OR circuit 45. The remaining input of the OR circuit 45 is a 10 yen change coin shortage detection signal EP1.
0 is given. With the above configuration, when ten-digit change R10i can be paid out, the OR circuit 45
If any input signal is "1", its output becomes "1".

The outputs of OR circuits 37, 39 and 45 are applied to AND circuit 46. The output of AND circuit 46 is applied to AND circuit 47. The other input of the AND circuit 47 is inputted from the comparison calculation unit 14 (FIG. 1) with “K≧
A comparison output of ``SPi'' is provided, and a signal is also provided from the money collection and money dispensing control section 48 (FIG. 1). This signal is a signal that becomes "0" when the money collection and money dispensing control unit 48 is performing its control operation as described later or when it is not desirable to make a sales possibility determination, and normally it becomes "1". ” is. When the input amount K is the same as or larger than the sales price SPi, “K≧
SPi" comparison output is "1", and each digit of the expected change amount Ri is R1000i, R100i, R
When 10i can be paid out using the stored coins for change, the output of the AND circuit 46 becomes "1", and the condition of the AND circuit 47 is satisfied. AND circuit 47
The output is outputted from the determination unit 18 as a sellable signal Vi. In this embodiment, when the signal Vi is "1", it indicates that it is possible to sell, and when it is " _{0 "} , it is not possible to sell. SPi and R1000i, R100i, R depending on the timing
Every time 10i changes, Vi also changes.

In FIG. 1, a sales enable signal for each price is outputted in a time-sharing manner from the change dispensing availability determining unit 18.
Vi is given to the sales enable signal storage control section 49. In the storage control unit 49, the signal Vi is commonly input to AND circuits 50-1 to 50-n.
Time division timing pulses t ₁ to t _o are input to other inputs of each AND circuit 50-1 to 50-n, respectively. The outputs of the AND circuits 50-10,000 to 50-n are applied to the memory circuits 51-1 to 51-n, respectively. Therefore, the sales availability signal Vi for each price, which has been time-division multiplexed, is demultiplexed by the AND circuits 50-1 to 50-n and stored in the storage circuit 50.
-1 to 50-n are stored separately.

The sales enable signals V ₁ to V _o stored in the memory circuits 50-1 to 50-n are connected to the lines 52-1 to 52.
-n to the product delivery control unit 53. The product payout control unit 53 outputs a sellable signal.
A sellable display is performed for the products for which V ₁ to V _o have occurred (become "1"). When the purchaser confirms the sellable display and operates a selection switch (not shown) for a desired product, the product payout control unit 53 provides sellable signals V ₁ to V _o corresponding to the selected product. The dispensing operation of the product is started on the condition that the product is available. At the same time, product selection signals S ₁ to _{S o} (any one of S ₁ to _{S o} is "1") indicating the selected product are output to lines 52-1 to 52-n, and a sales start signal VS is output. Output. The sales start signal VS is "1" when the product dispensing control unit 53 is performing a product dispensing operation (for example, when driving the product dispensing motor), and is "0" in other cases.

The sales start signal VS is the sales enable signal storage control unit 4
It is applied to the reset terminals R of the memory circuits 51-1 to 51-n via the OR circuit 54 of 9. Therefore, when the sales start signal VS is generated, the memory circuit 5
1-1 through 51-n are reset and all sellable signals V ₁ through _Vo are cleared. Line 52-
The signals 1 to 52-n are input to the memory circuit 55, as well as to the OR circuit 56 and the NOR circuit 57. The delay circuit 58 delays the sales start signal VS by a small amount of time (about several microseconds) and supplies it to the write control terminal L of the storage circuit 55. Therefore, the memory circuit 51-1
Immediately after 51-n is reset, the memory circuit 5
5 is in write mode and lines 52-1 to 5
2-n signals are stored. At this time, line 52-
1 to 52-n are given only the product selection signals S ₁ to _{S o} from the product delivery control section 53, and the storage circuit 55 stores the product selection signals S ₁ to _{S o} . Note that the time period during which the product selection signals S ₁ to _{S o} are output from the product payout control unit 53 is, for example, 300 ms.
This is a fixed time of about 500 ms, and after this time has elapsed, the signals S ₁ to _{S o} fall to "0". Inside the control unit 53, as is well known, a sellable signal V ₁ is generated by a relay or other switching circuit.
~V _o is matched with the output of the product selection switch, and the relay or switching circuit is maintained on the condition that the sellable signal V ₁ ~ _{V o} corresponding to the product for which the selection switch is operated is generated. It performs a product dispensing operation and outputs product selection signals S ₁ to _{S o} .

Product selection signals S ₁ to S stored in the memory circuit 55
_o is supplied to the collection and money dispensing control section 48.
This collection and money dispensing control unit 48 mainly includes:
The set price SPi of the product sold from the input amount K
(any one of SP ₁ to SP _o ) (this is called collection control), change payout control, refund control (control to refund the input amount K), input refusal control, and other controls (for example, The controller performs inventory control, input number limit control, etc.), and since it is conventionally known, its internal configuration is not particularly shown. First, “receipt control”
This is executed when the sales start signal VS is given. Each set price SPi read out in a time-sharing manner from the sales set price storage unit 13
Demultiplex the data for each price SP ₁ to SP _o by time-division timing pulses t ₁ to _{t o} ,
Among these, a single _set price _SPi (SP ₁
- Select one of SP _o ) and memorize it. In this way, the set price SPi of the product just sold is selected, and this value is subtracted from the input amount K. Any method of subtraction may be used. For example, the set price is determined based on the counting contents of the input number counter 11 for each denomination.
Subtract the value corresponding to SPi, or counting section 1
1 may be reset, and an appropriate method may be used, such as subtracting SPi from the input amount K held in the input amount counter 12. In addition, when subtracting from the contents of the denomination-specific counter 11, first subtract the SPi value from the number of coins inserted for high-value denominations, or always subtract from the number of coins inserted for low-value denominations. If the coins run out, an appropriate method can be used, such as transferring the number of coins of high denominations to low denominations. Regardless of which collection method (subtraction method) is adopted, when the collection control is completed, the input amount counter 1
The input amount K in step 2 is a value obtained by subtracting the set price SPi from the initial input amount, that is, a value indicating the balance of the input amount.

Change payout control or refund control is executed when refund command signal RM is given from refund command sending section 59. When the money payout control unit 48 receives the refund command signal RM, it controls the money payout mechanism unit 16 to pay out money corresponding to the input amount (or its remaining amount) K calculated by the input amount calculation unit 12. Money is paid out one by one. The currency dispensing mechanism section 16 returns a dispensing confirmation signal to the control section 48 each time it disburses one coin of the denomination designated by the control section 48 . The control unit 48 subtracts the amount of the paid money from the amount K of the calculation unit 12 (or the input number counting unit 11 of the denomination corresponding to the currency subtracts one coin). As described above, the payout confirmation signals OS ₁₀ to ₁₀₀₀ corresponding to the coins are given to the change coin holding count unit 15, and the contents of the count unit 15 are subtracted. In this way, as money is paid out, the input amount (or remaining amount) K decreases, and when K=0 finally, the money payout control ends. Similar to the money collection control described above, there are various methods for money payout control and subtraction methods at that time, and any of them may be adopted. For example, coins of each denomination are paid out in the exact combination of the number of coins for each denomination held in the input amount counter 11, or the amount K of the input amount counter 12 is changed to the highest possible denomination of change coins. or the amount K (i.e. the amount of change to be paid out)
Each digit (corresponding to Ri) (R1000i, R10
Any method may be used, such as paying out the value of 0i, R10i) using the change coin corresponding to that digit. Whether it is a payout of change, a full refund of the amount invested due to cancellation, or a refund based on other automatic refund control, the money payout control unit 4
8 executes the money dispensing control operation as described above based on the refund command signal RM. It goes without saying that if the refund command signal RM is given during the money collection control, the money payout control is performed after the money collection control is finished.

The money collection and money dispensing control unit 48 uses a money rejection electromagnetic device (CREM) when inputting money should be rejected.
60 to prohibit the insertion of money. When the electromagnetic device 60 prohibits money insertion, the inserted money is returned before reaching the inserted money detection section 10, and the money is not accepted or counted. As has been known, there are various cases in which the insertion of money should be refused. for example,
When controlling money dispensing, when a power outage occurs, when a failure occurs, or when the sales price SPi is not set (zero)
In other words, there are cases in which there is a risk that inconvenience may occur if money is accepted, such as during inventory control or during inventory control. In addition, during the above-mentioned money collection control, if there is a possibility that accepting money would cause an inconvenience, the electromagnetic device 60 may be controlled to refuse the insertion of money.

The signal given from the collection and money dispensing control unit 48 to the change dispensing permission determination unit 18 is normally “1”;
It becomes "0" when performing money dispensing control such as refund or money insertion refusal control. Judgment section 18
Then, when the signal is "0", that is, the control section 48
is performing the above-mentioned control operations, the generation of the sales enable signal Vi is suppressed. That is, the AND circuit 47 in FIG. 3 is rendered inoperable by the signal "0", and generation of the sellable signal Vi is prohibited even if the sellable determination condition is met.

The refund command sending unit 59 outputs a refund command signal RM via the OR circuit 61 when change should be paid out, when the input amount should be refunded based on the purchaser's refund request, or when other automatic refunds should be made. . First, the generation of the refund command signal RM for dispensing change will be explained. The time point at which change is dispensed differs depending on whether the vending machine is a single-item vending machine or a continuous vending machine. In this embodiment, a single series changeover switch 62 can be used to arbitrarily switch between a single sale type and a continuous sale type. The switch 62
If it is connected to position a as shown in the figure, it will be a continuous sales type, and on the contrary, if it is connected to position b, it will be a single item sales type. To explain the case of single item sales, by connecting the switch 62 to position b, the AND circuit 6 is connected to the switch 62.
A signal “1” is always given to the signal “1”. AND circuit 6
3, an output is given to the one-time sale storage circuit 64. The one-time sale storage circuit 64 is initially reset (when the input amount K is 0), and stores "1" when the sales start signal VS is applied. Therefore, when the first sale is made after the money is inserted, "1" is stored in the memory circuit 64 by the sales start signal VS generated at that time. When "1" is stored in the memory circuit 64, the condition of the AND circuit 63 is satisfied, and the AND circuit 63 provides "1" to the OR circuit 61. As a result, the refund command signal RM output from the OR circuit 61 becomes "1".
The money collection and money payout control unit 48 issues a refund command signal.
RM is stored, and after the money collection control ends (after the sales start signal VS disappears), money dispensing control is performed based on the storage of the signal RM. Therefore, after subtracting the set price SPi of the product sold for the first time from the input amount K, the system becomes ready to pay out change, and the change is paid out. When the payout of change is completed and the content of the input amount K in the calculation section 12 becomes 0, the storage of the refund command signal RM and the storage of the one-time sale storage circuit 64 are reset. As described above, when the single series changeover switch 62 is connected to the position b for single item sales, change is automatically paid out when one sale is made.

For continuous sales type, use single series changeover switch 62
Connect to position a as shown. In this case, "0" is always given to the AND circuit 63 from the switch 62, and the AND circuit 63 becomes inoperable. Therefore, change is not paid out unconditionally for each sale, unlike when selling individual items. In this embodiment, the determination of the change payout point during continuous sales, that is, the determination of whether or not continuous sales are possible, is performed in conjunction with the determination by the comparison calculation unit 14 and the change payout permission determination unit 18 that sales are possible. When it is determined that the sale of the amount K is no longer possible at the current amount, change is automatically paid out. The output of the one-time sale storage circuit 64 is input to an AND circuit 65, and the AND circuit 65 becomes operable on the condition that at least one sale has been made. The signal obtained by inverting the output of the OR circuit 56 by the inverter 66 is input to the timer 67.
The output of is given to the other input of the AND circuit 65. The OR circuit 56 is connected to lines 52-1 to 52-n.
Sales availability signal V ₁ ~V _o (or product selection signal S ₁
-S _o ) is "1", outputs "1". When the sales enable signals V ₁ to V _o (or product selection signals S ₁ to _{S o} ) on the lines 52-1 to 52-n all become “0”, the output of the OR circuit 56 becomes “0”, and the inverter 66 The output of becomes "1". The timer 67 outputs "1" when the input signal remains "1" for a certain period of time (T ₁ ) or more. The operating time _T1 of the timer 67 is set to an appropriate time taking into account the time interval between each sales operation during continuous sales. That is, it is a reasonable time until the sales enable signals V ₁ to V _o rise again for the next sale after they are once erased by the sales start signal VS. As described above, while the control section 48 is controlling the collection of money based on the sales start signal VS, the sales enable signal Vi is inhibited by the signal. Therefore, the operating time T ₁ of the timer 67 is designed, for example, by taking into account the time required for money collection control, and taking into account the same or somewhat longer time, or the time required to add additional money. It can be set as appropriate.

First, when the first sale is made, "1" is stored in the one-time sale storage circuit 64, and the sale enable signals V ₁ to _Vo of the storage circuits 51-1 to 51-n are reset. A few hundred ms later, a product selection signal is sent.
Since S ₁ to _{S o} are also erased, the signals on lines 52-1 to 52-n all become "0" and the output of inverter 66 rises to "1". This starts the operation of the timer 67. During the operating time, the output of timer 67 is still "0". Therefore, the condition of the AND circuit 65 is not satisfied, and the refund command signal RM is not generated. During this time, the control unit 48 executes collection control and subtracts the price SPi of the first sold product from the input amount K. Thereafter, the comparison calculation unit 14 and the change payout permission determination unit 18 compare the current amount K of the input amount with each set price SPi and determine whether change can be paid out (that is, the sales possibility determination regarding the second sale is executed). , memory circuits 51-1 to 51-n corresponding to the set price SPi that can be sold.
A sellable signal Vi (“1”) is stored in the store. In this way, by the time the sales availability determination results for the next sale are completed, the operating time _T1 of the timer 67 has not yet expired. Therefore, if even one of the sellable signals V ₁ to V _o is generated (becomes "1"), the output of the inverter 66 falls to "0" and the operation of the timer 67 ends prematurely. Therefore, the condition of the AND circuit 65 is still not satisfied, and the state in which continuous sales are possible is maintained.

When the second sale is made, the sales enable signal V ₁
~V _o is reset and the operation of timer 67 is restarted. Thereafter, as described above, when it is determined that the next sale is possible, the operation of the timer 67 ends midway. As long as sales are possible, the condition of the AND circuit 65 is not satisfied, and therefore no change is paid out. If any product is determined to be unsellable in the second and subsequent sellable determinations, the timer 67 is activated without any sellable signals V ₁ to V _o being generated (the output of the inverter 66 continues to be “1”). Operating time T ₁
ends. Then, the timer 67 gives "1" to the AND circuit 65, the condition of the AND circuit 65 is satisfied, and the AND circuit 65 gives a signal "1" to the OR circuit 61. As a result, OR circuit 6
The refund command signal RM output from 1 becomes "1", and the collection and money dispensing control section 48 starts the change dispensing control operation.

A characteristic feature of the above-described control for determining whether continuous sales are possible or not is that the comparison calculation unit 14 and the change dispensing determination unit 18 determine whether or not continuous sales are possible (whether or not to automatically pay out change) in conjunction with the determination of whether or not continuous sales are possible. is to be determined. Therefore, even if there is a set price SPi that is less than the current high K of the input amount, if it is impossible to pay out change equivalent to the difference, it is determined that continuous sales are not possible, and change can be automatically paid out. . For example, the minimum sales price SPi is 80
Consider the case where the price is Yen and there is also a set price of 200 Yen. Here, there is a shortage of 10 yen coins for change (EP10 is "0" and RC10 is also 1).
However, it is assumed that there is no shortage of 100 yen coins for change, and that 500 yen coins are inserted.
Since the number of 10 yen coins for change is less than 1, at least 2
"SPi=80" which requires 10 yen coins as change
Regarding "SPi=
200'', a sellable signal Vi is generated. As a result, if a product costing 200 yen is sold twice in a row, the balance K of the input money will be 100 yen, and "SPi =
200", "K≧SPi" no longer holds true. Regarding "SPi=80", "K≧SPi" holds true, but since the difference of 20 yen cannot be paid out, the sale enable signal Vi is not generated as described above. Therefore, when K=100 yen, the sales enable signal Vi is no longer generated, the condition of the AND circuit 65 is satisfied, and the balance (K=100 yen) is automatically paid out as change. If we set the condition that disables continuous sales when the input balance K becomes smaller than the minimum set price (80 yen) as in the past, if K = 100 yen, continuous sales will still be possible. Not only will it be determined that the change is possible, but the change will not be paid out automatically, and on the other hand, the sales will not be permitted due to the determination that the change cannot be paid out, causing the inconvenience that you will not be able to get the product or the change (of course, the change will be returned later). However, it is possible to issue a refund by manually operating the refund request switch). However, this invention does not have such disadvantages.

If the user desires a refund of the input amount (or remaining amount) K, the refund request switch 68 is operated. The switch 6
8 turns on, a signal "1" is given to the OR circuit 61, and the refund command signal RM becomes "1". As a result, the control unit 48 performs control to pay out money corresponding to the input amount (or remaining amount) K.

The following two examples of automatic refund control other than change payout are shown in FIG. One of them is a timer 69, and this timer 69 has an OR circuit 56.
The output of is input. This timer 69, like the timer 67, outputs "1" when the input signal continues to be "1" for a certain period of time (T ₂ ) or more. However, the operating time T ₂ of the timer 69 is much longer than the operating time T ₁ of the timer 67. That is, the time T ₂ is set to a longer time than the time during which the sellable signals V ₁ -V _o or the product selection signals S ₁ -S _o last during normal operation. Therefore, under normal conditions, the output of the OR circuit 56 falls to "0" before the operating time _T2 of the timer 69 elapses, the operation of the timer 69 ends midway, and its output is always "0". be. However, if an abnormality occurs in which the sellable signals V ₁ to V _o or the product selection signals V ₁ to V _o continue to be output, the output of the OR circuit 56 becomes “1”.
The operating time T ₂ of the timer 69 ends while the timer 69 continues, and the timer 69 gives "1" to the OR circuit 61. As a result, a refund command signal RM is given from the OR circuit 61 to the control unit 48, and the deposit is automatically returned.

Furthermore, if the sales start signal VS is given even though the sales enable signals V ₁ to _{V o} have not been generated, the condition of the AND circuit 70 is satisfied, and the OR circuit 6
1, a refund command signal RM is generated. The AND circuit 70 receives the output of a differentiating circuit 71 that differentiates the rising edge of the sales start signal VS, and the output of the NOR circuit 57. When no sellable signals V ₁ to V _o are applied to the lines 52-1 to 52-n, the output of the NOR circuit 57 becomes "1". Therefore, if the sales start signal VS is given even though the sales enable signals V ₁ to _{V o} have not been generated, the condition of the AND circuit 70 is met for a moment when the signal VS rises.
A refund command signal RM is generated. As described above, the control unit 48 stores the signal RM and enters the money dispensing mode, and also controls the money rejecting electromagnetic device 60 to set the money rejecting state. Note that when the sales start signal VS is generated during normal operation, the sales enable signals V ₁ to _{V o} are reset, but at this time, the output pulse of the differentiating circuit 71 is turned off so that the conditions of the AND circuit 70 are not satisfied. After that, the memory circuit 51-
Needless to say, it is necessary to set an appropriate time delay so that the outputs of 1 to 51-n fall to "0" to avoid any inconvenience. However, since the circuit for this purpose is not related to the gist of the present invention, illustration thereof is omitted in FIG.

It should be noted that other appropriate reset signals are applied to other inputs of the OR circuit 54 in the sellable signal storage control section 49. For example, when a signal H obtained by inverting the above signal is added and the sale possibility determination is prohibited by the signal "0", the memory circuit 51-1
to 51-n are reset. Alternatively, when the input amount K is 0, the zero signal R ₀ output from the calculating section 12 is added, and when K=0, the memory circuits 51-1 to 51-n are reset. Furthermore, the zero signal R ₀ indicating K=0 is given to various memory circuits in the vending machine (excluding at least the counting section 15 and the memory section 13), and when K=0, that is, at the end of the vending operation or on standby, these circuits are It is also well known that the memory contents are reset. Although not shown in FIG. 1, it goes without saying that the input amount (or its balance) K calculated by the input amount calculating section 12 is displayed on the amount display.

In the example of FIG. 1, the sellable signals V ₁ to V _o and the product selection signals S ₁ to _{S o} are connected to common lines 52-1 to 52.
-n, but the transmission and reception is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the transmission and reception may be performed using separate lines. In that case, the OR circuit 56 and the NOR circuit 57 receive the sellable signals V ₁ to V _o
is input, and the product selection signal S ₁ to _{S o} is input to the memory circuit 55.
Enter. Alternatively, the timer 67 may be configured to use a control signal from the control unit 48 or other parts to estimate whether the next sale possibility determination has been made, without using a timer.
Also, the comparison between each set price SPi and the input amount K is as follows.
As shown in the specification of Japanese Patent Application No. 54-133311, a two-stage comparison operation (first, a comparison with the full price SPi,
Next, the comparison with the selected single price SPi may be performed.

Note that the denomination counted by the change coin holding number counting unit 15 or the denomination detected by the change coin shortage detection means 17, that is, the denomination of the stored change coin used by the change dispensing permission determination unit 18, is the same as in the above example. Of course, there is no limit. For example, if the denominations used as change coins are 500 yen coins, 100 yen coins, 50 yen coins, and 10 yen coins, the means for counting the number of held coins and the means for detecting shortage of 1000 yen coins are unnecessary. In addition, the change dispensing possibility determination unit 18 does not need to use all the denominations of the stored change coins for the determination, and in short, it is sufficient to use denominations that can determine whether change can be disbursed for each digit of the change amount Ri. . Therefore, it is also possible to implement the present invention without taking into account the holding status of intermediate denominations such as 500 yen coins or 50 yen coins. Further, there are cases where it is not necessary to particularly determine whether or not change can be paid out for the highest denomination of money that can be used as input money. This is possible when adopting a configuration in which the input coins of the highest denomination are temporarily held in an escrow device and when it becomes necessary to pay out the coins of that denomination, the held coins are dispensed, or the input coins of the highest denomination are placed in a dedicated escrow device. This is the case when a configuration is adopted in which a storage device is automatically replenished and coins of the denomination can be dispensed from the storage device. In such a case, if it is necessary to pay out the maximum amount of money as change, the maximum amount of money can always be paid out because the inserted coin always exists, so whether or not it is possible to pay out change. There is no need to make any particular judgment. Therefore, for example,
When five types of coins, 1000 yen coin, 500 yen coin, 100 yen coin, 50 yen coin, and 10 yen coin, can be used, the change dispensing possibility determining unit 18 selects the hundred digit R1 of the change amount (difference) Ri.
It may be possible to only determine whether change can be paid out for 00i and the + digit R10i, and at that time, the number of 100 yen coins held RC is used as a signal indicating the holding status of change coins.
Even if only the signal indicating 100, the signal indicating the number of 10 yen coins held RC10, the 100 yen coin shortage detection signal EP100, and the 10 yen coin shortage detection signal EP10 are used for determination, the present invention can be carried out without any inconvenience.

As explained above, according to the present invention, the number of coins held for each denomination of change coins is counted, and based on this, it is determined whether change is necessary or sellable, so the probability of determining that change is sellable is higher than in the past. This has the advantage of increasing the usage efficiency of the vending machine.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the control system of a vending machine embodying the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the sales possibility determination method according to the invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention, and shows an example of the internal configuration of the change dispensing possibility determining section of FIG. 1. . 11...Input amount counting unit by denomination, 12...Inserted amount calculation unit, 14...Comparison calculation unit, 15...Change coin holding number counting unit, 17...Change shortage detection means, 18...Change dispensing possibility or not Judgment department. S1000
~S10...Inserted coin detection signal by denomination, RC1
000 to RC10...Number of coins held for change by denomination, OS ₁₀ to ₁₀₀₀ ...Money payout confirmation signal by denomination,
EP1000 to EP10...Change shortage detection signal by denomination, K...Input amount, SPi (SP ₁ to _{SP o} )... Sales setting price, R1000i to R10i...Each digit of planned change amount, Vi (V ₁ to V _o )...Sale ready signal, VS...Sales start signal, S1 to _{S o} ...Product selection signal, RM...Refund command signal.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. Comparison means for comparing the amount of money inserted with at least one set sales price and determining whether or not it can be sold; and calculating the difference between the amount of money inserted and the set sales price. calculation means for calculating the scheduled amount of change based on at least the output of the counting means; counting means for calculating the number of stored change coins for each denomination by adding and subtracting the input coins and the paid coins for each denomination; change dispensing possibility determining means for determining that change can be dispensed when the number of coins held or a combination of the number of coins of each denomination in possession satisfies the scheduled amount of change, and the comparing means determines that the change can be dispensed and the change dispensing possibility determining means 1. A sales possibility determination device for a vending machine, characterized in that when the means determines that change can be dispensed, sales at the sales set price are permitted. 2. The scope of claims, wherein the change dispensability determination means determines whether change can be disbursed for each digit of the scheduled change amount, and determines that change can be disbursed when all digits of the scheduled change amount can be disbursed. The vending machine determining device for determining whether or not the vending machine can be sold according to item 1. 3. A patent in which the change dispensing possibility determination means makes the determination based on the output of the money shortage detection means for detecting whether there is a predetermined number or more of the change coins for each denomination and the output of the counting means. A vending machine determining device for determining whether a product can be sold in a vending machine according to claim 1. 4. The change dispensing possibility determining means determines whether there is a shortage of change coins of the denomination corresponding to each digit of the scheduled change amount or that the value of the digit is the same as the amount of change coins of the denomination corresponding to that digit. 4. A vending machine vending machine according to claim 3, wherein the vending machine determines whether change is available or not, and determines that change can be dispensed when at least one of the digits is satisfied for all digits.