Embedded equipment

Abstract

To provide embedded equipment which, even if it is small-sized embedded equipment, does not affect a device arrangement and can reliably hold a large capacity of operation logs.SOLUTION: The present invention is directed to a coin mechanism 11 which is embedded equipment embedded into a high-order main apparatus. The coin mechanism has an EEPROM 24 for temporarily storing, on a real-time fashion, operation logs handled by the coin mechanism 11 and connected to a CPU 21 on a control substrate 20 on the control substrate 20 in the coin mechanism 11. The CPU 21 transfers the operation logs temporarily stored in the EEPROM 24 to other storage medium in the coin mechanism 11 or outside the coin mechanism 11 at a timing when a predetermined condition is matched. For example, the CPU transfers the operation logs in the EEPROM 24 to an operation log region in a flash ROM 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an embedded device that can reliably retain a large amount of operation logs without affecting the device configuration even in a small-scale embedded device.

Background Art

[0002] In a vending machine, a coin handling device (coin mech) and a bill handling device (bill validator) are mounted as embedded devices. These embedded devices may encounter malfunctions caused by currency dirt, friction, dust, etc., and have an operating life, and it is necessary to grasp the operating status at the time of a malfunction. For this reason, these embedded devices are configured to store operation logs. The operation data includes the operating time for specifying the warranty period of the embedded device, the number of coins received and dispensed for specifying the operating life, the history and frequency of failures, sensor data of received coins, and communication logs with the upper main device.

[0003] Here, in Patent Document 1, an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), which is a non-volatile memory, is mounted in an embedded device, and the operation logs in the embedded device are selectively stored.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, it is desirable that the amount of operation log information to be held in the embedded device be large. However, in small-scale and low-cost embedded devices, the available non-volatile memory is limited. Here, it is conceivable to use a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM. However, increasing the storage capacity affects the device scale of the embedded device and increases the cost.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide an embedded device that can reliably hold a large-capacity operation log without affecting the device configuration even in a small-scale embedded device.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is an embedded device incorporated in an upper host device, and is connected to a CPU on a control board in the embedded device on the control board, and temporarily stores in real time an operation log handled by the embedded device. It is provided with an EEPROM, and the CPU transfers the operation log temporarily stored in the EEPROM to another storage medium inside or outside the embedded device at a timing when a predetermined condition is met.

[0008] Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the predetermined condition is a case where a free area of the EEPROM becomes less than a predetermined value.

[0009] Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the predetermined condition is a case where the host device is in an idle state.

[0010] Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the predetermined condition is a case where a regular predetermined time has come.

[0011] Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, the other storage medium is the flash ROM of the CPU, the flash ROM is divided into a device control program area and an operation log area, and the CPU transfers the operation log temporarily stored in the EEPROM to the operation log area.

[0012] Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, the storage capacity of the EEPROM is smaller than the storage capacity of the flash ROM.

[0013] Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, when the transfer of the operation log temporarily stored in the EEPROM to the other storage medium is completed, the CPU deletes the operation log in the EEPROM.

[0014] Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, when the CPU transfers to another storage medium outside the embedded device, the operation log is attached with the identification number of the embedded device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, even a small-scale embedded device can reliably hold a large-capacity operation log without affecting the device configuration.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] <Configuration of Vending Machine> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a vending machine 1 which is a host device mounting coin mechs 11 and building valis 12 that are embedded devices. Note that the vending machine 1 is connected to a higher-level management server 100 or the like via a network or the like. The vending machine 1 is a vending machine that sells products such as canned beverages, bottled beverages, and PET bottle beverages, but may be various vending machines, for example, a cup-type vending machine.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the vending machine 1 has a vending machine main control unit 8, and a display unit 2, a product selection unit 3, a money processing unit 4, a product dispensing unit 5, a cold and hot unit 6, and a communication unit 7 are connected to the vending machine main control unit 8.

[0020] The display unit 2 displays various information such as during sales, out of change, preparation, bill suspension, and in addition, the inserted amount and information at the time of various settings. The product selection unit 3 is a product selection button and also has a function of displaying the product price and the sales status.

[0021] The money processing unit 4 has a coin mech 11, a building vali 12, and an electronic payment unit 13. The coin mech 11 sorts the number of inserted coins of various types and transmits them to the vending machine main control unit 8, and on the other hand, pays out various coins according to a command from the vending machine main control unit 8. Note that the coin mech 11 has a money identification function of identifying the authenticity and denomination of coins.

[0022] The bill validator 12 sorts the number of inserted banknotes and transmits it to the vending machine main control unit 8, and pays out banknotes according to the commands from this vending machine main control unit 8. Note that the bill validator 12 has a money identification function for identifying the authenticity and denomination of banknotes.

[0023] The electronic payment unit 13 is, for example, an electronic money reader / writer, and performs processing to read the electronic money charged on the electronic money card and write the electronic money after settlement. In addition, the electronic payment unit 13 performs a writing process to charge the change amount of electronic money to the electronic money card. The electronic payment unit 13 has an electronic money identification function for detecting the electronic money card and identifying the validity and type of the electronic money card.

[0024] The product dispensing unit 5 manages the vend solenoid and out-of-stock switch provided for each rack, and dispenses products from the rack according to the unloading command transmitted from the vending machine main control unit 8. In addition, when all the products stored in the rack have been unloaded, the product dispensing unit 5 outputs an out-of-stock signal to the vending machine main control unit 8.

[0025] The temperature control unit 6 manages the product storage in the main cabinet in a set state, cools the inside of the product storage set for cooling, and warms the inside of the product storage set for heating.

[0026] The communication unit 7 is a communication interface for communicating with an external management server 100.

[0027] The vending machine main control unit 8 performs the dispensing of products selected by the product selection unit 3, settlement processing, etc. Note that the memory 18 has sales data, setting data, and a control program.

[0028] <Configuration of Embedded Devices> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the coin mechanism 11 which is an embedded device. As shown in FIG. 2, the coin mechanism 11 has a control board 20, a coin receiving mechanism unit 31, and a coin paying-out mechanism unit 32. The control board 20 is a board having a function of controlling the entire coin mechanism 11. The coin receiving mechanism unit 31 is a mechanism unit that receives and discriminates coins. Further, the coin paying-out mechanism unit 32 is a mechanism unit that pays out coins when there is change. Note that the coin mechanism 11 pays out the coin as it is when the coin cannot be discriminated.

[0029] The control board has a CPU 21, an EEPROM 24, a coin checking and discriminating circuit 25, a device drive control circuit 26, and a sensor unit 27. The CPU 21 has a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) 22 which is a volatile memory and a flash ROM (Flash ROM) 23 which is a non-volatile memory. The CPU 21 performs various arithmetic processes based on the device control program held in the flash ROM 23. At this time, the SRAM 22 functions as a cache memory. The EEPROM 24 is a non-volatile memory that temporarily stores the operation data of the coin mechanism 11 in real time as an operation log. The storage capacity of this EEPROM 24 is smaller than the storage capacity of the flash ROM 23 and temporarily stores a certain amount of operation logs.

[0030] The device control program in the flash ROM includes a program that temporarily stores the operation data in the EEPROM 24 in real time and transfers the operation log temporarily stored in the EEPROM 24 to the flash ROM 23 at the timing when a predetermined condition is met. This predetermined condition is, for example, when the free area of the EEPROM 24 becomes less than a predetermined value. That is, it is the case where the amount obtained by adding a predetermined margin (free capacity) to the storage amount of the operation log temporarily stored in the EEPROM 24 exceeds the storage capacity of the EEPROM 24.

[0031] The coin checking and discrimination circuit 25 discriminates whether the inserted coin is genuine or not and identifies the denomination. The device drive control circuit 26 is a circuit that drives and controls the coin receiving mechanism unit 31 and the coin paying out mechanism unit 32. The sensor unit 27 detects the states of the coin receiving mechanism unit 31 and the coin paying out mechanism unit 32. The coin checking and discrimination circuit 25 or the device drive control circuit 26 operates the circuit based on this detection result.

[0032] <Storage process of operation log> Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the storage process of the operation log. As shown in Figure 3, the CPU 21 temporarily stores the operation data generated in real time in the EEPROM 24 as an operation log. This operation log is temporarily stored in the operation log temporary storage area E10. Then, when the free area of the EEPROM 24 becomes less than a predetermined value, it is collectively transferred to the operation log area E1 of the flash ROM 23, and after the transfer, the operation log in the operation log temporary storage area E10 is erased to create a free area.

[0033] Here, the flash ROM 23 basically stores the device control program, but there is also a free area. The flash ROM 23 is divided into an operation log area E1 and a device control program area E2. In the operation log area E1, the collectively transferred operation logs are sequentially stored. On the other hand, the device control program is stored in the device control program area E2. Here, some flash ROMs 23 are equipped with about 512 Kbytes even for small-scale 16-bit CPUs, and half of this, 256 Kbytes, can be utilized as the operation log area E1. This capacity of 256 Kbytes can secure a capacity 256 times that of the relatively large-capacity 8-Kbit EEPROM 24.

[0034] Therefore, the EEPROM 24 can have a smaller storage capacity than the flash ROM 23, and by sequentially storing in real time and collectively transferring, it can store the large-capacity operation logs generated in the embedded device. Moreover, since the operation log is always stored on the non-volatile memory, all the operation logs can be surely retained even if a failure occurs in which the embedded device loses power.

[0035] In addition, since the embedded device may be replaced due to lifespan renewal or failure, if the operation data is retained only on the vending machine 1 main body side, discrepancies in the operation data are likely to occur, and there is a possibility of such discrepancies in the operation data. In the present embodiment, since the operation log is retained in the embedded device, discrepancies in the operation log do not occur.

[0036] Here, since the EEPROM has a smaller erase / write block compared to the flash ROM, it is useful for storing and erasing very small data sets, and is suitable for storing and erasing small data such as 1 byte or individual words at a time. Note that since the EEPROM has a write count that is about 10 times larger than that of the flash ROM, it is suitable as a temporary storage medium assuming transfer. On the other hand, since the flash ROM generally has a longer write time compared to the EEPROM, it is not suitable for real-time operation log storage. In the present embodiment, the characteristics of the memory (flash ROM and EEPROM) are utilized to appropriately use the memory in the appropriate place.

[0037] <An example of the operation log> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the operation log of the coin mechanism 11. As shown in FIG. 4, in the coin mechanism 11, operation logs such as coin inspection data, inserted currency type data, and paid-out currency type data are generated along with a product purchase. Specifically, when a 500-yen coin is inserted for a product purchase, coin inspection data (identified as genuine 500 yen) is generated, and as a result, inserted currency type data (500 yen insertion data) is generated. Here, when a product purchaser selects and purchases a 400-yen product, the coin mechanism 11 pays out 100 yen as change, and paid-out currency type data (100 yen payout data) is generated. After that, when a 100-yen coin is inserted for a product purchase, coin inspection data (identified as genuine 100 yen) is generated, and as a result, inserted currency type data (100 yen insertion data) is generated. In this case, since there is no change, no paid-out currency type data is generated. Hereinafter, similarly, operation data at the time of product purchase is generated as an operation log, and the operation data is sequentially written as a temporary storage area E11 in the temporary storage area E10 in the operation log temporary storage area E10 of the EEPROM 24.

[0038] Here, when the free space E12 in the EEPROM 24 becomes less than a predetermined value, for example, 5%, the operation logs temporarily stored so far are collectively transferred to the operation log area E1 in the flash ROM 23 and then erased.

[0039] <Operation Log Storage Processing Procedure> FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation log storage processing procedure by the CPU 21. As shown in FIG. 5, first, the CPU 21 determines whether operation data has occurred (step S101). If the operation data has not occurred (step S101: No), this determination process is repeated. On the other hand, if the operation data has occurred (step S101: Yes), the generated operation data is written as an operation log to the EEPROM 24 (step S102).

[0040] Thereafter, the CPU 21 determines whether the free space in the EEPROM 24 is less than a predetermined value (step S103). If the free space in the EEPROM 24 is not less than the predetermined value (step S103: No), the process proceeds to step S101 and the above processing is repeated. On the other hand, if the free space in the EEPROM 24 is less than the predetermined value (step S103: Yes), the operation logs in the EEPROM 24 are collectively transferred to the operation log area E1 of the flash ROM 23 (step S104).

[0041] Thereafter, the CPU 21 determines whether the collective transfer has ended normally (step S105). If the collective transfer has not ended normally (step S105: No), this determination process is repeated. If this determination process does not end normally even after a predetermined time has passed, an error notification is sent to the vending machine main control unit 8 or the like.

[0042] On the other hand, if the collective transfer has ended normally (step S105: Yes), all the operation logs in the EEPROM 24 are erased (step S106), and the process returns to step S101 and the above processing is repeated.

[0043] In this embodiment, since only the EEPROM 24 with a small storage capacity is required, even in an embedded device with a small mounting space, all the large-capacity operation logs can be reliably stored.

[0044] <Modification Example 1> In the above embodiment, the predetermined condition for batch-transferring the operation data in the EEPROM 24 is that the free space in the EEPROM 24 is less than a predetermined value. However, in this Modification Example 1, the batch-transfer is performed on the condition that the operation of the vending machine 1 main body is in an idle state.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation log storage processing procedure by the CPU 21 in Modification Example 1. As shown in FIG. 6, after the CPU 21 writes the operation data into the EEPROM 24 as an operation log (step S202), it determines whether the operation of the vending machine 1 main body is in an idle state (step S203). When the operation of the vending machine 1 main body is in an idle state (step S203: Yes), the operation data is batch-transferred to the operation log area E1 of the flash ROM 23. Note that steps S201, S202, and S204 to S206 are the same processes as steps S101, S102, and S104 to S106.

[0046] Generally, it takes several seconds to several minutes to write to the flash ROM 23. Therefore, if an original process occurs between the CPU 21 and the vending machine main control unit 8 while the writing process is being performed, this process will be affected. Therefore, in this Modification Example 1, the writing process is performed when the vending machine 1 is in an idle state so as not to affect the original process of the vending machine 1.

[0047] <Modification Example 2> In the above embodiment, the predetermined condition for batch-transferring the operation data in the EEPROM 24 is that the free space in the EEPROM 24 is less than a predetermined value. However, in this Modification Example 2, the batch-transfer is performed on the condition that a regular predetermined time has come.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation log storage processing procedure by the CPU 21 in Modification 2. As shown in FIG. 7, after the CPU 21 writes the operation data into the EEPROM 24 as an operation log (step S302), it determines whether or not a predetermined time has arrived (step S303). If it is the predetermined time (step S303: Yes), the operation data is collectively transferred to the operation log area E1 of the flash ROM 23. Note that steps S301, S302, S304 to S306 are the same processes as steps S101, S102, S104 to S106.

[0049] In this Modification 2, at a predetermined time when the original process of the vending machine 1 does not occur, for example, at 3:00 am, the operation log is collectively transferred. Thereby, it is possible to prevent affecting the original process of the vending machine 1. Note that the predetermined time may be every day, or may be a predetermined time every three days or every seven days.

[0050] Note that the predetermined conditions in the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined with a plurality of predetermined conditions. That is, the collective transfer may be performed when any one of the predetermined conditions is met, or the collective transfer may be performed when all or some of the conditions are all met.

[0051] Also, in the above-described embodiments and modifications, the collective transfer is made from the EEPROM 24 to the flash ROM 23. However, the collective transfer may be directly made to another non-volatile memory (another storage body) inside the embedded device or another memory (another storage medium) outside the embedded device. As the other memory (another storage medium) outside the embedded device, the memory 18 in the vending machine main control unit 8 may be used, or a USB memory connected to the vending machine main control unit 8 may be used, or a storage medium in the management server 100 may be used. Further, the transfer of the operation log to the other memory (another storage medium) outside the embedded device may be performed after the collective transfer from the EEPROM 24 to the flash ROM 23 and then transferred from the flash ROM 23.

[0052] When transferring the operation logs outside the embedded device, an identification number of the embedded device is attached to each operation log. This enables identification of all the operation logs of the embedded device even when the operation logs are transferred outside the embedded device. Also, even when transferring the operation logs to another external storage medium, since the most recent operation logs are always stored in the EEPROM, all the operation logs of the embedded device can be surely obtained.

[0053] Moreover, each configuration illustrated in the above embodiments and modification examples is functionally schematic and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as illustrated. That is, the form of dispersion and integration of each device and component is not limited to that illustrated, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically dispersed and integrated in arbitrary units according to various usage situations and the like.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0054] 1 Vending machine 2 Display unit 3 Product selection unit 4 Money processing unit 5 Product dispensing unit 6 Heating and cooling unit 7 Communication unit 8 Vending machine main control unit 11 Coin mech 12 Bill validator 13 Electronic payment unit 18 Memory 20 Control board 21 CPU 22 SRAM 23 Flash ROM 24 EEPROM 25 Coin checking and discrimination circuit 26 Device drive control circuit 27 Sensor unit 31 Coin receiving mechanism unit 32 Coin dispensing mechanism unit 100 Management server E1 Operation log area E10 Operation log temporary storage area E11 Temporary storage area E12 Free Space E2 Machine Control Program Area

Claims

1. An embedded device incorporated into an upper main device, comprising an EEPROM connected to a CPU on a control board within the embedded device and temporarily storing in real time an operation log handled by the embedded device, wherein the CPU transfers the operation log temporarily stored in the EEPROM to another storage medium inside or outside the embedded device at a timing when a predetermined condition is met. The embedded device is characterized by this.

2. The embedded device according to Claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a case where a free area of the EEPROM becomes less than a predetermined value.

3. The embedded device according to Claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a case where the main device becomes an idle state.

4. The embedded device according to Claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a case where a regular predetermined time is reached.

5. The other storage medium is a flash ROM of the CPU, the flash ROM is divided into a device control program area and an operation log area, and the CPU transfers the operation log temporarily stored in the EEPROM to the operation log area. The embedded device according to Claim 1 is characterized by this.

6. The embedded device according to Claim 5, wherein a storage capacity of the EEPROM is smaller than a storage capacity of the flash ROM.

7. The embedded device according to Claim 1, wherein the CPU deletes the operation log in the EEPROM when the transfer of the operation log temporarily stored in the EEPROM to the other storage medium is completed.

8. The embedded device according to Claim 1, wherein when transferring to another storage medium outside the embedded device, an identification number of the embedded device is attached to the operation log.

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