Vending machine integration system

Abstract

The objective is to provide a vending machine-linked system that allows users to easily and quickly check the heat index of their activity environment in real time, whenever needed. [Solution] The vending machine linkage system of the present invention comprises one or more vending machines installed in a predetermined location, one or more heat index meters assigned to each of the one or more vending machines, a management server, and a user terminal, wherein the multiple heat index meters are installed in different measurement locations, one or more of the assigned heat index meters are connected to each of the vending machines in a communication manner, and the one or more vending machines and the user terminal are connected to the management server in a communication manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vending machine cooperation system that links vending machines and instruments.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, local governments and the like have attempted to introduce a vending machine cooperation system including a plurality of vending machines installed at different locations and one-coin type water immersion sensors communicably connected to each of the plurality of vending machines. In such a vending machine cooperation system, by using one-coin type water immersion sensors installed at different locations in the target area, it is possible to detect the water immersion status at each point in the target area in real time as needed and collect the information.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] In recent years, due to problems such as global warming, it has become increasingly important to appropriately take measures for heatstroke prevention. Therefore, as one means of appropriately taking measures for heatstroke prevention, it is desired to utilize a vending machine cooperation system that can easily grasp the heat index (wet-bulb globe temperature, WBGT) of the activity environment in real time.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of such points, and its object is to provide a vending machine cooperation system that can easily grasp the heat index of the activity environment in real time as needed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above problems, the vending machine linkage system of the present invention comprises one or more vending machines installed in a predetermined location, one or more heat index meters assigned to each of the one or more vending machines, a management server, and a user terminal, wherein the multiple heat index meters are installed in different measurement locations, one or more of the assigned heat index meters are connected to each of the vending machines in a communication manner, and the one or more vending machines and the user terminal are connected to the management server in a communication manner, wherein the identifiers and location information of the multiple heat index meters are registered in association with the management server storage unit of the management server, one or more of the heat index meters measure the heat index with a measurement unit at predetermined intervals and transmit it to the vending machines connected in a communication manner via a transmission unit, and each of the vending machines transmits from one or more of the heat index meters at predetermined intervals. The communication unit receives one or more transmitted heat index values, and the communication unit transmits one or more heat index datasets, each combining the identifier of the heat index meter that transmitted the one or more heat index values, to the management server. The management server receives the one or more heat index datasets transmitted from each of the vending machines at predetermined intervals using the receiving unit, and registers them in the management server storage unit using the index data registration unit. The user terminal requests the management server to obtain the most recent heat index value from the nearest heat index meter using the location information of the user terminal detected by the location information detection unit. In response to the request from the user terminal, the management server uses the index information acquisition unit to obtain the most recent heat index value from the nearest heat index meter from the management server storage unit using the location information and outputs it to the user terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, the heat index of the activity environment can be easily determined in real time whenever needed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a vending machine linkage system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2A]This is a schematic diagram showing a vending machine and a heat index meter assigned to it according to one embodiment. [Figure 2B] This is a schematic block diagram of a vending machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 3A] This is a schematic block diagram of a management server according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B] This is a schematic diagram of the tables included in the information table group of the server storage unit of a management server according to one embodiment. [Figure 4A] This is a schematic block diagram of a user terminal according to one embodiment. [Figure 4B] This is a schematic diagram of the table stored in the terminal storage unit of a secondary user group's terminal according to one embodiment. [Figure 5A] This is the "heat index display screen" of a "general-purpose heat index display system" according to one embodiment. [Figure 5B] This is a display screen for a vending machine and retail store selling heatstroke prevention beverages, representing a "general-use heat index display system" according to one embodiment. [Figure 6A] This is the login screen for the "Heat Index Display System for Primary Users" according to one embodiment. [Figure 6B] This is the "heat index display screen" of the "heat index display system for primary user groups" according to one embodiment. [Figure 7A] This is the login screen for the "heat index map system" according to one embodiment. [Figure 7B] This is the "heat index map screen" of the "heat index map system" according to one embodiment. [Figure 8A] This is the login screen for a "vending machine revenue management system" according to one embodiment. [Figure 8B] This is the "vending machine list screen" of the "vending machine revenue management system" according to one embodiment. [Figure 8C] This is the "revenue management screen" of a "vending machine revenue management system" according to one embodiment. [Figure 8D] This is the "updated revenue management screen" of the "vending machine revenue management system" according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following describes a vending machine linkage system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this specification and drawings, "vending machine" refers to an automatic vending machine.

[0009] Before describing the vending machine linkage system according to the embodiment, the purpose of constructing the vending machine linkage system according to the embodiment will be explained. Heat index meters are known as devices for understanding the heat index of human activity environments. Heat index meters are provided with the budgets of local governments and private companies for use in workplaces such as construction sites and steel mills where work is performed in hot environments, places where primary industry workers such as those in agriculture and fisheries work in hot environments, places where elementary, junior high, high school, and university students exercise in hot environments, and places where athletes of corporate-affiliated sports teams and individual athletes exercise in hot environments. As a result, the heat index is measured at the time when it is necessary to understand the heat index in these places, and this is used to make decisions regarding the continuation of work or exercise and the taking of breaks. The national government, local governments, and some private companies understand and utilize the heat index of human activity environments for research and occupational safety and health purposes, but because such understanding and utilization of the heat index is a limited initiative, it is not widely known to the public. The Ministry of the Environment operates a system that provides users with predicted heat index values ​​for 840 locations nationwide via social media the day before. However, despite these efforts, the number of heatstroke cases and deaths caused by heatstroke has not decreased in recent years. One way to reduce the number of heatstroke cases and deaths caused by heatstroke would be to build a system with a nationwide network of heat index observation points using heat index meters, allowing each citizen to easily and quickly grasp the heat index of their activity environment in real time as needed. This would lead to the prevention of heatstroke and a reduction in the number of deaths caused by heatstroke. On the other hand, it is difficult for the national government, local governments, and private companies to build a system that can comprehensively observe the heat index over a wide area by observing the heat index at more observation points than the prediction points of the Ministry of the Environment's system, using their own budgets, and to widely disseminate the observation data. For these reasons, there is no system that provides a service that leads to "behavioral change" among citizens, which would enable the prevention of heatstroke and a reduction in the number of deaths caused by heatstroke.

[0010] The vending machine linkage system according to this embodiment is constructed for the purpose of providing such services. In the vending machine linkage system according to this embodiment, a large number of heat index meters are installed comprehensively in a wide area across the country, and in order to clarify the manager of the heat index meter, they are installed in a manner that links with a large number of vending machines installed in a wide area across the country. The heat index data measured by these heat index meters is transmitted to a management server via the communication equipment of the vending machines and stored on the management server. The heat index data stored on the management server is then provided to people who need it. In addition, by providing the heat index data to secondary users such as weather information companies for a fee, secondary users can process the heat index data as needed and widely use it for raising awareness about heatstroke prevention through mass media, etc. Furthermore, the vending machine linkage system according to this embodiment aims to cover all costs related to the system, including the cost of equipment such as heat index meters used in the vending machine linkage system, the cost of equipment installation, the cost of construction and maintenance of the system, and the cost of operating the system, with the revenue of the vending machines linked with the heat index meters.

[0011] [Configuration of a vending machine linkage system according to one embodiment] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a vending machine linkage system according to one embodiment. Figure 2A is a schematic diagram showing a vending machine and a heat index meter assigned to it according to one embodiment, and Figure 2B is a schematic block diagram of the vending machine according to one embodiment. Figure 3A is a schematic block diagram of the management server according to one embodiment. Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of the tables included in the information table group of the server storage unit of the management server according to one embodiment. Figure 4A is a schematic block diagram of a user terminal according to one embodiment, and Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the tables stored in the terminal storage unit of a secondary user group user terminal according to one embodiment.

[0012] (Overall structure) As shown in FIG. 1, a vending machine cooperation system S according to an embodiment includes a plurality of vending machines (one or more vending machines) v, a plurality of heat index meters w respectively assigned one or more to each of these plurality of vending machines v, a management server r, a plurality of user terminals t, and an administrator terminal (laptop personal computer) ct. The plurality of vending machines v includes at least five vending machines v respectively installed at the premises of the First Municipal Middle School in City A, the bustling street in front of City A Station, and the City A Children's Park, as well as the C Steel D Factory (steel mill) and the E Construction F Site (predetermined location) which are business premises in a hot environment. The plurality of vending machines are installed at predetermined locations across the country. Each vending machine v is communicably connected to the management server r.

[0013] For the vending machine v installed at the premises of the First Municipal Middle School in City A (a vending machine provided to a primary group user and installed at a predetermined location used by the primary group user), two heat index meters w respectively installed at the school ground and the gymnasium (measurement locations) of the middle school and communicably connected to the vending machine v are assigned. For the vending machine v installed at the bustling street in front of City A Station, one heat index meter w installed at the entrance of the bustling street (measurement location) and communicably connected to the vending machine v is assigned. For the vending machine v installed at the City A Children's Park, one heat index meter w installed at the park site (measurement location) and communicably connected to the vending machine v is assigned. For the vending machine v installed at the C Steel D Factory, two heat index meters w respectively installed at the factory building and the adjacent green space of the factory (measurement locations) and communicably connected to the vending machine v are assigned. For the vending machine v installed at the E Construction F Site, one heat index meter w installed at the entrance of the site (measurement location) and communicably connected to the vending machine v is assigned. All the heat index meters w including these heat index meters w are installed at different measurement locations.

[0014] A plurality of user terminals t include at least a smartphone (general user terminal) t0 used by citizens (general users) in City A, a tablet (primary user group terminal) t1 used by teachers or students (primary user group users) in the First Middle School of City A, a smartphone (primary user group terminal) t1 used by employees (primary user group users) in Factory D of C Steel, a notebook computer (secondary user group terminal) t2 used by employees (secondary user group users) in the City Hall of City A, a notebook computer (secondary user group terminal) t2 used by employees (secondary user group users) in the Fire Department of City A, and a desktop computer (secondary user group terminal) t2 used by employees (secondary user group users) in Company G of the weather information company. Each user terminal t and the administrator terminal ct are communicably connected to the management server r.

[0015] (Configuration of Vending Machine) As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, each vending machine v includes a vending machine control unit vc, a first communication unit v1, and a second communication unit v2. The first communication unit v1 enables communication with the heat index meter w assigned to the vending machine v. The first communication unit v1 is a communication device such as a Wi-Fi device, for example. The second communication unit v2 connects to the network N (such as the Internet, etc.) by using the IP address assigned to the second communication unit v2 and enables communication with the management server r. The second communication unit v2 is a communication device such as a Wi-Fi device, for example. The vending machine control unit vc includes a conversion processing unit vp and a sales information acquisition unit vg. The vending machine control unit vc, the first communication unit v1, and the second communication unit v2 are composed of a memory (ROM, RAM, etc.), a CPU, an HDD, an SDD, a communication IF, and the like.

[0016] (Configuration of Heat Index Meter) Each heat index meter w, as shown in Figure 2A, includes a measurement unit wm for measuring the heat index, a heat index meter control unit wc, a heat index meter communication unit ws, and a time switch wt. The heat index meter control unit wc acquires the heat index measured by the measurement unit wm and also acquires the heat index acquisition date and time as the heat index measurement date and time (yyyy / mm / dd hh:mm). The heat index meter communication unit ws is a communication device that enables communication between the heat index meter w and the vending machine v to which it is assigned by using the IP address assigned to the heat index meter communication unit ws. The time switch wt sets the annual activation period of the heat index meter w to the period with a high risk of heatstroke (for example, May 1st to October 31st). As a result, the heat index meter w is activated only during periods of high heatstroke risk (activation period), and the heat index meter control unit wc acquires the heat index and the date and time of heat index acquisition, and the heat index meter communication unit ws transmits the heat index and measurement date and time to the vending machine v, as controlled by the time switch wt. In addition, the heat index meter w is controlled by the heat index meter control unit wc to acquire the heat index and the measurement date and time of the heat index every 10 minutes (predetermined time) or every minute (predetermined time) during the time period from 0:00 to 24:00, and the heat index meter communication unit ws transmits the heat index and measurement date and time to the vending machine v. The measurement unit wm consists of a dry-bulb thermometer, a wet-bulb thermometer, and a black globe thermometer, etc. The heat index meter control unit wc, the heat index meter communication unit ws, and the time switch wt consist of memory (ROM, RAM, etc.), CPU, HDD, SSD, and communication interface, etc. Each heat index meter w may be one that is built into the vending machine v to which it is assigned.

[0017] (Management server configuration) As shown in Figure 3A, the management server r comprises a server communication unit rs, a server processing unit rc, and a server storage unit rm. The server communication unit rs connects to the network N (e.g., the Internet) using the IP address assigned to it, enabling communication between each vending machine v and each user terminal t and administrator terminal ct.

[0018] The server processing unit rc includes an index data registration unit c1, an area index data acquisition unit c2, a sales processing unit c3, an implementation cost registration unit c4, a general-purpose system processing unit c5, a primary user organization system processing unit c6, a map system processing unit c7, and a revenue management system processing unit c8. The general-purpose system processing unit c5 includes an index display screen generation unit 53, which includes an index information acquisition unit 51 and a screen generation unit 52, and a beverage sales location display screen generation unit 54. The primary user organization system processing unit c6 includes a login screen generation unit 61 and an index display screen generation unit 62. The map system processing unit c7 includes a login screen generation unit 71 and a map screen generation unit 72. The revenue management system processing unit c8 includes a login screen generation unit 81, a list screen generation unit 82, a management screen generation unit 83, an operation cost registration unit 84, a profit calculation unit 85, and a management screen update unit 87, which includes a screen update unit 86.

[0019] As shown in Figure 3B, the server storage unit rm has an information table group mt that stores information used in the vending machine linkage system S, and an advertising data storage unit ma that stores advertising data used in the vending machine linkage system S. The information table group mt includes a vending machine table, a heat index meter table, a heat index table, a primary user group table, a secondary user group table, an administrator table, a vending machine sales table, a revenue management table, and a retail store table. The vending machine table has columns for each vending machine record, including the vending machine ID, vending machine installation location, vending machine location information, vending machine position information (for example, information representing the vending machine's location in latitude and longitude), vending machine product information (information on heatstroke prevention products such as heatstroke prevention beverages that can be purchased from the vending machine), and an administrator user ID. The vending machine table has pre-registered vending machine records for each of multiple vending machines. The heat index meter table has columns for each heat index meter record, including the heat index meter ID (identifier), vending machine ID (the vending machine ID of the vending machine to which the heat index meter is assigned), the heat index meter installation location, heat index meter location information, and heat index meter position information (for example, information representing the heat index meter's location in latitude and longitude). The heat index meter table has pre-registered heat index meter records for each of multiple heat index meters. The heat index table has columns for each heat index record, including the heat index meter ID of the heat index meter that measured the heat index, the heat index for every 10 minutes (predetermined time), and the measurement date and time (yyyy / mm / dd hh:mm). The heat index table may also have columns for each heat index record, including the heat index meter ID, the heat index for every minute (predetermined time), and the measurement date and time. The primary user group table has columns for each primary user group record, including the primary user group user ID, primary user group user name, and vending machine ID (the vending machine ID of the vending machine provided to the primary user group user and installed at a designated location used by the primary user group user). The primary user group table has pre-registered primary user group records for each primary user group user as described above.The secondary user group table has columns for each secondary user group record, including the secondary user group user ID, secondary user group user name, target area, data reception contract, and secondary user group user terminal identification address (e.g., MAC address, IP address, etc.) of the secondary user group user. The secondary user group table has pre-registered secondary user group records for each secondary user group user as described above. The administrator table has columns for each administrator user, including the administrator user ID and administrator user name. The administrator table has pre-registered administrator records for each administrator user. The vending machine sales table has columns for each vending machine sales record, including the vending machine ID, sales revenue, cost of goods sold, and sales date (yyyy / mm / dd) for each vending machine sales record (for a specified period). The revenue management table has columns for each revenue management record, including the vending machine ID, installation cost, sales revenue, cost of goods sold, operating expenses, and operating profit for each operating year (for the entire operating year or from the beginning to partway through the operating year), as well as cumulative operating profit. The store table has columns for each store record, including store ID, store name, store location information, store location information (for example, information representing the store's location in latitude and longitude), and store product information (information on heatstroke prevention products such as heatstroke prevention beverages that can be purchased at the store). The advertising data storage unit ma stores data such as images of advertisements linked to vending machine product information, as well as data such as images of advertisements linked to store IDs, store product information, and combinations of store IDs and store product information.

[0020] Here, "installation costs" refer to all costs necessary for the installation of each vending machine and one or more heat index meters assigned to each vending machine in the vending machine linkage system S. Specifically, installation costs include, for example, all costs necessary for A City First Junior High School to install a vending machine in its school building and to install two heat index meters connected to the vending machine in communication with the vending machine, respectively, on the school grounds and in the gymnasium. Furthermore, "operating costs" refer to all costs necessary for the operation of each vending machine and one or more heat index meters assigned to each vending machine in the vending machine linkage system S during the operating year (the entire operating year or the period from the beginning to partway through the operating year), excluding the cost of goods sold for products sold in the vending machine, and include, for example, sales and administrative costs such as electricity costs for the vending machine and heat index meters.

[0021] The management server r is an information processing device such as a desktop computer, and consists of the computer body, output devices such as a monitor, and input devices such as a keyboard. The computer body consists of memory (ROM, RAM, etc.), CPU, HDD, SSD, and communication interface, etc.

[0022] (Configuration of user terminals and administrator terminals) Each user terminal t, as shown in Figure 4A, comprises a terminal communication unit tn, a terminal processing unit tc, a terminal storage unit tm where software such as a web browser, a free vending machine linkage system application, and a map application is stored, and a GPS (Global Positioning System) tg. The terminal processing unit tc includes, for example, a processing execution unit te that executes predetermined processing using the software in the terminal storage unit tm, and a location information detection unit tp that detects the terminal's location information (for example, information representing the terminal's location in latitude and longitude) detected by the GPS. Since weather information company G has a contract to receive heat index data, the terminal storage unit tm of the secondary user terminal t2 used by G's employees (secondary user group users) stores heat index registration software and stores the area heat index table shown in Figure 4B. The area heat index table has columns for each area heat index record: heat index meter ID, heat index meter location information, target area, heat index, and measurement date and time (yyyy / mm / dd hh:mm). The web browser of the terminal storage unit tm is configured so that the website being accessed can use the terminal's location information detected by the location information detection unit tp of the terminal processing unit tc. Each user terminal t consists of a computer main unit, output devices such as a monitor, input devices such as a touch panel, keyboard, mouse, and GPS. The computer main unit consists of memory (ROM, RAM, etc.), CPU, HDD, SSD, and communication interface, etc. The administrator terminal ct has the same configuration as the user terminals t.

[0023] [Operation of a vending machine linkage system according to one embodiment] The following describes the operation of the vending machine linkage system S according to one embodiment of the above configuration. First, we will explain the coordinated operation of the heat index meter w, vending machine v, and management server r for registering heat index data, the coordinated operation of the vending machine v and management server r for processing vending machine sales revenue, and the coordinated operation of the administrator terminal ct and management server r for registering installation costs. Next, we will explain the operation of the system when each user terminal t uses the system, and the operation of the system when the administrator terminal ct uses the system.

[0024] (Coordinated operation of heat index meter, vending machine, and management server for registering heat index data) After the vending machine linkage system S is put into operation, one or more heat index meters w assigned to each vending machine v will be activated only during periods of high heatstroke risk throughout the year (for example, from May 1st to October 31st). The heat index meter control unit wc will acquire the heat index and the date and time of measurement (yyyy / mm / dd hh:mm) measured by the measurement unit wm every 10 minutes (predetermined time) during the period from 0:00 to 24:00, and the heat index meter communication unit (transmitter) ws will transmit the heat index and the date and time of measurement to the vending machine v which is connected to the system.

[0025] Each vending machine v receives, at every 10-minute interval, one or more heat index values ​​and measurement dates and times transmitted from one or more heat index meters w, linked to the IP address of the transmitting heat index meter w, via the first communication unit v1. The conversion processing unit vp of the vending machine control unit vc converts the IP address of the transmitting heat index meter w into the heat index meter ID of the transmitting heat index meter w. As a result, each vending machine v obtains one or more heat index datasets (heat index meter ID, heat index, and measurement date and time) at every 10-minute interval, combining one or more heat index values ​​and measurement dates and times transmitted from one or more assigned heat index meters w, with the heat index meter ID (identifier) ​​of the transmitting heat index meter w. Then, each vending machine v transmits the one or more heat index datasets via the second communication unit v2 to the management server r at every 10-minute interval.

[0026] Every 10 minutes (a predetermined time), the management server r receives one or more heat index data sets (heat index meter ID, heat index, and measurement date and time) transmitted from each vending machine v using the server communication unit (receiving unit) rs, and the index data registration unit c1 of the server processing unit rc registers them as new heat index records in the heat index table of the server storage unit rm.

[0027] Furthermore, the coordinated operation of the heat index meter, vending machine, and management server for registering heat index data as described above may be performed for the entire year, not just during periods of high heatstroke risk, by setting the operating period of the heat index meter w to the entire year (January 1st to December 31st) in the time switch wt of each heat index meter w. In this case, the heat index for the entire year can be displayed to the user when using the system on each user terminal, as described later. On the other hand, if the coordinated operation is performed only during periods of high heatstroke risk, as described above, the heat index for periods of high heatstroke risk can be displayed to the user when using the system on each user terminal, as described later, and the power consumption of the heat index meter w can be reduced. Furthermore, the coordinated operation of the heat index meter, vending machine, and management server for registering heat index data as described above may be modified so that each heat index meter w acquires and transmits the heat index and the date and time of measurement of the heat index every minute (a predetermined time) instead of every 10 minutes as described above. In this case, the real-time nature of the heat index displayed to the user can be improved when the system is used by each user terminal, as described later. On the other hand, the operation in which each heat index meter w acquires and transmits the heat index and the date and time of measurement of the heat index every 10 minutes as described above can reduce the power consumption of the heat index meter w. If the power consumption of the heat index meter w can be reduced, the battery life can be extended when a battery is used as the power source for the heat index meter w.

[0028] Furthermore, the management server r, only during periods of high heatstroke risk throughout the year (for example, from May 1st to October 31st), receives one or more heat index datasets transmitted from each vending machine v at 10-minute intervals (predetermined time) via the server communication unit rs. At the time of this, the area index data acquisition unit c2 of the server processing unit rc selects a secondary user organization record in the secondary user organization table of the server storage unit rm that has a data reception contract (for example, a secondary user organization record with secondary user organization user ID "wic_g"). The area index data acquisition unit c2 then selects a heat index dataset from among the one or more heat index datasets transmitted from each vending machine v whose location, represented by the heat index meter location information of the heat index meter record associated with the heat index meter ID of the heat index dataset, is located within the target area of ​​the selected secondary user organization record (for example, "nationwide"). Furthermore, the area index data acquisition unit c2 transmits the selected heat index dataset, along with the heat index meter location information and the target area associated with the heat index meter ID of the selected heat index dataset, to the secondary user terminal t2 (for example, a desktop computer used by an employee of Company G) identified by the secondary user terminal identification address of the selected secondary user group record. In response, the secondary user terminal t2(t) receives the heat index dataset (heat index meter ID, heat index, and measurement date and time), heat index meter location information, and target area transmitted from the management server r every 10 minutes using the terminal communication unit tn, and registers them as new area heat index records in the area heat index table of the terminal storage unit tm using the heat index registration software in the processing execution unit te of the terminal processing unit tc. As described above, a secondary user of a secondary user organization using the secondary user terminal t2 (for example, an employee of weather information company G) can acquire and reuse the location information and heat index data of the heat index meter w for the target area (for example, "nationwide") every 10 minutes (predetermined time). The provider of the vending machine linkage system S can, for example, request payment from the secondary user of the secondary user organization for the reuse of the data based on a contract or the like.Furthermore, the above-described coordinated operation between the management server and secondary user terminals may also be performed over the entire year, not just during periods of high heatstroke risk, by setting the activation period of each heat index meter w to the entire year in the time switch wt of each heat index meter w. In addition, the above-described coordinated operation between the management server and secondary user terminals may also be performed by the management server r selecting a heat index data set for transmission and sending it to the secondary user terminal t2 at the timing when the server communication unit rs receives one or more heat index data sets transmitted from each vending machine v every minute (predetermined time) instead of every 10 minutes (predetermined time) as described above.

[0029] (Coordination between vending machines and management servers for processing vending machine sales revenue) After the vending machine linkage system S is put into operation, each vending machine v acquires the sales quantity (sales information) for each product sold by the vending machine control unit vc, along with the sales date, every day (a predetermined period), via the sales information acquisition unit vg of the vending machine control unit vc, and transmits the sales quantity and sales date for each product to the management server r via the second communication unit v2. Every day, the management server r receives the sales quantity and sales date for each product transmitted from each vending machine v, linked to the IP address of the vending machine v that sent it, via the server communication unit (receiving unit) rs, and the sales processing unit c3 of the server processing unit rc acquires the sales revenue and cost of goods sold for the vending machine v that sent it, based on the sales quantity for each product. At this time, the sales revenue and cost of goods sold are calculated using the sales price and cost per unit for each product, which are stored in advance in the sales processing unit c3, along with the sales quantity for each product. Furthermore, the sales processing unit c3 converts the IP address of the source vending machine v into the vending machine ID of the source vending machine v, and then links the sales revenue, cost of goods sold, and sales date of the source vending machine v to the vending machine ID (identifier) ​​of the source vending machine v and registers them as a new vending machine sales record in the vending machine sales table of the server storage unit rm. The sales information is not particularly limited as long as it allows the server processing unit rc to calculate the sales revenue and cost of goods sold of the source vending machine v for a predetermined period, and may be the sales quantity for each product of the vending machine v for the predetermined period, or the sales revenue for each product of the vending machine v for the predetermined period.

[0030] (Coordination between administrator terminal and management server for registration of implementation costs) For example, before the vending machine linkage system S goes into operation, the administrator uses a notebook computer (administrator terminal) ct to execute a process in which the terminal processing unit tc's processing execution unit te requests the management server r to pre-register the installation costs of each vending machine v and the one or more heat index meters w assigned to that vending machine v. In response to such a request, the management server r uses the installation cost registration unit c4 of the server processing unit rc to pre-register the installation costs of each vending machine v and the one or more heat index meters w assigned to that vending machine v as new revenue management records in the revenue management table of the server storage unit rm, linking them to the vending machine ID (identifier) ​​of that vending machine v.

[0031] (Operation when using the system via a general user terminal) After the vending machine linkage system S is put into operation, citizens (general users) of City A will use their smartphones (general user terminals) t0(t) to access the "General Heat Index Display System" provided by the general system processing unit c5 of the server processing unit rc of the management server r, during periods of high heatstroke risk throughout the year (for example, from May 1st to October 31st). The operation of the system in this case will be explained in detail below.

[0032] First, a citizen of City A uses a smartphone t0, and the processing execution unit te of the terminal processing unit tc executes a process to request the management server r to display the "heat index display screen" of the "general-use heat index display system" using, for example, a web browser or free application (hereinafter referred to as "web browser, etc."). At this time, the processing execution unit te of the terminal processing unit tc uses the location information of the smartphone t0 detected by the location information detection unit tp of the terminal processing unit tc to obtain the most recent heat index from the heat index meter closest to the smartphone t0, and requests the management server r to display the "heat index display screen". In response to this request, the management server r generates the "heat index display screen" shown in Figure 5A using the index display screen generation unit 53 of the general-use system processing unit c5 of the server processing unit rc, and displays it on the web browser, etc. of the smartphone t0.

[0033] In this process, the index information acquisition unit 51 of the index display screen generation unit 53 first uses the location information of the smartphone t0 to obtain the most recent heat index and the location of the nearest heat index meter from the server storage unit rm. Specifically, in the heat index meter table of the server storage unit rm, it selects a heat index meter record that contains heat index meter location information representing the location closest to the location represented by the location information of the smartphone t0, obtains the heat index meter ID (for example, "vm03_wgbt1") and the heat index meter location (for example, "A City Children's Park Grounds") of the selected heat index meter record, and then sets this heat index meter location as the location of the nearest heat index meter. Furthermore, in the heat index table of the server storage unit rm, a heat index record with the most recent measurement date and time (for example, "2024 / 10 / 16 12:10") is selected from among the heat index records associated with the heat index meter ID, and the heat index of the selected heat index record (for example, "31℃") is obtained as the most recent heat index of the nearest heat index meter. Next, the screen generation unit 52 of the index display screen generation unit 53 generates a "heat index display screen" as shown in Figure 5A, in which the most recent heat index of the nearest heat index meter (for example, "31℃") is displayed as the current heat index of the nearest heat index meter, and the installation location of the nearest heat index meter (for example, "A City Children's Park Grounds") is also displayed, and this screen is displayed on the web browser of the smartphone t0 (output to the user terminal). In this case, the screen generation unit 52 may, as shown in Figure 5A, display a warning message such as "Caution: Heatstroke" or a "Precautions" message on the screen if the current heat index of the nearest heat index meter is above a threshold (e.g., 31°C). It may also display a button for "Display of vending machines and stores selling heatstroke prevention beverages" on the screen. In this case, the button may only be displayed on the screen if the current heat index of the nearest heat index meter is above a threshold (e.g., 31°C). It may also display information related to heatstroke and health, such as "Check dehydration status and fluid intake guidelines based on urine color" and "Checklist of today's health status," on the screen.Furthermore, buttons such as "Hydration Tips," "Dietary Tips," and "Sleep Tips" may be displayed on the screen, allowing users to transition to screens explaining key points regarding hydration, diet, and sleep for heatstroke prevention and health maintenance, respectively.

[0034] Depending on the circumstances, a citizen of City A may press the "Display of Vending Machines and Stores for Heatstroke Prevention Drinks" button on the "Heat Index Display Screen" to request the management server r to transition the display screen of a web browser or similar device to the "Display Screen for Vending Machines and Stores for Heatstroke Prevention Drinks." In response to such a request, the management server r uses the beverage sales location display screen generation unit 54 of the general-purpose system processing unit c5 to generate the "Display Screen for Vending Machines and Stores for Heatstroke Prevention Drinks" shown in Figure 5B, and transitions the display screen of a web browser or similar device to the generated screen.

[0035] In this process, the beverage sales location display screen generation unit 54 first selects a vending machine record from the vending machine table in the server storage unit rm that contains vending machine location information representing the location closest to the location represented by the location information of the A city citizen's smartphone t0, and obtains the vending machine ID (e.g., "vm03"), vending machine installation location (e.g., "A city children's park"), vending machine location information, and vending machine product information (e.g., "Pocari Sweat®, Ion Water®") from the selected vending machine record. Furthermore, the beverage sales location display screen generation unit 54 selects a store record from the store table in the server storage unit rm that contains store location information representing the location closest to the location represented by the A city citizen's smartphone t0, and obtains the store ID (e.g., "rs03"), store name (e.g., "XYZ Convenience Store A city branch"), store location information, and store product information (e.g., "Pocari Sweat, Ion Water, Salt Candy") from the selected store record. Next, the beverage sales location display screen generation unit 54 uses a map application to generate a "display screen for vending machines and stores selling heatstroke prevention beverages," as shown in Figure 5B. This screen displays the location represented by the smartphone t0's location information, the location represented by the acquired vending machine location information, and the location represented by the acquired store location information as the current location, the location of the nearest vending machine, and the location of the nearest store, respectively. Below the locations of the nearest vending machine and the nearest store, a map is displayed showing the acquired vending machine location (e.g., "A City Children's Park") and the store name (e.g., "XYZ Convenience Store A City Branch"), respectively. The web browser or other display screen is then transitioned to this generated screen.

[0036] In addition, the beverage sales location display screen generation unit 54 may, based on the acquired vending machine product information, acquire data such as images of advertisements for heatstroke prevention products (for example, Pocari Sweat (manufactured by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) and Pocari Sweat Ion Water (manufactured by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.)) available for purchase at the nearest vending machine from the advertisement data storage unit ma of the server storage unit rm, and display the advertisements for those products on the screen. In this case, the beverage sales location display screen generation unit 54 may switch and display the advertised products according to the magnitude of the current heat index value of the nearest heat index meter (for example, the stages of "less than 21℃", "21℃ or more and less than 25℃", "25℃ or more and less than 28℃", "28℃ or more and less than 31℃", and "31℃ or more"). Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram, the beverage sales location display screen generation unit 54 may, based on the acquired sales store ID and sales store product information, retrieve data such as images of advertisements from the nearest sales store from the advertisement data storage unit ma of the server storage unit rm, and display the advertisement of that sales store on the screen. The advertisement of that sales store may include, for example, announcements of campaigns such as product discounts in collaboration with the nearest sales store and the manufacturers of heatstroke prevention products such as heatstroke prevention beverages that can be purchased at that sales store (for example, Pocari Sweat (manufactured by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), Pocari Sweat Ion Water (manufactured by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), and salt candy, etc.). When product advertisements and sales store advertisements are displayed together on the screen as described above, the advertisements may be treated as paid advertisements, and advertising fees may be collected from the advertisers (product manufacturers and sales stores).

[0037] With the operation of the system described above, ordinary users, such as citizens of City A, can be assigned to multiple vending machines v installed in different designated locations and can find out the current heat index of the nearest heat index meter w, which is installed in different measurement locations. Therefore, ordinary users can easily grasp the heat index of their surroundings (activity environment) in real time whenever needed. Thus, they can take appropriate measures to prevent heatstroke and maintain their health. Furthermore, ordinary users can quickly find out the location of nearby vending machines where they can purchase beverages and other products useful for effectively replenishing fluids and salts to prevent heatstroke, as well as the locations of stores such as convenience stores, supermarkets, and drugstores. Thus, they can quickly take measures to prevent heatstroke.

[0038] (System operation when used by primary user group user terminals) Teachers or students (primary user groups) of A City First Junior High School will use the "Heat Index Display System for Primary User Groups" provided by the primary user group system processing unit c6 of the server processing unit rc of the management server r, using a tablet (primary user group terminal) t1(t) during periods of high heatstroke risk throughout the year (for example, from May 1st to October 31st) after the vending machine linkage system S has been put into operation. The operation of the system in this case will be explained in detail below.

[0039] First, a teacher or student uses tablet t1 and the processing execution unit te of the terminal processing unit tc executes a process to request the management server r to display the "login screen" of the "Heat Index Display System for Primary Users" using, for example, a web browser or free application (hereinafter referred to as "web browser, etc."). In response to such a request, the management server r generates the "login screen" shown in Figure 6A using the login screen generation unit 61 of the system processing unit c6 for primary users and displays it on the web browser, etc. of tablet t1.

[0040] Next, the teacher or student enters the primary user group user ID ("sc_a1"), which has been previously notified to the teacher or student, into the "Primary User Group User ID" text box on the "Login Screen" and clicks the "Login" button, thereby executing a process that requests the management server r to transition the display screen of the web browser or other device to the "Heat Index Display Screen". In response to this request, the management server r generates the "Heat Index Display Screen" shown in Figure 6B using the index display screen generation unit 62 of the primary user group system processing unit c6, and transitions the display screen of the web browser or other device to the generated screen.

[0041] In this process, the index display screen generation unit 62 first obtains the vending machine ID ("vm01") of the primary user record associated with the primary user user ID ("sc_a1") entered in the text box above from the primary user group table of the server storage unit rm. Then, from the heat index meter table of the server storage unit rm, it selects two heat index meter records containing the obtained vending machine ID, and obtains the heat index meter IDs ("vm01_wgbt1" and "vm01_wgbt2") and heat index meter installation locations ("A City First Junior High School Ground" and "A City First Junior High School Gymnasium") of the two selected heat index meter records. Furthermore, in the heat index table of the server storage unit rm, the heat index record with the most recent measurement date and time (for example, "2024 / 10 / 16 12:10") is selected from the heat index records associated with the two acquired heat index meter IDs, and the heat indices of the two selected heat index records ("31℃" and "29℃") are obtained as the most recent heat indices for the two locations where the heat index meter was installed ("A City 1st Junior High School Ground" and "A City 1st Junior High School Gymnasium"). Next, the index display screen generation unit 62 generates a "heat index display screen" as shown in Figure 6B, which displays the current (most recent) heat index ("31°C" and "29°C") for the two heat index meter installation locations ("A City First Junior High School Ground" and "A City First Junior High School Gymnasium"), along with the vending machine installation location ("A City First Junior High School Building") associated with the vending machine ID ("vm01") of the primary user group record, and displays this screen on the tablet t1's web browser or the like. At this time, as shown in Figure 6B, text, information, and buttons may also be displayed on the screen together, similar to Figure 5A.

[0042] With the system operating as described above, primary users such as teachers or students of A City First Junior High School can know the current heat index of one or more heat index meters installed at measurement locations used by the primary users (for example, multiple different locations such as "A City First Junior High School grounds" and "A City First Junior High School gymnasium"). Therefore, primary users can easily grasp the heat index of the location (activity environment) they are using in real time, whenever necessary. Thus, they can take appropriate measures to prevent heatstroke and maintain health depending on the location of use.

[0043] (System operation when used by secondary user group terminals) An employee of City A (a secondary user group) will use a notebook computer (secondary user group terminal) t2(t) to access the "heat index map system" provided by the map system processing unit c7 of the server processing unit rc of the management server r, during periods of high heatstroke risk throughout the year (for example, from May 1st to October 31st), after the vending machine linkage system S has been put into operation. The operation of the system in this case will be explained in detail below.

[0044] First, an employee of City A uses a notebook computer t2 and the processing execution unit te of the terminal processing unit tc executes a process to request the management server r to display the "login screen" of the "heat index map system" using, for example, a web browser or free application (hereinafter referred to as "web browser, etc."). In response to this request, the management server r generates the "login screen" shown in Figure 7A using the login screen generation unit 71 of the map system processing unit c7 and displays it on the web browser, etc. of the notebook computer t2.

[0045] Next, an employee of City A enters the secondary user ID ("city_a"), which has been previously notified to the employee of City A, into the "Secondary User ID" text box on the "Login screen" and clicks the "Login" button, thereby executing a process that requests the management server r to transition the display screen of the web browser, etc., to the "Heat Index Map screen". In response to this request, the management server r generates the "Heat Index Map screen" shown in Figure 7B using the map screen generation unit 72 of the map system processing unit c7, and transitions the display screen of the web browser, etc., to the generated screen.

[0046] In this process, the map screen generation unit 72 first retrieves the target area ("City A") of the secondary user record associated with the secondary user user ID ("city_a") entered in the text box above from the secondary user group table of the server storage unit rm. Then, from the heat index meter table of the server storage unit rm, it selects one or more heat index meter records containing heat index meter location information representing a location included in the retrieved target area, and retrieves the heat index meter ID and heat index meter location information of the one or more selected heat index meter records. Subsequently, the map screen generation unit 72 uses each of the selected heat index meter IDs of the one or more selected heat index meter records to select the heat index record with the most recent measurement date and time (for example, "2024 / 10 / 16 12:10") from the heat index records associated with that heat index meter ID in the heat index table of the server storage unit rm, and retrieves the heat index of the selected heat index record as the most recent heat index of the heat index meter. This process acquires heat index map data, including the location information and most recent heat index of one or more heat index meters installed at locations within the target area ("City A"). Next, the map screen generation unit 72 uses the map application and heat index map data to generate a "heat index map screen," as shown in Figure 7B. Based on the location information and most recent heat index of one or more heat index meters included in the heat index map data, the unit generates a map displaying the locations of one or more heat index meters installed at locations within the target area ("City A") using dots in a pattern corresponding to the magnitude of the most recent heat index value of each heat index meter ("less than 21°C", "21°C or more and less than 25°C", "25°C or more and less than 28°C", "28°C or more and less than 31°C", and "31°C or more"). The display screen of a web browser or similar device is then transitioned to this generated screen. Employees of City A can easily grasp the heat index at each location (activity environment) in the target area ("City A") in real time by referring to the "heat index map screen," and for example, they can use City A's disaster prevention speakers to easily notify residents of the target area ("City A") of the heat index for each location in real time.

[0047] With the system operating as described above, secondary users such as employees of City A can see the current heat index of all heat index meters located within their jurisdictional area, even though multiple heat index meters are installed at different measurement locations. Therefore, secondary users can easily grasp the heat index of each location (activity environment) within their jurisdictional area in real time, whenever necessary. Consequently, they can easily notify residents of their jurisdictional area of ​​the heat index for each location in real time, whenever necessary, and quickly communicate the risk of heatstroke.

[0048] (Operation when using the system via an administrator terminal) The administrator (for example, the administrator user with administrator user ID "admin_1") will use a notebook computer (administrator terminal) ct to manage the revenue of each vending machine at a predetermined revenue management point (predetermined point) in the second year of operation of the vending machine linkage system S (this year), using the "vending machine revenue management system" provided by the revenue management system processing unit c8 of the server processing unit rc of the management server r. The operation of the system at this time will be explained in detail below. Note that "revenue management point" refers to the point in time when revenue management is performed for each vending machine.

[0049] First, the administrator uses a notebook computer ct and the processing execution unit te of the terminal processing unit tc executes a process that requests the management server r to display the "login screen" of the "vending machine revenue management system" using, for example, a web browser or free application (hereinafter referred to as "web browser, etc."). In response to this request, the management server r generates the "login screen" shown in Figure 8A using the login screen generation unit 81 of the revenue management system processing unit c8 and displays it on the web browser, etc. of the notebook computer ct.

[0050] Next, the administrator enters the administrator user ID (for example, "admin_1") that has been previously notified to the administrator in the "Administrator User ID" text box on the "Login screen" and clicks the "Login" button, thereby executing a process that requests the management server r to transition the display screen of the web browser, etc., to the "Vending Machine List Screen". In response to this request, the management server r generates the "Vending Machine List Screen" shown in Figure 8B using the list screen generation unit 82 of the revenue management system processing unit c8, and transitions the display screen of the web browser, etc., to the generated screen.

[0051] In this process, the list screen generation unit 82 first retrieves the vending machine ID and vending machine location of one or more vending machine records associated with the administrator user ID (for example, "admin_1") entered in the text box in the server storage unit rm's vending machine table. This retrieves the vending machine data (including the vending machine ID and vending machine location) for one or more vending machines managed by the administrator. Next, the list screen generation unit 82 generates a "vending machine list screen" as shown in Figure 8B, which displays a list of vending machine data for one or more vending machines managed by the administrator, with links set to the vending machine IDs of each vending machine. The web browser or other display screen is then transitioned to this generated screen.

[0052] Next, the administrator clicks the link for the vending machine ID (for example, "vm01") of the vending machine whose revenue management is to be performed in the list of vending machine data (data including vending machine ID and vending machine installation location) for one or more vending machines displayed on the "vending machine list screen," thereby requesting the management server r to transition the display screen of the web browser or other device to the "revenue management screen" of the vending machine whose revenue management is to be performed. In response to this request, the management server r generates the "revenue management screen" shown in Figure 8C using the management screen generation unit 83 of the revenue management system processing unit c8, and transitions the display screen of the web browser or other device to the generated screen.

[0053] In this process, the management screen generation unit 83 first obtains the introduction cost of the revenue management record associated with the clicked vending machine ID (for example, "vm01") in the revenue management table of the server storage unit rm, as the introduction cost of the vending machine to be managed. Furthermore, the management screen generation unit 83 selects all vending machine sales records associated with the clicked vending machine ID in the vending machine sales table of the server storage unit rm, and then calculates the sales and cost of goods sold for the vending machine to be managed in the year of operation start (last year) by summing the sales and cost of goods sold for records whose sales date belongs to the year of operation start (last year) in all the selected vending machine sales records. Finally, it calculates the sales and cost of goods sold for the vending machine to be managed up to the point of revenue management in the current year by summing the sales and cost of goods sold for records whose sales date belongs to the current year (second year of operation) in all the selected vending machine sales records. Furthermore, the management screen generation unit 83 registers the sales revenue and cost of goods sold for the start of operation year, as well as the sales revenue and cost of goods sold up to the revenue management point (a predetermined point) for the current year, in the revenue management table, in a revenue management record linked to the vending machine ID (for example, "vm01") of the vending machine whose revenue is being managed. Next, as shown in Figure 8C, the management screen generation unit 83 generates a "revenue management screen" for the vending machine whose revenue is being managed, displaying the installation cost of the vending machine, the sales revenue and cost of goods sold for the start of operation year, and the sales revenue and cost of goods sold up to the revenue management point for the current year, along with "operating expenses" text boxes and an "update" button for the start of operation year and the current year, and transitions the display screen of a web browser or similar to this generated screen.

[0054] Next, the administrator enters the operating expenses for the vending machine's start year and the operating expenses up to the current year's revenue management point into the "Operating Expenses" text boxes for the start year and the current year, respectively, on the "Revenue Management Screen," and then clicks the "Update" button to register these operating expenses and execute a process that requests the management server r to calculate the operating profit for the start year, the operating profit up to the current year's revenue management point, and the cumulative operating profit for the vending machine's start year. In response to this request, the management server r generates the "Updated Revenue Management Screen" shown in Figure 8D using the management screen update unit 87 of the revenue management system processing unit c8, and transitions the display screen of a web browser or other device to this generated screen.

[0055] First, the operating cost registration unit 84 of the management screen update unit 87 registers the operating costs for the start of operation and the operating costs up to the revenue management point (predetermined point) for the current year (operating costs for each of the above vending machines and the one or more heat index meters assigned to those vending machines up to the predetermined point) entered in the above text box into the revenue management table, in a revenue management record associated with the vending machine ID (e.g., "vm01", identifier) ​​of the vending machine whose revenue is being managed. Next, the profit calculation unit 85 of the management screen update unit 87 retrieves the introduction cost, sales, cost of goods sold, and operating costs for the start of operation of the revenue management record, as well as the sales, cost of goods sold, and operating costs up to the revenue management point for the current year. Then, it calculates the operating profit for the vending machine whose revenue is being managed for the start of operation from the sales, cost of goods sold, and operating costs for the start of operation of the revenue management record, and calculates the operating profit for the vending machine whose revenue is being managed up to the revenue management point for the current year from the sales, cost of goods sold, and operating costs up to the revenue management point for the current year of the revenue management record. Furthermore, by adding up these introduction costs (the introduction costs for each of the above vending machines), the operating profit for the year of operation commencement, and the operating profit up to the revenue management point for the current year (the above sales, cost of goods sold, and operating expenses up to the above-mentioned predetermined point for each of the above vending machines), the cumulative operating profit of the vending machines subject to revenue management (the cumulative profit or loss for each of the above vending machines) is calculated. In addition, the profit calculation unit 85 of the management screen update unit 87 registers the operating profit for the year of operation commencement, the operating profit up to the revenue management point for the current year, and the cumulative operating profit in the revenue management table to the revenue management record associated with the vending machine ID (for example, "vm01") of the vending machine subject to revenue management. Next, the screen update unit 86 of the management screen update unit 87 generates an updated revenue management screen, as shown in Figure 8D, which further displays the operating expenses and operating profit for the start year of operation (last year), the operating expenses and operating profit up to the revenue management point for the current year (second year of operation), and the cumulative operating profit, and transitions the display screen of the web browser, etc., to the generated screen.

[0056] With the operation of the system described above, administrators can easily grasp the installation cost, sales revenue, cost of goods sold, operating expenses, and operating profit for each vending machine, as well as the cumulative operating profit, when managing the revenue of each vending machine. Therefore, when an organization (e.g., City A), institution (e.g., A Municipal Junior High School No. 1), or business (e.g., C Steel, E Construction) attempts to reduce the cost burden to zero by covering the installation and operating costs of each vending machine and the one or more heat index meters assigned to it with the gross profit of that vending machine, the revenue management of the vending machine can be easily performed.

[0057] Although embodiments of the vending machine linkage system according to the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various design modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] S: Vending machine linkage system, v: Vending machine, w: Heat index meter, r: Management server, t: User terminal, t0: General user terminal, t1: Primary user group user terminal, t2: Secondary user group user terminal, ct: Administrator terminal

Claims

1. A system comprising one or more vending machines installed in a predetermined location, one or more heat index meters assigned to each of the one or more vending machines, a management server, and a user terminal, wherein the multiple heat index meters are installed in different measurement locations, one or more of the assigned heat index meters are communicated to each of the vending machines, and the one or more vending machines and the user terminal are communicated to the management server, The identifiers and location information of the multiple heat index meters are registered in the management server storage of the management server, The one or more heat index meters measure the heat index at predetermined intervals using a measuring unit and transmit it to the vending machine connected via a transmitting unit. Each of the aforementioned vending machines receives one or more heat index values ​​transmitted from one or more heat index meters at predetermined intervals using its communication unit, and transmits one or more heat index datasets, each combining the identifier of the heat index meter that transmitted the one or more heat index values, to the management server via the communication unit. The management server receives one or more heat index datasets transmitted from each of the vending machines at predetermined intervals using its receiving unit, and registers them in the management server storage unit using its index data registration unit. The user terminal requests the management server to obtain the most recent heat index from the nearest heat index meter by using the location information of the user terminal detected by the location information detection unit. The vending machine linkage system is characterized in that, in response to a request from the user terminal, the management server uses the index information acquisition unit to acquire the most recent heat index of the nearest heat index meter from the management server storage unit using the location information and outputs it to the user terminal.

2. Each of the aforementioned vending machines shall, at predetermined intervals, acquire sales information for that vending machine during the predetermined period using the sales information acquisition unit, and transmit the sales information to the management server using the communication unit. The management server receives the sales information transmitted from each of the vending machines at predetermined intervals using the receiving unit, and the sales processing unit obtains the sales revenue and cost of goods sold from the sales information, and registers the sales revenue and cost of goods sold in the management server storage unit, linked to the identifier of the vending machine that transmitted the information. The management server, through its installation cost registration unit, registers the installation costs of each of the vending machines and the one or more heat index meters assigned to each vending machine in the management server storage unit, linking them to the identifier of the vending machine. At a predetermined time, the management server registers the operating costs of each vending machine and the one or more heat index meters assigned to that vending machine up to that predetermined time in the management server storage unit, linked to the identifier of the vending machine. The vending machine linkage system according to claim 1, characterized in that the management server calculates the cumulative profit and loss of each vending machine from the introduction costs, sales up to a predetermined point in time, cost of goods sold, and operating expenses registered in the management server storage unit by the profit calculation unit.

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