Material supply device

Abstract

To facilitate the management of goods. [Solution] The item supply device 1 comprises a turntable 37 that dispenses items S in response to the operation of a handle 32, a power generation module 61 that generates electricity in response to the operation of the handle 32, and an RFIC 64 that transmits a wireless signal in response to the power generation. This makes it possible to transmit a wireless signal indicating that the dispensing of items S has been performed without requiring a power source, thereby facilitating the management of items S. Furthermore, the item supply device 1 is characterized in that the power generation module 61 generates electricity through electromagnetic induction generated in response to the operation of the handle 32. This makes it possible to generate electricity with a simple configuration. In addition, the wireless signal of the item supply device 1 is an identification signal unique to that item supply device 1. This makes it possible to manage the inventory of items S for each item supply device 1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an article supply device that discharges articles in accordance with an operation of an operation means.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an article supply device that discharges articles in accordance with an operation of an operation means has been known (see Patent Document 1). In this article supply device, by rotating a handle, a holding member that holds an article operates, and the article held by the holding member can be discharged.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional article supply device, there is a risk that management and operation may become difficult. An object of the present invention is to facilitate management and operation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, an article supply device according to a first invention includes a discharging means for discharging an article in accordance with an operation of an operation means, a power generation means for generating power in accordance with the operation, and a transmission means for transmitting a wireless signal in accordance with the power generation. In the article supply device according to the first invention, it is possible to transmit a wireless signal indicating that the discharge of an article has been executed without requiring a power source, and it is possible to facilitate management and operation. Here, the item supply device is, for example, the item supply device 1 described later. The operating means is, for example, the handle 32 described later. The dispensing means is, for example, the turntable 37 described later. The power generation means is, for example, the power generation module 61 described later. The transmitting means is, for example, the RFIC 64 described later.

[0006] The article supply device according to the second invention is characterized in that, in the article supply device according to the first invention, the power generation means generates electricity by electromagnetic induction generated in conjunction with the operation. The article supply device according to the second invention makes it possible to generate electricity with a simple configuration.

[0007] The article supply device according to the third invention is characterized in that, in the article supply device according to the first or second invention, the wireless signal is an identification signal unique to the article supply device. In the article supply device according to the third invention, it becomes possible to manage inventory and other related matters for each article supply device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, management and operation can be made easier. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This diagram shows an example configuration of the inventory management system 100. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the article supply device 1. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the article supply device 1. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the wireless signal transmitter 60. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the article supply device according to the present invention is applied to an article supply device 1 that supplies capsule toys (hereinafter referred to as "product S"), which are capsules made of synthetic resin containing small toys, as articles. Note that the article supply device according to the present invention may also be configured as a device that supplies other articles, such as cards, files, or boxes containing products.

[0011] (Example configuration of the inventory management system 100) First, let's explain an example configuration of the inventory management system 100. Figure 1 shows an example configuration of the inventory management system 100. As shown in Figure 1, the item management system 100 is configured to include a server device 3 connected to a network 2, one or more terminal devices 4 connected to the network 2, and one or more item supply devices 1 wirelessly connected to each terminal device 4. Each terminal device 4 and the server device 3 are connected to each other via the network 2, enabling them to communicate with one another. Each item supply device 1 is also capable of transmitting wireless signals to the terminal devices 4. Furthermore, each terminal device 4 is capable of receiving wireless signals from each item supply device 1 via a receiving device 4a, which will be described later. In particular, the inventory management system 100 is configured to include terminal devices 4 corresponding to each store and one or more inventory supply devices 1 corresponding to each store for multiple stores. For example, the multiple terminal devices 4 that make up the inventory management system 100 include a terminal device 4 corresponding to store A (installed in store A), a terminal device 4 corresponding to store B (installed in store B), and a terminal device 4 corresponding to store C (installed in store C). Furthermore, the multiple item supply devices 1 that make up the inventory management system 100 include one or more item supply devices 1 corresponding to store A (installed in store A), one or more item supply devices 1 corresponding to store B (installed in store B), and one or more item supply devices 1 corresponding to store C (installed in store C). Each item supply device 1 corresponding to store A is capable of transmitting a wireless signal to the terminal device 4 corresponding to store A. Similarly, each item supply device 1 corresponding to store B is capable of transmitting a wireless signal to the terminal device 4 corresponding to store B. Furthermore, each item supply device 1 corresponding to store C is capable of transmitting a wireless signal to the terminal device 4 corresponding to store C. In particular, each item supply device 1 is capable of transmitting a unique identification signal as a wireless signal. That is, all item supply devices 1 that make up the item management system 100 are assigned a different identification signal (identification information). Each item supply device 1 is capable of wirelessly transmitting the identification signal (identification information) assigned to it to the terminal device 4. As a result, the terminal device 4 can identify (identify) the item supply device 1 that transmitted the identification signal based on the received identification signal.

[0012] (Network 2 configuration) Next, we will explain the configuration of Network 2. Network 2 consists of a communication system that includes, for example, the Internet and a wireless base station. The communication system consists of, for example, a 3G, 4G, or 5G mobile communication system, or a wireless network that can connect to the Internet via an access point. Network 2 is not particularly limited as long as it is an environment that is interconnected (wired or wireless) to the Internet or a VPN.

[0013] (Configuration of Server Device 3) Next, we will explain the configuration of server device 3. Based on the log information received from each terminal device 4 (the log information will be described later), the server device 3 manages the number of payouts of the product S, the inventory of the product S, the sales, etc. for each article supply device 1 included in the article management system 100. The server device 3 is a computer (information processing device). The server device 3 is composed of, for example, a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a PC (Personal Computer). The server device 3 includes a processor, a memory, a storage, a communication IF (Interface), an input / output IF, etc. The processor controls various operations of the server device 3. The processor reads a program from the storage, expands the read program in the memory, and executes the expanded program. The processor is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. The memory temporarily stores programs and data. The memory provides a working area for the processor by temporarily storing the program and various data read by the processor from the storage. Also, the memory temporarily stores various data generated while the processor is operating according to the program. The memory is composed of, for example, a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage stores various programs and various data. The storage is composed of, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The communication IF controls the transmission and reception of various data between the server device 3 and external communication devices. The communication IF controls communication using, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a wired LAN, or short-range wireless communication. The input / output IF is an interface for inputting data from the outside to the server device 3 and outputting data from the server device 3 to the outside. The input / output IF is composed of, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus), a camera, a microphone, a speaker, etc.

[0014] (Configuration of each terminal device 4) Next, the configuration of each terminal device 4 will be described. Each terminal device 4 generates log information described later based on the identification signal received from each article supply device 1 (the identification signal will be described later), and transmits the generated log information to the server device 3. Each terminal device 4 is a computer (information processing device) used by a store operator (administrator). The terminal device 4 may be either a portable information terminal or an installed terminal device. Examples of the portable information terminal include a smartphone, a feature phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a tablet computer, etc. Examples of the installed terminal device include a PC, etc. Each terminal device 4 includes a processor, a memory, a storage, a communication IF, an input / output IF, an input device, a display, etc. The processor controls various operations of the terminal device 4. The processor reads a program from the storage, expands the read program in the memory, and executes the expanded program. The processor is composed of, for example, a CPU, an MPU, a GPU, etc. The memory temporarily stores programs and data. The memory provides a working area for the processor by temporarily storing the program and various data read by the processor from the storage. Also, the memory temporarily stores various data generated while the processor is operating according to the program. The memory is composed of, for example, a volatile memory such as a RAM. The storage stores various programs and various data. The storage is composed of, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a ROM, a flash memory, an HDD, an SSD (Solid State Drive). The communication interface controls the transmission and reception of various data between terminal devices 4 and external communication equipment. The communication interface connects to network 2 (communication systems such as ADSL, fiber optic lines, and 5G) via devices such as modems, routers, and optical network terminals (ONUs). The communication interface controls communication using wireless LAN, wired LAN, short-range wireless communication, etc. This enables each terminal device 4 to communicate with the server device 3 via network 2. The input / output interface (I / O) is an interface for inputting data from an external source to the terminal device 4 and outputting data from the terminal device 4 to an external source. The I / O interface consists of, for example, USB, camera, microphone, speaker, etc. The input device receives input from the operator. The input device consists of a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, etc. The display shows various images. In particular, a receiving device 4a is connected to each terminal device 4. In this embodiment, the receiving device 4a is connected to the input / output IF (USB) of each terminal device 4. The receiving device 4a is composed of an antenna, a wireless receiving module, etc. The receiving device 4a receives an identification signal (wireless signal) transmitted by the RFIC64, which will be described later, and transmits the information (data) indicated by the received identification signal to the terminal device 4.

[0015] (Configuration of each item supply device 1) Next, the configuration of each item supply device 1 will be described. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the article supply device 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the article supply device 1. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the wireless signal transmission device 60. As shown in Figure 2, each item supply device 1 is composed of a housing 10, a storage section 20 provided on the upper part of the housing 10, a front cover 30 covering the front side of the lower part of the housing 10, a rear cover 40 covering the rear side of the lower part of the housing 10, a top cover 50 covering the top side of the storage section 20, and a wireless signal transmitting device 60 (see Figure 4). The storage section 20 is formed in the shape of a box. The storage section 20 is capable of storing (housing) multiple products S. Here, as described above, the products S are capsule toys. The front cover 30 is equipped with a coin slot 31, a handle 32, a product dispensing opening 33, a coin return button 34, a coin return slot 35, and the like. The handle 32 can be rotated by the user (purchaser). In this embodiment, when a coin is inserted into the coin slot 31, the lock mechanism (not shown) is released, and the handle 32 can be rotated. When the handle 32 is rotated once, one product S is dispensed from the storage section 20 to the product dispensing opening 33, and the lock mechanism is activated, making it impossible to rotate the handle 32. The coin inserted into the coin slot 31 is stored in the coin storage box (not shown) when the handle 32 is rotated. However, if the coin inserted into the coin slot 31 is pressed without rotating the handle 32, the coin return button 34 is pressed and the coin is returned from the coin return opening 35. The coins include not only currency but also medals provided by the store.

[0016] As shown in Figure 3, the handle 32 is rotatably mounted relative to the housing 10 around a rotation axis 32a that extends in the front-rear direction. The rotational force of the handle 32 is transmitted to the turntable 37, which will be described later, via a link mechanism L. This makes it possible to rotate the turntable 37 in conjunction with the rotation of the handle 32. The bottom of the storage section 20 is provided with a turntable 37 and a discharge hole 33a. The turntable 37 is formed in a disc shape and is rotatably mounted relative to the storage section 20 around a rotation axis (not shown) that extends in the vertical direction. The turntable 37 is provided with a plurality of product holding sections (not shown). The plurality of product holding sections are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the turntable 37. Each product holding section is formed in a frame shape that is open at the top and bottom and is capable of holding one product S. In the storage section 20, as the handle 32 is rotated (the turntable 37 is rotated), one of the plurality of product holding sections aligns with (communicates with) the discharge hole 33a. When a product holding section is not aligned with the discharge hole 33a, as the handle 32 is rotated (the turntable 37 is rotated), the product S held in that product holding section rolls along the bottom surface of the storage section 20. Then, as the handle 32 is rotated (the turntable 37 rotates), when the product holding section aligns with the discharge hole 33a, the product S held in the product holding section falls into the discharge hole 33a and is dispensed into the product outlet 33. When the locking mechanism is engaged, one of the multiple product holding sections (hereinafter referred to as the "leading product holding section") is aligned with the discharge hole 33a. When the locking mechanism is released and the handle 32 is rotated once, the rotation of the turntable 37 causes the product holding section located next to the leading product holding section (hereinafter referred to as the "following product holding section") to align with the discharge hole 33a. As a result, the product S held in the following product holding section is dispensed to the product outlet 33. Thus, the product supply device 1 can dispense one product S each time the handle 32 is rotated once. Furthermore, a means to prevent misfiring (not shown) is provided at the bottom of the storage section 20. The means to prevent misfiring includes a lock arm, a link mechanism, and a sold-out indicator means 22. The sold-out indicator means 22 is connected to the lock arm via the link mechanism. When a product S is held in the product holding section, the product S held by the product holding section prevents the lock arm from entering the product holding section. Then, the products S held by the multiple product holding sections provided on the turntable 37 are dispensed sequentially, and when the last product S is dispensed from the discharge hole 33a, the elastic force of the tension coil spring causes the lock arm to rotate, and the tip of the lock arm enters the product holding section. This prevents the turntable 37 from rotating. In particular, as the lock arm rotates, the link mechanism is activated, and the sold-out indicator means 22 is displaced to a position that covers the coin slot 31.

[0017] The wireless signal transmitter 60 is a device capable of transmitting an identification signal (identification information) corresponding to the item supply device 1 in conjunction with the operation of the item supply device 1. Here, as described above, the identification signal is a wireless signal unique to the item supply device 1 (a wireless signal that specifies the identification information corresponding to the item supply device 1). In particular, the wireless signal transmitter 60 is a device capable of transmitting the identification signal without requiring a power supply. In other words, the wireless signal transmitter 60 is a device capable of transmitting the identification signal using the power generated in conjunction with the operation of the item supply device 1. As shown in Figure 4, the wireless signal transmitting device 60 is composed of a power generation module 61, a rectifier circuit 62, a microcontroller 63, an RFIC (Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit) 64, an antenna 65, and the like. The power generation module 61 is a module capable of generating electricity by electromagnetic induction. The power generation module 61 is composed of a lever, a coil, a permanent magnet, etc. The lever can be switched between an initial position and an operating position. The lever is biased to be in the initial position by a biasing means (spring, etc.). When the lever is in the initial position, the permanent magnet is in contact with the iron core of the coil so that a magnetic flux is generated in one direction in the iron core of the coil. On the other hand, when the lever is in the operating position, the permanent magnet is in contact with the iron core of the coil so that a magnetic flux is generated in the other direction (opposite to the first direction) in the iron core of the coil. As a result, each time the lever is switched from the initial position to the operating position, the direction of the magnetic flux in the iron core of the coil changes from one side to the other (the polarity of the magnetic flux changes), and an electromotive force is generated in the coil (electricity is generated). The rectifier circuit 62 rectifies the electromotive force (voltage pulse) generated in the coil to produce a DC signal. The rectifier circuit 62 then inputs the generated DC signal to the microcontroller 63 and the RFIC 64. The microcontroller 63 consists of I / O, CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The microcontroller 63 outputs a signal transmission command to the RFIC 64, triggered by the input of a DC signal from the rectifier circuit 62. The RFIC64 transmits an identification signal using a DC signal (power) input from the rectifier circuit 62, triggered by a signal transmission command input from the microcontroller 63.

[0018] (Example 1) Next, the article management system 100 according to Example 1 will be described. In the article supply device 1 according to Embodiment 1, the power generation module 61 generates electricity and the RFIC 64 transmits an identification signal in accordance with the rotation operation of the handle 32. In other words, the item supply device 1 according to Embodiment 1 is provided with a first link mechanism that switches the lever of the power generation module 61 from the initial position to the operating position as the rotating shaft 32a rotates. The first link mechanism can be configured by a pin provided on the rotating shaft 32a. Each time the rotating shaft 32a rotates once, the lever of the power generation module 61 is switched from the initial position to the operating position by the first link mechanism, and an identification signal is transmitted. This makes it possible to transmit the identification signal only once for each rotation of the handle 32. At this time, the identification signal is a signal indicating that the handle 32 has rotated once, in other words, a signal indicating that one item S has been dispensed, in other words, a signal indicating that one item S has been sold. When terminal device 4 receives an identification signal transmitted by item supply device 1, it generates and records log information including the time the identification signal was received, the identification information indicated by the identification signal (identification information that identifies item supply device 1), and information indicating that one item S has been dispensed. It also transmits the generated log information to server device 3. When server device 3 receives log information from terminal device 4, it records the received log information and, based on the received log information, manages (updates) the number of product S dispensed, the number of product S in stock (the remaining number of product S stored in storage unit 20), sales, etc., for the product supply device 1 that transmitted the identification signal. As described above, the item management system 100 according to Embodiment 1 makes it possible to manage the number of items S dispensed, the inventory of items S (the remaining number of items S stored in the storage unit 20), sales, etc. for each item supply device 1. In particular, the administrator can check the number of items S dispensed, the inventory of items S, sales, etc. for each item supply device 1 by accessing the terminal device 4 or the server device 3.

[0019] (Example 2) Next, the item management system 100 according to Example 2 will be described. In the article supply device 1 according to Embodiment 2, when a coin is inserted into the coin slot 31 (unlocking the lock mechanism), the power generation module 61 generates electricity and the RFIC 64 transmits an identification signal. In other words, the article supply device 1 according to Embodiment 2 is provided with a second link mechanism that switches the lever of the power generation module 61 from the initial position to the operating position when the lock mechanism is released. Each time the lock mechanism is released, the lever of the power generation module 61 is switched from the initial position to the operating position by the second link mechanism, and an identification signal is transmitted. This makes it possible to transmit the identification signal only once each time a coin is inserted into the coin slot 31. At this time, the identification signal is a signal indicating that a coin has been inserted into the coin slot 31. When terminal device 4 receives an identification signal transmitted by item supply device 1, it generates and records log information including the time the identification signal was received, the identification information indicated by the identification signal (identification information that identifies item supply device 1), and information indicating that coins have been inserted into the coin slot 31, and transmits the generated log information to server device 3. When server device 3 receives log information from terminal device 4, it records the received log information and, based on the received log information, manages (updates) sales, etc., for the item supply device 1 that transmitted the identification signal. As described above, the item management system 100 according to Example 2 makes it possible to manage sales, etc., for each item supply device 1. In particular, the administrator can check sales, etc., for each item supply device 1 by accessing the terminal device 4 or the server device 3.

[0020] (Example 3) Next, the article management system 100 according to Example 3 will be described. In the article supply device 1 according to Embodiment 3, the power generation module 61 generates electricity and the RFIC 64 transmits an identification signal in accordance with the rotation operation of the handle 32. In other words, the item supply device 1 according to Embodiment 3 is provided with a third link mechanism that switches the lever of the power generation module 61 from the initial position to the operating position when the lock mechanism is activated. Each time the lock mechanism is activated, the lever of the power generation module 61 is switched from the initial position to the operating position by the third link mechanism, and an identification signal is transmitted. This makes it possible to transmit the identification signal only once for each rotation of the handle 32. At this time, the identification signal is a signal indicating that the handle 32 has been rotated once, in other words, a signal indicating that one item S has been dispensed, in other words, a signal indicating that one item S has been sold. When terminal device 4 receives an identification signal transmitted by item supply device 1, it generates and records log information including the time the identification signal was received, the identification information indicated by the identification signal (identification information that identifies item supply device 1), and information indicating that one item S has been dispensed. It also transmits the generated log information to server device 3. When server device 3 receives log information from terminal device 4, it records the received log information and, based on the received log information, manages (updates) the number of product S dispensed, the number of product S in stock (the remaining number of product S stored in storage unit 20), sales, etc., for the product supply device 1 that transmitted the identification signal. As described above, the item management system 100 according to Embodiment 3 makes it possible to manage the number of items S dispensed, the inventory of items S (the remaining number of items S stored in the storage unit 20), sales, etc. for each item supply device 1. In particular, the administrator can check the number of items S dispensed, the inventory of items S, sales, etc. for each item supply device 1 by accessing the terminal device 4 or the server device 3.

[0021] (Example 4) Next, the article management system 100 according to Example 4 will be described. In the article supply device 1 according to Embodiment 4, when product S is sold out (activation of the dry-firing prevention means), the power generation module 61 generates power and the RFIC 64 transmits an identification signal. In other words, the article supply device 1 according to Embodiment 4 is provided with a fourth link mechanism that switches the lever of the power generation module 61 from the initial position to the operating position in conjunction with the operation of the link mechanism of the dry-firing prevention means (operation of the lock arm, displacement of the sold-out indicator means, etc.). Each time the link mechanism of the dry-firing prevention means is activated, the lever of the power generation module 61 is switched from the initial position to the operating position by the fourth link mechanism, and an identification signal is transmitted. This makes it possible to transmit the identification signal only once each time product S is sold out (each time it is completely sold out). At this time, the identification signal is a signal indicating that product S is sold out. When terminal device 4 receives an identification signal transmitted by item supply device 1, it generates and records log information including the time the identification signal was received, the identification information indicated by the identification signal (identification information that identifies item supply device 1), and information indicating that product S is sold out, and transmits the generated log information to server device 3. When server device 3 receives log information from terminal device 4, it records the received log information and, based on the received log information, manages (updates) the sold-out status, etc., for the item supply device 1 that transmitted the identification signal. As described above, the item management system 100 according to Embodiment 4 makes it possible to manage the sold-out status, etc., for each item supply device 1. In particular, the administrator can check the sold-out status, etc., for each item supply device 1 by accessing the terminal device 4 or the server device 3.

[0022] (Operation of the article supply device 1) The item supply device 1 includes a turntable 37 that dispenses items S in response to the operation of a handle 32, a power generation module 61 that generates electricity in response to the operation of the handle 32, and an RFIC 64 that transmits a wireless signal in response to the power generation. This makes it possible to transmit a wireless signal indicating that the dispensing of items S has been performed without requiring a power source, thereby simplifying management and operation. Furthermore, the item supply device 1 is characterized in that the power generation module 61 generates electricity through electromagnetic induction that occurs when the handle 32 is operated. This makes it possible to generate electricity with a simple configuration. Furthermore, the wireless signal of the item supply device 1 is a unique identification signal for that item supply device 1. This makes it possible to manage the inventory of product S for each item supply device 1.

[0023] (modified version) Although embodiments and examples of the present invention have been described above, various modifications can be made to the above embodiments and examples. For example, in the above embodiment, the wireless signal transmitting device 60 may be configured as a device capable of transmitting multiple different types of identification signals (hereinafter referred to as a "multi-signal transmitting device"). That is, in the multi-signal transmitting device, the lever of the power generation module 61 can be switched between an initial position, a first operating position on one side of the initial position, and a second operating position on the other side of the initial position. In this case, the lever is biased by a biasing means (such as a spring) to be positioned at the initial position. In the power generation module 61, when the lever is in the first operating position, the permanent magnet contacts the core of the coil so that a magnetic flux is generated in one direction in the core of the coil, thereby generating an electromotive force (power generation) of one polarity (for example, positive polarity) in the coil. On the other hand, when the lever is in the second operating position, the permanent magnet contacts the core of the coil so that a magnetic flux is generated in the other direction (opposite to the first side) in the core of the coil, thereby generating an electromotive force (power generation) of the other polarity (for example, negative polarity) in the coil. The microcontroller 63 detects the polarity of the electromotive force generated in the coil. If one polarity is detected, it outputs a first signal transmission command to the RFIC 64. If the other polarity is detected, it outputs a second signal transmission command to the RFIC 64. When the RFIC 64 receives the first signal transmission command from the microcontroller 63, it transmits a first identification signal using the DC signal (power) input from the rectifier circuit 62. When the RFIC 64 receives a second signal transmission command from the microcontroller 63, it transmits a second identification signal using the DC signal (power) input from the rectifier circuit 62. Furthermore, the item supply device 1 may be configured such that a first identification signal is transmitted by the wireless signal transmission device 60 in conjunction with a first operation (action), and a second identification signal is transmitted by the wireless signal transmission device 60 in conjunction with a second operation (action). For example, the item supply device 1 may be configured such that when the lock mechanism is released, the lever of the power generation module 61 is switched from the initial position to the first operating position, and when the lock mechanism is activated, the lever of the power generation module 61 is switched from the initial position to the second operating position. With this configuration, it is possible to transmit a first identification signal each time a coin is inserted into the coin slot 31, and a second identification signal each time the handle 32 is rotated once. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0024] 1 Goods supply device 2 Network 3 Server equipment 4 Terminal devices 32 handle 37 Turntables 60 Wireless signal transmitter 61 Power generation modules 62 Rectifier circuit 63 Microcontrollers 64RFIC 100 Inventory Management System

Claims

1. A dispensing means that dispenses an item in conjunction with the operation of the operating means, A power generation means that generates electricity in conjunction with the above operation, An article supply device characterized by comprising a transmitting means for transmitting a wireless signal in conjunction with the aforementioned power generation.

2. The article supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that the power generation means generates electricity by electromagnetic induction generated in conjunction with the operation.

3. The article supply device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the wireless signal is an identification signal unique to the article supply device.

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