Vending machine linkage system

Abstract

To provide a vending machine linked system that can easily grasp the heat index of an activity environment in real time whenever necessary. [Solution] The vending machine linkage system of the present invention comprises one or more vending machines installed at a predetermined location, a plurality of heat index meters, one or more assigned to each of the one or more vending machines, a management server, and a user terminal, wherein the plurality of heat index meters are installed at different measurement locations, the one or more assigned heat index meters are communicatively connected to each of the vending machines, and the one or more vending machines and the user terminals are communicatively connected to the management server.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vending machine linkage system in which a vending machine and a meter are linked together. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, local governments and other organizations have attempted to introduce vending machine linkage systems that include multiple vending machines installed in different locations and one-coin type flood sensors communicatively connected to each of the multiple vending machines. By using one-coin type flood sensors installed in different locations within a target area, such vending machine linkage systems can detect flooding conditions at each point within the target area in real time and collect that information whenever necessary. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] In recent years, due to issues such as global warming, it has become increasingly important to take appropriate measures to prevent heatstroke. For this reason, as one means of taking appropriate measures to prevent heatstroke, there is a desire to utilize a vending machine linked 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 consideration of these points, and its purpose is to provide a vending machine linked system that allows users to easily grasp the heat index of their activity environment in real time, whenever necessary. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the vending machine linkage system of the present invention comprises one or more vending machines installed at a predetermined location, a plurality of heat index meters, one or more of which are assigned to each of the one or more vending machines, a management server, and a user terminal, wherein the plurality of heat index meters are installed at different measurement locations, and the one or more assigned heat index meters are communicatively connected to each of the vending machines, and the one or more vending machines and the user terminal are communicatively connected to the management server, and the identifiers and location information of the plurality of heat index meters are linked and registered in a management server memory unit of the management server, and the one or more heat index meters measure a heat index using a measurement unit at predetermined time intervals and transmit the heat index to the communicatively connected vending machine using a transmission unit, and each of the vending machines receives the heat index sent from the one or more heat index meters at predetermined time intervals. The system is characterized in that a communication unit receives one or more heat indices transmitted from the vending machines, and the communication unit transmits one or more heat index data sets combining the one or more heat indices with the identifier of the heat index meter that transmitted them to the management server, the management server receives the one or more heat index data sets transmitted from each of the vending machines at the predetermined time intervals using a receiving unit and registers them in the management server memory unit using an index data registration unit, the user terminal requests the management server to obtain the most recent heat index of the nearest heat index meter using location information of the user terminal detected by a location information detection unit, and in response to the request from the user terminal, the management server obtains the most recent heat index of the nearest heat index meter from the management server memory unit using the location information using an index information acquisition unit, 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 grasped in real time whenever necessary. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a vending machine linkage system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2A]1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a vending machine and a heat index meter assigned to the vending machine according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2B] 1 is a schematic block diagram of a vending machine according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a management server according to an embodiment. [Figure 3B] 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a table included in an information table group of a server storage unit of a management server according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a user terminal according to one embodiment. [Figure 4B] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a table stored in a terminal storage unit of a secondary use organization user terminal according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5A] This is a "heat index display screen" of the "general heat index display system" according to one embodiment. [Figure 5B] This is a display screen of a vending machine and retailer selling heatstroke prevention drinks in a general-purpose heat index display system according to one embodiment. [Figure 6A] This is a "login screen" of the "heat index display system for primary use groups" according to one embodiment. [Figure 6B] This is a "heat index display screen" of the "heat index display system for primary use groups" according to one embodiment. [Figure 7A] 1 is a "login screen" of a "heat index map system" according to one embodiment. [Figure 7B] 1 is a "heat index map screen" of a "heat index map system" according to one embodiment. [Figure 8A] 1 is a "login screen" of a "vending machine revenue management system" according to one embodiment. [Figure 8B] 1 is a "Vending Machine List Screen" of a "Vending Machine Revenue Management System" according to one embodiment. [Figure 8C] This is a "revenue management screen" of a "vending machine revenue management system" according to one embodiment. [Figure 8D] This is an "updated revenue management screen" of a "vending machine revenue management system" according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, a vending machine linkage system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that in this specification and drawings, the term "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 described. Heat index meters are known as devices for measuring the heat index of a person's activity environment. Heat index meters are provided with budgets from local governments and private companies for use in places such as construction sites, steelworks, and other workplaces where workers in primary industries such as agriculture and fishing work in hot environments, places where students at elementary, junior high, high, and university schools exercise in hot environments, and places where athletes on corporate sports teams and individual athletes exercise in hot environments. As a result, heat index meters are measured at these locations when it is necessary to know the heat index, and the heat index is used to determine whether to continue working or exercising or take a break. While the national government, local governments, and some private companies monitor and utilize the heat index of people's activity environments for research and occupational safety and health purposes, such monitoring and utilization of the heat index is limited and not widely known among 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 due to heatstroke have not decreased in recent years. One way to reduce the number of heatstroke cases and deaths due to heatstroke would be to build a nationwide heat index observation network using heat index meters, allowing each citizen to easily monitor the heat index of their environment in real time whenever needed. This would likely lead to heatstroke prevention and a reduction in heatstroke-related deaths. However, it is difficult for the national government, local governments, and private companies to build a comprehensive heat index observation system for a wide area using heat index meters at more observation points than the heat index forecast points used by the Ministry of the Environment's system, and to widely disseminate the observation data. For these reasons, there is no system that provides services that lead to behavioral changes among citizens that would prevent heatstroke and reduce heatstroke-related deaths.

[0010] The vending machine linkage system according to the embodiment is designed to provide such a service. In the vending machine linkage system according to the embodiment, numerous heat index meters are installed across a wide area of ​​Japan, and are linked to numerous vending machines installed across a wide area of ​​Japan to clearly identify the managers of the heat index meters. Heat index data measured by these heat index meters is transmitted to a management server via the vending machine's communication device and stored in the management server. The heat index data stored in the management server is then provided to people who need it. Furthermore, by providing the heat index data to secondary users, such as weather information companies, for a fee, the secondary users can process the heat index data as needed and use it widely to raise awareness of heatstroke prevention through mass media, etc. Furthermore, the vending machine linkage system according to the embodiment aims to cover all costs associated with the vending machine linkage system, including the cost of the heat index meters and other equipment used in the system, the cost of installing the equipment, the cost of building and maintaining the system, and the cost of operating the system, from the revenues of the vending machines linked to the heat index meters.

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

[0012] (Overall composition) As shown in Figure 1, a vending machine linkage system S according to one embodiment includes multiple vending machines (one or more vending machines) v, multiple heat index meters w (one or more assigned to each of the multiple vending machines v), a management server r, multiple user terminals t, and an administrator terminal (notebook computer) ct. The multiple vending machines v are installed at designated locations across the country, including at least five vending machines v installed at the A City First Junior High School building, the A City station shopping district, and the A City Children's Park, as well as at the C Steel Works D Factory (steelworks) and the E Construction F Site (designated locations), both of which are businesses located in hot environments. Each vending machine v is communicatively connected to the management server r.

[0013] Vending machine v (provided to a primary user group user and installed in a designated location for use by the primary user group user) installed in the building of City A's First Junior High School is assigned two heat index meters w, one installed on the school grounds and the other in the gymnasium (measurement locations) and connected to the vending machine v in a manner that allows communication. Vending machine v installed in the entertainment district in front of City A's station is assigned one heat index meter w, installed at the entrance to the entertainment district (measurement location) and connected to the vending machine v in a manner that allows communication. Vending machine v installed in City A's children's park is assigned one heat index meter w, installed on the grounds of the park (measurement location) and connected to the vending machine v in a manner that allows communication. Vending machine v installed in C Steel's D Factory is assigned two heat index meters w, installed in the factory building and in the green space adjacent to the factory (measurement locations) and connected to the vending machine v in a manner that allows communication. A vending machine v installed at the E Construction F site is assigned a heat index meter w that is installed at the site entrance (measurement location) and is communicatively connected to the vending machine v. All heat index meters w, including this heat index meter w, are installed at different measurement locations.

[0014] The multiple user terminals t include at least a smartphone (general user terminal) t0 used by a citizen of City A (general user), a tablet (primary use organization user terminal) t1 used by a teacher or student (primary use organization user) at City A's First Junior High School, a smartphone (primary use organization user terminal) t1 used by an employee (primary use organization user) at C Steel's D Factory, a laptop computer (secondary use organization user terminal) t2 used by an employee of City A's Hall (secondary use organization user), a laptop computer (secondary use organization user terminal) t2 used by an employee of City A's Fire Department (secondary use organization user), and a desktop computer (secondary use organization user terminal) t2 used by an employee of Company G, a weather information company (secondary use organization user). Each user terminal t and administrator terminal ct are communicably connected to a management server r.

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

[0016] (Configuration of the heat index meter) As shown in FIG. 2A, each heat index meter w includes a measurement unit wm that measures 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 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 uses the IP address assigned to the heat index meter communication unit ws to connect to the vending machine v to which the heat index meter w is assigned, enabling communication with the vending machine v. The time switch wt sets the annual activation period for the heat index meter w to a period with a high risk of heatstroke (e.g., May 1 to October 31). As a result, the heat index meter w is controlled by the time switch wt to activate only during periods when the risk of heatstroke is high (activation period), acquire the heat index and heat index acquisition date and time via the heat index meter control unit wc, and transmit the heat index and measurement date and time to the vending machine v via the heat index meter communication unit ws. Furthermore, the heat index meter w acquires the heat index and the measurement date and time, for example, every 10 minutes (predetermined time) or every minute (predetermined time) during the time period from midnight to midnight via the heat index meter control unit wc, and transmits the heat index and measurement date and time to the vending machine v via the heat index meter communication unit ws. The measurement unit wm is composed of a dry-bulb thermometer, a wet-bulb thermometer, a black-bulb thermometer, etc. The heat index meter control unit wc, the heat index meter communication unit ws, and the time switch wt are composed of memory (ROM, RAM, etc.), a CPU, a HDD, a SSD, a communication IF, etc. Each heat index meter w may be incorporated into the vending machine v to which it is assigned.

[0017] (Administration 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 a network N (such as the Internet) using an IP address assigned to the server communication unit rs, enabling communication between each vending machine v, each user terminal t, and the 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 amount processing unit c3, an implementation fee registration unit c4, a general-use system processing unit c5, a primary-use organization system processing unit c6, a map system processing unit c7, and a revenue management system processing unit c8. The general-use system processing unit c5 includes an index display screen generation unit 53 including an index information acquisition unit 51 and a screen generation unit 52, and a beverage sales location display screen generation unit 54. The primary-use 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 operating cost registration unit 84, a profit calculation unit 85, and a management screen update unit 87 including a screen update unit 86.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 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 organization table, a secondary user organization table, an administrator table, a vending machine sales table, a revenue management table, and a retailer table. For each vending machine record, the vending machine table has columns for the vending machine's vending machine ID, vending machine installation location, vending machine location information (for example, information indicating the vending machine's location using latitude and longitude), vending machine product information (information on heatstroke prevention products such as heatstroke prevention drinks that can be purchased from the vending machine), and an administrator user ID. The vending machine table contains pre-registered vending machine records for each of multiple vending machines. The heat index meter table has columns for each heat index meter record: the heat index meter's heat index meter ID (identifier), the 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 indicating 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 a number of heat index meters. For each heat index record, the heat index table has columns for 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 the heat index meter ID, the heat index for every 1 minute (predetermined time), and the measurement date and time for each heat index record. The primary use organization table has columns for each primary use organization record: the primary use organization user ID of the primary use organization user, the primary use organization user name, and the vending machine ID (the vending machine ID of a vending machine provided to the primary use organization user and installed in a designated location for use by the primary use organization user). The primary use organization table has a primary use organization record for each primary use organization user as described above pre-registered.The secondary use organization table has columns for the secondary use organization user ID, secondary use organization user name, target area, data reception contract, and secondary use organization user terminal identification address (e.g., MAC address, IP address, etc.) of the secondary use organization user for each secondary use organization record. A secondary use organization record for each secondary use organization user as described above is pre-registered in the secondary use organization table. The administrator table has columns for the administrator user ID and administrator user name of the administrator user for each administrator record. An administrator record for each administrator user is pre-registered in the administrator table. The vending machine sales table has columns for the vending machine ID, sales revenue per day (predetermined period), cost of sales, and sales date (yyyy / mm / dd) for each vending machine sales record. The revenue management table has columns for the vending machine ID, installation cost, sales revenue for each operating year (the entire operating year or a period from the beginning to partway through the operating year), cost of sales, operating cost, operating profit, and cumulative operating profit for each revenue management record. The retailer table has columns for each retailer record, including the retailer ID, retailer name, retailer address information, retailer location information (for example, information indicating the location of the retailer using latitude and longitude), and retailer product information (information on heatstroke prevention products such as heatstroke prevention drinks that can be purchased at the retailer), for retailers such as CVS (convenience stores), supermarkets, drug stores, etc. that sell heatstroke prevention products such as heatstroke prevention drinks. The advertising data storage unit ma stores data such as advertising images linked to vending machine product information, as well as data such as retailer IDs, retailer product information, and advertising images linked to combinations of retailer IDs and retailer product information.

[0020] Here, "installation costs" refers to all costs necessary to install each vending machine and one or more heat index meters assigned to that vending machine in the vending machine linkage system S. Specifically, installation costs are all costs necessary, for example, for A City First Junior High School to install a vending machine in its school building and two heat index meters connected to that vending machine in the school's grounds and gymnasium. Furthermore, "operation costs" refers to all costs necessary to operate each vending machine and one or more heat index meters assigned to that vending machine in the vending machine linkage system S during its operation year (either the entire operation year or the period from the beginning to the middle of the operation year), excluding the cost of sales of the products sold through the vending machine. This includes, for example, sales and administrative expenses such as the electricity costs for the vending machine and the heat index meters.

[0021] The management server r is an information processing device such as a desktop computer, and is composed of a computer main body, an output device such as a monitor, an input device such as a keyboard, etc. The computer main body is composed of memory (ROM, RAM, etc.), a CPU, a HDD, a SDD, a communication IF, etc.

[0022] (Configuration of user terminal and administrator terminal) As shown in Fig. 4A, each user terminal t includes a terminal communication unit tn, a terminal processing unit tc, a terminal storage unit tm that stores software such as a web browser, a free app for the vending machine linkage system (free application), and a map application, 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 detected by the GPS (e.g., information expressing the terminal's location in latitude and longitude). Weather information company G has a contract to receive heat index data, so the secondary use organization user terminal t2 used by an employee of G (a secondary use organization user) has heat index registration software stored in the terminal storage unit tm, and the area heat index table shown in Fig. 4B is stored therein. 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 in the terminal memory unit tm is configured so that the accessed website can use the terminal's location information detected by the location information detection unit tp in 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, and mouse, and a GPS. The computer main unit consists of memory (ROM, RAM, etc.), a CPU, HDD, SSD, and communication IF. The administrator terminal ct has the same configuration as the user terminal t.

[0023] [Operation of the vending machine linkage system according to one embodiment during operation] Below, we will explain the operation of the vending machine linkage system S during operation in one embodiment of the above configuration. First, we will explain the cooperative operation between the heat index meter w, vending machine v, and management server r to register heat index data, the cooperative operation between the vending machine v and management server r to process vending machine sales figures, and the cooperative operation between the administrator terminal ct and management server r to register installation fees. Next, we will explain the operation when the system is used by each user terminal t, and the operation when the system is used by the administrator terminal ct.

[0024] (Coordination between heat index meters, vending machines, and management servers for registering heat index data) After the vending machine linkage system S begins operation, one or more heat index meters w assigned to each vending machine v will be activated, for example, only during periods of the year when the risk of heatstroke is high (e.g., May 1st to October 31st), and the heat index meter control unit wc will acquire the heat index measured by the measurement unit wm and the measurement date and time (yyyy / mm / dd hh:mm) of the heat index every 10 minutes (predetermined time) during the time period from midnight to midnight, and will transmit the heat index and measurement date and time to the vending machine v that is connected to it via the heat index meter communication unit (transmission unit) ws.

[0025] Each vending machine v receives one or more heat index data sets and measurement dates and times transmitted from one or more heat index meters w every 10 minutes (predetermined time) using its first communication unit v1, associating them with the IP address of the transmitting heat index meter w. 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 data sets (heat index meter ID, heat index, and measurement date and time) that combine the one or more heat index data sets and measurement dates and times transmitted from the one or more assigned heat index meters w with the heat index meter ID (identifier) ​​of the transmitting heat index meter w every 10 minutes. Each vending machine v then transmits the one or more heat index data sets to the management server r every 10 minutes using its second communication unit v2.

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

[0027] The above-described cooperative operation of the heat index meter, vending machine, and management server for registering heat index data can be performed for the entire year, rather than just the period when the risk of heatstroke is high, by setting the time switch wt of each heat index meter w to the entire year (January 1st to December 31st). 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 below. On the other hand, if the cooperative operation is performed only during the period when the risk of heatstroke is high, the heat index for the period when the risk of heatstroke is high can be displayed to the user when using the system on each user terminal, as described below, and the power consumption of the heat index meter w can be reduced. Furthermore, the collaborative operation of the heat index meter, vending machine, and management server for registering heat index data as described above may be such that each heat index meter W acquires and transmits the heat index and the heat index measurement date and time every minute (predetermined time) rather than every 10 minutes as described above. In this case, the real-timeness of the heat index displayed to the user can be improved when each user terminal uses the system, as described below. On the other hand, when each heat index meter W acquires and transmits the heat index and the heat index measurement date and time every 10 minutes as described above, the power consumption of the heat index meter W can be reduced. Reducing the power consumption of the heat index meter W can extend the battery life when a battery is used as the power source for the heat index meter W.

[0028] Furthermore, when the management server r receives one or more heat index data sets transmitted from each vending machine v every 10 minutes (predetermined time) via the server communication unit rs only during periods of the year when the risk of heatstroke is high (e.g., May 1st to October 31st), the area index data acquisition unit c2 of the server processing unit rc selects secondary use organization records in the secondary use organization table of the server storage unit rm that have a data reception contract (e.g., secondary use organization records with a secondary use organization user ID of "wic_g").Then, from the one or more heat index data sets transmitted from each vending machine v, the area index data acquisition unit c2 selects heat index data sets whose location, indicated by the heat index meter location information in the heat index meter record linked to the heat index meter ID in the heat index data set, is within the target area (e.g., "nationwide") of the selected secondary use organization record. Furthermore, the area index data acquisition unit c2 transmits the selected heat index data set, together with the heat index meter location information and the target area of ​​the heat index meter record linked to the heat index meter ID of the selected heat index data set, to the secondary use organization user terminal t2 (for example, a desktop computer used by an employee of Company G) identified by the secondary use organization user terminal identification address of the selected secondary use organization record. In response, the secondary use organization user terminal t2(t) receives the heat index data set (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 it as a new area heat index record in the area heat index table of the terminal memory unit tm using heat index registration software in the processing execution unit te of the terminal processing unit tc. As a result, a secondary use organization user (for example, an employee of weather information company G) using the secondary use organization user terminal t2 can obtain the location information and heat index data of the heat index meter w for the target area (for example, "nationwide") for each 10-minute period (predetermined time) and use it for secondary purposes. The provider of the vending machine linkage system S can, for example, require the secondary use organization user to pay a fee for the secondary use of the data based on a contract, etc.The above-described collaborative operation between the management server and secondary use organization user terminal may also be performed for the entire year, rather than just the period during which the risk of heatstroke is high as described above, by setting the annual activation period of the heat index meter w to the entire period in the time switch wt of each heat index meter w. The above-described collaborative operation between the management server and secondary use organization user terminal may also be performed such that the management server r selects a heat index data set to send and sends it to the secondary use organization user terminal t2 when the server communication unit rs receives one or more heat index data sets sent from each vending machine v every minute (predetermined time) rather than every 10 minutes (predetermined time) as described above.

[0029] (Cooperation between vending machines and management servers for processing vending machine sales) After the vending machine linkage system S begins operation, each vending machine v acquires the sales quantity (sales information) for each product of that vending machine v for that day (predetermined period) along with the sales date using 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 using the second communication unit v2. The management server r associates the sales quantity and sales date for each product transmitted from each vending machine v with the IP address of the transmitting vending machine v and receives them using the server communication unit (receiving unit) rs. The sales amount processing unit c3 of the server processing unit rc obtains the sales amount and cost of sales for the transmitting vending machine v for that day from the sales quantity for each product. At this time, the sales amount and cost of sales are calculated using the sales quantity for each product as well as the selling price and cost per product for each product stored in advance in the sales amount processing unit c3. Furthermore, the sales processing unit c3 converts the IP address of the sending vending machine v into the vending machine ID of the sending vending machine v, and then links the sales amount, cost of sales, and sales date of the sending vending machine v with the vending machine ID (identifier) ​​of the sending vending machine v, and registers them as a new vending machine sales record in the vending machine sales table in the server storage unit rm. Note that the sales information is not particularly limited as long as it can be calculated by the server processing unit rc as the sales amount and cost of sales of the sending vending machine v for a specified period, and it may be the sales quantity of each product of the vending machine v for the specified period, or the sales amount of each product of the vending machine v for the specified period.

[0030] (Cooperation between the administrator terminal and the management server for registering installation fees) For example, before the vending machine linkage system S begins operation, the administrator uses a laptop computer (administrator terminal) ct and executes a process using the processing execution unit te of the terminal processing unit tc to request the management server r to pre-register the installation costs for each vending machine v and one or more heat index meters w assigned to that vending machine v. In response to this request, the management server r, using the installation cost registration unit c4 of the server processing unit rc, links the installation costs for each vending machine v and one or more heat index meters w assigned to that vending machine v with the vending machine ID (identifier) ​​of that vending machine v and pre-registers them as new revenue management records in the revenue management table of the server memory unit rm.

[0031] (Operation when using the system from a general user terminal) After the vending machine linkage system S begins operation, a citizen (general user) of City A uses a smartphone (general user terminal) t0(t) during a period of the year when the risk of heatstroke is high (e.g., May 1st to October 31st) 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. The operation of the system at this time is explained in detail below.

[0032] First, a citizen of City A uses a smartphone t0 and 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 a free app (hereinafter referred to as "web browser, etc.") via the processing execution unit te of the device processing unit tc. The processing execution unit te of the device processing unit tc obtains the most recent heat index of the heat index meter closest to the smartphone t0 using the smartphone t0's location information detected by the location information detection unit tp of the device processing unit tc, 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 FIG. 5A via 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 smartphone t0's web browser, etc.

[0033] In this case, first, the index information acquisition unit 51 of the index display screen generation unit 53 uses the location information of the smartphone t0 to acquire the most recent heat index and heat index meter installation 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, a heat index meter record containing heat index meter location information that indicates the location closest to the location indicated by the location information of the smartphone t0 is selected, and the heat index meter ID (e.g., "vm03_wgbt1") and heat index meter installation location (e.g., "A City Children's Park Site") of the selected heat index meter record are acquired, and the heat index meter installation location is set as the installation location of the nearest heat index meter. Furthermore, the server selects the heat index record with the most recent measurement date and time (e.g., "2024 / 10 / 16 12:10") from the heat index records linked to the heat index meter ID in the heat index table in the server storage unit rm, and acquires the heat index of the selected heat index record (e.g., "31°C") as the most recent heat index of the closest heat index meter. Next, as shown in FIG. 5A, the screen generation unit 52 of the index display screen generation unit 53 generates a "heat index display screen" in which the most recent heat index of the closest heat index meter (e.g., "31°C") is displayed as the current heat index of the closest heat index meter, and the location of the closest heat index meter (e.g., "A City Children's Park Site") is also displayed, and the screen generation unit 52 displays the "heat index display screen" on the smartphone t0's web browser or the like (outputs the screen to the user's terminal). In this case, as shown in FIG. 5A, if the current heat index of the nearest heat index meter is equal to or greater than a threshold value (e.g., 31°C), the screen generation unit 52 may also display on the screen a message such as a "heatstroke warning" or a "caution" message. A button for "displaying vending machines and retailers selling heatstroke prevention drinks" may also be displayed on the screen. In this case, the button may be displayed on the screen only if the current heat index of the nearest heat index meter is equal to or greater than a threshold value (e.g., 31°C). Information related to heatstroke and health, such as information on "checking the color of urine for dehydration and guidelines for hydration" and information on "today's health condition checklist," may also be displayed on the screen.Furthermore, buttons such as a "Hydration Tips" button, a "Diet Tips" button, and a "Sleep Tips" button may be displayed on the screen, which can be pressed to transition the display screen of a web browser or the like to a screen explaining key points for hydration, diet, and sleep to prevent heatstroke and maintain health.

[0034] In some cases, a citizen of City A may press the "Display of vending machines and stores selling heatstroke prevention drinks" button on the "Heat Index Display Screen" to execute a process to request the management server r to transition the display screen of the web browser or the like to the "Display screen of vending machines and stores selling heatstroke prevention drinks." In response to such a request, the management server r generates the "Display screen of vending machines and stores selling heatstroke prevention drinks" shown in Figure 5B using the beverage sales location display screen generation unit 54 of the general system processing unit c5, and transitions the display screen of the web browser or the like to the generated screen.

[0035] In this case, first, the beverage sales location display screen generation unit 54 selects a vending machine record in the vending machine table of the server storage unit rm that contains vending machine location information that indicates a location closest to the location represented by the location information of the smartphone t0 of the resident of City A, 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 (registered trademark), Ion Water (registered trademark)") of the selected vending machine record. Next, the beverage sales location display screen generation unit 54 selects a retailer record in the retailer table of the server storage unit rm that contains retailer location information that indicates a location closest to the location represented by the location information of the smartphone t0 of the resident of City A, and obtains the retailer ID (e.g., "rs03"), retailer name (e.g., "XYZ Convenience Store A City Branch"), retailer location information, and retailer product information (e.g., "Pocari Sweat, Ion Water, Salt Candy") of the selected retailer record. Next, the beverage sales location display screen generation unit 54 uses a map application to display the location represented by the location information of smartphone t0, the location represented by the acquired vending machine location information, and the location represented by the acquired retailer location information as the current location and the location of the nearest vending machine and the location of the nearest retailer, respectively, as shown in Figure 5B, and generates a "display screen for vending machines and retailers of heatstroke prevention drinks" in which a map showing the acquired vending machine location (e.g., "Children's Park in City A") and retailer name (e.g., "XYZ Convenience Store Branch in City A") is displayed below the location of the nearest vending machine and the location of the nearest retailer, and the display screen of a web browser or the like is transitioned to the generated screen.

[0036] In addition, at this time, as shown in FIG. 5B, the beverage sales location display screen generation unit 54 may retrieve, based on the acquired vending machine product information, data such as images of advertisements for heatstroke prevention drinks and other heatstroke prevention products (e.g., Pocari Sweat (manufactured by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) and Pocari Sweat Ion Water (manufactured by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.)) that are available at the nearest vending machine, from the advertisement data storage unit ma of the server storage unit rm, and display an advertisement for that product on the screen. In this case, the beverage sales location display screen generation unit 54 may switch the advertised product display depending on the level of the current heat index value of the nearest heat index meter (e.g., "below 21°C," "21°C to under 25°C," "25°C to under 28°C," "28°C to under 31°C," and "31°C or above"). Furthermore, at this time, although not shown, the beverage sales location display screen generation unit 54 may retrieve data such as an advertisement image for the nearest retailer from the advertisement data storage unit ma of the server storage unit rm based on the acquired retailer ID and retailer product information, and display the advertisement for that retailer on the screen. The advertisement for that retailer may include, for example, announcements of campaigns such as product discounts in collaboration with the nearest retailer and manufacturers of heatstroke prevention products such as heatstroke prevention drinks available at that retailer (e.g., Pocari Sweat (manufactured by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), Pocari Sweat Ion Water (manufactured by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), and salt candy). When product advertisements and retailer advertisements are displayed together on the screen as described above, the advertisements may be paid advertisements, and advertising fees may be collected from advertisers (product manufacturers or retailers).

[0037] According to the operation of the system described above, general users, such as citizens of City A, can be assigned to multiple vending machines v installed in different designated locations and can know the current heat index of the heat index meter closest to them among multiple heat index meters w installed in different measurement locations. This allows general users to easily grasp the heat index of their neighborhood (activity environment) in real time whenever necessary. This allows them to take appropriate measures to prevent heatstroke and maintain their health. Furthermore, general users can immediately find the locations of nearby vending machines, convenience stores, supermarkets, drugstores, and other retailers where they can purchase beverages and other products useful for effectively replenishing fluids and salt to prevent heatstroke. This allows them to quickly take measures to prevent heatstroke.

[0038] (Operation when using the system from a primary user organization user terminal) After the vending machine linkage system S begins operation, teachers or students (primary user group users) of A City No. 1 Junior High School use a tablet (primary user group user terminal) t1(t) during a period of the year when the risk of heatstroke is high (e.g., May 1st to October 31st) to access the "primary user group heat index display system" provided by the primary user group system processing unit c6 of the server processing unit rc of the management server r. The operation of the system at this time is explained in detail below.

[0039] First, a teacher or student uses a tablet t1 and executes a process using, for example, a web browser or a free application (hereinafter referred to as "web browser, etc.") via the processing execution unit te of the device processing unit tc to request the management server r to display the "login screen" of the "heat index display system for primary use groups." In response to this 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 use groups and displays it on the web browser, etc. of the tablet t1.

[0040] Next, on the "Login Screen," the teacher or student enters the primary use organization user ID ("sc_a1") that has been notified to the teacher or student in advance into the "Primary Use Organization User ID" text box, and presses the "Login" button, thereby executing a process to request the management server r to transition the display screen of the web browser or the like 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 use organization system processing unit c6, and transitions the display screen of the web browser or the like to the generated screen.

[0041] In this case, the index display screen generation unit 62 first obtains the vending machine ID ("vm01") of the primary user organization record linked to the primary user organization user ID ("sc_a1") entered in the above text box in the primary user organization table of the server memory unit rm, then selects two heat index meter records containing the obtained vending machine ID in the heat index meter table of the server memory unit rm, and obtains the heat index meter IDs ("vm01_wgbt1" and "vm01_wgbt2") and heat index meter installation locations ("A City No. 1 Junior High School Grounds" and "A City No. 1 Junior High School Gymnasium") of the two selected heat index meter records. Furthermore, in the heat index table in the server memory 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 linked to the two acquired heat index meter IDs, and the heat index of the two selected heat index records ("31°C" and "29°C") is acquired as the most recent heat index for the two acquired heat index meter installation locations ("A City No. 1 Junior High School Grounds" and "A City No. 1 Junior High School Gymnasium"). Next, as shown in Figure 6B, the index display screen generation unit 62 generates a "heat index display screen" that displays the current (most recent) heat index values ​​("31°C" and "29°C") for the two heat index meter installation locations ("A City No. 1 Junior High School Grounds" and "A City No. 1 Junior High School Gymnasium"), along with the vending machine installation location ("A City No. 1 Junior High School Building") of the vending machine record linked to the vending machine ID ("vm01") of the primary user group record, and displays this on the web browser of tablet t1, etc. At this time, as shown in Figure 6B, wording, information, and buttons may also be displayed on the screen, as in Figure 5A.

[0042] According to the operation of the system described above, primary use group users, such as teachers or students at A City No. 1 Junior High School, can know the current heat index of one or more heat index meters installed at measurement locations used by the primary use group users (for example, multiple different locations such as "A City No. 1 Junior High School Grounds" and "A City No. 1 Junior High School Gymnasium"). Therefore, primary use group users can easily grasp the heat index of the location they use (activity environment) in real time whenever necessary. Therefore, they can take appropriate measures to prevent heatstroke and maintain their health depending on the location they use.

[0043] (Operation when using the system from a secondary user organization user terminal) After the vending machine linkage system S begins operation, an employee of City Hall A (a secondary user organization user) uses a laptop computer (secondary user organization user terminal) t2(t) during a period of the year when the risk of heatstroke is high (e.g., May 1st to October 31st) 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. The operation of the system at this time is explained in detail below.

[0044] First, an employee of City Hall A uses a laptop computer t2 and executes a process using the processing execution unit te of the terminal processing unit tc, for example, a web browser or a free application (hereinafter referred to as "web browser, etc."), to request the management server r to display the "login screen" of the "heat index map system." 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 laptop computer t2.

[0045] Next, the City Hall employee of A enters the secondary use organization user ID ("city_a") that has been notified to the City Hall employee in advance into the "Secondary Use Organization User ID" text box on the "Login Screen," and presses the "Login" button, thereby executing a process to request the management server r to transition the display screen of the web browser or the like 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 or the like to the generated screen.

[0046] In this case, the map screen generation unit 72 first acquires the target area ("City A") of the secondary use organization record linked to the secondary use organization user ID ("city_a") entered in the text box in the secondary use organization table of the server storage unit rm, then selects one or more heat index meter records in the heat index meter table of the server storage unit rm that include heat index meter location information indicating locations included in the acquired target area, and acquires the heat index meter ID and heat index meter location information of the selected one or more heat index meter records.The map screen generation unit 72 then uses the heat index meter ID of each of the selected one or more heat index meter records to select the heat index record with the most recent measurement date and time (e.g., "2024 / 10 / 16 12:10") from the heat index records linked to the heat index meter ID in the heat index table of the server storage unit rm, and acquires the heat index of the selected heat index record as the most recent heat index of the heat index meter. This acquires heat index map data including heat index meter location information and the most recent heat indices for one or more heat index meters installed at locations included in the target area ("City A"). Next, using the map application and the heat index map data, map screen generation unit 72 generates a "heat index map screen" that displays a map showing the locations of one or more heat index meters installed at locations included in the target area ("City A") with dots in patterns corresponding to the magnitude of each heat index meter's most recent heat index value ("below 21°C," "21°C to under 25°C," "25°C to under 28°C," "28°C to under 31°C," and "31°C or above") based on the heat index meter location information and the most recent heat indices for the one or more heat index meters included in the heat index map data, as shown in Fig. 7B, and transitions the display screen of a web browser or the like to the generated screen. By referring to the "heat index map screen," City Hall staff can easily grasp the heat index for each location (activity environment) in the target area ("City A") in real time, and can easily notify residents of the target area ("City A") of the heat index for each location in real time using, for example, City A disaster prevention speakers.

[0047] According to the operation of the system described above, secondary use organization users, such as employees of City Hall A, can know the current heat index of all heat index meters installed at different measurement locations whose locations are within the target area under their jurisdiction. Therefore, secondary use organization users can easily grasp the heat index of each location (activity environment) in the target area under their jurisdiction in real time whenever necessary. Therefore, they can easily notify residents of the target area under their jurisdiction of the heat index for each location in real time whenever necessary, and quickly communicate the risk of heatstroke.

[0048] (Operations when using the system from an administrator terminal) An administrator (for example, an administrator user with the administrator user ID "admin_1") uses a laptop computer (administrator terminal) ct to manage the revenue of each vending machine at a predetermined revenue management point (predetermined point) in the second year (current year) of operation of the vending machine linkage system S, utilizing 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 is explained in detail below. The "revenue management point" refers to the point at which revenue management for each vending machine is performed.

[0049] First, the administrator uses the laptop computer ct and executes a process using the processing execution unit te of the terminal processing unit tc, for example, a web browser or a free application (hereinafter referred to as the "web browser, etc."), to request the management server r to display the "login screen" of the "vending machine revenue management system." 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 laptop computer ct.

[0050] Next, on the "Login Screen," the administrator enters the administrator user ID (e.g., "admin_1") previously notified to the administrator into the "Administrator User ID" text box and presses the "Login" button, thereby executing a process to request the management server r to transition the display screen of the web browser or the like 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 or the like to the generated screen.

[0051] In this case, the list screen generation unit 82 first obtains the vending machine ID and vending machine installation location of one or more vending machine records linked to the administrator user ID (e.g., "admin_1") entered in the text box in the vending machine table in the server storage unit rm. This obtains vending machine data (data including vending machine ID and vending machine installation location) for one or more vending machines that the administrator manages. Next, the list screen generation unit 82 generates a "vending machine list screen" that displays a list of vending machine data for one or more vending machines that the administrator manages, as shown in FIG. 8B, with links set to the vending machine IDs of each piece of vending machine data, and transitions the display screen of a web browser or the like to the generated screen.

[0052] Next, the administrator clicks on the link for the vending machine ID (e.g., "vm01") of the vending machine for which revenue management is to be performed in the list of vending machine data (including vending machine ID and vending machine installation location) for one or more vending machines displayed on the "Vending Machine List Screen," thereby executing a process to request the management server r to transition the display screen of the web browser, etc., to the "Revenue Management Screen" of the vending machine for which 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, etc., to the generated screen.

[0053] In this case, first, the management screen generation unit 83 obtains the installation cost of the revenue management record linked to the clicked vending machine ID (e.g., "vm01") in the revenue management table of the server storage unit rm as the installation cost of the vending machine for which revenue management is performed. Next, the management screen generation unit 83 selects all vending machine sales records linked to 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 start of operation of the vending machine for which revenue management is performed by adding up the sales and cost of goods sold for all selected vending machine sales records whose sales dates belong to the start of operation year (last year), and calculates the sales and cost of goods sold for the vending machine for which revenue management is performed up to the point of revenue management for this year by adding up the sales and cost of goods sold for all selected vending machine sales records whose sales dates belong to the current year (the second year of operation). Furthermore, the management screen generation unit 83 registers the sales and cost of sales for the operation start year, as well as the sales and cost of sales up to the time of revenue management for the current year (a specified point in time), in a revenue management record linked to the vending machine ID (e.g., "vm01") of the vending machine for which revenue management is being performed in the revenue management table. Next, as shown in Figure 8C, the management screen generation unit 83 generates a "revenue management screen" for the vending machine for which revenue management is being performed, which displays the installation costs of the vending machine for which revenue management is being performed, the sales and cost of sales for the operation start year, and the sales and cost of sales up to the time of revenue management for the current year, as well as "operating costs" text boxes for the operation start year and the current year and an "update" button, and transitions the display screen of a web browser or the like to the generated screen.

[0054] Next, on the "Revenue Management Screen," the administrator enters the operating expenses for the vending machine for which revenue management is being performed in the "Operating Expenses" text box for the start of operation year and the operating expenses up to the time of revenue management for this year in the "Operating Expenses" text box for the current year, respectively, and presses the "Update" button to register these operating expenses and execute a process to request the management server r to calculate the operating profit for the vending machine for which revenue management is being performed in the start of operation year and the operating profit up to the time of revenue management for this year, as well as the cumulative operating profit. 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 the web browser or the like to this generated screen.

[0055] In this case, the operating expense registration unit 84 of the management screen update unit 87 first registers the operating expenses for the operation start year entered in the text boxes and the operating expenses up to the revenue management point of the current year (predetermined point in time) (the operating expenses for each vending machine and the one or more heat index meters assigned to each vending machine up to the predetermining point in time) in the revenue management record linked to the vending machine ID (e.g., "vm01" or identifier) ​​of the vending machine for which revenue management is performed in the revenue management table. Next, the profit calculation unit 85 of the management screen update unit 87 obtains the installation cost, sales revenue, cost of sales, and operating expenses for the operation start year, as well as sales revenue, cost of sales, and operating expenses up to the revenue management point of the current year, from the revenue management record's sales revenue, cost of sales, and operating expenses. The operating profit for the operation start year of the vending machine for which revenue management is performed is then calculated from the sales revenue, cost of sales, and operating expenses for the operation start year of the revenue management record, and the operating profit for the vending machine for which revenue management is performed up to the revenue management point of the current year is calculated from the sales revenue, cost of sales, and operating expenses up to the revenue management point of the current year in the revenue management record. Furthermore, the cumulative operating profit (cumulative profit and loss of each vending machine) for the vending machine for which revenue management is performed is calculated by adding up these implementation costs (the implementation costs for each vending machine mentioned above) and the operating profit for the operation start year and the operating profit up to the revenue management point in the current year (the sales, cost of sales, and operating costs for each vending machine mentioned above up to the specified point in time).Furthermore, the profit calculation unit 85 of the management screen update unit 87 registers the operating profit for the operation start year, the operating profit up to the revenue management point in the current year, and the cumulative operating profit in the revenue management record linked to the vending machine ID (e.g., "vm01") of the vending machine for which revenue management is performed in the revenue management table. 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 is an updated version of the "revenue management screen" that further displays the operating expenses and operating profits for the first year of operation (last year), the operating expenses and operating profits up to the time of revenue management for this year (the 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 system's operation as described above, when managing the revenue of each vending machine, the administrator can easily grasp the installation costs, sales, cost of sales, operating expenses, operating profit, and cumulative operating profit for each operating year (operating period) of the vending machine for which revenue management is being performed. Therefore, by covering the installation and operating costs of each vending machine and the one or more heat index meters assigned to that vending machine with the vending machine's gross profit, revenue management of that vending machine can be easily performed in cases where the cost burden of the installing local government (e.g., City A), institution (e.g., City A First Junior High School), business operator (e.g., Steel Works C, Construction E, etc.) is to be reduced to zero.

[0057] The above provides a detailed description of an embodiment of the vending machine linkage system according to the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various design modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention as set forth 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 organization user terminal, t2: Secondary user organization user terminal, ct: Administrator terminal

Claims

1. A system comprising one or more vending machines installed at a predetermined location, a plurality of heat index meters, one or more of which are assigned to each of the one or more vending machines, a management server, and a user terminal, wherein the plurality of heat index meters are installed at different measurement locations, the one or more assigned heat index meters are communicably connected to each of the vending machines, and the one or more vending machines and the user terminal are communicably connected to the management server, The identifiers and location information of the plurality of heat index meters are linked and registered in a management server storage unit of the management server, The one or more heat index meters measure a heat index at predetermined intervals using a measurement unit and transmit the heat index to the vending machine connected to the vending machine in a communicable manner using a transmission unit, Each of the vending machines receives one or more heat indices transmitted from the one or more heat index meters at each of the predetermined time intervals using a communication unit, and transmits one or more heat index data sets to the management server using the communication unit, each data set combining the one or more heat indices with an identifier of the heat index meter that transmitted the data; The management server receives the one or more heat index data sets transmitted from each of the vending machines at the predetermined time intervals using a receiving unit, and registers the heat index data sets in the management server storage unit using an index data registration unit; The user terminal requests the management server to acquire the latest heat index of the nearest heat index meter by using the location information of the user terminal detected by the location information detection unit; A vending machine linkage system characterized in that, in response to a request from the user terminal, the management server uses the location information to obtain the most recent heat index of the nearest heat index meter from the management server memory unit using an index information acquisition unit, and outputs the heat index to the user terminal.

2. Each of the vending machines acquires sales information for the vending machine for a predetermined period using a sales information acquisition unit, and transmits 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 the receiving unit for each predetermined period, acquires sales revenue and cost of sales from the sales information at the sales revenue processing unit, associates the sales revenue and cost of sales with the identifier of the vending machine that transmitted the information, and registers them in the management server storage unit; The management server registers the introduction fee of each of the vending machines and the one or more heat index meters assigned to the vending machines in the management server storage unit by linking the introduction fee with the identifier of the vending machine, At a predetermined time, the management server registers, in the management server storage unit, the operating costs up to the predetermined time for each of the vending machines and the one or more heat index meters assigned to the vending machines, linked to the identifiers of the vending machines; 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 cost, the sales revenue, the cost of sales, and the operating costs up to the specified point in time registered in the management server memory unit using a profit calculation unit.

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