초록 ▼

A vending machine and distribution management system is provided which stores and sells merchandise to customers. The system includes a host computer for receiving actual sales data from the vending machine in order to track inventory and sales preferences, and to notify suppliers to restock the mac

A vending machine and distribution management system is provided which stores and sells merchandise to customers. The system includes a host computer for receiving actual sales data from the vending machine in order to track inventory and sales preferences, and to notify suppliers to restock the machine. The vending machine provides a variety of signals which are intended to entice potential customers to approach the machine and purchase merchandise. A questionnaire is provided for obtaining consumer preferences in the machine and the data is sent to the host computer for analyzing.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A distribution management system comprising;a plurality of vending machines installed in a plurality of sites; anda host computer connected to said vending machines respectively by a communication line; which manages travelling of a transportation vehicle for delivering m

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A distribution management system comprising;a plurality of vending machines installed in a plurality of sites; anda host computer connected to said vending machines respectively by a communication line; which manages travelling of a transportation vehicle for delivering merchandise to said vending machines, wherein:said transportation vehicle comprises:running position data acquiring means for acquiring data of its own running position; andrunning position data transmitting means for transmitting said running position data to said host computer,said vending machine comprises:merchandise storing means for storing said merchandise;money receiving means for receiving payment for said merchandise;merchandise taking out means for taking out merchandise from said merchandise storing means and selling said merchandise on condition that payment is made to said money receiving means;merchandise data transmitting means for transmitting data concerning said merchandise sold by said merchandise taking out means to the host computer;running position data receiving means for receiving said running position data from said host computer; anddisplaying means for showing the position of said transportation vehicle corresponding to said running position data, andsaid host computer comprises:merchandise data receiving means for receiving data concerning said merchandise;merchandise managing means for adding up data concerning said merchandise and managing distribution of merchandise;running position data receiving means for receiving said running position data from said transportation vehicle; andrunning position data transmitting means for transmitting said running position data to said vending machine.