HUP0900702A2 - Vending machine capable of disposing products having age limit, especially medication. - Google Patents

Description

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.PUBLISHMENT COPY

Vending machine that also sells age-restricted drugs, especially a medicine dispenser

The subject of our invention is a computer-controlled vending machine, which, unlike traditional and commonly used vending machines, is composed of physically separate units (modules).

Its payment and information unit - which has all the hardware peripherals of known design in any combination, which on the one hand can implement various payment methods, on the other hand, which serve to select the desired product and to communicate information related to the product in two directions, as well as the verification devices and communication interface peripherals already used in modern payment machines - is located on facades of any wall thickness or on a portal, while its goods storage unit, which also contains known technical solutions, is located in an internal, closed space, forming an independent closed whole.

According to our invention, these two modules are connected by a third unit, a goods transfer unit, the goods outlet of which opens into the front panel of the payment and information unit of our vending machine. This new unit, in addition to the physical connection of the two modules and the transfer of the goods, also ensures their IT connection, and preferably this new unit also checks the correctness of the selected goods.

Another particularly new feature of our solution is that its payment and information unit is equipped with a document recognition unit and a security camera. By processing the information provided by these units together, the age (and gender) of potential customers can be reliably determined using user software running on the computer that also controls the operation of the vending machine - and depending on this, the control computer allows (or not) the issuance of age-restricted goods.

Vending machines are widely and widely used for purchasing various goods and services. In terms of their structure, we can distinguish between fully mechanically operated and electro-mechanically operated, as well as electronically controlled ones. The advantage of mechanically operated machines lies in their simplicity and energy independence, and their manufacturing cost is relatively low; however, from the user's side, they have the disadvantage that they do not allow the use of advanced payment instruments (cards, mobile phones, ...), do not provide receipts or any information about the status of the machine, its charging, etc. can only be obtained on site, by visual inspection from the service provider. In modern vending machines, various electronically controlled, electro-mechanical (or, where applicable, electronic) units check and return the inserted coins or banknotes, manage money substitutes - such as cards - and issue the goods. The solution according to the Hungarian utility model registered number 3197, for example, describes a vending machine for selling boxed products - especially condoms - which has an electronic control panel, and the coin checking unit, product selection control buttons, etc. are connected to its input, while its outputs are connected to the executive unit (motors) of a parallel-arranged goods storage unit with vertical stock towers, equipped with a dispensing mechanism, etc. The advantage of this known solution, or those built on a similar principle, is that their energy supply requirements are low, they can be operated from batteries, and they provide numerous services to the operator and maintenance personnel.

There are known and increasingly widespread vending machines that are suitable for checking and implementing logistics operations on a telecommunications network. As an example, we would mention the solution according to patent number US 6 505 095, whose electronic control unit (computer) also ensures the management of non-traditional peripherals built into the machine - such as the keyboard, network interface, printer, telecommunications modem, etc. The vending machine according to patent number US 4 225 056 is also computer-controlled.

A communication control unit is described, for example, in the patent description with file number P0401765, which is connected to the central controller, peripheral elements, and the unit receiving external instructions of a vending machine. The described solution uses GPRS, EDGE, or UMTS communication and enables the production of interactive content for customers through a camera built into the machine.

The solution according to the Hungarian patent application with file number P0700142 enables the implementation of mobile phone purchase systems and the development of automatic purchase systems. It is well known that parking meters in circulation also allow mobile phone payment in addition to traditional coin or card payment methods.

Among the modern vending machines, we would also like to mention the solution according to the Hungarian utility model with registration number 3,394, which was developed primarily for dispensing medicines. In this known solution, an electronic control unit (computer) also controls the purchasing processes. This known solution was developed for the sale of over-the-counter medicines, but it can only be operated indoors - namely, for example, in the pharmacy itself, and it "serves" all customers regardless of age.

All known and commercially available vending (or service) machines are characterized by the fact that they are compact units built in a vandal-proof, closed housing. All of the known solutions strive to prevent unauthorized opening of the machine's housing and access to stored goods and funds. All of this has led to the development of robust, very expensive machines, but at the same time the desired goal could not be fully achieved. In the case of many goods or because of the delicate electronics, it is necessary to provide for the air conditioning of the machine placed outdoors. This is expensive. There are many known cases when the machine set up outdoors - especially the banknote machines - was simply torn out of place and instead of breaking in, the entire equipment was stolen.

Banknote vending machines are typically protected against this by placing them in a well-controlled location, indoors, or in the case of a closed interior space, 24-hour access is ensured with a bank card door lock. This solution is obviously not applicable to vending machines, so their security and protection outdoors has not been solved to this day.

When creating our invention, we set the goal of designing vending machines that are accessible to anyone 24 hours a day without restrictions and allow the purchase of any number of goods, while at the same time, according to the regulations in force (legal provisions), age-restricted goods are only issued to those entitled to them. At the same time, our goal was to ensure that our vending machine meets the most modern technical solutions known in all respects.

Our goal is therefore to design a vending machine that is freely accessible - yet vandal-proof - and that determines the age of the potential buyer objectively, based on automated processes. In this way, only a person who can credibly prove their age can participate in the service or purchase.

Our invention is based on the recognition that only the controls, units, displays, etc. of the vending machine necessary for purchase or "service" should be placed outdoors (or in an open area accessible to everyone), while the goods storage unit (stock bins, trays, executive movement units, etc.) should be placed in a safe, enclosed space, where only authorized operators (goods loaders) and maintenance personnel can access it.

We have also recognized that in the case of age-restricted goods, the age of the buyer can be reliably determined and deceptive actions can be ruled out by using appropriate user software, based on information provided by mutually authenticating devices, which are known in themselves and are placed outdoors on a front panel designed in accordance with known vending machines.

It is a known and proven fact that the image of a human face — its certain characters, biometric characteristics — is suitable for determining age within a given range, but at the same time, the error margin of known solutions is too large for this to be suitable for an objective decision in itself. (It cannot be determined whether someone is older or younger than, for example, 14 years old - or, in a given case, 18 years old.)

The essence of our recognition is that by using data from certified documents, the inherently inaccurate (estimated) value can be corrected, and the error margin can be reduced to the desired accuracy - by using appropriate learning software.

In accordance with the above, the subject of our invention is a vending machine, the control computer (industrial computer) of which is connected via standard interface interfaces with direct connection or via a peripheral interface unit using a standard industrial protocol with peripherals enabling various payment methods known per se, such as in particular coin acceptors and coin returners, banknote acceptors and banknote returners, bankcard readers, PIN keyboards, as well as data input and display units, as well as interfaces, such as a monitor, barcode reader, printer, speaker, ... and communication interface peripherals, and with one (or more) mechanical storage devices known per se connected to its controller output(s). A particularly novel feature of our solution is that its goods storage forms an independent closed goods storage unit, which is connected via a separate goods transit unit to the control outputs of a so-called payment and information unit, also designed as an independent unit, which also includes the goods dispensing opening; which contains the listed peripherals, the control computer, and as special peripherals, a document recognition unit and a control camera.

In the preferred embodiment of the vending machine according to our invention, its goods storage unit is installed in an internal (lockable) space, its payment and information unit is installed on an external facade, while its goods transfer unit is installed in an arbitrary bridge ^έΐ ^ ^ίοί< k/gy. In a further preferred embodiment, the payment and information unit is installed in the portal -C. A3, (e.g. in a glass portal).

Ideally, the document recognition unit of our vending machine is a barcode reader.

In a further preferred embodiment, the document recognition unit is a document scanner.

It is further advantageous if the document recognition unit also includes a barcode reader and a document scanner.

The product transfer unit of our vending machine is preferably also equipped with a product identification unit (a barcode reader or a camera).

It is advisable if a defective goods storage compartment is also provided in the goods storage unit of our vending machine, which is connected to the goods transfer unit and/or the goods removal structure of the goods storage unit.

Furthermore, the embodiment of our vending machine in which the goods transfer unit is connected to several goods storage units is advantageous.

An embodiment is preferred in which the goods transfer unit has a goods transfer control unit connected to a control output of the control computer for moving the goods transport structure.

In the following, we will describe our invention, the structure and operation of the vending machine with the help of figures and an example, where the

Figure 1 shows the modular structure of the automaton, at block diagram level, in

Figure 2 shows the block diagram level structure of the payment and information unit of our machine,

Figure 3 shows the information connection system of the units at a block diagram level in a further preferred embodiment of the payment and information unit, the

Figure 4 shows the control of the goods delivery mechanism in a preferred embodiment of the goods storage unit, while the example describes the operation of a medicine vending machine.

Figure 1 shows the modular structure of a vending machine according to our invention. These units are physically (not only functionally!) separate, closed units, even if they are placed in a common room or perhaps a common house. (However, the latter is not a typical case!) Its components are a payment and information unit A, a goods storage unit C - these are built up of known components and mechanical structures, the assembly of which is always determined by the purpose of the given machine or by expediency - and a goods transfer unit B, which ensures their physical and functional connection - the goods outlet opening B4 of the latter opens onto the front surface of the payment and information unit A.

The payment and information unit A contains the so-called AF head unit (master), which is a control computer (industrial PC); and the services provided by the vending machine, the cooperation between the individual peripherals, are implemented through user software running on this control computer (as applications).

All the peripherals with which the desired product can be selected, paid for, and the related information and data can be communicated are located in an opening on the front of the vending machine. Examples of these are presented in connection with Figures 2 and 3 — in Figure 1, these are collectively designated as “user interface”. The product outlet opening B4 of the goods transfer unit B also opens onto the front, and as non-standard peripherals, an A2 document recognition unit and an A3 inspection camera (the A2 document recognition unit is a barcode reader and/or a document scanner), from the information obtained from which, using the user software running on the control computer of the AF head unit - according to our invention - the age of the customers can be determined.

The storage unit C of our vending machine - which also forms an independent, closed unit - contains a storage structure (or storage structures) Cl of known mechanical structure, a moving (controlling) unit C2, a product delivery structure C3 and a defective goods storage compartment C4. In terms of its mechanical structure, it is advisable to use the known static matrix or rotating-magazine (cylindrical) arrangement, because both allow the storage of a large number and variety of goods (An example of the control of a rotating-magazine storage structure Cl is presented in connection with Figure 4.)

The so-called communication interface is designed on the rear door of the C goods storage unit, protected by a coded lock, and preferably contains a keyboard, a handheld barcode reader, and a single-line LCD display. These peripherals are connected to the AF head unit of the A payment and information unit via a USB port; their role is during goods loading and maintenance (operational interface). It is advisable to place a barcode reader or camera above the C2 product delivery device — this is suitable for checking incorrect goods loading. For example, goods identification occurs during loading by reading the identifier of the goods piece by piece with the barcode reader. When removing, if an error is detected, the C2 product delivery device feeds the defective goods into the C4 defective goods storage compartment instead of the B goods transfer unit.

Since the C goods storage unit is located in an internal, closed space, it does not need to be protected against the elements (only the front surface of the A payment and information unit and its peripherals require this protection), it only needs to be air-conditioned if necessary.

The B delivery unit of our vending machine creates the functional unit of the machine.

In the design according to Figure 1, it has a conveyor belt B1, a goods inspection device B3 located above it, a goods transfer controller B2 and a goods outlet opening B4 opening onto the front wall of the payment and information unit A. The goods inspection device B3 (e.g. camera or barcode reader) transmits the image of the goods to the AF head unit, which decides during a software-implemented inspection procedure whether the selected goods are identical to the one intended to be purchased. If so, it instructs the execution unit of the B1 conveying structure (e.g. a conveyor belt driving motor) via the goods transfer controller B2 to move the goods towards the goods outlet opening B4. In the case of defective goods, the product is moved in the opposite direction and enters the defective goods storage compartment C4.

As a result of the user software run based on the signals of the document recognition unit A2 and the inspection camera A3 located in the payment and information unit A, after determining the age, the AF head unit sends an enabling or disabling command to the moving (controlling) unit C3 of the goods storage unit C.

In the figure, we have marked the basic controls with a solid line, the possible path of information with an arrow, and the path of goods movement with a thick line and arrow.

In Figure 2, a preferred embodiment of the payment and information unit A of the vending machine according to our invention is shown at block diagram level. As mentioned, the individual components and peripherals are known per se and are also used in modern vending machines, although not in the complex design according to the embodiment shown in the figure. An exception is the joint use of the document recognition unit A26 and the image recognition inspection camera A15, and the use of the user software associated with them, ensuring the authenticity of the age determination.

All information evaluation and all control processes are carried out in the AF head unit (master) in the payment and information unit A. The cooperation between the individual peripherals and integrated services are implemented in software, and these software appear as running applications on the control computer A22 of the AF head unit. The individual peripherals, such as the A1 coin acceptor, A2 coin returner, A3 banknote acceptor, A4 bank card reader, A5 PIN keyboard, A9 barcode reader, A10 receipt reader, A7 motion sensor and A8 distance sensor, A15 inspection camera, A18 RFID reader, as well as an A17 opening sensor, A21 goods dispenser (and locking) and softkey A6 pushbuttons are connected to the A22 industrial computer via an A23 peripheral interface unit; while a high-resolution graphic A12 monitor with an A14 touchscreen, the Aló speakers, an All receipt printer, the A13 pushbuttons and the A19 GPRS modem providing telecommunications connectivity, as well as the A20 Wifi module are directly connected to the A22 control computer.

Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the payment and information unit, which is slightly different from the embodiment shown in Figure 2, showing the information connections. (The reference symbols and names of units with the same purpose, also shown in Figure 2, are the same.)

As shown in Figure 3, the A22 control computer - in our example, a low-power industrial computer suitable for 24/7 continuous operation - is connected to the A12 monitor (in our example, an LCD monitor with a scratch- and vandal-proof A14 touchscreen), an A10 receipt reader (document scanner), an A23 peripheral interface unit (Pay Link), an All receipt printer, an A15 inspection camera (WEB camera), an ultrasonic A8 distance sensor and an A18 RFID reader via USB1 - USB7 communication ports. The vandal-proof A6 push buttons (4-4 pcs) placed next to the A12 monitor, the A17 opening sensor sirens and the A21 goods release (and locking) control are connected to the A23 peripheral interface unit.

The individual payment peripherals, such as in our example the A3 banknote acceptor, A1 coin acceptor, A25 coin hopper (chopper), and A24 banknote returner, are connected to the A23 peripheral interface unit via a peripheral concentrator developed for these modules and through it to the A22 control computer via the USB3 communication port. (The A22 control computer receives information and controls these peripherals via the A23 peripheral interface unit.)

The A14 touch screen front, the A6 push buttons located next to the screen and the A10 document reader (doku.scan.) and the A9 barcode reader form the Bel, Be2, Be3 and Be4 information inputs of the A22 control computer (AF head unit) (see "user interface"), while the Kil and Ki2 control outputs are connected to the B goods transit unit and the C goods storage unit via RS-485 or RS-232 ports directly or via the A23 peripheral interface unit (as shown in Figure 1).

In Figure 3, the uninterruptible power supply of each component is marked with a dashed double line (UPS max 15 minutes, 600 VA).

In our exemplary embodiment, the barcode reader A9 and/or the optionally used document reader A10 constitute the document recognition unit A26 required for determining the age according to our invention, which together with the inspection camera A15 provides information to the AF head unit (control computer A22) to determine the age of the potential buyer. (The appropriate control signal is sent via the peripheral interface unit 23 to the goods issuing and locking device A21 Z“X rz-í ζ-χ Z**-.*Z\ \

Figure 4 shows the control of the goods release of a rotating magazine (rotating cylinder) storage structure Cl at the block diagram level.

The mechanical structure of the rotating magazine Cl storage structures can be briefly described as follows: the rotating magazine consists of discs fixed perpendicularly to a shaft with bearings at both ends, which are mounted on discs - storage compartments with freely adjustable walls in width and depth depending on the stored goods. The storage compartments contain identical goods one above the other in each compartment, and during the release of goods, a given compartment turns to the removal location by turning the disc - this rotation is ensured by the Ml rotation motor shown in the figure. To ensure a sufficiently large capacity, there are several discs (or compartments) located one above the other - in this way, the removal positions are located vertically below (above) each other - therefore, the structure (manipulator) ensuring the removal of the goods must be moved vertically. This is done by a so-called "axial linear unit" (essentially a lift) with the help of the M2 lift motor (elevator) shown in the figure. The removal device places the removed goods on a tray and moves them to the height of a goods receiving opening - this is ensured by the M3 extraction motor - then the M4 tilting motor tilts them onto the C2 product discharge device. At the removal point, a camera with appropriate sensitivity can be conveniently attached to the removal device, based on the image of which the A22 control computer recognizes the defective goods - and when an error is detected, it blocks the release of the goods and/or directs them to the C4 defective goods storage compartment (by appropriately moving the lifting device).

The compartments placed on each disc are equipped with RFID transmitters, thus identified. The identification mark and the goods in the given compartment are associated (based on the product code) by the AF head unit (control computer A22) (using the A18 RFID reader). The control of the goods storage unit C (in our example, a rotary cylinder circular feeder) is connected to the A22 control computer or the A23 peripheral interface unit via RS485 or RS232 ports - as indicated in Figure 3.

Figure 4 also shows the peripherals required for filling the C storage unit with goods - with the C5 communication (operator) interface.

During filling, it is advisable to move the Cl storage structure (using the Ml rotary and M2 lift motors) to a position that allows the operator to access it comfortably. It is also advisable to design it so that only one compartment is accessible during filling — thus reducing the risk of incorrect filling. The compartment — product code assignment can be reconfigured as desired, so that we can adapt to increasing — decreasing demands seasonally.

Modes of storage unit C:

- normal operation, customer service, top-up (performed by operator)

- configuration (only by trained personnel) testing service mode

The C storage unit and the B transport unit do not have independent process control intelligence, they receive the control signals from the AF head unit (A22 control computer). The greatest advantage of the designed control system is that the AF head unit, as a "master" unit, sees the subordinate units as "slave" units, so it can manage them by issuing simple instructions.

However, the goods storage unit C and the goods transfer unit B store the parameters necessary for their own operation, such as spatial information corresponding to the placement of the goods; they are also able to set their own operating parameters (but do not make decisions).

Example

In the following, we will describe the operation of the vending machine according to our invention in the case of purchasing age-restricted goods by demonstrating a purchase from a medicine dispenser.

Our medicine vending machine, when in its idle state, preferably broadcasts an advertisement on its A12 monitor. If a potential customer arrives in front of the machine, the A 8 distance sensor and the A7 motion sensor detect them from a sufficient distance, and its audio unit greets them via the Aló speakers and/or on the A12 monitor (in text) and asks them to select a language and then to present a suitable personal document to determine the customer's age. It is a legal requirement that only people over 14 years of age may purchase medicine.

Documents suitable for age identification can be, in particular: identity cards, address cards, tax cards, passports, ... The automatic document recognition unit determines the authenticity of the presented document - e.g. the peripheral control software of the document recognition checks the security features by illuminating them in different frequency ranges. It then recognizes and classifies the document and, depending on the recognized form, searches for and interprets various image and character information - i.e. it interprets the date of birth in either numerical, alphanumeric or barcode form. If applicable, it also determines the gender of the recipient, and in the case of a document with a face, it also records the image information of the face.

This step is followed by authentic age determination.

The A15 inspection camera of the vending machine captures the image of the potential buyer and the camera's control software estimates their age — based on specific facial features.

By comparing these two data - the actual age on the document and the estimated value based on the A15 security camera recording - the user software running on the A22 control computer of the vending machine determines that

- does the document really belong to the person seen (in this case the two values are close to each other and their gender is the same)

- if the difference is significant, the machine does not allow the purchase (does not dispense goods); if the values are close, it initiates an error correction procedure on the neural network serving as the basis for the estimation procedure and/or stores the necessary data for this.

In this way, through continuous learning and the mutual checking "feedback" of the actual and estimated values, the estimation procedure develops and becomes more precise. (The verification is therefore implemented in software by using the two units together.)

We would like to note here that with our solution, various types of abuse (e.g. placing a photo or poster in front of the A15 security camera) can be filtered out by recording consecutive multi-directional - or, if applicable, moving - images.

(The use of the document recognition unit and the A15 security camera is also beneficial if the vending machine sells goods that are not subject to age restrictions. In this case, targeted marketing opportunities open up for surveying the customer base based on the established age, gender, etc., and the results and effectiveness of a particular marketing activity can be measured using actual purchase data.)

After identification and age determination, in the event of a positive result, our vending machine provides information on the A12 monitor (or via the Aló speakers) about the types of stored medicines according to their groups classified by mechanism of action, e.g. fever and painkillers, vitamins, ... (According to current regulations, these are all non-prescription medicines!) After selecting the medicine, the medicine information appears on the A12 monitor, which the vending machine prints out upon request; however, it also informs you in video and audio without a request about the possibility of using the pharmacist advice line (permanent pharmacist dispatch service).

The medicine can also be selected by presenting the box of the product you wish to purchase, in which case the automatic A9 barcode reader will identify the product - this is the "I want to buy this" function.

The vending machine's pricing program allows the purchase of only one item (package) of the same type of medicine at a time; however, the customer can select several different items in succession.

After selecting the medicine or medicines, the total amount to be paid is displayed on the A12 monitor, which the customer must confirm, and then he can select the payment method, for which our vending machine includes all known solutions, such as cash, bank card, offline micropayment methods: health card, electronic wallet, point collection card. The technical implementation of these is known, the input and output arrows belonging to each unit are located on the front panel of our vending machine (see Figures 2 and 3, coin acceptor A1, coin returner A2, banknote acceptor A3, bank card reader A4, PIN keyboard A5, push buttons A6, etc.)

The machine dispenses the goods selected and paid for by the customer through the B4 goods dispensing slot without any special operation, and simultaneously prints a simplified receipt for the purchase. (In the case of purchasing several products at the same time, the B4 goods dispensing slot remains closed until all the goods to be purchased are delivered by the B goods transfer unit. (The operation of the C goods storage and B goods transfer unit was described earlier.)

After completing the purchase, once the customer has left the vending machine, it automatically returns to its standby state.

We would like to note here that our vending machine continuously informs the operator about its operational status — in case of unauthorized opening or damage, it sends an alarm to the operator or the police. It also provides data (continuously) on the amount of stored goods, the cash in the machine, etc. The machine also treats the opening by the operator to refill medicine or empty money as unauthorized opening until the security code is entered. (As mentioned, for refilling goods, this is located on the rear door of the C storage unit.)

Our presented example described a medicine dispenser, but it is obvious that the operation of the machine is the same even when purchasing any product. However, in the case of medicines and other age-restricted products, the use of the modular structure according to our invention is exponentially more advantageous, since in this way the product can be placed in an internal, closed, well-supervised space, to which unauthorized access is practically impossible - at the same time, the payment and information module placed outdoors, on the facade, in the portal ensures uninterrupted, fast service. (This is especially advantageous in the case of pharmacies with high traffic anyway.)

In summary, we can say that with the solution according to our invention, by using the modular structure, we meet a new user and operator need that cannot be satisfied with known solutions.

The closed, indoor storage unit C is not subject to vandalism, is protected against the elements, and any necessary air conditioning can be provided more simply and cheaply. At the same time, similarly to banknote vending machines, access to the goods is also possible outdoors through the payment and information unit A built into the facade or portal, thus being fast and yet safe thanks to the document recognition unit A26 and the inspection camera A15 used together according to our invention.

The combined effect of these two technically different measures allows us to provide increased product and user protection. Our solution is of particular importance when selling age-restricted products.

Claims (9)

PUBLICATION COPY i Patent claims 1 · A vending machine that also provides the sale of age-restricted goods, in particular a medicine dispenser, the control computer (A22) of which is connected via standard interface interfaces in a direct connection or via a peripheral interface unit (A23) using a standard industrial protocol to peripherals of a known design providing various payment methods, such as in particular a coin acceptor (A1) and a coin returner (A2) and/or a banknote acceptor (A3) and/or a bankcard reader (A4) and/or a PIN keyboard (A5); furthermore, to data input and display units, such as a monitor (A12), a barcode reader (A9) and/or a receipt printer (A11), and communication interface peripherals, such as a GPRS modem (19) and/or a Wifi module (A20); furthermore, its control outputs (Kil, Ki2, ...) are connected to one or more goods storage units, characterised in that it has a payment and information unit (A) formed as an independent, closed unit comprising the control computer (A22), its peripheral interface unit (A23) and the peripherals as described above, which is connected to the goods storage unit (or units) (C) also forming a closed unit via a goods transport unit (B), the goods outlet opening (B4) of which is formed on the front of the payment and information unit (A), furthermore, its control computer (A22) has a document recognition unit (A26) and an image recognition inspection camera (A 15) peripheral. 2. The vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that its payment and information unit (A) is placed outdoors, while its goods storage unit is placed indoors (lockable), act ott esdfea, eN-ώο tuja. 3. Vending machine according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that its payment and information unit (A) is placed on the facade or built into the portal. ^C) an internal /,αΧ L· &&&, 2co9 J t o 9. 4. The vending machine according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that its document recognition unit (A26) is a barcode reader (A9) and/or a receipt reader (A10) document scanner. 5. Vending machine according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the goods transfer controller (B2) of its goods transfer unit (B) is connected to one of the control outputs (Kil) of the head unit (AF). 6. The vending machine according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that its goods transport unit (B) is also provided with a goods inspection device (B3). 7. The vending machine according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that it has a goods inspection camera in its goods storage unit (C), connected to its product delivery structure (C3). 8. The vending machine according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that a defective goods storage compartment (C4) is provided in its goods storage unit (C) in connection with the tray delivery device (C3) and/or the goods transport device (B1). 9. A vending machine according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that its goods transfer unit (B) is connected to several goods storage units (C). PUBLICATION COPY Reference marks *0900702 The payment and information unit AF head unit Barge transport unit Bi goods transfer device b ₂ goods transfer control b ₃ goods inspection device b ₄ goods outlet opening c goods storage unit Cl storage structure C2 drive (control) unit C3 product discharge structure C4 defective goods storage compartment C5 communication interface A1 coin acceptor A2 coin returner A3 bankj single acceptor A4 bank card reader A5 PIN keypad A6 pushbutton A7 motion sensor A8 distance sensor A9 barcode reader A10 receipt reader All receipt printer A12 monitor A13 pushbutton A14 touchscreen ballast A15 inspection camera Low speaker A17 opening sensor A18 RFID reader A19 GPRS modem A20 Wifi module A21 goods release (and lock) A22 industrial computer A23 peripheral interface module A24 banknote returner A25 coin holder (chopper) A26 document recognition unit Bel, Be2, Be3, Be4 information input Out, Out2 control output USB1, ... USB7 communication port Ml rotary motor M2 elevator motor M3 extruder motor M4 tilt motor RS232, ... RS485 port