Patent Publication Number: US-2017372554-A1

Title: Non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, processing method, processing apparatus, and vending machine

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority of the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-125493, filed on Jun. 24, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD 
     The embodiments discussed herein are related to a processing computer program (hereinafter, “processing program”), and the like. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventionally, a system is known in which various types of information related to a vending machine are acquired, and the acquired information is provided, as a notification, for a terminal device of an administrator of the vending machine or a worker who replenishes the vending machine with commercial items. In the following sections, the administrator of the vending machine and the worker who replenishes the vending machine with the commercial items will collectively be referred to as users as appropriate. 
       FIG. 14  is a drawing illustrating an example of the conventional system. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the system includes a vending machine  5 , a modem  5   a , a count server  6   a , a user server  6   b , a dedicated terminal  7   a , and a user terminal  7   b . The vending machine  5  is connected to the modem  5   a . The modem  5   a  is connected to the count server  6   a  via a 3rd Generation (3G) network  10   a . The count server  6   a  is connected to the dedicated terminal  7   a  via a 3G network  10   b . The count server  6   a  is connected to the user server  6   b  via a dedicated line. The user server  6   b  is connected to the user terminal  7   b  via a dedicated line. 
     The count server  6   a  is a server that acquires various types of information related to the vending machine  5  from the vending machine  5 , via the 3G network  10   a  and the modem  5   a . The various types of information related to the vending machine  5  include, for example, information about a sold quantity of the commercial items sold by the vending machine  5 . In the following sections, the various types of information related to the vending machine  5  acquired by the count server  6   a  from the vending machine  5  will be referred to as “sales information”. Although  FIG. 14  illustrates the example in which the count server  6   a  acquires the sales information from the vending machine  5 , the count server  6   a  also acquires sales information from other vending machines via the 3G network  10   a.    
     The count server  6   a  regularly acquires sales information from the vending machine  5  and accumulates the acquired sales information in a storage device. When having received an access related to the sales information from the dedicated terminal  7   a  via the 3G network  10   b , the count server  6   a  transmits the sales information accumulated in the storage device to the dedicated terminal  7   a . Further, when the dedicated terminal  7   a  has requested sales information at the current point in time, the count server  6   a  acquires the sales information from the vending machine  5  at the time when the request is made and provides the dedicated terminal  7   a  with the acquired sales information as a notification. 
     The count server  6   a  transmits the sales information accumulated in the storage device to the user server  6   b  via the dedicated line. 
     The user server  6   b  is a server that predicts a demand for the commercial items, on the basis of the sales information received from the count server  6   a . The user server fib transmits a result of the demand prediction to the user terminal  7   b  via the dedicated line. 
     The user determines the quantity of commercial items with which the vending machine  5  is to be replenished and the taming with which the vending machine  5  is to be replenished, on the basis of the result of the demand prediction obtained from the user terminal  7   b  and the sales information obtained from the dedicated terminal  7   a.    
     Patent Literature 1: Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 11-296726 
     However, the conventional technique described above has a problem where it is not possible to provide the sales information of the vending machine. 
     For example, although the count server  6   a  in the conventional system is configured to regularly acquire, the sales information from the vending machine  5 , because utilization costs for the 3G network  10   a  become higher when the frequency of the acquisition is higher, the sales information is acquired, in actuality, once or so in the middle of the night. Further, as described above, although the count server  6   a  is capable of acquiring the sales information in response to a request from the dedicated terminal  7   a , implementing this function is not desirable from the viewpoint of the utilization costs. For these reasons, it is not possible to provide the sales information of the vending machine at times when, for example, the user wishes to obtain the sales information. 
     In the conventional system, the obtainment of the sales information is based on the premise that the count server  6   a  is provided, while the count server  6   a  is configured to perform data communication with a plurality of vending machines. For this reason, the count server  6   a  is expected to have a high capability, and the costs of maintaining the count server  6   a  are also high. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to an aspect of an embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium stores therein a processing computer program that causes a computer to execute a process including: obtaining sales information from a control box of the vending machine; which is connected to the computer via an interface compliant with an RS-232C standard; generating data of a screen corresponding to a specific path and including the sales information of the vending machine on a basis of the obtained sales information; and transmitting the data to a terminal, when having received a display request including a designation of the specific path, from the terminal. 
     The object and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a drawing illustrating a configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a drawing illustrating an example of a processing apparatus installed on the inside of a housing of a vending machine; 
         FIG. 3  is a drawing illustrating an example of installation of a wireless router provided for the vending machine; 
         FIG. 4  is a functional block diagram illustrating, a configuration of the processing apparatus; 
         FIG. 5  is a table illustrating an example of a data structure of a first count result table; 
         FIG. 6  is a table illustrating an example of a data structure of a third count result table; 
         FIG. 7  is a table illustrating an example of a data structure of a prediction table; 
         FIG. 8  is a drawing illustrating an example of screen information; 
         FIG. 9  is a drawing illustrating an example of sales information output from a control box; 
         FIG. 10  is a drawing for explaining a process performed by a predicting unit to generate the third count result table; 
         FIG. 11  is a table for explaining a process performed by a screen information generating unit; 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the system according to the present embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer that realizes the same functions as those of the processing apparatus; and 
         FIG. 14  is a drawing illustrating an example of a conventional system. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained with reference to accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited by these embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  is a drawing illustrating a configuration, of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the system includes a vending machine  60 , a processing apparatus  100 , a dedicated terminal  7   a , and a user terminal  7   b . The vending machine  60  is connected to the processing apparatus  100  by a Recommended Standard (RS) 232C cable. As explained later, the processing apparatus  100  is installed on the inside of the vending machine  60 . The processing apparatus  100  connects to a Virtual Private Network (VPN)  50  via a wireless Local Area Network (LAN) or the like and communicates with the dedicated terminal  7   a  and the user terminal  7   b  via the VPN  50 . 
     The vending machine  60  is an apparatus that receives an input of money, a card, or the like from a client and that automatically provides the client with a commercial item selected by the client. Commercial items sold by the vending machine  60  are replenished by a worker. The vending machine  60  stores therein information that keeps predetermined commercial items in correspondence with column numbers. For each of the column numbers, the vending machine  60  has recorded therein the quantity of commercial items sold since the commercial items were replenished last time, information about an accumulated quantity of commercial items sold since the vending machine  60  was installed in the current location, as well as the quantity of commercial items in stock (hereinafter, “in-stock quantity”), and the like. In the following sections, the quantity of commercial items sold since the commercial items were replenished last time will be referred to as “sold quantity”, as appropriate. The accumulated quantity of commercial items sold since the vending machine  60  was installed in the current location will be referred to as “accumulated sold quantity”. 
     When having received a request for sales information from the processing apparatus  100  via the RS232C cable, the vending machine  60  outputs sales information to the processing apparatus  100 . The sales information includes information about the sold quantities, the accumulated sold quantities, and information about the “in-stock” quantities of the commercial items. 
       FIG. 2  is a drawing illustrating an example of the processing apparatus installed on the inside of a housing of the vending machine. In  FIG. 2 , a control box  61  is arranged on an inside  60   a  of the housing of the vending machine  60 . The control box  61  and the processing apparatus  100  are connected to each other by an RS232C cable  62 . Further, the processing apparatus  100  is connected to a power supply cable  63  provided on the inside  60   a  of the housing and thus obtains electric power. The processing apparatus  100  is connected to a wireless router  65  illustrated in  FIG. 3  by a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable  64 . Because the inside  60   a  of the housing is configured by using a material (e.g., metal) that does not easily transmit wireless signals, the processing apparatus  100  performs wireless communication by using the wireless router  65  installed in a position other than the inside  60   a.    
     The control box  61  is a device that manages the sales information of the vending ma chine  60 . For example, the control box  61  stores therein the information that keeps the predetermined commercial items in correspondence with the column numbers, as well as time information indicating a time at which the commercial items were replenished last time. Every time the vending machine  60  sells a commercial item, the control box  61  counts a sold quantity and an accumulated sold quantity for each of the column numbers and stores the count results therein. When having received a request signal from the processing apparatus  100  via the RS232C cable  62 , the control box  61  outputs the sales information to the processing apparatus  100 . 
       FIG. 3  is a drawing illustrating an example of installation of the wireless router provided for the vending machine. The vending machine  60  has a region  60   b  where commercial-item samples are displayed. The wireless router  65  is arranged in the region  60   b . Although  FIG. 3  illustrates an example in which a cover  60   c  of the region  60   b  is open for the sake of convenience in the explanation, the cover  60   c  is usually closed other than when one or more types of commercial items are replaced with new types of commercial items. At least a part of the cover  60   c  is configured by using a member (e.g., made of plastic) that is able to transmit wireless signals. Further, at least a part of the cover  60   c  is configured with either a transparent member or a translucent member through which clients are able to view the commercial items. The wireless router  65  is connected to the USB cable  54  that is drawn from the rear face of the region  60   b . The wireless router  65  performs data communication with the processing apparatus  100  installed on the rear face of the region  60   b , via the USB cable  64 . 
     Next, a configuration of the processing apparatus  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  will be explained.  FIG. 4  is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of the processing apparatus. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the processing apparatus  100  includes a communicating unit  110 , an interface unit  120 , an input unit  130 , a timer  135 , a storage unit  140 , and a controlling unit  150 . 
     The communicating unit  110  is connected to the wireless router  65  via the USB cable  64 . The wireless router  65  is a device that connects to the VPN  50  by using wireless signals. The controlling unit  150  (explained later) performs data communication with the dedicated terminal  7   a  and the user terminal  7   b  via the communicating unit  110 , the USB cable  64 , the wireless router  65 , and the VPN  50 . 
     The interface unit  120  is connected to the control box  61  by the RS232C cable  62 . The controlling unit  150  (explained later) performs data communication with the control box  61  via the RS232C cable  62 . Further, in accordance with vending machine communication standards including a Japan Vending Machine Manufacturers Association (JVMA) standard and a Vender Control Coca-Cola System (VCCS) standard, the interface unit  120  obtains the sales information from the control box  61  and outputs the obtained sales information to the controlling unit  150 . 
     The input unit  130  is an input device used for inputting various types of information to the processing apparatus  100 . The input unit  130  corresponds to, for example, a keyboard, an input button, a touch panel, and/or the like. 
     The timer  135  is a device that outputs information about a current date/time to the controlling unit  150  (explained later). Alternatively, the controlling unit  150  may obtain the information about the current date/time from an external device positioned in a network, by using the communicating unit  110 . 
     The storage unit  140  includes a first count result table  141 , a second count result table  142 , a third count result table  143 , a prediction table  144 , and screen information  145 . The storage unit  140  corresponds, for example, to a semiconductor memory element such as a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a flash memory, or the like, or to a storage device such as a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like. 
     The first count result table  141  is a table storing therein the most up-to-date piece of sales information obtained from the control box  61 .  FIG. 5  is a table illustrating an example of a data structure of the first count result table. As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the first count result table  141  keeps column numbers, sold quantities, accumulated sold quantities, count dates, and count times in correspondence with one another. Each of the column numbers is information uniquely identifying a different one of various types of commercial items sold by the vending machine  60 . Each of the sold quantity values denotes the quantity of the corresponding type of commercial items sold since the commercial items were replenished last time. Each of the accumulated sold quantity values denotes the accumulated quantity of the corresponding type of commercial items sold since the vending machine  60  was installed in the current location. Each of the count dates denotes the date on which the corresponding piece of sales information was obtained. Each of the count times denotes the time at which the corresponding piece of sales information was obtained. 
     The second, count result table  142  is a table storing therein the sales information obtained from the control box  61  at an immediately-preceding occasion. For example, when the most up-to-date piece of sales information is stored into the first count result table  141 , the piece of sales information that has so far been stored in the first count result table  141  is moved to the second count result table  142 . The data structure of the second count result table  142  is the same as the data structure of the first count result table  141 . 
     The third count result table  143  is a table storing therein information about sold quantities each corresponding to a period of time.  FIG. 6  is a table illustrating an example of a data structure of the third count result table. As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the third count result table  143  keeps column numbers, count dates, count times, count intervals, and interval sold quantities in correspondence with one another. The descriptions of the column numbers, the count dates, and the count times are the same as those of the column numbers, the count dates, and the count times provided with reference to  FIG. 5 . Each of the count intervals denotes the time interval between the count time in the first count result table  141  and the second count result table  142 . Each of the interval sold quantity values denotes the quantity of the corresponding type of commercial items sold in the corresponding time interval. 
     The prediction table  144  is a table storing therein information about a result of a prediction as to the date/time at which each of the various types of commercial items sold by the vending machine  60  is to be sold out.  FIG. 7  is a table illustrating an example of a data structure of the prediction table. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the prediction table keeps column numbers, in-stock quantities, first predicted dates, first predicted times, second predicted dates, and second predicted times in correspondence with one another. Each of the column numbers is information uniquely identifying a different one of the various types of commercial items sold by the vending machine  60 . Each of the in-stock quantity values denotes the quantity of a different one of the various types of commercial items remaining in the vending machine  60 , the type being identified by the corresponding column number. 
     Each of the first predicted dates denotes a date on which the corresponding type of commercial items is predicted to be sold out, the prediction being calculated on the basis of the most up-to-date piece of sales information and the piece of sales information obtained at an immediately-preceding occasion (hereinafter, “immediately-preceding piece of sales information”). Each of the first predicted times denotes a time at which the corresponding type, of commercial items is predicted to be sold out, the prediction, being calculated on the basis of the most up-to-date piece of sales information and the immediately-preceding piece of sales information. 
     Each of the second predicted dates denotes a date on which the corresponding type of commercial items is predicted to be sold out, the prediction being calculated on the basis of the immediately-preceding piece of sales information and a piece of sales information obtained at the occasion that immediately precedes the immediately-preceding occasion (hereinafter, “second-to-last piece of sales information”). Each of the second predicted times denotes a time at which the corresponding type of commercial items is predicted to be sold out, the prediction being calculated on the basis of the immediately-preceding piece of sales information and the second-to-last piece of sales information. 
     The screen information  145  is information of a screen including various types of information about the sales information of the vending machine  60 .  FIG. 8  is a drawing illustrating an example of the screen information. As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the screen information  145  includes regions  71 ,  72 , and  73 , as well as a table  74 . The region  71  has registered therein information that uniquely identifies the pertinent vending machine. The region  72  has registered therein information about a date/time at which it is recommended to make a visit to the pertinent vending machine. The region  73  has registered therein information about a total quantity of the commercial items sold by the pertinent vending machine. 
     The table  74  keeps column numbers, in-stock quantities, predicted sold-out dates, predicted sold-out times, sales trend values, and sold quantities after a replenishment (hereinafter, “post-replenishment sold quantities”) in correspondence with one another. The descriptions of the column numbers and the in-stock quantities are the same as those presented above. Each of the predicted sold-out dates is a date corresponding to a relevant one of the first predicted dates illustrated in  FIG. 7 . Each of the predicted sold-out times is a time corresponding to a relevant one of the first predicted times illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
     Each of the sales trend values is information approximately indicating how many commercial items of the corresponding type are sold in average during a predetermined period of time. Each of the post-replenishment sold quantity values is information indicating the quantity of the corresponding type of commercial items sold between the date/time when the commercial items were replenished last time and the current time. 
     Returning to the description of  FIG. 4 , the controlling unit  150  includes an obtaining unit  151 , a predicting unit  152 , a screen information generating unit  153 , and a transmission processing unit  154 . For example, the controlling unit  150  corresponds to an integrated device such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or the like. Alternatively, the controlling unit  150  corresponds to, for example, an electronic circuit such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Micro Processing Unit (MPU), or the like. 
     The obtaining unit  151  is a processing unit that obtains the sales information from the control box  61  by regularly transmitting the request signal to the control box  61 . In the present embodiment, the obtaining unit  151  is configured to transmit the request signal once every thirty minutes, as an example. However, possible embodiments are not limited to this example. 
       FIG. 9  is a drawing illustrating an example of the sales information output from the control box. For example, within the signals of the sales information output from the control box  61 , the sold quantity values corresponding to the column numbers are sequentially output in the ascending order of the column numbers. When as many sold quantity values as the number of columns have been output, subsequently the accumulated sold quantity values corresponding to the column numbers are sequentially output in the ascending order of the column numbers. Further, although not illustrated, when as many accumulated sold quantity values as the number of columns have been output, subsequently the in-stock quantity values corresponding to the column numbers are sequentially output in the ascending order of the column numbers. 
     In the following sections, a process performed when the obtaining unit  151  has obtained the sales information for the first time and a process performed when the obtaining unit  151  has obtained sales information for the second time and thereafter will be explained sequentially. 
     First, the process performed when the obtaining unit  151  has received the sales information from the control box  61  for the first time will be explained. The obtaining unit  151  obtains, from the timer  135 , information about the count date and the count time corresponding to the point in time when the obtaining unit  151  obtained the sales information. The obtaining unit  151  registers the column numbers, the sold quantities, the accumulated sold quantities, the count dates, and the count times included in the sales information, into the first count result table  141 , so as to foe kept in correspondence with one another. 
     Next, the process performed when the obtaining unit  151  has obtained the sales information from the control box  61  for the second time and thereafter will be explained. The obtaining unit  151  obtains, from the timer  135 , information about the count date and the count time corresponding to the point in time when the obtaining unit  151  obtained the sales information. The obtaining unit  151  moves the information stored in the first count result table  141  to the second count result table  142  and subsequently updates the first count result table  141  with the information included in the sales information in which the column numbers, the sold quantities, the accumulated sold quantities, the count dates, and the count times are kept in correspondence with one another. 
     In this situation, the obtaining unit  151  may output the identification information of the vending machine  60  included in the most up-to-date piece of sales information obtained from the control box  61 , to the screen information generating unit  153 . 
     The predicting unit  152  is a processing unit that predicts predicted sold-out dates and predicted sold-out times of the commercial items on the basis of the first count result table  141 , the second count result table  142 , and the in-stock quantities of the commercial items. For example, the predicting unit  152  sequentially performs a process of generating the third count result table  143  and a process of generating the prediction table  144 . 
     The predicting unit  152  generates the third count result table  143  on the basis of the first count result table  141  and the second count result table  142 .  FIG. 10  is a drawing for explaining the process performed by the predicting unit to generate the third count result table. In the following sections, an example will foe explained in which the predicting unit generates a record corresponding to column number “1” in the prediction table  144 ; however, the process of generating a record corresponding to column number “n” can similarly foe performed, where “n” is a natural number. 
     The predicting unit  152  obtains the count date “2016/6/10” and the count time “12:00” corresponding to column number “1” in the first count result table  141 . The predicting unit  152  reregisters the obtained count date “2016/6/10” and the obtained count time “12:00” as the count date and the count time corresponding to column number “1” in the third count result table  143 . 
     The predicting unit  152  calculates a count interval “30 minutes” by subtracting the count time “11:30” corresponding to column number “1” in the second count result table  142  from the count time “12:00” corresponding to column number “1” in the first count result table  141 . The predicting unit  152  registers “30 minutes” as the count interval corresponding to column number “1” in the third count result table  143 . 
     The predicting unit  152  calculates an interval sold quantity “1” by subtracting the accumulated sold quantity “100,000” corresponding to column number “1” in the second count result table  142  from the accumulated sold quantity “100,001” corresponding to column number “1” in the first count result table  141 . The predicting unit  152  registers “1” as the interval sold quantity corresponding to column number “1” in the third count result table  143 . 
     Every time the first count result table  141  and the second count result table  142  are updated, the predicting unit  152  generates a record corresponding to column number “n” to be registered into the third count result table  143  and additionally registers the generated record into the third count result table  143 . 
     Subsequently, for each of the column numbers, the predicting unit  152  predicts a date and a time at which the type of commercial items corresponding to the column number is to be sold out, on the basis of the third count result table  143 . For example, on the basis of Formula (1), the predicting unit  152  calculates a remaining period of time before each of the types of commercial items is to be sold out, the remaining period of time being indicated as the number of hours from the current date/time. 
       The remaining period of time=“the current in-stock quantity”/“an average sold quantity per unit time period”−α  (1)
 
     In Formula (1), the predicting unit  152  may use the in-stock quantity included in the most up-to-date piece of sales information as the current in-stock quantity. Alternatively, the predicting unit  152  may calculate the current in-stock quantity by subtracting the sold quantity included in the most up-to-date piece of sales information from the in-stock quantity obtained at the immediately-preceding occasion. 
     In Formula (1), the predicting unit  152  calculates the average sold quantity per unit time period on the basis of the third count result table  143 . For example, with respect to column number “n”, the predicting unit  152  calculates an average time period of the count intervals during a predetermined period of time and an average value of the interval sold quantities. The predicting unit  152  calculates the average sold quantity per unit time period by dividing the average value of the interval sold quantities by the average time period of the count intervals. The symbol “α” in Formula (1) denotes a correction time that can be set by the administrator as appropriate. In the present embodiment, the example is explained in which the remaining period of time is calculated on the basis of Formula (1); however, the predicting unit  152  may calculate the remaining period of time on the basis of any other prediction algorithm. 
     The predicting unit  152  calculates a predicted sold-out date and a predicted sold-out time corresponding to column number “n”, by adding the remaining period of time to the current date/time. In the following sections, a process performed when the predicting unit  152  calculates predicted sold-out dates and predicted sold-out times for the first time and a process performed when the predicting unit  152  calculates predicted sold-out dates and predicted sold-out times for the second time and thereafter will sequentially be explained. 
     First, the process performed when the predicting unit  152  calculates the predicted sold-out dates and the predicted sold-out times for the first time will be explained. The predicting unit  152  registers an in-stock quantity, the predicted sold-out date, and the predicted sold-out time corresponding to each of the column numbers as an in-stock quantity, a first predicted date, and a first predicted time as to be kept in correspondence with the column number in the prediction table  144 . 
     Next, the process performed when the predicting unit  152  calculates the predicted sold-out dates and the predicted sold-out times for the second time and thereafter will be explained. The predicting unit  152  moves the pieces of information about the first predicted dates and the first predicted times registered in the prediction table  144  into positions of the second predicted dates and the second predicted times. After that, the predicting unit  152  registers the in-stock quantity, the predicted sold-out date, and the predicted sold-out time corresponding to each of the column numbers, as an in-stock quantity, a first predicted date, and a first predicted time so as to be kept in correspondence with the column number in the prediction table  144 . 
     Every time the third count result table  143  is updated, the predicting unit  152  calculates predicted sold-out dates and predicted sold-out times and updates the prediction table  144  with the calculated values. 
     Further, with respect to each of the column numbers, the predicting unit  152  may output an average sold quantity per unit time period as a sales trend value, to the screen information generating unit  153 . 
     The screen information generating unit  153  is a processing unit that generates the screen information  145  on the basis of the prediction table  144 . The screen information  145  is screen information displayed at an accessing source, when an access is received via the specific path. Further, the screen information generating unit  153  generates the screen information  145  in a Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) format. In the following sections, an example of a process performed by the screen information generating unit  153  to generate the screen information  145  will be explained. 
     The screen information generating unit  153  sets the pieces of information corresponding to the column numbers and being registered as the in-stock quantities, the first predicted dates, and the first predicted times in the prediction table  144 , as the in-stock quantities, the predicted sold-out dates, and the predicted sold-out times in the table  74  illustrated in  FIG. 8 . The screen information generating unit  153  sets the pieces of information about the sales trend values corresponding to the column numbers that were received from the predicting unit  152  as the sales trend values in the table  74 . The screen information generating unit  153  sets the pieces of information about the sold quantities corresponding to the column numbers that are stored in the first count result table  141  as the post-replenishment sold quantities in the table  74 . 
     The screen information generating unit  153  receives the identification information of the vending machine from the obtaining unit  151  and sets the identification information of the vending machine  60  into the region  71  illustrated in  FIG. 8 . By referring to the predicted sold-out dates and the predicted sold-out times in the table  74 , the screen information generating unit  153  identifies a set made up of a predicted sold-out date and a predicted sold-out time that is earliest from the current date/time as a recommended visit date. The screen information generating unit  153  sets the information about the identified recommended visit date into the region  72 . The screen information generating unit  153  calculates a total sold quantity by calculating the sum of the sold quantities corresponding to the column numbers in the first count result table  141 . The screen information generating unit  153  sets the information about the total sold quantity into the region  73 . 
     The screen information generating unit  153  compares the first predicted dates and the first predicted times with the second predicted dates and the second predicted times in the prediction table  144  and judges whether or not a change has been made to any of the predicted dates and the predicted times. 
       FIG. 11  is a table for explaining a process performed by the screen information generating unit. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 11 , with respect to the record corresponding to column number “3”, the first predicted date and the first predicted time are different from the second predicted date and the second predicted time. More specifically, the first predicted date and the first predicted time are “2016/6/13” and “23:00”, whereas the second predicted date and the second predicted time are “2016/6/14” and “4:00”. In this situation, the screen information generating unit  153  outputs information indicating that the predicted date/time has been changed, to the transmission processing unit  154 . 
     Every time the prediction table  144  is updated, the screen information generating unit  153  updates the screen information  145  by performing the process described above. Further, the screen information generating unit  153  judges whether or not a change has been made to any of the predicted dates and the predicted times. When a change has been made to any of the predicted dates and the predicted times, the screen information generating unit  153  outputs information indicating that a change has been made to the predicted dates/times, to the transmission processing unit  154 . 
     The transmission processing unit  154  is a processing unit that, when having received a display request including a designation of the specific path from either the dedicated terminal  7   a  or the user terminal  7   b , transmits the screen information  145  to the dedicated terminal  7   a  or the user terminal  7   b  that made the display request. The specific path received by the transmission processing unit  154  is a unique path used for browsing the screen information  145  generated from the sales information of the vending machine  60  and is different from any of the paths used for browsing other pieces of screen information generated from sales information of other vending machines. 
     Further, in an address table (not illustrated), the transmission processing unit  154  has stored address information of the dedicated terminal  7   a  or the user terminal  7   b  that made the display request including the designation of the specific path. When having received the information indicating that a change has been made to the predicted dates/times from the screen information generating unit  153 , the transmission processing unit  154  transmits the updated screen information  145 , by using the address information stored in the address table as the destination thereof. 
     Alternatively, when having received the information indicating that a change has been made to the predicted dates/times, the transmission processing unit  154  may send a notification about the specific path used for accessing the screen information  145 , by using the address information stored in the address table as the destination, thereof. The transmission processing unit  154  sends the notification via an electronic mail or the like. When having received the notification, the dedicated terminal  7   a  or the user terminal  7   b  accesses the processing apparatus  100  by using the specific path included in the notification and receives the screen information  145 . 
     For example, when having received the notification, the dedicated terminal  7   a  or the user terminal  7   b  announces that a change has been made to the predicted times/dates on a display screen (not illustrated) and further displays a button to select whether or not the user wishes to check the predicted dates/times. When having detected that the displayed button has been pressed by the user, the dedicated terminal  7   a  or the user terminal  7   b  accesses the processing apparatus  100  by using the specific path included in the notification and further obtains and displays the screen information  145 . 
     Next, an example of a processing procedure performed by the system of the present embodiment will be explained.  FIG. 12  is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure performed by the system according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the processing apparatus  100  performs an initialization process (step S 101 ). The obtaining unit  151  included in the processing apparatus  100  transmits a request signal to the vending machine  60 , via the RS232C cable  62  (step S 102 ). 
     The control box  61  of the vending machine  60  receives the request signal via the RS232c cable  62  (step S 103 ). The control box  61  outputs the sales information to the processing apparatus  100  via the RS232C cable  62  (step S 104 ). 
     The obtaining unit  151  receives the sales information via the RS232C cable  62  (step S 105 ). The obtaining unit  151  separates the sales information into pieces of column-specific data and stores the pieces of column-specific data into the first count result table  141  (step S 106 ). Further, at step S 106 , the obtaining unit  151  updates the second count result table  142 . 
     The predicting unit  152  included in the processing apparatus  100  calculates sold quantities corresponding to different time periods, on the basis of the immediately-preceding piece of sales information and the most up-to-date piece of sales information and registers the calculated sold quantities into the third count result table  143  (step S 107 ). The predicting unit  152  calculates predicted sold-out dates and predicted sold-out times and further updates the prediction table  144  with the calculated values (step S 108 ). 
     The screen information generating unit  153  included in the processing apparatus  100  generates the screen information  145  in an HTML format (step S 109 ). The transmission, processing unit  154  included in the processing apparatus  100  judges whether or not a display request has been received (step S 110 ). When ho display request has been received (step S 110 : No), the transmission processing unit  154  proceeds to step S 112 . 
     On the contrary, when a display request has been received (step S 110 : Yes), the transmission processing unit  154  transmits the screen information  145  to the sender of the display request (step S 111 ) and proceeds to step S 113 . 
     When a change has been made to any of the predicted sold-out dates/times, the transmission processing unit  154  included in the processing apparatus  100  sends the notification to the dedicated terminal  7   a  and the user terminal  7   b  (step S 112 ). When the process is not to be ended (step S 113 : No), the processing apparatus  100  proceeds to step S 102 . On the contrary, when the process is to be ended (step S 113 : Yes), the processing apparatus  100  ends the process. 
     Next, advantageous effects of the processing apparatus  100  according to the present embodiment will be explained. The processing apparatus  100  obtains the sales information from the control box  61  of the vending machine  60 , via the RS232C cable  62 . Further, the processing apparatus  100  generates the screen information  145  corresponding to the specific path, on the basis of the sales information. When having received the display request including the designation of the specific path, the processing apparatus  100  transmits the screen information  145  to the sender of the display request. In this manner, it is possible to provide the sales information of the vending machine  60 . 
     Further, because the processing apparatus  100  directly obtains the sales information from the control box  61  via the RS232C cable  62  that is installed in the vending machine  60  as a part of standard equipment, it is possible to easily attach the processing apparatus  100  to the existing vending machine  60 . Further, unlike the conventional technique, because the sales information is obtained without using the communication through a 3G network, it is possible to lower the communication costs. 
     The processing apparatus  100  obtains the sales information in the JVMA format from the control box  61  and generates the screen information  145 . With this arrangement, because the format used by the vending machine  60  as a standard specification is applicable without any modification, it is possible to easily attach the processing apparatus  100  to the existing vending machine  60 . 
     The processing apparatus  100  and the dedicated terminal  7   a  and the user terminal  7   b  are connected to each other via the VPN  50  so that the information is exchanged via the VPN  50 . Consequently, it is possible to lower the communication costs compared to the situation where the communication is performed via a 3G network. 
     The dedicated terminal  7   a  and the user terminal  7   b  obtain the screen information  145  from the processing apparatus  100  by designating the screen information  145  about the sales information of the vending machine  60  with the use of the specific path unique to the vending machine  60 . Consequently, the terminals are each able to refer to the screen information  145  by simply using the specific path corresponding to the vending machine  60 . 
     The processing apparatus  100  generates the screen information  145  in the HTML format and transmits the generated screen information  145  to the sender of the display request. Consequently, by simply having a general-purpose browser installed therein, the terminal device is able to refer to the screen information  145 . 
     Because the processing apparatus  100  specifies the predicted sold-out dates/times of the commercial items on the basis of the sales information, it is possible to improve efficiency of the replenishing work of the worker who replenishes the vending machine  60  with the commercial items. Further, when a change has been made to any of the predicted sold-out dates/times, the processing apparatus  100  notifies the dedicated terminal  7   a  and the user terminal  7   b  of the predicted sold-out dates/times after the change. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the vending machine  60  from selling out the commercial items and the like, even when a change has occurred in the sales trend, and the original predicted dates/times are no longer correct. 
     When providing the dedicated terminal  7   a  and the user terminal  7   b  with the various types of notifications, the processing apparatus  100  arranges each of the notifications to include the information about the specific path corresponding to the screen information  145 . Consequently, the dedicated terminal  7   a  and the user terminal  7   b  that receive the notifications are able to easily access the screen information  145 . 
     Although the processing apparatus  100  is provided on the inside of the vending machine  60  where the wireless radio waves do not easily reach. However, because the processing apparatus  100  is connected to the wireless router  65 , and the wireless router  65  is arranged in the region where wireless communication with the outside is possible via the member that is able to transmit the wireless signals. With this arrangement, the processing apparatus  100  is able to easily connect to the VPN. 
     Next, an example of a hardware configuration of a computer that realizes the same functions as those of the processing apparatus  100  according to the embodiment described above will be explained.  FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating the example of the hardware configuration of the computer that realizes the same functions as those of the processing apparatus. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , a computer  200  includes a Central Processing Unit (CPU)  201  that performs various types of computing processes, an input device  202  that receives an input of data from the user, and a display  203 . Further, the computer  200  includes a reading device  204  that reads computer programs (hereinafter, “programs”) or the like from a storage medium, an interface device  205   a  that exchanges data with another computer via a network, and a communicating device  205   b . Further, the computer  200  also includes a Random Access Memory (RAM)  206  that temporarily stores therein various types of information and a hard disk device  207 . Further, the devices  201  to  207  are connected to a bus  208 . 
     The hard disk device  207  includes an obtaining program  207   a , a predicting program  207   b , a screen information generating program  207   c , and a transmission processing program  207   d . The CPU  201  reads the obtaining program  207   a , the predicting program  207   b , the screen information generating program  207   c , and the transmission processing program  207   d  and loads the read programs into the RAM  206 . 
     The obtaining program  207   a  functions as an obtaining process  206   a . The predicting program  207   b  functions as a predicting process  206   b . The screen information generating program  207   c  functions as a screen information generating process  206   c . The transmission processing program  207   d  functions as a transmission processing process  206   d.    
     Processes performed by the obtaining process  206   a  correspond to the processes performed by the obtaining unit  151 . Processes performed by the predicting process  206   b  correspond to the processes performed by the predicting unit  152 . Processes performed by the screen information generating process  206   c  correspond to the processes performed by the screen information generating unit  153 . The transmission processing process  206   d  corresponds to the transmission processing unit  154 . 
     In this situation, the obtaining program  207   a , the predicting program  207   b , the screen information generating program  207   c , and the transmission processing program  207   d  do not necessarily have to be stored in the hard disk device  207  to begin with. For example, it is acceptable to have the programs stored in a “portable medium” such as a flexible disk (FD), a Compact Disk Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), a magneto-optical disk, an Integrated Circuit (IC) card, or the like that can be inserted into the computer  200 . Further, it is also acceptable to arrange the computer  200  to read and execute the programs  207   a  to  207   d.    
     It is possible to provide the sales information of the vending machine. 
     All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical purposes of aiding the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to further the art, and are not to be construed as limitations to such specifically recited examples and conditions, nor does the organization of such examples in the specification relate to a showing of the superiority and inferiority of the invention. Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail, it should be understood that the various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.