Item providing device

Abstract

The present invention provides an article providing device, which presents the storage status of articles to a demander so that the desired articles can be smoothly provided. The article providing device comprises a providing unit (10) and a guiding unit (20), wherein the providing unit (10) comprises an article storage section (12) for storing articles (AR) and an article providing section (13) for providing the articles stored in the article storage section (12), and the guiding unit (20) comprises an storage status management section (25) for managing the storage status of the articles (AR) stored in the article storage section (12) and an information presenting section (22) for presenting article storage information based on a management signal from the storage status management section (25).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application with the application date of September 17, 2019, application number 201910875201.9, and invention name “Article Providing Device”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to an article providing device capable of providing articles according to the requirements of a demander. Background Art

[0003] Patent Document 1 described later discloses a device in which a handle is rotated after a coin is inserted, and an article such as a small container stored in a box is provided to a dispensing port by the operation of a providing mechanism caused by the rotation of the handle.

[0004] Since the number of items that can be accommodated in the box of the device is limited, the demander is expected to peek into the box in advance to confirm the storage status of the items to determine whether the items are in a state where they can be provided. However, if the items stored in the box are in a dark place or the box is translucent, the above-mentioned prior confirmation cannot be fully performed, which may hinder the provision of the desired items.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 09-326081 Summary of the invention

[0008] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an article providing device which can present the storage status of articles to a demander so as to smoothly provide the desired articles.

[0010] Solutions for solving problems

[0011] The article providing device involved in the present invention can provide articles according to the requirements of the demander, wherein the article providing device includes a providing unit and a guiding unit, the providing unit includes an article storage section for storing articles and an article providing section for providing the articles stored in the article storage section, and the guiding unit includes a storage status management section for managing the storage status of the articles stored in the article storage section and an information presentation section for presenting article storage information based on a management signal from the storage status management section.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the article providing device of the present invention, the storage status of articles can be presented to the demander, so that the desired articles can be provided smoothly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 (A) is a front view of the providing unit involved in the present invention, Figure 1 (B) is a side view of the providing unit, Figure 1 (C) is a block diagram of the control system of the providing unit.

[0015] Figure 2 (A) is a front view of the guide unit involved in the present invention, Figure 2 (B) is a side view of the guide unit, Figure 2 (C) is a block diagram of the control system of the guidance unit.

[0016] Figure 3 Yes Figure 1 The provided unit is shown with Figure 2 A front view of an article providing device (one construction example) constructed by combining the guide units shown.

[0017] Figure 4 (A)~ Figure 4 (D) is Figure 3 The operation explanation diagram of the item providing device shown.

[0018] Figure 5 (A) and Figure 5 (B) is Figure 3 The operation explanation diagram of the item providing device shown.

[0019] Figure 6 (A) and Figure 6 (B) is Figure 3 The operation explanation diagram of the item providing device shown.

[0020] Figure 7 (A)~ Figure 7 (D) is Figure 3 The operation explanation diagram of the item providing device shown.

[0021] Figure 8 (A) and Figure 8 (B) is Figure 3 The operation explanation diagram of the item providing device shown.

[0022] Fig. 9 (A) and Fig. 9 (B) is Figure 3 The operation explanation diagram of the item providing device shown.

[0023] Fig.10(A)~ Fig.10 (C) is the configuration method and Figure 3 The illustrated article presenting device (one construction example) is a front view of a different article presenting device (another construction example).

[0024] Description of Reference Numerals

[0025] 10: providing unit; 12: article storage section; AR: article; 13: article providing section; 14: handle (operating section); 15: light emitting section; 16: control section; 20: guiding unit; 22: image display section (information presentation section); 23a: electronic money reading and writing section; 23b: two-dimensional code display section; 23c: two-dimensional code reading section; 24: control section; 25: storage status management section; 26: settlement management section; 27: sound generating section; 28: storage section; S1: standby screen; S2: article selection screen; Ia1~Ia5: first image; Ia3': second image; S3: article confirmation screen; Id: third image; S4: settlement selection screen; Im1~Im3: fourth image~sixth image; S5~S6: settlement instruction screen; Ip1~Ip3: seventh image~ninth image; It: tenth image; S8: operation instruction screen; S9: providing completion screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The article providing device of the present invention is a device that combines a plurality of or a single providing unit 10 (see Figure 1 ) and a guide unit 20 (refer to Figure 2 ) are combined and constructed (refer to Figure 3 and Fig.10 ) is a device that provides items according to the needs of the demander.

[0027] First, cite Figure 1 The structure and control system of the providing unit 10 will be described.

[0028] like Figure 1 (A) and Figure 1 As shown in (B), the providing unit 10 includes an article storage section 12 on the upper part of a housing 11, an article providing section 13 below the article storage section 12, and a rotatable handle 14 as an operating section on the front surface of the housing 11.

[0029] A large number of articles AR, such as toys placed in a divisible spherical small container, are stored in the article storage section 12. The article storage section 12 may be any of transparent, translucent, and opaque. A printed material mounting section 12a is provided on the front surface of the article storage section 12, preferably on the inner side of the front surface, where printed materials (not shown) such as advertisements corresponding to the stored articles AR can be mounted. In addition, by unlocking the article storage section 12 and pulling the article storage section 12 forward, the articles AR can be stored in the article storage section 12.

[0030] Similar to the content disclosed in patent document 1, the article providing part 13 has a rotating plate with a providing hole and a gear mechanism that rotates the rotating plate based on the rotation operation of the handle 14. The article providing part 13 has the following function: by rotating the handle 14 by a specified angle, one of the articles AR stored in the article storage part 12 can pass through the providing hole of the rotating plate and be provided to the removal port 11a.

[0031] In the present invention, it is necessary to change the item providing unit 13 from a state in which the item cannot be provided to a state in which the item can be provided based on a settlement completion signal from a settlement management unit 26 described later, and therefore a provision control unit (not shown) composed of a mechanism for state switching is added to the item providing unit 13, wherein the mechanism for state switching is, for example, a mechanism such as the following: the rotating plate or the handle 14 is set to a non-rotatable state by a locking mechanism using a solenoid, and the locking is unlocked by energizing the solenoid to set the rotating plate or the handle 14 to a rotatable state. In addition, by having a price acceptance unit for accepting payment of the price (payment by coins), it is also possible to have a structure such as the following: the handle 14 or the rotating plate is unlocked on the condition that the payment of the price is accepted by the price acceptance unit, so that the handle 14 or the rotating plate is set to a rotatable state. In addition, regarding the payment of the price, the guide unit 20 can adopt any one of a structure having only a price settlement unit, a structure having only a price acceptance unit, and a structure having both a price settlement unit and a price acceptance unit.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown in (C), as a control system, Figure 1 (A) and Figure 1The providing unit 10 shown in (B) includes, in addition to a control unit 16 composed of a microcomputer, an article providing unit 13 capable of performing the above-mentioned state switching based on a signal from the control unit 16; a light-emitting unit 15 or a sound-emitting unit 27, wherein the light-emitting unit 15 uses an LED or the like for visually indicating the providing unit 10 (the providing unit 10 selected according to the request of the demander) that is the providing object based on the signal from the control unit 16, and the sound-emitting unit 27 is a speaker or the like for auditorily indicating the providing unit 10 that is the providing object based on the signal from the control unit 16; a providing detection sensor 17, which uses a photoelectric switch or the like for detecting the presence or absence of the article AR stored in the providing article storage unit 12; and a communication interface 18, which is used for communication with the guidance unit 20.

[0033] Next, quote Figure 2 The structure and control system of the guide unit 20 will be described.

[0034] like Figure 2 (A) and Figure 2 As shown in (B), the guide unit 20 has an image display unit (touch panel color display) 22 as an information presentation unit on the upper front surface of the housing 21, and has an electronic money reading and writing unit 23a, a two-dimensional code display unit 23b, and a two-dimensional code reading unit 23c as a price settlement unit below the image display unit 22. The left-right dimensions and the up-down dimensions of the guide unit 20 are the same or substantially the same as the left-right dimensions and the up-down dimensions of the above-mentioned providing unit 10. In addition, as a price settlement unit, at least one of the electronic money reading and writing unit 23a, the two-dimensional code display unit 23b, and the two-dimensional code reading unit 23c may be provided. In addition, the above-mentioned price acceptance unit may be provided as a supplement or substitute for the price settlement unit.

[0035] The electronic money reader / writer 23a is used when paying the price associated with the provision of the item AR through electronic money settlement. The demander brings an electronic money card or a smartphone supporting electronic money close to or in contact with the electronic money reader / writer 23a, thereby settling the price in the settlement management unit 26 described later.

[0036] The QR code display unit 23b is used to pay the price related to the provision of the item AR through reading and payment in QR code settlement. The demander reads the QR code displayed by the QR code display unit 23b with a smart phone, etc., thereby settling the price in the settlement management unit 26 described later.

[0037] The QR code reading unit 23c is used to pay the price related to the provision of the item AR through code payment in QR code settlement. The QR code displayed on the demander's smartphone, etc. is read by the QR code reading unit 23c, and settlement is performed in the settlement management unit 26 described later.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown in (C), as a control system, Figure 2 (A) and Figure 2 The guidance unit 20 shown in (B) includes, in addition to a control unit 24 formed by a microcomputer, the image display unit 22 described above, which displays images for operation guidance based on a signal from the control unit 24; the electronic money reading and writing unit 23a, the two-dimensional code display unit 23b and the two-dimensional code reading unit 23c described above; a storage status management unit 25, which is used to manage the remaining storage quantity of the items AR stored in the item storage unit 12 of the providing unit 10; a settlement management unit 26, which is used to manage the price settlement (including electronic money withdrawal management, two-dimensional code display, two-dimensional code reading, etc.) performed by the electronic money reading and writing unit 23a, the two-dimensional code display unit 23b and the two-dimensional code reading unit 23c; a sound-generating unit 27 such as a speaker, which is used to output sounds simultaneously with the display of the image display unit 22; a storage unit 28, which stores the screen and image displayed on the image display unit 22, the sound and effect sound output simultaneously with the display; and a communication interface 29, which is used for communication with the providing unit 10.

[0039] Next, use Figure 3 The structure of an article providing device (one construction example) constructed by combining the providing unit 10 and the guiding unit 20 will be described.

[0040] Figure 3 The article providing device shown is constructed by combining five providing units 10 and one guiding unit 20, and has the following arrangement: three providing units 10 are arranged on the lower layer, and two providing units 10 and one guiding unit 20 are arranged on the upper layer, with the guiding unit 20 being sandwiched between the providing units 10. As described above, the providing units 10 and the guiding units 20 have the same or substantially the same dimensions in the left-right direction and the up-down direction, so the front view outline of the article providing device is rectangular.

[0041] Figure 3 The article providing device shown can be constructed on the floor surface, but if the article providing device is taken into consideration for loading and moving, it is preferably constructed on a base with wheels and the units are connected to each other using appropriate connecting devices, or when the base has a rear wall, the units are connected to the rear wall. After construction, the communication interface 18 of each providing unit 10 is connected to the communication interface 29 of the guide unit 20 through a dedicated cable, and a label indicating the respective configuration numbers 1 to 5 is affixed to the front surface of each providing unit 10.

[0042] In the Figure 3When the article providing device shown is set up in a store or in front of a store, before and after the setting, articles AR, such as articles such as toys placed in a detachable spherical small container, are stored in the article storage section 12 of each providing unit 10 according to each system. By the way, the "system" here refers to the category to which the article AR belongs. For example, when the article AR is associated with a character appearing in a specific animation, the specific animation is the "system". In addition, after the article AR is stored in the article storage section 12 of each providing unit 10, a printed matter corresponding to the stored article AR is installed in the printed matter installation section 12a of each article storage section 12 (not shown).

[0043] In addition, when the articles AR are initially stored in the article storage section 12 of each providing unit 10, the number of items stored, information about the articles AR, etc. are input to the guide unit 20 for each providing unit 10. As a method for inputting the input information, the following methods can be appropriately adopted: (1) a dedicated terminal (not shown in the figure) is connected to the communication interface 29 of the guide unit 20, and the number of articles AR stored in the article storage section 12 of each providing unit 10, for example, 50, is input through the dedicated terminal (not shown in the figure), and the information about the articles AR is input and stored in the storage status management unit 25; or (2) an input board (not shown in the figure) is provided on the rear surface of the guide unit 20, and the number of articles AR stored in the article storage section 12 of each providing unit 10, for example, 50, is input through the input board (not shown in the figure), and the information about the articles AR is input and stored in the storage status management unit 25. The methods (1) and (2) can also be used in a case where a guide unit 20 is provided. Figure 3 The article supply device shown then replenishes the articles AR to the article storage sections 12 of the supply units 10 .

[0044] Next, use Figures 4 to 9 , combined with the effect to explain Figure 3 The action of the item providing device is shown.

[0045] When starting Figure 3 When the article providing device is shown, the image display unit (touch panel type color display) 22 of the guide unit 20 displays Figure 4 The standby screen S1 ( Figure 4 In step ST1 of (A), in addition to the message "Touch screen" indicating the operation steps, the standby screen S1 may also include texts, images (still images, dynamic images), etc. for introducing the item providing device and the storage item AR. By the way, during the display of the standby screen S1, sounds, sound effects, etc. corresponding to the message, text, and image may also be output from the sound generating unit 27.

[0046] When the customer touches the standby screen S1, the storage status of the articles AR stored in the article storage section 12 of each supply unit 10 is checked based on the management signal from the storage status management unit 25. Figure 4 (A) steps ST2~ST3).

[0047] When the inspection shows that all the articles AR are present in the article storage sections 12 of the five supply units 10, the management signal is a management signal indicating that all articles AR can be supplied. In this case, the image display section 22 of the guide unit 20 displays Figure 4 In addition to displaying the message "Touch the desired item" indicating the operation steps, the item selection screen S2 also displays five color images (which may also include text for introducing the item, etc.) Ia1 to Ia5 as first images indicating the items that can be provided in a layout corresponding to the arrangement positions of the five providing units 10 together with the arrangement numbers 1 to 5 ( Figure 4 Incidentally, during the display of the item selection screen S2, a sound, sound effect, etc. corresponding to the message may be output from the sound generating unit 27.

[0048] On the other hand, when the inspection shows that there is no article AR in some of the article storage sections 12 of the five supply units 10, the management signal is a management signal that "some of the storage sections can be supplied". For example, when there is no article AR in the article storage section 12 of the third supply unit 10, the image display section 22 of the guide unit 20 displays "No article AR". Figure 4 The item selection screen S2 shown in (D) of FIG. 1 shows, in addition to displaying a message “Touch the desired item” indicating the operation steps, a black-and-white image Ia3′ as a second image indicating that the item cannot be provided and four color images Ia1, Ia2, Ia4 and Ia5 as first images indicating that the item can be provided are displayed in a layout corresponding to the arrangement positions of the five providing units 10 together with the arrangement numbers 1 to 5 ( Figure 4 The black and white image Ia3' is preferably a black and white version of the color image Ia3, but a dedicated black and white image indicating that the item cannot be provided may also be used. Incidentally, during the display of the item selection screen S2, a sound, sound effect, etc. corresponding to the message may also be output from the sound generating unit 27.

[0049] That is to say, Figure 4 (C) and Figure 4In the item selection screen S2 shown in (D) of FIG. 1 , among the five images corresponding to the providing units displayed on the item selection screen S2, a color image is used as a first image indicating that the item can be provided, and a black-and-white image is used as a second image indicating that the item cannot be provided, thereby accurately presenting the item storage information (whether the item can be provided) of the five providing units 10 to the demander. In addition, since the five images corresponding to the providing units are displayed together with the configuration numbers 1 to 5 in a layout corresponding to the configuration positions of the five providing units 10, the item storage information (whether the item can be provided) of the five providing units 10 can be accurately presented to the demander. In addition, when the assumed item AR is not stored in the item storage unit 12, since the information about the item AR, such as image information (the provision of the item AR is not allowed) is not prepared, the information about the item AR cannot be input to the guidance unit 20. In this case, it is also possible that the image corresponding to the providing unit that accommodates the item AR is set to a black-and-white image as the second image indicating that the item cannot be provided, and control is performed so that the item AR cannot be provided from the providing unit that accommodates the item AR. That is, the article providing device may be controlled so that only articles AR permitted to be provided can be provided.

[0050] Regarding the item selection by the demander (the selection of the supply unit that accommodates the item desired by the demander), Figure 4 In the case of the item selection screen S2 shown in (C), the item selection is performed by touching any one of the five color images Ia1 to Ia5 (also used as item selection buttons). Figure 4 In the case of the article selection screen S2 shown in (D), by touching any one of the four color images Ia1, Ia2, Ia4 and Ia5 (also used as article selection buttons), the image display unit 22 of the guide unit 20 displays the article selection button. Figure 4 (C) or Figure 4 If no item selection is made within a predetermined time, for example, within 30 seconds, from the item selection screen S2 shown in (D), the process returns to step ST1, and the above-mentioned standby screen S1 ( Figure 5 In addition, the light emitting unit 15 of the providing unit 10 storing the corresponding article AR may be flashed or lit according to the article selection made by the demander.

[0051] When the item selection is performed within the specified time, the image display unit 22 of the guide unit 20 displays Figure 5 The item confirmation screen S3 shown in (B) of FIG. Figure 4 (C) or Figure 4When an item is selected by touching the color image Ia1 in the item selection screen S2 shown in (D) of FIG. 1 , in addition to a message indicating the operation steps "If this item is selected, touch to confirm" is displayed, an enlarged image (with a configuration number) of the color image Ia1 related to the selected item AR and a color or black-and-white image Id ( Figure 5 (A) Step ST7). Incidentally, during the display of the item confirmation screen S3, a sound, sound effect, etc. corresponding to the message may be output from the sound generating unit 27.

[0052] Regarding the determination of goods by demanders, Figure 5 In the case of the article confirmation screen S3 shown in (B), the third image Id (also used as an article provision confirmation button) is touched to display the article provision confirmation button on the image display unit 22 of the guide unit 20. Figure 5 If no item is confirmed within a predetermined time, for example, within 30 seconds, from the item confirmation screen S3 shown in (B), the process returns to step ST1, and the above-mentioned standby screen S1 ( Figure 6 (A) steps ST8~ST9).

[0053] When the article is identified within the specified time, the image display unit 22 of the guide unit 20 displays Figure 6 The settlement selection screen S4 shown in (B) of FIG. 1 shows, in addition to displaying the message "Touch settlement method" indicating the operation steps, a color or black-and-white image Im1 as a fourth image indicating electronic money settlement, a color or black-and-white image Im2 as a fifth image indicating two-dimensional code settlement 1 (read payment), and a color or black-and-white image Im3 as a sixth image indicating two-dimensional code settlement 2 (code payment) ( Figure 6 Incidentally, during the display of the settlement selection screen S4, a sound, sound effect, etc. corresponding to the message may be output from the sound generating unit 27.

[0054] Regarding the settlement selection made by the demander, by touching Figure 6 The payment method selection screen S4 shown in FIG. 1 is displayed by selecting any of the fourth image Im1 to the sixth image Im3 (also used as a payment method selection button) on the payment selection screen S4 shown in FIG. 1 (B), and the image display unit 22 of the guide unit 20 displays the payment method selection button. Figure 6 If no settlement selection is made within a predetermined time, for example, within 30 seconds, from the settlement selection screen S4 shown in (B), the process returns to step ST1, and the above-mentioned standby screen S1 ( Figure 7 (A) steps ST11~ST12).

[0055] When the settlement selection is made within the prescribed time, the image display unit 22 of the guide unit 20 displays the selected settlement method. Figure 7 (B)~ Figure 7 In other words, in the settlement explanation screen S5 when electronic money settlement is selected, as shown in (D) of the settlement explanation screen S5, S6 or S7. Figure 7 As shown in (B), in addition to displaying the color or black and white image Ip1 as the seventh image representing the electronic money reading and writing unit 23a and the message "Please bring the electronic money closer..." indicating the operation steps, a color or black and white image It ( Figure 7 Incidentally, during the display of the settlement explanation screen S5, a sound, sound effect, etc. corresponding to the message may be output from the sound generating unit 27.

[0056] In addition, in the settlement explanation screen S6 when the QR code settlement 1 (read payment) is selected, Figure 7 As shown in (C), in addition to displaying the color or black and white image Ip2 as the eighth image representing the two-dimensional code display unit 23b and the message "Please read the two-dimensional code displayed on..." indicating the operation steps, a color or black and white image It ( Figure 7 Incidentally, during the display of the settlement explanation screen S6, a sound, sound effect, etc. corresponding to the message may be output from the sound generating unit 27.

[0057] Furthermore, in the settlement description screen S7 when QR code settlement 2 (code payment) is selected, Figure 7 As shown in (D), in addition to displaying the color or black and white image Ip3 as the ninth image representing the two-dimensional code reading unit 23c and the message "Please bring the two-dimensional code closer..." indicating the operation steps, a color or black and white image It ( Figure 7 Incidentally, during the display of the settlement explanation screen S7, a sound, sound effect, etc. corresponding to the message may be output from the sound generating unit 27.

[0058] That is to say, Figure 6 In the settlement selection screen S4 shown in (B), the demander can select any one of the three non-cash settlement methods. Figure 7 (B)~ Figure 7In the settlement explanation screens S5 to S7 shown in (D), the settlement method selected by the demander is explained, so the demander can select a favorite settlement method and smoothly perform the desired cashless settlement. In addition, in addition to cashless settlement, a method of paying with coins can also be selected.

[0059] Regarding the price settlement by the demander, Figure 7 (B)~ Figure 7 (D) shown in the settlement instructions screen S5 ~ S7, from the display Figure 7 (B)~ Figure 7 If the payment is not settled within a specified time, for example, within 30 seconds, from the settlement explanation screen S5 to S7 shown in (D), the process returns to step ST1, and the above-mentioned standby screen S1 ( Figure 8 (A) steps ST14~ST15).

[0060] When the payment is settled within the prescribed time (based on a settlement completion signal from the settlement management unit 26), the image display unit 22 of the guide unit 20 displays Figure 8 The operation instruction screen S8 shown in (B) of FIG. Figure 5 When an item is confirmed by touching the third image Id in the item confirmation screen S3 shown in (B), in addition to displaying the color image Ia1 related to the confirmed item AR and the message "Please turn the No. 1 handle containing the item" indicating the operation steps, a color or black-and-white image It (10th image) indicating the remaining time until the operation is completed is also displayed. Figure 8 Incidentally, during the display of the operation explanation screen S8, a sound, sound effect, etc. corresponding to the message may be output from the sound generating unit 27.

[0061] In addition, when the payment is settled within the prescribed time, for example Figure 5 When an item is confirmed by touching the third image Id in the item confirmation screen S3 shown in (B) of FIG. 1 and the above-mentioned price settlement is completed, a control signal for changing the item providing unit 13 of the No. 1 providing unit 10 containing the corresponding item AR from a state in which the item cannot be provided to a state in which the item can be provided is sent from the control unit 24 of the guide unit 20 to the control unit 16 of the providing unit 10 ( Figure 8As a result, the item providing unit 13 of the first providing unit 10 changes from a state in which the item cannot be provided to a state in which the item can be provided by the action of the providing control unit (not shown in the figure). In addition, along with this state change, the light emitting unit 15 of the first providing unit 10 containing the corresponding item AR flashes or lights up (not shown in the figure of the step).

[0062] Regarding the item provision operation performed by the demander, Figure 8 In the case of the operation explanation screen S8 shown in (B), the operation is performed by rotating the handle 14 of the first providing unit 10, and the image display unit 22 of the guiding unit 20 displays the Figure 8 If no article is provided within a predetermined time, for example, within 30 seconds, from the operation instruction screen S8 shown in (B) of FIG. 1 (when no article is provided by the provision detection sensor 17), the light emitting unit 15 is turned off, and the process returns to step ST1, and the above-mentioned standby screen S1 ( Fig. 9 (A) steps ST18~ST19).

[0063] When the item is provided within the specified time, it is determined whether a lottery for free provision accompanying the item is being conducted. If the lottery has not been conducted, a lottery for free provision is conducted. If the lottery is successful, the process moves to step ST16, and free provision is conducted based on the operation instruction screen S8 ( Fig. 9 By the way, the drawing in step ST21 is a drawing using random numbers.

[0064] Furthermore, when the provision of the items is performed within the prescribed time and when the provision of the items based on the free provision is performed, based on the detection signal of the provision detection sensor 17, the number of items provided is subtracted from the corresponding remaining storage quantity of each provision unit 10 stored in the storage status management unit 25, and the subtracted remaining storage quantity is stored in the storage status management unit 25 ( Fig. 9 (A) step ST23).

[0065] Furthermore, when it is determined in step ST20 that the drawing has been completed, the image display unit 22 of the guide unit 20 displays Fig. 9 The provision completion screen S9 ( Fig. 9In addition to the message "Thank you for your patronage" indicating that the provision is completed, the provision completion screen S9 may also include text, images (still images, dynamic images), etc. for introducing the item provision device and the storage item AR. By the way, during the display of the provision completion screen S9, sounds, sound effects, etc. corresponding to the message, text, and image may also be output from the sound generating unit 27.

[0066] After the provision completion screen S9 is displayed, when a predetermined time, for example, 30 seconds, has passed since the start of the display, the process returns to step ST1, and the above-mentioned standby screen S1 ( Fig. 9 (A) steps ST24~ST25).

[0067] Next, the configuration method and Figure 3 Other construction examples different from the item providing device shown will be described.

[0068] exist Figure 3 , an article providing device is shown in which five providing units 10 and one guiding unit 20 are combined in two layers, but the number of providing units 10 in the upper layer may be set to 3 or more, and the number of providing units 10 in the lower layer may be set to 4 or more. Figure 3 The same number of providing units 10 as the three providing units 10 in the lower layer are further stacked on the upper layer to construct a three-layer item providing device. In this case, the number of providing units 10 in the upper layer can be set to more than 4, the number of providing units 10 in the middle layer can be set to more than 3, and the number of providing units 10 in the lower layer can be set to more than 4.

[0069] In addition, Figure 3 The article providing device is shown in the figure as having a configuration in which the guide unit 20 is sandwiched between the providing units 10, but in the case where the number of providing units 10 is small or the installation space is small, it may also be, for example, Fig.10 As shown in (A), the guide unit 20 is arranged at the end of the upper layer, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 (B) and Fig.10 As shown in (C), the guide unit 20 is arranged at the end of a layer.

[0070] Next, use Figure 3 Modifications of the operation and the like described with respect to the article providing device shown will be described.

[0071] In the above description, Chinese messages are shown in each screen S1 to S9, but messages in other languages ​​such as English, Japanese, and Korean may also be displayed at the same time. In addition, an image of a language selection button for selecting Japanese and a language other than Japanese may be displayed in the standby screen S1, and based on the touch of the language selection button, the messages and texts displayed in the subsequent screens S2 to S9 and the sounds output corresponding to them may be switched.

[0072] In the above description, the image display unit 22 of the guide unit 20 displays the Figure 8 If no item is provided within a specified time, for example, within 30 seconds, from the operation instruction screen S8 shown in (B) (if no item is provided by the provision detection sensor 17), the process returns to step ST1 (steps ST14 to ST15), but it is also possible to perform a refund process without returning to step ST1. In this case, it is preferable to perform a refund process with Figure 6 A refund selection screen similar to the settlement selection screen S4 shown in (B) is displayed on the image display unit 22 (the message is "Touch refund method", etc.), and after selecting the refund method, the same as the Figure 7 (B)~ Figure 7 A refund explanation screen similar to the settlement explanation screen S5, S6 or S7 shown in (D) is displayed on the image display unit 22, thereby requesting the customer to perform a refund operation.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above description, it is shown that an image that also serves as a return button for returning to the previous screen is not displayed in each screen S2 to S9 displayed after the standby screen S1, but the image can also be displayed in each screen S2 to S9, and the user can return to the previous screen based on touching the return button.

[0074] Furthermore, in the above description, it is shown that in step ST10 Figure 6 The settlement selection screen S4 shown in (B), i.e., a screen for the demander to select any one of the three non-cash settlement methods, is displayed on the image display unit 22 of the guide unit 20. Alternatively, one or two of electronic money settlement, two-dimensional code settlement 1 (reading payment) and two-dimensional code settlement 2 (code payment) may be displayed on the settlement selection screen S4, and in step ST13, the usable settlement explanation screen (one or two of S5, S6 and S7) may be displayed on the image display unit 22 of the guide unit 20. In this case, the unusable price settlement unit, i.e., one or two of the electronic money reading and writing unit 23a, the two-dimensional code display unit 23b and the two-dimensional code reading unit 23c, may be removed from the guide unit 20 to avoid misidentification by the demander.

[0075] In addition, it is also possible to set a structure in which the selectable providing unit 10 is different according to the payment method selected from the three non-cash settlement methods and the method of paying with coins (the structure of the providing unit 10 that can provide items is determined according to the payment method). Specifically, for example, the following structure is used: when electronic money settlement is selected, only the first providing unit can provide items, and when coin payment is selected, only the second providing unit different from the first providing unit can provide items; or when electronic money settlement is selected, only the first providing unit can provide items, and when QR code settlement is selected, only the second providing unit different from the first providing unit can provide items.

[0076] In addition, the following structure may be adopted: in an article providing device constructed by combining a plurality of providing units 10 (e.g., a first providing unit, a second providing unit, a third providing unit, and a fourth providing unit) with a guiding unit 20, for example, articles from the fourth providing unit can be provided only to a demander who has received the provision of articles in the first providing unit to the third providing unit. In this case, the provision of articles from the fourth providing unit can be provided for a fee or free of charge. Here, regarding a demander who has selected a non-cash settlement method as a payment method, since the information of the demander can be included in the settlement method, it is possible to identify the demander who has received the provision of articles in a specified providing unit. On the other hand, regarding a demander who has selected to pay with coins, since it is impossible to identify the demander who has received the provision of articles in a specified providing unit, it is considered that, in this case, the provision of articles is accepted after a card or the like containing information indicating the demander is identified.

[0077] In addition, the item providing device can be set at any location, so for example, when it is set at the first to fourth locations, for example, it can also be set as follows: the item from the item providing device set at the fourth location is provided only to the demander who has received the provision of items from the item providing devices set at the first to third locations. In this case, the provision of items from the item providing device set at the fourth location can be set to be paid or free. Here, with respect to the demander who has selected a non-cash settlement method as a payment method, since the information of the demander can be included in the settlement method, it is possible to identify the demander who has received the provision of items in the prescribed item providing device. On the other hand, with respect to the demander who has selected to pay with coins, since it is not possible to identify the demander who has received the provision of items in the prescribed item providing device, it is considered that in this case, the provision of items is accepted after a card containing information indicating the demander is identified.

Claims

1. An item providing device capable of providing items according to the requirements of a demander, wherein: The article providing device comprises: Multiple provision units; and a guide unit, wherein the left-right dimension of the guide unit is the same as the left-right dimension of the providing unit, and the up-down dimension of the guide unit is the same as the up-down dimension of the providing unit, The providing unit includes an article storage section for storing articles and an article providing section for providing the articles stored in the article storage section, wherein the article storage section can store articles from the front. The guide unit includes a storage status management unit for managing the storage status of the articles stored in the article storage unit and an information presentation unit for presenting article storage information based on a management signal from the storage status management unit. The information presentation unit is configured to include an image display unit, and when the management signal is a management signal related to the provisionable management signal, a first image is displayed as the item storage information on the image display unit, and the first image displayed in the image display unit has a layout corresponding to the configuration position of the provision unit, The guiding unit receives information about the items received in the providing unit. The guide unit controls the providing unit for which the first image is not displayed on the image display unit so as not to provide an item. The guide unit controls the providing unit on which the first image is displayed so as to provide an item. The image display unit is a touch panel type color display, the first image is a color image including an image related to the item, The first image also serves as an item selection button, The information presentation unit is configured to display an enlarged image of the first image on the image display unit when the first image is selected.

2. The article providing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guiding unit further comprises: a payment acceptance unit for accepting payment of the price associated with the provision of the item; and A provision control unit is configured to change the state in which the article provision unit cannot provide articles to the state in which the article provision unit can provide articles, based on the acceptance of the price by the price acceptance unit.

3. The article providing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The guiding unit further comprises: A payment settlement department, which is used to pay the price associated with the provision of the items; a settlement management department that manages the price settlement performed by the price settlement department; and A control unit is provided for causing the article providing unit to change from a state in which articles cannot be provided to a state in which articles can be provided based on a settlement completion signal from the settlement management unit.

4. The article providing device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The providing unit further includes an operation unit for operating the article providing unit to provide the article when the article providing unit changes from a state in which the article cannot be provided to a state in which the article can be provided.

5. The article providing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The operating part is a rotatable handle.

6. The article providing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The guide unit further includes a selection unit configured to select any one of the plurality of providing units. The provision control unit changes the item provision unit of the provision unit selected by the selection unit from a state in which items cannot be provided to a state in which items can be provided, subject to acceptance of the price by the acceptance unit or settlement of the price by the price settlement unit.

7. The article providing device according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that: The article providing device has a configuration in which the guide unit is sandwiched between the providing units.

8. The article providing device according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that: The article providing device has a configuration in which the guide unit is located at an end.

9. The article providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The information presenting unit is configured to display a second image different from the first image as the article storage information on the image display unit when the management signal is a management signal related to a failure to provide.

10. The article providing device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The second image is a black and white image of the first image.

11. The article providing device according to claim 1 or 10, characterized in that: The information presentation unit is configured to display a third image for determining the provision of an article on the image display unit when the first image is selected. The third image also serves as an item provision confirmation button.

12. The article providing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The price settlement unit of the guide unit is an electronic money settlement unit, The electronic money settlement unit includes an electronic money reading and writing unit.

13. The article providing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The price settlement unit of the guide unit is a QR code settlement unit, The two-dimensional code settlement unit has a two-dimensional code display unit.

14. The article providing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The price settlement unit of the guide unit is a QR code settlement unit, The two-dimensional code settlement unit includes a two-dimensional code reading unit.

15. The article providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The guide unit further includes a free offer lottery unit configured to perform a free offer lottery based on the provision of the article.

16. The article providing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The guide unit further includes a price refunding section that monitors whether there is a subsequent operation within a predetermined time based on a settlement completion signal from the price settlement section, and performs a refund process when there is no subsequent operation within the predetermined time.

17. The article providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The providing unit is provided with a printed matter mounting section capable of mounting a printed matter including information related to the article stored in the article storage section.

18. The article providing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The providing unit is provided with at least one of a light emitting unit that emits light and a sound emitting unit that emits sound during a process until the providing of the article is completed.

19. The article providing device according to claim 18, characterized in that: At least one of the light emission from the light emitting unit and the sound emission from the sound emitting unit is performed by the providing unit selected by the selecting unit.

Images