Vending machine system

Abstract

The present invention provides a vending machine system that enables settlement processing of settlement brands with a settlement server, even if the vending machine does not include a settlement brand selection unit such as a settlement brand selection button. The vending machine pre-registers the settlement brands it will process as registered settlement brands. A portable terminal activates a settlement brand application to establish a communication connection with the vending machine. When a product is selected, the vending machine transmits a list of settlement brands to the portable terminal. The portable terminal transmits the selected settlement brand from the list to the vending machine. The vending machine then connects to the settlement server that processes the received settlement brand to obtain a settlement link address. The obtained settlement link address is then notified to the portable terminal. The portable terminal uses the settlement link address to connect to the settlement server and perform settlement processing for the product with the settlement server.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic vending machine system capable of performing a settlement process of a settlement brand via a settlement server even if a settlement brand selection unit such as a settlement brand selection button is not provided in the automatic vending machine. Background Art

[0002] Among automatic vending machines, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, automatic vending machines are becoming popular that select one brand from among electronic money settlement services of a plurality of electronic money brands and perform settlement processing using the electronic money settlement service of the selected brand.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-20751 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In addition, among the vending machines in recent years, there are the following vending machines: not limited to contact electronic money, portable terminals such as smartphones can be wirelessly connected to the vending machine to obtain product information and vending machine identification information of the selected product, and settle the bill with the help of the settlement server.

[0008] However, in the case where the vending machine handles multiple settlement brands, in order to select one settlement brand from the multiple settlement brands in the vending machine, it is necessary to provide multiple physical settlement brand selection buttons, multiple settlement brand selection buttons of a touch panel type liquid crystal display, or a display unit that displays multiple graphical codes such as a QR code (registered trademark) representing the settlement brand. In addition, the user needs to start the settlement brand application (application software) corresponding to the selected settlement brand. Moreover, in this vending machine, in addition to pressing the product selection button on the vending machine, the user also has to press the settlement brand selection button, resulting in a large number of contact operations. Therefore, it is also considered that this will hinder the improvement of prevention measures for infections such as the new coronavirus.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a vending machine system that can perform settlement processing of a settlement brand via a settlement server even if a settlement brand selection unit such as a settlement brand selection button is not provided in the vending machine.

[0010] Solutions for solving problems

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the purpose, the present invention is a vending machine system, which has a vending machine, a settlement server and a portable terminal, wherein the vending machine sells goods, the settlement server performs settlement processing for the goods, the portable terminal is carried by the user who purchases the goods, and has a settlement brand application for using the settlement brand to control the settlement of the goods, wherein the vending machine, the settlement server and the portable terminal are capable of communicating with each other, the vending machine pre-registers the settlement brand processed by the vending machine as a registered settlement brand, the portable terminal starts the settlement brand application to communicate with the vending machine, and after the user selects a brand In the case of a product, the vending machine sends the list of registered settlement brands, i.e., the settlement brand list, to the portable terminal, and the portable terminal sends the settlement brand selected from the settlement brand list to the vending machine. When the vending machine receives the settlement brand, it connects to the settlement server that processes the settlement brand to obtain the settlement link address that is the link destination of the settlement server, notifies the portable terminal of the obtained settlement link address, and the portable terminal uses the settlement link address to connect to the settlement server, and performs settlement processing of the product with the settlement server. When the settlement processing of the product is completed, the vending machine moves the product out.

[0012] In addition, regarding the present invention, in the above-mentioned invention, there is also an intermediary server, which is connected between the vending machine and the settlement server, and pre-registers the correspondence between the settlement brand and the settlement server, and mediates the connection between the settlement server corresponding to the settlement brand and the vending machine. When the vending machine receives the settlement brand, it connects to the settlement server that processes the settlement brand via the intermediary server to obtain the settlement link address as the link destination of the settlement server, and notifies the portable terminal of the obtained settlement link address.

[0013] In addition, regarding the present invention, in the above-mentioned invention, when the intermediary server receives the settlement brand from the vending machine, it determines whether the received settlement brand has been registered. If the settlement brand has been registered, it connects to the settlement server that processes the settlement brand to obtain the settlement link address as the link destination of the settlement server, and notifies the portable terminal of the obtained settlement link address. If the settlement brand has not been registered, it searches for the settlement server that processes the settlement brand, performs additional registration processing to add the searched settlement server as the settlement server corresponding to the settlement brand, and notifies the vending machine of the registration completion notification of the additionally registered settlement brand. Thereafter, it connects to the settlement server that processes the settlement brand to obtain the settlement link address as the link destination of the settlement server, and notifies the portable terminal of the obtained settlement link address. The vending machine adds the settlement brand that has received the registration completion notification to the settlement brand list.

[0014] In addition, the present invention is a vending machine system comprising a vending machine, a settlement server and a portable terminal, wherein the vending machine sells goods, the settlement server performs settlement processing for the goods, the portable terminal is carried by a user who purchases the goods, and has a settlement brand application for using a settlement brand to perform settlement control for the goods, wherein the vending machine, the settlement server and the portable terminal are capable of communicating with each other, and the vending machine system further comprises an intermediary server, which is connected between the vending machine and the settlement server, and pre-registers the correspondence between the settlement brand and the settlement server, and mediates the connection between the settlement server corresponding to the settlement brand and the vending machine, and the portable terminal activates the settlement brand application to communicate with the vending machine A communication connection is established. When the user selects a product, the vending machine accesses the intermediary server to obtain a list of the settlement brands registered in the intermediary server, i.e., a settlement brand list, and sends the settlement brand list to the portable terminal. The portable terminal sends the settlement brand selected from the settlement brand list to the vending machine. When the vending machine receives the settlement brand, it connects to the settlement server that processes the settlement brand to obtain a settlement link address that is a link destination of the settlement server, notifies the portable terminal of the obtained settlement link address, and the portable terminal uses the settlement link address to connect to the settlement server, and performs settlement processing of the product with the settlement server. When the settlement processing of the product is completed, the vending machine moves the product out.

[0015] Furthermore, regarding the present invention, in the above-mentioned invention, the settlement brand application is a brand-free application capable of performing settlement control for a plurality of settlement brands.

[0016] In addition, the present invention is a vending machine system comprising a vending machine, a settlement server and a portable terminal, wherein the vending machine sells goods, the settlement server performs settlement processing for the goods, the portable terminal is carried by a user who purchases the goods, and has a settlement brand application for using a settlement brand to perform settlement control for the goods, wherein the vending machine, the settlement server and the portable terminal are capable of communicating with each other, the vending machine pre-registers the settlement brand processed by the vending machine as a registered settlement brand, and the portable terminal activates the settlement brand application to communicate with the vending machine. The portable terminal communicates with the vending machine, and after the user selects the product, the portable terminal sends the settlement brand to the vending machine. When the vending machine receives the settlement brand, it connects to the settlement server that processes the settlement brand to obtain the settlement link address that is the link destination of the settlement server, and notifies the portable terminal of the obtained settlement link address. The portable terminal uses the settlement link address to connect to the settlement server, and performs settlement processing of the product with the settlement server. When the settlement processing of the product is completed, the vending machine moves the product out.

[0017] In addition, regarding the present invention, in the above invention, there is also an intermediary server, which is connected between the vending machine and the settlement server, and has pre-registered the correspondence between the settlement brand and the settlement server, and mediates the connection between the settlement server corresponding to the settlement brand and the vending machine. When the settlement brand is received from the vending machine, the intermediary server determines whether the received settlement brand has been registered. If the settlement brand has been registered, the intermediary server connects to the settlement server that processes the settlement brand to obtain the settlement link address that is the link destination of the settlement server, and the obtained settlement link address is obtained. The obtained settlement link address is notified to the portable terminal. If the settlement brand has not been registered, the settlement server that processes the settlement brand is searched for, and the searched settlement server is additionally registered as the settlement server corresponding to the settlement brand, and the registration completion notification of the additionally registered settlement brand is notified to the vending machine. After that, the settlement link address that is the link destination of the settlement server is obtained by connecting to the settlement server that processes the settlement brand, and the obtained settlement link address is notified to the portable terminal. The vending machine will additionally register the settlement brand that has received the registration completion notification to the registered settlement brand.

[0018] Furthermore, regarding the present invention, in the above-mentioned invention, the settlement brand application is a single-brand dedicated application that performs settlement control for one settlement brand.

[0019] In addition, regarding the present invention, in the above-mentioned invention, the vending machine posts a graphical code obtained by graphically displaying the vending machine identification information used to identify its own vending machine in a readable manner in advance, and the portable terminal reads the graphical code and uses the vending machine identification information represented by the graphical code to establish a communication connection with the vending machine.

[0020] Effects of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, even if a payment brand selection unit such as a payment brand selection button is not provided in the automatic vending machine, payment processing of the payment brand can be performed via the payment server. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the external configuration of an automatic vending machine and a portable terminal that constitute the automatic vending machine system as an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the vending machine system.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence between settlement brands and settlement server addresses.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a sequence diagram showing a payment processing procedure for a payment brand using a portable terminal performed by the automatic vending machine system.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen display of a settlement brand application for selecting a settlement brand.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a block diagram showing a control system of a vending machine system according to Modification 1 of the present embodiment.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a sequence diagram (Part 1) showing a payment processing procedure for a payment brand using a portable terminal performed by the vending machine system according to Modification 1.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a sequence diagram (Part 2) showing a payment processing procedure for a payment brand using a portable terminal performed by the vending machine system according to Modification 1.

[0030] Figure 9This is a block diagram showing a control system of a vending machine system according to Modification 2 of the present embodiment.

[0031] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence between the vending machine identification information and the registered brand list.

[0032] Figure 11 This is a sequence diagram showing a payment processing procedure for a payment brand using a portable terminal, performed by the vending machine system according to Modification 2.

[0033] Figure 12 This is a sequence diagram showing a payment processing procedure for a payment brand using a portable terminal, performed by the vending machine system according to Modification 3.

[0034] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen display that guides the user to start a settlement brand application of another settlement brand. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] <Structure of a vending machine>

[0037] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the vending machine 1 and the portable terminal 4 that constitute the vending machine system according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 1 is a block diagram showing a control system of the vending machine system 100. Figure 2 As shown, in a vending machine system 100, a vending machine 1, a settlement server 2, and a portable terminal 4 are connected via a network N such as the Internet. Furthermore, the vending machine 1 and the portable terminal 4 can communicate directly with each other. The vending machine 1 is an example of a vending machine, such as a vending machine that sells canned beverages, bottled beverages, and plastic bottled beverages. However, a vending machine that sells a variety of products, such as a cup vending machine, may also be used.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the automatic vending machine 1 is a vending machine that sells canned drinks, plastic bottled drinks and other commodities in a cooled or heated state, and is provided with an outer door 1b that closes the front opening of the main cabinet 1a.

[0039] A pop-up handle 111 is provided in the center right portion of the front surface of the outer door 1b. This handle is used to lock the outer door 1b when it is blocked. The vending machine 1 is locked by pressing the pop-up handle 111 while the outer door 1b is blocked. When unlocking, the pop-up handle 111 pops out (protrudes), allowing the outer door 1b to be opened.

[0040] Furthermore, a display chamber 112 is provided in the upper front area of ​​the outer door 1b. Display chamber 112 is used to display product samples D of the products sold by the vending machine 1. Display chamber 112 is divided by a middle door mounted openably and closably to the rear of the outer door 1b and a transparent electric light panel 114 embedded in the front of the outer door 1b. The user can visually check the interior of display chamber 112 from the front of the vending machine 1.

[0041] Inside the display room 112 , three stands 115 for displaying commodities are arranged in a vertical direction. Commodity samples D are displayed in a horizontal arrangement on each stand 115 .

[0042] The product selection buttons 23 are used to select products. Multiple product selection buttons 23 are provided, corresponding to the product samples D. Each product selection button 23 is capable of LED display and illuminates when it corresponds to a product that can be purchased based on the amount deposited. Furthermore, in the case of cashless payment, the product selection buttons 23 illuminate in conjunction with pressing the product selection button 23.

[0043] In addition, a coin insertion port 51, a banknote insertion port 53, a display unit 24, a return lever 52, an electronic money reader / writer 36, a graphic code display unit 25 and a settlement brand display unit 26 are provided in the middle of the outer door 1b below the display room 112.

[0044] The coin slot 51 is an opening for accepting coins. Coins inserted through the coin slot 51 are received by the coin mechanism (coin handling device) 33 mounted on the inner side of the outer door 1b. The coin mechanism 33 counts the number of coins inserted and sends this information to the vending machine's main control unit 10 (described later). Furthermore, the coin mechanism 33 dispenses the various coins according to instructions from the vending machine's main control unit 10. The coin mechanism 33 also has currency recognition capabilities, such as identifying the authenticity of coins and the type of coin.

[0045] The banknote insertion port 53 is an opening for accepting banknotes. Banknotes inserted through the banknote insertion port 53 are received by the banknote validator (banknote processing device) 34, which is mounted on the inside of the outer door 1b. The banknote validator 34 counts the number of banknotes inserted and sends this information to the vending machine's main control unit 10. Furthermore, the banknote validator 34 dispenses banknotes according to instructions from the vending machine's main control unit 10. Furthermore, the banknote validator 34 has the function of verifying the authenticity of banknotes and identifying the denomination of the currency.

[0046] The electronic money reader / writer 36 reads the electronic money after charging and writes the electronic money after settlement into the electronic money card. Furthermore, the electronic money reader / writer 36 writes the electronic money for the charged amount and the change into the electronic money card. The electronic money reader / writer 36 has an electronic money recognition function that detects the electronic money card and identifies its validity and type.

[0047] The display unit 24 is used to display various information such as the amount deposited and various setting information in addition to displaying "selling in progress", "unable to make change", "ready in preparation", and "unaccepted banknotes".

[0048] The return lever 52 is used to instruct the interruption of the transaction. When the return lever 52 is operated, the transaction is interrupted, change is inserted from the coin mechanism 33 into the coin return port 63 , and banknotes are returned from the banknote validator 34 to the banknote insertion port 53 .

[0049] The graphical code display unit 25 displays a graphical code DD, such as a QR code (registered trademark), in a readable manner, representing vending machine identification information D12, such as the machine number of the vending machine 1 itself. For example, a label printed with the graphical code DD is attached. The graphical code DD can be a two-dimensional code like a QR code (registered trademark) or a barcode, as long as the information is graphically represented. Furthermore, the information represented by the graphical code DD is not limited to the vending machine identification information D12; for example, it can also be the serial number of the communication control unit 20.

[0050] The payment brand display unit 26 is used to notify that payment can be made with a smartphone using a payment brand provided by the payment server 2 via a wireless connection with the portable terminal 4. For example, it is a sticker indicating that payment can be made with a smartphone. Examples of payment brands include "au PAY (registered trademark)", "PayPay (registered trademark)", and "LINEPay (registered trademark)".

[0051] Furthermore, a take-out opening 62 is provided at a position below the outer door 1b. The take-out opening 62 is an opening for taking out merchandise carried out from the merchandise storage rack.

[0052] A remote control 35 is also located inside the outer door 1b. The remote control 35 is used to perform various setting operations and confirm various sales data. In addition to operation keys such as a write key and an end key, the remote control 35 also includes a liquid crystal display that displays various setting data and confirmation data. Setting data input from the remote control 35 is transmitted to the vending machine main control unit 10. Furthermore, the remote control 35 receives confirmation data transmitted from the vending machine main control unit 10.

[0053] <Vending Machine Control System>

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, the vending machine 1 has a vending machine main control unit 10, to which are connected a communication control unit 20, a main control unit 30, a hot and cold device 31, a carrying device 32, a coin mechanism 33, a banknote validator 34, a remote control 35, an electronic currency reader / writer 36, a product selection button 23, and a display unit 24.

[0055] The vending machine main control unit 10 includes a sales control unit 11, product information D11, and vending machine identification information D12. The sales control unit 11 handles the dispensing and settlement of products selected via the product selection buttons 23. During settlement, the sales control unit 11 uses product information D11 to identify the product name and price of the selected product. The vending machine identification information D12 is identification information used to identify the vending machine itself, such as the machine number. Furthermore, the vending machine main control unit 10 communicates with and downloads sales data, setting data, and other information from a management server (not shown) via the Internet communication unit 22.

[0056] The communication control unit 20 includes a control unit 21, an Internet communication unit 22, and a short-range wireless communication unit 28. The control unit 21 uses the registered brand list D1 and the settlement server address D2 to perform settlement control. At this time, the control unit 21 obtains the product information (product name and amount) of the selected product and the vending machine identification information D12 from the vending machine main control unit 10. The registered brand list D1 is the settlement brand handled by the vending machine 1 and is pre-registered. In addition, the settlement server address D2 is the address of the settlement server 2 that handles the settlement brand, such as Figure 3 As shown, the settlement server address D2 corresponds to the settlement brand. Figure 3 In the example, settlement brands "A," "B," and "C" correspond to settlement server addresses "a," "b," and "c," respectively. The control unit 21 sends a settlement link address request to the settlement server 2 corresponding to the selected settlement brand using the settlement server address D2, thereby acquiring the settlement link address.

[0057] The communication control unit 20 performs communication connection processing with the portable terminal 4 and the settlement server 2, and in particular, executes control processing related to settlement processing using the portable terminal 4. The Internet communication unit 22 is a communication interface for connecting to the settlement server 2 via the network N using a communication method such as LTE (registered trademark). The short-range wireless communication unit 28 is a communication interface for performing short-range wireless communication with the portable terminal 4. Short-range wireless communication includes WiFi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark), but from the perspective of power consumption, Bluetooth (registered trademark), particularly BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication, is used.

[0058] The main body control unit 30 is connected to a cooling and heating device 31 and a carrying-out device 32. The main body control unit 30 controls the cooling and heating device 31 and the carrying-out device 32 under the control of the vending machine main control unit 10.

[0059] The cooling and heating device 31 is used to manage the commodity storage in the main cabinet in a set state. The cooling and heating device 31 cools the interior of the commodity storage when it is set to cool, and heats the interior of the commodity storage when it is set to warm.

[0060] The unloading device 32 manages the bending solenoids and sold-out switches installed for each shelf. The main control unit 30 removes products from the shelves in response to unloading commands sent from the vending machine's main control unit 10. Furthermore, when all products stored on the shelves have been unloaded, the unloading device 32 outputs a sold-out signal to the main control unit 30.

[0061] The coin mechanism 33 , the bill validator 34 , the remote controller 35 , the electronic money reader / writer 36 , the commodity selection button 23 , and the display unit 24 have been described above, and their description is omitted.

[0062] <Control System of Portable Terminal>

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, the portable terminal 4 includes an operation display unit 41, an internet communication unit 42, a short-range wireless communication unit 43, a code reader 47, a storage unit 44, and a control unit 45. The operation display unit 41 is, for example, a touch-panel liquid crystal display device, and is an input / output interface for inputting various data operations and displaying various data, such as the display of an operation screen of a settlement brand application 46. The internet communication unit 42, like the internet communication unit 22, is a communication interface for communicating with the settlement server 2 via a network N using a communication method such as LTE (registered trademark). Furthermore, the short-range wireless communication unit 43 is a communication interface for performing short-range wireless communication with the vending machine 1 using a communication method such as WiFi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The code reader 47 reads the graphical code DD of the vending machine 1 and converts it into data. The storage unit 44 stores user information D40.

[0064] The control unit 45 controls the entire portable terminal 4 and includes a payment brand application 46. The payment brand application 46 controls payment of merchandise between the vending machine 1 and the payment server 2 and is a brand-free application capable of controlling payment for multiple payment brands.

[0065] <Settlement Processing for Payment Brands Using Mobile Terminals>

[0066] Figure 4 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the settlement processing process for a payment brand using the portable terminal 4, performed by the vending machine system 100. Furthermore, as a prerequisite, the vending machine 1 displays the processed payment brand on the payment brand display unit 26. Furthermore, the vending machine 1 pre-registers the processed payment brand as a registered payment brand in the registered brand list D1.

[0067] First, the portable terminal 4 launches the settlement brand application 46 (step S101). The portable terminal 4 then uses the settlement brand application 46 to read the graphical code DD and obtain the machine number, which serves as the vending machine identification information D12 of the vending machine 1 (step S102). The portable terminal 4 then establishes a near-field wireless communication connection with the vending machine 1 (step S103). This near-field wireless communication connection allows for a quick and reliable connection to the vending machine 1 using the machine number.

[0068] On the other hand, upon receiving the selection of a product after the near-field communication connection (step S104 ), the vending machine 1 transmits the product name and price of the selected product and the registered brand list D1 to the portable terminal 4 (step S105 ).

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown, the portable terminal 4 displays the received product name, price, and registered brand list D1 on the screen E41 of the settlement brand application 46. Then, the portable terminal 4 selects one settlement brand from the plurality of registered settlement brands, and when the confirmation button B1 is pressed (step S106), the selected settlement brand is transmitted to the vending machine 1 (step S107).

[0070] Upon receiving the selected settlement brand, the vending machine 1 uses the settlement server address of the selected settlement brand to send a settlement link request containing the machine number, product name, and amount to the settlement server 2 (step S108). Upon receiving the settlement link request, the settlement server 2 generates a settlement link (step S109) and sends the generated settlement link to the vending machine 1 (step S110). The vending machine 1 then sends the settlement link to the portable terminal 4 (step S111).

[0071] Upon receiving the settlement link address, portable terminal 4 transmits a settlement request containing the item name and amount to settlement server 2 (step S112), and proceeds with settlement processing with settlement server 2 (step S113). At this time, user information D40 of portable terminal 4 is used. Settlement server 2 then transmits a settlement completion notification to portable terminal 4 (step S114).

[0072] Meanwhile, after transmitting the settlement link address to the portable terminal 4, the vending machine 1 polls the settlement server 2 (step S115) to determine whether settlement is complete (step S116). If settlement is not complete (step S116: "No"), the process proceeds to step S115 and continues polling. On the other hand, if settlement is complete (step S116: "Yes"), the settled merchandise is removed (step S117), and the near-field wireless communication with the portable terminal 4 is disconnected (step S118), ending the process.

[0073] In this embodiment, the vending machine 1 transmits a pre-registered list of registered brands to the portable terminal 4. The portable terminal 4 then transmits a single settlement brand selected from the registered brand list D1 to the vending machine 1 to determine the settlement brand. This eliminates the need for multiple settlement brand selection buttons on the vending machine 1. Furthermore, there is no need to press a settlement brand selection button or read a graphical code representing the settlement brand, reducing touch operations at the vending machine 1. Furthermore, the portable terminal 4 uses a brand-independent settlement brand application, eliminating the need for application startup and processing to switch settlement brand applications.

[0074] <Variation 1>

[0075] Figure 6 1 is a block diagram showing a control system of a vending machine system 100 according to a first modification of the present embodiment. Figure 6 As shown, in this modification example 1, Figure 2 The illustrated vending machine system 100 is provided with an intermediary server 3, and an intermediary server address D21 is pre-registered in place of the settlement server address D2 of the communication control unit 20. Intermediary server 3 has a registered brand list D31 and a settlement server address D32. Intermediary server 3 is connected between the vending machine 1 and the settlement server 2, and the correspondence between the settlement brands and the settlement servers 2 is pre-registered. Intermediary server 3 mediates the connection between the settlement server 2 corresponding to the settlement brand and the vending machine 1.

[0076] <Settlement Processing of a Settlement Brand Using a Portable Terminal in Modification 1>

[0077] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the payment processing process for a payment brand using the portable terminal 4, performed by the vending machine system 100 according to Modification 1. Furthermore, as a prerequisite, the payment brand display unit 26 of the vending machine 1 indicates that smartphone payment is possible. Furthermore, the vending machine 1 pre-registers the payment brand being processed as a registered payment brand in the registered brand list D1.

[0078] First, if Figure 7 As shown, similar to the embodiment, the mobile terminal 4 starts the payment brand application 46 (step S201). The mobile terminal 4 then uses the payment brand application 46 to read the graphical code DD and obtain the machine number, which is the vending machine identification information D12 of the vending machine 1 (step S202). The mobile terminal 4 then establishes a short-range wireless communication connection with the vending machine 1 (step S203).

[0079] Then, upon receiving the selection of a product after the near-field communication connection (step S204 ), the vending machine 1 transmits the product name and price of the selected product and the registered brand list D1 to the portable terminal 4 (step S205 ).

[0080] The portable terminal 4 displays the received product name, price, and registered brand list D1 on the screen E41 of the settlement brand application 46. Then, the portable terminal 4 selects one settlement brand from the plurality of registered settlement brands. When the confirmation button B1 is pressed (step S206), the selected settlement brand is transmitted to the vending machine 1 (step S207).

[0081] Here, in this modification 1, when the automatic vending machine 1 receives the selected settlement brand, it uses the selected intermediary server address to send a settlement link address request containing the machine number, product name, amount, and settlement brand to the intermediary server 3 (step S208). On the other hand, the intermediary server 3 that receives the settlement link address request determines whether the received settlement brand is a registered settlement brand that has been registered in the registered brand list D31 (step S209). If the received settlement brand does not exist in the registered brand list D31 (step S209: "No"), it transfers to the settlement link address via the connector A. Figure 8 The timing shown.

[0082] If the received settlement brand exists in the registered brand list D31 (step S209: "Yes"), a settlement link address request is sent to the settlement server 2 that handles the settlement brand (step S210). Upon receiving the settlement link address request, the settlement server 2 generates a settlement link address (step S211), and transmits the generated settlement link address to the intermediary server 3 (step S212). The intermediary server 3, having received the settlement link address, then transmits the received settlement link address to the vending machine 1 (step S213). The vending machine 1, the portable terminal 4, and the settlement server 2 then perform steps S214 to S221 corresponding to steps S111 to S118, and the process ends after the product is removed.

[0083] On the other hand, as described above, if the received settlement brand does not exist in the registered brand list D31 (step S209: No), the transaction is transferred to the Figure 8 The timing diagram shown in Figure 1 is as follows. Figure 8 As shown, the intermediary server 3 notifies the vending machine 1 of an abnormality (the settlement brand is an unregistered settlement brand) (step S231). Upon receiving the abnormality notification, the vending machine 1 sends a settlement brand additional registration request for the selected settlement brand to the intermediary server 3 (step S232). Upon receiving the settlement brand additional registration request, the intermediary server 3 searches for a settlement server 2 that handles the unregistered settlement brand (step S233) and requests the searched settlement server 2 to register the unregistered settlement brand (step S234). The intermediary server 3 and the settlement server 2 then proceed with the registration process for the unregistered settlement brand (step S235). Once the registration process is complete, the intermediary server 3 notifies the vending machine 1 of a registration completion notification (step S236), adds the registered settlement brand to the registered brand list D31, and adds the settlement server address of the settlement server 2 corresponding to the settlement brand to the settlement server address D32 (step S237). Furthermore, the automatic vending machine 1 that has received the registration completion notification additionally registers the registered settlement brand to the registered brand list D1 (step S238 ).

[0084] After that, the vending machine 1, the portable terminal 4, the intermediary server 3 and the settlement server 2 communicate with each other. Figure 7 The processing of steps S239 to S250 corresponding to steps S210 to S221 is completed, and this processing ends.

[0085] In this modification 1, the same functions and effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved, but the automatic vending machine 1 does not need to register the settlement server address, and only needs to register the intermediate server address.

[0086] <Variation 2>

[0087] Figure 9 1 is a block diagram showing a control system of a vending machine system 100 according to a second modification of the present embodiment. Figure 6 As shown, in this modification example 2, Figure 2 The registered brand list D1 is not registered in the vending machine 1 shown, and only the registered brand list D31 is registered in the mediation server 3. Figure 9 In the example, the vending machine identification information D33 is also registered, and the registered brand list D31, the settlement server address D32, and the vending machine identification information D33 are associated. Figure 10As shown, a registered brand list D31 is associated with each machine number (vending machine identification information D33). This is because even operators of the same beverage manufacturer may set different settlement brands for each vending machine.

[0088] <Settlement Processing of a Settlement Brand Using a Portable Terminal in Modification 2>

[0089] Figure 11 This is a sequence diagram showing the settlement processing procedure of the settlement brand using the portable terminal 4 performed by the vending machine system 100 of Modification 2. Figure 11 As shown, similar to the embodiment, the mobile terminal 4 starts the payment brand application 46 (step S301). The mobile terminal 4 then uses the payment brand application 46 to read the graphical code DD and obtain the machine number, which is the vending machine identification information D12 of the vending machine 1 (step S302). The mobile terminal 4 then establishes a short-range wireless communication connection with the vending machine 1 (step S303).

[0090] Here, when the vending machine 1 receives the selection of a product after the short-range communication connection (step S304), it sends a registration brand list request including the machine number to the intermediary server 3 (step S305). The intermediary server 3 that receives the registration brand list request determines whether the machine number exists in the registration brand list request (step S306). If the machine number exists (step S306: "Yes"), the registration brand list corresponding to the machine number is obtained (step S307) and sent to the vending machine 1 (step S308). On the other hand, if the machine number does not exist (step S306: "No"), all registered settlement brands are sent to the vending machine 1 as a registration brand list (step S308).

[0091] After receiving the registered brand list, the vending machine 1 transmits the product name, price, and registered brand list to the portable terminal 4 (step S309). The portable terminal 4 displays the received product name, price, and registered brand list on the screen E41 of the settlement brand application 46. The portable terminal 4 then selects a settlement brand from the multiple registered settlement brands. When the confirmation button B1 is pressed (step S310), the selected settlement brand is transmitted to the vending machine 1 (step S311).

[0092] After that, the vending machine 1 that receives the selected settlement brand sends a settlement link address request to the mediation server 3 (step S312). Figure 7 The processing of steps S313 to S324 corresponding to steps S210 to S221 is completed, and this processing ends.

[0093] In this second modification, instead of each vending machine 1 registering a registered brand list in advance, the mediation server 3 collectively registers the registered brand lists of the vending machines connected thereto. This reduces the registration process of the registered brand list for each vending machine 1.

[0094] <Variation 3>

[0095] In this modification 3, Figure 2 The illustrated configuration assumes that a single-brand dedicated application for performing payment control for one payment brand is installed as the payment brand application 46 . Figure 12 This is a sequence diagram showing the settlement processing procedure of the settlement brand using the portable terminal 4 performed by the vending machine system 100 of Modification 3. Figure 12 As shown, similar to the embodiment, the mobile terminal 4 starts the payment brand application 46 (step S401). The mobile terminal 4 then uses the payment brand application 46 to read the graphical code DD and obtain the machine number, which is the vending machine identification information D12 of the vending machine 1 (step S402). The mobile terminal 4 then establishes a near-field wireless communication connection with the vending machine 1 (step S403).

[0096] Here, upon receiving the selection of a product after the near-field communication connection (step S404), the vending machine 1 transmits product information including the product name and price to the portable terminal 4 (step S405). Upon receiving the product information, the portable terminal 4 transmits the payment brand processed by the payment brand application 46 to the vending machine 1 (step S406).

[0097] After that, the vending machine 1 determines whether the received settlement brand is a registered settlement brand (step S407). If the settlement brand is a registered settlement brand (step S407: "Yes"), the vending machine 1 performs the following operations: Figure 4 The processing of steps S108 to S118 shown in the figure corresponds to the processing of steps S411 to S421, and the present processing ends.

[0098] On the other hand, if the received settlement brand is not the registered settlement brand (step S407: "No"), the vending machine 1 sends an error notification to the portable terminal 4 (step S408). The portable terminal 4 determines whether it has received an error notification (step S409). If it is not an error notification (step S409: "No"), it enters a standby state. If it is an error notification (step S409: "Yes"), it will send the following error notification to the portable terminal 4: Figure 13The guidance D41 shown is displayed on the screen E41, prompting the activation of the settlement brand application of the other settlement brand. As a result, the other settlement brand application is activated (step S410), and the process proceeds to step S402 to attempt the settlement process for the other settlement brand.

[0099] Alternatively, the error notification may be replaced by an instruction to disconnect the communication connection. In this case, as an alternative to step S409, it is determined whether there is an instruction to disconnect the communication connection, and if there is an instruction to disconnect the communication connection, the guide D41 is displayed.

[0100] Alternatively, as in Modifications 1 and 2, an intermediary server 3 may be provided, and unregistered settlement brands may be additionally registered in the registered brand list of the automatic vending machine 1 via the intermediary server 3 .

[0101] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiments and modifications assume that the user has pressed a product selection button, this is not limiting. Alternatively, product information of the vending machine 1 may be displayed on the display unit of the portable terminal 4, and product selection may be performed on the portable terminal 4. In this case, the user can select products and make payments without pressing a button on the vending machine 1, thereby enhancing measures to prevent infection with the novel coronavirus and the like.

[0102] Furthermore, the various configurations illustrated in the above-described embodiments and modifications are merely functional schematics and do not necessarily need to be physically arranged as shown. That is, the manner in which the various devices and components are distributed / integrated is not limited to that illustrated; all or part of the various devices and components can be functionally or physically distributed / integrated in arbitrary units, depending on various usage situations.

[0103] Description of Reference Numerals

[0104] 1: Vending machine; 2: Settlement server; 3: Intermediary server; 4: Portable terminal; 10: Vending machine main control unit; 11: Sales control unit; 20: Communication control unit; 21: Control unit; 22, 42: Internet communication unit; 23: Product selection button; 24: Display unit; 25: Graphic code display unit; 26: Settlement brand display unit; 28, 43: Short-range wireless communication unit; 30: Main control unit; 31: Cooling and heating device; 32: Discharging device; 33: Coin mechanism; 34: Banknote recognition Device; 35: Remote control; 36: Electronic money reader / writer; 41: Operation display unit; 44: Storage unit; 45: Control unit; 46: Settlement brand application; 47: Code reading unit; 100: Vending machine system; B1: Confirm button; D1, D31: List of registered brands; D2, D32: Settlement server address; D11: Product information; D12: Vending machine identification information; D21: Intermediary server address; D40: User information; DD: Graphic code; E41: Screen; N: Network.

Claims

1. A vending machine system comprising a vending machine, a settlement server, and a portable terminal, wherein the vending machine sells goods, the settlement server performs settlement processing for the goods, and the portable terminal is carried by a user who purchases the goods and has a settlement brand application that controls settlement of the goods using a settlement brand, wherein: The automatic vending machine, the settlement server, and the portable terminal are communicably connected to each other. The vending machine system further includes an intermediary server connected between the vending machine and the settlement server, the intermediary server pre-registering the correspondence between the settlement brand and the settlement server, and mediating the connection between the settlement server corresponding to the settlement brand and the vending machine. The automatic vending machine pre-registers the settlement brand processed by the automatic vending machine as a registered settlement brand. The portable terminal starts the settlement brand application to establish a communication connection with the vending machine. When the user selects a product, the automatic vending machine transmits a list of registered settlement brands, i.e., a settlement brand list, to the portable terminal. The portable terminal transmits the settlement brand selected from the settlement brand list to the automatic vending machine. Upon receiving the settlement brand, the automatic vending machine connects to the settlement server that processes the settlement brand via the intermediary server to obtain a settlement link address that is a link destination of the settlement server, and notifies the portable terminal of the obtained settlement link address. The portable terminal uses the settlement link address to connect to the settlement server and performs settlement processing for the product with the settlement server. The automatic vending machine carries out the product when the settlement process for the product is completed.

2. The vending machine system according to claim 1, wherein: When the intermediate server receives the settlement brand from the automatic vending machine, it determines whether the received settlement brand has been registered. If the settlement brand has been registered, it connects to the settlement server that handles the settlement brand to obtain the settlement link address that is the link destination of the settlement server, and notifies the portable terminal of the obtained settlement link address. If the settlement brand has not been registered, it searches for the settlement server that handles the settlement brand, performs additional registration processing to additionally register the searched settlement server as the settlement server corresponding to the settlement brand, and notifies the automatic vending machine of a registration completion notification of the additionally registered settlement brand. Thereafter, it connects to the settlement server that handles the settlement brand to obtain the settlement link address that is the link destination of the settlement server, and notifies the portable terminal of the obtained settlement link address. The automatic vending machine additionally registers the settlement brand of which the registration completion notification has been received into the settlement brand list.

3. A vending machine system comprising a vending machine, a settlement server, and a portable terminal, wherein the vending machine sells goods, the settlement server processes the settlement of the goods, and the portable terminal is carried by a user who purchases the goods and has a settlement brand application that controls the settlement of the goods using a settlement brand, wherein: The automatic vending machine, the settlement server, and the portable terminal are communicably connected to each other. The vending machine system further includes an intermediary server connected between the vending machine and the settlement server, the intermediary server pre-registering the correspondence between the settlement brand and the settlement server, and mediating the connection between the settlement server corresponding to the settlement brand and the vending machine. The portable terminal starts the settlement brand application to establish a communication connection with the vending machine. When the user selects a product, the vending machine accesses the intermediate server to obtain a list of the settlement brands registered in the intermediate server, that is, a settlement brand list, and transmits the settlement brand list to the portable terminal. The portable terminal transmits the settlement brand selected from the settlement brand list to the automatic vending machine. Upon receiving the settlement brand, the automatic vending machine connects to the settlement server that processes the settlement brand via the intermediary server to obtain a settlement link address that is a link destination of the settlement server, and notifies the portable terminal of the obtained settlement link address. The portable terminal uses the settlement link address to connect to the settlement server and performs settlement processing for the product with the settlement server. The automatic vending machine carries out the product when the settlement process for the product is completed.

4. A vending machine system comprising a vending machine, a settlement server, and a portable terminal, wherein the vending machine sells goods, the settlement server performs settlement processing for the goods, and the portable terminal is carried by a user who purchases the goods and has a settlement brand application that uses a settlement brand to control settlement of the goods, wherein: The automatic vending machine, the settlement server, and the portable terminal are communicably connected to each other. The vending machine system further includes an intermediary server connected between the vending machine and the settlement server, the intermediary server pre-registering the correspondence between the settlement brand and the settlement server, and mediating the connection between the settlement server corresponding to the settlement brand and the vending machine. The automatic vending machine pre-registers the settlement brand processed by the automatic vending machine as a registered settlement brand. The portable terminal starts the settlement brand application to establish a communication connection with the vending machine. After the user selects the product, the portable terminal sends the settlement brand to the vending machine. When the intermediate server receives the settlement brand from the vending machine, it determines whether the received settlement brand has been registered. If the settlement brand has been registered, it connects to the settlement server that handles the settlement brand to obtain a settlement link address that is a link destination of the settlement server, and notifies the portable terminal of the obtained settlement link address. The portable terminal uses the settlement link address to connect to the settlement server and performs settlement processing for the product with the settlement server. The automatic vending machine carries out the product when the settlement process for the product is completed.

5. The automatic vending machine system according to claim 4, wherein: When the intermediate server receives the settlement brand from the automatic vending machine, it determines whether the received settlement brand has been registered. If the settlement brand has not been registered, it searches for a settlement server that handles the settlement brand, performs additional registration processing to additionally register the searched settlement server as a settlement server corresponding to the settlement brand, and notifies the automatic vending machine of a registration completion notification of the additionally registered settlement brand. Thereafter, the intermediate server connects to the settlement server that handles the settlement brand to obtain a settlement link address that is a link destination of the settlement server, and notifies the portable terminal of the obtained settlement link address. The automatic vending machine additionally registers the settlement brand receiving the registration completion notification to the registered settlement brands.

6. The automatic vending machine system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The vending machine is provided with a graphic code in advance in a readable manner, obtained by graphically displaying the vending machine identification information for identifying the vending machine itself. The portable terminal reads the graphic code and establishes a communication connection with the vending machine using the vending machine identification information indicated by the graphic code.

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