Article supply device

Abstract

Provided is an article supply device capable of efficiently performing a show. The article supply device includes: an article supply main body that supplies an article from a supply port; an operation portion that includes a first display portion; a second display portion that is provided at least on a side surface of the article supply main body and at least on a portion of a front surface of the article supply main body other than the supply port and the operation portion; and a display control portion that controls images displayed in the first display portion and the second display portion. The display control portion controls the images displayed in the first display portion and the second display portion in accordance with a state of the article supply main body.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an article supply device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, a vending machine that displays an advertisement is known (for example, Patent Literature 1). The vending machine described in Patent Literature 1 is provided with an advertisement display portion that displays an advertisement and an article display portion that displays a plurality of articles by images. Moreover, in the article display portion, an article associated with the advertisement displayed in the advertisement display portion is highlighted among the plurality of articles.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-095522 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] However, there is no article supply device that performs an effective show in accordance with the state of the article supply device.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide an article supply device that can perform an effective show.

[0009] SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

[0010] One embodiment of the present application is an article supply device including: an article supply main body portion that supplies an article from a supply port; an operation portion that includes a first display portion; a second display portion that is provided at least on a side surface of the article supply main body portion and at least on a portion of a front surface of the article supply main body portion other than the supply port and the operation portion; and a display control portion that controls images displayed in the first display portion and the second display portion, wherein the display control portion controls the images displayed in the first display portion and the second display portion in accordance with a state of the article supply main body portion.

[0011] EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

[0012] According to the present application, an article supply device can perform an effective show. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a view that shows the appearance of an article supply device 1 in a first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view that schematically shows Figure 1 the internal structure of a main body portion 2 of the article supply device 1 shown.

[0015] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of control of the article supply device 1 in the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 is a drawing showing an example of an article table, article selection screen data, and image data for performance.

[0017] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the operation of the article supply device 1 in the present embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the appearance of the article supply device 1 in the article selection standby state.

[0019] Figure 7 is a drawing showing the appearance of the article supply device 1 in the article selection state.

[0020] Figure 8 is a drawing showing the appearance of the article supply device 1 in the article supply state.

[0021] Figure 9 is a block diagram of the article supply device 1 in the modification of the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10 is a flowchart of the operation of the article supply device 1 in the modification of the present embodiment.

[0023] Figure 11 is an appearance view of the article supply device 1 in the case where the article supply device 1 is in the article lottery state.

[0024] Figure 12 is an appearance view of the article supply device 1 in the case where the article supply device 1 is in the article lottery state.

[0025] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the structure of control of the article supply device 1 in the second embodiment.

[0026] Figure 14 is an example of data held in the storage section 113.

[0027] Figure 15 is a flowchart of the operation of the article supply device 1 in the second embodiment.

[0028] Figure 16 is a drawing showing the appearance of the article supply device 1 in the article purchase state.

[0029] Figure 17 is a drawing showing the appearance of the article supply device 1 in the article purchase state.

[0030] Figure 18Fig. 1 is a view showing the appearance of the article supply device 1 in an article lottery state.

[0031] Figure 19 Fig. 1 is a view showing the appearance of the article supply device 1 in an article lottery state.

[0032] Figure 20 Fig. 1 is a view showing the appearance of the article supply device 1 in an article lottery state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] An embodiment of the present application will be described.

[0034] <First Embodiment>

[0035] A first embodiment of the present application will be described.

[0036] Figure 1 Fig. 1 is a view showing the appearance of the article supply device 1 in an article lottery state. The article supply device 1 is provided with a main body portion 2, an operation display portion 3, a display portion 4 (blackened portion), a supply port 5, a coin return port 7, and a panel portion 6 including a paper money insertion port, a coin insertion port, and a return lever.

[0037] The main body portion 2 is a main body for supplying articles. The articles to be supplied are, for example, articles in which a toy or the like is housed in a dividable spherical capsule, so-called edible toys, stickers, and the like.

[0038] The operation display portion 3 is a touch panel including a display portion (display) capable of displaying an image. The display portion (display) is capable of displaying an image of article information such as the name of an article to be supplied, the price, and the like, and various information. An article to be purchased can be selected by the user touching (selecting) a region of the article information displayed in the operation display portion 3. In addition, the operation portion 4 is configured so that the article housed in the main body portion 2 is not visible from the user (article purchaser), and the operation portion 4 is provided on the front surface of the article supply device 1.

[0039] The display section 4 is, for example, a large liquid crystal display. The display section 4 includes a display section 41 on the front surface of the main body section 2, a display section 42 on the left side surface of the main body section 2, and a display section 43 on the right side surface of the main body section 2. The display section 41 is disposed so as to cover the front surface of the main body section 2 except for the operation display section 3, the supply port 5, the coin return port 7, and the panel section 6 including the paper money insertion port, the coin insertion port, and the return lever. Further, it is preferable that the display section 41 occupy 90% or more of the area of the front surface except for the operation display section 3 and the supply port 5. In addition, the display section 42 on the left side surface and the display section 43 on the right side surface are disposed so as to cover the left side surface and the right side surface of the main body section 2. Further, it is preferable that the display section 42 on the left side surface and the display section 43 on the right side surface occupy 90% or more of the area of the left side surface or the right side surface of the main body section 2. Further, in the present embodiment, the display section 4 is provided on the front surface of the main body section 2, the left side surface of the main body section 2, and the right side surface of the main body section 2, but can also be provided on the back surface of the main body section 2, the upper surface of the main body section 2.

[0040] The supply port 5 is an opening for the user to take the purchased article, and is formed on the shutter door at a position lower than the window section. The supply port 5 is in a state in which the article taking door provided on the shutter door 20 described later is always closed, and the supply port 5 can be opened by pushing the article taking door inward.

[0041] The panel section 6 includes a paper money insertion port, a coin insertion port, and a return lever. The paper money insertion port is an opening for accepting paper money, and the coin insertion port is an opening for accepting coins. The return lever is operated in the case of performing the return of money.

[0042] The coin return port 7 is a portion that discharges returned coins and change.

[0043] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view schematically showing Figure 1 the internal structure of the main body section 2 of the article supply device 1 shown in FIG. 1.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2 , the shutter door 20 is provided on the main body section 2. The shutter door 20 is used to open and close the front surface opening of the main body section 2. The operation display section 3, the supply port 5, the panel section 6, the coin return port 7, and the display section 41 are provided on the shutter door 20. The main body section 2 is an article supply device of which the shape is an open rectangle, and an article storage compartment 21 of which the internal structure is thermally insulated is disposed therein. A plurality of article shelves 22 are provided in the article storage compartment 21 in the up-and-down direction. These article shelves 22 are respectively supported between not-shown shelf support side plates erected on both sides of the article storage compartment 21, and are used to store articles.

[0045] The article shelf 22 is configured by arranging a plurality of storage columns (article placement portions) side by side in a left-right arrangement. One storage column that configures the article shelf 22 is provided with a column housing. The column housing is formed of a resin material or the like, for example, and is in the shape of an elongated strip with the front-rear direction being the long direction. A spiral member is provided in the column housing. The spiral member is formed by winding a rod-shaped body made of metal into a spiral shape in the front-rear direction (the direction in which the column housing extends), for example. The spiral member is rotatable about the central axis thereof by a motor or the like, not shown. By being driven by the motor, the spiral member rotates in the clockwise direction as viewed from the front about the central axis thereof, for example. By rotating the spiral member in the clockwise direction as viewed from the front about the central axis, the articles that are confined between the pitches are gradually moved out toward the front, and the articles that are confined between the frontmost pitches are discharged toward the front from the article storage passage. In this way, one storage column (article placement portion) is configured to be able to place a plurality of articles in a column in the long direction with the placed articles not contacting each other. In addition, a stock-out actuator that detects the confined articles is provided in the frontmost portion of the column housing. By this stock-out actuator, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of the confined articles. Also, in the case where the confined articles can no longer be detected by the stock-out actuator, it means that all of the articles stored in the storage column have been moved out. That is, the storage column is in a state of being out of stock.

[0046] In the front region of the article shelf 22, a conveying rail 23 is provided in such a manner that it becomes a pair of rails left and right of the article shelf 22, and a conveying tray 24 is provided that is movable in the up-down direction between the conveying rails 23 by a conveying mechanism, not shown. That is, a conveying passage 25 for passing the conveying tray 24 is formed between the conveying rails 23. The conveying passage 25 extends to the front of a machine room 26, and the conveying passage 25 and the machine room 26 are partitioned by a partitioning heat insulating material.

[0047] The conveying tray 24 conveys the articles from the storage columns to an article extraction region X in the vicinity of the supply port 5.

[0048] Further, in the case where the articles are food or the like and need to be cooled, a cooling unit can also be provided in the article storage warehouse 21. For example, an evaporator 30 is provided in the article storage warehouse 21 as a cooling unit. The evaporator 30, together with a compressor 31, a condenser 32, and the like provided in the machine room 26, configures a refrigeration cycle that circulates a refrigerant, and cools the air inside the article storage warehouse 21 around the refrigerant passage thereof, not shown, by heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air.

[0049] The air cooled around the evaporator 30 is sucked from the suction port 35 of the back air duct 34 provided at the back of the article storage compartment 21 by the driving of the in-compartment air supply fan 33, and is blown out from the blow port 37 after passing through the ventilation path 36, thereby cooling the articles stored in the article shelf 22.

[0050] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of control of the article supply device 1. As shown in Figure 3 the article supply device 1 is provided with a cooling and heating device 100, a carrying-out device 101, a coin sorter 102, a bill recognizer 103, an operation display part 3, a display part 4, a sound output part 8, a main body control part 104, and an article supply main control part 105.

[0051] The cooling and heating device 100 controls the above-mentioned refrigeration cycle to make the food be a prescribed temperature, for example, 10°C or less, under the control of the main body control part 104.

[0052] The carrying-out device 101 carries the article carried out from the storage compartment to the article taking-out area X near the supply port 5 by the carrying tray 24.

[0053] The coin sorter 102 sorts the number of coins put in, and transmits the number of coins put in to the article supply main control part 105. In addition, the coin sorter 102 discharges the coins according to the instruction from the article supply main control part 105. Further, the coin sorter 102 has a money recognition function of recognizing the authenticity and denomination of the coin.

[0054] The bill recognizer 103 sorts the number of bills put in, and transmits the number of bills put in to the article supply main control part 105. In addition, the bill recognizer 103 discharges the bills according to the instruction from the article supply main control part 105. Further, the bill recognizer 103 has a money recognition function of recognizing the authenticity and denomination of the bill.

[0055] The main body control part 104 controls the cooling and heating device 100 and the carrying-out device 101 under the control of the article supply main control part 105. In addition, the main body control part 104 carries out the article from the front end of the storage compartment according to the carrying-out command transmitted from the article supply main control part 105.

[0056] The operation display section 3 is a touch panel. By the display control section 112, the article information (article name, price, image of the article, etc.) of the supplied article is caused to be displayed in the display (display section) of the touch panel, and the article to be supplied can be selected according to the touch operation of the user. The operation display section 3 outputs an operation input signal corresponding to the operation input to the article supply main control section 105. The operation input signal contains information for determining the selected article. In addition, by the display control section 112, the display (display section) of the touch panel can also display images other than the article information.

[0057] As described above, the display section 4 includes the display section 41 of the front surface of the main body section 2, the display section 42 of the left side surface of the main body section 2, and the display section 43 of the right side surface of the main body section 2. The display section 4 displays images by the control of the display control section 112 described later.

[0058] The sound output section 8 is a speaker. The sound output section 8 outputs the sound of the image for each performance described later.

[0059] The article supply main control section 105 has an article supply control section 111, a display control section 112, and a storage section 113.

[0060] The article supply control section 111 performs a settlement process of the price of the article selected by the operation display section 3 using the article table stored in the storage section 113. In addition, the article supply control section 111 determines the storage column in which the article selected by the operation section 4 is placed using the article table stored in the storage section 113, and notifies the main control section 104 of the information of the storage column in which the article is to be supplied.

[0061] The article supply control section 111 determines the state of the article supply device 1. The state of the article supply device 1 includes an article selection standby state, an article selection state, and an article supply state. The article selection standby state is a state in which the article supply device 1 is operating but is waiting for the user to select an article to be purchased. The article selection state is a state in which the article to be purchased becomes selectable in the article selection standby state as a condition of the user's operation (touch) to the operation display section 3. The article supply state is a state in which the purchased article is being supplied. The state of the article supply device 1 changes as follows: from the article selection standby state to the article selection state, the article supply state, and returns to the article selection standby state. The article supply control section 111 notifies the display control section 112 of the state of the article supply device 1.

[0062] The display control section 112 receives notification of the state of the article supply device 1 from the article supply control section 111, and controls the images displayed in the operation display section 3 and the display section 4 according to the state of the article supply device 1.

[0063] In a case where the article supply device 1 is in the article selection standby state, the display control section 112 causes a standby performance image to be displayed in the operation display section 3 and the display section 4. The standby performance image can be either a still image or a moving image. The standby performance image is an image that becomes one whole in the operation display section 3 and the display section 4, and contains information related to the article. For example, it is an image related to a character corresponding to the article. A representative example of the standby performance image is an advertisement video. Further, the standby performance image can not necessarily be an image associated with the supplied article.

[0064] In a case where the article supply device 1 is in the article selection state, the display control section 112 causes an article selection screen to be displayed in the operation display section 3 and an article selection performance image to be displayed in the display section 4. The article selection screen is a screen containing an article information image of each article, in which the article information image of each article contains information such as the name of each article supplied, an image of the article, and the price. The user can select the article desired to be purchased by selecting (touching) the article information image of the article desired to be purchased from the article information image of the article selection screen displayed in the operation display section 3. The article selection performance image is a video that performs a performance of selecting the article, such as a performance video of the article selection screen, a performance video in response to a touch of the article selection screen of the operation display section 3, and the like. Further, the article selection screen becomes an operation target of the user, but the article selection performance image does not become an operation target of the user. In addition, in order to make it easy for the user to recognize the operation display section 3, it is preferable that an image for emphasizing the position of the article selection screen be contained in at least one of the article selection screen and the article selection performance image.

[0065] In a case where the article supply device 1 is in the article supply state, the display control section 112 causes an article supply performance image to be displayed in the operation display section 3 and the display section 4. The article supply performance image is an image that performs a performance of supplying the article.

[0066] Further, in a case where the opening and closing door 20 is opened, the display control section 112 suspends the image display of the operation display section 3 and the display section 4.

[0067] The storage section 113 stores therein an article table, article selection screen data, and performance image data. Figure 4 is a view showing an example of the article table, the article selection screen data, and the performance image data.

[0068] The article table is a table obtained by associating the supplied article with the price of the article and the identification information of the storage column in which the article is stored. In the example of Figure 4 In the example of, the price of the article A is 500 yen, and the storage column in which the article A is stored is the storage column 1.

[0069] The article selection screen data is data of an article selection screen displayed in the operation display section 3. The article selection screen includes an article information image of each article supplied.

[0070] The image data for the show includes a standby show image, an article selection show image, and an article supply show image. The standby show image and the article supply show image are edited in a manner such that the images displayed in the operation display section 3, the display section 41, the display section 42, and the display section 43 are associated with each other. For example, the images displayed in the operation display section 3, the display section 41, the display section 42, and the display section 43 are a series of images, and are dynamic images (moving images) like patterns, characters, and the like flowing from the operation display section 3 and the display section 41 to the display section 42 and the display section 43.

[0071] The article selection show image is edited in a manner such that the images displayed in the display section 41, the display section 42, and the display section 43 are associated with each other. For example, the images displayed in the display section 41, the display section 42, and the display section 43 are a series of images, and are dynamic images (moving images) like patterns, characters, and the like flowing from the display section 41 to the display section 42 and the display section 43.

[0072] In addition, each show image and the like can be a stereoscopic three-dimensional moving image. Further, these images are an example, and the images displayed in each display section can be different images.

[0073] Next, the operation of the article supply device 1 in the present embodiment will be described. In the present operation, it is assumed that the article A is placed in the housing section (article placement section) with the housing section ID "1", the article B is placed in the housing section (article placement section) with the housing section ID "2", the article C is placed in the housing section (article placement section) with the housing section ID "3", the article D is placed in the housing section (article placement section) with the housing section ID "4", the article E is placed in the housing section (article placement section) with the housing section ID "5", and the article F is placed in the housing section (article placement section) with the housing section ID "6".

[0074] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the operation of the article supply device 1 in the present embodiment.

[0075] The article supply control section 111 determines the state of the article supply device 1. At the start of the article supply device 1, the article selection standby state is assumed (step 100). The article supply control section 111 notifies the display control section 112 of the state. The display control section 112 reads the standby show image from the storage section 113, and causes the standby show image to be displayed in the operation display section 3 and the display section 4 (step 101). Figure 6 is a view showing the appearance of the article supply device 1 in the article selection standby state. As shown inFigure 6 As shown in FIG. 6, a standby performance image is displayed in the operation display section 3 and the display section 4. The standby performance image is an image that becomes one whole in the operation display section 3 and the display section 4, is an advertisement for the "XYZ series" to which the articles A to F belong, and is a dynamic image (moving image) like characters of "on sale" and "XYZ series" flowing from the display section 42 of the left side face to the display section 43 of the front face. Sound is also output from the sound output section 8 in cooperation with this image.

[0076] Next, the article supply control section 111 determines contact (touch) of the user to the operation display section 3 (step 102). When contact (touch) of the user to the operation display section 3 is detected, the article supply control section 111 causes the article supply apparatus 1 to shift from the article selection standby state to the article selection state, and notifies the display control section 112 (step 103). The display control section 112 reads the article selection screen and the article selection performance image from the storage section 113, so that the article selection screen is displayed in the operation display section 3 and the article selection performance image is displayed in the display section 4 (step 104). Figure 7 FIG. 7 is a view showing the appearance of the article supply apparatus 1 in the article selection state. As shown in FIG. 7, the article selection screen is displayed in the operation display section 3, and the article selection performance image is displayed in the display section 4. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 6, a standby performance image is displayed in the operation display section 3 and the display section 4. The standby performance image is an image that becomes one whole in the operation display section 3 and the display section 4, is an advertisement for the "XYZ series" to which the articles A to F belong, and is a dynamic image (moving image) like characters of "on sale" and "XYZ series" flowing from the display section 42 of the left side face to the display section 43 of the front face. Sound is also output from the sound output section 8 in cooperation with this image.

[0077] The selection of the article to be purchased can be performed by the user touching (selecting) the article information image of the article to be purchased among the article information images of the respective articles displayed in the operation display section 3. The article supply control section 111 determines whether the article information image is touched (selected) by the user (step 105). In the case where the article information image is not touched (selected), the process returns to step 100, and the article supply apparatus 1 shifts from the article selection state to the article selection standby state.

[0078] In the case where the article information image is touched (selected) (step 105), the article supply control section 111 determines the price of the article using the article table, and performs a settlement process of the price (step 106), and determines whether the settlement of the price of the article is completed (step 107). In the case where the settlement of the price of the article is not completed (step 107), a refund process or the like is performed (step 114), the process returns to step 100, and the article supply apparatus 1 shifts from the article selection state to the article selection standby state.

[0079] On the other hand, the article supply control section 111 transitions the article supply device 1 from the article selection state to the article supply state in the case where the settlement is completed (step 107). The article supply control section 111 notifies the display control section 112. The display control section 112 reads the article supply performance image from the storage section 113 so that the article supply performance image is displayed in the operation display section 3 and the display section 4 (step 109). Figure 8 is a view showing the appearance of the article supply device 1 in the article supply state. As shown in Figure 8 the article supply performance image is displayed in the operation display section 3 and the display section 4. The article supply performance image is an image that becomes one whole in the operation display section 3 and the display section 4, and displays "article supply in progress", "thank you.", and the like to perform the supply of the article during the supply of the article. Sound is also output from the sound output section 8 in coordination with this image.

[0080] The article supply control section 111 performs processing of determining the storage column (placement section) in which the selected article is placed (step 110). For example, in the case where the article A is selected, the storage column in which the article A is placed is the storage column with the storage column ID "1" according to the article table of the storage section 113. The article supply control section 111 instructs the main body control section 104 to perform the removal of the article placed in this determined storage column. The main body control section 104 controls the screw of the column housing to cause the article to be supplied to be discharged from the storage column. The removal device 101 performs movement control of the conveyance tray 24 to convey the article removed from the storage column from the storage column to the article extraction region X near the supply port 5 (step 111).

[0081] The article supply control section 111 determines whether or not the out-of-stock is detected by the out-of-stock actuator after the article is removed (step 112). In the case where the out-of-stock is not detected, the article supply control section 111 returns to step 100 and transitions the article supply device 1 from the article supply state to the article selection standby state.

[0082] On the other hand, in the case where the out-of-stock is detected, the article supply control section 111 instructs the display control section 112 to make the article information image of the article corresponding to the storage column in which the out-of-stock is detected not be displayed in the article selection screen next time and thereafter (step 113). By so doing, the purchase user is prevented from mistakenly selecting the article in which the out-of-stock is detected. Then, the article supply control section 111 returns to step 100 and transitions the article supply device 1 from the article supply state to the article selection standby state.

[0083] The article supply device 1 of the present embodiment has the operation display section 3 and the display section 4, and displays different images in the operation display section 3 and the display section 4 depending on the state of the article supply device 1, so that the article supply device 1 can perform effective performance, such as an advertising performance in a standby state of article supply, a supply performance in a state of article supply, and the like. In particular, in the present embodiment, the display section 4 is provided on the front surface of the main body 2, the left side surface of the main body 2, and the right side surface of the main body 2, which are easily recognized by the user, so that the article supply device 1 as a whole can display an image with a strong impact.

[0084] <Modification 1 of the first embodiment>

[0085] A modification 1 of the first embodiment of the present application will be described.

[0086] In the modification of the first embodiment, the following example is described: after the supply of the article in the first embodiment, a lottery is performed, and if a winning ticket is drawn, the same article is further supplied.

[0087] Figure 9 is a block diagram of the article supply device 1 in the modification 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 9 , a lottery processing section 114 is added. The lottery processing section 114 performs a lottery after the supply of the article, and determines a winning ticket or a losing ticket. Then, the lottery processing section 114 notifies the article supply control section 111 of the lottery result.

[0088] In addition, the article supply control section 111 causes the article supply device 1 to change from the article supply state to an article lottery state after the supply of the article, notifies the display control section 112 of the state, and gives an instruction of the lottery to the lottery processing section 114.

[0089] When the article lottery state is reached, the display control section 112 causes a lottery performance image or a winning / losing performance image to be displayed in the operation display section 3 and the display section 4. The lottery performance image or the winning / losing performance image is stored in the storage section 113.

[0090] Next, the operation of the modification of the first embodiment will be described. Figure 10 is a flowchart of the operation of the article supply device 1 in the modification of the present embodiment. Further, the operation up to step 111 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.

[0091] After the conveyance of the article (step 111), the article supply control section 111 causes the article supply device 1 to change from the article supply state to the article lottery state, notifies the display control section 112 of the state, and gives an instruction of the lottery to the lottery processing section 114 (step 120).

[0092] The display control section 112 reads the lottery performance image from the storage section 113 so that the lottery performance image is displayed in the operation display section 3 and the display section 4 (step 121). The lottery processing section 114 performs the lottery processing and notifies the article supply control section 111 and the display control section 112 of the result of the lottery processing (step 122).

[0093] In a case where the result of the lottery is a winning, the display control section 112 reads the winning performance image from the storage section 113 so that the winning performance image is displayed in the operation display section 3 and the display section 4 (step 124). Then, the article supply control section 111 performs a process of determining a storage section (placement section) in which the same article as the purchased article is placed (step 125). For example, in a case where the article A is purchased, the storage section in which the article A is placed is the storage section with the storage section ID "1" according to the article table of the storage section 113. The article supply control section 111 instructs the main body control section 104 to perform the removal of the article placed in the determined storage section. The main body control section 104 controls the screw of the section housing to discharge the article to be supplied from the storage section. The removal device 101 performs movement control of the conveyance tray 24 to convey the article removed from the storage section from the storage section to the article removal area X in the vicinity of the supply port 5 (step 126).

[0094] On the other hand, in a case where the result of the lottery is a losing, the display control section 112 reads the losing performance image from the storage section 113 so that the losing performance image is displayed in the operation display section 3 and the display section 4 (step 127). Then, the process proceeds to step 112.

[0095] Figure 11 、 Figure 12 is an appearance view of the article supply device 1 in a case where the article supply device 1 is in an article lottery state. Figure 11 is an example of the lottery performance image in which the lottery processing section 114 is performing the lottery processing, Figure 12 is an example of the winning performance image in a case where the result of the lottery obtained by the lottery processing section 114 is a winning.

[0096] In the modification example of the first embodiment, since the opportunity to provide the article is given as a special treatment for the user who purchased the article by the lottery, it is possible to increase the purchase desire of the user. In addition, since the performance of the lottery is also performed using the operation display section 3 and the display section 4, it is possible to perform the performance with a strong sense of urgency.

[0097] Further, in the modification of the first embodiment, an example in which the same article as the article purchased by the user is supplied to the user in the case where the drawing is selected is described. However, the article supplied does not need to be the same article, and can be a different article. For example, it can be configured such that, in the case where the drawing is selected, the drawing processing section 114 performs drawing selection of the storage section, and supplies the article placed in the selected storage section. The drawing can also be selected from among articles other than the purchased article (storage sections in which articles other than the purchased article are placed), and can also be selected from among all articles (storage sections in which articles are placed). By providing such a structure, the interest in article purchase is increased, and in addition, an article different from the purchased article can be obtained.

[0098] <Modification 2 of the First Embodiment>

[0099] In the first embodiment described above, an example in which cash is used as the payment for the article is described, but electronic payment, code payment such as a QR code, and the like can also be performed in addition to the cash payment. In the case of electronic payment, code payment, the electronic payment, code payment can be realized by providing a payment section capable of communicating with a payment server in the article supply device 1.

[0100] Regarding the code payment, there is a method in which a payment code (for example, a QR code) is attached to an arbitrary position on the front surface of the article supply device 1 by a sticker or the like. In addition, the payment code (for example, a QR code) can also be displayed in either one of the operation display section 3 and the display section 4. In the case where the payment code (for example, a QR code) is displayed in either one of the operation display section 3 and the display section 4, even in the case where the payment code (for example, a QR code) needs to be changed, it is not necessary to replace the sticker or the like, and the change of the payment code (for example, a QR code) becomes easy.

[0101] <Second Embodiment>

[0102] The second embodiment of the present application will be described.

[0103] In the second embodiment, the article supply device 1 can set a plurality of supply modes (ways).

[0104] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the structure of the control of the article supply device 1 in the second embodiment. The article supply device 1 of the second embodiment differs from the article supply device 1 of the first embodiment in that a supply mode setting section 115 and an article drawing processing section 116 are further provided on the basis of the structure of the first embodiment.

[0105] The supply mode setting section 115 is a section that sets a supply mode (way) of the article supply device 1, and the supply mode includes a first supply mode and a second supply mode. The first supply mode is a mode in which a purchase user can manually select a category of an article to be purchased, and is the article supply method of the article supply device 1 in the first embodiment described above. In contrast, the second supply mode is an article supply method in which, when a purchase user selects an article to be purchased, the article supply device 1 randomly selects an article of one category from among a plurality of categories of articles that can be supplied, and supplies the selected article to the purchase user. Here, the method of randomly selecting an article to be supplied includes, for example, a method in which the article supply device 1 decides any one category by drawing lots from among a plurality of categories of articles that can be supplied. The supply mode setting section 115 sets the second supply mode as a default (start-up setting), and the setting can be changed from the second supply mode to the first supply mode by an article supply user (article seller). The supply mode setting section 115 is provided with a small display, and is configured to display the currently set supply mode in the display. The setting change of the supply mode by the supply mode setting section 115 is enabled by only an article supply user (article seller) having authority by setting a password or the like.

[0106] In a case where the second supply mode is set, the article drawing processing section 116 selects an article of any one category by drawing lots from among a plurality of categories of articles that can be supplied after settlement of the price of the article in accordance with the decision of the purchase of the article by the article purchase user. The drawing is performed in accordance with a probability or the like based on a prescribed random number.

[0107] A plurality of categories of articles are stored in the article shelf 22. The plurality of categories of articles are respectively given rarity degrees. One category of articles is stored in each storage compartment that constitutes the article shelf 22.

[0108] The article drawing processing section 116 selects an article of one category by drawing lots from among a plurality of categories of articles, and notifies the article supply control section 111 of the selected article.

[0109] The article supply control section 111 determines the storage compartment in which the notified article is stored, and carries out one article from the storage compartment. The carrying-out device 101 carries the article carried out from the storage compartment to the article take-out area X near the supply port 5 by means of the carrying tray 24.

[0110] In addition, the storage section 113 stores an article table and image data. Figure 14 is an example of data stored in the storage section 113. According to the article table, the rarity degree of each category of articles is set to 1 to 5. Figure 14As an example, an article table in which articles, rarity degrees of the articles (two levels), and IDs of storage columns in which the articles are stored are associated is stored. In addition, as image data, a standby performance image, an article purchase screen, an article purchase performance image, a lottery result performance image 1, a lottery result performance image 2, and an article supply performance image are stored.

[0111] <Explanation of Actions>

[0112] Next, the actions of the article supply device 1 in the second embodiment will be explained.

[0113] Figure 15 is a flowchart of the actions of the article supply device 1 in the second embodiment. In the following actions, it is assumed that there are six kinds of articles to be supplied, and two of them are articles of which the rarity degrees are higher than those of the other articles (rarity degree 2).

[0114] The article supply user selects the supply mode of the article supply device 1 at the initial start of the article supply device 1. The mode setting section 114 sets the supply mode to the mode specified by the user on the article supply side (step 200). Here, the default (initial setting) mode of the mode setting section 114 is the second supply mode. The mode setting section 114 performs the determination of the set supply mode (step 201). In the case where the set supply mode is the second supply mode, that is, in the case where no setting change is made, the article supply device 1 is set to the second supply mode and operated (step 202). On the other hand, in the case where the supply mode is changed by the article supply user (article seller) and the set supply mode is the first supply mode, the article supply device 1 is set to the first supply mode and operated (step 222). Then, the same actions as those of the first embodiment described above are performed.

[0115] In the case where the article supply device 1 is operated by the second supply mode, the state of the article supply device 1 is set to an article selection standby state (step 203). In the following explanation, it is assumed that one kind of article is stored in each storage column of the article supply device 1. The article supply control section 111 notifies the display control section 112 of the state. The display control section 112 reads the standby performance image from the storage section 113 and causes the standby performance image to be displayed in the operation display section 3 and the display section 4 (step 204). The standby performance image is the same as that described above. Figure 6 is the same.

[0116] Next, the article supply control section 111 determines the user's contact (touch) with the operation display section 3 (step 205). When the user's contact (touch) with the operation display section 3 is detected, the article supply control section 111 causes the article supply device 1 to shift from the article selection standby state to the article purchase state, and notifies the display control section 112 (step 206). The display control section 112 reads the article purchase screen and the article purchase performance image from the storage section 113, so that the article purchase screen is displayed in the operation display section 3 and the article purchase performance image is displayed in the display section 4 (step 207). Figure 16 , Figure 17 is a view showing the appearance of the article supply device 1 in the article purchase state. As shown in Figure 16 , as the article purchase screen, the images of four kinds of articles among the six kinds of articles that can be supplied, the image of "?" in place of the images of the two kinds of articles that are high in rarity, and the article purchase button on which "500 yen" that is the common price of the six kinds of articles is displayed are displayed in the operation display section 3. In addition, the article purchase performance image is displayed in the display section 4. The user selects (touches) the article purchase button in the case of purchasing the article. When the user selects (touches) the article purchase button, as the article purchase screen, the article purchase screen for purchasing the article by the handle operation after the price is put in is displayed in the operation display section 3, and the article purchase performance image is displayed in the display section 4, as shown in Figure 17 . Sound is also output from the sound output section 8 in cooperation with these images. In addition, in order to make the operation display section 3 easily recognizable, an image that emphasizes the position of the operation display section 3 is included in the article purchase performance image.

[0117] The user operates the article purchase screen displayed in the operation display section 3 after the price is put in in the case of purchasing the article (step 208). In the case where the article purchase screen is not operated, refund processing is performed (step 220), the process returns to step 203, and the article supply device 1 shifts from the article purchase state to the article selection standby state.

[0118] In the case where the article purchase screen is operated, the article supply control section 111 performs settlement processing of the price of the article (step 209), and in the case where the settlement is completed (step 210), the article supply device 1 shifts from the article purchase state to the article lottery state (step 211). The article supply control section 111 notifies the display control section 112 of the state.

[0119] The display control section 112 reads the article lottery performance image from the storage section 113, so that the article lottery performance image is displayed in the operation display section 3 and the display section 4 (step 212). Figure 18 is a view showing the appearance of the article supply device 1 in the article lottery state. As shown in Figure 18As shown, an item lottery show image is displayed in the operation display section 3 and the display section 4. The item lottery show image is an image that becomes one whole in the operation display section 3 and the display section 4, and during the period in which the item is supplied, an item lottery show image showing "Did you hit the rare capsule?", "Did you miss the rare capsule?", "Lottery hit", and the like is displayed. Sound is also output from the sound output section 8 in coordination with the image.

[0120] The item lottery processing section 116 performs lottery processing (step 213). The item lottery processing section 116 selects an item of any one category from among the plurality of categories of items that can be supplied by lottery. The item lottery processing section 116 acquires the rarity degree of the selected item, and determines whether or not the rarity degree is a prescribed value or more (step 214). The rarity degree of the item is acquired from the item table.

[0121] In the case where the rarity degree of the selected item is the prescribed value or more (step 214), the item lottery processing section 116 reads the lottery result show image 1 from the storage section 113, and causes the lottery result show image 1 to be displayed in the operation display section 3 and the display section 4 (step 215). Figure 19 is an example of the lottery result show image 1 displayed in the item supply device 1. Figure 19 The lottery result show image 1 of is a lottery result show image in the case where the prescribed value is 2 and the rarity degree of the selected item is 2.

[0122] On the other hand, in the case where the rarity degree of the selected item is less than the prescribed value (step 214), the item lottery processing section 116 reads the lottery result show image 2 from the storage section 113, and causes the lottery result show image 2 to be displayed in the operation display section 3 and the display section 4 (step 221). Figure 20 is an example of the lottery result show image 2 displayed in the item supply device 1. Figure 20 The lottery result show image 1 of is a lottery result show image in the case where the prescribed value is 2 and the rarity degree of the selected item is 1.

[0123] The item lottery processing section 116 notifies the item supply control section 111 of the lottery result (information of the selected item). The item supply control section 111 transitions the item supply device 1 from the item lottery state to the item supply state (step 216). The item supply control section 111 notifies the display control section 112.

[0124] The display control section 112 reads the item supply show image from the storage section 113, and causes the item supply show image to be displayed in the operation display section 3 and the display section 4 (step 217). The item supply show image is the same as the above-described Figure 8 is the same.

[0125] The article supply control section 111 performs a process of determining the storage row (placement section) in which the selected article is placed (step 218). For example, in the case where the article A is selected, the storage row in which the article A is placed is the storage row with the storage row ID of "1" according to the article table of the storage section 113. The article supply control section 111 instructs the main body control section 104 to perform the removal of the article placed in the determined storage row. The main body control section 104 controls the spiral of the row housing to cause the article to be supplied to be discharged from the storage row. The removal device 101 performs movement control of the conveyance tray 24 to convey the article removed from the storage row to the article extraction area X in the vicinity of the supply port 5 from the storage row (step 219). Then, the article supply control section 111 returns to step 203 and changes the article supply device 1 from the article supply state to the article selection standby state. Further, the article supply control section 111, after the removal of the article, in the case where the out-of-stock is detected by the out-of-stock actuator, establishes a flag of the out-of-stock in the article table so that the article of the out-of-stock is not selected in the lottery, and the article lottery processing section 116 performs the lottery processing in such a manner that the article of the out-of-stock is not selected. However, it is not necessary to display the image of the article of the out-of-stock in the image for explaining the supplied article as shown in Figure 16

[0126] The article supply device of the second embodiment can select a first supply mode in which a purchase user can manually select a category of an article to be purchased and a second supply mode in which, in the case where the purchase user selects the article to be purchased, the article supply device 1 randomly selects an article of one category from among a plurality of categories of articles that can be supplied and supplies the selected article to the purchase user. Thus, a variety of sales methods (supply methods) can be dealt with.

[0127] <Variant 1 of the second embodiment>

[0128] In the above-described second embodiment, an example in which one category of articles is stored in each of the storage rows constituting the article shelf 22 is described. However, it can be configured that a plurality of categories of articles are randomly placed in one storage row. Further, the article lottery processing section 116 is configured to select one storage row by lottery.

[0129] Even in the case of such a configuration, since the category of the article to be supplied is random, the same effect as that of the second embodiment can be obtained. However, since the rarity of the article to be supplied is not clear, the lottery result display image is not necessary.

[0130] <Variant 2 of the second embodiment>

[0131] ​In the above-described second embodiment, an example in which the display section 4 that surrounds the main body section 2 is provided is described, but the display section 4 is not an essential constituent element in terms of switching of the supply mode of the supply article, and the second embodiment can be applied even to an article supply device that does not have the display section 4.

[0132] The present application has been described above by citing preferred embodiments, but the present application is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various ways within the scope of the technical idea thereof.

[0133] Part or all of the above-described embodiments are described as the following notes, but are not limited to the following.

[0134] [Note 1]

[0135] An article supply device including:

[0136] An article supply main body section that supplies an article from a supply port;

[0137] An operation section including a first display section;

[0138] A second display section provided at least on a side surface of the article supply main body section and at least on a portion of a front surface of the article supply main body section other than the supply port and the operation section; and

[0139] A display control section that controls images displayed in the first display section and the second display section,

[0140] wherein the display control section controls the images displayed in the first display section and the second display section in accordance with a state of the article supply main body section.

[0141] [Note 2]

[0142] The article supply device according to Note 1, wherein

[0143] The display control section causes a first image to be displayed in the first display section and the second display section in a state in which selection of an article is awaited.

[0144] [Note 3]

[0145] The article supply device according to Note 1 or Note 2, wherein

[0146] The first image is an image that becomes one whole in the first display section and the second display section, and includes information related to the article.

[0147] [Note 4]

[0148] The article supply device according to Note 3, wherein

[0149] The first image is an image related to a character corresponding to the article.

[0150] [Para 5]

[0151] The article supply device according to Para 2, wherein

[0152] The first image is an image that becomes one whole in the first display portion and the second display portion, and contains information unrelated to the article.

[0153] [Para 6]

[0154] The article supply device according to any one of Paras 1 to 5, wherein

[0155] The display control portion causes a second image to be displayed in the first display portion and a third image to be displayed in the second display portion, with the operation of the operation portion as a condition.

[0156] [Para 7]

[0157] The article supply device according to Para 6, wherein

[0158] The second image includes an article selection image that is an operation target of a user,

[0159] The third image is an image that is not an operation target of the user.

[0160] [Para 8]

[0161] The article supply device according to Para 6 or 7, wherein

[0162] The second image or the third image includes an image that emphasizes display of the operation portion.

[0163] [Para 9]

[0164] The article supply device according to Para 7, wherein

[0165] A background color of the second image is different from a background color of the third image.

[0166] [Para 10]

[0167] The article supply device according to any one of Paras 1 to 9, wherein

[0168] The display control portion causes a fourth image to be displayed in the first display portion and the second display portion in a state in which the article is supplied.

[0169] [Para 11]

[0170] The article supply device according to the supplementary note 10, wherein

[0171] The fourth image is an image that becomes one whole in the first display portion and the second display portion, and is an image that performs the supply of the article.

[0172] [Supplementary Note 12]

[0173] The article supply device according to any one of the supplementary notes 1 to 11, wherein

[0174] Further provided is a drawing execution unit that performs a drawing after the supply of the article,

[0175] The display control portion causes a fifth image related to the drawing to be displayed in the first display portion and the second display portion,

[0176] The article supply main portion supplies the article on the condition of a winning of the drawing.

[0177] [Supplementary Note 13]

[0178] The article supply device according to the supplementary note 12, wherein

[0179] The fifth image is an image that becomes one whole in the first display portion and the second display portion, and is an image that performs the drawing.

[0180] [Supplementary Note 14]

[0181] The article supply device according to any one of the supplementary notes 1 to 13, wherein

[0182] The operation portion is a touch panel portion that can display an image.

[0183] [Supplementary Note 15]

[0184] The article supply device according to any one of the supplementary notes 1 to 14, wherein

[0185] The second display portion is not provided on an upper surface, a bottom surface, and a back surface of the article supply main portion.

[0186] [Supplementary Note 16]

[0187] The article supply device according to any one of the supplementary notes 1 to 15, wherein

[0188] The article supply main portion includes a front surface door that can be opened and closed,

[0189] The display control portion controls so that no image is displayed in the first display portion and the second display portion in a state in which the front surface door is opened.

[0190] [Para 17]

[0191] An article supply device includes:

[0192] An article supply main body that supplies an article from a supply port;

[0193] An operation section that includes a first display section;

[0194] A second display section that is provided at least on a side surface of the article supply main body and at least on a portion of a front surface of the article supply main body other than the supply port and the operation section; and

[0195] A display control section that controls images displayed in the first display section and the second display section,

[0196] wherein the display control section causes a first image to be displayed in the first display section and the second display section in a state in which selection of an article is awaited,

[0197] the display control section causes a second image to be displayed in the first display section and a third image to be displayed in the second display section, with the operation of the operation section as a condition,

[0198] the display control section causes a fourth image to be displayed in the first display section and the second display section in a state in which the article is supplied,

[0199] the first image is an image that becomes one whole in the first display section and the second display section,

[0200] the second image includes an article selection image that is an operation target of a user,

[0201] the third image is an image that is not an operation target of the user,

[0202] the fourth image is an image that becomes one whole in the first display section and the second display section, and is an image that performs a supply of the article.

[0203] [Para 18]

[0204] The article supply device according to Para 17, wherein

[0205] a lottery execution unit that performs a lottery after the supply of the article is further included,

[0206] the display control section causes a fifth image related to the lottery to be displayed in the first display section and the second display section,

[0207] the article supply main body supplies the article with a winning of the lottery as a condition.

[0208] Reference Signs List

[0209] 1: article supply device; 2: main body section; 3: operation display section; 4: display section; 5: supply port; 6: panel section; 7: coin return port; 8: sound output section; 100: cooling and heating device; 101: carrying-out device; 102: coin sorter; 103: paper money recognizer; 104: main body control section; 105: article supply main control section; 111: article supply control section; 112: display control section; 113: storage section; 114: drawing processing section; 115: supply mode setting section; 116: article drawing processing section.

Claims

1. An article supply device comprising: an article supply main body section that supplies an article from a supply port; an operation section that includes a first display section; a second display section that is provided at least on a side surface of the article supply main body section and at least on a portion of a front surface of the article supply main body section other than the supply port and the operation section; and a display control section that controls images displayed in the first display section and the second display section, wherein the display control section controls the images displayed in the first display section and the second display section in accordance with a state of the article supply main body section, wherein the display control section causes a first image to be displayed in the first display section and the second display section in a state in which selection of an article is awaited, the first image being a standby performance image, wherein the display control section causes a second image to be displayed in the first display section and a third image to be displayed in the second display section on a condition that an operation of the operation section is performed, the second image including an article selection image that is an operation target of a user, the third image being an image that is not an operation target of the user and is an article selection performance image that performs performance of selection of an article, and wherein the display control section causes a fourth image to be displayed in the first display section and the second display section in a state in which the article is supplied, the fourth image being an article supply performance image that performs performance of supply of the article. 2.The article supply device according to claim 1, wherein the first image is an image that is integrated in the first display section and the second display section, and includes information related to the article. 3.The article supply device according to claim 2, wherein the first image is an image related to a character corresponding to the article. 4.The article supply device according to claim 1, wherein the first image is an image that is integrated in the first display section and the second display section, and includes information not related to the article. 5.The article supply device according to claim 1, wherein the second image or the third image includes an image in which the operation section is highlighted. wherein 6.The article supply device according to claim 1, wherein a background color of the second image is different from a background color of the third image. 7.The article supply device according to claim 1, wherein the fourth image is an image that is integrated in the first display section and the second display section. 8.The article supply device according to claim 1, further comprising a lottery execution unit that executes a lottery after supply of the article, wherein the display control section causes a fifth image related to the lottery to be displayed in the first display section and the second display section, and wherein the article supply main body section supplies the article on a condition that a winning number of the lottery is drawn. 9.The article supply device according to claim 8, wherein the fifth image is an image that is integrated in the first display section and the second display section, and is an image that performs performance of the lottery. 10.The article supply device according to claim 1, wherein ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The operation section is a touch panel section capable of displaying an image.

11. The article supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The second display section is not provided on an upper surface, a bottom surface, and a back surface of the article supply body section.

12. The article supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The article supply body section includes a front surface door that is openable and closable, The display control section controls so that no image is displayed in the first display section and the second display section in a state in which the front surface door is open.

13. An article supply apparatus comprising: an article supply body section that supplies an article from a supply port; an operation section that includes a first display section; a second display section that is provided at least on a side surface of the article supply body section and at least on a portion of a front surface of the article supply body section other than the supply port and the operation section; and a display control section that controls an image displayed in the first display section and the second display section, wherein the display control section causes a first image to be displayed in the first display section and the second display section in a state in which selection of an article is awaited, the display control section causes a second image to be displayed in the first display section and a third image to be displayed in the second display section, with the operation of the operation section as a condition, the display control section causes a fourth image to be displayed in the first display section and the second display section in a state in which the article is supplied, the first image is an image that becomes one whole in the first display section and the second display section, the second image includes an article selection image that is an operation target of a user, the third image is an image that is not an operation target of the user, the fourth image is an image that becomes one whole in the first display section and the second display section, and is an image that performs a presentation of the supply of the article.

14. The article supply apparatus according to claim 13, wherein a lottery execution unit that performs a lottery after the supply of the article is further included, the display control section causes a fifth image related to the lottery to be displayed in the first display section and the second display section, the article supply body section supplies the article with a winning of the lottery as a condition.

Images