Article providing apparatus, recording medium, and article providing system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a commodity providing apparatus, a recording medium, and a commodity providing system. The present invention aims to notify a user of an inventory status or the like of a commodity at an accurate point in time. The present invention is a commodity providing apparatus capable of communicating with a terminal of a user. The commodity providing apparatus is provided with: a first category option prompting mechanism capable of prompting a plurality of first category options associated with a commodity group including a plurality of commodities on a terminal in a selectable manner by the user; and an inventory management mechanism managing an inventory status of commodities of the commodity group associated with each of the plurality of first category options; the first category option prompting mechanism confirming the inventory status of the commodities of the commodity group associated with the first category options each time a screen is changed, and prompting the inventory status of the commodities.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a product dispensing device, a recording medium, and a product dispensing system. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, there existed a product provision system in the form of an online lottery (e.g., Patent Document 1). In this type of online lottery, unlike options such as tangible lottery boxes or lottery tickets, users cannot possess the options.

[0003] [Background Technical Documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-070937 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Therefore, the problem lies in notifying users of product inventory status at the accurate time.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention provides a product supply device, a recording medium, and a product supply system capable of notifying customers of product inventory status and other information at accurate times.

[0009] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is a product providing device, which is a product providing device capable of communicating with a user's terminal, comprising: a first category option prompting mechanism, capable of prompting a plurality of first category options associated with a product group containing a plurality of products on the terminal for the user to select; and an inventory management mechanism, which manages the inventory status of products in each of the plurality of first category options associated with each product group; the first category option prompting mechanism checks the inventory status of products in the product groups associated with the first category options and prompts the inventory status of the products whenever the screen changes.

[0011] One aspect of the invention is a recording medium that records a program, enabling a computer to function as: a first category option prompting mechanism, capable of selectively prompting a plurality of first category options associated with a product group containing a plurality of products on a terminal; and an inventory management mechanism, managing the inventory status of products in each of the plurality of first category options associated with each product group; the first category option prompting mechanism checking the inventory status of products in the product groups associated with the first category options and prompting the inventory status of the products whenever the screen changes.

[0012] One aspect of the present invention is a product provisioning system comprising: a first category option prompting mechanism, capable of selectively prompting a plurality of first category options associated with a product group comprising a plurality of products on a terminal for a user; and an inventory management mechanism, managing the inventory status of products in each of the plurality of first category options associated with each product group; wherein the first category option prompting mechanism checks the inventory status of products in the product groups associated with the first category options and prompts the inventory status of the products whenever the screen changes.

[0013] [The effects of the invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to notify users of the inventory status of goods, etc., at accurate times. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a diagram used to illustrate the product provision method applied to this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the product delivery system of this embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the device configuration of terminal 2, namely a tablet computer.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the product providing device 1.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a diagram representing an example of the inventory database D1.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a block diagram representing an example of the functional configuration of terminal 2.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a sequence diagram between the product providing device 1 and the terminal 2.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the operation for processing the first category option prompt of the product providing device 1.

[0023] Figure 9 This is an example of a screen in Terminal 2 that displays a list of titles available for purchase.

[0024] Figure 10 This is an example of the lottery box overview screen displayed in Terminal 2.

[0025] Figure 11 This is an example of the product information displayed in the lottery box 1 on the terminal 2 when the user selects lottery box 1.

[0026] Figure 12 This is the flowchart of the standby processing (step 118).

[0027] Figure 13 This is an example of the product information displayed on the standby screen of lottery box 1 when a user selects to standby mode.

[0028] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of the action for processing the second category option prompt in the product providing device 1.

[0029] Figure 15 This is an example of the lottery ticket purchase screen displayed on terminal 2.

[0030] Figure 16 This is an example of a view of the lottery tickets in the selected lottery box displayed on terminal 2.

[0031] Figure 17 This is an example of a screen showing the completion of the settlement process.

[0032] Figure 18 This is an example of the lottery ticket opening screen displayed on terminal 2.

[0033] Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a variation of an embodiment of the present invention, specifically an inventory database D1.

[0034] Figure 20 This is an example of a screen displaying discounted products on terminal 2 by the product supply department 115. Detailed Implementation

[0035] <Embodiments of the Invention>

[0036] The first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0037] First, in order to make it easier to understand the structure of this embodiment, the product provision method applied to this embodiment will be explained. Figure 1 This is a diagram used to illustrate the product provision method applied to this embodiment.

[0038] The product delivery method applied in this embodiment provides products by selecting from multiple categories of products belonging to a title selected by the user. The title may be a description of a character or event, etc. The provided products may be electronic data such as images and music, or physical items such as toys, stationery, models, clothing, and household goods. Furthermore, physical items may be a combination of items from different categories such as toys, stationery, models, clothing, and household goods. The following description uses the case of providing physical items through delivery.

[0039] Furthermore, products with the same title (series) can be of different categories. For example, products from works with the same worldview, such as anime, movies, comics, and games, or products pre-grouped into a series based on their commonalities, can be offered in different forms, similar to the difference between electronic data and physical goods. The following explanation uses the case of offering physical goods of multiple categories.

[0040] A title is associated with multiple options in category 1, and each option in category 1 is associated with multiple options in category 2. Each option in category 1 is associated with a product group containing N products of type P that are associated with the title. Furthermore, each option in category 2 that is associated with an option in category 1 is associated with any one product in the product group that is associated with the option in category 1.

[0041] If using Figure 1 Specifically, the first category of options is the lottery box, and the second category of options is the lottery tickets contained in the lottery box. Furthermore, there is a title "XXX Series," and multiple lottery boxes 1 to M associated with this title are each associated with a product group. Each product group contains P types of products, and each product group consists of a total of N P types of products. The number and variety of products in each product group are the same. The proportion of products belonging to a product group is determined by the prize rules set for each product category. That is, the higher the prize ranking, the fewer products there are; the lower the prize ranking, the more products there are. For example, if "Product X-1" in the "XXX Series" product group is set as the first prize, "Product X-2" as the second prize, ..., "Product XP" as the P prize, the probability of winning increases with the ranking of "Product X-1," "Product X-2," ..., "Product XP." In other words, the probability of winning "Item X-1" is the lowest, and the number of items drawn is the fewest. The probability of winning "Item XP" is the highest, and the number of items drawn is the most.

[0042] Here, in Figure 1 The example below illustrates the case where M=10, N=100, and P=5.

[0043] The title "XXX Series" is associated with 10 lottery boxes (1-10), and each of these boxes is associated with 100 lottery tickets (1-100). Each of these boxes is associated with one of five product groups: "Product X-1" through "Product X-5". The first prize is "Product X-1", the second prize is "Product X-2", the third prize is "Product X-3", the fourth prize is "Product X-4", and the fifth prize is "Product X-5". The breakdown is as follows: 2 "Product X-1", 8 "Product X-2", 20 "Product X-3", 30 "Product X-4", and 40 "Product X-5", totaling 100. In other words, each of these 4 product groups (100 items in total) is associated with each of the 10 lottery boxes.

[0044] Furthermore, each raffle ticket (1-100) in each of the raffle boxes 1-10 is associated with any one of the 100 products in the product group associated with the raffle box. The association between raffle tickets 1-100 and products is established one-to-one without repetition. Preferably, the association between raffle tickets 1-100 and products in each of the raffle boxes 1-10 is different, varying for each raffle box. This is to prevent the user from determining the correspondence between raffle tickets and products during the process of repeatedly selecting raffle tickets.

[0045] Next, an explanation will be given regarding the products provided to users.

[0046] The user selects a title they wish to purchase and chooses one of ten raffle boxes (1-10) associated with that title. Here, the user selects raffle box 5. The user selects the desired number of raffle tickets from raffle tickets 5-1 to 5-100 associated with raffle box 5. Then, the product associated with the user's selected raffle ticket is provided. Other users cannot select a raffle ticket that has already been selected and a product provided. Furthermore, the inventory of the product associated with the selected raffle ticket is zero.

[0047] Thus, the provision of products associated with the title is achieved through a lottery method chosen by the user.

[0048] The issue here lies in the inventory status of the products associated with the lottery box. Users want to choose lottery boxes with a higher inventory of their desired products to increase their chances of obtaining them. Therefore, it's necessary to accurately inform users of the inventory status of each lottery box at precise times. Here, inventory status refers to the remaining number of lottery tickets in the lottery box (remaining product count) or the inventory count for each product category, etc.

[0049] The following describes a product supply apparatus system according to this embodiment that solves this problem.

[0050] [Total Composition]

[0051] This embodiment describes the product supply device system.

[0052] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the product delivery system of this embodiment. Figure 2 In this context, 1 is the product delivery device, and 2 is the user's terminal.

[0053] The product providing device 1 and the user's terminal 2 can be connected to the communication line N and can communicate with each other. The communication line N refers to a communication path capable of data communication. That is to say, in addition to LANs (Local Area Networks) such as dedicated lines (dedicated cables) or Ethernet (registered trademark) used for direct connection, the communication line N also includes telephone communication networks or cable networks, the Internet, and other communication networks. Regarding the communication method, it is not limited to wired / wireless.

[0054] The product providing device 1 is a server system comprising one or more server devices or storage devices. The product providing device 1 performs various services to provide products to users, obtain product inventory information, and handle procedures for providing products to users. In this embodiment, the product is provided to the user through monetary payment. The product is represented by a physical item, such as a doll with the appearance of a character, clothing, a plastic model, or decorations, but is not limited to these.

[0055] Terminal 2 is, for example, a personal computer, tablet computer, smartphone, or mobile phone. Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an example of the device configuration of terminal 2, namely a tablet computer. (See diagram below.) Figure 3 As shown, terminal 2 includes a display 21, a touch operation panel 22 integrated with the display 21, and a built-in speaker 23. In addition, terminal 2 includes a control substrate (not shown), a built-in battery, a power button, and volume control buttons.

[0056] The control substrate houses various microprocessors such as CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), and DSPs (Digital Signal Processors); various integrated circuit (IC) memories such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), VRAMs (Video Random Access Memory), RAMs (Random Access Memory), and ROMs (Read-Only Memory); and a wireless communication module for communicating with a base station. Furthermore, the control substrate also houses I / F circuits (interface circuits), such as the driver circuitry for the touch operation panel 22. All components mounted on these control substrates are electrically connected via bus circuits, enabling them to read / write data or transmit / receive signals.

[0057] [Functional Composition]

[0058] Explain the composition of each device.

[0059] First, the configuration of the product supply device 1 will be explained. Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the product providing device 1.

[0060] Product providing device 1, such as Figure 4 As shown, it includes a processing unit 10, a communication unit 11, and a storage unit 12.

[0061] The processing unit 10 controls the operation of the product providing device 1 based on the program or data stored in the storage unit 12. The functions of the processing unit 10 can be implemented by electronic components such as microprocessors (CPU or GPU), ASICs, and IC memories. As the main functional unit, the processing unit 10 includes a user information management unit 111, a first category option prompting unit 112, a second category option prompting unit 113, a checkout processing unit 114, a product providing unit 115, and an inventory management unit 116.

[0062] The User Information Management Department 111 uses the user information database to manage user information. This includes user identification information (user ID) and password from service purchases, personal information such as the user's name and address, and the user's product purchase history.

[0063] The Category 1 option prompt unit 112 refers to the inventory database D1 and displays a list of available purchase titles and a lottery box list on the terminal 2. In this embodiment, a title is associated with multiple Category 1 options, and each of the multiple Category 1 options is associated with multiple Category 2 options. Each Category 1 option is associated with a product group containing P types of products that are associated with the title. Furthermore, each of the multiple Category 2 options associated with each Category 1 option is associated with any one product in the product group associated with the Category 1 option. In this embodiment, the Category 1 options are lottery boxes, and the Category 2 options are lottery tickets.

[0064] The first category option prompt section 112 refers to the inventory database D1 to confirm the remaining number of lottery tickets associated with the lottery box and the current inventory status of the products associated with the lottery box and lottery tickets. The terminal 2 then displays a lottery box overview screen containing the current inventory status.

[0065] Here, we will explain the inventory database D1. Figure 5 This is a diagram representing an example of inventory database D1. Inventory database D1 is prepared by each heading. Figure 5 Inventory database D1 is an example of inventory database D1 in the XXX series. Inventory database D1 contains lottery box database D2 and lottery ticket database D3.

[0066] The lottery box database D2 prepares one record for each lottery box. Each record contains the lottery box ID (identification information), the product category ID (identification information) of the product categories contained in the lottery box, the remaining number of lottery tickets in the lottery box, the selection status information of the lottery box, and the selected standby user. The lottery box selection status information records any of the following: selectable, selected, or inselectable states. The selectable state is when the user can select the suggested lottery box. The selected state is when another user is selecting a lottery box, and the user can select that lottery box when the selection is canceled (held). The inselectable state is when the remaining number of lottery tickets associated with the lottery box is zero (all selected (opened)), and the user cannot select any lottery tickets from that lottery box. The selected standby user, as described below, is the user who cancels the selection of a lottery box while in standby mode.

[0067] Lottery ticket database D3, such as Figure 5As shown, a lottery ticket database D3 is associated with a lottery box. The lottery ticket database D3 prepares one record for each lottery ticket. Each record contains the lottery ticket ID (identification information), the product ID (identification information) associated with the lottery ticket ID, and the opening information of the lottery ticket. The opening information of the lottery ticket includes: an opening status where the user has opened the ticket and provided the product associated with it; and an unopened status where the user has not opened the ticket and no product associated with it has been provided. An "1" is marked for an opened status, and a "0" is marked for an unopened status. That is, in the opened status, the product associated with the lottery ticket is out of stock, and in the unopened status, the product associated with the lottery ticket is in stock.

[0068] The first category option prompt unit 112 receives the user's selected title, refers to the lottery box database D2 associated with the title, obtains lottery box information including the lottery box ID and the number of remaining lottery tickets in the lottery box (lottery ticket inventory information), generates a lottery box overview screen including images of each lottery box and the number of remaining lottery tickets in each lottery box, and displays the lottery box overview screen on the terminal 2.

[0069] The first category option prompt unit 112, whenever the lottery box overview screen changes on terminal 2, refers to the lottery ticket database D3 to obtain the current inventory status of the selected lottery box's products and prompts the selected lottery box's product information. The product information includes the category of the lottery box's products and the number of remaining lottery tickets for each category. Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment, since lottery tickets are associated with products one-to-one, the number of remaining lottery tickets for each category is the same as the number of remaining products (inventory) for each category.

[0070] Furthermore, whenever a user selects any of the lottery boxes on the lottery box overview screen, the first category option prompting unit 112 updates the selection status of the lottery box database D2 to "selected". This is because if multiple users can repeatedly select a lottery box, the lottery tickets for that box can also be repeatedly selected by users, making it impossible to properly manage the inventory of goods associated with the lottery tickets. On the other hand, if users are allowed to select a lottery box for an extended period, other users will be unable to select that box. Therefore, the first category option prompting unit 112 measures the time T1 from when a user selects a lottery box to when they decide to purchase a lottery ticket from that box. When the time T1 exceeds a predetermined TX, the selection of the lottery box is forcibly deselected, making it selectable, and the selection status of the lottery box in the lottery box database D2 is updated to "selectable".

[0071] Furthermore, regarding the lottery box whose selection status is "selected," the first category option prompting unit 112 controls the user to a standby state so that the user can prioritize selecting the lottery box when the selection is deselected. In this case, the first category option prompting unit 112 records the user ID of the standby user selected by the lottery box database D2. Also, when the selection status of the lottery box changes to "selectable," the first category option prompting unit 112, when switching the screen to a "selectable" lottery box, refers to the lottery ticket database D3 to obtain the current inventory status of the lottery box that has become "selectable," and displays the current product information of the lottery box on the user's terminal 2. Additionally, if there are multiple standby users, the current product information can be displayed only to the earliest user or to all standby users.

[0072] Thus, whenever the screen related to the first category option (lottery box) changes, the first category option prompt unit 112 checks the inventory database D1 (lottery box database D2 or lottery ticket database D3) and prompts the user with the latest inventory status of the first category option (lottery box). The screen changes related to the first category option (lottery box) as described above include at least: changes to a multi-page lottery box overview screen; changes to a product information prompt screen when selecting a lottery box; and changes to a lottery box product information prompt screen for standby users whose lottery boxes have changed from being selected to being selectable.

[0073] In addition, in this embodiment, the selection of the lottery box (first category option) is set to the user's choice. However, if the configuration allows the user to choose between manual selection and automatic selection, and automatic selection is selected, the first category option prompting unit 112 can also automatically select the lottery box (first category option) that can be selected through a draw. In this case, the product information of the automatically selected lottery box is updated in the same way as the manually selected one.

[0074] The second category option prompting unit 113 prompts multiple second category options on the control terminal 2. In this embodiment, the second category option is a lottery ticket. The second category option prompting unit 113 first prompts a lottery ticket purchase screen, allowing the user to decide the number of lottery tickets to purchase. Then, a lottery ticket overview screen containing multiple lottery tickets is displayed on the terminal 2. When the lottery ticket purchase screen is displayed, the second category option prompting unit 113 counts the number of lottery tickets in the lottery ticket database D3 whose opening information is "0", so that the lottery ticket purchase screen includes the remaining number of selectable lottery tickets.

[0075] Furthermore, when the second category option prompt unit 113 generates a lottery ticket overview screen after deciding the number of lottery tickets to purchase, it refers to the lottery ticket database D3 to obtain information on the latest lottery tickets from the selected lottery box. The obtained lottery ticket information includes the lottery ticket ID and the opening information of the lottery ticket. The second category option prompt unit 113 is configured to generate a lottery ticket overview screen based on the lottery ticket information, identifying whether the tickets are opened or unopened, while preventing the user from selecting opened lottery tickets.

[0076] Furthermore, similar to the lottery box, if users are allowed to select lottery tickets for an extended period, other users will be unable to select the lottery box. Therefore, the second category option prompting unit 113 measures the time T2 from the lottery ticket purchase prompt screen to the completion of the lottery ticket purchase checkout. When the time T2 exceeds a predetermined TY, the selection of lottery tickets is forcibly deselected, and the selection of the lottery box is also deselected. The second category option prompting unit 113 then updates the selection status of the lottery box in the lottery box database D2 to indicate that it is selectable.

[0077] In addition, regarding the relationship between time TX and time TY, considering that selecting lottery tickets takes more time, it is preferable that time TY is longer than time TX.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the selection of the lottery ticket (second category option) is set to be selected by the user. However, if the configuration allows the user to choose between manual selection and automatic selection, and automatic selection is selected, the second category option prompting unit 113 can also automatically select a lottery ticket from an unopened lottery ticket (second category option) through a draw.

[0079] Settlement processing department 114 processes the settlement of pre-purchased raffle tickets. Settlement processing is initiated after the user confirms their selection of raffle tickets on the raffle ticket overview screen.

[0080] Here, when the settlement processing unit 114 completes the settlement process, the second category option prompting unit 113 updates the selection status of the lottery box in the lottery box database D2 from "selected" to "selectable". Thus, by determining the category of the goods associated with the selected lottery ticket and performing settlement after the category of goods provided to the user is determined, the lottery box can be changed from a "selected" state to a "selectable" state without waiting for the time spent on subsequent lottery ticket opening and other goods provision processes.

[0081] The product delivery unit 115 displays a screen indicating the opening of a raffle ticket. By allowing the user to select the raffle ticket to be opened, the unit displays product information, including an image of the product associated with that ticket. Furthermore, the product delivery unit 115 processes the shipment of the product to the user. The destination address is selected from the address registered in the user information database.

[0082] After the settlement processing by the settlement processing department 114 is completed, the inventory management department 116 receives the lottery ticket ID of the selected lottery ticket from the second category option prompt department 113, and updates the opening information in the lottery ticket database D3 for the received lottery ticket ID from "0" to "1". Furthermore, the inventory management department 116 counts the number of lottery tickets in the lottery ticket database D3 with an opening information of "0", and updates the remaining number of lottery tickets in the lottery box database D2. Thus, the inventory database D1 reflects the latest product status.

[0083] Communication unit 11 is connected to communication line N to achieve communication.

[0084] Storage unit 12 stores system programs and function programs. The system program is used to implement the basic functions of the computer serving as the product supply device 1. The function programs are used to enable the processing unit 10 to function as the main functional unit, including the user information management unit 111, the first category option prompting unit 112, the second category option prompting unit 113, the settlement processing unit 114, the product supply unit 115, and the inventory management unit 116. In addition, storage unit 12 also stores the inventory database D1 (lottery box database D2 and lottery ticket database D3) for each category.

[0085] Next, the configuration of terminal 2 will be explained. Figure 6 This is a block diagram representing an example of the functional configuration of terminal 2.

[0086] like Figure 6 As shown, terminal 2 includes an operation input unit 30, a processing unit 31, an image display unit 32, a sound output unit 33, a communication unit 34, and a storage unit 35.

[0087] The operation input unit 30 is used to input various operations from the user and outputs the operation input signal corresponding to the operation input to the processing unit 31. The function of the operation input unit 30 can be realized by components that the user can directly operate with their fingers, such as a touch pad, home button, push-button switch, joystick, or trackball, or by components that detect motion or posture, such as an accelerometer, angular velocity sensor, tilt sensor, or geomagnetic sensor. Figure 2 In this context, the touch control panel 22 is equivalent to this.

[0088] The processing unit 31 controls the operation of the terminal 2 based on the program or data stored in the storage unit 35 and the operation input signals from the operation input unit 30. The functions of the processing unit 31 can be implemented by electronic components such as microprocessors, ASICs, IC memories, etc., such as CPUs or GPUs. As the main functional unit, the processing unit 31 includes an arithmetic unit 40, an image generation unit 41, a sound generation unit 42, and a communication control unit 43.

[0089] The arithmetic unit 40 performs various processes for purchasing goods and outputs the results to the image generation unit 41, the sound generation unit 42, and the communication control unit 43. The arithmetic unit 40 includes a display control unit 50 and a goods purchase processing unit 51.

[0090] The display control unit 50 uses information provided from the product supply management device 1 and user operation information to display and interpret product purchase screens.

[0091] The goods purchase processing unit 51 performs the goods purchase procedures. Specifically, it processes the purchase of goods with the goods supply device 1.

[0092] The image generation unit 41 generates one image per frame (e.g., 1 / 60 of a second) based on the processing result of the arithmetic unit 40, and outputs the generated image signal to the image display unit 32. The function of the image generation unit 41 can be implemented by a processor such as a GPU or digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC or a video codec, an IC memory for drawing frames such as a frame buffer, an IC memory for unfolding texture data, etc.

[0093] Based on the processing results of the arithmetic unit 40, the sound generation unit 42 generates sound signals such as sound effects and various operation sounds, and outputs them to the sound output unit 33. The function of the sound generation unit 42 can be implemented by a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or a sound synthesis IC, or an audio codec capable of playing sound files.

[0094] The communication control unit 43 performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with the commodity supply management device 1.

[0095] The image display unit 32 displays a screen based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 41. The function of the image display unit 32 can be realized by display devices such as flat panel displays, cathode ray tubes (CRTs), projectors, and head-mounted displays. Figure 2 In this context, the image display unit 32 is equivalent to the display 21.

[0096] The sound output unit 33 is used to output sound effects and the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 42. Figure 2 In the middle, the sound output section 33 is equivalent to the speaker 23.

[0097] The communication unit 34 is connected to the communication line N to achieve communication. The function of the communication unit 34 can be achieved through, for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, or a control circuit.

[0098] The storage unit 35 stores, either in advance or temporarily during each processing, programs that enable the terminal 2 to perform various functions, or data used during program execution. The storage unit 35 can be implemented using, for example, RAM or ROM, flash memory, hard disks, CD-ROMs, or DVDs. Specifically, the storage unit 35 stores system programs and control programs that control the terminal 2 to process the purchase of items (goods) 3. The system program is used to implement the basic functions of the terminal 2 as a computer. The control program is used to enable the arithmetic unit 40 to function as the display control unit 50 and the goods purchase processing unit 51.

[0099] [Description of the action]

[0100] The operation of the product supply system of this embodiment will be explained, focusing on the operation of the product supply device 1. First, using... Figure 7 The sequence diagram between the product providing device 1 and the terminal 2 is used to illustrate an example of the moment when the inventory status of the lottery box is confirmed, i.e., the screen changes.

[0101] The product supply device 1 confirms the inventory status of the product at at least the following points in time.

[0102] 1. Upon receiving a request from terminal 2 to switch to a lottery box overview screen (select title) (step 1), the product providing device 1 confirms the inventory status of the products (step 20) and displays a lottery box overview screen showing the remaining number of lottery tickets for each lottery box (step 2).

[0103] 2. When the lottery box overview screen spans multiple pages, and the user switches to another page of the lottery box overview screen (step 2), the product providing device 1 checks the product inventory status (step 20) and displays a lottery box overview screen showing the remaining number of lottery tickets for each lottery box whose destination has changed (step 11).

[0104] 3. When the terminal 2 requests to select a lottery box and the screen switches to the selected lottery box's product information (stock quantity of each type of product) (step 5), the product providing device 1 confirms the product's stock status (step 20) and displays the selected lottery box's product information (stock quantity of each type of product) (step 6).

[0105] 4. When the terminal 2 requests to select a lottery box and the screen of the selected lottery box (inventory quantity of each type of product) is displayed (step 7), the product supply device 1 confirms the inventory status of the product (step 20) and displays the screen of the selected lottery box (inventory quantity of each type of product) (step 8).

[0106] 5. When the lottery box selection is released from standby and the screen displays the product information (stock quantity of each type of product) of the lottery box that has been released from standby (step 21), the product supply device 1 confirms the product stock status (step 20) and displays the product information (stock quantity of each type of product) of the lottery box that has been released from standby (step 9).

[0107] 6. When the terminal 2 requests a change to the lottery ticket purchase screen and the screen changes to the lottery ticket purchase screen (step 10), the product supply device 1 checks the inventory status of the product (step 20) and displays a lottery ticket purchase screen showing the remaining number of lottery tickets in the lottery box (step 11).

[0108] 7. Upon receiving a request from terminal 2 for a lottery ticket overview screen and being redirected to the lottery ticket overview screen (step 12), the product supply device 1 confirms the product inventory status (step 20) and displays a lottery ticket overview screen showing the opening status of each lottery ticket (step 13).

[0109] The screen transitions, except for the cancellation of the lottery box selection in standby mode (step 21), all originate from user actions (operations). Thus, by displaying the inventory status whenever the screen transitions, information regarding the remaining number of lottery tickets or the quantity of goods in stock can be accurately conveyed to the user.

[0110] Next, the operation of the product supply device 1 will be explained. Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the action for processing the first category option prompt of the product providing device 1.

[0111] First, the user uses terminal 2 to access the product providing device 1 and requests a transition to the product purchase screen.

[0112] Upon receiving a request to switch to a product purchase screen, the first category option prompting unit 112 of the product providing device 1 checks the inventory status of the inventory database D1 for each title and displays a list of available titles on the terminal 2 (step 100). Figure 9 This is an example of a list of available titles displayed on terminal 2. This list also shows a description of the product category belonging to the product group associated with each title. Titles that are out of stock or cannot be purchased are not displayed, but may still be shown. In such cases, unavailable titles cannot be selected. The user selects the title they wish to purchase. In this example, the user selects the title "XXX Series".

[0113] When the first category option prompt unit 112 determines whether to select a purchase title (step 101) and selects a purchase title (step 102), it reads the lottery box information from the lottery box database D2 of the selected title's inventory data D1 (step 103). In other words, the first category option prompt unit 112 checks the product's inventory status when it transitions to the lottery box overview screen. The lottery box information includes the lottery box ID, the number of remaining lottery tickets, and the lottery box selection status information.

[0114] The first category option prompting unit 112 uses the read lottery box information to display a lottery box overview screen on the terminal 2 (step 104). The first category option prompting unit 112 also displays the status of each lottery box (selectable status, non-selectable status, selectable status) and the number of lottery tickets remaining in the lottery box for each lottery box. Figure 10 This is an example of the lottery box overview screen displayed in Terminal 2. Figure 10 An example is shown where lottery boxes 1-4 from 1-10 under the title "XXX Series". To view the content after lottery box 5, one can select the next page. At this time, lottery box information for that page is retrieved whenever the page changes. This is because the inventory status of the goods may change before navigating to a different page.

[0115] Each of the four lottery boxes displays its status (selectable, inselectable, selectable) and the number of lottery tickets remaining. For example, lottery box 1 is in the selectable state with 55 tickets remaining. Lottery box 2 is in the inselectable state with 0 tickets remaining. Lottery box 3 is in the selectable state with 5 tickets remaining. Lottery box 4 is in the selectable state with 15 tickets remaining. Furthermore, when lottery box 3 is in the selectable state, the user can select the lottery box from the standby state by pressing the select standby button 90.

[0116] The user selects a desired lottery box from the lottery boxes displayed on terminal 2. The first category option prompting unit 112 determines the lottery box selection (step 105). If the selected lottery box is in a selectable state or a selectable state (step 106), the first category option prompting unit 112 determines whether to wait for lottery box selection (step 117). If waiting for lottery box selection, it performs a waitout process (step 118), which will be described below. If the first category option prompting unit 112 does not select a waitout lottery box, it returns to step 104 and waits to select a new lottery box. On the other hand, if the selected lottery box is selectable (step 106), the first category option prompting unit 112 updates the selection status information of the lottery box ID in the lottery box database D2 to a selected state (step 107).

[0117] When the first category option prompt unit 112 transitions to the display screen showing the inventory status of various items in the selected lottery box, it refers to the lottery ticket database D3 associated with the selected lottery box to obtain product information (step 108). In other words, the first category option prompt unit 112 confirms the product inventory status. The obtained product information includes the product category and the number of remaining lottery tickets for each category. The first category option prompt unit 112 can obtain the current number of remaining lottery tickets for each product category by counting the lottery tickets with an open status of "0" for each product ID.

[0118] The first category option prompt unit 112 prompts the terminal 2 with the product information of the selected lottery box (step 109). Figure 11 This is an example of a display screen (product information) showing the inventory status of lottery box 1 displayed on terminal 2 when the user selects lottery box 1. Figure 11 In the example, the lottery box 1 shows that there are 2 lottery tickets for the first prize "Turning Panda Doll", 8 lottery tickets for the second prize "Robot Competition X Doll", 15 lottery tickets for the third prize "Warrior X Doll", and 30 lottery tickets for the fourth prize "X Ghost Sticker". In addition, the product information also displays a lottery ticket purchase decision button for purchasing lottery tickets from the displayed product lottery box.

[0119] When the first category option prompt unit 112 displays the inventory status (product information) of the lottery box on the terminal 2, it begins measuring time T1 (step 110). Here, time T1 is the time from the display of the product information of the lottery box to the determination of the number of lottery tickets to be reserved for purchase from the lottery box.

[0120] The first category option prompting unit 112 determines whether time T1 has exceeded a predetermined time TX (step 111). If time T1 exceeds time TX, the first category option prompting unit 112 updates the selected lottery box (the lottery box displaying product information) from the selected state to the selectable state (step 112), reads the lottery box information from the lottery box database D2 (step 103), and returns the screen of terminal 2 to the lottery box overview screen (step 104). In other words, when switching from the inventory status display screen (product information) to the lottery box overview screen, the inventory status of the product is checked, and the latest inventory status is displayed on the lottery box overview screen.

[0121] If time T1 has not exceeded time TX, the first category option prompting unit 112 determines whether to purchase a lottery ticket from the selected lottery box (step 113). If the decision is made to purchase a lottery ticket from the selected lottery box (step 114), the first category option prompting unit 112 notifies the second category option prompting unit 113 of the subject matter (step 115), and the measurement of time T1 ends (step 116).

[0122] Next, the standby processing (step 118) will be explained. Figure 12 This is the flowchart of the standby processing (step 118).

[0123] The first category option prompt unit 112 records the user ID of the user who selected the lottery box in the lottery box database D2 (step 200). Figure 13 This is an example of the product information displayed on the standby screen of lottery box 1 when a user selects standby mode. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the system is currently in the selection standby state for the lottery box.

[0124] The first category option prompting unit 112 determines the selection status of the lottery box (step 201). If the lottery box is in the selection status (selecting) (step 202), the first category option prompting unit 112 continues to determine the selection status of the lottery box (step 201).

[0125] On the other hand, when the selection status of the lottery box is updated to be selectable (step 202), the first category option prompting unit 112 proceeds to step 108 to continue processing for the user ID that is ranked first among the logged-in user IDs in the lottery box database D2 for lottery box selection standby users (step 203). Furthermore, the first category option prompting unit 112 deletes the user ID ranked first from the lottery box database D2 for lottery box selection standby users and updates the lottery box database D2 (step 204).

[0126] Furthermore, when switching to the standby screen of lottery box 1 where the number of standby users has decreased, the first category option prompt unit 112 refers to the lottery box database D2 and displays the latest standby user count and inventory status on the standby screen (step 207).

[0127] Next, the first category option prompting unit 112 determines the selected standby users of the lottery box in the lottery box database D2 (step 205). If a user ID still exists among the selected standby users of the lottery box in the lottery box database D2, the first category option prompting unit 112 returns to step 201 and continues processing. On the other hand, if no user ID exists among the selected standby users of the lottery box in the lottery box database D2, the first category option prompting unit 112 ends the standby processing.

[0128] Next, the handling of the second category of option prompts will be explained. Figure 14 This is a flowchart of the action for processing the second category option prompt in the product providing device 1.

[0129] First, when the lottery ticket purchase screen changes, the second category option prompting unit 113 reads the remaining number of lottery tickets in the selected lottery box from the lottery box database D2 (step 300). In other words, the second category option prompting unit 113 checks the product's inventory status. The read lottery ticket information is the remaining number of unopened lottery tickets. The second category option prompting unit 113 then displays a lottery ticket purchase screen on terminal 2 showing the remaining number of lottery tickets (step 301). Figure 15 This is an example of the lottery ticket purchase screen displayed on terminal 2. The user enters the number of lottery tickets to be purchased from the lottery ticket purchase screen.

[0130] When the second category option prompt unit 113 displays the lottery ticket purchase screen on terminal 2, time T2 is measured (step 302). Here, time T2 is the time from the display of the lottery ticket purchase screen to the completion of the lottery ticket purchase settlement.

[0131] The second category option prompt unit 113 determines the number of raffle tickets to reserve (step 303). If the number of raffle tickets to reserve is determined (step 304), the second category option prompt unit 113 reads the raffle ticket information of the selected raffle box from the raffle ticket database D3 (step 305). In other words, when switching to the raffle ticket overview screen, the second category option prompt unit 113 checks the product's inventory status. The read raffle ticket information includes the raffle ticket ID and opening information.

[0132] The second category option prompt unit 113 prompts the terminal 2 to display a list of lottery tickets for the selected lottery box (step 306). Figure 16 This is an example of a view of the lottery tickets in the selected lottery box displayed on terminal 2. Figure 16 In the lottery ticket overview screen, images of opened lottery tickets with their IDs are represented by dashed lines, while selectable lottery tickets are represented by solid lines. Users can select the number of lottery tickets they wish to purchase from the selectable pool.

[0133] On the other hand, if the number of lottery tickets to be reserved has not been decided, the second category option prompting unit 113 determines whether time T2 exceeds the pre-defined time TY (step 315). If time T2 exceeds time TY, the second category option prompting unit 113 updates the selected lottery box from the selected state to the selectable state (step 318) and stops processing. If time T2 does not exceed time TY, the second category option prompting unit 113 returns to step 304 and continues processing.

[0134] Next, the second category option prompting unit 113 determines whether the selection of lottery tickets has been completed in the lottery ticket overview screen (step 307). If the selection of lottery tickets is incomplete (step 308), the second category option prompting unit 113 determines whether time T2 has exceeded the predetermined time TY (step 316). If time T2 exceeds time TY, the second category option prompting unit 113 updates the selected lottery box from the selected state to the selectable state (step 318) and stops processing. If time T2 has not exceeded time TY, the second category option prompting unit 113 returns to step 307 and continues processing.

[0135] On the other hand, when the user completes the selection of the lottery ticket (step 308), the settlement processing unit 114 performs the lottery ticket purchase settlement processing (step 309). Figure 17 This is an example of a screen showing the completion of the settlement process.

[0136] After the settlement process is completed (step 310), for the selected lottery tickets, the inventory management department 116 records a "1" mark in the opening information of the lottery ticket ID and updates the lottery ticket database D3 (step 311). In addition, the second category option prompting department 113 changes the selection status information of the selected lottery box from "selected" to "selectable" and updates the lottery box database D2 (step 312).

[0137] Therefore, the lottery box, which is currently selected by one user, becomes selectable by other users, allowing them to choose from the lottery box. Furthermore, during checkout, the selected lottery ticket is determined, as are the associated products. This ensures that information regarding remaining lottery tickets and product inventory status is correctly communicated to subsequent users selecting the lottery box, preventing other users from choosing opened lottery tickets.

[0138] On the other hand, if the settlement processing of the settlement processing unit 114 is not completed (step 310), the second category option prompting unit 113 determines whether time T2 exceeds the predetermined time TY (step 316). If time T2 exceeds time TY, the second category option prompting unit 113 updates the selection status information of the selected lottery box from "selectable" to "selectable" (step 318) and stops processing. If time T2 does not exceed time TY, the second category option prompting unit 113 returns to step 309 and continues processing.

[0139] When the settlement processing of the settlement processing department 114 is completed (step 310) and the update of the lottery ticket database D3 of the inventory management department 116 is completed (steps 311, 312), the product supply department 115 displays the opening screen of the lottery ticket (step 313) and displays the product information of the product associated with the opened lottery ticket (step 314). Figure 18 This is an example of a lottery ticket opening screen displayed on terminal 2. By selecting the lottery ticket to be opened, the user can view product information associated with the lottery ticket.

[0140] The product delivery method applied in this embodiment delivers products in the form of a lottery box. Therefore, it is necessary to accurately convey the current product inventory status to the user. Since this embodiment is configured to check the product inventory status whenever the screen prompting the user changes, it is possible to accurately convey information to the user about the number of remaining lottery tickets in the lottery box or the number of products in stock.

[0141] Furthermore, regarding the lottery box in standby mode, it is configured to check the current inventory status of the goods even when the user is dismissed and the standby screen changes to a new screen, so the user can know the inventory status of the goods even in standby mode.

[0142] Furthermore, since a product is associated with a raffle ticket, the inventory status is updated when the raffle ticket is opened, so that the remaining raffle tickets and product-related information can be correctly delivered to the next user who selects the raffle box, while preventing duplicate products from being provided.

[0143] Furthermore, when goods are offered via a raffle box, only one user can select the box at a time. On the other hand, it is undesirable for one user to monopolize the selection of the raffle box. This embodiment is configured so that only one user can select the raffle box, and the purchase and settlement of the raffle ticket are performed after the user completes the selection, followed by the opening of the raffle ticket. This reduces the time required to maintain a single user's selection of the raffle box.

[0144] <Examples of variations in embodiments of the present invention>

[0145] Offering products with high entertainment value also has advantages for both users and product providers. Therefore, in a variation of the embodiment of the present invention, an example is described where a discount is given to the user who chooses to keep the last raffle ticket in the raffle box.

[0146] Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a variation of an embodiment of the present invention, specifically an inventory database D1. Figure 19 In the example, each lottery box records the discounted product (product XX) given to the user who chose to keep the last lottery ticket in the lottery box.

[0147] Whenever a lottery ticket is opened, the product supply department 115 refers to the opening status of lottery tickets in the lottery ticket database D3. If all lottery tickets in the lottery ticket database D3 have been opened, the product from the lottery box is offered to the user who selected the last lottery ticket. In other words, the inventory status of lottery tickets is checked every time a user takes action. Figure 20 This is an example of a screen displaying discounted products on terminal 2 by the product supply department 115.

[0148] This structure enables the provision of a highly engaging product offering system.

[0149] The present invention has been described above with preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to the embodiments described above, and various changes can be made within the scope of its technical concept.

[0150] Furthermore, some or all of the embodiments are described as follows, but are not limited to the following notes.

[0151] [Postscript 1]

[0152] A product dispensing device is a product dispensing device capable of communicating with a user's terminal, and includes:

[0153] The Category 1 option prompting mechanism allows users to selectively display multiple Category 1 options associated with a product group containing multiple products on the terminal; and

[0154] The inventory management organization manages the inventory status of goods associated with each of the multiple Category 1 options; and

[0155] The Category 1 option prompts the organization to check the inventory status of the products associated with the Category 1 option whenever the screen changes, and displays the inventory status of the products.

[0156] [Postscript 2]

[0157] According to the product supply device described in Appendix 1, wherein

[0158] The first category of options prompts the system to display the changed screen based on the user's actions.

[0159] [Postscript 3]

[0160] According to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, the product supply device, wherein

[0161] The screen transition is at least one of the following: a transition to the plurality of first-category option prompt screens via the first-category option prompt mechanism; and a transition to the screen by the user selecting any one of the plurality of first-category options.

[0162] [Postscript 4]

[0163] According to any of the appendices 1 to 3, the product supply device, wherein

[0164] When the first category option prompt is divided into multiple screens, the first category option prompting mechanism checks the inventory status of the products associated with the first category option whenever the screen changes, and prompts the inventory status of the products.

[0165] [Postscript 5]

[0166] According to any of the appendices 1 to 4, the product supply device, wherein

[0167] The first category of option prompting mechanism

[0168] Only one user can select one option in category 1, and

[0169] Present the options for each category 1 in any of the following states: selectable, selectable, and inselectable.

[0170] The selected option in category 1 is displayed in a selection state until the selection of option in category 1 is deselected.

[0171] [Postscript 6]

[0172] According to any of the appendices 1 to 5, the product supply device, wherein

[0173] The first category option prompting mechanism prompts the first category option in a selectable state or a selected state if at least one of the multiple second category options associated with the first category option is selectable, and prompts the first category option in a non-selectable state if all the multiple second category options associated with the first category option are non-selectable.

[0174] [Postscript 7]

[0175] According to any of the appendices 1 to 6, the product supply device, wherein

[0176] The first category of option prompting mechanism

[0177] For options in category 1 that are presented in a selection state, the system controls the user to prioritize selecting options in category 1 even after deselecting them, allowing the user to select options in category 1 while in standby mode.

[0178] For the first category of options that are presented in a selection state, when the user selects the first category of options and transitions to the standby screen, the inventory status of the products in the product group associated with the first category of options is checked and displayed.

[0179] [Postscript 8]

[0180] The product supply device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 7 comprises:

[0181] The second category option prompting mechanism allows the user to selectively prompt multiple second category options on the terminal to be associated with the first category option selected by the user from multiple first category options;

[0182] When the prompt screen for the multiple second-category options changes, the second-category option prompting mechanism confirms the inventory status of the goods associated with the second-category option and prompts the second-category option reflecting the inventory status.

[0183] [Postscript 9]

[0184] According to any of the appendices 1 to 8, the product supply device, wherein

[0185] When the second category option prompts the organization to switch to the selection screen for the second category option, it confirms the inventory status of the goods associated with the second category option and displays the selection screen reflecting the inventory status.

[0186] [Postscript 10]

[0187] According to any of the appendices 1 to 9, the product supply device, wherein

[0188] The second category option prompting mechanism deselects the first category option based on the condition that the settlement is completed corresponding to the number of selections of the second category option in the selection screen.

[0189] [Postscript 11]

[0190] The product supply device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 10 comprises:

[0191] The product provider displays product information on the terminal that is associated with the option in category 2 selected by the user.

[0192] [Postscript 12]

[0193] According to any of the appendices 1 to 11, the commodity supply device, wherein

[0194] The first category of options is an image that simulates a lottery box.

[0195] [Postscript 13]

[0196] According to any of the appendices 1 to 12, the commodity supply device, wherein

[0197] The second category of options is an image that simulates a lottery ticket.

[0198] [Postscript 14]

[0199] A recording medium that stores programs, enabling a computer to function as a device that:

[0200] The Category 1 option prompting mechanism allows users to selectively display multiple Category 1 options associated with a product group containing multiple products on the terminal; and

[0201] The inventory management organization manages the inventory status of goods associated with each of the multiple Category 1 options; and

[0202] The first category option prompts the organization to check the inventory status of the products associated with the product group whenever the screen changes, and to display the inventory status of the products.

[0203] [Supplementary Note 15]

[0204] A product delivery system, comprising:

[0205] The Category 1 option prompting mechanism allows users to selectively display multiple Category 1 options associated with a product group containing multiple products on the terminal; and

[0206] The inventory management organization manages the inventory status of goods associated with each of the multiple Category 1 options; and

[0207] The first category option prompts the organization to check the inventory status of the products associated with the product group whenever the screen changes, and to display the inventory status of the products.

[0208] Symbol Explanation

[0209] 1. Product supply device

[0210] 2 terminals

[0211] 10 Processing Department

[0212] 11 Ministry of Communications

[0213] 12 Storage Department

[0214] 111 User Information Management Department

[0215] 112 Category 1 Option Prompt Section

[0216] 113 Category 2 Option Prompt Section

[0217] 114 Settlement Processing Department

[0218] 115 Product Supply Department

[0219] 116 Inventory Management Department.

Claims

1. A product dispensing device, which is capable of communicating with a user's terminal, and comprises: The Category 1 option prompting mechanism allows users to selectively display multiple Category 1 options associated with a product group containing multiple products on the terminal; and The inventory management organization manages the inventory status of goods associated with each of the multiple Category 1 options; and The Category 1 option prompts the organization to check the inventory status of the products associated with the Category 1 option whenever the screen changes, and displays the inventory status of the products.

2. The product dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein The first category of options prompts the system to display the changed screen based on the user's actions.

3. The product dispensing device according to claim 2, wherein... The screen transition is at least one of the following: a transition to the plurality of first-category option prompt screens via the first-category option prompt mechanism; and a transition to the screen by the user selecting any one of the plurality of first-category options.

4. The product dispensing device according to claim 3, wherein When the first category option prompt is divided into multiple screens, the first category option prompting mechanism checks the inventory status of the products associated with the first category option whenever the screen changes, and prompts the inventory status of the products.

5. The product dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The first category of option prompting mechanism Only one user can select one option in category 1, and Present the options for each category 1 in any of the following states: selectable, selectable, and inselectable. The selected option in category 1 is displayed in a selection state until the selection of option in category 1 is deselected.

6. The product dispensing device according to claim 5, wherein The first category option prompting mechanism prompts the first category option in a selectable state or a selected state if at least one of the multiple second category options associated with the first category option is selectable, and prompts the first category option in a non-selectable state if all the multiple second category options associated with the first category option are not selectable.

7. The product dispensing device according to claim 5, wherein The first category of option prompting mechanism For options in category 1 that are presented in a selection state, the system controls the user to prioritize selecting options in category 1 even after deselecting them, allowing the user to select options in category 1 while in standby mode. For the first category of options that are presented in a selection state, when the user selects the first category of options and transitions to the standby screen, the inventory status of the products in the product group associated with the first category of options is checked and displayed.

8. The product supply device according to claim 5, comprising: The second category option prompting mechanism allows the user to selectively prompt multiple second category options on the terminal to be associated with the first category option selected by the user from multiple first category options; When the prompt screen for the multiple second-category options changes, the second-category option prompting mechanism confirms the inventory status of the goods associated with the second-category option and prompts the second-category option reflecting the inventory status.

9. The product dispensing device according to claim 8, wherein When the second category option prompts the organization to switch to the selection screen for the second category option, it confirms the inventory status of the goods associated with the second category option and displays the selection screen reflecting the inventory status.

10. The product dispensing device according to claim 9, wherein The second category option prompting mechanism deselects the first category option based on the condition that the settlement is completed corresponding to the number of selections of the second category option in the selection screen.

11. The product supply apparatus according to claim 8, comprising: The product provider displays product information on the terminal that is associated with the option in category 2 selected by the user.

12. The product dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein The first category of options is an image that simulates a lottery box.

13. The product dispensing device according to claim 8, wherein The second category of options is an image that simulates a lottery ticket.

14. A recording medium containing a program that enables a computer to function as a device for: The Category 1 option prompting mechanism allows users to selectively display multiple Category 1 options associated with a product group containing multiple products on the terminal; and The inventory management organization manages the inventory status of goods associated with each of the multiple Category 1 options; and The first category option prompts the organization to check the inventory status of the products associated with the product group whenever the screen changes, and to display the inventory status of the products.

15. A product delivery system, comprising: The Category 1 option prompting mechanism allows users to selectively display multiple Category 1 options associated with a product group containing multiple products on the terminal; and The inventory management organization manages the inventory status of goods associated with each of the multiple Category 1 options; and The first category option prompts the organization to check the inventory status of the products associated with the product group whenever the screen changes, and to display the inventory status of the products.

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