Purchase information input system, and beverage supply device equipped with the same

Abstract

A beverage supply device (10) that inputs beverage information purchased outside and provides a beverage from among a plurality of beverages, comprising: an information input section (2) that reads and inputs first beverage information (Q1) that is image information for determining a beverage that has been purchased, via a camera (15); a touch panel (16) that displays beverage information corresponding to the first beverage information (Q1) read in the information input section (2), and inputs second beverage information (Q2) that is numerical or character information for determining a beverage that has been purchased; and a control section (3) that decides a beverage to be provided based on the second beverage information (Q2) in the case where the first beverage information (Q1) cannot be read.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a purchase information input system for inputting information about purchased beverages, and a beverage dispensing device equipped with the purchase information input system. Background Technology

[0002] Beverage dispensing devices, such as coffee machines in convenience stores, are mostly located far from the checkout counter. In the past, when a customer bought a beverage at the checkout counter, they would receive a container corresponding to the type of beverage from the cashier, then place the container on the beverage dispensing device and operate it to dispense the beverage. However, in beverage dispensing devices that can provide multiple beverage types, customers need to select the beverage they have purchased on the device, which could lead to the possibility of mistakenly selecting and serving a beverage type that is different from the one they have purchased. Patent document 1 discloses a technology in which a beverage dispensing device includes a means for reading the type of container, for providing a beverage type corresponding to the container, or for displaying a beverage type corresponding to the container in the beverage dispensing device, so that a customer can select from the displayed beverage types to be served. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-159941 Summary of the Invention The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] However, in beverage supply devices such as Patent Document 1 that identify the types of beverages purchased by means of containers, there are opposing demands: on the one hand, there is a desire to further increase the types of beverages that can be supplied by a single beverage supply device, and on the other hand, there is a desire to standardize the containers in order to facilitate inventory management. Therefore, it is possible to assign identification information such as barcodes to receipts to identify the type of beverage purchased, and to read the identification information from receipts in beverage dispensing devices to serve the purchased beverage from multiple beverage types. Furthermore, in a beverage dispensing device that reads information about the type of beverage purchased, it is conceivable that reading the information may become difficult, for example, if the receipt with the barcode is accidentally crumpled. Even in such cases, there is a requirement for a system that allows customers to easily and accurately determine the type of beverage they have purchased, as well as a beverage dispensing device equipped with such a system.

[0005] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a purchase information input system that can accurately and appropriately input beverage information of the types of beverages purchased, and a beverage dispensing device equipped with the purchase information input system. Technical solutions to solve technical problems

[0006] To solve the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention provides a purchase information input system for a beverage supply device. This beverage supply device inputs beverage information about beverage types purchased externally and provides beverages based on the beverage information from a plurality of available beverage types. The beverage supply device includes: an image reading unit that reads first beverage information as image information for determining the purchased beverage type; a display unit that displays beverage information corresponding to the image information read by the image reading unit; an input unit that determines the purchased beverage type and inputs second beverage information different from the first beverage information; and a control unit that, when the first beverage information cannot be read by the image reading unit, determines the beverage to be provided based on the second beverage information. Furthermore, the beverage dispensing device of the present invention is characterized by being equipped with the aforementioned purchase information input system. Invention Effects

[0007] According to the present invention, by reading the first beverage information in the image reading unit, the type of beverage purchased can be easily determined and accurately served. If the first beverage information cannot be read in the image reading unit, the type of beverage purchased can be determined by inputting the second beverage information in the input unit. This reduces the chance of not being able to determine the purchased beverage, ensures appropriate beverage service, and reduces the workload of store staff. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the outline of the external shape of a beverage dispensing device employing a purchase information input system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the purchase information input system according to this embodiment. Figure 3 This is a flowchart representing part of the steps in the purchase information input control system. Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing the remaining part of the purchase information input control steps in the first embodiment of the purchase information input system. Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the remaining part of the purchase information input control steps in the second embodiment of the purchase information input system. Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of displaying information for the third beverage. Detailed Implementation

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the outline external shape of a beverage dispensing device 10, such as a coffee machine, that employs a purchase information input system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the purchase information input system 1 of this embodiment.

[0011] like Figure 1 As shown, a beverage dispensing device 10 employing the purchase information input system 1 of the present invention is installed, for example, in a convenience store, having a rectangular box-shaped main body 11 with a front opening and a main door 11a for closing the opening.

[0012] On the lower part of the front surface of the main door 11a, there is a shelf 12 for placing cups (containers), a cover 13 that can be opened and closed to cover the front surface of the shelf 12, and a main door lock (not shown). On the front surface of the main door 11a, above the shelf 12, there is an information input section 2. Furthermore, on the upper part of the main body 11, there are multiple containers 14 for storing ingredients for beverages such as coffee to be served to the cups. The ingredients stored in the containers 14 include various coffee beans, sugar, milk powder, etc.

[0013] The beverage dispensing device 10 produces beverages such as coffee from raw materials stored in the tank 14 based on beverage information of the type of beverage input from the information input unit 2, and dispenses the beverage into cups placed on the placement table 12. The beverage dispensing device 10 is capable of providing multiple types and quantities of beverages.

[0014] In this embodiment, the beverage dispensing device 10 is installed in a location within the store away from the cashier. Customers purchase the desired type and quantity of beverage from the cashier, for example, receiving a cup from the cashier. Then, the customer places the cup on the beverage dispensing device 10 and inputs the purchased beverage information into the information input unit 2, thereby dispensing the purchased beverage from the beverage dispensing device 10 into the cup.

[0015] The information input unit 2 may include, for example, a camera 15 (image reading unit) for inputting image information, and a touch panel 16 (display unit, input unit) capable of guided display, selection, or digital input.

[0016] like Figure 2As shown, the beverage dispensing device 10 includes: a product dispensing unit 4, which is a device that generates beverages as products and provides them to cups; and a control unit 3, which determines the type of beverage purchased based on the purchased beverage information (individual information) input in the information input unit 2 and controls the product dispensing unit 4. In addition, in this embodiment, the store has multiple beverage dispensing devices 10 (10A to 10E). The multiple beverage dispensing devices 10 are connected in a controllable manner via the management unit 5, and can input and output sales information to each other.

[0017] The management unit 5 has the following function: when a purchased beverage is provided in any one of the multiple beverage supply devices 10A to 10E, it controls the provision of beverages in other beverage supply devices 10 by restricting the provision of beverages in other beverage supply devices 10, so that the purchased beverage cannot be provided in other beverage supply devices 10. Furthermore, if the beverage dispensing device 10 has the functions of the management unit 5, then the management unit 5 is not required. Additionally, even if only one beverage dispensing device 10 is installed in the store, the management unit 5 is not required.

[0018] The beverage information (individual information) of the purchased beverage entered into the information input unit 2 of the beverage dispensing device 10 is, for example, image information such as a QR code (registered trademark) or barcode displayed on the receipt T1 or smartphone T2. This image information, such as the QR code, is information that allows the purchased beverage to be identified from the multiple types and quantities of beverages available from the beverage dispensing device 10. The beverage information (individual information) of the purchased beverages is printed on the receipt T1 or output to the smartphone T2 through the terminal of the store's merchandise sales system T (such as a POS cash register).

[0019] In addition, on the receipt T1 or smartphone T2, besides the first beverage information Q1, which is image information such as a QR code, a second beverage information Q2 is displayed, which includes numbers, text, symbols, etc., to identify the type of beverage purchased.

[0020] The beverage dispensing device 10 is equipped with a cup placement detection sensor 17 for detecting that a cup is placed on the placement table 12; and a door opening / closing sensor 18 for detecting the opening and closing of the cover 13, more specifically for detecting that the cover 13 is completely closed. This detection information is input to the control unit 3.

[0021] In addition, the beverage dispensing device 10 is equipped with a locking mechanism 19 that locks the cover 13 in the closed state. The locking mechanism 19 can be switched between locking and unlocking by an electromagnetic actuator or the like, which is controlled by the control unit 3.

[0022] The control unit 3 is a control device for comprehensively controlling the beverage dispensing device 10. It is configured to include input / output devices, storage devices (ROM, RAM, non-volatile RAM, etc.), and a central processing unit (CPU). The control unit 3 generates a beverage as a product based on beverage information input from the information input unit 2 and input information from various sensors, etc., and performs operation control on the product dispensing unit 4 to dispense the beverage to the cups placed on the placement table 12.

[0023] Next, the control (purchased product input control) executed in control unit 3 for determining and providing the types of beverages purchased will be explained. Figure 3 It is part of the purchase input control in the first and second embodiments. Figure 4 This is the remainder of the purchase input control in the first embodiment. Figure 5 This is the remainder of the purchase input control in the second embodiment.

[0024] use Figure 3 and Figure 4 The purchase input control of the first embodiment will be described. The purchase input control in the first embodiment starts, for example, when the touch panel 16 is touched, or when a customer is detected by the camera 15 or a human sensor (not shown).

[0025] like Figure 3 As shown, in step S10, a guidance display is first shown on the touch panel 16. This guidance display may be, for example, text such as "Please place the cup on the stand 12 and close the cover 13". Preferably, the text and insert are displayed on the touch panel 16. Figure 1 The display will then be activated. Additionally, the guidance display in this step will continue until the cup placement detection sensor 17 detects the cup being placed and the door opening / closing sensor 18 detects the cover being closed, or until step S140 described later. Then, proceed to step S20.

[0026] In step S20, based on the detection information from the cup placement detection sensor 17, it is determined whether a cup is placed on the placement platform 12. If it is determined that a cup is placed on the placement platform 12, proceed to step S30. If it is determined that no cup is placed on the placement platform 12, repeat step S20. Furthermore, if the state of no cup being placed on the placement platform 12 continues for a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes) or more, this procedure can be terminated.

[0027] In step S30, based on the detection information from the door opening / closing sensor 18, it is determined whether the cover 13 is closed. If it is determined that the cover 13 is closed, proceed to step S50. If it is determined that the cover 13 is not closed (slightly open), repeat step S30.

[0028] In step S50, the beverage information reading mode is initiated. The beverage information reading mode is a mode in which the beverage information of the purchased beverage is input into the beverage dispensing device 10. In this beverage information reading mode, firstly, as described above, the first beverage information Q1 is input into the information input unit 2 via the camera 15. Then, proceed to step S60.

[0029] In step S60, the touch panel 16 displays a prompt to read the beverage information (first beverage information Q1) of the purchased beverage. Text and illustrations such as "Please point the code (first beverage information Q1) of your receipt (T1) or smartphone (T2) toward the lens of the camera (15)" are displayed on the touch panel 16. At this time, LEDs positioned around the lens of the camera 15 may be illuminated, or arrows may be displayed on the touch panel 16 to easily identify the position of the camera 15's lens. Then, proceed to step S70.

[0030] like Figure 4 As shown, in step S70, it is determined whether the first beverage information Q1 (image information) can be read. If the first beverage information Q1 can be read, that is, the type of beverage purchased can be determined, proceed to step S75. If the first beverage information Q1 cannot be read after a predetermined time (e.g., 1 minute) after starting step S70, that is, the type of beverage purchased cannot be determined, proceed to step S160.

[0031] In step S75, the locking mechanism 19 is activated to lock the cover 13 while it is closed. Then, proceed to step S80.

[0032] In step S80, the product supply unit 4 is controlled to begin generating the determined purchased beverages. Then, the process proceeds to step S90.

[0033] In step S90, the touch panel 16 is made to display the type of beverage that started to be generated in step S80, and the status of beverage generation. Then, proceed to step S100.

[0034] In step S100, the process remains in standby mode until the beverage is fully prepared and served to the cup. Then, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0035] In step S110, the locking mechanism 19 is activated to release the lock on the cover 13. Then, proceed to step S120.

[0036] In step S120, a message indicating that the beverage has been prepared is displayed on the touch panel 16 (e.g., "Please take out your beverage"). Then, proceed to step S130.

[0037] In step S130, the customer removes the cup containing the served beverage from the placement table 12. Then, proceed to step S140. Additionally, in this step, remain in standby mode until it is determined that the cover 13 has been opened based on the detection information from the door opening / closing sensor 18.

[0038] In step S140, based on the detection information from the door opening / closing sensor 18, it is determined whether the cover 13 is closed. If it is determined that the cover 13 is closed, proceed to step S150. If it is determined that the cover 13 is open, repeat step S140.

[0039] In step S150, based on the detection information from the cup placement detection sensor 17, it is determined whether a cup is placed on the placement platform 12. If it is determined that no cup is placed on the placement platform 12, the completion display ends, and the program terminates. If it is determined that a cup is placed on the placement platform 12, step S150 is repeated.

[0040] In step S160, the touch panel 16 displays a message prompting the user to reread the first beverage information Q1 (e.g., "Please reread the code"). Then, proceed to step S170.

[0041] In step S170, it is determined whether the first beverage information Q1 (image information) can be read. If the first beverage information Q1 can be read, i.e., the type of beverage purchased can be determined, proceed to step S75. If, after a predetermined time (e.g., 2 minutes) after starting step S170, the first beverage information Q1 still cannot be read, i.e., the type of beverage purchased cannot be determined, proceed to step S175.

[0042] In step S175, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the message was displayed in step S160. This predetermined time can be, for example, approximately a few minutes. If the predetermined time has elapsed since the message was displayed, proceed to step S180. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, return to step S170.

[0043] In step S180, the touch panel 16 displays an error message indicating that a QR code cannot be read (first beverage information Q1), and also displays an input menu for second beverage information Q2, providing guidance on inputting the second beverage information Q2 (numbers, text, symbols, etc.) such as "Please enter the 00-digit number, text, or symbol displayed on the receipt (T1) or smartphone (T2)". Then, the process proceeds to step S190. In addition, the second beverage information Q2 is preferably a one-time password consisting of numbers, words, symbols, or a combination thereof.

[0044] In step S190, it is determined whether the second beverage information Q2 has been input (numbers, text, symbols, etc.) via the touch panel 16 before a pre-set time t seconds has elapsed (e.g., approximately 10-20 seconds). If a number was input before the pre-set time t seconds, the beverage to be served is determined based on the input number, and the process proceeds to step S75. If no number has been input before the pre-set time t seconds has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S195.

[0045] In step S195, it is determined whether the number of repetitions (retries) in step S190 is within N times (e.g., about 5 times). If it is within N times, the process returns to step S190. If it exceeds N times, the process proceeds to step S230.

[0046] In step S230, a message such as "Unable to serve beverages. Please inform the staff" is displayed on the touch panel 16, and the procedure ends.

[0047] As described above, in this embodiment, the beverage dispensing device 10 can identify the beverage information of the purchased beverage and generate and provide the beverage by reading the first beverage information Q1, such as the QR code displayed on the receipt T1, etc. Therefore, in the beverage dispensing device 10, the beverage can be easily provided without the customer (beverage purchaser) having to select the beverage, and at the same time, it can prevent the mistaken provision of a beverage that is different from the purchased beverage. However, for example, if the receipt T1 is crumpled, it may be impossible to read the first beverage information Q1.

[0048] In this embodiment, if the first beverage information Q1 cannot be read, the second beverage information Q2, consisting of numbers, text, symbols, etc., can be entered into the touch panel 16 to determine the type of beverage purchased. If the second beverage information Q2 for determining the purchased beverage is displayed in a large size on the receipt T1 or the like, even if the receipt T1 is crumpled, customers can usually recognize the second beverage information Q2, including numbers, text, symbols, etc. Therefore, by entering the second beverage information Q2, the type of beverage purchased can be determined.

[0049] Furthermore, in systems that determine the purchased beverage solely through image information, if the type of beverage cannot be determined from the image display, the customer must call a store clerk. In contrast, in this embodiment, even if the purchased beverage cannot be determined from the first beverage information Q1 displayed as an image, the type of beverage can be determined and provided by inputting second beverage information Q2, which is different from the first beverage information Q1. This reduces the number of times a store clerk needs to be called, alleviating the burden on the clerks. Moreover, since the second beverage information Q2 is information such as numbers, text, or symbols, customers can easily input the second beverage information when the beverage cannot be determined from the first beverage information Q1.

[0050] Next, use Figure 5 The second embodiment of the purchase information input control will be explained. Hereinafter, only the parts that differ from the purchase information input control in the first embodiment will be described.

[0051] In the purchase information input control of the second embodiment, in step S195 of the purchase information input control of the first embodiment, if the repetition (retry) of step S190 exceeds N times, that is, if the second beverage information Q2 (input of numbers, text, symbols, etc.) is not entered before t seconds have elapsed more than N times, then step S200 is entered.

[0052] In step S200, the touch panel 16 displays a beverage selection menu. The selection menu displays beverages available in the beverage dispensing device 10 and prompts the customer to select the beverage to be served. Then, the process proceeds to step S210.

[0053] In step S210, it is determined whether a selection operation was performed on the selection menu before a predetermined time t seconds had elapsed. If a selection operation was performed before t seconds, proceed to step S75. Therefore, after locking cover 13 in step S75, the selected beverage is generated and served in step S80. If no selection operation was performed before t seconds, proceed to step S220.

[0054] In step S220, it is determined whether the repetition of step S210 is within N times (e.g., around 5 times). If it is within N times, the process returns to step S200. If it exceeds N times, the process proceeds to step S230.

[0055] As described above, in the purchase product information input control of the second embodiment, if the second beverage information Q2 is not entered in the first embodiment, multiple beverage types that can be purchased can be selected from the selection menu, and the selected beverage can be provided. Therefore, even if the type of beverage purchased cannot be determined through the first beverage information (image information) and the second beverage information (input of numbers, text, symbols, etc.), the beverage can still be served through a selection operation, thereby reducing the chance of not being able to serve the beverage and further reducing the number of calls from the store staff.

[0056] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the control unit 3, based on information about various purchased beverages, controls the supply of beverages again based on that beverage information when the beverage has already been provided by the beverage supply device 10. In a store with multiple beverage supply devices 10, where sales information (information about beverages already provided) can be shared via the management unit 5, if a beverage is provided to any one of the multiple beverage supply devices 10 based on information such as receipt T1, the management unit 5 controls the supply of beverages based on that beverage information not only to the beverage supply device 10 that has already provided the beverage, but also to other beverage supply devices 10, by restricting the supply of beverages based on that beverage information. This prevents the supply of multiple beverages for the purchase of a single beverage.

[0057] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, such as... Figure 6 As shown, it can be preset to display simple graphics, text, or symbols such as 〇, △, □ next to the first beverage information Q1, such as the QR code on the receipt T1 or smartphone T2, as third beverage information Q3. If the first beverage information Q1 cannot be read in the above-mentioned purchase input control step S70, the system will display a message indicating that the first beverage information Q1 cannot be read, and the touch panel 16 will guide the user to display a selection menu for the third beverage information Q3. The third beverage information Q3 is information that can identify a portion of the beverages from the multiple beverage types available from the beverage dispensing device 10, such as a display indicating the sales price.

[0058] In addition, the touch panel 16 displays a selection menu from multiple beverage categories corresponding to the selected third beverage information Q3. In this way, when the first beverage information Q1 cannot be read, inputting the third beverage information Q3 reduces the selection menu compared to choosing from all beverages available from the beverage dispensing device 10, thus simplifying the selection process and reducing customer errors. In particular, when the third beverage information Q3 displays the same price, price losses on the store side can be avoided regardless of which beverage the customer selects from the displayed menu. Furthermore, by using a simpler symbol than the second beverage information Q2 for the third beverage information Q3, inputting the third beverage information Q3 becomes easier than inputting the second beverage information Q2.

[0059] Furthermore, a selection operation restriction switch 20 (selection operation restriction unit) can be installed, for example, in a part inaccessible to customers, such as inside the main body 11 after opening the main door 11a, or on a store management terminal connected to the beverage dispensing device 10. By operating the selection operation restriction switch 20, beverages cannot be served via selection operations on the touch panel 16. Thus, in situations where selection operation errors increase, or when there are many staff members but the store can adequately handle the situation, the manager or staff of the beverage dispensing device 10 can operate the selection operation restriction switch 20 to restrict the serving of beverages based on selection operations on the touch panel 16, thereby preventing the serving of incorrect beverages due to selection operation errors. Alternatively, the manager or staff of the beverage dispensing device 10 may choose whether to perform the input of the third beverage information Q3, or select one or more options through the selection menu.

[0060] Furthermore, the beverage dispensing device 10 can be further equipped with a sensor for recognizing the size of the cup placed on the placement table 12, and automatically setting the amount of beverage to be served based on the recognized cup size. This eliminates the need to select the amount of beverage to be served when a selection operation is required, thus simplifying the selection process.

[0061] Furthermore, regarding the second beverage information Q2 and the third beverage information Q3, especially the third beverage information Q3 which is easier for customers to identify compared to the first beverage information Q1, it can be configured so that instead of selecting numbers, text, symbols, etc. to be displayed on the touch panel 16, image input is performed using the camera 15, or handwriting input is performed on the touch panel 16. In addition, in this embodiment, the display and selection input of menus are performed through the touch panel 16, but for example, a display panel and a selection switch may be provided separately. In addition to coffee machines, this invention can also be applied to various beverage dispensing devices. Label Explanation

[0062] 1. Purchase Information Input System 3. Control Department 10 Beverage dispensing device 15. Camera (Image Reading Unit) 16. Touch panel (display and input sections) 20 Select the operation restriction switch (select the operation restriction section).

Claims

1. A purchase information input system, which is a purchase information input system in a beverage dispensing device, wherein the beverage dispensing device inputs beverage information of beverage types purchased externally, and dispenses beverages based on said beverage information from a plurality of available beverage types, the purchase information input system being characterized in that... The beverage dispensing device includes: An image reading unit reads first beverage information, which serves as image information for determining the type of beverage purchased; A display unit that displays beverage information corresponding to the image information read by the image reading unit; The input unit determines the type of beverage that has been purchased and inputs information about a second beverage that is different from the information about the first beverage. as well as The control unit, when the image reading unit is unable to read the first beverage information, determines the beverage to be served based on the second beverage information.

2. The purchase information input system in the beverage dispensing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second beverage information is numerical, textual, or symbolic information.

3. The purchase information input system as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, If the control unit is unable to read the first beverage information in the image reading unit and cannot determine the beverage type through the second beverage information, it causes the display unit to display a selection menu from multiple beverage types to select the beverage type to be provided, and decides on the beverage to be provided based on the selection operation in the selection menu.

4. The purchase information input system as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first beverage information also includes a third beverage information used to identify a subset of the multiple beverage types. If the control unit cannot read the first beverage information in the image reading unit, it obtains the third beverage information through the image reading unit or the input unit, and causes the display unit to display a selection menu for selecting beverages from the subset of beverage types based on the third beverage information. The beverage to be served is determined based on the selection operation in the selection menu, wherein the beverage is served based on the selection operation from the selection menu.

5. The purchase information input system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, If the control unit is unable to read the first beverage information in the image reading unit and cannot determine the beverage type through the third beverage information, it causes the display unit to display a selection menu from multiple beverage types to select the beverage to be provided, and decides on the beverage to be provided based on the selection operation in the selection menu.

6. The purchase information input system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, It includes a selection operation restriction unit that restricts the beverage offering based on the selection operation in the selection menu.

7. The purchase information input system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, It includes a selection operation restriction unit that restricts the beverage offering based on the selection operation in the selection menu.

8. The purchase information input system as described in claim 5, characterized in that, It includes a selection operation restriction unit that restricts the beverage offering based on the selection operation in the selection menu.

9. A beverage dispensing device, characterized in that, The beverage dispensing device is equipped with the purchase information input system as described in claim 1.

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