lottery processing device

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of draw processing device, it has the difference of the kind or size of the commodity that can flexibly deal with becoming draw object.The draw processing device has: draw processing unit, it can carry out the draw of the commodity of the commodity group associated with one title;Storage part, it can store the commodity of the commodity group, and is made of multiple spaces;And providing unit, it can provide the drawn commodity in the commodity stored in storage part.The storage part is made of more spaces, which can be changed according to the kind or size of the commodity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sampling processing device. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, as devices for providing goods or prizes to users, there are known drawing processing devices that determine the winning result through a drawing process and provide the drawn goods (e.g., Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a drawing device that determines the winning prize from a plurality of prizes through a drawing process and provides the winning prize to the user. In this drawing processing device, the winning result is determined based on predetermined drawing conditions, and the goods or prizes are provided according to the determined winning result.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-070589 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] In previous lottery devices, the winning result could be determined through a lottery process, and the winning product or prize could be provided to the user.

[0008] However, conventional sorting and processing devices primarily focus on the sorting process itself, sometimes neglecting to adequately consider the physical structure for housing the goods to be sorted and the actual provision of the goods based on the sorting results. For example, in conventional sorting and processing devices, even when the types and sizes of the goods to be sorted differ, it is difficult to flexibly change the housing structure, resulting in an inability to adequately address the diversity of goods.

[0009] The present invention was made in view of the problems of the prior art described above, and its object is to provide a sorting processing apparatus having a receiving structure that can flexibly accommodate differences in the type or size of the goods to be sorted.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] One aspect of the present invention is a selection processing apparatus comprising: a selection processing unit capable of performing selection of goods from a group of goods associated with a title; a receiving unit capable of receiving goods from the group of goods and comprising a plurality of spaces; and a providing unit capable of providing the selected goods from the goods received in the receiving unit, wherein the receiving unit is configured to change the plurality of spaces according to the type or size of the goods.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to the present invention, by having a receiving section that can change the receiving space according to the type or size of the goods, it is possible to flexibly respond to the diversity of goods that are subject to selection. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the concept of a product selection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a front view of the sampling processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of the main part of the extraction processing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a lottery box database according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a lottery ticket database according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a lottery screen (lottery ticket selection screen) presented to a touch panel monitor by a lottery processing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 7 These are front and side views showing the internal structure of the product supply section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of a product supply unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the selection processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an inventory status screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of the initial screen of a selection screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a lottery box screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 13 This is an example of a lottery ticket purchase screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 14 This is an example of a lottery ticket purchase decision screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating the detailed operations of the selection process involved in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a selected screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 17 This is an example of another display method of the inventory status screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 18 This is a front view of the sampling processing device 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 19 This is a functional block diagram of the sampling processing device 1 in the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0034] First, an example of the product selection method applied to this embodiment will be described.

[0035] In the product selection method applied in this embodiment, products are provided from a variety of products belonging to a title selected by the user. The title may be the title of a character, event, etc. The provided products include actual items such as figures, toys, stationery, clothing, and household goods.

[0036] A title is associated with a first option, and each option in the first option is associated with a number of second options. Each option in the first option is associated with a product group containing N products of P types associated with the title. Furthermore, each option in the multiple second options associated with each first option is associated with any product in the product group associated with the first option. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, "option" refers to the concept of elements that the user can choose, such as a lottery box or lottery ticket.

[0037] If using Figure 1To explain specifically, the first option is a lottery box, and the second option is the lottery tickets contained in that lottery box. Furthermore, there exists a title "XXX Story Series," and each of the multiple lottery boxes 1 to M associated with this title is associated with a product group. Each product group contains P types of products, and each product group consists of N products of P types. The types and number of products in each product group are the same. The proportion of products belonging to a product group is determined by the prize level set for each product type. That is, the higher the prize level, the fewer the products; the lower the prize level, the more the products. For example, if "Product X-1" in the "XXX Story 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 according to the ranking of "Product X-1," "Product X-2," ..., "Product XP." That is, for "item X-1", the probability of drawing it is the lowest, and the number of items drawn from it is the fewest. For "item XP", the probability of drawing it is the highest, and the number of items drawn from it is the largest.

[0038] Here, in Figure 1 The example below illustrates the case where M = 10, N = 100, and P = 5.

[0039] The title "XXX Story Series" is associated with 10 lottery boxes (1-10), and each of these boxes is associated with 100 lottery tickets (1-100). Let's assume that a product group associated with each of the lottery boxes (1-10) contains 5 types of goods: "Goods X-1" to "Goods X-5". The first prize is "Goods X-1", the second prize is "Goods X-2", the third prize is "Goods X-3", the fourth prize is "Goods X-4", and the fifth prize is "Goods X-5". The breakdown is as follows: 2 "Goods X-1", 8 "Goods X-2", 20 "Goods X-3", 30 "Goods X-4", and 40 "Goods X-5", for a total of 100. In other words, each product group, consisting of 5 types and 100 items, is associated with a lottery box (1-10).

[0040] Furthermore, each raffle ticket (1-100) in each of the raffle boxes 1-10 is associated with one of the 100 products in the associated product group. The association between raffle tickets 1-100 and products is one-to-one and non-repeating. Preferably, the association between raffle tickets 1-100 and products in each of the raffle boxes 1-10 is different for each raffle box. This is to prevent the user from knowing the correspondence between raffle tickets and products while the user is repeatedly selecting raffle tickets.

[0041] Next, an explanation will be given regarding the products provided to users.

[0042] The user selects a title to purchase and chooses one of ten raffle boxes (1-10) associated with that title. Here, let's say the user selects raffle box 5. The user then selects the desired number of raffle tickets from raffle tickets 5-1 to 5-100 associated with raffle box 5. The product associated with the user's selected raffle ticket is then provided. Raffle tickets selected by the user and for which products are provided are set to be unselectable by other users. The inventory of the product associated with the selected raffle ticket is then reduced to zero. In this way, the product associated with the title is provided through a raffle method chosen by the user.

[0043] Furthermore, the type of goods is important, but a category doesn't necessarily have to consist of only one product. For example, a raffle ticket could be associated with a prize, and multiple products could be linked to a single prize, allowing the user to choose one product from the various items associated with the prize. For instance, the fourth prize could include multiple items such as acrylic standees and transparent folders, allowing the winner to choose their desired product from these options.

[0044] The sampling processing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0045] The lottery processing device 1 is, for example, a device that performs the lottery processing using the lottery method described above. In this lottery processing, it determines the product associated with the lottery ticket selected by the user from among a variety of products belonging to a title. Here, "title" refers to, for example, a "character series" that includes multiple characters. The user can choose any character series from the multiple pre-prepared character series and obtain the product associated with that character series based on the lottery result drawn by the user. Hereafter, unless otherwise specified, the second option refers to the lottery ticket.

[0046] Figure 2 This is a front view of the extraction processing device 1 in this embodiment.

[0047] The sampling processing device 1 includes a sampling processing main body 2 and a product supplying unit 3.

[0048] The lottery processing unit 2 is a device that performs a lottery process using the aforementioned lottery method. In this process, it determines the product associated with the lottery ticket selected by the user from among a variety of products belonging to the title. The user can choose any character series from multiple pre-prepared character series and obtain the product associated with that character series based on the lottery result of their own lottery draw. Furthermore, the lottery processing unit 2 is a device that outputs product identification information to identify the drawn product based on the lottery process result.

[0049] The product supply unit 3 is a device that houses various products associated with a product group and provides products identified based on product identification information output from the product selection processing unit 2.

[0050] Next, the structure of the main body of the sampling process 2 and the product supply section 3 will be explained.

[0051] <Structure of main body 2 after extraction processing>

[0052] The draw-out processing main unit 2 includes, for example, a main body configured as a box-shaped housing; and a door mounted on the front surface of the main body, which can be opened and closed relative to the main body about one side. In addition, the draw-out processing main unit 2 includes a touch panel monitor 12, a ticket issuing unit 13, a barcode scanner 14, a speaker 15, and a settlement terminal 16 in the door.

[0053] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of the main extraction processing unit 2. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the main unit 2 for the lottery processing includes a processing unit 100, a touch panel monitor 12, a ticket issuance unit 13, a code scanner 14, a speaker 15, a settlement terminal 16, a communication unit 17, and a storage unit 18.

[0054] The touch panel monitor 12 is a monitor that displays product information related to the products that can be offered to the user. For example, the touch panel monitor 12 can display information on multiple products that can be offered to the customer before the user makes a payment through the checkout terminal 16. In addition, the touch panel monitor 12 can display to the user at least one of the prize level drawn and the product name of that prize level in the result of the lottery process.

[0055] The ticket issuance unit 13, controlled by the selection processing unit 101 (described later), issues tickets containing information about the goods provided for identification purposes. The tickets are paper-based. Tickets are receipts, such as payment slips, for settling payments. The ticket issuance unit 13 can issue tickets on the condition that settlement is completed using the settlement terminal 16. The ticket issuance unit 13 can be, for example, a thermal printer. The thermal printer is configured to be accessible to personnel involved in ticket provision by opening the door of the selection processing unit 2. Furthermore, the printing unit of the thermal printer is configured to replenish ticket paper by opening the door.

[0056] The barcode scanner 14 reads a barcode containing multiple product information that can be provided to the user. The barcode contains information for retrieving "multiple product information" (request destination) from an external server. "Multiple product information" is a series of role information containing multiple roles, including various databases described later. The barcode scanner 14 is disposed on the outer surface of the extraction processing main unit 2 and is configured to read barcodes related to supplementary products supplied by the operator without opening the door.

[0057] The speaker 15 is capable of outputting sound information related to the issuance of tickets by the lottery processing unit 2. For example, it can provide users with audio guidance on the operation of ticket issuance. Specifically, it can provide audio guidance on the operation process related to the lottery ticket drawn by the user or the game played by the user.

[0058] The settlement terminal 16 is, for example, a terminal capable of accepting payments using cards, barcodes, or QR codes. Alternatively, a coin settlement module, such as a coin selector and a cash box, can be provided to allow for cash payments. The selection process is performed based on the settlement received from the settlement terminal 16.

[0059] The communication unit 17 is a module capable of communicating with an external product management device (not shown) that serves as a source of product information. The module could be, for example, an LTE terminal capable of communication via LTE (Long Term Evolution).

[0060] The processing unit 100 is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Based on the processing program stored in the storage unit 18, the processing unit 100 controls various departments, thereby performing various controls such as product selection processing and ticket issuance processing. Specifically, the processing unit 100 has the functions of a product selection processing unit 101, an inventory management unit 102, and an inventory status display unit 103.

[0061] The lottery processing unit 101 is a unit that uses the lottery box database D1 and the lottery ticket database D2 associated with the selected title to present the lottery screen to the touch panel monitor 12 and perform a series of lottery processing steps. The lottery box database D1 and the lottery ticket database D2 are obtained from an external server based on the codes read by the code scanner 14.

[0062] Figure 4This diagram illustrates an example of a lottery box database D1. Lottery box database D1 is an example of a lottery box database D1 for the title "XXX Story Series". Lottery box database D1 is associated with one lottery box for each title. Lottery box database D1 contains fields for the lottery processing device ID (identification information), the lottery box ID (identification information) field associated with the title, the inventory quantity of each prize level (item) in the lottery box, the total inventory quantity of the lottery box, and product description information for each prize level. The lottery processing device ID (identification information) field records the lottery processing device ID (identification information) used to identify lottery processing device 1. The lottery box ID (identification information) field records the identification information used to identify the lottery box. The prize level (item) inventory field records the current inventory quantity and the initial inventory quantity. For example, it is recorded in the form of (current inventory quantity) / (initial inventory quantity). The total inventory quantity field records the current total inventory quantity of the lottery box. Furthermore, the Last One prize is a special item offered to users who have completed the transaction when the item in the item group is the last one available. For example, it's a special item offered to the user who drew the last lottery ticket. Therefore, the Last One prize item may not be included in the total inventory. The product description information fields for each prize level store the name of the item for each prize level, image data of the item for each prize level, etc.

[0063] The lottery box database D1 is obtained from an external server by scanning codes containing multiple product information using a barcode scanner 14. The obtained lottery box database D1 is stored in the storage unit 18. In the inventory count fields for each prize level in the lottery box database D1, the current inventory count is the same as the initial inventory count when obtained from the server. As the draw proceeds, the current inventory count is reduced by the inventory management unit 102.

[0064] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates an example of a lottery ticket database D2. Lottery ticket database D2 is associated with a lottery box and contains a lottery ticket ID (identification information), a prize / item ID associated with that lottery ticket ID (identification information), the lottery ticket's selection status information, and information on the lottery ticket's location. The prize / item ID is identification information used to identify the prize and / or item drawn. Figure 5In the example, "XB" represents the B prize item of the "XXX Story Series", "XA" represents the A prize item of the "XXX Story Series", and "XC" represents the C prize item of the "XXX Story Series". The selection status information of the raffle ticket includes the selection status of having been selected (opened) by the user and providing the item associated with the raffle ticket, and the unselected status of not having the item associated with the raffle ticket provided. A "1" is assigned to the selected status, and a "0" is assigned to the unselected status. The location information is the position of the raffle ticket on the touch panel monitor 12. The raffle tickets are arranged in a checkerboard (grid) pattern on the touch panel monitor 12. The location information is represented by row and column information. For example, with location information (1, 2), the raffle ticket is positioned in row 1 and column 2.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown in the lottery ticket database D2, each lottery ticket corresponds to a specific prize level among multiple prize levels. Throughout a series of selection processes, the correspondence between each lottery ticket and prize level remains unchanged, regardless of whether a ticket has been selected or not, and the presentation position of the multiple lottery tickets remains the same. Here, "correspondence" refers to the relationship between an option (lottery ticket ID) and a prize level / product ID, and "position" refers to the position information displayed on the touch panel monitor 12, represented by rows / columns, etc. Furthermore, a series of selection processes refers to the processing period from the time when the user can select the initial option for the purchased lottery tickets to the time when the selection and unpacking of the final option corresponding to the purchased number of tickets is completed. Thus, in this embodiment, the position information and prize level / product ID stored in the lottery ticket database D2 are determined at the start time of the series of selection processes and are not updated during the selection process. On the other hand, the update object is limited to the selection status information.

[0066] The selection processing unit 101 controls the process to ensure that the correspondence between each lottery ticket ID and prize level / product ID, as well as the position information of each lottery ticket, stored in the lottery ticket database D2, remains unchanged throughout a series of selection processes. On the other hand, corresponding to a lottery ticket being selected (opened), the selection processing unit 101 only updates the selection status information of that lottery ticket from an unselected state to a selected state. That is, throughout a series of selection processes, the correspondence and presentation position remain unchanged; only the selection status information is updated.

[0067] The lottery ticket database D2 is obtained from an external server by reading codes containing multiple product information using a barcode scanner 14. The obtained lottery ticket database D2 is stored in the storage unit 18. The selection status information of each lottery ticket in the lottery ticket database D2 is initially all "0" when obtained from an external product management device (not shown). As the lottery proceeds, the selection processing unit 101 updates it to "1".

[0068] As will be described later, the lottery processing unit 101 reads the prize level / product ID associated with the lottery ticket of the lottery box selected by the user from the lottery ticket database D2, and outputs the product identification information containing the prize level / product ID to the ticket issuance unit 13.

[0069] The lottery processing unit 101 uses the lottery ticket database D2 to arrange the lottery tickets in a checkerboard (grid) pattern and display them on the touch panel monitor 12. Figure 6 This diagram illustrates an example of a lottery selection screen (lottery ticket selection screen 20) presented by the lottery processing unit 101 to the touch panel monitor 12, showing an example of arranging 50 lottery tickets in 10 rows and 5 columns. The lottery processing unit 101 reads the position information of each lottery ticket from the lottery ticket database D2 and arranges the lottery tickets in the rows and columns indicated by the position information. At this time, the lottery processing unit 101 presents selectable lottery tickets 21 and unselectable lottery tickets 22 in the lottery selection screen (lottery ticket selection screen 20) in a manner recognizable to the user. Lottery tickets 21 represent lottery tickets that the user can select, and lottery tickets 22 represent lottery tickets that have been selected by other users and cannot be selected (have been opened). Specifically, selectable lottery tickets 21 are presented in a first manner where the corresponding prize level cannot be visually identified. The first manner is that the prize level cannot be visually identified, and selectable lottery tickets 21 are presented with a common pattern. Unselectable lottery tickets 22 are presented in a second manner where the corresponding prize level can be visually identified. The second method is to display the name of the prize level that has been drawn.

[0070] Here, we will explain how to select and open a raffle ticket. There are three methods for selecting and opening a raffle ticket.

[0071] (1) Selection and splitting of each sheet based on user actions

[0072] The method involves selecting and opening a lottery ticket through a first operation performed by the user on the selectable lottery ticket 21. This first operation is, for example, tapping the selectable lottery ticket 21 twice. By tapping the selectable lottery ticket 21 twice, the lottery ticket's display is changed from an image (first method) to a presentation mode that shows the prize level name corresponding to that lottery ticket. That is, each lottery ticket is selected and opened simultaneously.

[0073] Figure 6 This is an example of a split-processing method where a raffle ticket is selected by two taps, which then sets up a presentation method that displays the prize level and its corresponding product name, followed by the display of the corresponding prize level name. Furthermore, the following split-processing refers to the series of processes up to and including the presentation of the prize level and its corresponding product name, and the display of the prize level name on the raffle ticket.

[0074] (2) Selecting and splitting multiple images based on user actions

[0075] The method involves the user selecting a lottery ticket through a second operation on the selectable lottery ticket 21, and then splitting the selected lottery ticket through a third operation. For example, the user taps the selectable lottery ticket 21 (second operation) to set the lottery ticket to the selected state. The lottery processing unit 101 presents the lottery ticket set to the selected state through the second operation in a way that allows the user to visually confirm the selection state, for example, by emphasizing the frame, assigning a check mark, or displaying a semi-transparent overlapping display indicating that it has been selected. However, during this stage, the lottery ticket remains in the first mode (image) state and the prize level name is not displayed. After the lottery ticket selection is completed, the user splits all the selected lottery tickets by selecting the split button 23 (third operation) and sets the presentation to display the prize level name corresponding to the lottery ticket.

[0076] Furthermore, the process of splitting a lottery ticket can either display the prize level name of each of the selected multiple lottery tickets individually, or it can aggregate the prize levels drawn from multiple selected lottery tickets into a single display. Then, for each selected lottery ticket, the display method is set to show the prize level name corresponding to that lottery ticket.

[0077] (3) Random selection and disassembly of the sampling processing unit 101

[0078] This is a method whereby the user performs a fourth operation, and the lottery processing unit 101 extracts a set of lottery ticket IDs that are not currently selected. Based on a pseudo-random number, it selects the number of selectable lottery tickets 21 from this set and then opens the selected lottery tickets 21. The pseudo-random number is generated, for example, using an internal random number generator or a time frame as a seed. Specifically, the user selects the random selection and opening button 24 (fourth operation), whereby the lottery processing unit 101 randomly selects the selectable lottery tickets 21, opens all selected lottery tickets, and displays the prize level name corresponding to each lottery ticket.

[0079] Furthermore, the process of splitting a lottery ticket can either display the prize level name of each of the selected multiple lottery tickets individually, or it can aggregate the prize levels drawn from multiple selected lottery tickets into a single display. Then, for each selected lottery ticket, the display method is set to show the prize level name corresponding to that lottery ticket.

[0080] The selection processing unit 101 updates the selection status information from "0" to "1" for the selected lottery tickets (lottery tickets selected by the user) in the lottery ticket database D2. This processing is performed in real time. The selection processing unit 101 exclusively performs the update of the lottery ticket's selection status information to avoid conflicts with updates from other users. For example, after confirming that the selection status information of a lottery ticket ID is not selected, it atomically updates it to selected, and after the update, the lottery ticket is presented as unselectable. This suppresses double selection and double provision of the same lottery ticket.

[0081] Thus, the lottery processing unit 101 performs a series of lottery processes from the initial selection of lottery tickets to the unpacking of the final selected tickets. In this embodiment, the series of lottery processes refers to the lottery processes performed on the lottery tickets purchased by the user, from the point in time when the initial lottery ticket can be selected (e.g., the point in time when the lottery ticket selection screen 20 is displayed and the user inputs the start time) to the point in time when the selection and unpacking of the final lottery tickets corresponding to the number of tickets purchased are completed. Furthermore, the series of lottery processes is not limited to the processing of the purchased units described above; for example, it can also be treated as a concept including the period until the supply related to the same lottery box is completed.

[0082] During a series of selection processes, the number of lottery tickets with the pattern (first method) decreases, while the number of lottery tickets displaying the prize level name (second method) increases. Furthermore, during this series of selection processes, the number of lottery tickets with the pattern (first method) and the number of lottery tickets displaying the prize level name (second method) can only be the same once. That is, the control is such that the number of options presented in the first method decreases monotonically as the selection progresses, and the number of options presented in the second method increases monotonically, so that the situation where both become the same occurs only once.

[0083] In this embodiment, the first prize level among multiple prize levels can include the so-called final prize. The first prize level is set as the prize level drawn last in a series of draw processes. Specifically, when the last lottery ticket in the lottery ticket database D2 is purchased and selected, the draw processing unit 101 automatically provides the product corresponding to the prize level of the last lottery ticket and the product for the final prize. Thus, the first prize level becomes the prize level that can only be drawn in the final draw. Through this control, the user can visually confirm the progress of the draw while recognizing that a special prize level is included in the final selection, further enhancing the anticipation and engagement of the draw experience.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a second prize level can be included among multiple prize levels. The second prize level is defined as a prize level that can be drawn in a predetermined number of draws, excluding the initial and final draws, during a series of draw processes. A predetermined number of draws, for example, refers to a draw when the remaining number of selectable options is less than a predetermined threshold. The draw processing unit 101 automatically provides the product corresponding to the prize level of the draw tickets for that number of draws, as well as the second prize level.

[0085] When a series of selection processes are completed and the winning prize level is determined, the selection processing unit 101 outputs the product identification information used to identify the product offered to the user to the product offering unit 3. The product identification information includes the winning prize level and the product name (prize level / product ID).

[0086] Inventory Management Department 102 is responsible for managing the inventory of goods that fluctuate based on a series of selection processes. When a selected item is determined through the selection process, the inventory number of the selected item in the lottery box database D1 is reduced by the number of selections.

[0087] When the lottery process is in standby mode, the inventory status display unit 103 reads product images of each product from the product description information field of the lottery box database D1, and displays an inventory status screen containing the product images of each product and their inventory status on the touch panel monitor 12 or the display of the product supply unit 3. In displaying the inventory status screen, product images of in-stock and out-of-stock products are presented in a user-recognizable manner. For example, product images of in-stock products are displayed as color images, and product images of out-of-stock products are displayed as monochrome images. Alternatively, product images of in-stock products may be made visible, while product images of out-of-stock products may be obscured by other images (e.g., images showing out-of-stock items).

[0088] Additionally, the inventory status display unit 103 reads the latest inventory status of the products from the lottery box database D1 and displays the product inventory status. One method for displaying the product inventory status is to show the quantity of the product in stock below the product image. For example, there is a method where the inventory quantity is displayed in the form of (current inventory quantity) / (initial inventory quantity). Alternatively, inventory levels can be set based on the quantity of stock, displaying "High Inventory" for products with high inventory and "Low Inventory" for products with low inventory. Furthermore, products with no inventory can be explicitly displayed as "No Inventory".

[0089] <Structure of Product Supply Department 3>

[0090] The product supply section 3 will be explained. Figure 7 These are the front and side views of the interior of the product supply section 3.

[0091] The product supply unit 3 includes, for example, a main body 30, which is box-shaped, and a door 31, which is mounted on the front surface of the main body 30 and can be opened and closed relative to the main body 30 about one side. The door 31 is provided on the main body 30. The door 31 is used to open and close the opening on the front surface of the main body 30. A display 32 and a supply port 33 are provided on the door 31. Furthermore, it is configured such that the user cannot visually confirm the product stored inside through the display 32 or the like on the door 31.

[0092] The main body 30 is an open, rectangular parallelepiped-shaped merchandise supply section, inside which a merchandise storage compartment 34 is provided. Multiple layers of merchandise shelves 35 are arranged vertically within the merchandise storage compartment 34. For example, smaller items can be stored on the upper layers, and larger items on the lower layers. These merchandise shelves 35 are respectively mounted between shelf support side panels (not shown) erected on both sides of the merchandise storage compartment 34 for storing merchandise.

[0093] The shelf 35 has multiple storage spaces 351, each divided by a divider 352. By changing the position or number of dividers 352, the storage spaces 351 can be changed in the left-right and / or up-down directions. The shelf 35 is, for example, a long, narrow shelf formed of a resin material, with its long side facing forward and backward.

[0094] A spiral 36 is provided on the shelf 35. The spiral 36 is formed, for example, by winding a metal rod into a spiral shape along the front-to-back direction (the extending direction of the shelf 35). The spiral 36 can rotate around its central axis by a motor (not shown). The spiral 36 is driven by the motor to rotate clockwise around its own central axis, for example, when viewed from the front. By rotating the spiral 36 clockwise around its central axis when viewed from the front, the goods constrained between each spacing are gradually moved forward, and the items constrained in the foremost spacing are discharged forward from the goods storage passage. In this way, a storage space 351 is configured to be able to hold multiple goods in a row in the depth direction without the goods touching each other.

[0095] Additionally, a shortage actuator for detecting bound items is installed at the front of storage space 351. This shortage actuator can detect whether or not bound items are present. Furthermore, if no bound items are detected by the shortage actuator, all items stored in that storage compartment are removed. That is, the storage compartment is out of stock.

[0096] In the front area of ​​the shelf 35, a pair of transfer rails 37 are arranged on both sides. Between these transfer rails 37, a transfer tray 38 is arranged so as to be able to move vertically by a transfer mechanism (not shown). That is, a transfer passage 39 is formed between the transfer rails 37 for the transfer tray 38 to pass through. The transfer tray 38 moves items from the storage compartment to the item retrieval area near the supply opening 33.

[0097] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of the product supply section 3. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the product supply unit 3 includes a processing unit 300, a display 32, a speaker 301, a communication unit 302, and a storage unit 303.

[0098] The processing unit 300 is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Based on the processing program stored in the storage unit 303, the processing unit 300 controls various units, thereby performing various controls such as product delivery processing and display processing. Specifically, the processing unit 300 has the functions of a product delivery control unit 310 and a display control unit 311.

[0099] When providing goods, the goods provision control unit 310 receives the goods identification information from the selection processing unit 2 and identifies the storage space 351 containing the goods to be provided based on the award level / goods ID contained in the goods identification information. Then, it controls the transfer tray 38 to move the goods from the storage compartment containing the goods to the provision port 33.

[0100] When goods are provided, the display control unit 311 controls the display of the goods being provided on the monitor 32. Additionally, during standby time other than when goods are being provided, the unit receives inventory information of the goods from the selection processing unit 2 and displays the inventory status of the goods on the monitor 32.

[0101] When providing the product, the speaker 301 can output sound guidance for the product.

[0102] The communication unit 302 is a module that can communicate with the selection processing main unit 2 via wired or wireless means.

[0103] Next, the operation of the sampling processing device 1 will be explained. Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the operation of the extraction and processing device.

[0104] First, the lottery processing unit 101 of the lottery processing main unit 2 determines whether a user operation (e.g., touch) has been performed on the touch panel monitor 12 (step 100). If no user operation (e.g., touch) has been performed on the touch panel monitor 12 (step 101), the inventory status display unit 103 retrieves the product images of each product from the product description information field of the lottery box database D1 (step 102). Then, the inventory status display unit 103 displays an inventory status screen 40 containing the product images of each product and their inventory status on the touch panel monitor 12 of the lottery processing main unit 2 and the display 32 of the product supply unit 3 (step 103).

[0105] Figure 10 This is an example of an inventory status screen 40 displayed on the touch panel monitor 12 and the display 32. Figure 10 In the inventory status screen 40, product images 41 of in-stock items are displayed as color images, while product images 42 of out-of-stock items are displayed as monochrome images. Additionally, at the bottom of the product images, the inventory quantity is displayed in the format of (current inventory quantity) / (initial inventory quantity).

[0106] While the inventory status screen 40 is displayed, when a user operation (e.g., touch) is detected on the touch panel monitor 12 (step 101), the selection processing unit 101 switches from standby mode to non-standby mode and displays the selection screen 50 on the touch panel monitor 12 (step 104). At this time, the inventory status screen 40 continues to be displayed on the product supply unit 3's display 32. This is so that other users can check the inventory status.

[0107] Figure 11 This is an example of the initial selection screen 50 displayed in a series of selection screens. Figure 11The selection screen 50 includes a lottery ticket purchase button 51. When the lottery ticket purchase button 51 is selected, the selection processing unit 101 reads the lottery box information from the lottery box database D1 and displays the selection screen 52 on the touch panel monitor 12. Figure 12 This is an example of a selection screen 52 (lottery box screen). Selection screen 52 (lottery box screen) is the selection screen for lottery box 1, displaying product images and inventory information for each item in lottery box 1. The inventory information is displayed in the form of (current inventory) / (initial inventory). Additionally, if a prize is sold out, the sold-out information is displayed overlaid with the product image and inventory information. The user confirms the product images and inventory information for each item in lottery box 1, and if they wish to participate in the lottery, they tap the lottery ticket purchase button 53.

[0108] When the lottery ticket purchase button 53 is selected, the lottery processing unit 101 refers to the lottery box database D1 and displays the lottery screen 60 (lottery ticket purchase screen) on the touch panel monitor 12. Figure 13 This is an example of a selection screen 60 (lottery ticket purchase screen). Selection screen 60 (lottery ticket purchase screen) includes lottery ticket inventory information 61 ((remaining lottery tickets) / (initial lottery ticket inventory)) for the lottery tickets selected by the user, a purchase lottery ticket selection dialog box 62, a purchase lottery ticket confirmation button 63, and a cancel button 64. The user determines the number of lottery tickets to purchase through the purchase lottery ticket selection dialog box 62 and clicks the purchase lottery ticket confirmation button 63.

[0109] When the button 63 for determining the number of lottery tickets to be purchased is pressed, the lottery processing unit 101 displays the lottery screen 70 (lottery ticket purchase decision screen) on the touch panel monitor 12. Figure 12 This diagram shows an example of a lottery ticket purchase decision screen 70. The lottery ticket purchase decision screen 70 includes information on the number of lottery tickets to be purchased and the total purchase amount. In the lottery ticket purchase decision screen 70, when the payment terminal 16 performs touch payment, the lottery processing unit 101 calculates the price of the lottery tickets (step 105).

[0110] When the lottery processing unit 101 has completed the settlement of the purchased lottery tickets (step 106), it performs the lottery processing (step 107).

[0111] Sampling and processing unit 101 according to Figure 6 The lottery ticket selection screen 20 shown is used to select and open lottery tickets for the lottery process (step 107). The following is a detailed explanation of the operation. Figure 15 This is a flowchart of the selection process.

[0112] First, the lottery processing unit 101 reads the location information of the lottery ticket database D2, assigns each lottery ticket to the position indicated by the location information, and displays the lottery ticket selection screen 20, which includes lottery tickets in the unselected state and lottery tickets in the selected state, on the touch panel monitor 12 (step 200). At this time, lottery tickets in the unselected state are presented in a first way (common pattern) where the corresponding prize level cannot be visually confirmed, while lottery tickets in the selected state are presented in a second way in a way that the user can recognize by displaying the corresponding prize level name.

[0113] The lottery processing unit 101 accepts the user's operation input on the lottery ticket selection screen 20 (step 201). Then, it determines the type of user's operation (step 202).

[0114] When a user performs the first operation (e.g., double taps) on a selectable raffle ticket, the selection processing unit 101 changes to displaying the prize level name corresponding to the raffle ticket and sets the raffle ticket to an open state (step 203). Then, the selection processing unit 101 updates the selection status information of the raffle ticket in the raffle ticket database D2 from "not selected" to "selected" and determines the prize level / product ID corresponding to the raffle ticket (step 208).

[0115] On the other hand, if the user selects a lottery ticket through the second operation (e.g., a single tap) (step 202), the lottery processing unit 101 determines whether to perform a third operation (disassemble the selection of button 23 simultaneously) (step 204). If the third operation (disassemble the selection of button 23 simultaneously) is performed (step 204), the selected lottery tickets are changed to display the prize level name corresponding to the lottery ticket, and the lottery ticket is set to the disassembled state (step 205). Then, the lottery processing unit 101 updates the selection status information of the lottery ticket in the lottery ticket database D2 from "not selected" to "selected", and determines the prize level / product ID corresponding to the lottery ticket (step 208).

[0116] On the other hand, if the user selects the fourth operation (randomly selecting the option to open button 24) (step 202), the selection processing unit 101 refers to the lottery ticket database D2 and randomly selects a specified number of lottery tickets from the unselected lottery tickets (step 206). Then, the selection processing unit 101 changes the display of the prize level name corresponding to the selected lottery ticket and sets the lottery ticket to the opened state (step 207). Then, the selection processing unit 101 updates the selection status information of the lottery ticket in the lottery ticket database D2 from "not selected" to "selected" and determines the prize level / product ID corresponding to the lottery ticket (step 208).

[0117] Through the above processing, the selection and lottery drawing of the purchased lottery tickets are completed, and step 107 is completed.

[0118] When the selection of the number of lottery tickets purchased is completed and the winning item is confirmed (step 108), the lottery processing unit 101 displays the lottery screen 80 (winning screen) on the touch panel monitor 12 (step 109). Figure 16 This is an example of a draw screen 80 (draw screen). In the draw screen 80 (draw screen), in addition to displaying the drawn prize level and product name, an image of the drawn product can also be displayed.

[0119] When the selection processing unit 101 determines the selected prize level (step 108), it outputs product identification information to the product providing unit 3 to identify the product to be provided to the user. The product identification information includes the selected prize level and the product name (prize level / product ID).

[0120] When the lottery process is complete, the inventory management department 102 updates the inventory information for each prize level in the lottery box database D1 (step 111). The update reduces the inventory information and total inventory of the prize levels drawn by users in the lottery box database D1. For example, in... Figure 5 In the lottery box database D1, if a user wins prize B, the inventory number is updated from 2 to 1.

[0121] The product provision control unit 310 receives product identification information from the selection processing unit 2 and identifies the storage space 351 containing the product to be provided based on the award level / product ID contained in the product identification information. Then, it controls the transfer tray 38 to move the product from the storage space 351 containing the product to the provision port 33 to provide the product (step 112).

[0122] After all the selection processes are completed and there is no user operation (e.g., touch) on the touch panel monitor 12 (steps 100 and 101), the selection process transitions to a standby state, and the inventory status display unit 103 retrieves the product images of each product from the product description information field of the lottery box database D1 (step 102). Then, the inventory status display unit 103 displays an inventory status screen 30 containing the product images of each product and their inventory status on the touch panel monitor 12 and the display 32 (step 103).

[0123] In addition, the way the inventory status screen 30 is presented can also show the inventory quantity through inventory levels, so that users can identify it more intuitively. Figure 17 This is an example of another way in which the inventory status screen 40 is presented. Figure 17The inventory status screen 40 uses inventory levels such as "High Inventory," "Medium Inventory," "Low Inventory," and "No Inventory" to represent the inventory status of each product. This display allows users to intuitively identify the inventory status.

[0124] This embodiment is configured such that the product supply section can change multiple spaces depending on the type or size of the product. With this structure, even when the size and shape of the products to be selected differ, the spatial configuration of the receiving section can be flexibly changed to accommodate product diversity.

[0125] Furthermore, this embodiment is configured to control the sampling process and product delivery in an integrated manner, thus enabling the reliable and stable delivery of products corresponding to the sampling results.

[0126] Furthermore, this embodiment is configured to visually present the progress of the selection process and the inventory status of the goods to the user, thereby improving the fairness and performance of the selection experience.

[0127] Therefore, compared with conventional sorting processing devices, this sorting processing device can provide improved convenience and experience value for users, and also makes it easier for operators to manage goods.

[0128] The sampling processing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment will be described.

[0129] Regarding the first embodiment of the sampling processing apparatus 1, an example consisting of a sampling processing main body 2 and a product supplying unit 3 has been described. Regarding the second embodiment of the sampling processing apparatus 1, an example in which the sampling processing main body 2 and the product supplying unit 3 are integrated into one unit has been described.

[0130] Figure 18 This is a front view of the selection processing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. Figure 18 In this drawing, the same reference numerals are used to denote the parts that are the same as in the first embodiment. For example... Figure 18 As shown, the function of importing the selection processing main unit 2 into the product supply unit 3 is introduced.

[0131] The sampling processing device 1 of the second embodiment has an internal structure that is consistent with... Figure 7 The product supply section 3 shown has the same internal structure.

[0132] That is, the sorting and processing device 1 includes, for example, a main body 30, which is configured as a box; and a door 31, which is mounted on the front surface of the main body 30 and can be opened and closed relative to the main body 30 about one side. The door 31 is provided on the main body 30. The door 31 is used to open and close the opening on the front surface of the main body 30. The door 31 is provided with a display 12 and a supply port 33. Moreover, it is configured so that the user cannot visually confirm the goods stored inside through the display 12 or the like on the door 31.

[0133] The main body 30 is an open, rectangular parallelepiped-shaped merchandise supply section, inside which a merchandise storage compartment 34 is provided. Multiple layers of merchandise shelves 35 are arranged vertically within the merchandise storage compartment 34. For example, smaller items can be stored on the upper layers, and larger items on the lower layers. These merchandise shelves 35 are respectively mounted between shelf support side panels (not shown) erected on both sides of the merchandise storage compartment 34 for storing merchandise.

[0134] The shelf 35 has multiple storage spaces 351, each divided by a divider 352. By changing the position or number of dividers 352, the storage spaces 351 can be changed in the left-right and / or up-down directions. The shelf 35 is, for example, a long, narrow shelf formed of a resin material, with its long side facing forward and backward.

[0135] A spiral member 36 is provided on the shelf 35. The spiral member 36 is formed, for example, by winding a metal rod into a spiral shape along the front-to-back direction (the extending direction of the shelf 35). The spiral member 36 can rotate around its central axis by a motor (not shown). The spiral member 36 is driven by the motor to rotate clockwise around its own central axis, for example, when viewed from the front. By rotating the spiral member 36 clockwise around its central axis when viewed from the front, the goods constrained between each spacing are gradually moved forward, and the items constrained in the foremost spacing are discharged forward from the goods storage passage. In this way, a storage space 351 is configured to be able to hold multiple goods in a row in the depth direction without the goods touching each other.

[0136] Additionally, a shortage actuator for detecting bound items is installed at the front of storage space 351. This shortage actuator can detect whether or not bound items are present. Furthermore, if no bound items are detected by the shortage actuator, all items stored in that storage compartment are removed. That is, the storage compartment is out of stock.

[0137] In the front area of ​​the shelf 35, a pair of transfer rails 37 are arranged on both sides. Between these transfer rails 37, a transfer tray 38 is arranged so as to be able to move vertically by a transfer mechanism (not shown). That is, a transfer passage 39 is formed between the transfer rails 37 for the transfer tray 38 to pass through. The transfer tray 38 moves items from the storage compartment to the item retrieval area near the supply opening 33.

[0138] Figure 19 This is a functional block diagram of the selection processing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. In addition to the structure of the selection processing unit 2 of the first embodiment, the selection processing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment also includes a product supply control unit 310. This product supply control unit 310 receives product identification information from the selection processing unit 101 and controls the product supply. Similar to the first embodiment, the product supply control unit 310 identifies the storage space 351 containing the product to be supplied based on the award level / product ID included in the product identification information from the selection processing unit 101, and controls the transfer tray 38 to move the product from the storage compartment containing the product to the supply port 33.

[0139] The presentation of other product inventory and a series of selection processes are the same as in the first implementation method.

[0140] The second embodiment, by assembling the main body 2 of the sampling process and the product supply unit 3 into a single housing, enables the sampling process device to be miniaturized, thus making it less constrained by the installation location.

[0141] In addition, some or all of the above-described embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited thereto.

[0142] [Postscript 1]

[0143] A selection processing device, comprising:

[0144] The selection processing unit is capable of performing the selection of products from a product group associated with a title;

[0145] A receiving section, capable of accommodating the goods of the aforementioned goods group, and comprising multiple spaces; and

[0146] A providing unit capable of providing a drawn item from the goods contained in the receiving section.

[0147] The receiving section is configured to be able to change the multiple spaces according to the type or size of the goods.

[0148] [Postscript 2]

[0149] According to the sampling processing apparatus described in Appendix 1, wherein...

[0150] The receiving section is configured to be able to change the space in the left and right directions.

[0151] [Postscript 3]

[0152] According to the sampling processing apparatus described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein,

[0153] The receiving section is configured to be able to change the space in the vertical direction.

[0154] [Postscript 4]

[0155] The sampling processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein...

[0156] The receiving section includes multiple partitions, and the receiving section is configured to change each of the spaces by changing the position or number of the partitions.

[0157] [Postscript 5]

[0158] The sampling processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein,

[0159] The receiving section is composed of multiple layers in the vertical direction, which are configured to be able to receive goods in each layer.

[0160] [Postscript 6]

[0161] The sampling processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5, wherein,

[0162] The storage compartment is configured such that the user cannot visually confirm the contents of the stored item.

[0163] [Postscript 7]

[0164] The selection processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 6, wherein,

[0165] The receiving section is configured to receive multiple items in each space in the front-back direction, and the receiving section has a moving part that moves the items forward.

[0166] [Postscript 8]

[0167] The sampling processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 7, wherein,

[0168] It also includes a presentation unit that can display product information related to the product.

[0169] [Postscript 9]

[0170] According to any one of the appendices 1 to 8, the sampling processing apparatus, wherein,

[0171] The display unit can display a screen corresponding to the standby state and a screen corresponding to the non-standby state.

[0172] [Postscript 10]

[0173] The sampling processing apparatus according to any one of Annexes 1 to 9, wherein...

[0174] The display unit presents inventory information of the products that can be provided to the user when in standby mode.

[0175] [Postscript 11]

[0176] The selection processing apparatus according to any one of Annexes 1 to 10, wherein,

[0177] The presentation unit displays the provided product information in standby mode.

[0178] The present invention has been described above with examples of preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various ways within the scope of its technical concept.

[0179] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0180] 1: Sampling and processing device

[0181] 2: Selection and processing of the main body

[0182] 3: Product Supply Department

[0183] 12: Touch panel monitor

[0184] 13: Bill Issuance Department

[0185] 14: Code Scanner

[0186] 15: Speaker

[0187] 16: Settlement Terminal

[0188] 17: Ministry of Communications

[0189] 18: Storage Department

[0190] 30: Main body

[0191] 31: Door

[0192] 32: Monitor

[0193] 33: Provide mouth

[0194] 34: Goods Storage Warehouse

[0195] 35: Merchandise Shelves

[0196] 351: Storage Space

[0197] 352: Divider

[0198] 36: Spiral component

[0199] 37: Transport guide rail

[0200] 38: Pallet transport

[0201] 39: Transport passage.

Claims

1. A sampling processing device, comprising: The selection processing unit is capable of performing the selection of products from a product group associated with a title; A receiving section, capable of accommodating the goods of the aforementioned goods group, and comprising multiple spaces; and A providing unit capable of providing a drawn item from the goods contained in the receiving section. in, The receiving section is configured to be able to change the multiple spaces according to the type or size of the goods.

2. The sampling processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The receiving section is configured to be able to change the space in the left and right directions.

3. The sampling processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The receiving section is configured to be able to change the space in the vertical direction.

4. The sampling processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The receiving section is configured to be able to change the space in the vertical direction.

5. The sampling processing apparatus according to claims 1-4, wherein, The receiving section includes multiple partitions, and the receiving section is configured to change each of the spaces by changing the position or number of the partitions.

6. The sampling processing apparatus according to claims 1-4, wherein, The receiving section is composed of multiple layers in the vertical direction, which are configured to be able to receive goods in each layer.

7. The sampling processing apparatus according to claims 1-4, wherein, The storage compartment is configured such that the user cannot visually confirm the contents of the stored item.

8. The sampling processing apparatus according to claims 1-4, wherein, The receiving section is configured to receive multiple items in each space in the front-back direction, and the receiving section has a moving part that moves the items forward.

9. The sampling processing apparatus according to claims 1-4, wherein, It also includes a presentation unit that can display product information related to the product.

10. The sampling processing apparatus according to claims 1-4, wherein, It also includes a display unit, which is capable of displaying a screen corresponding to the standby state and a screen corresponding to the non-standby state.

11. The sampling processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The display unit presents inventory information of the products that can be provided to the user when in standby mode.

12. The sampling processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The presentation unit displays the provided product information in standby mode.

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