Item supply device and item supply system

Abstract

To prevent inconsistencies between a supply price set on an item supply device and the supply price displayed on the item supply device.SOLUTION: An item supply device capable of supplying an item includes: a display unit capable of setting and displaying supply price information concerning a supply price of the item; a setting unit capable of setting the supply price information for settlement detected by the item supply device; and a notification unit that reports, as the supply price information set by the setting unit, a type and the number of money that satisfy approximate supply price information by the number of times a light emitting unit emits light. The setting of the supply price information in the display unit and the setting of the supply price information in the setting unit are performed separately.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an article supply device and an article supply system. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there is an article supplying device that supplies capsule toy articles to users in exchange for a predetermined amount of money (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-268247 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the case of the above-mentioned item supply device, the manager of the item supply device must set in advance the supply price (price) to be paid when supplying capsule toys. At that time, it is necessary to prevent the supply price set in the item supply device from being inconsistent with the item supply price displayed on the item supply device. Therefore, the present invention provides an item supply device and an item supply system that prevent the supply price set in the item supply device from being inconsistent with the supply price displayed on the item supply device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is an item supply device capable of supplying items, comprising a display unit that displays supply price information regarding the supply price of the item, a setting unit that sets the supply price information, and a notification unit that notifies the set supply price information in a notification format different from the display format of the supply price information displayed on the display unit.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a goods supply system capable of supplying goods, comprising a display unit that displays supply price information regarding the supply price of the goods, a setting unit that sets the supply price information, and a notification unit that notifies the set supply price information in a notification format different from the display format of the supply price information displayed on the display unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an item supply device and an item supply system that prevent a mismatch between the supply price set in the item supply device and the supply price displayed on the item supply device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an article supplying system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the article supply device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the article supply device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram for explaining the operation of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a timeline for explaining notification according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of the article supply device of the first modification. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a timeline for explaining notification in the first modification. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a timeline for explaining notification in the second modification. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a timeline for explaining notification in the third modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] <Outline of the embodiment of the present invention> An outline of an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The goods supplied by the goods supply device are replaced periodically, and the supply price is changed according to the replaced goods. Accordingly, the administrator who manages the goods supply device changes the supply price of the goods displayed on the goods supply device. Furthermore, the administrator sets the supply price, which is the payment amount detected by the goods supply device, on the goods supply device. The displayed supply price displayed on the goods supply device and the set supply price set on the goods supply device must match.

[0010] For example, if the item supply device is equipped with a display screen such as an LCD display and the set supply price is linked to the displayed supply price, discrepancies between the set supply price and the displayed supply price can be prevented. However, because item supply devices are intended to be installed in large numbers in various locations, including outdoors, they are designed to have a simple structure and reduce costs, taking into account the installation costs, installation location, and maintenance of the item supply device. Therefore, it is desirable for the item supply device to be configured without a display such as an LCD composed of electronic components that can display the supply price and set supply price. In such a case, the supply price display unit becomes mechanical, making it difficult to (electrically) link the set supply price set for payment and display it on the item supply device as the displayed supply price. Therefore, a method is desired for notifying the set supply price from outside the item supply device in a form that can be recognized by an administrator or other person so that the displayed supply price and the set supply price match. The following explanation will discuss an item supply device that notifies the set supply price in a display format different from the display format of the displayed supply price, for example, a display format that displays the type and number of currency (coins) that constitutes the price of the item in numerical form.

[0011] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an article supply device system of this embodiment. The article supply system is composed of an article supply device 1 and a server 2, and the article supply device 1 and the server 2 are connected via a communication network.

[0012] The item supply device 1 of this embodiment stores a plurality of items 3 and randomly supplies one item from the stored plurality of items 3. A user receives a supply of item 3 from the item supply device 1 by inserting money into the item supply device 1 for the supply price displayed on the item supply device 1.

[0013] As described above, the item supply device 1 is intended to be installed in large numbers in various locations, including outdoors. Therefore, it has a simple structure and is designed to reduce costs, taking into consideration the installation costs, installation location, and maintenance of the item supply device 1. Therefore, unlike typical vending machines, the item supply device 1 is designed not to provide change even if an amount exceeding the supply price of the item is inserted. That is, the type of currency that can be used in the item supply device 1 is predetermined, and the item supply device 1 is designed to sort the type of currency inserted, count the number of sorted currency, detect that the amount of currency equivalent to the supply price (payment amount) has been inserted, and then dispense the item. For the sake of simplicity, this embodiment will be described using an example in which the type of currency that can be used in the item supply device 1 is 100-yen coins, but it goes without saying that this is not limited to this. For example, the item supply device 1 may be designed to be able to use a combination of 500-yen coins and 100-yen coins. The server 2 is a management device that performs various settings for the item supply device 1 via a communication network.

[0014] The item 3 may be, for example, a toy or the like contained in a divisible spherical capsule, or a toy and capsule combined together. The item 3 is not limited to one type of item, and may be multiple types of items. In this case, multiple types of items are stored together in the item storage section 11 described below as items belonging to one series (type). In this embodiment, an example will be given in which the supply price of the item 3 is 300 yen, but it goes without saying that this is not limited to this.

[0015] 2 is a front view of the article supply device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The article supply device 1 is provided with an article storage section 11, an article description display section 12, a supply price display section 13, a notification section 14, a coin slot 15, a coin return operation section 16, and a coin return slot 17.

[0016] An item 3 is stored in the item storage section 11. An item description display section 12 is provided on the front surface of the item storage section 11, and displays item information about the item 3 stored in the item storage section 11. When the item 3 stored in the item storage section 11 is changed, the item information displayed on the item description display section 12 is also changed. The item information includes the product name of the item, item description information, and an explanatory image of the item.

[0017] The supply price display unit 13 displays supply price information regarding the supply price of the item 3. The supply price display unit 13 is composed of a type display unit 131 and a quantity display unit 132. In the following explanation, the supply price information displayed on the supply price display unit 13 will be referred to as displayed supply price information.

[0018] The type display unit 131 is a display body on which the type of coin that can be used in the goods supply device 1 is printed. As described above, the only type of coin that can be used in the goods supply device 1 of this embodiment is the 100 yen coin, so a display body that reads "100 yen coin" is placed on the goods supply device 1 as the type display unit 131.

[0019] The number display unit 132 is composed of a rotating member (rotating member) on which multiple numbers are printed, and a transparent member that covers the rotating member. The multiple numbers indicate the number of coins required. The rotating member is located near the type display unit 131. In the example shown in Figure 1, the number display unit 132 is located directly below the type display unit 131. When an item 3 is replaced, the manager moves the rotating member to set the number of coins so that it matches the supply price of the replaced item 3. In this embodiment, the supply price of the item 3 is 300 yen, and the coins that can be used in the item supply device 1 are 100 yen coins, so as shown in Figure 1, the rotating member of the number display unit 132 is rotated to set it so that "3" is displayed.

[0020] The notification unit 14 notifies the set supply price information set in the supply device 1. The notification unit 14 is composed of light-emitting elements such as LEDs, and the light-emitting elements are provided near the rotating member (supply price display unit 13) of the number display unit 132. By providing the notification unit 14 near the supply price display unit 13, it is possible to easily visually confirm whether the supply price displayed on the supply price display unit 13 matches the supply price set for settlement. The light from the light-emitting elements is visible through the transparent member of the number display unit 132. The type and number of colors of the light-emitting elements are not important, but in this embodiment, an example in which red and green light-emitting elements are arranged will be described. The coin slot 15 is a portion where a user inserts coins to pay for receiving the supply of goods.

[0021] The coin return operation unit 16 is a push button for returning to the user coins that have been inserted through the coin insertion slot 15 and stored in the coin temporary storage unit. When the coin return operation unit 16 is pressed (pushed) continuously for a predetermined time, the notification unit 14 starts notifying the set supply price information.

[0022] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the article supply device 1. Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the article supply device 1. The article supply device 1 has a setting unit 21, an operation detection unit 22, a coin discrimination unit 23, and a notification unit 24.

[0023] The setting unit 21 has the function of setting supply price information. In the following explanation, the supply price information set in the setting unit 21 will be referred to as set supply price information. The set supply price information includes the type of coin that satisfies the supply price and the number of coins. The coin types in the set supply price information are also usable coins. The setting in the setting unit 21 can be configured to be set manually by an administrator of the item supply device 1, or to be set from a server 2 that can communicate with the item supply device 1, but either is acceptable.

[0024] The operation detection unit 22 detects pressing of the coin return operation unit 16. When the coin return operation unit 16 is pressed continuously for a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as "long pressing for a predetermined time"), the operation detection unit 23 notifies the notification unit 24 that a long pressing has been detected.

[0025] The coin discrimination unit 23 distinguishes the type of coins inserted through the coin insertion slot 15 and counts the number of coins, thereby determining whether the amount of money inserted satisfies the set supply price. When a coin other than a usable coin is inserted, the coin discrimination unit 21 returns it to the coin return slot 17 via a return chute (not shown). When usable coins are inserted, the coin discrimination unit 21 stores them in a coin temporary storage unit (not shown) for each type of coin and counts the number of coins. In this embodiment, the usable coins are 100 yen coins and the supply price is 300 yen, so the coin discrimination unit 21 determines that three 100 yen coins have been inserted. When the number of coins stored in the coin temporary storage unit reaches the amount that satisfies the supply price, the item supply operation becomes possible. When the user performs the item supply operation, the coins stored in the coin temporary storage unit are moved to the coin storage unit (not shown) and are not returned even if the coin return operation unit 16 is operated.

[0026] The notification unit 24 is the notification unit 14 described above. When notified by the operation detection unit 23 that a long press for a predetermined period of time has been detected in the coin return operation unit 16, the notification unit 24 executes control to cause the light-emitting unit to emit light in order to notify set supply price information, which is the type of coin and the number of coins that satisfy the supply price. The notification of the set supply price information in the notification unit 24 is controlled so that the green light-emitting element flashes a number of times equal to the number of coins for each type of coin. The notification unit 24 notifies the set supply price information after making a preliminary notification. The preliminary notification is made before notifying the number of coins of each type of coin, and indicates the division when notifying the number of coins of multiple types. For example, if multiple types of usable coins are set, the number of coins of the first type is notified after making a preliminary notification, and then the number of coins of the second type is notified after making another preliminary notification, and so on, for each type of usable coin. The method of advance notification is, for example, to light the light emitting element for a predetermined period of time when there is one type of light emitting element, or to flash a light emitting element of a different color from the light emitting element used to notify the number of coins when there are multiple types of light emitting elements, by changing the lighting method of the light emitting element, changing the color of the light emitting element, or by combining these, so that the advance notification and the notification of the number of coins can be distinguished.In the following explanation, an example will be given in which the notification unit 24 controls the red light emitting element to flash twice as an advance notification.

[0027] The order of the coin types for which the notification unit 24 notifies the number of coins is preset to be in ascending order of the number of digits indicated by the coins, or in descending order of the number of digits indicated by the coins. In this embodiment, since there is only one type of usable coin, the 100 yen coin, the notification unit 24 will only notify one type of coin. Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4, which is a flow chart for explaining the operation of this embodiment.

[0028] The operation detection unit 22 detects an operation of the coin return operation unit 16 (Step 201). When the operation detection unit 22 detects a long press for a predetermined time (Step 202: Yes), it notifies the notification unit 24 (Step 203). The notification unit 24 controls the light emitting elements based on the set supply price information and notifies the set supply price information (Step 204). When the operation detection unit 22 detects an operation within a predetermined time (No in Step 202), it returns the coins (Step 205).

[0029] An example of notification control by notification unit 24 will now be described using the timeline in Fig. 5. The timeline in Fig. 5 shows the relationship between the light-emitting elements that emit light and the passage of time. In the following description, it is assumed that the number of coins displayed in quantity display unit 132 is three, and that three 100-yen coins have already been set by the administrator as the set supply price information in setting unit 21.

[0030] The notification unit 24 starts advance notification when it receives a notification from the operation detection unit 23 (at 0 seconds on the timeline). In advance notification, the red light emitting element blinks twice (advance notification section on the timeline).

[0031] Next, the set supply price information is notified. When notifying the set supply price information, the green light-emitting element is configured to flash the number of times equal to the number of coins for each type of coin, but in this case, since only one type of 100 yen coin is available, the number of 100 yen coins is notified. Since three 100 yen coins are set in the set supply price information, the green light-emitting element flashes three times (100 yen coin number notifying section on the timeline).

[0032] As described above, the displayed goods supply price displayed on the goods supply device 1 does not display the set goods supply price set in the goods supply device 1, but is manually set by the administrator. According to the goods supply device 1 of this embodiment, the notification unit 14 notifies the set supply price by flashing the light-emitting element for each coin type by the required number of coins, making it possible to confirm consistency with the manually set displayed goods supply price. In other words, because the set supply price information is notified in a notification format different from the display format of the displayed supply price information, it is possible to prevent inconsistencies between the supply price displayed on the goods supply device and the supply price set in the goods supply device. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the notification unit 14 is located near the supply price display unit 13, making it easy to confirm consistency between the displayed supply price and the set supply price.

[0033] <Variation 1> In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the type of coin usable in the item supply device 1 was a single type, 100 yen coins, but in this modified example 1, an example will be given in which multiple types of coins are usable. In this modified example, to simplify the explanation, an example will be given in which the types of money usable in the item supply device 1 are two types, 500 yen coins and 100 yen coins, but it goes without saying that this is not limited to this. Note that components similar to those in the above embodiment are given the same numbers, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0034] 6 is a front view of the article supply device 1 in this modified example 1. This differs from the above embodiment in that the number of display elements in the type display unit 131 and the number of rotating members in the number display unit 132 are the same as the number of types of currency that can be used.

[0035] Since there are two types of coins that can be used, 500 yen coins and 100 yen coins, the type display unit 131 has displays that say "500 yen coin" and "100 yen coin" arranged side by side, as shown in Figure 4.

[0036] The number display unit 132 has rotating members, the same number as the coin types, arranged in pairs with the display bodies of the type display unit 131. The administrator moves the rotating members paired with the coin types to set the number of coins for each type so that it matches the supply price of the item 3. In this modified example 1, since the supply price of the item 3 is 300 yen, as shown in FIG. 4, the rotating member paired with the display body labeled "500 yen coin" is set to "0 coins," and the rotating member paired with the display body labeled "100 yen coins" is set to "3 coins."

[0037] 7 is a timeline for this modified example 1. In the following explanation, it is assumed that the set supply price information of the setting unit 21 has already been set by the administrator to "0 500 yen coins and 3 100 yen coins." Also, it is assumed that the order in which the notification unit 24 notifies the number of coins of each type is determined in descending order of the number of digits indicated by the coin, that is, the number of 500 yen coins, followed by the number of 100 yen coins.

[0038] The notification unit 24 starts advance notification when it receives a notification from the operation detection unit 23 (at 0 seconds on the timeline). In advance notification, the red light emitting element blinks twice (advance notification section on the timeline).

[0039] Next, the set supply price information is notified. First, the number of 500 yen coins is notified. Since the set supply price information is set to 0 500 yen coins, the green light emitting element does not emit light (500 yen coin number notifying section on the timeline).

[0040] Furthermore, the notification unit 24 emits a red light-emitting element to provide a preliminary notification (second preliminary notification). Subsequently, since three 100-yen coins are set in the set supply price information, the green light-emitting element flashes three times (100-yen coin number notification section on the timeline).

[0041] As described above, the displayed goods supply price displayed on the goods supply device 1 does not display the set goods supply price set in the goods supply device 1, but is manually set by the administrator. According to the goods supply device 1 of this embodiment, the notification unit 14 notifies the set supply price by flashing the light-emitting element for each coin type by the required number of coins, making it possible to confirm consistency with the manually set displayed goods supply price. In other words, because the set supply price information is notified in a notification format different from the display format of the displayed supply price information, it is possible to prevent inconsistencies between the supply price displayed on the goods supply device and the supply price set in the goods supply device. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the notification unit 14 is located near the supply price display unit 13, making it easy to confirm consistency between the displayed supply price and the set supply price.

[0042] <Variation 2> In the above-mentioned variant 1, the notification unit 24 gave a preliminary notification before notifying the number of coins of each coin type. In this variant, the notification unit 24 will be described as giving an end notification. In this variant, as in variant 1, the type of currency that can be used in the item supply device 1 will be described using an example in which there are two types of currency, 500 yen coins and 100 yen coins, but it goes without saying that this is not limited to this. Note that the same components as those in the above-mentioned variant will be given the same numbers and detailed description will be omitted.

[0043] The notification unit 24 notifies the number of coins of each type and then notifies the end. In the following explanation, an example will be given in which the end notification is controlled by blinking the red light emitting element five times.

[0044] 8 is a timeline for this modified example 2. In the following explanation, it is assumed that the set supply price information of the setting unit 21 has already been set by the administrator to "0 500 yen coins and 3 100 yen coins." Also, it is assumed that the order in which the notification unit 24 notifies the number of coins of each type is determined in descending order of the number of digits indicated by the coin, that is, the number of 500 yen coins, followed by the number of 100 yen coins.

[0045] The notification unit 24 starts advance notification when it receives a notification from the operation detection unit 23 (at 0 seconds on the timeline). In advance notification, the red light emitting element blinks twice (advance notification section on the timeline).

[0046] Next, the notification unit 24 notifies the set supply price information. Here, the number of 500 yen coins is notified. Since the set supply price information is set to 0 500 yen coins, the green light-emitting element does not emit light (500 yen coin number notification section on the timeline). Next, the notification unit 24 performs an end notification by blinking the red light emitting element five times (end notification section of the timeline).

[0047] Furthermore, the notification unit 24 causes the red light-emitting element to emit light to provide advance notification (second advance notification). Next, because three 100-yen coins are set in the set supply price information, the green light-emitting element flashes three times (notification of the number of 100-yen coins on the timeline). Next, the notification unit 24 controls the red light-emitting element to flash five times as an end notification (second end notification section on the timeline).

[0048] As described above, the displayed goods supply price displayed on the goods supply device 1 does not display the set goods supply price set in the goods supply device 1, but is manually set by the administrator. According to the goods supply device 1 of this embodiment, the notification unit 14 notifies the set supply price by flashing the light-emitting element for each coin type by the required number of coins, making it possible to confirm consistency with the manually set displayed goods supply price. In other words, because the set supply price information is notified in a notification format different from the display format of the displayed supply price information, it is possible to prevent inconsistencies between the supply price displayed on the goods supply device and the supply price set in the goods supply device. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the notification unit 14 is located near the supply price display unit 13, making it easy to confirm consistency between the displayed supply price and the set supply price.

[0049] In addition, in this modified example, the advance notification and end notification are issued as a set for each type of coin, so even if there is no flashing during the coin number notification period, it is easy to see that the type of coin is set to 0.

[0050] <Variation 3> In the above explanation, the notification unit 24 is configured to notify the set supply price information, which is the type of coin and the number of coins that satisfy the supply price, by controlling the light-emitting unit to emit light. In this embodiment, the notification unit 24 is configured to notify the set supply price information, which is the type of coin and the number of coins that satisfy the supply price, by voice. In this modified example, to simplify the explanation, an example is given in which the types of money that can be used in the item supply device 1 are two types, 500 yen coins and 100 yen coins, but it goes without saying that this is not limited to this. Note that components that are the same as those in the above embodiment are assigned the same numbers and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0051] The notification unit 24 of this third modified example is composed of a sound generation unit 241 and a speaker 242. The sound generation unit 241 stores audio information indicating the type of coin, such as "500 yen" and "100 yen," for each type of usable coin. The voice synthesis unit 241 also stores audio information indicating the number of coins, such as "zero," "one," etc. When the notification unit 24 receives a notification from the operation detection unit 23, it notifies the set supply price information and the number of coins by audio information. In the following explanation, the order in which the coin types and their numbers are announced will be explained in descending order of the digits indicated by the coins, but the order is not important as long as the coin types and their numbers are announced as a set.

[0052] 9 is a timeline in this modified example 3. In the following explanation, it is assumed that the set supply price information of the setting unit 21 has already been set by the administrator to "0 500 yen coins and 3 100 yen coins."

[0053] When the notification unit 24 receives a notification from the operation detection unit 23 (at 0 seconds on the timeline), it notifies the set supply price information. First, the type of coin is output from the speaker 242 (first type coin notification section on the timeline). Here, the voice generation unit 241 outputs the voice information of "500 yen". Next, the notification unit 24 notifies the number of coins (first type coin number notification period on the timeline). Since the set supply price information is set to 0 500 yen coins, the sound generation unit 241 outputs sound information of "zero."

[0054] Furthermore, the notification unit 24 outputs the type of the next coin from the speaker 242 (second type coin notification period on the timeline). Here, the sound generation unit 241 outputs sound information of "100 yen". Next, the notification unit 24 notifies the number of coins (second type coin number notification period on the timeline). Since three 100 yen coins are set in the set supply price information, the voice generation unit 241 outputs the voice information "three coins."

[0055] In the above explanation, the displayed supply price information of the supply price display unit 13 is the type of coin and its number, but the displayed supply price information may also be a numerical value that displays the supply price of the item 3. In this case, the administrator checks the consistency between the numerical value of the supply price calculated from the notified supply price information and the numerical value of the displayed supply price information.

[0056] In the above explanation, the product description display unit 12 has been described as displaying product information including the product name, product description information, and product description image. However, the product information may also be configured to include and display the product supply price information. In such a configuration, the manager can check whether the product information displayed on the product description display unit 12 is consistent with the product 3 stored in the product storage unit 11, and further check whether the supply price information of the product information displayed on the product description display unit 12 is consistent with the supply price information on the supply price display unit 13. This makes it possible to prevent inconsistencies between the product 3 in the storage unit 11, the product information on the product description display unit 12, and the supply price information on the supply price display unit 13.

[0057] In addition, in the above explanation, the number of coins is notified by one type of light emitting element, but the color of the light emitting element may be changed for each type of coin. With such a configuration, it is easy to understand which number of coins is being notified. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1 Goods supply device 2 Server 3 Goods

Claims

1. An article supplying device capable of supplying an article, a display unit capable of setting and displaying supply price information relating to the supply price of the item; a setting unit capable of setting supply price information for settlement detected by the item supply device; a notification unit that notifies the supply price information set in the setting unit by a lighting method or a light color of a light-emitting unit; Equipped with The setting of the supply price information in the display unit and the setting of the supply price information in the setting unit are performed separately. Goods supply device.

2. The notification unit notifies the type and number of bills that satisfy the supply price information by the number of times the light-emitting unit is lit. The article supplying device according to claim 1 .

3. The notification unit notifies by lighting up the number of coins of each type that satisfy the supply price information in a predetermined order of the types of coins. The article supplying device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The notification unit notifies by lighting up a number of bills that satisfy the supply price information in a different light color for each type of bill. The article supplying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The notification unit executes a pre-notification to notify the start of notification of the supply price information, and notifies the supply price information after the pre-notification. The article supplying device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The notification unit notifies the supply price information and the advance notification using different light colors. The article supplying device according to claim 5.

7. The display unit is capable of manually setting the supply price information. The article supplying device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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