Article supply device
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024073665
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing article supply devices lack effective presentation methods that dynamically adapt to their operational state, failing to engage users effectively.
An article supply device with an operation display section and multiple display sections that control images based on the device's state, including standby, selection, and supply states, using integrated images and audio to enhance user interaction and engagement.
The device achieves enhanced user engagement through dynamic image and audio presentations, providing effective advertising and supply effects during different operational states, thereby improving user experience and interest.
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to an article supplying device. [Background technology]
[0002] Conventionally, vending machines that display advertisements are known (for example, Patent Document 1). The vending machine described in Patent Document 1 includes an advertisement display unit that displays advertisements, and an item display unit that displays multiple items as images. Among the multiple items, an item related to the advertisement displayed in the advertisement display unit is highlighted and displayed in the item display unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-095522 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] However, there has been no article supplying device that provides effective effects depending on the state of the article supplying device. SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide an article supplying device that can provide an effective presentation. [Means for solving the problem]
[0005] One aspect of the present invention is an item supply device comprising: an item supply main body unit that supplies items from a supply port; an operation unit having a first display unit; a second display unit provided at least on a front surface of the item supply main body unit excluding at least the supply port and the operation unit and on a side surface of the item supply main body unit; and a display control unit that controls images to be displayed on the first display unit and the second display unit. The product supply device includes the product supply main body, and the display control unit controls images to be displayed on the first display unit and the second display unit according to a state of the product supply main body. Effect of the Invention
[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to cause the article supplying device to perform effective presentation. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the external appearance of an article supplying device 1 according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view that illustrates a schematic internal configuration of main body 2 of article supplying device 1 shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the article supplying device 1 in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an item table, item selection screen data, and performance image data. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the article supplying device 1 in this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the article supplying device 1 in an article selection standby state. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the item supplying device 1 in an item selection state. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the article supplying device 1 in an article supplying state. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an article supplying device 1 in a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the article supplying device 1 in a modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an external view of the item supplying device 1 when the item supplying device 1 is in an item lottery state. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an external view of the item supplying device 1 when the item supplying device 1 is in an item lottery state. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the article supplying device 1 in the second embodiment. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 shows an example of data stored in the storage unit 113. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the article supplying device 1 in the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the product supply device 1 in a product purchasing state. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the product supply device 1 in a product purchasing state. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the item supplying device 1 in an item lottery state. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an example of a lottery result presentation image 1 displayed on the article supplying device 1. In FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an example of a lottery result presentation image 2 displayed on the item supply device 1. As shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0008] An embodiment of the present invention will be described. <First embodiment> A first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0009] 1 is a diagram showing the external appearance of an article supply device 1 in the first embodiment. The article supply device 1 includes a main body unit 2, an operation display unit 3, a display unit 4 (blackened portion), a supply port 5, a panel unit 6 including a bill insertion port, a coin insertion port, and a return lever, and a coin return port 7.
[0010] The main body 2 is a main body that supplies articles, and the articles that are supplied are, for example, toys or the like contained in a divisible spherical capsule, so-called food toys, stickers, and other articles.
[0011] The operation display unit 3 is a touch panel including a display unit (display) capable of displaying images. The display unit (display) is capable of displaying images of product information such as product names and prices of products that can be supplied, as well as various other information. The user can select the product to be purchased by touching (selecting) an area of the product information displayed on the operation display unit 3. The operation unit 4 is configured so that the products stored in the main body unit 2 are not visible to the user (product purchaser), and is provided on the front of the product supply device 1.
[0012] The display unit 4 is, for example, a large liquid crystal display. The display unit 4 is composed of a display unit 41 on the front of the main body 2, a display unit 42 on the left side of the main body 2, and a display unit 43 on the right side of the main body 2. The display unit 41 is arranged so as to cover the operation display unit 3, the supply port 5, the panel unit 6 including the bill insertion port, the coin insertion port, and the return lever, and the coin return port 7. It is preferable that the display unit 41 occupies 90% or more of the front area excluding the operation display unit 3 and the supply port 5. The display unit 42 on the left side and the display unit 43 on the right side are arranged so as to cover the left side and the right side of the main body 2. It is preferable that the display unit 42 on the left side and the display unit 43 on the right side occupy 90% or more of the area of the left side or the right side of the main body 2. In this embodiment, the display units 4 are provided on the front, left side and right side of the main body 2, but may also be provided on the back or top of the main body 2.
[0013] The supply port 5 is an opening for a user to receive purchased items, and is formed in a position on the opening and closing door that is lower than the window portion. The supply port 5 is always kept closed by an item removal door provided on the opening and closing door 20, which will be described later, and can be opened by pushing the item removal door inward.
[0014] The panel unit 6 includes a bill insertion slot, a coin insertion slot, and a return lever. The bill insertion slot is an opening for receiving bills, and the coin insertion slot is an opening for receiving coins. The return lever is operated when returning currency. The coin return slot 7 is the portion through which returned coins and change are dispensed.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view that typically shows the internal configuration of main body 2 of article supplying device 1 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 2 is provided with an opening / closing door 20. The opening / closing door 20 opens and closes the front opening of the main body 2. The opening / closing door 20 is provided with an operation display unit 3, a supply port 5, a panel unit 6, a coin return port 7, and a display unit 41. The main body 2 is an open rectangular article supply device, and an article storage unit 21 with a thermal insulation structure is disposed inside the main body 2. The article storage unit 21 has multiple stages of article racks 22 arranged vertically. These article racks 22 are respectively installed between rack support side plates (not shown) erected on both sides of the article storage unit 21, and are used to store articles.
[0016] The item rack 22 is configured by arranging a plurality of storage columns (item placement sections) side by side. Each storage column constituting the item rack 22 includes a column case. The column case is formed, for example, from a resin material or the like, and is long with the longitudinal direction being the front-rear direction. The column case is provided with a spiral. The spiral is formed, for example, by winding a metal rod in a spiral shape along the front-rear direction (extension direction of the column case). The spiral can be rotated around its central axis by a motor (not shown) or the like. The spiral rotates, for example, in a clockwise direction as viewed from the front, around its own central axis as driven by the motor. As the spiral rotates around its central axis in a clockwise direction as viewed from the front, the items constrained between each pitch are gradually carried out forward, and the items constrained between the frontmost pitches are discharged forward from the item storage passage. In this way, one storage column (item placement section) is capable of placing multiple items in a row in the longitudinal direction, and is configured so that the placed items do not come into contact with each other. A shortage actuator that detects the item to be restrained is provided at the front of the column case. This shortage actuator can detect the presence or absence of the item to be restrained. When the shortage actuator no longer detects the item to be restrained, this means that all of the items stored in that storage column have been removed. In other words, that storage column is out of stock.
[0017] A pair of transport rails 23 are provided on both sides of the front area of the article rack 22, and transport trays 24 are arranged between the transport rails 23 so as to be movable vertically by a transport mechanism (not shown). In other words, a transport passage 25 for passing the transport trays 24 is formed between the transport rails 23. This transport passage 25 extends to the front of a machine room 26, and the transport passage 25 and the machine room 26 are separated by a partition insulation material. The transport tray 24 transports the articles from the storage column to an article removal area X near the supply opening 5 .
[0018] Incidentally, when the goods require cooling, such as food, cooling means may be provided inside the goods storage facility 21. For example, an evaporator 30 is provided as cooling means in the goods storage facility 21. The evaporator 30 constitutes a refrigeration cycle that circulates a refrigerant together with a compressor 31, a condenser 32, etc., disposed in the machine room 26, and exchanges heat between the refrigerant passing through its own refrigerant passage (not shown) and the air inside the goods storage facility 21 that passes around the evaporator 30, thereby cooling the air.
[0019] The air cooled around the evaporator 30 is sucked into the ventilation duct 36 through the intake port 35 of the rear duct 34 installed at the rear of the item storage room 21 by driving the internal ventilation fan 33, and after passing through this ventilation duct 36, is blown out from the exhaust port 37, thereby cooling the items stored in the item rack 22.
[0020] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the goods supplying device 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the goods supplying device 1 includes a cooling device 100, a discharge device 101, a coin mechanism 102, a bill validator 103, an operation display unit 3, a display unit 4, a sound output unit 8, a main body control unit 104, and a goods supply main control unit 105.
[0021] Under the control of the main body control unit 104, the cooling device 100 controls the above-mentioned refrigeration cycle so that the food is kept at a specified temperature, for example, 10° C. or lower. The unloading device 101 transports the articles unloaded from the storage column via the transport tray 24 from the storage column to an article removal area X in the vicinity of the supply port 5.
[0022] The coin mechanism 102 organizes the number of coins of each type inserted and transmits the number to the goods supply main control unit 105. It also dispenses various coins according to commands from the goods supply main control unit 105. The coin mechanism 102 has a money identification function that identifies the authenticity and denomination of coins.
[0023] The bill validator 103 compiles the number of inserted bills and transmits it to the goods supply main control unit 105. The bill validator 103 also dispenses bills in accordance with commands from the goods supply main control unit 105. The bill validator 103 has a money identification function that identifies the authenticity and denomination of bills.
[0024] The main body control unit 104 controls the cooling device 100 and the discharge device 101 under the control of the goods supply main control unit 105. In addition, the main body control unit 104 discharges goods from the front end of the storage column in accordance with a discharge command transmitted from the goods supply main control unit 105.
[0025] The operation display unit 3 is a touch panel. The display control unit 112 displays item information (item name, price, image of item, etc.) of the item to be supplied on the display (display unit) of the touch panel, and the item to be supplied can be selected by the user's touch operation. The operation display unit 3 outputs an operation input signal corresponding to the operation input to the item supply main control unit 105. The operation input signal includes information identifying the selected item. Furthermore, the display control unit 112 can display images other than item information on the display (display unit) of the touch panel.
[0026] As described above, the display unit 4 is composed of the display unit 41 on the front side of the main body unit 2, the display unit 42 on the left side of the main body unit 2, and the display unit 43 on the right side of the main body unit 2. Images are displayed on the display unit 4 under the control of the display control unit 112, which will be described later.
[0027] The sound output unit 8 is a speaker and outputs the sound of images for each effect, which will be described later.
[0028] The goods supply main control unit 105 includes a goods supply control unit 111, a display control unit 112, and a memory unit 113.
[0029] The goods supply control unit 111 uses the goods table stored in the memory unit 113 to perform settlement processing for the price of the goods selected by the operation display unit 3. In addition, the goods supply control unit 111 uses the goods table stored in the memory unit 113 to identify the storage column in which the goods selected by the operation unit 4 is placed, and notifies the main body control unit 104 of information on the storage column to which the goods are to be supplied.
[0030] The goods supply control unit 111 determines the state of the goods supply device 1. The states of the goods supply device 1 include a goods selection waiting state, a goods selection state, and a goods supply state. The goods selection waiting state is a state in which the goods supply device 1 is operating but waiting for the user to select an item to purchase. The goods selection available state is a state in which, in the goods selection waiting state, the goods supply device 1 is able to select an item to purchase, provided that the user operates (touches) the operation display unit 3. The goods supply state is a state in which the purchased item is being supplied. The state of the goods supply device 1 transitions from the goods selection waiting state to the goods selection state, the goods supply state, and then back to the goods selection waiting state. The goods supply control unit 111 notifies the display control unit 112 of the state of the goods supply device 1.
[0031] The display control unit 112 receives notification of the state of the article supply device 1 from the article supply control unit 111, and controls images to be displayed on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 according to the state of the article supply device 1. When the item supply device 1 is in an item selection waiting state, the display control unit 112 displays a waiting performance image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4. The waiting performance image may be a still image or a video. The waiting performance image is an image integrated on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4, and includes information about the item. For example, it is an image related to a character associated with the item. A typical example of a waiting performance image is an advertising video. Note that the waiting performance image does not necessarily have to be an image related to the item to be supplied.
[0032] When the goods supply device 1 is in a goods selection state, the display control unit 112 displays a goods selection screen on the operation display unit 3 and displays a goods selection performance image on the display unit 4. The goods selection screen is a screen including goods information images including information such as the name of each goods to be supplied, goods images, and prices (prices). The user can select the goods he / she wishes to purchase by selecting (touching) the goods information image of the goods he / she wishes to purchase from the goods information images on the goods selection screen displayed on the operation display unit 3. The goods selection performance image is an image that performs goods selection, such as an explanation of the goods selection screen or a performance image in response to a touch on the goods selection screen of the operation display unit 3. Note that the goods selection screen is an object of operation by the user, but the goods selection performance image is not an object of operation by the user. In addition, it is preferable that at least one of the goods selection screen and the goods selection performance image includes an image that emphasizes the position of the goods selection screen so that the user can easily identify the operation display unit 3.
[0033] When the goods supply device 1 is in a goods supplying state, the display control unit 112 displays a goods supply performance image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4. The goods supply performance image is an image that presents the supply of goods. The display control unit 112 stops image display on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 when the opening and closing door 20 is open.
[0034] An item table, item selection screen data, and performance image data are stored in the storage unit 113. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the item table, the item selection screen data, and the performance image data.
[0035] The item table is a table in which the item to be supplied, the price of the item, and the identification information of the storage column the item is placed in are associated with each other. In the example of Fig. 4, the price of item A is 500 yen, and the storage column in which item A is placed is storage column 1. The item selection screen data is data of an item selection screen displayed on the operation display unit 3. The item selection screen includes an item information image of each item to be supplied.
[0036] The performance image data stores a standby performance image, an item selection performance image, and an item supply performance image. The standby performance image and the item supply performance image are edited so that the images displayed on the operation display unit 3, the display unit 41, the display unit 42, and the display unit 43 are related to each other. For example, the images displayed on the operation display unit 3, the display unit 41, the display unit 42, and the display unit 43 form a series of images, and are moving images (video) in which pictures, characters, etc. flow from the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 41 to the display unit 42 and the display unit 43.
[0037] The item selection performance image is edited so that the images displayed on display unit 41, display unit 42, and display unit 43 are related to each other. For example, the images displayed on display unit 41, display unit 42, and display unit 43 form a series of images, and are a moving image (video) in which pictures, characters, etc. flow from display unit 41 to display unit 42 and display unit 43. Moreover, each of the performance images may be a stereoscopic three-dimensional image. Note that these are merely examples, and the images displayed on the respective display units may be different images.
[0038] Next, the operation of the item supplying device 1 in this embodiment will be described. In this operation, it is assumed that item A is placed in the storage column (item placement section) with storage column ID "1", item B is placed in the storage column (item placement section) with storage column ID "2", item C is placed in the storage column (item placement section) with storage column ID "3", item D is placed in the storage column (item placement section) with storage column ID "4", item E is placed in the storage column (item placement section) with storage column ID "5", and item F is placed in the storage column (item placement section) with storage column ID "6".
[0039] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the article supplying device 1 in this embodiment. The goods supply control unit 111 determines the state of the goods supply device 1. When the goods supply device 1 is started, it is in a goods selection standby state (Step 100). The goods supply control unit 111 notifies the display control unit 112 of the state. The display control unit 112 reads out a standby performance image from the storage unit 113 and displays the standby performance image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 101). FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the appearance of the goods supply device 1 in the goods selection standby state. As shown in FIG. 6, a standby performance image is displayed on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4. The standby performance image is an image integrated on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4, and is an advertisement for the "XYZ series" to which goods A to F belong, and is a moving image (image) in which the words "For Sale" and "XYZ Series" flow from the display unit 42 on the left side to the display unit 41 on the front to the display unit 43. Sound is also output from the sound output unit 8 in accordance with this image.
[0040] Next, the goods supply control unit 111 judges whether the user has touched the operation display unit 3 (Step 102). When the user has touched the operation display unit 3, the goods supply control unit 111 transitions the goods supply device 1 from the goods selection waiting state to the goods selection state, and notifies the display control unit 112 (Step 103). The display control unit 112 reads out the goods selection screen and the goods selection performance image from the storage unit 113, displays the goods selection screen on the operation display unit 3, and displays the goods selection performance image on the display unit 4 (Step 104). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the appearance of the goods supply device 1 in the goods selection state. As shown in FIG. 7, the goods selection screen including goods information images of goods A to F is displayed on the operation display unit 3, and the goods selection performance image is displayed on the display unit 4. Sound is also output from the sound output unit 8 in accordance with these images. In addition, the goods selection performance image includes an image that highlights the position of the operation display unit 3 so that the operation display unit 3 is easily visible.
[0041] Selection of an item to be purchased can be performed by the user touching (selecting) an item information image of the item to be purchased from among the item information images of the items displayed on the operation display unit 3. The item supply control unit 111 determines whether or not the item information image has been touched (selected) by the user (Step 105). If the item information image has not been touched (selected), the process returns to Step 100, and the item supply device 1 transitions from the item selection state to an item selection standby state.
[0042] When an item information image is touched (selected) (Step 105), the item supply control unit 111 uses the item table to identify the price of the item, performs payment processing for the price (Step 106), and determines whether payment for the item has been completed (Step 107). If payment for the item has not been completed (Step 107), a refund process or the like is performed (Step 114), and the process returns to Step 100, transitioning the item supply device 1 from the item selection state to the item selection standby state.
[0043] On the other hand, if the payment is completed (Step 107), the goods supply control unit 111 transitions the goods supply device 1 from the goods selection state to the goods supply state (Step 108). The goods supply control unit 111 notifies the display control unit 112. The display control unit 112 reads out the goods supply performance image from the storage unit 113 and displays the goods supply performance image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 109). FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the appearance of the goods supply device 1 in the goods supply state. As shown in FIG. 8, the goods supply performance image is displayed on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4. The goods supply performance image is an image integrated on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4, and while the goods are being supplied, goods performance images such as "goods being supplied" and "thank you" that display the supply of goods are displayed. Sound is also output from the sound output unit 8 in accordance with this image.
[0044] The item supply control unit 111 performs a process of identifying the storage column (receiving unit) on which the selected item is placed (Step 110). For example, when item A is selected, according to the item table in the memory unit 113, the storage column on which item A is placed is the storage column with storage column ID "1". The item supply control unit 111 instructs the main body control unit 104 to execute the removal of the item placed in this identified storage column. The main body control unit 104 controls the spiral of the column case to eject the item to be supplied from the storage column. The removal device 101 controls the movement of the transport tray 24 to transport the item removed from the storage column from the storage column to the item removal area X near the supply port 5 (Step 111).
[0045] After the goods are discharged, the goods supply control unit 111 determines whether or not a shortage is detected by the shortage actuator (Step 112). If a shortage is not detected, the goods supply control unit 111 returns to Step 100 and transitions the goods supply device 1 from the goods supply state to the goods selection waiting state.
[0046] On the other hand, when a shortage is detected, the item supply control unit 111 instructs the display control unit 112 to hide the item information image of the item corresponding to the storage column where the shortage was detected on the item selection screen from the next time onwards (Step 113). In this way, the purchasing user will not mistakenly select the item that is out of stock. Then, the item supply control unit 111 returns to Step 100 and transitions the item supply device 1 from the item supply state to the item selection standby state.
[0047] The goods supply device 1 of this embodiment includes an operation display unit 3 and a display unit 4, and the images displayed on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 are made different depending on the state of the goods supply device 1, so that the goods supply device 1 can perform effective presentations such as advertising presentations in a goods supply standby state and supply presentations in a goods supply state. In particular, in this embodiment, the display units 4 are provided on the front, left side and right side of the main body unit 2 where they are easily visible to the user, so that the entire goods supply device 1 can display powerful images.
[0048] <First Modification of the First Embodiment> A first modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the modified example of the first embodiment, a lottery is held after the supply of an item in the first embodiment, and if the winner is selected, the same item is further supplied.
[0049] Fig. 9 is a block diagram of the item supply device 1 in the first modified example of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, a lottery processing unit 114 is added. After the items are supplied, the lottery processing unit 114 conducts a lottery to determine the winner. Then, the lottery processing unit 114 notifies the item supply control unit 111 of the lottery result.
[0050] After the goods are supplied, the goods supply control unit 111 transitions the goods supply device 1 from the goods supply state to the goods lottery state, notifies the display control unit 112 of the state, and gives the lottery processing unit 114 an instruction to perform a lottery.
[0051] When the article lottery state is reached, the display control unit 112 displays a lottery performance image or a winning / losing performance image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4. The lottery performance image or the winning / losing performance image is stored in the storage unit 113.
[0052] Next, the operation of the modified example of the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 10 is a flowchart of the operation of the article supply device 1 in the modified example of the present embodiment. Note that the operation up to Step 111 is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the description will be omitted.
[0053] After the goods are transported (Step 111), the goods supply control unit 111 transitions the goods supply device 1 from a goods supply state to a goods lottery state, notifies the display control unit 112 of the state, and gives an instruction to the lottery processing unit 114 to perform a lottery (Step 120).
[0054] The display control unit 112 reads out the lottery effect image from the storage unit 113, and displays the lottery effect image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 121). The lottery processing unit 114 executes a lottery process, and notifies the item supply control unit 111 and the display control unit 112 of the result (Step 122).
[0055] If the result of the lottery is a win, the display control unit 112 reads out a winning effect image from the storage unit 113 and displays the winning effect image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 124). Then, the item supply control unit 111 performs a process of identifying a storage column (placing unit) in which the same item as the purchased item is placed (Step 125). For example, when item A is purchased, according to the item table in the storage unit 113, the storage column in which item A is placed is the storage column with storage column ID "1". The item supply control unit 111 instructs the main body control unit 104 to execute the discharge of the item placed in this identified storage column. The main body control unit 104 controls the spiral of the column case to discharge the item to be supplied from the storage column. The discharge device 101 controls the movement of the transport tray 24 to transport the item discharged from the storage column from the storage column to the item removal area X near the supply port 5 (Step 126).
[0056] On the other hand, if the result of the lottery is a loss, the display control unit 112 reads out a loss effect image from the storage unit 113, and displays the loss effect image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 127).
[0057] 11 and 12 are external views of the item supply device 1 when the item supply device 1 is in an item lottery state. Fig. 11 is an example of a lottery effect image when the lottery processing unit 114 is executing a lottery process, and Fig. 12 is an example of a winning effect image when the result of the lottery by the lottery processing unit 114 is a winning.
[0058] In the modified example of the first embodiment, a user who purchases an item is given a chance to win an item by lottery, which increases the user's motivation to purchase. In addition, the lottery is also performed using the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4, so that a powerful performance can be achieved.
[0059] In the modified example of the first embodiment, an example has been described in which, when a user wins the lottery, the same item as the item purchased by the user is supplied to the user. However, the supplied item does not need to be the same item, and may be a different item. For example, when a user wins, the lottery processing unit 114 may perform a lottery to select a storage column, and the item placed in the selected storage column may be supplied. The lottery may select an item other than the purchased item (the storage column in which the purchased item is placed), or may select an item from all items (the storage columns in which the item is placed). This configuration increases the interest of purchasing an item, and also makes it possible to obtain an item different from the purchased item.
[0060] <Modification 2 of the First Embodiment> In the above-described first embodiment, an example in which cash is used to settle the price has been described, but electronic payment and code payment such as QR code payment are also possible. Electronic payment and code payment are possible by providing the item supply device 1 with a payment unit capable of communicating with a payment server.
[0061] For code payment, one method is to affix a payment code (e.g., a QR code) with a sticker or the like somewhere on the front of the item supply device 1. The payment code (e.g., a QR code) may also be displayed on either the operation and display unit 3 or the display unit 4. When the payment code (e.g., a QR code) is displayed on either the operation and display unit 3 or the display unit 4, even if it becomes necessary to change the payment code (e.g., a QR code), there is no need to replace a sticker or the like, making it easy to change the payment code (e.g., a QR code).
[0062] <Second embodiment> A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described. In the second embodiment, the article supplying device 1 can set a plurality of supplying modes (modes).
[0063] 13 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the article supplying device 1 in the second embodiment. The article supplying device 1 in the second embodiment differs from the article supplying device 1 in the first embodiment in that, in addition to the configuration in the first embodiment, the article supplying device 1 in the second embodiment further includes a supply mode setting unit 115 and an article lottery processing unit 116.
[0064] The supply mode setting unit 115 is a unit that sets the supply mode (mode) of the goods supply device 1, and the supply modes include a first supply mode and a second supply mode. The first supply mode is a mode in which the purchasing user can intentionally select the type of goods to be purchased, and is the goods supply method of the goods supply device 1 in the first embodiment described above. In contrast, the second supply mode is a goods supply method in which, when the purchasing user selects to purchase a goods, the goods supply device 1 randomly selects one type of goods from multiple types of goods that can be supplied, and supplies the selected goods to the purchasing user. Here, the method of randomly selecting the goods to be supplied includes, for example, a method of determining one type by lottery from multiple types of goods that the goods supply device 1 can supply. The supply mode setting unit 115 is set to the second supply mode as a default (start-up setting), and can be changed from the second supply mode to the first supply mode by the goods supply user (goods seller). The supply mode setting unit 115 is provided with a small display, and is configured to display the currently set supply mode on this display. By setting a password or the like, the supply mode setting unit 115 is allowed to change the supply mode setting only by an authorized product supply user (product seller).
[0065] When the second supply mode is set, the item lottery processing unit 116 selects one type of item by lottery from multiple types of items that can be supplied after the item purchaser decides to purchase the item and settles the price of the item. The lottery is performed based on a probability of a predetermined random number or the like.
[0066] A plurality of types of items are stored in the item rack 22. Each of the plurality of types of items is assigned a rarity. Each of the storage columns constituting the item rack 22 stores one type of item. The item lottery processing unit 116 selects one type of item from multiple types of items by lottery, and notifies the item supply control unit 111 of the selected item.
[0067] The item supply control unit 111 identifies the storage column in which the notified item is stored, and carries out one item from the storage column. The carrying-out device 101 carries the item carried out from the storage column to the item removal area X near the supply port 5 via the carrying tray 24.
[0068] Furthermore, an item table and image data are stored in the memory unit 113. Fig. 14 is an example of data stored in the memory unit 113. According to the example of Fig. 14, an item table is stored in which an item, the rarity of the item (two stages), and the storage column ID in which the item is placed are associated with each other. Furthermore, a standby presentation image, an item purchase screen, an item purchase presentation image, a lottery result presentation image 1, a lottery result presentation image 2, and an item supply presentation image are stored as image data.
[0069] <Explanation of operation> Next, the operation of the article supplying device 1 in the second embodiment will be described. 15 is a flowchart of the operation of the article supplying device 1 in the second embodiment. In the following operation, there are six types of articles to be supplied, two of which are articles with a higher rarity than the other articles (rarity 2).
[0070] The goods supply user selects the supply mode of the goods supply device 1 when the goods supply device 1 is initially started. The mode setting unit 114 sets the supply mode to a mode designated by the goods supply user (Step 200). Here, the default (initial setting) mode of the mode setting unit 114 is the second supply mode. The mode setting unit 114 judges the set supply mode (Step 201). If the set supply mode is the second supply mode, that is, if the setting is not changed, the goods supply device 1 operates in the second supply mode (Step 202). On the other hand, if the supply mode setting is changed by the goods supply user (goods seller) and the set supply mode is the first supply mode, the goods supply device 1 operates in the first supply mode (Step 213). Then, the same operation as that of the first embodiment described above is performed.
[0071] When the goods supply device 1 operates in the second supply mode, the state of the goods supply device 1 is set to a goods selection waiting state (Step 203). In the following description, it is assumed that one type of goods is placed in each storage column of the goods supply device 1. The goods supply control unit 111 notifies the display control unit 112 of the state. The display control unit 112 reads out a waiting performance image from the memory unit 113, and displays the waiting performance image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 204). The waiting performance image is the same as that shown in FIG. 6 described above.
[0072] Next, the goods supply control unit 111 judges whether the user has touched the operation display unit 3 (Step 205). When the user has touched the operation display unit 3, the goods supply control unit 111 transitions the goods supply device 1 from the goods selection waiting state to the goods purchase state and notifies the display control unit 112 (Step 206). The display control unit 112 reads out the goods purchase screen and the goods purchase performance image from the storage unit 113, displays the goods purchase screen on the operation display unit 3, and displays the goods purchase performance image on the display unit 4 (Step 207). FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 are diagrams showing the appearance of the goods supply device 1 in the goods purchase state. As shown in FIG. 16, the operation display unit 3 displays, as the goods purchase screen, images of four kinds of goods out of six kinds of goods that can be supplied, an image of "?" instead of images of two kinds of goods with high rarity, and a goods purchase button displaying "500 yen", which is the common price of the six kinds of goods. In addition, the goods purchase performance image is displayed on the display unit 4. When the user wants to purchase an item, the user selects (touches) the item purchase button. When the user selects (touches) the item purchase button, an item purchase screen for purchasing an item by operating the handle after inserting the money is displayed on the operation display unit 3 as shown in FIG. 17, and an item purchase presentation image is displayed on the display unit 4. Sound is also output from the sound output unit 8 in conjunction with these images. The item purchase presentation image also includes an image that highlights the position of the operation display unit 3 so that the operation display unit 3 is easily visible.
[0073] When the user purchases an item, after inserting the payment, the user operates the item purchase screen displayed on the operation display unit 3 (Step 208). If the item purchase screen is not operated, a refund process (Step 220) is performed, the process returns to Step 203, and the item supply device 1 transitions from the item purchase state to the item selection standby state.
[0074] When the product purchase screen is operated, the product supply control unit 111 performs a payment process for the price of the product (Step 209), and when the payment is completed (Step 210), the product supply device 1 transitions from a product purchase state to a product lottery state (Step 211). The product supply control unit 111 notifies the display control unit 112 of the state.
[0075] The display control unit 112 reads out the item lottery performance image from the memory unit 113, and displays the item lottery performance image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 212). Fig. 18 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the item supply device 1 in the item lottery state. As shown in Fig. 18, the item lottery performance image is displayed on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4. The item lottery performance image is an integrated image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4, and while the items are being supplied, item lottery performance images such as "Did you win the rare capsule?", "Did you lose the rare capsule?", and "Lottery in progress" are displayed. Sound is also output from the sound output unit 8 in conjunction with this image.
[0076] The item lottery processing unit 116 executes a lottery process (Step 213). The item lottery processing unit 116 selects one type of item by lottery from multiple types of items that can be supplied. The item lottery processing unit 116 obtains the rarity of the selected item and determines whether the rarity is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (Step 214). The rarity of the item is obtained from the item table.
[0077] If the rarity of the selected item is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (Step 214), the item lottery processing unit 116 reads out the lottery result performance image 1 from the memory unit 113, and displays the lottery result performance image 1 on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 215). Fig. 19 is an example of the lottery result performance image 1 displayed on the item supply device 1. The lottery result performance image 1 in Fig. 19 is a lottery result performance image when the predetermined value is 2 and the rarity of the selected item is 2.
[0078] On the other hand, if the rarity of the selected item is less than the predetermined value (Step 214), the item lottery processing unit 116 reads out the lottery result performance image 2 from the memory unit 113, and displays the lottery result performance image 2 on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 221). Fig. 20 is an example of the lottery result performance image 2 displayed on the item supply device 1. The lottery result performance image 1 in Fig. 20 is a lottery result performance image when the predetermined value is 2 and the rarity of the selected item is 1.
[0079] The item lottery processing unit 116 notifies the item supply control unit 111 of the lottery result (information on the selected item). The item supply control unit 111 transitions the item supply device 1 from the item lottery state to the item supply state (Step 216). The item supply control unit 111 notifies the display control unit 112.
[0080] The display control unit 112 reads out the goods supply performance image from the storage unit 113, and displays the goods supply performance image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 217). The goods supply performance image is similar to that shown in FIG.
[0081] The item supply control unit 111 performs a process of identifying the storage column (receiving unit) on which the selected item is placed (Step 218). For example, when item A is selected, according to the item table in the memory unit 113, the storage column on which item A is placed is the storage column with storage column ID "1". The item supply control unit 111 instructs the main body control unit 104 to execute the discharge of the item placed in this identified storage column. The main body control unit 104 controls the spiral of the column case to discharge the item to be supplied from the storage column. The discharge device 101 controls the movement of the transport tray 24 to transport the item discharged from the storage column from the storage column to the item removal area X near the supply port 5 (Step 219). Then, the item supply control unit 111 returns to Step 203 and transitions the item supply device 1 from the item supply state to the item selection waiting state. When the item supply control unit 111 detects a shortage by the shortage actuator after the item is carried out, the item supply control unit 111 sets a shortage flag in the item table so that the missing item does not win the lottery, and the item lottery processing unit 116 performs lottery processing so that the missing item is not selected. However, it is not necessary to hide the image of the missing item from the image explaining the supplied item as shown in FIG.
[0082] The product supply device of the second embodiment can select between a first supply mode in which the purchasing user can select the type of product to be purchased at random, and a second supply mode in which, when the purchasing user selects to purchase a product, the product supply device 1 randomly selects one type of product from multiple types of products that can be supplied, and supplies the selected product to the purchasing user. This makes it possible to accommodate a variety of sales formats (supply modes).
[0083] <Modification 1 of the second embodiment> In the above-described second embodiment, an example has been described in which one type of article is stored in each storage column constituting the article rack 22. However, multiple types of articles may be placed randomly in one storage column. The article lottery processing unit 116 is configured to select one storage column by lottery. Even in this case, the type of the item to be supplied is random, so the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained. However, since the rarity of the item to be supplied is unknown, the lottery result presentation image is not necessary.
[0084] <Modification 2 of the second embodiment> In the above-mentioned second embodiment, an example has been described in which a display unit 4 is provided surrounding the main body unit 2. However, in terms of switching the supply mode for supplying goods, the display unit 4 is not a required component, and the second embodiment can be applied even to an goods supply device that does not have a display unit 4.
[0085] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified and embodied in various ways within the scope of the technical concept thereof.
[0086] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but is not limited to, the following supplementary notes. [Appendix 1] An article supplying device, an article supply main body that supplies articles from a supply port; An operation unit having a first display unit; A second display unit provided at least on a front surface of the product supply main body unit excluding at least the supply port and the operation unit and on a side surface of the product supply main body unit; a display control unit that controls images to be displayed on the first display unit and the second display unit; Equipped with The display control unit controls images to be displayed on the first display unit and the second display unit according to a state of the product supply main body unit. Goods supply device.
[0087] [Appendix 2] the display control unit displays a first image on the first display unit and the second display unit in a state waiting for selection of an item. 2. An article supplying device as described in claim 1.
[0088] [Appendix 3] The first image is an image integrated in the first display unit and the second display unit, and includes information about the item. Item supply device according to claim 1 or 2.
[0089] [Appendix 4] The first image is an image related to a character associated with the item. 4. An article supplying device as described in claim 3.
[0090] [Appendix 5] The first image is an image integrated in the first display unit and the second display unit, and includes information unrelated to the item. 3. An article supplying device as described in claim 2.
[0091] [Appendix 6] the display control unit, on the condition that the operation unit is operated, displays a second image on the first display unit and displays a third image on the second display unit. An article supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
[0092] [Appendix 7] The second image includes an item selection image to be operated by a user, The third image is an image that is not an object of operation by the user. 7. An article supplying device as described in claim 6.
[0093] [Appendix 8] The second image or the third image includes an image that highlights the operation unit. 8. An article supplying device according to claim 6 or 7.
[0094] [Appendix 9] The background color of the second image is different from the background color of the third image. 8. An article supplying device as described in claim 7.
[0095] [Appendix 10] The display control unit displays a fourth image on the first display unit and the second display unit in a state in which the item is being supplied. 10. An article supplying device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
[0096] [Appendix 11] The fourth image is an image integrated in the first display unit and the second display unit, and is an image that presents the supply of the item. 11. An article supplying device as described in claim 10.
[0097] [Appendix 12] a lottery execution means for executing a lottery after the supply of the article; The display control unit displays a fifth image related to the lottery on the first display unit and the second display unit, The item supply main unit supplies the item on condition that the lottery is won. An article supply device as described in any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 11.
[0098] [Appendix 13] The fifth image is an image integrated on the first display unit and the second display unit, and is an image that produces the lottery. 13. An article supplying device as described in claim 12.
[0099] [Appendix 14] The operation unit is a touch panel unit capable of displaying images. 14. An article supplying device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
[0100] [Appendix 15] The second display unit is not provided on the top, bottom, or back of the product supply main body unit. 15. An article supplying device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.
[0101] [Appendix 16] The article supply main body includes an openable and closable front door, The display control unit controls the first display unit and the second display unit not to display images when the front door is open. 16. An article supplying device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.
[0102] [Appendix 17] An article supplying device, an article supply main body that supplies articles from a supply port; An operation unit having a first display unit; A second display unit provided at least on a front surface of the product supply main body unit excluding at least the supply port and the operation unit and on a side surface of the product supply main body unit; a display control unit that controls images to be displayed on the first display unit and the second display unit; Equipped with The display control unit is displaying a first image on the first display unit and the second display unit in a state waiting for selection of an item; displaying a second image on the first display unit and a third image on the second display unit, on the condition that the operation unit is operated; In a state in which the article is being supplied, a fourth image is displayed on the first display unit and the second display unit; the first image is an image integrated on the first display unit and the second display unit, The second image includes an item selection image to be operated by a user, the third image is an image that is not an object of operation by the user, The fourth image is an image integrated in the first display unit and the second display unit, and is an image that presents the supply of the item. Goods supply device.
[0103] [Appendix 18] a lottery execution means for executing a lottery after the supply of the article; The display control unit displays a fifth image related to the lottery on the first display unit and the second display unit, The item supply main unit supplies the item on condition that the lottery is won. 18. The article supplying device of claim 17. [Explanation of symbols]
[0104] 1 Goods supply device 2 Main unit 3 Operation display section 4 Display 5 Supply inlet 6 Panel section 7 Coin return slot 8 Sound output section 100 Cooling equipment 101 Unloading device 102 Coin Mech 103 Bill Validator 104 Main unit control section 105 Goods supply main control unit 111 Goods supply control unit 112 Display control unit 113 Storage section 114 Lottery Processing Unit 115 Supply mode setting section 116 Lottery Processing Unit
Claims
1. An article supplying device, comprising: an article supply main body that supplies an article from a supply port on condition that payment is made; An operation unit including a first display unit; A second display unit provided at least on a front surface of the product supply main body unit excluding at least the supply port and the operation unit and on a side surface of the product supply main body unit; a display control unit that controls an image to be displayed on the first display unit and the second display unit; a lottery execution means for executing a lottery after the supply of the article; Equipped with The display control unit displays a lottery image related to the lottery on the first display unit and the second display unit, The item supply main unit supplies an item on condition that the lottery is won. Goods supply device.
2. The lottery image is an image integrated on the first display unit and the second display unit, and is an image that produces the lottery. The article supplying device according to claim 1 .
3. The goods supply main body is controlled so that the goods to be supplied on condition of payment of the price and the goods to be supplied on condition of winning the lottery are different. The article supplying device according to claim 1 or 2.
4. The display control unit, In a state of waiting for selection of an article, a standby performance image is displayed on the first display unit and the second display unit; displaying an item selection image to be operated by a user on the first display unit, and displaying an item selection performance image for performing an item selection on the second display unit, on the condition that the operation unit is operated; In a state in which the goods are supplied on the condition that the payment is made, a goods supply presentation image that presents the supply of the goods is displayed on the first display unit and the second display unit; The standby performance image and the item supply performance image are integrated images on the first display unit and the second display unit, The item selection image and the item selection performance image are images independent of each other on the first display unit and the second display unit. The article supplying device according to claim 3.
5. The operation unit is a touch panel unit capable of displaying images. The article supplying device according to claim 3.
6. The standby image includes information unrelated to the item. The article supplying device according to claim 3.