Article supply device, article supply system, and label issuing method

Abstract

To provide a device capable of supplying articles with fixed quantities with a simple operation.SOLUTION: An article supply device 9 includes: an accommodation unit 92 that accepts an article from a storage unit 41 placed above; an accepting port 91a for accepting the article into the accommodation unit 92; a first shielding unit for shielding the accepting port 91a so that it can be opened; a supply port 91b for supplying the article stored in the accommodation unit 92 to the outside; a second shielding unit for shielding the supply port 91b so that it can be opened; and an operation unit 94 that shields the supply port 91b by the second shielding unit when the accepting port 91a is opened by the first shielding unit, opens the supply port 91b by the second shielding unit when the accepting port 91a is shielded by the first shielding unit, and supplies the article from the supply port 91b to the outside.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 22

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the art of dispensing measured amounts of an article. [Background technology]

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, a system is known that weighs and sells items such as merchandise. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Publication number 6-50740 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the operation of weighing and removing a fixed amount of goods from a device storing the goods requires many steps, which is a burden for customers. Also, some goods are best purchased without being weighed.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus capable of supplying a fixed amount of an article with a simple operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the item supplying device of the present invention has a storage section that receives items from an upper storage section, an receiving port for receiving items into the storage section, a first shielding section that openably covers the receiving port, a supply port for supplying items stored in the storage section to the outside, a second shielding section that openably covers the supply port, and an operating section that shields the supply port with the second shielding section when the receiving port is opened by the first shielding section, opens the supply port with the second shielding section when the receiving port is blocked by the first shielding section, and supplies the items to the outside from the supply port. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view showing an article supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and an article selling device including the article supplying device; [Diagram 2] 1A to 1C are schematic diagrams showing a storage section that constitutes an item supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating (a) a state in which the supply of items is stopped, (b) a state in which items are being supplied, and (c) a state in which the supply of items is stopped again. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing functions of the weighing device. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are perspective views showing a supply unit constituting an article supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A shows a state in which an article can be stored, and FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is an oblique view showing a supply section that constitutes an item supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) it is in a state where it can store items, (b) the storage section is rotating, and (c) it is supplying items. [Figure 6] 1 is an oblique view showing a supply section that constitutes an item supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) it is in a state where it can store items, (b) the storage section is rotating, and (c) it is supplying items. [Figure 7] 2 is a functional block diagram showing functions of an item supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams for explaining the function of the operation detection unit, showing (a) the operation detection unit in a horizontal position, (b) the operation detection unit inclined at a predetermined angle a, and (c) the operation detection unit inclined at a predetermined angle a+b. [Figure 9] 1 is an oblique view showing a supply section that constitutes an item supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing (a) a state in which an item can be stored, (b) a state in which an item is being stored, and (c) a state in which an item is being supplied. [Figure 10] 1 is a perspective view showing a supply unit constituting an item supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11]1A and 1B are cross-sectional views showing a schematic view of a supply section constituting an article supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) shows a state in which an article can be stored, and (b) shows a state in which an article is being supplied. [Figure 12] 1 is an oblique view showing a supply section that constitutes an item supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) it is in a state where it can store an item, (b) it is storing an item, and (c) it is supplying an item. [Figure 13] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the functional configuration of a label issuing device, in which FIG. 1A shows a hardware configuration and FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in an item master. [Figure 15] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing examples of labels issued by the label issuing device, in which (a) shows a label for a user's own container, and (b) shows a label for a store container. [Figure 16] 10 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of processes executed when a first unit U1 provides an article to a customer in the article selling device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is an example of a product selection screen displayed on the label issuing device. [Figure 18] 13 is an example of a product button list display screen displayed on the label issuing device. [Figure 19] 13 is an example of a container selection screen displayed on the label issuing device. [Figure 20] 13 is an example of a display screen of a weight value and a selling price displayed on a label issuing device. [Figure 21] 10 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of processes executed when an article is provided to a customer by a second unit U2 in the article selling device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 22] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of an article supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] 1A and 1B are examples of screens displayed on the display of an electronic shelf label, showing (a) an available for sale state and (b) a sold-out state. [Figure 24]1A and 1B are external perspective views showing an article supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A shows a state in which the top lid is closed, and FIG. [Diagram 25] 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of an arrangement configuration of devices constituting an article selling device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of an arrangement configuration of devices constituting an article selling device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Overview Hereinafter, an article supplying device and an article selling device including an article supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. An article selling device 1 according to this embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is a device for selling articles by weight in response to an operation by a customer. In this embodiment, the product is, for example, food such as dried fruits, nuts, and beans. However, the product is not limited to these products as long as it is suitable for selling by weight. Furthermore, the product supply device according to this embodiment is not limited to cases where such food products are provided to customers as products, but can also be used when a store receives a predetermined amount of supply. Therefore, the product supply device according to this embodiment will be described as supplying predetermined products including products.

[0009] Configuration of the goods sales device 1 The goods sales device 1 is made up of a first unit U1, a second unit U2, and a label issuing device 8. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a label issuing device 8 is installed between the first unit U1 and the second unit U2. The label issuing device 8 receives data from both the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 and issues a label according to the data. It is up to the customer to decide whether to use the first unit U1 or the second unit U2. Therefore, regardless of whether the first unit U1 or the second unit U2 is used, the label issuing device 8 is installed between the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 so that it is easily accessible to the customer.

[0010] The configurations of the first unit U1, the second unit U2, and the label issuing device 8 will be described in detail below, but will be briefly explained here. The first unit U1 is composed of one or more article supplying devices 2 for providing any quantity of an article to a customer, and is provided with a weighing device 3 for weighing the any quantity of the article. The article supplying device 2 includes an operation unit for supplying any amount of articles. In response to an operation on the operation unit, the article supplying device 2 can transmit device identification information for identifying the article supplying device 2 that has supplied the article to the label issuing device 8. In addition, the weighing device 3 can weigh the goods provided by the goods supplying device 2 and transmit the weighing result to the label issuing device 8.

[0011] The second unit U2 is also composed of one or more product supply devices 4 that supply a fixed amount of products to a customer depending on the number of operations. The item supplying device 4 is equipped with an operation unit for performing operations to supply a fixed amount of items, and in response to operation of the operation unit, transmits to the label issuing device 8 device identification information that identifies the item supplying device 4 that supplied the item and information related to the number of times the item has been supplied.

[0012] The label issuing device 8 holds a master that associates the device identification information of the item supply device 2 constituting the first unit U1 or the device identification information of the item supply device 4 constituting the second unit U2 with the item. As a result, the label issuing device 8 identifies the items supplied by the item supply devices 2 and 4, calculates the sales price based on the weight of the item and the number of times it has been supplied, and issues a label for settlement.

[0013] ●First unit U1 The first unit U1 is a so-called unit for bulk sales, and provides any amount of goods to a customer. 1, the first unit U1 has a plurality of article supplying devices 2. The plurality of article supplying devices 2 each have the same function and structure, and are provided for each type of article to be supplied.

[0014] ●Goods supply device 2 The article supply device 2 is composed of a storage section 21 provided above, a supply section 22 provided below the storage section 21, and a weighing device 3 that measures the amount of supplied articles. The storage unit 21 and the supply unit 22 are connected, and the goods in the storage unit 21 are supplied to the outside via the supply unit 22, thereby providing the goods in the storage unit 21 to the customer. The storage unit 21 and the supply unit 22 may be integrally configured, or may be detachably configured by a predetermined attachment mechanism. In the case where they are detachably configured, the goods supply device 2 can be replenished with goods by replacing the storage unit 21 in which the goods are stored. In addition, the expiration date of the goods may be managed in response to replacement of the storage unit 21.

[0015] The storage section 21 is a hollow container that stores items. The storage section 21 is capable of storing a certain amount of articles therein, and discharges the articles to the supply section 22 from a discharge outlet provided below.

[0016] The supply unit 22 supplies an amount of goods to the outside in accordance with the customer's operation. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the supply unit 22 includes a receiving port (not shown), a supply port 22a, a storage unit 221, an operation unit 222, and a shielding unit 223.

[0017] The receiving port is provided at a position corresponding to the discharge port of storage unit 21. The discharge port and the receiving port are in communication with each other, and the articles in storage unit 21 are supplied to the outside from supply port 22a via the discharge port and the receiving port. The supply port 22a is an opening provided at the bottom, and articles are supplied to the outside through this supply port 22a. The storage section 221 is capable of storing a certain amount of articles therein.

[0018] The operation unit 222 is a part that allows the customer to operate the shielding unit 223. This operation unit 222 is linked to the shielding unit 223, and the shielding unit 223 moves in response to the operation of this operation unit 222. The operation unit 222 is, for example, a lever exposed to the outside, and the supply of articles is controlled by the shielding unit 223 that moves in response to the lever operation.

[0019] The shielding portion 223 is a member that provides an openable shield between the storage portion 221 and the supply port 22a. The shielding portion 223 is linked to a predetermined operating portion, and opens or closes the space between the storage portion 221 and the supply port 22a in response to an operation of the operating portion. 2 shows an example of the structure and operation of such a shielding part 223. The shielding part 223 is composed of a thin plate-like part 2231 and a rotating shaft 2232 provided in the center of the plate-like part 2231, and the plate-like part 2231 rotates around the rotating shaft 2232.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2(a), when the plate-shaped portion 2231 is in a horizontal state, the storage portion 221 and the supply port 22a are shielded from each other, so that the articles in the storage portion 221 are not supplied to the outside through the supply port 22a. In response to the operation of the operation portion 222, the plate-shaped portion 2231 rotates about the rotation axis 2232, and when the plate-shaped portion 2231 is no longer horizontal, as shown in FIG. 2(b), the storage portion 221 and the supply port 22a are opened, and the articles in the storage portion 221 are discharged through the supply port 22a. As shown in FIG. 2(c), when the plate-shaped portion 2231 rotates as it is and returns to a horizontal state, or when the plate-shaped portion 2231 returns to its original horizontal state by a biasing means such as a spring that biases the plate-shaped portion 2231 to the horizontal state, the storage portion 221 and the supply port 22a are shielded from each other again, so that the supply of articles is restricted.

[0021] In addition, the shielding portion 223 may be provided at the receiving opening, and may be configured to cover or open the receiving opening in response to operation by the operating portion 222.

[0022] When a customer wishes to receive a desired amount of goods from this goods supply device 2, the customer places a container such as a cup under supply port 22b so that the goods supplied from supply port 22a go directly into the container. Then, the customer operates operation unit 222 to receive the goods stored in storage unit 21 through the discharge port of storage unit 21, the receiving port of supply unit 22, and supply port 22a.

[0023] Like the article supply device 4 described below, the article supply device 2 may include an operation detection unit that detects an article supply operation, an identification information storage unit that stores device identification information that identifies the article supply device 2, and a communication processing unit 403 that transmits the device identification information to the label issuing device 8 together with information indicating that an article supply operation has been performed. This allows the label issuing device 8 to know which article supply device 2 supplied an article, and to identify the supplied article by referring to a predetermined storage unit that associates the device identification information with information related to the article supplied by the article supply device 2.

[0024] ●Measuring device 3 The weighing device 3 is a device that weighs the articles placed on a predetermined placement surface. The weighing device 3 is provided below the supply port 22a of the article supply device 2. When a customer receives an article from the article supply device 2, the customer places a container, such as a cup, for the article on the placement surface. When the customer performs an operation to receive an article from the article supply device 2, the article is supplied from the supply port 22a to the container on the placement surface.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, the weighing device 3 includes a weighing unit 31, an identification information storage unit 32, a display 33, and a communication processing unit .

[0026] The weighing unit 31 weighs items (products, containers, etc.) placed on the placement surface 311, for example, by a weight detection method using a load cell. This allows the weight of the container placed on the placement surface 311 and the item supplied to the container to be measured.

[0027] Here, the weighing unit 311 is specifically configured by a weight detection unit 311 and an AD converter 312. Weight detection unit 311 is realized by a load cell, and A / D converter 312 converts an analog signal input from weight detection unit 311 into a digital signal. In converting to a digital signal, a range in which weight values ​​can be appropriately acquired is set, and then 0 point and the maximum weighing value are recorded. The value converted into digital data is displayed on display 33 as a weighing value (weight).

[0028] The identification information storage unit 32 stores device identification information that can identify the weighing device 3. Regardless of the configuration shown in FIG. 3, instead of identification information capable of identifying the weighing device 3, converter identification information capable of identifying the A / D converter 312 can be stored in the A / D converter 31, and the weighing device 3 can be identified by the converter identification information.

[0029] The display 33 displays the weighing result from the weighing unit 31 .

[0030] The communication processing unit 34 is a functional unit that transmits and receives data to and from the label issuing device 8 and higher-level devices, and realizes data communication via, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The weighing device 3 can transmit information related to the weighing result by the weighing unit 31 to the label issuing device 8 via this communication processing unit 33. At this time, the weighing device 3 can refer to the identification information storage unit 32 and transmit the device identification information to the label issuing device 8 together with the information related to the weighing result by the weighing unit 31.

[0031] The label issuing device 8, which receives the device identification information or converter identification information and the weight value from the weighing device 3, displays the weight value and selling price on the display 81. In this way, even if the preset keys are not displayed, once the weight of the goods on the weighing device 3 is stable enough to be weighed and the supply amount is determined, the weight value and selling price are displayed on the display 81, making it convenient for the customer to increase or decrease the amount of goods while checking the weight value and selling price on the display 81. This is particularly effective if the label issuing device 8 is provided near the operation unit 222 of the goods supply device 2, as the display 81 will be closer to the customer who operates the operation unit 222.

[0032] The weighing device 3 may have a timing function. A weighing device 3 with a timing function can manage, for example, the current time, the remaining time until a certain time, and the elapsed time since a certain state was reached. Information obtained by this timing function may be provided to the label issuing device 8 by the communication processing unit 33.

[0033] Furthermore, the weighing device 3 may be provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the article supply device 2, or may be configured integrally with the article supply device 2.

[0034] ●Second unit U2 The second unit U2 provides a fixed amount of goods to the customer per operation. The second unit U2 has a plurality of article supplying devices 4. The plurality of article supplying devices 4 all have similar functions and structures, and are provided for each type of article to be supplied. In this embodiment, the second unit U2 is described as being configured by the article supplying device 4 according to one embodiment. However, the second unit U2 may be configured by article supplying devices 5, 6, and 7 according to other embodiments described later, instead of the article supplying device 4.

[0035] Item supply device 4 according to Example 1 The article supply device 4 is composed of a storage section 41 provided at the top and a supply section 42 provided below the storage section 41. The storage unit 41 and the supply unit 42 are connected, and the articles in the storage unit 41 are supplied to the outside via the supply unit 42. The storage unit 41 and the supply unit 42 may be integrally configured, or may be detachably configured by a predetermined attachment mechanism. If they are detachably configured, the goods supply device 4 can be replenished with goods by replacing the storage unit 41 in which the goods are stored.

[0036] The storage section 41 is a hollow container that stores items. The storage unit 41 is provided with a discharge port for discharging the articles to the supply unit 42. For ease of explanation, the discharge port provided in the storage unit 41 will be referred to as "discharge port 41a" below.

[0037] The supply unit 42 supplies a predetermined amount of the article stored in the storage unit 41 to the outside in response to an operation by a customer. As shown in FIG. 4, the supply unit 42 is provided with a receiving port 42a, a supply port 42b, a container 43, and an operation unit 44.

[0038] The receiving port 42a is provided at a position corresponding to the discharge outlet 41a of the storage unit 41. The discharge outlet 41a and the receiving port 42a are in communication with each other, and the articles in the storage unit 41 are discharged to the supply unit 42 via the discharge outlet 41a and the receiving port 42a.

[0039] The container 43 is a cylindrical member with both ends closed, and the inner hollow portion forms a container section 431 for storing articles. An opening 43a for receiving articles discharged from the storage section 41 into the container section 431 is provided on the outer circumferential surface. As described below, this container 43 is connected to an operating unit 44 and is rotated in the circumferential direction by the operating unit 44. By rotating in the circumferential direction, the opening 43a faces the discharge port 41a side of the storage unit 41 or faces the supply port 42b side. Here, when the opening 43a faces the supply port 42b side, the outer peripheral surface of the container 43 faces the discharge port 41a side of the storage unit 41, and the receiving port 42a is shielded. At this time, the outer peripheral surface of the container 43 constitutes a shielding means for shielding the receiving port 42a. The storage section 431 is configured so that the internal space has a volume that is just filled with a fixed amount of articles.

[0040] The operating unit 44 constitutes a control means for rotating the container 43 and supplying the articles contained in the container section 431 to the outside. As shown in FIG. 4, the operating unit 44 is composed of a lever 441 that moves up and down, a biasing unit such as a spring (not shown) that biases the lever 441 in a predetermined direction, and a rack and pinion (not shown) that converts the up and down movement of the lever 441 into a rotational movement of the container 43.

[0041] 4(a) and 5(a), when the customer is not operating the lever 441, the lever 441 is lifted upward by the biasing part. At this time, the container 43 linked to the operating part 44 has the opening 43a facing the discharge outlet 41a of the storage part 41, and the articles discharged from the discharge outlet 41a are stored in the storage part 431. Here, as shown in Fig. 5(b), when a customer presses down lever 441 against the biasing force of the biasing portion, container 43 rotates in the circumferential direction, and opening 43a faces downward toward supply port 42b, as shown in Figs. 4(b) and 5(c). As a result, the items stored in container 431 fall from opening 43a due to their own weight, and are supplied to the outside via supply port 42b. At this time, opening 43a faces supply port 42b, so that receiving port 42a is blocked by the outer circumferential surface of container 43, and items are not discharged from storage section 41.

[0042] 6, the container 43 in the supply unit 42 may be provided so that a pair of containers 431 are arranged next to each other. This allows an article to be supplied every time the container 431 makes a quarter rotation.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 7, the article supplying device 4 having the above-mentioned structure includes an operation detection unit 401, an identification information storage unit 402, and a communication processing unit 403 as functional units for executing information processing.

[0044] The operation detection unit 401 is a functional unit that detects the operation of the operation unit 44 by a customer, thereby counting the number of times an article has been supplied based on the operation by the customer. The operation detection unit 401 is realized by, for example, a sensor attached to a part that operates in response to the supply of an article, such as the operation unit 44 or the container 43 that works in conjunction with the operation unit 44. The sensor is, for example, a gyro sensor or an acceleration sensor, and detects changes such as tilt, rotation, and displacement based on the operation of the member to which the sensor is attached, such as the operation unit 44. When a change based on the operation is detected, it is counted as one supply of an article being executed. Information related to the number of times an article has been supplied is provided to the label issuing device 8 by the communication processing unit 403. In addition, the number of times an item has been supplied can be counted by determining that the same customer has supplied an item multiple times until a certain period of time passes without any operation being performed.

[0045] The operation detection unit 401 is configured, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, by functional units of a setting storage unit 4011 and a determination unit 4012.

[0046] The setting storage unit 4011 stores setting values ​​such as a set angle and a displacement value used for the judgment by the judgment unit 4012. The set angle and the displacement value are angles that are set in advance to judge whether the operation unit 44, which is the detection target for inclination, etc., is in a state to supply an article. Note that these values ​​are values ​​according to the operation unit 44.

[0047] The determination unit 4012 uses the tilt angle or displacement of the operation unit 44 to which the operation detection unit 401 is attached as an input value and determines whether the input value exceeds a setting value stored in the setting storage unit 4011. If the input value exceeds the setting value, it can be determined that an item has been supplied, and an operation to supply an item has been executed.

[0048] Here, in the case where the input value is a tilt angle, as shown in Fig. 8, when the attitude shown in Fig. 8(a) is tilted (rotated) to the attitude shown in Fig. 8(b), the operation detection unit 401 sets the input value to a degree (or +a degrees including the tilt direction) as shown in Fig. 8(a). Also, when the attitude shown in Fig. 8(c) is tilted (rotated) to the attitude shown in Fig. 8(b), the operation detection unit 12 sets the input value to b degree (or -b degrees including the tilt direction).

[0049] It should be noted that since it can be estimated that an article has been supplied when an input value such as the tilt angle or displacement of the operation unit 44 to which the operation detection unit 401 is attached is equal to or greater than a set value stored in the setting storage unit 4011, the determination unit 4012 can also be said to be an estimation means for estimating the supply of an article. In other words, the operation detection unit 401 including the determination unit 4012 can also be said to be an estimation device for estimating the supply of an article by the article supply device 2.

[0050] In addition, when counting the number of times an item has been supplied, for example, if an item has been supplied in response to an operation by a specific customer and no further supply of an item has been made within a certain period of time, the operation by the specific customer may be deemed to have ended, and information regarding the number of times an item has been supplied up to that point may be provided to the label issuing device 8. In addition, after an item has been supplied in response to an operation by a specific customer, any subsequent supply of items within a certain period of time may be deemed to be in response to a request from that specific customer, and when the certain period of time has elapsed, information relating to the number of times the item has been supplied up to that point may be provided to the label issuing device 8. Furthermore, information on the number of times the product has been supplied may be provided to the label issuing device 8 each time the supply of the product is counted.

[0051] The identification information storage unit 402 is a storage unit that stores identification information with which the item supply device 4 can be identified.

[0052] The communication processing unit 403 is a functional unit that executes transmission and reception of data with the label issuing device 8 and higher-level devices, and realizes data communication, for example, via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication processing unit 403 enables the article supply device 4 to transmit, to the label issuing device 8, information related to the number of times an article has been supplied, together with identification information of the article supply device 4.

[0053] Item supply device 5 according to embodiment 2 The article supply device 5 is made up of the above-mentioned storage unit 41, and a supply unit 52 shown in FIG. Similarly to the article supply device 4 according to the first embodiment, the storage unit 41 and the supply unit 52 may be configured integrally, or may be configured detachably.

[0054] The supply unit 52 supplies a predetermined amount of the article stored in the storage unit 41 to the outside in response to an operation by a customer. The supply section 52 is provided with a receiving port 52 a , a supply port 52 b , a container 53 , a shielding section 54 , a support section 55 , a first operating section 56 , and a second operating section 57 .

[0055] The receiving port 52a is provided at a position corresponding to the discharge outlet 41a of the storage unit 41. The discharge outlet 41a and the receiving port 52a are in communication with each other, and the articles in the storage unit 41 are discharged to the supply unit 52 via the discharge outlet 41a and the receiving port 52a.

[0056] The container 53 is a bowl-shaped member, and the inner recess forms a container section 531 that stores items. The upper part of the container section 531 is open, and the open part forms an opening for receiving items discharged from the storage section 41 into the container section 531. The container 53 is provided below the receiving port 52a, so that the items discharged from the storage section 41 are stored in the container section 531 via the discharge port 41a and the receiving port 52a. The volume of the storage section 531 is adjusted so that it is filled with a fixed amount of articles.

[0057] A second operating part 57, which will be described later, is connected to this container 53 near its opening, and the container 53 is rotated by the second operating part 57. By rotating the container 53, the opening faces the discharge port 41a side of the storage part 41 or faces the supply port 52b side. Further, a support portion 55, which will be described later, is connected to the container 53.

[0058] The shielding portion 54 constitutes a shielding means for releasably shielding the receiving port 52a. The shielding portion 54 has a shape in which four semicircular shielding pieces 541 are joined at linear portions to form a cross shape in cross section, and a core rod 562 constituting the first operating portion 56 passes along the linear portions. The shielding portion 54 is provided at the receiving port 52a. The planar shape formed by the pair of shielding pieces 541 provided on the same plane is the same as the planar shape of the receiving port 52a. As a result, when any pair of shielding pieces 541 is horizontal, the receiving port 52a is shielded, and the discharge of the articles in the storage section 41 is restricted. On the other hand, when the shielding portion 54 rotates from this shielded state in response to the rotation of the core rod 562 and neither of the shielding pieces 541 is in a horizontal state, the receiving port 52a is in an open state. In this state, the articles in the storage section 41 are discharged to the supply section 52 through the discharge port 41a and the receiving port 52a. Here, when the core rod 562 rotates a quarter turn circumferentially from the state in which the receiving port 52a is shielded by the shielding portion 54, and the receiving port 52a is shielded again, the amount of goods discharged into the container 53 through the receiving port 52a is designed to be equal to a specified amount to be provided to a customer in one goods supply operation.

[0059] The support part 55 is a rod-shaped member connected to the container 53. A rotating shaft 551 is provided in the center of the support part 55, and both ends of the support part 55 move up and down with the rotating shaft 551 as a fulcrum. The container 53 is connected to one end of the support part 55, and a weight 552 and a restricting part 553 are provided on the other end. One end of the support portion 55 is connected to the container 53 , but is not rotated in response to the rotation of the container 53 caused by the second operating portion 57 .

[0060] Sinker 552 has a predetermined weight, and when a fixed amount of articles is stored in storage section 531, the end on which sinker 552 is provided is lifted upward with rotation shaft 551 as a fulcrum. The restricting portion 553 is a portion that restricts the rotation of a gear 563 constituting the first operating portion 56 described later. The restricting portion 553 is provided at the end of the support portion 55 on the side where the weight 552 is provided, below the gear 563 constituting the first operating portion 56 described later. When no article is stored in storage section 531, restricting section 553 is held below gear 563 by weight 552 and is not in contact with gear 563. On the other hand, when a fixed amount of articles is stored in storage section 531, restricting section 553 rises with rotation shaft 551 as a fulcrum and engages between gear teeth provided on the outer circumferential surface of gear 563, restricting the rotation of gear 563.

[0061] The first operating unit 56 is composed of a handle 561 provided on the outside of the supply unit 52, a core rod 562 that rotates in the circumferential direction as the handle 561 rotates, and a gear 563 provided on one end of the core rod 562.

[0062] A core rod 562, one end of which is connected to the center of one side of the handle 561, is provided in the supply unit 52 and extends below the receiving port 52a to the back of the supply unit 52. A shielding portion 54 is provided on this core rod 562 at a position below the receiving port 52a. When the core rod 562 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the handle 561, the shielding portion 54 rotates to open or close the receiving port 52a.

[0063] One end of a core rod 562 is connected to the center of one surface of the gear 563. The gear 563 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the core rod 562, and further, the handle 561 to which the core rod 562 is connected. As described above, when the restricting portion 553 fits between the gear teeth, the rotation of the gear 563 is restricted. When the rotation of the gear 563 is restricted, the rotation of the handle 561 connected to the gear 563 by the core rod 562 is also restricted.

[0064] The second operating portion 57 constitutes a control means for rotating the container 53 and supplying the articles contained in the container portion 531 to the outside. This second operating unit 57 is composed of a lever 571 that moves up and down, a biasing unit such as a spring (not shown) that biases the lever 571 in a predetermined direction, and a rack and pinion (not shown) that converts the up and down movement of the lever 571 into a rotational movement of the container 53.

[0065] When the customer is not operating lever 571, lever 571 is lifted upward by the biasing portion. At this time, container 53 linked to second operating portion 57 faces its opening toward outlet 41a of storage portion 41, and articles discharged from outlet 41a are stored in storage portion 531. When the customer presses lever 571 down against the biasing force of the biasing portion, container 53 rotates in the circumferential direction, and the opening of container 53 faces downward where supply port 52b is located. As a result, the articles stored in storage portion 531 fall under their own weight and are supplied to the outside via supply port 52b. When the storage portion 531 becomes empty, the support portion 55 rotates about the rotation shaft 551 as a fulcrum, whereby the restricting portion 553 moves away from the gear 563, and the first operating portion 56 becomes operable again.

[0066] The article supply device 5 having the above-mentioned structure includes an operation detection unit, an identification information storage unit, and a communication processing unit as functional units for executing information processing, similar to the article supply device 4. The operation detection unit, the identification information storage unit, and the communication processing unit execute the same functions as the operation detection unit 401, the identification information storage unit 402, and the communication processing unit 403 described above.

[0067] The sensor realizing the operation detection unit provided in the article supply device 5 is attached to the first operation unit 56, the second operation unit 57, or the container 53 which rotates in conjunction with the second operation unit 57, for example.

[0068] Item supply device 6 according to the third embodiment The article supply device 6 is made up of the above-mentioned storage unit 41, and a supply unit 62 provided below the storage unit 41 and shown in FIGS. Similarly to the article supply device 4 according to the first embodiment, the storage unit 41 and the supply unit 62 may be configured integrally, or may be configured detachably.

[0069] The supply unit 62 supplies a predetermined amount of the article stored in the storage unit 41 to the outside in response to an operation by a customer. The supply section 62 is provided with a receiving port 62a, a container 63, and a supply port 62b.

[0070] The receiving port 62a is provided at a position corresponding to the discharge outlet 41a of the storage unit 41. The discharge outlet 41a and the receiving port 62a are in communication with each other, and the articles in the storage unit 41 are discharged to the supply unit 62 via the discharge outlet 41a and the receiving port 62a.

[0071] The container 63 is a rectangular columnar member, one end of which in the longitudinal direction is exposed to the outside, and the other end of which is housed within the supply section 62. A support section 631 that supports the container 63 from the underside is provided within the supply section 62. The container 63 moves forward and backward within the supply section 62 along the longitudinal direction while being supported by the support section 631. The portion of the container 63 exposed to the outside constitutes an operating portion for carrying out an operation of supplying the articles contained in the container 63 to the outside, as described later.

[0072] An urging portion 632 such as a spring is provided at one end of the container 63 on the side housed within the supply portion 62. Of the longitudinal ends of the urging part 632, the end opposite the end attached to the container 63 is attached to the inner wall of the supply part 62. As a result, when the container 63 is pushed into the supply part 62 from the outside, the urging part 632 is compressed and urges the container 63 outward.

[0073] The container 63 is formed with a through hole 63a that opens upward and downward. The cross section of the through hole 63a is configured to have the same shape as the receiving port 62a, and when the biasing portion 632 is fully extended, the opening of the upper end side of the through hole 63a appears below the receiving port 62a. In this state, the opening of the lower end side of the through hole 63a is blocked by the support portion 631, and the through hole 63a and the support portion 631 constitute a storage portion that stores the articles discharged from the storage portion 41. The storage portion constituted by the through hole 63a and the support portion 631 is configured so that the internal space has a volume that is just filled with a fixed amount of articles.

[0074] When the biasing portion 632 is in a compressed state, the opening on the upper end side of the through hole 63a does not appear below the receiving port 62a. In this state, the receiving port 62a is covered by the container 63, and the container 63 constitutes a shielding means for covering the receiving port 62a. In addition, in this state, the opening at the lower end of the through hole 63a is not blocked by the support portion 631, and if an article was stored inside when it was blocked by the support portion 631, the article would fall under its own weight and be supplied to the outside through the supply port 62b.

[0075] In the article supply device 6, when the customer is not pushing in the container 63 exposed to the outside, the through hole 63a appears below the receiving opening 62a and forms a container section capable of storing articles. In this state, the articles are discharged from the discharge opening 41a into the container section, and the articles are stored in the container section.

[0076] When a customer pushes in the container 63 exposed to the outside against the biasing force of the biasing portion 632, the through hole 63a moves to the back, and the receiving opening 62a is covered by the container 63. On the other hand, the lower part of the through hole 63a is opened, and thus the article is supplied to the outside from the supply opening 62b. When the customer releases the container 63 after the article has been supplied to the outside, the container 63 receives the biasing force of the biasing portion 632 and returns from the state where it was deeply pushed into the supply portion 62. As a result, the through hole 63a appears below the receiving opening 62a again, and the through hole 63a and the support portion 631 form a container portion, and the article discharged from the storage portion 41 is stored therein.

[0077] The article supplying device 6 having the above-mentioned structure includes an operation detection unit, an identification information storage unit, and a communication processing unit as functional units for executing information processing, similar to the article supplying device 4. These operation detection unit, identification information storage unit, and communication processing unit execute the same functions as the operation detection unit 401, the identification information storage unit 402, and the communication processing unit 403 described above.

[0078] A sensor realizing the operation detection unit provided in the article supply device 6 is attached to the container 63, which also serves as the operation unit, for example.

[0079] Item supply device 7 according to embodiment 4 12 is a schematic diagram of a supply unit 72 constituting an article supply device according to Example 4. Above the supply unit 72, the above-mentioned storage unit 41 is provided. In addition, here, the article supply device configured by the storage unit 41 and the supply unit 72 is referred to as "article supply device 7." Similarly to the article supply device 4 according to the first embodiment, the storage unit 41 and the supply unit 72 may be configured integrally, or may be configured detachably.

[0080] The supply unit 72 supplies a predetermined amount of the article stored in the storage unit 41 to the outside in response to an operation by a customer. The supply unit 72 is provided with a receiving port (not shown), a container 73, a shielding portion 74, and a supply port 72b, as well as a first operation portion and a second operation portion (not shown).

[0081] The receiving port is provided at a position corresponding to the discharge port 41a of the storage unit 41. The discharge port 41a and the receiving port are in communication with each other, and the articles in the storage unit 41 are discharged to the supply unit 72 via the discharge port 41a and the receiving port.

[0082] The container 73 is a cylindrical member that is open at the top and bottom. A lid 731 is provided on the opening at the bottom of container 73, and the opening at the bottom is opened or closed by lid 731. When the bottom is closed by lid 731, the inside of container 73 forms a container section 732 that contains items.

[0083] The upper part of the container 73 is open and can be covered by a shielding part 74 described later, and the open part constitutes an opening 73a for receiving the articles discharged from the storage part 41 into the storage part 732. This opening 73a is provided below the receiving port, so that the articles discharged from the storage part 41 are received in the storage part 732 from the opening 73a via the discharge port 41a and the receiving port. The volume of the storage section 732 is adjusted so that it is filled with a fixed amount of goods.

[0084] The shielding portion 74 shields the upper opening 73a of the container 73 in response to operation of the first operating portion. The shielding unit 74 includes six generally sector-shaped shielding pieces 741. The six generally sector-shaped shielding pieces 741 overlap each other at their apex angles to form a circle that is the same shape as the opening 73a, thereby shielding the opening 73a. In this state, the discharge of the articles in the storage unit 41 is restricted. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 12, each of the shielding pieces 741 rotates around one of the base angles of the arc toward the outside of the receiving opening 72a, thereby opening the receiving opening. In this state, the articles in the storage section 41 are discharged to the supply section 72 through the discharge opening 41a and the receiving opening.

[0085] The first operating unit is a mechanism for operating the shielding unit 74, and is connected to the shielding unit 74. The first operating unit is adapted to receive operation by a customer from outside the supply unit 72, and the shielding unit 74 closes or opens the receiving port 72a in response to the customer's operation.

[0086] The second operation unit is a mechanism for operating the lid body 731, and is connected to the lid body 731. The second operation unit is adapted to receive operation by a customer from outside the supply unit 72, and the lid body 731 opens or closes the lower end of the container 73 in response to the customer's operation.

[0087] In such an article supply device 7, with the end of the container 73 closed by the lid 731, the shielding part 74 is opened to discharge the articles from the storage part 41 and store the articles in the container 732. When receiving a supply of articles, the shielding part 74 is operated by the first operating part to cover the receiving port. Then, the lid 731 is operated by the second operating part to open the bottom end of the container 73. As a result, the articles in the container 732 fall and are supplied to the outside via the supply port 72b.

[0088] The article supply device 7 having the above-mentioned structure includes an operation detection unit, an identification information storage unit, and a communication processing unit as functional units for executing information processing, similar to the article supply device 4. These operation detection unit, identification information storage unit, and communication processing unit execute the same functions as the operation detection unit 401, the identification information storage unit 402, and the communication processing unit 403 described above.

[0089] The sensor realizing the operation detection unit included in the article supply device 7 is attached to, for example, the first operation unit, the second operation unit, or the lid 731 that operates in conjunction with the second operation unit.

[0090] ● Label issuing device 8 The label issuing device 8 is a printer device that issues labels. The label issuing device 8 acquires information about the product provided to the customer from the first unit U1 and the second unit U2, and issues a label on which information for selling the product provided to the customer is printed in response to the information.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 13(a), the label issuing device 8 is equipped with, as hardware resources, an arithmetic unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) for executing information processing, and memory devices such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), and is connected to a display 81 and an issuing unit 82 via an interface circuit.

[0092] The display 81 is realized by a touch panel display, and functions as an input / output processing unit that displays various information to the customer and receives various types of operation information.

[0093] The issuing unit 82 prints print data generated by an information processing unit 804 (described later) on a predetermined medium to generate a label, and ejects the label from the label issuing port 8a. The label may be a paper receipt or a sticker that can be attached to a container for storing an item.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 13(b), the label issuing device 8 includes an item master 801, a container master 802, a setting master 803, an information processing unit 804, and a communication processing unit 805 as software resources.

[0095] The item master 801 stores basic information such as the name and price of an item. Data items stored in this item master 801 include, for example, item identification information, item name, measurement category, unit price, and unit weight, as shown in FIG. The information stored in the item master 801 may be received by the communication processing unit from a management device installed in the store or a cloud server located outside the store.

[0096] The metrology category is a category related to metrology. Measurement category "0" is a measurement category that corresponds to "unfixed weight" and is applied when goods are provided to customers by the first unit U1. Unfixed weight is a sales method in which the selling price is determined based on a preset unit price per unit weight ("100g" in this embodiment) and the weight (measured value) to be sold. For goods in measurement category "0 (unfixed weight)", the weight to be sold is required when determining the selling price.

[0097] When the measurement category is "0 (unfixed weight)", the unit price field stores the unit price per unit weight, and the unit weight field stores the unit weight. For example, for an item with item identification information "SH001" (item name "AAA"), it is stored that the unit price per 100g is 250 yen. Therefore, for an item with item name "AAA", if the measurement value is 50g, the selling price will be 125 yen, and if the measurement value is 200g, the selling price will be 500 yen.

[0098] Measurement category "1" is the measurement category that corresponds to "fixed weight" and is applied when goods are provided to a customer by the first unit U1. Fixed weight is a sales method in which the selling price is determined based on a preset unit price per unit quantity ("1 piece" in this embodiment) and the sales quantity converted from the unit weight. For goods in measurement category "1 (fixed weight)", the quantity of the goods is calculated (estimated) from the unit weight of the goods (the weight of one piece, which is the unit quantity; already stored) and the measurement value, and the selling price is determined from the calculated quantity of the goods and the unit price per unit quantity, so weighing by the weighing device 3 is necessary. Incidentally, the weight error of each individual may be corrected by using an accuracy correction function provided in the counting scale or the like.

[0099] When the measurement category is "1 (fixed weight)", the unit price column stores the unit price per unit weight (i.e. quantity 1), and the unit weight column stores the unit weight equivalent to quantity 1. For example, for an item (item name "ABC") with item identification information "SH103", it is stored that the unit price per item (weight 80g) is 90. Therefore, for an item with item name "ABC", if the weighing value is around 85g, the selling price will be 90 yen for one item, and if the weighing value is around 150g, the selling price will be 180 yen for two items.

[0100] Measurement category "2" is a measurement category that corresponds to "fixed price" and is applied when goods are provided to customers by the second unit U2. Fixed price is a sales method in which the sales price is determined based on a preset unit price per unit quantity ("1 piece" in this embodiment) and the sales quantity input as the number of items placed. For items in measurement category "2 (fixed price)", there is no need to measure using the weighing device 3, as the sales quantity is determined by the number of items placed, regardless of weight.

[0101] When the measurement category is "2 (fixed price)", the unit price field stores the unit price per quantity (nothing is stored in the unit weight field). For example, for an item with item identification information "SH150" (item name "AAAA"), the unit price per unit is stored as 120. Therefore, for an item with item name "AAAA", if the quantity input value is 1, the selling price will be 120 yen for one item, and if the quantity input value is 2, the selling price will be 240 yen for two items.

[0102] The container master 802 stores information related to the weight of the container in which the item is placed, etc. The containers to be used in this embodiment include so-called "my containers" owned by customers and containers sold in stores. However, some of the containers sold in stores can be used as "my containers" after the customer purchases them.

[0103] Data items stored in this container master 802 include, for example, store container identification information, store container weight information, and store container price information. Store container identification information includes container identification information related to a store container. Container identification information is identification information that identifies a container. Container identification information is identification information that can identify, for example, my container, container S (one of the store containers), container M (one of the store containers), and container L (one of the store containers). For example, container identification information "10" is my container, container identification information "21" is container S, container identification information "22" is container M, and container identification information "23" is container L. Store container identification information is container identification information related to a store container, as described above. Store container weight information is weight information of each store container. Store container price information is price information of each store container.

[0104] The setting master 803 stores setting information that associates device identification information capable of identifying the item supplying device 4 with item identification information of items stored in the item supplying device 4. By referring to this setting master 803, it is possible to identify the articles stored in a specific article supplying device 4 and supplied from that specific article supplying device 4. In addition, in this setting master 803, the device identification information of the item supplying device 2 and the item identification information of the items stored in the item supplying device 2 may be stored in association with each other.

[0105] The information processing unit 804 acquires information required to calculate the selling price of the item from the first unit U1 or the second unit U2, and calculates the selling price of the item. When an item is provided to a customer in the first unit U1, the information processing unit 804 first refers to the item master 801 to ascertain the item provided to the customer and its unit price. Then, the weight of the item provided to the customer is calculated from the measurement value and the weight of the container, and the unit price of the item is multiplied by the calculated weight to calculate the sales price of the item provided to the customer. In addition, if the customer purchases a container when the goods are provided, the purchase cost of the container is included in the calculation of the sales price.

[0106] Furthermore, when an item is provided to a customer in the second unit U2, first, the information processing unit 804 refers to the item master 801 to ascertain the item provided to the customer and the unit price per supply of the item by the item supply device 4. Then, the unit price per supply of the item is multiplied by the number of supplies to calculate the sales price of the item provided to the customer.

[0107] If the customer purchases a container when the product is provided, the purchase cost of the container is included in the calculation of the sales price. Information relating to the sales price of the product may be coded, for example, into a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code.

[0108] The information on the selling price of the item calculated by the information processing unit 804 is supplied to the issuing unit 82 together with information on the name, quantity, etc. of the item, and is issued by the issuing unit 82 as a label. FIG. 15(a) shows an example of a label issued when a personal container is used. On the label in FIG. 15(a), "my bottle" is printed to indicate that a personal container was used. The 827 yen on the label in FIG. 15(a) is the special price for a personal bottle, which is the amount (847 yen) for the net amount (121 g) of (original nut mix) with a unit price (yen / 100 g) of 700 yen minus the my bottle discount amount (20 yen) when a personal bottle is used. Here, the net amount (121 g) is the numerical value measured by the weighing device 3 in the case of the first unit U1, and is the fixed amount per supply of the goods in the case of the second unit U2. Although not printed in the example of Fig. 15(a), the discount amount for a personal bottle (20 yen) may also be printed. The barcode on the label in Fig. 15(a) is, for example, a coded version of the amount (847 yen). Note that a personal bottle (personal container) costs 0 yen, so 0 yen may be explicitly printed for the personal bottle (personal container).

[0109] Figure 15(b) is a label when a store container is used. On the label in Figure 15(b), "container A" is printed to indicate that a store container was used. In this example, the price of container A is 30 yen, so 30 yen is printed. The 877 yen on the label in Figure 15(b) is the amount obtained by adding the 30 yen price of container A to the 847 yen explained in Figure 15(a). The barcode on the label in Figure 15(b) is, for example, a coded version of the amount (877 yen).

[0110] The communication processing unit 805 is configured to be able to communicate data with the weighing device 3 constituting the first unit U1 and the article supply device 4 constituting the second unit U2. The communication means is not particularly limited and may be realized, for example, by a wired or wireless LAN. The label issuing device 8 may be configured to be able to communicate with a higher-level server installed in the store, in addition to the weighing device 3 and the article supply device 4, or may be configured to be able to communicate with an external server via a network such as the Internet.

[0111] In addition to these functional units, the label issuing device 8 may also include a scanner unit, a voice output unit, a tag reader / writer, and the like, depending on the sales mode of the product.

[0112] The scanner unit is a functional unit that optically reads various types of information, and reads one-dimensional or two-dimensional codes in which predetermined information is encoded. This allows, for example, information related to the weight of a container for placing an item, or container identification information that identifies the container, to be encoded into a two-dimensional code and printed on the container, and the two-dimensional code can then be read to obtain information related to the weight of the container or the container identification information.

[0113] The audio output unit outputs audio, thereby outputting, for example, audio guidance.

[0114] The tag reader reads and writes information from and to a contactless IC tag. An example of a contactless IC tag is an RFID (radio frequency identifier) ​​tag, and the tag reader reads and writes information between the contactless IC tag and the tag through short-range wireless communication using an electromagnetic field, radio waves, or the like. For example, information on the weight of a container into which an item is to be placed or container identification information for identifying the container may be written in a non-contact ID tag, and a label incorporating the non-contact ID may be affixed to the container.Then, the tag reader may read the information on the weight of the container into which an item is to be placed or the container identification information for identifying the container.

[0115] In addition, the label issuing device 8 also stores a button setting file relating to buttons to be displayed on the display 81 in an operable manner.

[0116] Also, a store terminal is installed separately within the store, which executes payment processing for the item based on the label issued by the label issuing device 8. This store terminal is, for example, a POS terminal operated by a store clerk or a customer, who inputs information related to the selling price of the item printed on the label into the store terminal and executes a payment operation according to a predetermined payment method.

[0117] The software resources possessed by the above-mentioned label issuing device 8 can be distributed or consolidated into any of the hardware resources by appropriate design, and the hardware resources can also be configured as a physically integrated device or as separate devices.

[0118] ●Processing flow (when the first unit U1 is used) The flow of the process executed when a customer receives an article from the article selling device 1 according to this embodiment will be described below. Before the goods vending device 1 is used, the store stores in the setting master 803 the goods supply devices 2 and 4 and the goods identification information of the goods supplied by the goods supply devices 2 and 4 in association with each other.

[0119] When a customer uses the goods selling device 1, the customer arbitrarily selects and uses the first unit U1 or the second unit U2. First, an example of the flow of a process executed when a customer receives an article from the first unit U1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0120] The customer selects the container to be used from the display 81 of the label issuing device 8 (S101). The container can be selected as a "my container" or a store container sold by the store. Store containers sold by the store come in sizes such as S, M, and L, and the customer selects the desired size. Here, when the my container is selected, if the my container is registered, the container identification information for identifying the my container, or the information related to the weight of the my container is obtained from the two-dimensional code written on the label attached to the my container, or the non-contact IC tag attached to the my container. Also, when a store container sold by a store is selected, if the weight of the store container is registered in the container master 802 in association with the container identification information, the weight of the store container is grasped based on the container identification information. This allows the weight of the my container and the store container to be grasped by referring to the container master 802. The container weight (tare weight) when the my container is selected and the weight of the store container sold by the store are automatically obtained by the label issuing device 8, which is useful because it is possible to omit the tare operation. Note that even in the case of an unregistered container, it can be used by placing an empty container on the weighing unit 31 and performing a tare operation.

[0121] On the other hand, if the container is not registered, the weight of the container is measured as the weight of the container, and the container is registered. In one example of registering a my container, a label with an embedded non-contact IC tag is first affixed to a container brought by a customer (the container to be registered as my container). Next, the unregistered my container is placed on the weighing device 3. The weighing device 3 weighs the unregistered my container that has been placed on it. The measured value is the weight of the tare (my container). After weighing the my container, the weighing device 3 writes the measured value into the non-contact IC tag attached to the label affixed to the my container. This makes the unregistered my container a registered my container. In another example of registering my container, a non-contact IC tag storing predetermined container identification information or a label printed with a two-dimensional code encoding the predetermined container identification information is affixed to my container. Then, the predetermined container identification information and the tare weight of my container are registered in the container master 802.

[0122] A customer operates the article supplying device 2 containing the desired product, places the product in a container, and places the container containing the product on the placement surface 311 of the weighing device 3. Alternatively, the customer may place the container on the placement surface 311 of the weighing device 3 installed below the article supplying device 2 containing the desired product, and then operate the article supplying device 2 to place the desired amount of product in the container. The weighing device 3 uses the weighing unit 31 to weigh the container on the placement surface 311 and the article placed in the container (S102). The item supply device 2 transmits device identification information for identifying its own device to the label issuing device 8, and the weighing device 3 transmits information related to the weight value of the item (S103).

[0123] The label issuing device 8 calculates the selling price of the item provided to the customer by the information processing unit 804 (S104). That is, the information processing unit 804 refers to the item master 801 and the setting master 803 to grasp the item provided to the customer and its unit price. Then, it calculates the weight of the item provided to the customer from the measurement value and the weight of the container, and multiplies the unit price of the item by the calculated weight to calculate the selling price of the item provided to the customer. In addition, when calculating the sales price, if a container is purchased in step S101, the purchase cost of the container is included in the sales price.

[0124] In the label issuing device 8, the issuing unit 82 prints information related to the selling price on a medium such as paper to create a label, and then discharges the label from the label issuing port 8a (S105). The customer who receives the label hands it over to a store clerk, who then executes the payment process using a store terminal. Note that the payment process may also be performed by the customer themselves at the store.

[0125] In addition, when selling goods by the first unit U1, the selection of the goods may be accepted. In this case, it is not necessary to receive device identification information from the goods supply device 2 to specify the goods.

[0126] FIG. 17 shows an example of a product selection screen displayed on the label issuing device 8 for selecting a product as an item. This selection screen has an area at the top that displays the measurement value, unit weight, and price. A virtual keyboard and virtual numeric keypad are displayed at the bottom of the selection screen. An area (product button area) that displays product buttons is provided in the center of the product selection screen. The product weight can also be displayed on the product button. Product buttons may be provided not only for each product, but also for each predetermined weight of the same product. In the example shown in FIG. 17, a "90g" button and a "120g" button are provided for the same "Cashew Nuts."

[0127] Furthermore, on the selection screen, the product buttons displayed in the button area can be switched using tabs. Each of the tabs "Nuts," "Hot Items," "Fruits," and "Vegetables" is a tab related to the respective product. When the tab "Nuts" is selected, the product button area displays a list of product buttons for all products that include nuts, as shown in FIG. 18. The same is true when the tab "Hot Items," tab "Fruits," or tab "Vegetables" is selected. The tab "Selected Items" is a tab related to the product selected by the customer.

[0128] The customer selects an item to be weighed from this selection screen, and this is accepted by the label issuing device 8. The label issuing device 8 calculates the selling price based on the weight of the item obtained from the weighing device 3 and the information of the item selected by the customer from the selection screen, and issues a label.

[0129] 19 and 20 show examples of screens displayed on the label issuing device 8 when a customer selects a container to put an item in. FIG. Fig. 19 shows a screen when a store container is selected as the container for putting goods in, and buttons are displayed on the screen to select the size of the store container from S, M, or L. The customer selects the size of their choice on the screen. Figure 20 shows the screen after the net quantity and selling price of the weighed item have been calculated. The screen displays the name of the item, the tare weight of the store container of the size selected by the customer, the net quantity of the item, the unit price of the item, and the selling price.

[0130] The container may be selected after the customer receives the item. For example, when an item is provided to a customer, the weighing device 3 transmits a weight value and device identification information to the label issuing device 8, and the weighing result is displayed on the display 81 of the label issuing device 8. After a certain period of no operation (e.g., a few seconds) has elapsed, a container selection screen appears and the customer can select a container.

[0131] ●Processing flow (when the second unit U2 is used) An example of the flow of a process executed when a customer receives a supply of an article from the second unit U2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0132] Similar to the procedure when using the first unit U1, the customer selects the container to be used from the display 81 of the label issuing device 8 (S201).

[0133] A customer brings a container below the article supplying device 4 in which a desired article is stored, and operates the article supplying device 4 to place the desired article in the container. Alternatively, a customer may place a container below the article supplying device 4 in which a desired article is stored, and then operate the article supplying device 4 to place the article in the container. The article supplying device 4 is designed to supply a fixed amount of articles with one operation, and a customer can operate the article supplying device 4 as many times as desired to receive supplies of articles. In response to this, the article supplying device 4 detects the operation by the operation detection unit 301 (S202), and counts the number of supplies (S203).

[0134] After detecting the supply of an item by a customer, when a certain period of time has elapsed without any operation (S204), the label issuing device 8 assumes that the operation by the customer has ended and transmits device identification information of its own device and information related to the number of times the item has been supplied to the label issuing device 8 (S205).

[0135] The label issuing device 8 calculates the selling price of the goods provided to the customer by the information processing unit 804 (S206). That is, the information processing unit 804 refers to the goods master 801 to grasp the goods provided to the customer and the unit price per supply of the goods by the goods supply device 4. Then, the selling price of the goods provided to the customer is calculated by multiplying the unit price per supply of the goods by the number of supplies. In addition, when calculating the sales price, if a container is purchased in step S201, the purchase cost of the container is included in the sales price.

[0136] In the label issuing device 8, the issuing unit 82 prints information about the selling price on a medium such as paper to create a label, and then discharges the label from the label issuing port 8a (S207). In order to prevent the label from being left behind, a sensor may be attached to notify the user that the label has been left behind. The customer who receives the label hands it over to a store clerk, who then executes the payment process using a store terminal. Note that the payment process may also be performed by the customer themselves at the store.

[0137] In addition, in the process of providing goods to customers by the second unit U2, if a customer uses a personal cup, the selection of a container can be eliminated. Also, if a store container is sold separately from the goods selling device 1, the selection of a container can be eliminated even if the customer uses a store container. With this configuration, the customer can receive goods without performing any operation on the label issuing device 8.

[0138] ●Goods supply device 9 In the article supplying device 4 according to the present embodiment described above, a fixed amount of articles is supplied from the storage section 41 to the supplying section 42 in one operation using only a physical mechanism. Meanwhile, in the article supplying device 9 according to another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 22, a hopper scale 91 can be attached to the discharge outlet 41a of the storage section 41, and articles can be provided to a customer from the storage section 41 via the hopper scale 91.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 22, the hopper scale 91 has a receiving port 91a for receiving the supply of articles from the storage section 41, a supply port 91b for supplying articles to the outside, a storage section 92 capable of storing articles, and a weighing section 93, as well as a first shielding section and a second shielding section (not shown). Further, the article supplying device 9 is provided with an operation unit 94 for operating the article supplying device 9. In Fig. 22, the operation unit 94 is provided in the storage unit 41, but it may be provided in the hopper scale 91. In addition, the article supply device 9 includes a control unit that controls the first shielding unit and the second shielding unit.

[0140] The receiving port 91a is provided at a position corresponding to the discharge port 41a of the storage unit 41. The discharge port 41a and the receiving port 91a are in communication with each other, and the articles in the storage unit 41 are discharged to the storage unit 92 via the discharge port 41a and the receiving port 91a. The supply port 91b is an opening that leads from the storage section 92 to the outside, and the articles in the storage section 92 are supplied to the outside via the supply port 91b.

[0141] The first shielding portion is a means for openably shielding the receiving opening 91a, and is formed, for example, of a plate-like member capable of blocking the receiving opening 91a. The second shielding portion is a means for releasably shielding the supply port 91b, and is formed of, for example, a plate-like member capable of closing the supply port 91b. Both the first and second shielding portions open or close the receiving port 91a or the supply port 91b by electrical control.

[0142] The storage section 92 receives and stores articles discharged from the storage section 41 attached above through the receiving opening 91a.

[0143] The weighing unit 93 measures the weight of the articles in the storage unit 92 by a weight detection method using a load cell. The weighing unit 93 can measure the weight of the articles in the storage unit 92. In detail, the weighing unit 93 is composed of a weight detection unit (load cell) similar to the weighing unit 31 in the weighing device 3, and an AD converter. When analog data is input from the weight detection unit to the AD converter, the analog data is converted into digital data and the weight is determined.

[0144] The operation unit 94 is a means for requesting the article supply device 9 to supply an article, and in this embodiment is configured as a lever. When the operation unit 94 configured as a lever is pressed down, a signal requesting the supply of an article is sent to the control unit, and the control unit executes control to supply the article in response to this. When a signal requesting the supply of an article is sent to the control unit, the lever returns to its original position.

[0145] When the control unit receives a signal requesting the supply of an article as a result of the operation of the operating unit 94, the control unit controls the first shielding unit and the second shielding unit to supply a fixed amount of the article to the outside.

[0146] Here, the supply control of items by the control unit will be described. In the standby state, the receiving port 91a is covered by the first covering portion. At this time, the supply port 91b may be covered by the second covering portion or may be open. When the operation unit 94 transmits a signal requesting the supply of articles to the control unit, the control unit controls the first shielding unit to open the receiving opening 91a. At this time, if the supply opening 91b is shielded by the second shielding unit, the control unit leaves it shielded. On the other hand, if the supply opening 91b is not shielded by the second shielding unit, the control unit controls the second shielding unit to shield the supply opening 91b with the second shielding unit in accordance with the opening of the receiving opening 91a.

[0147] The control unit refers to the weight of the items in the storage unit 92 measured by the weighing unit 93, and appropriately controls the first shielding unit so that the weight of the items in the storage unit 92 becomes a predetermined weight. When the weight of items in the storage section 92 reaches a predetermined weight and the weight detection section determines that the weight of the items is stable, the control section controls the first shielding section to shield the receiving port 91a and controls the second shielding section to open the supply port 91b. This allows a fixed amount of goods to be provided to the customer in one operation.

[0148] In addition, in this article supplying device 9, articles can be discharged from the storage section 21 in response to the operation of the operating section 94 so that an arbitrary amount of articles can be stored in the storage section 92. For example, the customer operates the operating section 94 to discharge articles into the storage section 92 until the amount of articles in the storage section 92 reaches a predetermined amount. At this time, a weighing screen is displayed on the display 81 of the label issuing device 8 linked to the article supplying device 9, and the customer can understand the product name, price per gram, weight, selling price, etc. When the amount of articles in the storage section 92 reaches a predetermined amount, the customer operates the operating section 94 to stop discharging the articles. The label issuing device 8 issues a settlement label when the article discharging operation is stopped, the article weight is stabilized, or a predetermined button is pressed. In this case, an arbitrary amount of articles can be provided to the customer by selling by weight. In addition, when selling goods by weight in this manner, the first shielding portion may be kept open at all times, and the second shielding portion may be controlled by the operating portion 94 to open or close the supply port 91b to supply a predetermined amount of goods.

[0149] Furthermore, like the item supply device 4, this item supply device 9 can transmit device identification information capable of identifying the item supply device 9 to the label issuing device 8 in response to operation of the operating unit 94, thereby allowing the label issuing device 8 to identify the item supplied by the item supply device 9.

[0150] ●Electronic shelf label 10 In the goods selling device 1 according to the present embodiment, the above-mentioned storage units 21 and 41 may be fitted with electronic shelf labels 10 each having a built-in sensor, as shown in FIG. The electronic shelf label 10 is composed of, for example, a sensor, a display, an identification information storage unit, and a communication processing unit.

[0151] The sensor constitutes a storage amount detection unit that detects the amount of items in the storage unit to which the electronic shelf label 10 is attached. This sensor is realized by, for example, an optical sensor, and is provided on the back side where the storage units 21 and 41 are attached. 1, the electronic shelf label 10 is attached below the storage units 21, 41, and a sensor attached to the back side of the electronic shelf label 10 irradiates detection light toward the storage units 21, 41. The storage status in the storage units 21, 41 is grasped from changes in the amount of light reflected or blocked by the items in the storage units 21, 41. That is, when the number of items in the storage units 21, 41 decreases and the detection light from the sensor is no longer blocked by the items in the storage units 21, 41, it can be recognized that there is a shortage of items. The information from the sensor is provided to a higher-level terminal or the like by a communication processing unit together with identification information for identifying the electronic shelf label 10 .

[0152] The display electronically displays information relating to the items in the storage units 21, 41. The information relating to the items is provided from a higher-level terminal or the like via a network such as a LAN. FIG. 23 shows an example of the information displayed on the display. FIG. 23(a) shows that "Hazel Nuts" is being offered at $14.20 per 200 mL in the article supply devices 2 and 4 to which the electronic shelf label 10 is attached. 23(b) shows that "Roasted salted Almonds," offered at $34.0 per kg, have been sold out in the item supply devices 2 and 4 to which the electronic shelf labels 10 are attached. In this example, to indicate that the item is sold out, "SOLD OUT" is displayed and the item name "Roasted salted Almonds" is crossed out.

[0153] The identification information storage unit stores identification information for identifying the electronic shelf label 10. In a higher-level terminal or the like, the identification information assigned to the electronic shelf label 10 is associated with the item and registered as setting information in advance, and the electronic shelf label 10 is managed based on the identification location information. This allows, for example, updated information about an item to be provided to the electronic shelf label 10, and the updated item information to be displayed on the display. More specifically, when it is determined from the information based on the sensor that the amount of stored items has fallen below a predetermined threshold, a display request for information indicating that the item is sold out is transmitted to the electronic shelf label 10, and the information is displayed on the display.

[0154] The communication processing unit is realized by, for example, a wired or wireless LAN, and transmits and receives data to and from the label issuing device 8, a higher-level terminal, or another relay device.

[0155] The electronic shelf label 10 may further include a sensor that functions as the above-mentioned operation detection unit 401. Such a sensor is realized, for example, by an acceleration sensor or a tilt sensor such as a gyro sensor. By attaching the electronic shelf label 10 to a part that operates in response to the supply of items, such as the operation unit 44 or the container 43 that works in conjunction with the operation unit 44, it is possible to detect behavior based on the operation and count the number of times the items are supplied. However, regardless of this, a sensor that functions as the operation detection unit 401 may be provided separately from the electronic shelf label 10. If the electronic shelf label 10 is provided on or near the operation unit 44, the display of the electronic shelf label 10 is easily visible to the customer operating the operation unit 44, and the customer is more likely to be aware of the display. This also enables the customer to operate the operation unit 44 while checking on the display the contents of the item supply devices 2, 4 to which the electronic shelf label 10 is attached, the amount of item supply, and the like.

[0156] Furthermore, if the storage units 21, 41 are detachably attached to the supply units 22, 42, the total weight of the storage units 21, 41 can be known when they are attached or replaced. Then, by subtracting a weight according to the number of items sold from the total weight, the remaining amount of items can be known. This makes it possible to determine when the remaining amount of items in the storage units 21, 41 falls below a predetermined amount, and to issue a predetermined alert, such as displaying that fact on the display of the electronic shelf label 10.

[0157] ●Goods supply device 11 FIG. 24 shows an article supplying device 11 configured as a container with a lid. This article supplying device 11 is provided with a container 101 capable of containing articles, an openable and closable top lid 102, and is equipped with a weighing device 103. A customer can receive articles by opening the top lid 102 and scooping up the articles contained in the container 101.

[0158] An operation detection unit 401 is attached to the top lid 102 of this article supplying device 11. When the top lid 102 is lifted from the state of Fig. 24(a) to the state of Fig. 24(b), the operation detection unit 401 detects a change in the inclination angle of the top lid 102. The opening of the top lid 102 can be considered to indicate that an article has been supplied. Furthermore, as the articles are scooped up from within the container 101, the weight loss is measured by the weighing device 103, and this weight loss can be regarded as the amount of the articles supplied. As a result, when the device identification information of the article supplying device 11 and the weighing result by the weighing device 103 are sent to the label issuing device 8, the label issuing device 8 identifies the article based on the device identification information and calculates the selling price according to the article and its weight. In addition, the customer is not required to perform a tare operation, which is convenient for the customer.

[0159] ●Item sales device 1A The above-mentioned goods sales device 1 is composed of a first unit U1, a second unit U2, a weighing device 3, and a label issuing device 8 arranged between the first unit U1 and the second unit U2, but it is possible to adopt an arrangement configuration in which each device, including the above-mentioned goods supply device 11, is grouped together for easy access.

[0160] FIG. 25 shows an example of such an arrangement of the devices. An article selling device 1A shown in this example has a certain height, and is provided with a space vertically divided into a plurality of levels by shelf boards. Above, a first unit U1 and a second unit U2 are arranged adjacent to each other, and a label issuing device 8 is provided below the boundary between the first unit U1 and the second unit U2, in a position where a customer can operate it without bending over.

[0161] In addition, in the space partitioned by the shelf boards, an article supplying device 11A having the same functions as the article supplying device 11 described above is installed. The weighing device 3 may be provided below the article supply device 2 of the first unit U1, for example, as in the example of FIG.

[0162] ● Item sales device 1B FIG. 26 shows an example of a goods vending device 1B different from the goods vending device 1A. Like the goods vending device 1A, this goods vending device 1B has a certain height and is provided with a space divided into multiple levels by shelves in the vertical direction. Also, a first unit U1 and a second unit U2 are arranged adjacent to each other above.

[0163] On the other hand, the label issuing device 8 is disposed below the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 and toward one side, and the space beside the label issuing device 8 is provided as a working space.

[0164] In the lower space partitioned off by the shelf boards, an article supplying device 11A having the same functions as the article supplying device 11 described above, similar to the article selling device A, is installed.

[0165] The configurations of these goods selling devices 1A and 1B are merely examples, and a weighing device 3 may be installed at an appropriate location, or a goods supplying device 9 equipped with a hopper scale 91 may be provided in place of either or both of the goods supplying device 2 and the goods supplying device 4. The goods supplying device 9 is equipped with a weighing unit 92, and can function as either the goods supplying device 2 or the goods supplying device 4. Furthermore, when article supply device 9 is installed in place of both article supply device 2 and article supply device 4, article supply device 9 can accommodate both selling by weight like the first unit U1 and selling in fixed quantities like the second unit U2, so it is not necessarily necessary to divide the illustration into selling by weight on the left side and selling in fixed quantities on the right side, as shown in Figures 25 and 26.

[0166] Summary of the implementation form

[0167] The present invention relates to the art of dispensing measured amounts of an article.

[0168] As shown in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-50740, a system is known that weighs and sells goods such as merchandise.

[0169] However, the operation of weighing and removing a fixed amount of goods from a device storing the goods requires many steps, which is a burden for customers. Also, some goods are better purchased without weighing them.

[0170] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus capable of supplying a fixed amount of an article with a simple operation.

[0171] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the item supplying device of the present invention has a storage section that receives items from an upper storage section, an receiving port for receiving items into the storage section, a first shielding section that openably covers the receiving port, a supply port for supplying items stored in the storage section to the outside, a second shielding section that openably covers the supply port, and an operating section that shields the supply port with the second shielding section when the receiving port is opened by the first shielding section, opens the supply port with the second shielding section when the receiving port is blocked by the first shielding section, and supplies the items to the outside from the supply port.

[0172] The second shielding portion may open the supply port in response to a predetermined amount of the article being stored in the storage portion from the storage portion.

[0173] The device may further include a communication processing unit that transmits identification information of the device itself to a predetermined terminal in response to an operation performed by the operation unit.

[0174] The storage unit may further include an attachment mechanism for detachably attaching the storage unit.

[0175] The container may further include a storage amount detection unit that detects a storage amount in a storage unit that stores the items in a dischargeable manner.

[0176] Also, a display unit may be provided near the operation unit.

[0177] The container may include a weight detection unit, and when the weight detection unit determines that the weight is stable, the second shielding unit may open the supply port.

[0178] In addition, an item supply system according to another aspect of the present invention comprises an item supply device that supplies items and a label issuing device that issues labels related to the supplied items, wherein the item supply device has an operation detection unit that detects the supply operation of the item and counts the number of times the item has been supplied, and an identification information sending unit that sends information related to the number of times the item has been supplied to the label issuing device along with device identification information of the item supply device, and the label issuing device has a setting information memory unit that stores the device identification information in association with information related to the items supplied by the item supply device, an information processing unit that identifies the items supplied by the item supply device by referring to the setting information memory unit based on the device identification information, and an issuing unit that issues the label including information related to the selling price based on the information related to the identified item and the information related to the number of times the item has been supplied.

[0179] In addition, a label issuance method according to another aspect of the present invention executes the steps of: supplying an item by an item supplying device that supplies items; counting the number of times the item is supplied; identifying the item supplied by the item supplying device based on the device identification information by referring to a setting information storage unit that stores the device identification information in association with information related to the items supplied by the item supplying device; and issuing the label including information related to a sales price based on the information related to the identified item and information related to the number of times the item is supplied.

[0180] According to the product supply device 4 and product selling device 1 according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a device capable of supplying a fixed amount of products with a simple operation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0181] 1: Merchandise sales device 2: Goods supply device 21: Storage section 22: Supply section 22a: Supply port 3:Measuring device 31:Measuring part 311: Weight detection unit 312: AD converter 32: Identification information storage unit 33: Display 34: Communication processing unit 4: Goods supply device 41: Storage section 41a: Discharge port 42: Supply section 42a: Inlet 42b: Supply port 43: Containment unit 43a: Opening 431: Storage unit 44:Operation unit 5: Goods supply device 52: Supply section 52a: Inlet 52b: Supply port 53: Containment unit 531: Storage unit 54: Shielding part 55: Support part 56:First operation section 57:Second operation section 6: Goods supply device 62: Supply section 62a: Inlet 62b: Supply port 63: Containment unit 63a: Through hole 7: Goods supply device 72: Supply section 72a: Inlet 72b: Supply port 73: Containment unit 73a: Opening 732: Storage unit 74: Shielding part 8: Label issuing device 81: Display 82: Publishing Department 801: Item master 802: Container Master 803: Setting master 804: Information Processing Unit 805: Communication processing unit 9: Goods supply device 91: Hopper scale 91a: Inlet 91b: Supply port 92: Storage unit 93:Measuring part 94:Operation section 10:Electronic shelf label U1: First unit U2: Second unit

Claims

1. a storage section for receiving items from an upper storage section; A receiving opening for receiving an item into the storage portion; A first shielding portion that openably shields the receiving port; A supply port for supplying the articles contained in the storage section to the outside; A second shielding portion that openably shields the supply port; and an operation unit that, when the receiving opening is opened by the first shielding unit, shields the supply opening by the second shielding unit, and when the receiving opening is shielded by the first shielding unit, opens the supply opening by the second shielding unit, and supplies the article to the outside through the supply opening. Goods supply device.

2. the supply port is opened by the second shielding portion in response to a predetermined amount of the article being stored in the storage portion from the storage portion. The article supplying device according to claim 1.

3. and a communication processing unit that transmits identification information of the device itself to a predetermined terminal in response to an operation performed by the operation unit.

3. An article supplying device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Further comprising an attachment mechanism for detachably attaching the storage portion; 4. An article supplying device according to claim 1.

5. The container further includes a storage amount detection unit that detects a storage amount of a storage unit that stores the article in the container so that the article can be discharged.

5. An article supplying device according to claim 1.

6. A display unit is provided near the operation unit.

6. An article supplying device according to claim 1.

7. The container is provided with a weight detection unit, When the weight detection unit determines that the weight is stable, the second shielding unit opens the supply port.

7. An article supplying device according to claim 1.

8. an article supplying device that supplies an article; a label issuing device that issues a label relating to the supplied item; The article supply device includes: an operation detection unit that detects the supply operation of the article and counts the number of times the article is supplied; an identification information transmission unit that transmits information related to the number of times the item has been supplied together with device identification information of the item supply device to the label issuing device, The label issuing device includes: a setting information storage unit that stores the device identification information and information related to the items supplied by the item supply device in association with each other; an information processing unit that refers to the setting information storage unit based on the device identification information and identifies the item supplied by the item supply device; and an issuing unit that issues the label including information on a selling price based on information on the identified product and information on the number of times the product is supplied. Goods supply system.

9. supplying an article by an article supplying device that supplies an article; Counting the number of times the article is supplied; Identifying the items supplied by the item supplying device based on the device identification information by referring to a setting information storage unit that stores the device identification information in association with information related to the items supplied by the item supplying device; issuing the label including information on a selling price based on information on the identified product and information on the number of times the product is supplied. Label printing method.

Images