Program, information processing method, and selling device

Abstract

To improve convenience to users.SOLUTION: A program causes a computer 70 of a vendor 2 which enables a user to purchase a product in response to cash input from the user, to function as: acquisition means 100 which acquires setting information 140 about user's change management, through communication with a terminal device 3 of the user; and execution means 106 which, if a first amount of money corresponding to cash inputted to the vendor 2 exceeds a second amount of money corresponding the product, executes one of first processing of controlling the computer so that information indicating that electronic money corresponding to a change being a difference between the first amount of money and the second amount of money is given can be displayed on the terminal device 3 and / or the vendor 2 and second processing of returning the change, on the basis of the setting information 140.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program, an information processing method, and a sales device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an accounting device and program that can respond according to the situation when change cannot be paid in cash. When it is detected that change cannot be paid in cash, the accounting device described in Patent Document 1 accepts multiple change payment methods other than cash dispensing and performs change payment processing. Therefore, the accounting device described in Patent Document 1 is capable of paying change according to the user's wishes and according to the status of the change dispenser.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes a payment system, a payment device, and a payment processing method that can streamline the process for change when accepting currency and making a payment. When the accepted amount, which is the amount of accepted currency, exceeds the payment amount, the payment device described in Patent Document 2 calculates the difference between the accepted amount and the payment amount as the change amount, and outputs information required to charge the change amount as electronic money as a two-dimensional code. Then, the user's terminal device reads the two-dimensional code and charges the electronic money for the change amount. Therefore, according to the payment device described in Patent Document 2, when accepting currency and making a payment, the process for change can be streamlined and the burden on the store and the user can be reduced. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-135601 [Patent Document 2] JP 2020-57342 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 cannot sufficiently improve user convenience.

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present disclosure aims to improve user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer of a vending device where a user can purchase goods by inserting cash to function as: an acquisition means for acquiring setting information regarding the handling of the user's change, where the setting information is acquired by communicating with the user's terminal device; and an execution means for executing either a first process for controlling the terminal device and / or the vending device so that, when a first amount corresponding to cash inserted into the vending device exceeds a second amount corresponding to the goods, information that electronic money corresponding to the change, which is the difference between the first amount and the second amount, has been granted, based on the setting information; or a second process for dispensing the change.

[0008] A program according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a program executed on a terminal device capable of communicating with a sales device into which a user having the terminal device can purchase a product by inserting cash, and causes the terminal device to function as: a means for transmitting setting information to the sales device regarding the handling of the user's change, the setting information setting information setting the change to be received in electronic money rather than in cash, and a means for receiving information that, when a first amount corresponding to the cash inserted into the sales device exceeds a second amount corresponding to the product, when the product is purchased, electronic money corresponding to the change, which is the difference between the first amount and the second amount, has been provided based on the setting information.

[0009] An information processing method according to another aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer of a sales device, where a user can purchase a product by inserting cash, to communicate with the user's terminal device to obtain setting information regarding the handling of the user's change, and to execute either a first process of controlling the terminal device and / or the sales device so that, when a first amount corresponding to the cash inserted into the sales device exceeds a second amount corresponding to the product, information indicating that electronic money corresponding to the change, which is the difference between the first amount and the second amount, has been granted, based on the setting information, or a second process of dispensing the change.

[0010] A vending device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is a vending device which allows a user to purchase goods by inserting cash, and which comprises an acquisition unit which acquires setting information regarding the handling of the user's change, the setting information being acquired by communicating with the user's terminal device, and an execution unit which executes either a first process which controls, based on the setting information, so that when a first amount corresponding to the inserted cash exceeds a second amount corresponding to the goods, information that electronic money corresponding to the amount of change has been granted is displayed on the terminal device and / or the vending device, and a second process which dispenses the change. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve user convenience. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is an example of a display screen of the terminal device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 13 is another example of the display screen of the terminal device of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of determining a bonus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of the relationship between the bonus charge condition satisfied by a user and the content of the bonus given to the user, in relation to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the hardware configuration of a vending device and a terminal device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] A preferred embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter, referred to as the present embodiment) will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar configurations.

[0014] In this disclosure, "part," "means," "apparatus," and "system" do not simply mean physical means, but also include cases where the functions of the "part," "means," "apparatus," and "system" are realized by software. In addition, the functions of one "part," "means," "apparatus," and "system" may be realized by two or more physical means, devices, and software, and the functions of two or more "parts," "means," "apparatus," and "system" may be realized by one physical means, device, and software.

[0015] <1. Overview of System 1> The vending device 2 in the system 1 according to the present disclosure acquires setting information 140 related to the handling of change by communicating with the user's terminal device 3, and executes one of a process of providing electronic money corresponding to the change and a process of dispensing the change based on the setting information 140. This makes it possible to provide the user with a seamless purchasing experience and to encourage the user to use electronic money. Hereinafter, the function provided by the system 1 will be referred to as "change charging."

[0016] <2. System 1 Configuration> The configuration of the system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram of the system 1.

[0017] The system 1 includes a vending device 2, a terminal device 3, a server device 6, and a communication network 4. The vending device 2, the terminal device 3, and the server device 6 are capable of communicating with each other via the communication network 4.

[0018] [Sales device 2] The vending machine 2 is a machine in which a user can purchase a commodity by inserting cash. The vending machine 2 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 14, an input / output unit 16, and a network interface unit 18. The control unit 10, the storage unit 14, the input / output unit 16, and the network interface unit 18 are electrically connected to each other via a bus 19.

[0019] [Storage section 14] The storage unit 14 stores various information necessary for the operation of the vending device 2. The information stored in the storage unit 14 includes temporarily stored information, and such information may include, for example, setting information 140 and user information 142.

[0020] The setting information 140 is information regarding the handling of change by the user. The setting information 140 is acquired by communicating with the user's terminal device 3. The setting information 140 is typically set based on the user's operation. The setting information 140 is typically set to either a change charge mode in which change is not received in cash, or a cash receipt mode in which change is received in cash. The change charge mode and the cash receipt mode can also be referred to as a first mode and a second mode, respectively.

[0021] The user information 142 is information about a user. The user information 142 includes, for example, information about the user's product purchase history, the user's age, the user's sex, the user's address, the user's preferences, etc. The user information 142 stored in the storage unit 14 is typically stored in an encrypted state or is stored only temporarily and deleted as appropriate.

[0022] [Control unit 10] The control unit 10 executes various programs stored in the memory unit 14, thereby functioning as an acquisition means 100, a reception means 102, a calculation means 104, an execution means 106, an output means 108, a change means 110, a decision means 112 and a judgment means 114.

[0023] -Acquisition method 100- The acquisition means 100 acquires the setting information 140 by communicating with the terminal device 3. The acquisition means 100 acquires the setting information 140, for example, by short-range wireless communication (including NFC (Near Field Communication), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark)) with the terminal device 3. In another embodiment, the acquisition means 100 may acquire the setting information 140 from the terminal device 3 via a mobile communication system (for example, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network and a 5G (fifth generation mobile communication system) network, etc.). In another embodiment, the acquisition means 100 may acquire, for example, authorization information regarding the acquisition of the setting information 140 from the terminal device 3, and acquire the setting information 140 from the server device 6 based on the authorization information.

[0024] The acquisition means 100 typically acquires the setting information 140 at least one of the timing before the user inserts cash into the vending device 2 and the timing before the user selects a product to purchase. In a sequence of this embodiment described below, the acquisition means 100 acquires the setting information 140 before both the timing of cash insertion and product selection. This is because, as described below, the change charging in this embodiment is premised on the assumption that first, a communication connection request is made from the terminal device 3 to the vending device 2, and when the communication connection is established, the setting information 140 is acquired, and then, cash is inserted and a product is selected in this order or in the reverse order.

[0025] Moreover, the acquiring means 100 further acquires the user information 142 by communicating with the terminal device 3. The acquiring means 100 acquires the user information 142, for example, by short-range wireless communication with the terminal device 3. In another embodiment, the acquiring means 100 may acquire, for example, authorization information regarding the acquisition of the user information 142 from the terminal device 3, and acquire the user information 142 from the server device 6 based on the authorization information.

[0026] The acquiring means 100 typically acquires the setting information 140 and the user information 142 in a lump. Acquiring a plurality of pieces of information in a lump means, for example, receiving the plurality of pieces of information without disconnecting a connection once established, receiving the plurality of pieces of information substantially simultaneously (for example, within 1 to 3 seconds, etc.), receiving the plurality of pieces of information based on a single operation by the user, receiving the plurality of pieces of information consecutively or in parallel, etc.

[0027] In this disclosure, acquiring information includes making the information processable by the control unit 10. Acquiring information means, for example, receiving the information from another device and reading the information from a storage device.

[0028] --Method of reception 102-- The accepting means 102 is associated with a cash insertion unit that accepts insertion of cash from a user, and acquires an insertion amount corresponding to the cash inserted into the cash insertion unit. The insertion amount may also be referred to as a first amount. The cash insertion unit is physically provided in the vending device 2, and typically includes a coin insertion unit that accepts insertion of coins and a banknote insertion unit that accepts insertion of banknotes.

[0029] The receiving means 102 is associated with a product selection unit that receives a product selection from a user, and obtains a purchase amount (product price) corresponding to the product selected in the product selection unit. The purchase amount may also be referred to as a second amount. The product selection unit is physically provided in the sales device 2, and typically refers to a mechanical or electronic button that receives a product selection, but is not limited to this. For example, the product selection unit may be displayed on the terminal device 3, and typically may be a product selection screen that receives a product selection.

[0030] -Calculation method 104- The calculation means 104 calculates the difference between the deposited amount and the purchase amount.

[0031] - Execution method 106 - (Execution of change charge processing and change discharge processing) When the deposited amount exceeds the purchase amount, the execution means 106 executes either a change charging process or a change dispensing process based on the setting information 140. The change charging process includes a control process to enable information to be displayed on the terminal device 3 and / or the vending device 2 that electronic money (hereinafter simply referred to as "electronic money") corresponding to the change, which is the difference between the deposited amount and the purchase amount, has been provided. The change dispensing process includes a process to dispense the change from the change dispensing section of the vending device 2. The change deposit process and the change dispensing process can also be referred to as a first process and a second process, respectively. In this embodiment, the information to the effect that electronic money has been provided will be described as being displayed on the terminal device 3.

[0032] The execution means 106 typically executes a change charging process when the setting information 140 is set to a change charging mode, and executes a change dispensing process when the setting information 140 is set to a cash receiving mode.

[0033] The change charging process includes at least a part of one or more processes for enabling information to be displayed on the terminal device 3 that electronic money has been granted. In order for information to be displayed on the terminal device 3 that electronic money has been granted, it is necessary that the electronic money is actually granted and that the terminal device 3 is notified that the electronic money has been granted. In other words, the change charging process includes at least one of a process for actually granting electronic money (hereinafter referred to as the "electronic money granting process") and a process for controlling information to be sent to the terminal device 3 that electronic money has been granted (hereinafter referred to as the "electronic money grant completion notification").

[0034] The electronic money granting process includes the vending device 2 actually granting electronic money to the user. In another embodiment, the electronic money granting process may include having the server device 6 or the like grant the electronic money to the user. The vending device 2 can cause the server device 6 or the like to grant the electronic money to the user by, for example, transmitting to the server device 6 identification information of the user to whom the electronic money is to be granted and information on the amount of change (i.e., the amount of electronic money to be granted).

[0035] The vending device 2 and the server device 6 may grant electronic money by updating the databases related to electronic money that they manage. For example, the server device 6 may grant electronic money to a specific user by increasing the amount of electronic money associated with the specific user in the database related to electronic money that it manages.

[0036] The electronic money grant completion notification includes transmitting information to the effect that the electronic money has been granted from the vending device 2 to the terminal device 3. In another embodiment, the electronic money grant completion notification may include causing the server device 6 or the like to transmit information to the effect that the electronic money has been granted to the terminal device 3. For example, the vending device 2 can transmit identification information of the terminal device 3 to the server device 6, thereby causing the server device 6 or the like to transmit information to the effect that the electronic money has been granted to the terminal device 3.

[0037] (Executing the bonus charge process) When executing the change charge process, the execution means 106 may further execute a bonus charge process. The bonus charge process is a process for controlling so that information that an additional electronic benefit (hereinafter referred to as a "bonus") has been granted can be displayed on the terminal device 3 and / or the vending device 2. The bonus charge process may also be referred to as a third process. The user may be able to purchase a product from the vending device 2 by using the bonus. Note that in this embodiment, the information that electronic money has been granted will be described as being displayed on the terminal device 3.

[0038] The bonus charge process includes at least a part of one or more processes for enabling information to be displayed on the terminal device 3 that a bonus has been awarded. In order for information to be displayed on the terminal device 3 that a bonus has been awarded, it is necessary that a bonus is actually awarded and that the terminal device 3 is notified of the fact that the bonus has been awarded. In other words, the bonus charge process includes at least one of a process related to the awarding of a bonus (hereinafter referred to as a "bonus awarding process") and a process for controlling the transmission of information to the effect that the bonus has been awarded to the terminal device 3 (hereinafter referred to as a "bonus awarding completion notification").

[0039] The bonus granting process includes the vending device 2 actually granting a bonus to the user. In another embodiment, the bonus granting process may include having the server device 6 or the like grant the bonus to the user. The vending device 2 can cause the server device 6 or the like to grant the bonus to the user by, for example, transmitting to the server device 6 identification information of the user to whom the bonus is to be granted and information related to the content of the bonus.

[0040] The vending device 2 and the server device 6 may grant a bonus by updating a database related to bonuses that they manage. For example, the server device 6 may grant a bonus to a specific user by associating a new bonus with the specific user in the database related to bonuses that it manages.

[0041] The bonus award completion notification includes transmitting information indicating that the bonus has been awarded from the vending device 2 to the terminal device 3. In another embodiment, the electronic money award completion notification may include causing the server device 6 or the like to transmit information indicating that the electronic money has been awarded to the terminal device 3. The vending device 2 can, for example, transmit identification information of the terminal device 3 to the server device 6, thereby causing the server device 6 or the like to transmit information indicating that the electronic money has been awarded to the terminal device 3.

[0042] In addition, the execution means 106 may execute the bonus charge process only when the user satisfies a predetermined condition (hereinafter, referred to as a "bonus charge condition"). The bonus charge condition may be at least one of the following bonus charge conditions A to E.

[0043] Bonus charge condition A: The number of times electronic money has been provided to the user is equal to or greater than a first threshold. Bonus charge condition B: The number of times electronic money has been provided to the user is equal to or less than the second threshold. Bonus charge condition C: The first period must have elapsed since the user registered as a member to be able to receive electronic money. Bonus charge condition D: The second period must not have elapsed since the user registered as a member. Bonus charge condition E: The product purchased by the user is a specific product among multiple products available for purchase.

[0044] - Output means 108 - The output means 108 is associated with a product discharge unit or a voucher discharge unit that outputs a product selected by the user or a voucher for the product when the inserted amount exceeds the purchase amount. The product discharge unit is physically provided in the vending device 2 and typically discharges the product from the vending device 2 so that the user can pick it up. For example, when the vending device 2 is a beverage vending machine, the output means 108 outputs a beverage, which is a product, via the product discharge unit. The voucher discharge unit is physically provided in the vending device 2 and typically discharges the voucher from the vending device 2 so that the user can pick it up. For example, when the vending device 2 is a beef bowl vending machine, the output means 108 outputs a voucher that can be exchanged for a beef bowl via the voucher discharge unit. In another embodiment, the voucher discharge unit may not be physically provided, but may transmit information on the product voucher to the terminal device 3. For example, the voucher ejection unit may be a unit for displaying product voucher information on the terminal device 3, and may typically be a unit for displaying the product voucher as electronic information. Product voucher information (e.g., information regarding the product corresponding to the voucher, the expiration date of the voucher, the number of vouchers, etc.) transmitted to the terminal device 3 may be stored in the memory unit of the server device 6 or the memory unit 14 of the vending device 2. The output means 108 may also be referred to as an ejection means for ejecting a product, an issuing means for issuing a product voucher, etc.

[0045] --Change Method 110-- The change means 110 changes the display on the product display unit 160 of the selling device 2 based on the user information 142 acquired by communicating with the terminal device 3. For example, the change means 110 highlights and displays a product according to the user's preference identified based on the user information 142. The change in the display on the product display unit 160 includes, for example, blinking a button associated with a specific product and displaying the specific product on the liquid crystal screen.

[0046] -Decision-making method 112- The determination means 112 determines whether or not to execute the bonus charge process. The determination means 112 may determine whether or not to execute the bonus charge process based on whether or not the user satisfies at least a part of the bonus charge condition, for example.

[0047] Furthermore, the determination means 112 determines the content of the bonus to be given to the user in the bonus charge process. For example, the determination means 112 may determine the content of the bonus depending on whether the user satisfies the bonus charge condition A to the bonus charge condition E. The determination means 112 may determine whether the user satisfies the bonus charge condition A to the bonus charge condition E based on the user information 142.

[0048] -Judgment means 114- The determination means 114 determines whether or not a user (hereinafter, referred to as a "first user") who has caused the vending device 2 to acquire the setting information 140 is present near the vending device 2. When the determination means 114 determines that the first user is not present near the vending device 2, the execution means 106 may execute the change dispensing process without relying on the setting information 140. For example, when the presence of a human sensor user of the vending device 2 is not detected, the determination means 114 may determine that the first user is not present near the vending device 2, and the change dispensing process may be executed. In another embodiment, the vending device 2 may acquire information regarding the distance to the user based on an image from a camera provided in the vending device 2, position information of the terminal device 3, and reception power in communication with the terminal device 3, and the like, and the determination means 114 may determine whether or not a user is present near the vending device 2 based on such information.

[0049] Note that the first user may be different from the user who inserted the cash (hereinafter referred to as the "second user"). For example, the first user may cause the vending machine 2 to acquire the setting information 140, and then the first user may leave without purchasing a product, and the second user who will next use the vending machine 2 may actually insert cash. In such a case, the determination means 114 can prevent electronic money corresponding to the change from being given to the first user. In other words, the determination means 114 can be said to determine whether the first user and the second user are the same.

[0050] [Input / output section 16] The input / output unit 16 accepts input from the user (e.g., inserting cash, selecting a product, etc.) and outputs various information to the user (e.g., types of products on sale, product prices, products that have sold out, and the amount of cash inserted, etc.). The input / output unit 16 includes a product display unit 160, as well as the above-mentioned cash insert unit and product selection unit.

[0051] [Network Interface Section 18] The network interface unit 18 realizes communication with the server device 6 and the terminal device 3 via the communication network 4 .

[0052] [Terminal device 3] The terminal device 3 is typically a device owned by a user. The terminal device 3 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a smart watch, a personal computer, etc. The terminal device 3 includes a control unit 20, a storage unit (not shown), an input / output unit (not shown), and a network interface unit (not shown).

[0053] [Control unit 20] The control unit 20 executes various programs stored in the storage unit of the terminal device 3, thereby functioning as a receiving means 200, a transmitting means 202, a receiving means 204, and a display means 206. The control unit 20 may function as the above-mentioned various means by executing dedicated application software installed in the terminal device 3. The control unit 20 may also function as the above-mentioned various means by executing a web application that can be used from a browser installed in the terminal device 3.

[0054] --Method of reception 200-- The accepting unit 200 accepts input from the user regarding the setting information 140. Referring to Fig. 2, an example of a display screen of the terminal device 3 that accepts input from the user regarding the setting information 140 is shown. In the example display screen of Fig. 2, a title d100, a function description d102, a current setting d104, a switch button d106, and a connect button d107 are displayed.

[0055] The title d100 is the title of the displayed page. In the example display screen of FIG. 2, "Change Charge Settings" is displayed.

[0056] The function description d102 is a description of the change charge function. In the example display screen of Fig. 2, it is displayed that "Change charge is a function to charge change as electronic money."

[0057] The current setting d104 is an indication of the mode set as the setting information 140. In the example display screen of Fig. 2, "Current setting: change charge mode" is displayed. That is, in this state, when the user of the terminal device 3 uses the vending device 2 to purchase a product, the vending device 2 executes a change charge process (and a bonus charge process).

[0058] The switch button d106 is a button for changing the mode set as the setting information 140. In the example display screen of Fig. 2, "Switch to cash receiving mode" is displayed on the button. The user can switch the setting information 140 from the change charge mode to the cash receiving mode by touching or pressing the switch button d106.

[0059] The connect button d107 is a button for establishing a connection with a nearby vending device 2. The user can transmit setting information 140 from the terminal device 3 to the vending device 2 by touching or pressing the connect button d114.

[0060] -Transmission means 202- The transmission means 202 transmits the setting information 140 to the vending device 2. As described above, the acquisition means 100 of the vending device 2 acquires the setting information 140 transmitted by the transmission means 202.

[0061] -Receiving means 204- The receiving means 204 receives the electronic money provision completion notification and the bonus provision completion notification.

[0062] -Display means 206- The display means 206 displays the grant information based on the electronic money grant completion notification and the bonus grant completion notification. The grant information includes information that electronic money and a bonus have been granted. Referring to Fig. 3, an example of a display screen of the terminal device 3 displaying the grant information is shown. Fig. 3 is an example of a display screen of application software installed in the terminal device 3. In the example display screen of Fig. 3, a title d108, a balance d110, electronic money grant information d112, and bonus grant information d114 are displayed.

[0063] The title d108 is the title of the page being displayed. In the example display screen of FIG. 3, "Electronic Money Balance" is displayed.

[0064] The balance d110 is the amount of electronic money and bonuses held by the user. In the example display screen of FIG. 3, "Balance 2,585 yen (including 85 yen bonus)" is displayed.

[0065] The electronic money grant information d112 is information indicating that electronic money has been granted. In the example display screen of FIG. 3, "New Arrival Notification: 850 yen worth of electronic money has been charged due to a purchase on May 1, 2023." is displayed. In other words, of the 2585 yen worth of electronic money displayed in the balance d110, 850 yen is electronic money granted by the electronic money grant process.

[0066] The bonus grant information d114 is information indicating that a bonus has been granted. In the example display screen of FIG. 3, "A bonus of 85 yen was granted for the purchase of the new notification on May 1, 2023." is displayed. In other words, of the 2585 yen worth of electronic money displayed in the balance d110, 85 yen is a bonus granted by the bonus grant process.

[0067] The electronic money grant information d112 does not have to be displayed (for example, by push notification) immediately after the change charge process is performed by the vending device 2. The electronic money grant information d112 may be displayed in response to a user operation for displaying the history of the change charge process, for example, after information that electronic money has been granted by the change charge process becomes displayable on the terminal device 3.

[0068] Similarly, the bonus granting information d114 does not have to be displayed (for example, by push notification) immediately after the bonus charge process is performed by the vending device 2. The bonus granting information d114 may be displayed in response to a user operation for displaying the history of the bonus charge process, for example, after information that a bonus has been granted by the bonus charge process becomes displayable on the terminal device 3.

[0069] <3. Operation of System 1> [First embodiment] The operation of the system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0070] First, the terminal device 3 establishes a connection with the vending device 2 (S10). By establishing the connection, the terminal device 3 and the vending device 2 can transmit and receive information to each other, typically without going through the server device 6. The connection may be established, for example, when the user presses the connection button d107. In another embodiment, the connection may be established automatically, for example, when the terminal device 3 approaches the vending device 2. In another embodiment, the connection may be established, for example, when the terminal device 3 approaches a communication unit (for example, an NFC antenna) of the vending device 2 while running dedicated application software. It is assumed that the user has input the setting information 140 to the terminal device 3 before step S10 (see FIG. 2).

[0071] Next, the terminal device 3 transmits the setting information 140 to the vending device 2 (S12).

[0072] Next, the vending machine 2 accepts cash insertion from the user (S18) and also accepts a product selection from the user (S20), thereby finalizing the amount inserted and the purchase amount.

[0073] Next, the vending machine 2 calculates the change based on the difference between the inserted amount and the purchased amount (S22). In this example, it is assumed that the change is 1 yen or more (that is, the inserted amount exceeds the purchased amount).

[0074] Next, the vending device 2 outputs the product selected by the user in step S20 (S24).

[0075] Next, the vending device 2 determines the processing content to be performed by the execution means 106 (S25). Specifically, it determines whether to execute a change charging process or a change dispensing process based on the setting information 140. In this example, it is assumed that the setting information 140 acquired by the vending device 2 in step S12 is set to a change charging mode. As a result, the vending device 2 determines to execute a change charging process.

[0076] Next, the vending device 2 executes the electronic money granting process (S28). The vending device 2 may execute the electronic money granting process in cooperation with the server device 6.

[0077] Next, the vending device 2 and the server device 6 transmit an electronic money provision completion notification to the terminal device 3 (S30). The vending device 2 may cooperate with the server device 6 to transmit the electronic money provision completion notification.

[0078] Next, the terminal device 3 displays the attached information (S32). An example of the display screen is as shown in FIG.

[0079] Next, the vending device 2 disconnects the connection with the terminal device 3 (S34).

[0080] [Second embodiment] The operation of the system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Compared with the system 1 according to the first embodiment, the system 1 according to the second embodiment includes steps relating to transmission and reception of user information 142 (S14) and display of recommended products (S16). Note that the other steps are similar to those of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0081] The terminal device 3 transmits the setting information 140 in step S12, and also transmits the user information 142 together to the vending device 2 (S14).

[0082] The sales device 2 determines a recommended product to be recommended to the user based on the user information 142, and displays the recommended product on the product display unit 160 (S16). The recommended product may be determined based on, for example, the relevance between the product purchase history of multiple other users and the user information 142 of the multiple other users.

[0083] [Third embodiment] The operation of the system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 8. Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the system 1 according to the third embodiment. Compared with the system 1 according to the first embodiment, the system 1 according to the third embodiment includes steps relating to bonus determination (S36), bonus awarding process (S38), and bonus award completion notification (S40). Note that the other steps are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] After deciding to execute the change charge process in step S25, the vending device 2 decides a bonus to be given to the user (S36). Deciding the bonus includes deciding whether or not to execute the bonus charge process and deciding the content of the bonus to be given in the bonus charge process.

[0085] 7 is an example of a flowchart for determining a bonus. First, the vending device 2 determines whether or not the user satisfies at least one of the bonus charge conditions A to D (S360).

[0086] If it is determined that the user satisfies at least one of the bonus charge conditions A to D (S360 YES), the vending device 2 decides to execute the bonus charge process (S364). On the other hand, if it is determined that the user does not satisfy all of the bonus charge conditions A to D (S360 NO), the vending device 2 decides not to execute the bonus charge process (S362).

[0087] Next, the vending device 2 determines the content of the bonus based on which bonus charge condition is satisfied (S366). Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of the relationship between the bonus charge condition satisfied by the user and the content of the bonus granted to the user.

[0088] If a user satisfies bonus charge condition A (i.e., the number of times electronic money has been granted to the user is equal to or greater than a first threshold) and does not satisfy other bonus charge conditions, the bonus granted in the bonus granting process is determined to be "equivalent to 5% of the electronic money granted in the electronic money granting process" (see the center column in the top row of Figure 8).

[0089] If a user satisfies only bonus charge condition B (i.e., the number of times electronic money has been granted to the user is equal to or less than the second threshold) and does not satisfy the other bonus charge conditions, the bonus granted in the bonus granting process is determined to be "equivalent to 7% of the electronic money granted in the electronic money granting process" (see the center column in the lower part of Figure 8).

[0090] If a user satisfies only bonus charge condition C (i.e., the first period has elapsed since the user registered as a member) and does not satisfy any other bonus charge conditions, the bonus granted in the bonus granting process is determined to be "equivalent to 2% of the electronic money granted in the electronic money granting process" (see the right column in the middle of Figure 8).

[0091] If the user only meets bonus charge condition D (i.e., the second period has not yet elapsed since the user registered as a member) and does not meet the other bonus charge conditions, the bonus awarded in the bonus awarding process is determined to be "equivalent to 3% of the electronic money awarded in the electronic money awarding process" (see the left column in the middle of Figure 8).

[0092] If the user satisfies bonus charge condition A and bonus charge condition D, the bonus awarded in the bonus awarding process is determined to be "equivalent to 8% of the electronic money awarded in the electronic money awarding process" (see the top left column of Figure 8).

[0093] If the user satisfies bonus charge condition A and bonus charge condition C, the bonus granted in the bonus granting process is determined to be "equivalent to 10% of the electronic money granted in the electronic money granting process" (see the top right column of Figure 8).

[0094] If the user satisfies bonus charge condition B and bonus charge condition D, the bonus granted in the bonus granting process is determined to be "equivalent to 10% of the electronic money granted in the electronic money granting process" (see the left column in the lower part of Figure 8).

[0095] If the user satisfies bonus charge condition B and bonus charge condition C, the bonus granted in the bonus granting process is determined to be "equivalent to 9% of the electronic money granted in the electronic money granting process" (see the right column in the lower part of Figure 8).

[0096] Returning to FIG. Next, the vending device 2 executes an electronic money granting process and a bonus granting process (S38). The vending device 2 may execute the electronic money granting process and the bonus granting process in cooperation with the server device 6. In the bonus granting process, the bonus determined in step S36 is granted to the user.

[0097] Next, the vending device 2 and the server device 6 transmit an electronic money provision completion notification and a bonus provision completion notification to the terminal device 3 (S40). The vending device 2 may cooperate with the server device 6 to transmit the electronic money provision completion notification and the bonus provision completion notification.

[0098] [Fourth embodiment] The operation of the system 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9. The fourth embodiment is an example of the operation of the system 1 when the setting information 140 acquired by the vending device 2 in step S12 is set to the cash receiving mode. In this case, the vending device 2 determines to execute the change dispensing process in step S25. Thereafter, the vending device 2 dispenses the change (S42). Note that the other steps are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0099] <4. System 1 Effects> The system 1 can improve user convenience. As shown in the first to fourth embodiments, the vending device 2 executes a change charging process or a change dispensing process based on the setting information 140 that is typically automatically transmitted from the terminal device 3. This allows the user to control whether to receive the change as electronic money or cash without being forced to perform unnecessary operations.

[0100] A vending device 2 in one embodiment acquires setting information 140 at least one of the timing before a user inserts cash (i.e., before step S18) and the timing before a user selects a product to purchase (i.e., before step S20).

[0101] In order to improve the user's purchasing experience, it is necessary for the product to be output immediately after the product is selected. If the setting information 140 were acquired after inserting cash and selecting a product, communication regarding the setting information 140 would be performed after the user selects a product, and output of the product would be delayed. In other words, with this configuration, the product can be output immediately after the product is selected, further improving user convenience.

[0102] The vending device 2 according to the embodiment further acquires user information 142 by communicating with the terminal device 3, and changes the display on the product display unit 160 based on the user information 142.

[0103] According to this configuration, the user can receive product recommendations that match his / her preferences, thereby further improving user convenience.

[0104] The vending device 2 according to one embodiment acquires the setting information 140 and the user information 142 all at once.

[0105] According to this configuration, the vending device 2 can acquire all the information necessary to determine its own operation. In other words, the opportunities for communication between the vending device 2 and the terminal device 3 are reduced, and products can be efficiently provided to users.

[0106] The vending device 2 according to one embodiment acquires the setting information 140 through short-range wireless communication with the terminal device 3.

[0107] According to this configuration, vending device 2 and terminal device 3 can communicate with each other regardless of the communication conditions of the wide area wireless communication network. In addition, vending device 2 can acquire setting information 140 without going through another server device, which improves communication efficiency.

[0108] When executing the change recharge process, the vending device 2 according to an embodiment further executes a bonus recharge process.

[0109] According to this configuration, when a user receives a bonus, the user will purchase products using electronic money or the bonus, thereby reducing the amount of cash that needs to be handled in the vending device 2 and enabling more efficient operation.

[0110] The vending device 2 according to one embodiment executes the bonus charge process only when the user satisfies at least some of the bonus charge conditions A to D. The bonus charge condition is at least one of the following: (A) the number of times electronic money has been granted to the user is equal to or greater than a first threshold value; (B) the number of times electronic money has been granted to the user is equal to or less than a second threshold value; (C) a first period has elapsed after the user has registered as a member enabling the user to receive electronic money; and (D) a second period has not elapsed since the user has registered as a member.

[0111] According to this configuration, a bonus can be given only to users who have a specific attribute.

[0112] The vending device 2 according to one embodiment determines whether or not a user is nearby, and when it is determined that a user is not nearby the vending device 2, executes a change dispensing process regardless of the setting information 140.

[0113] The terminal device 3 and the vending device 2 are connected by a wireless device, but if the wireless transmission distance is sufficiently greater than the range in which the product purchasing operation is performed, a condition will arise in which the purchasing operator and the person who charges the change are different. To prevent this, if the vending device 2 confirms that there is no user near the vending device 2 after the terminal device 3 and the vending device 2 are wirelessly connected, the vending device 2 will cut off the wireless connection and stop the change charging operation. In other words, with this configuration, it is possible to prevent, for example, "charging thieves" who give themselves electronic money corresponding to change that should be received by someone else.

[0114] <5. Hardware configuration> 10, an example of a hardware configuration in which the vending device 2 and terminal device 3 described above are realized by a computer 70 will be described. Note that the functions of each device can also be realized by dividing them into multiple devices.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 10, a computer 70 includes a processor 700, a storage device 702, an input I / F 704, a data I / F 706, a communication I / F 708, and a display device 710.

[0116] The processor 700 controls various processes in the computer 70 by executing programs stored in the storage device 702. For example, each functional unit of the control unit 10 of the vending device 2 can be realized by the processor 700 executing the programs stored in the storage device 702.

[0117] The storage device 702 is a storage medium such as a random access memory (RAM), etc. The RAM temporarily stores the program code of the program executed by the processor 700 and data required when the program is executed.

[0118] The storage device 702 may also be a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash memory. The storage device 702 stores an operating system and various programs for implementing the above-mentioned configurations. The storage medium storing the various programs may be a non-transitory computer readable medium. In addition, the storage device 702 may store a table for registering various information and a DB for managing the table. Such programs and data are loaded into the storage device 702 as necessary and referred to by the processor 700.

[0119] The input I / F 704 is a device for receiving input from a user. Specific examples of the input I / F 704 include a camera, a button, a microphone, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, various sensors, and a wearable device. The input I / F 704 may be connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB).

[0120] The data I / F 706 is a device for inputting data from outside the computer 70. A specific example of the data I / F 706 is a drive device for reading data stored in various storage media. The data I / F 706 may be provided outside the computer 70. In that case, the data I / F 706 is connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as a USB.

[0121] The communication I / F 708 is a device for performing data communication via the communication network 4, either wired or wirelessly, with an external device of the computer 70. The communication I / F 708 may be provided outside the computer 70. In that case, the communication I / F 708 is connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as a USB.

[0122] The display device 710 is a device for displaying various types of information. Specific examples of the display device 710 include a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and a display of a wearable device. The display device 710 may be provided outside the computer 70. In that case, the display device 710 is connected to the computer 70 via, for example, a display cable. In addition, when a touch panel is adopted as the input I / F 704, the display device 710 can be configured integrally with the input I / F 704.

[0123] The components of the vending device 2 and terminal device 3 described in the above embodiment are assumed to realize predetermined processing in cooperation with other hardware by the processor 700 executing a program stored in the storage device 702. In other words, these components are assumed to be software or firmware, and also corresponding hardware, and in both concepts, they are also described as "functions," "means," "parts," "processing circuits," "units," or "modules," and can be interpreted as each of these.

[0124] <6. Other embodiments> At least a part of the configuration of the vending device 2 in the above embodiment may be provided in the server device 6. Furthermore, the vending device 2 may cooperate with the server device 6 to execute the various operations described in the above embodiment.

[0125] In the above embodiment, "processing of controlling so that specific information can be displayed on the terminal device 3" includes processing in which the specific information cannot be displayed on the terminal device 3 at a first point in time before the processing is performed, and the specific information can be displayed on the terminal device 3 at a second point in time after the processing is performed. In other words, if the specific information cannot be displayed on the terminal device 3 at the first point in time, and the specific information can be displayed on the terminal device 3 at the second point in time, it can be said that "processing of controlling so that specific information can be displayed on the terminal device 3" is performed between the first point in time and the second point in time.

[0126] In the above embodiment, the change charging process (first process) executed by the vending device 2 has been described as at least a part of one or more processes for enabling the terminal device 3 to display information indicating that electronic money has been provided, but is not limited to this. Specifically, the change charging process (first process) may include displaying information indicating that electronic money has been provided on the vending device 2. In this case, the vending device 2 displays information indicating that electronic money has been provided upon completion of the electronic money providing process (see S28), for example. In other embodiments, the vending device 2 displays information indicating that electronic money has been provided based on an instruction from the server device 6.

[0127] Similarly, the bonus charge process (third process) executed by the vending device 2 has been described as at least a part of one or more processes for enabling information to be displayed on the terminal device 3 that a bonus has been granted, but is not limited thereto. Specifically, the bonus charge process (third process) may include displaying information to the effect that a bonus has been granted on the vending device 2. In this case, the vending device 2 displays information to the effect that a bonus has been granted upon completion of the bonus granting process (see S38), for example. In other embodiments, the vending device 2 displays information to the effect that a bonus has been granted based on an instruction from the server device 6.

[0128] The information that the electronic money and / or bonus has been awarded may be displayed, for example, on product display unit 160, or on a display device provided separately from product display unit 160 of vending device 2. Furthermore, the information that the electronic money and / or bonus has been awarded may be displayed on either terminal device 3 or vending device 2, or on both.

[0129] The following aspects are also included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0130] [Appendix 1] The program causes a computer 70 of a sales device 2, in which a user can purchase goods by inserting cash, to function as: an acquisition means 100 that acquires setting information 140 regarding the handling of the user's change, the setting information 140 being acquired by communicating with the user's terminal device 3; and an execution means 106 that executes either a first process of controlling, when a first amount corresponding to cash inserted into the sales device 2 exceeds a second amount corresponding to the goods, so that information that electronic money corresponding to the change, which is the difference between the first amount and the second amount, has been granted, based on the setting information 140, on the terminal device 3 and / or the sales device 2; or a second process of dispensing the change.

[0131] [Appendix 2] The program described in Appendix 1 may further cause the computer 70 to function as an output means 108 that outputs a product or a voucher for the product if the first amount is greater than the second amount.

[0132] [Appendix 3] In the program described in Appendix 1 or 2, the setting information 140 may be set to either a first mode in which change is not received in cash or a second mode in which change is received in cash based on a user's operation, and the execution means 106 may execute a first process when the setting information 140 is set to the first mode, and execute a second process when the setting information 140 is set to the second mode.

[0133] [Appendix 4] In the program described in any one of Appendices 1 to 3, the acquisition means 100 may acquire the setting information 140 at least one of the timing before the user inserts cash and the timing before the user selects the product to purchase.

[0134] [Appendix 5] In the program described in any one of Appendices 1 to 4, the acquisition means 100 may further acquire user information 142 regarding the user by communicating with the terminal device 3, and the program may further cause the computer 70 to function as a means (change means 110) for changing the display on the product display section 160 of the sales device 2 based on the user information 142.

[0135] [Appendix 6] In the program described in Supplementary Note 5, the acquisition means 100 may acquire the setting information 140 and the user information 142 together.

[0136] [Appendix 7] In the program according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, the acquisition means 100 may acquire the setting information 140 through short-range wireless communication with the terminal device 3.

[0137] [Appendix 8] In the program according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, the acquisition means 100 may acquire the setting information 140 from the server device 6 that stores the setting information 140, based on communication with the terminal device 3.

[0138] [Appendix 9] In the program described in any one of Appendices 1 to 8, when executing the first process, the execution means 106 may further execute a third process of controlling so that information that an additional electronic benefit has been granted can be displayed on the terminal device 3 and / or the sales device 2.

[0139] [Appendix 10] In the program described in Supplementary Note 9, the execution means 106 may execute the third process only if the user satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0140] [Appendix 11] In the program described in Appendix 10, the conditions may be at least one of: (A) the number of times electronic money has been granted to the user is greater than or equal to a first threshold; (B) the number of times electronic money has been granted to the user is less than or equal to a second threshold; (C) a first period has elapsed since the user registered as a member which enables the user to be granted electronic money; (D) a second period has not elapsed since the user registered as a member; and (E) the product is a specific product among multiple products available for purchase by the user.

[0141] [Appendix 12] The program described in any one of Appendices 1 to 11 may further cause the computer 70 to function as a determination means 114 that determines whether or not a user is present in the vicinity of the vending device 2, and if the determination means 114 determines that the user is not present in the vicinity of the vending device 2, the execution means 106 may execute a second process regardless of the setting information 140.

[0142] [Appendix 13] The program is executed in a terminal device 3 capable of communicating with a sales device 2 in which a user having the terminal device 3 can purchase a product by inserting cash, and causes the terminal device 3 to function as a means (transmitting means 202) for transmitting setting information 140 regarding the handling of the user's change to the sales device 2, the setting information 140 setting the change to be received in electronic money rather than in cash, and a means (receiving means 204) for receiving information that, when a first amount corresponding to the cash inserted into the sales device exceeds a second amount corresponding to the product, when the product is purchased, electronic money corresponding to the change, which is the difference between the first amount and the second amount, has been provided based on the setting information 140.

[0143] [Appendix 14] The information processing method causes a computer 70 of a sales device 2, in which a user can purchase goods by inserting cash, to communicate with the user's terminal device 3 to obtain setting information 140 regarding the handling of the user's change, and to execute either a first process of controlling the terminal device 3 and / or the sales device 2 so that, when a first amount corresponding to the cash inserted into the sales device 2 exceeds a second amount corresponding to the goods, information indicating that electronic money corresponding to the change, which is the difference between the first amount and the second amount, has been granted, based on the setting information 140, or a second process of dispensing the change.

[0144] [Appendix 15] The vending device 2 is a vending device that allows a user to purchase goods by inserting cash, and is equipped with an acquisition unit that acquires setting information 140 regarding the handling of the user's change, where the setting information 140 is acquired by communicating with the user's terminal device 3, and an execution unit that executes either a first process that controls the terminal device 3 and / or the vending device 2 to display information that electronic money corresponding to the change amount has been granted based on the setting information 140 when a first amount corresponding to the inserted cash exceeds a second amount corresponding to the goods, and a second process that dispenses the change. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 2...Sales device, 3...Terminal device, 70...Computer, 100...Acquisition means, 102...Reception means, 104...Calculation means, 106...Execution means, 108...Output means, 110...Change means, 112...Decision means, 114...Determination means, 140...Setting information, 142...User information, 160...Product display unit

Claims

1. A computer of a vending machine in which a user can purchase a commodity by inserting cash, An acquisition means for acquiring setting information related to handling of change of the user, the setting information being acquired by communicating with a terminal device of the user; an execution means for executing either a first process for controlling, when a first amount corresponding to cash inserted into the vending machine exceeds a second amount corresponding to the product, to display information on the terminal device and / or the vending machine that electronic money corresponding to change, which is the difference between the first amount and the second amount, has been provided, based on the setting information, or a second process for discharging the change; A program that functions as a

2. The computer, The program according to claim 1 , further functioning as an output means for outputting the product or a voucher for the product when the first amount is greater than the second amount.

3. The setting information is set to one of a first mode in which the change is not received in cash and a second mode in which the change is received in cash based on an operation by the user, 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the execution means executes the first process when the setting information is set to the first mode, and executes the second process when the setting information is set to the second mode.

4. 2 . The program according to claim 1 , wherein the acquisition means acquires the setting information at least one of a timing before the user inserts cash and a timing before the user selects a product to purchase.

5. The acquiring means further acquires user information regarding the user by communicating with the terminal device; 2. The program according to claim 1, further causing the computer to function as a means for changing a display on a product display unit of the sales device based on the user information.

6. The program according to claim 5 , wherein the acquiring means acquires the setting information and the user information together.

7. The program according to claim 1 , wherein the acquiring means acquires the setting information through short-range wireless communication with the terminal device.

8. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the acquiring means acquires the setting information from a server device that stores the setting information, based on communication with the terminal device.

9. The program described in claim 1, wherein the execution means, when executing the first process, further executes a third process of controlling so that information that an additional electronic benefit has been granted can be displayed on the terminal device and / or the sales device.

10. The program according to claim 9 , wherein the execution means executes the third process only if the user satisfies a predetermined condition.

11. The condition is (A) The number of times the electronic money has been granted to the user is equal to or greater than a first threshold value. (B) the number of times the electronic money has been granted to the user is equal to or less than a second threshold value; (C) A first period has elapsed since the user performed membership registration that enables the user to receive the electronic money. (D) The second period has not yet elapsed since the user registered as a member. (E) The product is a specific product among a plurality of products that the user can purchase. The program according to claim 10, wherein the program is at least one of the above.

12. The computer, a determining unit that determines whether the user is in the vicinity of the vending device; The program according to claim 1 , wherein, when the determining means determines that the user is not near the vending device, the executing means executes the second process regardless of the setting information.

13. A program executed on a terminal device capable of communicating with a sales device into which a user having the terminal device can purchase a commodity by inserting cash, the program comprising: The terminal device, A means for transmitting setting information regarding handling of change from the user, the setting information being set to receive change in electronic money instead of cash, to the vending device; a means for receiving information indicating that, when a first amount of money corresponding to the cash inserted into the vending machine exceeds a second amount of money corresponding to the product, the product is purchased, and electronic money corresponding to the difference between the first amount of money and the second amount of money is provided based on the setting information; A program that functions as a

14. A computer of a sales device in which a user can purchase a commodity by inserting cash is provided. Acquiring setting information regarding handling of change of the user by communicating with the terminal device of the user; execute one of a first process of controlling the terminal device and / or the vending device so that, when a first amount of cash corresponding to the cash inserted into the vending device exceeds a second amount of cash corresponding to the product, information indicating that electronic money corresponding to the change, which is the difference between the first amount and the second amount of cash, has been provided, based on the setting information, and a second process of discharging the change; An information processing method.

15. A vending machine in which a user can purchase a commodity by inserting cash, An acquisition unit that acquires setting information regarding handling of change of the user, the setting information being acquired by communicating with a terminal device of the user; an execution unit that executes either a first process of controlling the terminal device and / or the vending device so that information indicating that electronic money corresponding to the amount of change has been provided is displayed on the terminal device and / or the vending device based on the setting information when a first amount corresponding to the inserted cash exceeds a second amount corresponding to the product, or a second process of dispensing the change; A sales device comprising:

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