Program, terminal, article supply device, and management device

Abstract

To provide an article supply technology capable of responding to demands of consumers.SOLUTION: A program enables an article to be supplied from an article supply device capable of supplying the article. The program causes a computer to function as: article purchase right acquisition means that allows an article to be purchased and acquires an article purchase right including a privilege; acquisition means that acquires article supply device identification information displayed on the article supply device; settlement means that settles the purchase of the article supplied from the article supply device identified by the article supply device identification information, using the acquired article purchase right; and article supply control means that controls the article to be supplied from the article supply device on condition of the settlement for the purchase of the article.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, a terminal, an item supply device, and a management device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is an article supplying device in which a capsule toy article stored in the device body can be obtained by operating a handle or the like, on condition that a price is paid (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 62-078998 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such an article supplying device, there are an increasing number of consumers who wish to receive articles in other forms in addition to those in which articles are supplied on condition of payment of a price.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an article supply device, an article supply system, and a management device that can meet the needs of consumers who want to receive articles in various forms. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a program that enables the supply of goods from a goods supply device capable of supplying goods, which causes a computer to function as: goods purchase right acquisition means for enabling the purchase of goods and acquiring a goods purchase right including a benefit; acquisition means for acquiring goods supply device identification information displayed on the goods supply device; payment means for settling the purchase of goods supplied from a goods supply device identified by the goods supply device identification information using the acquired goods purchase right; and goods supply control means for controlling the goods supply device so that goods can be supplied, conditional on payment for the purchase of the goods.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a terminal that enables the supply of goods from a goods supply device capable of supplying goods, and is equipped with: a goods purchase right acquisition means for acquiring a goods purchase right including a benefit, which enables the purchase of goods; an acquisition means for acquiring goods supply device identification information displayed on the goods supply device; a payment means for paying for the purchase of goods supplied from a goods supply device identified by the goods supply device identification information using the acquired goods purchase right; and a goods supply control means for controlling the supply of goods from the goods supply device, conditional on payment for the purchase of the goods.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is an item supplying device capable of supplying items, which comprises a display unit that displays identification information that identifies the item supplying device, a storage unit that stores items, a supply unit that supplies the items stored in the storage unit, a locking unit that locks the items so that they cannot be supplied from the supply unit, and a control unit that controls the locking state of the locking unit, wherein the control unit unlocks the locking unit on the condition that identification information has been acquired and that payment for the items has been completed using a previously acquired item purchasing right.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a management device that manages an item supply device capable of supplying items, and includes an item purchase right providing means that can provide an item purchase right including a benefit to a terminal, an acquisition means that acquires item supply device identification information obtained from the terminal, an item purchase right presenting means that can present to the terminal an item purchase right that can be used to purchase items that can be provided by an item supply device identified from the item supply device identification information, a payment means that makes payment for the purchase of items using the presented item purchase right, and a provision control means that, conditional on completion of payment, controls the provision of items from the item supply device identified from the item supply device identification information. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a program, a terminal, an article supply device, and a management device that meet the demands of consumers and improve user convenience. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an item supply system according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an item supply system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a smartphone, which is an example of the terminal 3. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of an example of the article supplying device 1. As shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example of the article supply device 1. As shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the article supply device 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal 3. As shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the management server 4. As shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the item supply device data D1. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the user information database D2. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the coupon database D3. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the user-owned coupon database D4. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram of the item supply system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a series of coupon purchase screens. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a series of images displayed on the terminal 3 when the user receives an item. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the supply determination process performed by the coupon authentication unit 623 and the lock release unit 624. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the supply process of the item supply device 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] <Outline of the embodiment of the present invention> An outline of an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0013] In order for an item to be supplied from an item supply device, a payment procedure must be followed to purchase the item. A typical example of a payment procedure is the payment of a price (cash). However, there is also a method of depositing a certain amount of money in advance, paying the price of the item from that amount, and receiving the supply of the item. This type of payment method involves obtaining an item purchase right that enables the purchase of an item by depositing a certain amount of money in advance.

[0014] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which an article purchasing right is acquired in advance, and an article is supplied from an article supply device using the article purchasing right.

[0015] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an article supply system according to the present embodiment, in which 1 is an article supply device, 2 is an article supplied by the article supply device 1, 3 is a user terminal, and 4 is a management server.

[0016] The item supplying device 1 is a device that supplies items 2 to a user. The item supplying device 1 is installed indoors or outdoors, and typically multiple item supplying devices 1 that supply different items are installed. The item supplying device 1 that supplies the items 2 displays item supplying device identification information 11 that identifies the item supplying device. This item supplying device identification information 11 includes unique identification information that can identify each item supplying device 1. For example, the item supplying device identification information 11 is the serial number of the item supplying device 1, etc. For the convenience of the user, it is desirable for the item supplying device identification information 11 to be an information display that can be read by the terminal 3. For example, the information display is a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode (QR code: registered trademark), etc.

[0017] The terminal 3 has a function of reading the information display and a function of communicating with other devices. The terminal 3 is, for example, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a mobile phone, or the like.

[0018] The management server 4 is a server that manages the product supply device 1 and the product purchasing rights of users.

[0019] The user uses the terminal 3 to obtain a right to purchase the item 2 from the server 4. In order for the user to obtain the item 2, the user needs to go to the location where the item supplying device 1 is installed and receive the item 2 from the item supplying device 1.

[0020] In view of the above, in a location where multiple item supply devices 1 are installed, it is necessary to identify an item supply device 1 capable of supplying item 2 and to authenticate the user's right to acquire item 2, and under such conditions, the item supply device 1 must be put into a state in which it can supply item 2 to the user.

[0021] Therefore, this embodiment has the following features.

[0022] (1) The product supply device 1 displays product supply device identification information 11 for identifying the product supply device 1 capable of supplying the product that the user wishes to purchase.

[0023] (2) At the location where the product supply device 1 is installed, the product supply device identification information 11 of the product supply device 1 is obtained using the user's terminal 3, and the product 2 that can be supplied is identified from the product supply device identification information 11.

[0024] (3) The management server 4 notifies the terminal 3 of the goods 2 that can be supplied and the details of the goods purchasing right that can be used.

[0025] (4) The user checks the available product 2 displayed on the terminal 3 and pays for the purchase of the product 2 using the product purchasing right that he or she can use.

[0026] (5) When the payment for the goods 2 is completed, the management server 4 unlocks the goods supply device 1, enabling the goods supply device 1 to supply the goods 2. To unlock the goods supply device 1 from supplying goods, an unlock signal for unlocking the supply unit is sent to the goods supply device 1 identified by the goods supply device identification information 11. Then, the supply unit of the goods supply device 1 that receives the unlock signal unlocks the unit, enabling the goods supply device 1 to supply the goods 2 to the user. The management device may be on a network capable of communicating with the goods supply device 1, or may be provided in the goods supply device 1 itself. In addition, when the goods supply device 1 and the terminal 3 are capable of communicating with each other via Wifi or Bluetooth, the terminal 3 may receive information on the completion of the determination and authentication from the management device, and the terminal 3 may transmit an unlock signal to the goods supply device 1.

[0027] In this way, this embodiment can supply goods to users in accordance with various actions of the users, and can meet the needs of various consumers, such as users who receive goods and companies that wish to use the goods supply device.

[0028] Specific embodiments will be described below.

[0029] <Embodiments of the present invention> Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of an article supply system according to the present embodiment. In Fig. 2, the same components as those in Fig. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0030] 2, the item supply device 1, the user terminal 2, and the management server 4 are connected to a communication network 5 and can communicate with each other. The communication network 5 refers to a communication path that allows data communication. In other words, the communication network N includes a LAN such as a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for connection or Ethernet (registered trademark) and other communication networks such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet, and the communication method can be either wired or wireless.

[0031] The item supply device 1 is a device that supplies an item 2 to a user.

[0032] The terminal 3 is, for example, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a mobile phone, etc. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a smartphone, which is an example of the terminal 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal 3 includes a display 31, a touch operation panel 32 integrally configured with the display 31, and a built-in speaker 33 and a camera 34. The terminal 3 is also provided with a control board, a built-in battery, a power button, a volume control button, etc., which are not shown. The control board is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU, a GPU, and a DSP, various IC memories such as an ASIC, a VRAM, a RAM, and a ROM, and a wireless communication module for wireless communication with a mobile phone base station. The control board is also equipped with a so-called I / F circuit (interface circuit), such as a driver circuit for the touch operation panel 32. Each element mounted on these control boards is electrically connected to each other via a bus circuit or the like, and is connected so as to be able to read and write data and transmit and receive signals.

[0033] The management server 4 is a server system configured to include one or more server devices, storage devices, etc. The management server 4 performs processes such as selling the goods purchasing right, settlement using the goods purchasing right, identifying the goods supply device 1 that supplies goods, unlocking the goods supply device 1, etc.

[0034] Next, the configuration of each device will be described.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a front view of an example of the article supplying device 1, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the example of the article supplying device 1, and FIG.

[0036] The item supply device 1 is a device that supplies an item 2.

[0037] The article 2 includes, for example, a toy or the like contained in a divisible spherical capsule, or a toy and a capsule integrated together. The article 2 is not limited to one type of article, and there may be multiple types of articles. In this case, the multiple types of articles are stored mixed together in the article storage section 20 of the article supply device 1, which will be described later, as articles belonging to one series (type).

[0038] On the front surface of the article supplying device 1, there are provided a display 13 showing the contents of the article 2, an insertion slot 14 for coins paid in exchange for the article 2, a handle 15 as an operating section, an outlet 16 through which the article 2 is supplied, and a coin return slot 17. By visually checking the display 13, the user can know the articles that the article supplying device 1 can supply.

[0039] The article supply device 1 displays article supply device identification information 11 (information display: QR code) for identifying the article supply device 1. The article supply device identification information 11 includes at least unique article supply device identification information (device ID) for identifying the article supply device 1, and a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) which is link information to the management server 4 for identifying the article that the article supply device 1 can supply. The article supply device identification information 11 may include other information in addition to the above, such as location information for identifying the place where the article supply device 1 is installed, store name, information such as the price of the article, and management information required for managing the article supply device 1. In addition, as for the method of displaying the article supply device identification information 11, in this example, a method of attaching a QR code as an information display to the article supply device 1 and displaying it is adopted, but this is not limited to this. For example, if the article supply device 1 has a display unit such as a liquid crystal, the information display unit of the article supply device identification information 11 may be displayed on the display unit. Furthermore, the position at which the item supplying device identification information 11 is displayed may be, for example, as shown in Fig. 5, displayed in a position near the return slot 17 where the bottom surface of the return slot 17 can be clearly seen. In this embodiment, the user has acquired the right to purchase items, and can therefore acquire items 2 without paying money such as coins. By displaying the item supplying device identification information 11 in such a position, when a coin inserted by the user by mistake is returned to the return slot 17, the user can easily notice the returned coin.

[0040] The article supply device 1 includes an article storage unit 20, an article supply section 21, a lock section 22, an operation section 23, a control section 24, and a communication section 25.

[0041] The article storage section 20 stores a large number of articles 2. The article storage section 20 is configured to easily store articles by pulling the article storage section 20 towards you and inserting the article 2 from in front of the article supply device 1. An article supply section 21 is provided at the bottom inside the article storage section 20 and includes an article supply unit 21 having a turntable with a hole large enough for one article 2 to pass through.

[0042] The operation unit 23 transmits the operation of the handle 15 to the turntable of the article supply unit 21. The operation unit 23 is locked by the lock unit 22, and when the lock is released, the handle 15 becomes rotatable by the user's operation. For example, an unlocking mechanism using a solenoid lock is used as a mechanism for unlocking the lock. In this case, the solenoid lock is used to make the handle 15 unrotatable (locked), and the lock is released by passing electricity through the solenoid to make the handle 15 rotatable. Note that the unlocking mechanism is not limited to the solenoid lock, and other unlocking mechanisms may be used. Then, when the lock unit 22 is in the unlocked state, the turntable rotates in conjunction with the handle 15 by rotating it by a predetermined angle, and when the hole in the turntable faces the drop port provided at the bottom of the article storage unit 20, one article 2 is supplied from the drop port to the take-out port 16 through a passage communicating with the take-out port 16.

[0043] The control unit 24 controls the locking and unlocking of the locking unit 22. The control unit 24 unlocks the locking unit 22 by payment using cash inserted into the insertion slot 14 or by an unlocking signal controlled from outside. The control unit 24 also locks the locking unit 22 after detecting the discharge of the item 2 into the removal slot 16, or after a predetermined time has elapsed after the locking was released. Furthermore, the control unit 24 may lock the locking unit 22 by a locking signal controlled from outside.

[0044] The communication unit 25 is capable of communicating with the management device 5 via the communication network 6 .

[0045] Next, the configuration of the terminal 3 will be described.

[0046] Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the terminal 3. As shown in Fig. 7, the terminal 3 includes an operation input unit 301, an image capturing unit 302, a processing unit 303, an image display unit 304, a sound output unit 305, a communication unit 306, and a storage unit 307.

[0047] The operation input unit 301 is for inputting various operations by the user, and outputs an operation input signal corresponding to the operation input to the processing unit 303. The function of the operation input unit 301 can be realized by, for example, an element that is directly operated by the user's finger, such as a touch operation pad, a home button, a button switch, a joystick, or a trackball, as well as an element that detects motion or posture, such as an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, an inclination sensor, or a geomagnetic sensor. In FIG. 3, this corresponds to the touch operation panel 32.

[0048] The photographing unit 302 photographs the information display (QR code) of the article supply device identification information 11, and outputs the photographed image to the processing unit 303. The photographing unit 302 includes a lens, an image sensor, and a controller for controlling these. In FIG. 3, this corresponds to the camera 34.

[0049] The processing unit 303 comprehensively controls the operation of the terminal 3 based on programs and data stored in the memory unit 307, operation input signals from the operation input unit 301, etc. The functions of the processing unit 303 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, an IC memory, etc. This processing unit 303 includes a calculation unit 51, an image generation unit 52, a sound generation unit 53, and a communication control unit 54 as main functional units.

[0050] The calculation unit 51 outputs to the image generation unit 52, the sound generation unit 53, and the communication control unit 54. The calculation unit 51 includes an information display acquisition unit 510, a coupon acquisition unit 511, and a supply information presentation unit 512.

[0051] The information display acquisition unit 510 reads the information display of the article supply device 1 photographed by the photographing unit 302 and acquires the article supply device identification information 11.

[0052] The coupon acquisition unit 511 is a unit that acquires a coupon that is a right to purchase the product 2. The coupon has the following forms.

[0053] (1) There are multiple first type coupons (first type product purchase rights) depending on the price. For example, there are three types of first type coupons with prices of 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, and 5,000 yen. In other words, there are multiple types of product purchase rights.

[0054] (2) Each first type coupon (right to purchase a first type of product) includes multiple second type coupons (right to purchase a second type of product). For example, a coupon (right to purchase a first type of product) priced at 1,000 yen includes three or more second type coupons priced at 500 yen each. This is because the total price of the second type coupons is higher than the price of the first type coupons in order to give the user an advantage in purchasing the first type coupon. The price per coupon is preferably set to match the price of the product in consideration of convenience. However, the prices of the second type coupons do not all need to be the same. For example, a second type coupon priced at 500 yen and a second type coupon priced at 400 yen may be mixed. Furthermore, the second type coupon may not only be a monetary coupon, but may be a coupon that can be exchanged for a specific product. For example, a first type coupon priced at 1,000 yen may include two second type coupons priced at 500 yen and one second type coupon that can be exchanged for a specific product. Even with this configuration, a benefit higher than the price of the first type of coupon can be obtained.

[0055] (3) The higher the price of the first type coupon, the higher the ratio of the total amount of the second type coupon to the price of the first type coupon is set. For example, for a first type coupon priced at 1,000 yen, the total amount of the second type coupon is set to 1,000 yen (500 yen x 2), and a coupon for purchasing one product for free is included as a special offer. For a first type coupon priced at 2,000 yen, the total amount of the second type coupon is set to 2,500 yen (500 yen x 5). For a first type coupon priced at 5,000 yen, the total amount of the second type coupon is set to 7,500 yen (500 yen x 15), and a coupon for purchasing one product for free is included as a special offer.

[0056] The coupon acquisition unit 511 acquires the above-mentioned coupon information from the management server 4, and also executes the purchase procedure. The purchase procedure is electronic payment using a credit card or electronic money, as will be described later.

[0057] The supply information presentation unit 512 displays information on available products and available coupons from the management server 4 on the image display unit 304 via the image generation unit 52 .

[0058] Furthermore, the functions of the information display acquisition unit 510, the coupon acquisition unit 511, and the supply information guidance unit 512 can be realized by a Web browser installed in the terminal 3, or can also be realized by a dedicated application.

[0059] The image generation unit 52 generates one image per one frame time (for example, 1 / 60 seconds) based on the processing result of the calculation unit 51, and outputs the generated image signal to the image display unit 304. The function of the image generation unit 52 can be realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), a video signal IC, a program such as a video codec, an IC memory for drawing frames such as a frame buffer, an IC memory used for expanding texture data, and the like.

[0060] The sound generation unit 53 generates sound signals such as sound effects and various operation sounds based on the processing results of the calculation unit 51, and outputs them to the sound output unit 305. The function of the sound generation unit 53 can be realized by, for example, a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec capable of reproducing audio files, or the like.

[0061] The communication control unit 54 performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with the management device 5 and the like.

[0062] The image display unit 304 displays a screen based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 52. The function of the image display unit 304 can be realized by a display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head-mounted display. In FIG. 2, the image display unit 304 corresponds to the display 31.

[0063] The sound output unit 305 is for outputting sound effects and the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 53. In FIG.

[0064] The communication unit 306 realizes communication by connecting to a communication line N. The function of the communication unit 306 can be realized by, for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, and the like.

[0065] The storage unit 307 stores in advance or temporarily stores each time processing is performed programs for operating the terminal 3 and realizing various functions of the terminal 3, and data used during execution of the programs. The storage unit 307 can be realized by, for example, a RAM, a ROM, an IC memory such as a flash memory, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or a DVD. Specifically, the storage unit 307 stores a system program and a control program. The system program is a program for realizing the basic functions of the terminal 3 as a computer. The control program is a program for causing the processing unit 31 to function as the calculation unit 51 (information display acquisition unit 510, coupon acquisition unit 511, supply information presentation unit 512).

[0066] Next, the management server 4 will be described.

[0067] 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the management server 4. The management server 4 includes a storage unit 61, a processing unit 62, and a communication unit 63.

[0068] The storage unit 61 is realized by, for example, a RAM, a ROM, an IC memory such as a flash memory, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or a DVD, and stores a system program and a function program. The system program is a program for realizing the basic functions of a computer. The function program is a program for causing the processing unit 62 to function as an item supply device determination unit 621, an acquisition right authentication unit 622, a coupon selling unit 622, a coupon authentication unit 623, and a lock control unit 624, which will be described later. In addition, each database, which will be described later, is stored in the storage unit 61. Each stored database will be described below.

[0069] The item supply device data D1 stores item supply device identification information (ID) of an item supply device 1 capable of supplying item 2, the type (product name) of item 2 provided by the item supply device 1, and the number of items in stock, in association with each other. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of item supply device data D1. As shown in Fig. 9, the item supply device data D1 stores item supply device ID of an item supply device 1 capable of supplying item 2, the type (product name) of item 2, and the number of items in stock, in association with each other.

[0070] In the user information database D2, user identification information (user ID) and a name are stored in association with each other. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the user information database D2. As shown in Fig. 10, user identification information (user ID) and a name are stored in association with each other.

[0071] The coupon database D3 is a database related to coupons that can be sold to users. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the coupon database D3. The coupon database D3 includes a first type coupon database and a plurality of second type coupon databases. The first type coupon database stores the coupon price of the first type coupon and the first type coupon identification information in association with each other. The second type coupon database is prepared for each type of the first type coupon. In this example, the first type coupons are 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, and 5,000 yen, so three second type coupon databases 1 to 3 are stored. The second type coupon databases 1 to 3 store the first type coupon identification information, the coupon identification information of the second type coupon included in the first type coupon, and the contents (price, benefit, etc.) of the coupon. For example, the second type coupon database 1 stores two 500 yen second type coupons and a benefit to purchase product X for free, in association with the first type coupon identification information and the second type coupon identification information, respectively.

[0072] The user-owned coupon database D4 is a database that stores coupons owned by users. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the user-owned coupon database D4. In the example of Fig. 12, a user ID, a first type of coupon identification information owned by the user, a second type of coupon identification information included in the first type of coupon, and a flag indicating whether each second type of coupon has been used are stored in association with each other.

[0073] The processing unit 62 performs overall control of the operation of the management device 5 based on the programs and data stored in the memory unit 61. The functions of the processing unit 62 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or a GPU, an ASIC, an IC memory, etc. The processing unit 62 includes, as main functional units, an acquisition right authentication unit 622, a coupon selling unit 622, a coupon authentication unit 623, and a lock control unit 624.

[0074] The goods supply device determination unit 621 receives a request for supply of goods from the terminal 3, acquires the goods supply device ID contained in the request, and judges whether the acquired goods supply device ID is included in the goods supply device data D1. If the goods supply device determination unit 621 finds that the device ID is included in the goods supply device data D1, it checks the goods supplied by the goods supply device 1 of that device ID and the number of goods in stock, and if there is stock, it sends a goods purchase screen to the user's terminal 3. On the other hand, if the goods supply device is not included in the goods supply device data D1, or if the goods supply device is included in the goods supply device data D1 but is out of stock, the goods supply device determination unit 621 sends to the terminal 3 an error screen informing the user that it is not possible to supply the goods 2.

[0075] The coupon sales unit 622 receives a coupon purchase request from the terminal 3 and transmits the types of coupons that can currently be provided to the terminal 3. When a user purchases a coupon, the first type coupon ID and the second type coupon ID of the purchased coupon are added to the user owned coupon database D4 corresponding to the user ID of the user. At this time, the terminal 3 may also record a user owned coupon database D4 similar to the user owned coupon database D4, and data may be synchronized between the terminal 3 and the management server 4.

[0076] The coupon authentication unit 623 receives a request for provision of an item from the terminal 3, reads out usable coupons (use flag is "0") from the user's owned coupon database D4 for the user's user ID, and includes them on the item purchase screen. Furthermore, if a coupon is authenticated and used to provide an item, the use flag corresponding to the used second type coupon ID in the user's owned coupon database D4 is changed from "0" to "1." At this time, the user's owned coupon database D4 recorded in the terminal 3 is updated, In this way, data may be synchronized between the terminal 3 and the management server 4.

[0077] If the coupon is authenticated by the coupon authentication unit 623, the lock control unit 624 transmits an unlock signal to the obtained item supply device ID.

[0078] The operation of the system according to this embodiment will now be described.

[0079] Fig. 13 is a sequence diagram of the article supply system of this embodiment. Note that the operation will be explained using the contents of each database in Figs.

[0080] The user uses terminal 3 to purchase a usable coupon. The purchase is performed by activating coupon acquisition unit 511. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a series of coupon purchase screens. Coupon acquisition unit 511 displays the coupon purchase screen (Step 1, FIG. 14(a)). The example of FIG. 14(a) shows a state in which user "XXXX" has no usable coupons. Here, the user selects the coupon purchase button to purchase a coupon. When the coupon purchase button is selected, coupon acquisition unit 511 sends a coupon purchase request including the user ID of user "XXXX" (Step 2).

[0081] The coupon sales unit 622 of the management server 4 that has received the coupon purchase request reads out the types of coupons that can be currently offered from the coupon database D3, and transmits a coupon purchase screen to the terminal 3 (Step 3). Here, the first type of coupons that can be offered are coupons for 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, and 5,000 yen, and also reads out the contents of the second type of coupons included in each of the first type of coupons, and transmits a coupon purchase screen to the terminal 3.

[0082] The coupon acquisition unit 511 of the terminal 3 that has received the coupon purchase screen displays the coupon purchase screen (Step 4). An example of the coupon purchase screen is shown in FIG. 14(b). In the example of FIG. 14(b), three types of first type coupons of 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, and 5,000 yen and the contents of the second type coupon are displayed. The user selects the coupon that he or she wishes to purchase and presses the purchase button. This transitions to the selection of payment method, where the user selects the payment method and presses the payment button (FIG. 14(c)). The coupon acquisition unit 511 of the terminal 3 transmits payment information including the user ID, the first type coupon ID of the selected coupon, and the payment method to the management server 4 (Step 5).

[0083] The coupon sales unit 622 of the management server 4 that has received the payment information performs payment processing for the price corresponding to the first type coupon ID using the specified payment method (Step 6). Then, when the payment is completed, the purchased first type coupon ID and the second type coupon ID of the second type coupon included in the first type coupon are added to the user owned coupon database D4 corresponding to the user ID. In this example, since the user "XXXX" purchased a coupon for 1,000 yen, the first type coupon ID "100" and the second type coupon IDs "100501", "100502", and "100001" are added to the user owned coupon database D4 of the user ID "10001" of the user "XXXX" as shown in FIG. 12. When the payment processing is completed, the coupon sales unit 622 transmits a coupon purchase completion screen.

[0084] The coupon acquisition unit 511 of the terminal 3 that has received the coupon purchase completion screen displays the coupon purchase completion screen (Step 7). An example of the coupon purchase completion screen is shown in Fig. 14(d). In the example of Fig. 14(d), it is displayed that a 1,000 yen coupon is held.

[0085] In this way, the user obtains the coupon.

[0086] Next, the operation of the user receiving the provision of an item will be described. Fig. 15 is a diagram for explaining a series of images displayed on the terminal 3 when the user receives the provision of an item.

[0087] The user goes to a location where an item supply device 1 capable of supplying items 2 is installed, and acquires an information display of item supply device identification information 11 displayed on the item supply device 1. The information display is acquired using the photographing function of the photographing unit 302 of the terminal 3 in response to the user's operation (Step 8). FIG. 15(a) is a diagram showing an example of photographing the information display of item supply device identification information 11 of item supply device 1 by the photographing unit 302 of the terminal 3. The user stands in front of the item supply device 1, operates the terminal 3 so that the information display of item supply device identification information 11 is displayed on the display 31 of the terminal 3, and acquires an image of the information display.

[0088] The information acquisition unit 510 of the terminal 3 acquires the article supply device identification information 11 from the photographed information display of the article supply device identification information 11. In this example, the acquired article supply device identification information 11 includes the device ID of the article supply device 1, and is link destination information (e.g., URL) to an article purchase screen (Step 9). In this example, it is assumed that the acquired device ID is "EQ1001", and the link destination is set to the management server 4. It is also assumed that the request includes the user ID "10001".

[0089] Based on the device ID and link destination of the item supply device 1 acquired by the information acquisition unit 510 of the terminal 3, the supply information presentation unit 512 transmits a request for an item purchase screen (including the user ID) to the management server 4 (Step 10).

[0090] The management server 4 receives the request from the terminal 3 and performs a supply determination process (Step 11).

[0091] When the coupon authentication unit 623 receives a request from the terminal 3 (Step 100), it acquires the device ID included in the request (Step 101). In this example, the acquired item supply device ID is "EQ1001".

[0092] The coupon authentication unit 623 uses the item supply device data D1 to determine the item supply device ID (Step 102). The item supply device ID is determined by determining whether the acquired item supply device ID is included in the item supply device data D1. If the acquired item supply device ID is included in the item supply device data D1 (Step 103), it is determined that the item supply device 1 with the item supply device ID acquired by the user is an item supply device 1 capable of supplying item 2, and the item supply device 1 that transmits the lock release signal is identified. On the other hand, if the acquired device ID is not included in the item supply device data D1 (Step 103), it is determined that the item supply device 1 is not an item supply device 1 capable of supplying item 2, and error notification information is transmitted to the terminal 3 (Step 110). In this example, the acquired item supply device ID is "EQ1001", which is included in the item supply device data D1, so it is determined that the item supply device 1 from which the user is about to receive an item is the item supply device 1 with the item supply device ID "EQ1001".

[0093] Next, the coupon authentication unit 623 checks the inventory of item 2 in the item supply device 1 of the acquired item supply device ID (Step 104). If the inventory quantity of the acquired item supply device ID in the item supply device data D1 is not "0", the coupon authentication unit 623 determines that the item supply device 1 of the acquired item supply device ID can supply item 2, and identifies the item supply device 1 to which the unlock signal should be sent. On the other hand, if the inventory quantity of the acquired item supply device ID in the item supply device data D1 is "0", the coupon authentication unit 623 sends error notification information to the terminal 3 (Step 110).

[0094] If the item 2 is in stock in the item supply device 1 of the acquired item supply device ID, the coupon authentication unit 623 generates an item purchase screen (Step 105). The coupon authentication unit 623 reads the type and price supplied by the acquired item supply device ID, reads coupons applicable to purchase the item from the user-owned coupon database D4, and generates an item purchase screen. The coupon authentication unit 623 then transmits the item purchase screen to the terminal 3 (Step 106). In this example, the item that the item supply device 1 of the item supply device ID "EQ1001" can supply is "item X" and the price is "500 yen". On the other hand, the user-owned coupon database D4 of the user ID "10001" has usable second type coupon IDs "100501" and "100001", and the second type coupon ID "100501" is 500 yen and the second type coupon ID "100001" is a right to purchase item X, so both are usable. The coupon authentication unit 623 generates and transmits an item purchase screen based on the item "Product X" that can be supplied by the item supply device 1 with the item supply device ID "EQ1001", its price "500 yen", and the second type coupon IDs "100501" and "100001".

[0095] The supply information presentation unit 512 of the terminal 3 that has received the product purchase screen displays the product purchase screen (Step 12). An example of the product purchase screen displayed on the terminal 3 is shown in Fig. 15(b). In the example of Fig. 15(b), the supplied product "Product X", its price, and coupon buttons that can be applied to the purchase of the product (500 yen coupon, coupon for purchasing Product X for free) are displayed.

[0096] When the user selects one of the coupon application buttons to apply the coupon, the supply information presentation unit 512 transitions to a payment screen. The payment screen in FIG. 15(c) is the payment screen when the user selects the product X free purchase coupon. When the user selects the payment button on the payment screen, the supply information presentation unit 512 transmits payment information (Step 13). The payment information includes the user ID and the coupon ID of the coupon used. In this example, the payment information includes the user ID "10001" and the second type coupon ID "100001".

[0097] When the payment information is received (Step 107), the coupon authentication unit 623 performs a payment process (Step 108). The payment process is performed by updating the user owned coupon database D4 using the user ID and the second type coupon ID included in the received payment information. In this example, since the payment information includes the user ID "10001" and the second type coupon ID "100001", the payment process is performed by updating the usage flag of the second type coupon ID "100001" in the user owned coupon database D4 of the user ID "10001" to "1". As a result, the coupon with the second type coupon ID "100001" becomes used.

[0098] When the payment process is completed, the coupon authentication unit 623 transmits a product supply guide screen (Step 109). The coupon authentication unit 623 also notifies the lock release unit 624 of the completion of the payment and the product supply device ID.

[0099] The lock release unit 624 transmits an unlock signal to the item supply apparatus 1 identified by the item supply apparatus ID (Step 111). In this example, the lock control unit 624 transmits an unlock signal to the item supply apparatus 1 with the item supply apparatus ID "EQ1001".

[0100] This concludes the explanation of the supply determination process of the management server 4.

[0101] The supply information presentation unit 512 of the terminal 3 receives the guidance information from the management server 4 and displays the guidance information (Step 14). Fig. 15(d) is an example of the guidance information displayed on the terminal 3. The guidance information in Fig. 15(d) informs the user that payment has been completed, that the user should operate the handle 15 of the goods supply device 1 to receive the goods, and that the handle 15 will lock in one minute. The user operates the goods supply device 1 in accordance with the guidance information.

[0102] The item supply device 1 receives the unlock signal and performs a supply process (Step 15). Then, the item supply device 1 transmits a supply report to the management server 4. The management server 4 receives the supply report and updates the stock quantity.

[0103] Next, the supply process (Step 15) of the item supply device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0104] When the control unit 24 of the article supply device 1 receives an unlock signal (Step 200), it unlocks the lock unit 22 (Step 201).

[0105] The control unit 24 of the item supply device 1 determines whether an item 2 is being supplied (Step 202). First, the control unit 24 determines whether the handle 15 of the operation unit 23 has been operated (e.g., one rotation) (Step 203). When the handle 15 has been operated (e.g., one rotation), one item 2 is supplied from the item supply unit 21 to the outlet 16 (Step 204). Then, the control unit 24 locks the lock unit 22 (Step 205).

[0106] On the other hand, if the handle 15 is not operated (Step 203), the control unit 24 determines whether a predetermined time (e.g., one minute) has passed since the lock was released (Step 207). If the handle 15 is not operated (Step 203) and a predetermined time (e.g., one minute) has passed since the lock was released (Step 207), the control unit 24 locks the lock unit 22 (Step 205).

[0107] Finally, if item 2 is supplied normally, the control unit 24 issues a supply report to the effect that item 2 has been supplied normally, and if item 2 is not supplied, the control unit 24 issues a supply report to the effect that item 2 has not been supplied (Step 206).

[0108] Regarding the control from unlocking to locking the lock unit 22, in the above example, the control unit 24 determines whether a predetermined time has passed since unlocking, and when the predetermined time has passed, sets the lock unit 22 to a locked state. This is just one example, and it is also possible to configure the lock control unit 623 of the management server 4 to measure the time from sending the unlock signal, and if a supply report indicating that the item 2 has been normally supplied is not received before the predetermined time has passed, the control unit 24 sends a lock signal to the control unit 24 of the item supply device 1. In this case, when the control unit 24 receives the lock signal, it sets the lock unit 22 to a locked state.

[0109] This completes the explanation of the supply process (Step 15) of the article supply device 1.

[0110] In this embodiment, convenience for users is improved by providing many benefits to users who purchase items, such as lowering the purchase price per item, or providing special items free of charge, etc. This is particularly advantageous for users who intend to purchase many items.

[0111] Furthermore, since all payment processing is performed electronically, there is no burden of physically paying or collecting money, which is beneficial not only for users but also for companies that provide item supply devices.

[0112] <First Modification of the Embodiment of the Present Invention> In the above embodiment, the first type of coupon includes a fixed amount coupon and a special offer, and the user can benefit from the first type of coupon as a whole. However, the same special offer may be included in multiple types of first type coupons. For example, the first type of coupons for 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, and 5,000 yen may be configured to include coupons that allow the user to obtain the same product free of charge.

[0113] The advantage of this configuration is that it allows users to widely become aware of the same product for a certain campaign.

[0114] <Modification 2 of the embodiment of the present invention> In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a user can select a coupon that can be applied when making a payment for the purchase of a certain item. However, a certain second type of special coupon may be used after all other coupons have been used. For example, a coupon that allows a user to obtain an item (goods) free of charge may be used after all fixed-price coupons have been used.

[0115] By doing so, coupons that can be used for any product can be used first.

[0116] <Third Modification of the Present Invention> In the above embodiment, the second type coupon is set to a fixed amount (500 yen). In such a case, if the user can only purchase products that cost 500 yen, it may be inconvenient for the user. Therefore, the system may be configured to allow payment if the product the user desires to purchase is priced at or below the price of the second type coupon.

[0117] <Fourth Modification of the Embodiment of the Present Invention> Both the first and second type coupons may be set with an expiration date for which they can be used for payment. This will be beneficial for both the user and the product provider, as the user will be forced to use the coupon before the expiration date.

[0118] A part or all of the above-described embodiments may be described as, but is not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0119] [Appendix 1] A program for enabling an article to be supplied from an article supply device capable of supplying an article, comprising: Computer, a means for acquiring a right to purchase an item, the right to purchase an item being made available for purchase and including a benefit; An acquisition means for acquiring item supply device identification information displayed on the item supply device; a payment means for paying for the purchase of an item supplied from the item supply device identified by the item supply device identification information using the acquired item purchasing right; an item supply control means for controlling the item supply device so as to supply the item on condition that payment for the purchase of the item is made; A program that functions as a

[0120] [Appendix 2] The benefit includes at least one of a benefit of reducing the purchase price of the item or a benefit of making it possible to obtain the item free of charge; 2. The program described in Appendix 1.

[0121] [Appendix 3] Payment for the purchase of goods using said goods purchase right is electronic payment and does not include cash payment; 2. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

[0122] [Appendix 4] The product purchase right acquisition means is capable of acquiring a plurality of first type product purchase rights. 4. A program according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

[0123] [Appendix 5] the first type of right to purchase goods includes a plurality of second type of right to purchase goods; The type of the first type of product purchase right varies depending on the number of the second type of product purchase rights included therein; 5. A program according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

[0124] [Appendix 6] The more second-type product purchase rights are included in the first product purchase right, the higher the price of the first product purchase right becomes. 6. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

[0125] [Appendix 7] the settlement means makes the second type of product purchasing right used unusable upon settlement of the purchase of the product with the second type of product purchasing right; 7. A program according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

[0126] [Appendix 8] The multiple first-type product supply rights include the same benefit, 8. A program according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

[0127] [Appendix 9] The payment means controls the privilege to be usable on condition that all payments for the second type of product purchase right are completed. 9. A program according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

[0128] [Appendix 10] A first price is set for the second type of product purchase right, The benefit that enables the user to acquire the item free of charge is a benefit that enables the user to acquire one item priced at or below the first price. 10. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0129] [Appendix 11] The payment means controls the first type of product purchase right so that the first type of product purchase right can be used for payment only within a certain period from the acquisition date. 11. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

[0130] [Appendix 12] A terminal that enables an article to be supplied from an article supply device capable of supplying an article, An item purchase right acquisition means for enabling the purchase of an item and acquiring an item purchase right including a benefit; An acquisition means for acquiring item supply device identification information displayed on the item supply device; a payment means for paying for the purchase of an item supplied from the item supply device identified by the item supply device identification information by using the acquired item purchasing right; an item supply control means for controlling the item supply device so that the item can be supplied on condition that payment for the purchase of the item is made; A terminal comprising:

[0131] [Appendix 13] An article supplying device capable of supplying an article, a display unit that displays identification information for identifying the article supply device; A storage section for storing an item; a supply unit that supplies the items stored in the storage unit; a lock unit that locks the article so that it cannot be supplied from the supply unit; A control unit that controls a lock state of the lock unit; Equipped with the control unit unlocks the lock unit on the condition that the identification information has been acquired and that payment for the item has been completed using a previously acquired item purchasing right. Goods supply device.

[0132] [Appendix 14] A management device that manages an item supply device capable of supplying items, a right-to-purchase providing means for providing a right-to-purchase item including a benefit to a terminal; An acquisition means for acquiring the item supply device identification information obtained from the terminal; an item purchase right presenting means for presenting to the terminal an item purchase right that can be used to purchase an item that can be provided by an item supplying device identified from the item supplying device identification information; A payment means for making a payment for the purchase of an item using the presented item purchase right; a supply control means for controlling the supply of an article from an article supply device identified from the article supply device identification information on the condition that the payment is completed; A management device comprising:

[0133] [Appendix 15] The right to purchase an item includes a right to purchase a plurality of items and a privilege to acquire the item free of charge; The payment means performs payment for the right to purchase goods and acquisition of goods by points through electronic payment. 15. The management device of claim 14.

[0134] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified and embodied in various ways within the scope of the technical concept thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1 Goods supply device 2 Goods 3. Terminal 4 Management Server 5. Communication Network

Claims

1. A program that enables the supply of goods from a goods supply device capable of supplying goods, Computers, A means of acquiring the right to purchase goods, which allows the purchase of goods and includes benefits. means for acquiring the identification information of an item supply device displayed on the item supply device. A payment method for settling the purchase of goods supplied from an item supply device identified by the aforementioned item supply device identification information, using acquired item purchase rights. A supply control means that controls the supply of goods from a supply device, conditional on payment for the purchase of goods. A program that makes it function as such.

2. The aforementioned benefits include at least one of the following: a benefit that lowers the unit price of the goods, or a benefit that allows the goods to be obtained free of charge. The program according to claim 1.

3. The settlement for the purchase of goods under the aforementioned right to purchase goods is by electronic payment and does not include cash payment. The program according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The means for acquiring the right to purchase goods is capable of acquiring multiple right to purchase goods of the first type. The program according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned first type of goods purchase right includes a plurality of second type of goods purchase rights, The type of the aforementioned first type of goods purchase right varies depending on the number of second type of goods purchase rights included. The program according to claim 4.

6. The first type of goods purchase right described above will be more expensive to acquire as it includes more second-type goods purchase rights. The program according to claim 5.

7. The payment method is configured such that, upon settlement of the purchase of goods using the second type of goods purchase right, the used second type of goods purchase right becomes unusable. The program according to claim 5.

8. A terminal that enables the supply of goods from a goods supply device capable of supplying goods, A means of acquiring the right to purchase goods, which allows the purchase of goods and includes the right to purchase goods with benefits, An acquisition means for acquiring the identification information of the item supply device displayed on the item supply device, A payment method for settling the purchase of goods supplied from an item supply device identified by the aforementioned item supply device identification information using acquired item purchase rights, A supply control means that controls the supply of goods from a supply device, conditional on payment for the purchase of goods, A terminal equipped with the following features.

9. An article supply device capable of supplying articles, A display unit that displays identification information to identify the item supply device, A storage compartment for storing items, A supply unit that supplies the articles stored in the storage unit, A locking mechanism that locks the supply mechanism to prevent the supply of the article, A control unit that controls the locked state of the locking part, Equipped with, The control unit unlocks the lock unit on the condition that the identification information has been acquired and that the payment for the goods has been completed using the previously acquired right to purchase the goods. Goods supply device.

10. A control device for managing an article supply device capable of supplying articles, A means of providing the right to purchase goods, including benefits, to a terminal, A means for obtaining information identifying an item supply device from the aforementioned terminal, A means for presenting an item purchase right that can be used to purchase items that can be provided by the item supply device identified from the item supply device identification information, to the terminal, A payment method for settling the purchase of goods using the presented right to purchase goods, A provision control means that controls the provision of goods from the goods supply device identified from the goods supply device identification information, subject to the completion of payment, A control device equipped with the following features.

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