Commodity storage, settlement terminal, additional commodity storage, and program

Abstract

To solve a problem in which previously there was no commodity storage that can unattendedly sell: commodities in a vending machine; and commodities in an additional commodity storage which is a commodity storage different from the vending machine.SOLUTION: A commodity storage comprises: a vending machine for selling one or more in-machine commodities; an additional commodity storage for storing at least one or more out-machine commodities that are different from the one or more in-machine commodities; and a settlement part that performs in-machine settlement processing related to a settlement for sales of the in-machine commodities and performs out-machine settlement processing related to a settlement for sales of the out-machine commodities. The commodity storage can be provided that is capable of unattendedly selling the commodities in the additional commodity storage, which is a commodity storage different from the vending machine, in addition to the commodities in the vending machine.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a storehouse or the like that includes a vending machine and an associated storehouse. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there have been vending machines that can sell products without staff (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). Also, various types of vending machines exist (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-37019 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2005-215851 A [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] "SUNTORY", [online], [Retrieved October 26, 2019], Internet [URL: https: / / www.suntoryfoods.co.jp / jihanki / kaobure.html] Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the prior art, there was no unmanned storeroom that could sell products in an auxiliary storeroom, which is a storeroom separate from the vending machine, in addition to the products in the vending machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The product warehouse of the first invention is a product warehouse comprising a vending machine that sells one or more internal products, an attached product warehouse that stores at least the one or more products, and a payment unit that performs internal payment processing related to payments for the sale of the internal products and performs external payment processing related to payments for the sale of products stored in the attached product warehouse.

[0007] With this configuration, a product store can be provided that can sell products in an auxiliary product store, which is a product store separate from the vending machine, in an unmanned manner, in addition to the products in the vending machine.

[0008] In addition, in the product warehouse of the second invention, compared to the first invention, the settlement unit is equipped with an internal settlement unit that performs internal settlement processing and an external settlement unit that performs external settlement processing, and the internal settlement processing and the external settlement processing include the same processing.

[0009] With this configuration, both products in the vending machine and products in the attached product storeroom can be paid for using the same payment process.

[0010] In addition, the product warehouse of the third invention is a product warehouse in which the vending machine is equipped with one or more instruction targets corresponding to internal products and one or more instruction targets corresponding to external products, and further includes an instruction receiving unit that receives instructions for the instruction targets, and the internal payment unit performs internal payment processing for the sale of internal products for the instruction targets accepted by the instruction receiving unit, and the external payment unit performs external payment processing for the sale of external products for the instruction targets accepted by the instruction receiving unit.

[0011] With this configuration, a user can purchase both products in the vending machine and products in the attached product stock by issuing an instruction to an object of the vending machine.

[0012] In addition, in comparison with the first invention, the product warehouse of the fourth invention is a product warehouse in which the settlement unit is provided with an internal settlement unit which performs internal settlement processing and an external settlement unit which performs external settlement processing, and the internal settlement processing and the external settlement processing are different processes.

[0013] With this configuration, products in the vending machine and products in the attached product storehouse can be paid for using different payment processes.

[0014] In addition, in the product warehouse of the fifth invention, compared to the fourth invention, the external payment unit is a payment terminal equipped with an external product identifier accepting means for accepting an external product identifier that identifies an external product, and an external payment processing means for performing payment processing for payment for the external product corresponding to the external product identifier accepted by the external product identifier accepting means.

[0015] With this configuration, a payment terminal that performs payment processing for external products can be provided.

[0016] In addition, the payment terminal of the sixth invention is a payment terminal used for payment processing and installed in a goods warehouse in which goods are stored, and is equipped with a product identifier receiving means for receiving an external product identifier that identifies an external product, which is a product other than the internal products stored in a vending machine equipped in the goods warehouse, and a payment processing means for performing payment processing for the external product corresponding to the external product identifier received by the external product identifier receiving means.

[0017] With this configuration, a payment terminal that performs payment processing for external products can be provided.

[0018] Further, in the payment terminal of the seventh invention, in relation to the sixth invention, the product identifier receiving means receives external product information including the external product identifier, and the payment processing means is a payment terminal that transmits the external product information.

[0019] This configuration allows information regarding sales of external products to be transmitted.

[0020] Furthermore, in the payment terminal of the eighth invention, compared to the seventh invention, the product identifier receiving means also receives internal product information including an internal product identifier that identifies the internal product, and the payment processing means also transmits the internal product information received by the product identifier receiving means, and the destination of the external product information and the destination of the internal product information are different payment terminals.

[0021] With this configuration, sales-related information can be sent to different destinations depending on whether the product sold is an internal product or an external product.

[0022] In addition, the payment terminal of the ninth invention, compared to the seventh or eighth invention, further includes a destination identifier storage unit that stores a destination identifier identifying two or more destinations corresponding to an external product identifier or an internal product identifier, and the payment processing means is a payment terminal that obtains a destination identifier corresponding to the external product identifier or internal product identifier of the sold product, and transmits the external product information or internal product information to the destination identified by the destination identifier.

[0023] With this configuration, sales-related information can be sent to different destinations depending on the product sold.

[0024] In addition, the accessory product storehouse of the tenth invention is an accessory product storehouse that constitutes a product storehouse for any one of the first to fifth inventions.

[0025] This configuration allows external products to be placed in the vending machine, providing an auxiliary product store that is used in conjunction with the vending machine. Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to the product store of the present invention, a product store can be provided that can sell products in an auxiliary product store, which is a product store separate from the vending machine, in an unmanned manner, in addition to the products in the vending machine. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] Conceptual diagram of product sales system A in embodiment 1. [Diagram 2] Block diagram of the same product sales system A [Diagram 3] A diagram showing an example of the same product stock [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the operation of the product sales system A. [Diagram 5]A flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the vending machine 11. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the operation of the product sales system A. [Figure 7] Conceptual diagram of a product sales system B according to the second embodiment [Figure 8] Block diagram of the same product sales system B [Figure 9] A flowchart explaining an example of the operation of the payment terminal 33 [Figure 10] A diagram showing an example of the same product stock [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of the same product stock [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the operation of the product sales system B. [Figure 13] Overview of the computer system according to the above embodiment. [Figure 14] Block diagram of the computer system DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a product warehouse and the like will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that components with the same reference numerals in the embodiments perform similar operations, and therefore repeated description may be omitted.

[0029] (Embodiment 1) In this embodiment, a product sales system including a product storeroom that includes a vending machine, an auxiliary product storeroom, and a payment unit will be described. Note that the payment unit may be included in the vending machine.

[0030] In addition, in this embodiment, a product sales system including a product store having a settlement unit that performs settlement processing for internal products in a vending machine and external products in an attached product store will be described.

[0031] In addition, in this embodiment, the payment processing for internal products, which are products inside the vending machine, and the payment processing for external products, which are products outside the vending machine, include the same processing, and a product sales system that includes a product warehouse that performs both of these processes will be described.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the payment process for internal products and the payment process for external products are both carried out by pressing buttons on a vending machine, and a product sales system including a product warehouse capable of carrying out said processes will be described.

[0033] 1 is a conceptual diagram of a product sales system A in this embodiment. The product sales system A includes one or more product stores 1, and a server device 2. The product storehouse 1 includes a vending machine 11 and an auxiliary product storehouse 12. It goes without saying that the product storehouse 1 may function without the server device 2.

[0034] The vending machine 11 is a machine capable of selling products without any staff. The products may be, for example, beverages, food, etc. Details of the vending machine 11 will be described later. The vending machine 11 may be broadly defined as any machine capable of selling products without any staff.

[0035] The accessory product warehouse 12 is a warehouse that stores one or more external products. The external products are products stored in the accessory product warehouse 12. The external products are usually different from the one or more internal products. However, the external products may be the same as the internal products. For example, the internal product is a beverage (e.g., mineral water) sold by the vending machine 11, and the external product is the same beverage (e.g., mineral water) sold at room temperature. The internal products are products arranged in the vending machine 11. It is preferable that the accessory product warehouse 12 is a warehouse from which a user can freely take out products. It is preferable that the accessory product warehouse 12 is a warehouse from which a user can freely pick up products. It is preferable that the accessory product warehouse 12 is a warehouse that is not surrounded by walls. The accessory product warehouse 12 is, for example, a so-called rack. However, the accessory product warehouse 12 may be a warehouse in which external products are arranged in a closed space surrounded by walls. In addition, when external products are arranged in the closed space of the accessory product warehouse 12, it is preferable that the door constituting the closed space is not locked. Furthermore, the wall material is preferably transparent glass, resin, etc., but may be an opaque material. Furthermore, it is preferable that the auxiliary product storage 12 does not have a temperature control function. However, the auxiliary product storage 12 may have a temperature control function. The auxiliary product storage 12 may contain the same products as those inside the vending machine 11. However, it is preferable that the auxiliary product storage 12 contains at least one external product that is different from the internal products.

[0036] The accessory product storehouse 12 may be installed anywhere. However, it is preferable that no other objects exist between the accessory product storehouse 12 and the vending machine 11. It is also preferable that the accessory product storehouse 12 is installed in a position adjacent to the vending machine 11.

[0037] The size of the accessory product storeroom 12 does not matter. However, it is preferable that the depth of the accessory product storeroom 12 is the same or approximately the same as the depth of the vending machine 11. It is more preferable that the depth of the accessory product storeroom 12 is smaller than the depth of the vending machine 11 than larger. The depth of the accessory product storeroom 12 is, for example, about 530 mm. The width of the accessory product storeroom 12 does not matter. It is preferable that the width of the accessory product storeroom 12 is, for example, about 530 mm or smaller. It is preferable that the height of the accessory product storeroom 12 is the same as the height of the vending machine 11 or smaller than the height of the vending machine 11. The height of the accessory product storeroom 12 is, for example, between 1000 mm and 1800 mm.

[0038] It is preferable that the accessory product storehouse 12 has one or more shelves. External products can be placed on the shelves. The accessory product storehouse 12 may also have a space in the lower area in which other objects can be placed. An example of the other object is a drink server (see FIG. 3). An example of a drink server is 14 in FIG. 3. An example of the other object is a recycling box. The other object may also be placed in the space above the accessory product storehouse 12.

[0039] It is preferable that the vending machine 11 has the same functions as known vending machines. It is preferable that the vending machine 11 has a temperature adjustment function. The temperature adjustment function is, for example, one or more functions of a refrigeration function, a freezing function, a heat retention function, etc.

[0040] The internal product in the vending machine 11 is, for example, a beverage, and the external product in the auxiliary product storeroom 12 is, for example, preferably food (e.g., instant noodles, snacks, lunch boxes, etc.) or non-food items (e.g., figures, stationery, etc.). The vending machine 11 may also be a so-called dispenser, a vending machine that sells items by the cup, etc., and the type is not important.

[0041] 2 is a block diagram of a product sales system A according to the present embodiment. A product storeroom 1 constituting the product sales system A includes a vending machine 11 and an attached product storeroom 12.

[0042] The vending machine 11 includes two or more instruction targets 111, an instruction receiving unit 112, and a settlement unit 113. The settlement unit 113 includes an internal settlement unit 1131 and an external settlement unit 1132.

[0043] The server device 2 includes a server storage unit 21, a server receiving unit 22, a server processing unit 23, and a server transmitting unit 24.

[0044] The vending machine 11 has a function of selling one or more internal products. The internal products are products that are placed in the vending machine 11.

[0045] Referent 111 is an object that corresponds to one or more products. Referent 111 can also be said to be an object that corresponds to a product to be purchased. Referent 111 is, for example, a physical button displayed on vending machine 11, or a button within a screen displayed on vending machine 11. An example of the physical button is 111 in FIG. 1. Vending machine 11 here has one or more referents 111a that correspond to internal products, and one or more referents 111b that correspond to external products.

[0046] The instruction target 111 corresponds to a product identifier and an amount (price). The product identifier and amount corresponding to the instruction target 111 are usually stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the vending machine 11. The product identifier is, for example, an ID, a name, etc. The product identifier may be an identifier of a button on the vending machine 11.

[0047] A referent 111 that corresponds to an internal product is referred to as an internal referent, where appropriate. Also, a referent 111 that corresponds to an external product is referred to as an external referent, where appropriate. An external referent may correspond to two or more external products. In such a case, however, the external referent corresponds to two or more external products of the same price. An external referent corresponds to a pair of a product identifier and a price of one or more external products.

[0048] When any of the internal instruction objects 111 is instructed (e.g., a button is pressed) by a user who is purchasing a product, the internal product corresponding to the internal instruction object 111(a) is discharged from a storage unit (not shown) of the vending machine 11 and can be taken out from the product outlet 114 (see FIG. 1) of the vending machine 11. It goes without saying that in order to purchase an internal product, the user inserts cash into the vending machine 11, makes a payment using an electronic money card, or performs other actions. In addition, the process of purchasing an internal product may be realized by a configuration in which the user can make a payment at their own desk, then go in front of the vending machine 11 and touch it to purchase the product, or the like. In addition, since the process of the vending machine 11 is a publicly known technology, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0049] In addition, when an external product placed in the attached product warehouse 12 is taken out of the attached product warehouse 12 by a user who purchases a product, and an external instruction target 111(b) corresponding to the external product is specified, a valid purchase of the external product is completed. It goes without saying that when purchasing such an external product, the user also inserts cash into the vending machine 11, makes a payment using a card such as an electronic money card or a credit card, etc. In addition, the order of the user's actions such as the instruction of the external instruction target 111(b), taking out the external product from the attached product warehouse 12, inserting cash or holding an electronic money card or the like over a reader (not shown) installed in the vending machine 11 does not matter. In addition, the process of purchasing an external product may be realized by a configuration in which an app payment on a smartphone or the like, a credit card, a debit card, or a QR code (registered trademark) is used, or a payment is made at the user's seat, and then the user goes in front of the vending machine 11 and touches it to purchase the product.

[0050] The instruction receiving unit 112 receives an instruction for the instruction target 111. The instruction receiving unit 112 typically acquires a product identifier that identifies a product to be purchased by the user. The product identifier is an internal product identifier or an external product identifier. The internal product identifier is an identifier for an internal product. The external product identifier is an identifier for an external product. The product identifier is, for example, an ID, a name, etc. The instruction receiving unit 112 may acquire two or more product identifiers. The two or more product identifiers may include an internal product identifier and an external product identifier. In such a case, a payment process for the sale of two or more products corresponding to the two or more product identifiers may be performed at once. Furthermore, when the instruction receiving unit 112 acquires two or more product identifiers including an internal product identifier and an external product identifier, a process for discounting may be performed. The process for discounting is a process for acquiring a total amount that is less than the sum of the price of the internal product identified by the internal product identifier and the price of the external product identified by the external product identifier.

[0051] The instruction receiving unit 112 receives, for example, pressing of a button that is an instruction target 111 of the vending machine 11.

[0052] That is, the acceptance here refers to, for example, pressing a button, receiving an instruction from a terminal held by the user, etc., and the method of instruction of the internal or external product to be purchased by the user does not matter.

[0053] The settlement unit 113 performs processing related to settlement for the sale of products. The settlement unit 113 performs internal settlement processing related to settlement for the sale of internal products. The settlement unit 113 also performs external settlement processing related to settlement for the sale of external products.

[0054] The internal settlement unit 1131 performs an internal settlement process for the sale of the internal product for the instruction target 111 accepted by the instruction receiving unit 112. For example, the internal settlement unit 1131 determines whether or not a valid settlement for the internal product for the instruction target 111 accepted by the instruction receiving unit 112 is possible, and when it is determined that the payment can be valid, it outputs an instruction to take out the internal product for the instruction target 111 accepted by the instruction receiving unit 112 from inside the vending machine 11. More specifically, the internal settlement unit 1131 determines, for example, whether or not cash corresponding to the price of the internal product has been inserted, or whether or not an amount corresponding to the price of the internal product has been accumulated in an electronic money card held up by a user, or whether or not an amount corresponding to the price of the internal product can be withdrawn from a cash card of the user, and when it is determined that the payment can be valid, it outputs an instruction to take out the internal product for the instruction target 111 accepted by the instruction receiving unit 112 from inside the vending machine 11. Upon receiving this instruction, the product discharge mechanism (not shown) of the vending machine 11 performs a process of discharging the internal product for the instruction target 111 from the storage in which the internal product is placed. Through the processing of this product discharge mechanism, the internal product is discharged from the storage (not shown) of the vending machine 11, and the internal product becomes available for removal from the product removal port 114 (see FIG. 1) of the vending machine 11. The internal settlement unit 1131 obtains the amount for the instruction target 111 received by the instruction receiving unit 112 from the vending machine 11, the server device 2, or an external device (not shown), and uses the amount to determine whether or not the payment can be made legitimately.

[0055] Furthermore, the internal settlement unit 1131 transmits, for example, an internal product identifier of the internal product for the instruction target 111 to the external device. Note that the external device is, for example, the server device 2, but may be another device.

[0056] The external settlement unit 1132 performs an external settlement process for the sale of the external product for the instruction target 111 accepted by the instruction acceptance unit 112. For example, the external settlement unit 1132 judges whether or not a valid settlement for the external product for the instruction target 111 accepted by the instruction acceptance unit 112 is possible, and when it is judged that the payment can be valid, it transmits an external product identifier of the external product for the instruction target 111 to an external device. For example, the external settlement unit 1132 judges whether or not cash corresponding to the price of the external product has been inserted, or whether or not an amount corresponding to the price of the external product has been accumulated in an electronic money card held up by a user, or whether or not an amount corresponding to the price of the external product can be withdrawn from a cash card of a user, and when it is judged that the payment can be valid, it transmits an external product identifier of the external product for the instruction target 111 to an external device. Note that the external device is, for example, the server device 2, but may be another device. In addition, the external payment unit 1132 obtains the amount for the instruction target 111 accepted by the instruction accepting unit 112 from the vending machine 11, the server device 2, or an external device not shown, and uses that amount to determine whether payment can be made legitimately.

[0057] It is preferable that both the internal settlement unit 1131 and the external settlement unit 1132 transmit product information including the product identifier of the sold product to the server device 2. The product information includes, for example, the product identifier and the quantity. The product information may be, for example, only the product identifier. The product information may include, for example, the time of sale. The time is information acquired from a clock (not shown). The product information has, for example, a device identifier that identifies the product storeroom 1 or the vending machine 11 or the attached product storeroom 12. The device identifier is, for example, stored in the vending machine 11. The device identifier is, for example, an ID, an ID of the location where the product storeroom 1 is installed, an address of the location where the product storeroom 1 is installed, a company ID of the location where the product storeroom 1 is installed, a company name of the location where the product storeroom 1 is installed, etc.

[0058] The internal settlement unit 1131 performs a discharge process to discharge the internal products in the vending machine 11 from the vending machine 11. On the other hand, the external settlement unit 1132 does not perform a discharge process to discharge the products in the vending machine 11 from the vending machine 11. This is because the external products are not present in the vending machine 11 but are present in the attached product storehouse 12.

[0059] Various types of information are stored in the server storage unit 21 constituting the server device 2. The various types of information are, for example, one or more pieces of product information.

[0060] The server receiving unit 22 receives various types of information. For example, the server receiving unit 22 receives various types of information from the vending machine 11. The various types of information are, for example, product information.

[0061] The server processing unit 23 performs various types of processing. For example, the various types of processing are processing for storing information received by the server receiving unit 22 in the server storage unit 21. For example, the various types of processing are processing for product information stored in the server storage unit 21. For example, the processing for product information is statistical processing. For example, the statistical processing is calculation of total sales amount, calculation of sales profit, etc.

[0062] The server transmission unit 24 transmits various types of information to an external device, such as product information.

[0063] The settlement unit 113, the internal settlement unit 1131, the external settlement unit 1132, and the server processing unit 23 can be realized, for example, by an MPU, a memory, etc. The processing procedure of the settlement unit 113, etc. is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded in a recording medium such as a ROM. However, it may also be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

[0064] The settlement unit 113, the internal settlement unit 1131, the external settlement unit 1132, and the server transmission unit 24 are realized, for example, by wireless or wired communication means.

[0065] The server storage unit 21 is preferably a non-volatile recording medium, but may also be realized as a volatile recording medium.

[0066] There is no restriction on the process by which information is stored in the server storage unit 21. For example, information may be stored in the server storage unit 21 via a recording medium, information transmitted via a communication line or the like may be stored in the server storage unit 21, or information inputted via an input device may be stored in the server storage unit 21.

[0067] The server receiving unit 22 is usually realized by a wireless or wired communication means, but may be realized by a means for receiving a broadcast.

[0068] Next, an example of the operation of the vending machine 11 constituting the product sales system A will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0069] (Step S501) Instruction receiving unit 112 judges whether or not an instruction has been received from a user for instruction target 111. If an instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S502, and if an instruction has not been received, the process returns to step S501.

[0070] (Step S502) The settlement unit 113 acquires a product identifier for the instruction target 111.

[0071] (Step S503) The payment unit 113 obtains the amount that corresponds to the product identifier obtained in step S502 from a storage unit (not shown). The payment unit 113 then uses the amount to determine whether or not payment is possible. If payment is possible, the process proceeds to step S504, and if payment is not possible, error processing is performed. Note that the processing in this step is a well-known technique. Note that in order to determine that payment is possible, it is necessary, for example, that cash of an amount equal to or greater than the amount has been inserted into the vending machine 11, or that information on an electronic money card that is a legitimate electronic money card and stores an amount equal to or greater than the amount has been obtained.

[0072] (Step S504) The settlement unit 113 performs settlement processing. The settlement processing is, for example, a process of moving the cash inserted by the user to a cash chest (not shown) in the vending machine 11, or a settlement processing using an electronic money card or a cash card. Note that such settlement processing is a known technique, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0073] (Step S505) The settlement unit 113 judges whether or not the product identifier acquired in step S502 is an external product. If it is an external product, the process proceeds to step S507, and if it is an internal product, the process proceeds to step S506. Note that, for example, a flag identifying the external product is stored in a pair with the external product identifier associated with the external product, and the settlement unit 113 judges whether or not the flag is stored in a pair with the product identifier acquired in step S502.

[0074] (Step S506) The internal settlement unit 1131 performs a process of discharging the internal product identified by the product identifier acquired in step S502 from the storage (not shown) of the vending machine 11. Note that this process is a known technique, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0075] (Step S507) The settlement unit 113 acquires product information including the product identifier acquired in step S502. The settlement unit 113 acquires, for example, a device identifier stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the vending machine 11, and configures product information including the device identifier and the product identifier.

[0076] (Step S508) The settlement unit 113 transmits the product information acquired in step S507 to the server device 2. The process returns to step S501.

[0077] (Step S509) The settlement unit 113 performs error processing. Return to step S501. Note that the error processing is, for example, a process of outputting an error message, a process of discharging cash inserted into a cash discharge port (not shown) of the vending machine 11, and the like. Note that the error message is stored, for example, in a storage unit (not shown) of the vending machine 11.

[0078] In the flowchart of FIG. 5, the process ends when the power is turned off or an interrupt occurs to end the process.

[0079] Next, the operation of the server device 2 will be described. The server receiving unit 22 of the server device 2 receives the product information from the vending machine 11. Next, the server processing unit 23 accumulates the received product information in the server storage unit 21. In addition, the server processing unit 23 performs a predetermined statistical process on one or more pieces of product information including the device identifier stored in the server storage unit 21 for each device identifier, for example, to obtain the statistical process result. Next, the server transmitting unit 24 transmits the statistical process result to a device not shown.

[0080] Hereinafter, a specific operation of the product sales system A in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0081] In this embodiment, the internal product is a beverage, and the external product is food such as bread, snacks, and instant noodles.

[0082] It is assumed that the user selects instant noodles from the multiple types of external products in the accessory product storehouse 12 and takes out the instant noodles from the accessory product storehouse 12 (see FIG. 6(1)). Next, it is assumed that the user presses the instruction target 111(c) corresponding to instant noodles in the vending machine 11 (see FIG. 6(2)). Next, it is assumed that the user inserts cash or holds a card such as an electronic money card or credit card over the vending machine 11 to perform an action for payment (see FIG. 6(3)).

[0083] In response to the above user's actions, the instruction receiving unit 112 of the vending machine 11 receives an instruction for the instruction target 111(c). Next, the settlement unit 113 acquires a product identifier for the instruction target 111(c) (e.g., "Instant noodles A") from a storage unit (not shown). Next, the settlement unit 113 acquires an amount (e.g., "180 yen") that is paired with the acquired product identifier from a storage unit (not shown). Then, the settlement unit 113 determines that the amount "180 yen" can be used for settlement (e.g., the user has inserted cash of 180 yen or more). Next, the settlement unit 113 performs the settlement process described above.

[0084] Next, the settlement unit 113 determines that the acquired product identifier "Cup Noodles A" is an external product. Note that the determination that the acquired product identifier is an external product includes the determination that the instruction target 111 corresponding to the external product has been instructed.

[0085] Next, the settlement unit 113 acquires the device identifier "M1" stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the vending machine 11, and composes product information (for example, "M1, Instant Noodles A, 1 unit") including the device identifier "M1" and the product identifier "Instant Noodles A." Note that the quantity "1 unit" is a default value, and is stored in advance, for example, in a storage unit (not shown). It goes without saying that the default value is not limited to "1," and may be "2," etc.

[0086] Next, the settlement unit 113 transmits the product information acquired in step S507 to the server device 2.

[0087] Next, the server receiving unit 22 of the server device 2 receives the product information “M1, instant noodle A, 1 unit” from the vending machine 11. Next, the server processing unit 23 accumulates the received product information in the server storage unit 21.

[0088] For example, the server processing unit 23 performs a predetermined statistical process on one or more pieces of product information including the device identifier stored in the server storage unit 21 for each device identifier, and obtains the statistical process result. Then, for example, the server transmission unit 24 transmits the statistical process result to a device not shown.

[0089] Next, the user presses the instruction target 111(a) corresponding to a beverage that the user thinks goes well with "Cup Noodles A" to purchase that beverage. Next, the user inserts cash or holds a card such as an electronic money card or a credit card over the vending machine 11 to perform an action for payment.

[0090] In response to the above user action, the vending machine 11 dispenses a beverage corresponding to the instruction target 111(a).

[0091] In the above specific example, the beverage in the vending machine 11 and the snacks (such as cup noodles, bread, etc.) placed in the auxiliary product storeroom 12 can be easily sold as a set without any staff present.

[0092] As described above, according to the present embodiment, a product store can be provided that can sell products in an auxiliary product store 12 different from the vending machine 11 in addition to the products in the vending machine 11 without any staff.

[0093] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, both the products in the vending machine 11 and the products in the attached product storeroom 12 can be paid for using the same payment process.

[0094] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the user can purchase both the product in the vending machine 11 and the product in the attached product storehouse 12 by giving an instruction to the target of the vending machine 11.

[0095] Moreover, according to this embodiment, an auxiliary product storeroom 12 can be provided that can be used together with the vending machine 11 and in which external products can be placed.

[0096] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the organization (eg, a company) that introduces the product warehouse 1 must bear the cost of electricity for the vending machine 11, but the overall cost burden is small.

[0097] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, not only the cash obtained from the sale of internal products but also the cash obtained from the sale of external products is stored in the vending machine 11, so there is a low risk of cash theft.

[0098] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the same person can replenish external products in the attached product storehouse 12 at the same time that internal products are replenished in the vending machine 11, so product replenishment costs do not increase.

[0099] The processing of the vending machine 11 and the like in this embodiment may be realized by software. This software may be distributed by software download or the like. This software may also be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed. This also applies to other embodiments in this specification. The software that realizes the vending machine 11 in this embodiment is a program as follows. That is, this program is a program for making a computer function as an instruction receiving unit that receives instructions for one or more instruction targets corresponding to internal products and one or more instruction targets corresponding to external products, an internal settlement unit that performs internal settlement processing for the sale of internal products for the instruction targets received by the instruction receiving unit, and an external settlement unit that performs external settlement processing for the sale of external products for the instruction targets received by the instruction receiving unit.

[0100] (Embodiment 2) The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the payment processing for the sale of external products is performed by the payment terminal, and the present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the vending machine does not need to have an instruction target for purchasing external products.

[0101] In this embodiment, a product sales system including a vending machine, an attached product store, and a payment terminal is described. The payment terminal is a payment terminal installed in the vending machine, and is a terminal that can be used to pay for external products other than the products in the vending machine.

[0102] In this embodiment, a product sales system including a payment terminal equipped with a means for transmitting product information related to purchased products will be described.

[0103] In this embodiment, a product sales system including a payment terminal having different transmission destinations for internal products, which are products inside a vending machine, and external products, will be described.

[0104] In this embodiment, a product sales system including a payment terminal in which destination information is managed in association with each of internal and external products of a vending machine will be described.

[0105] 7 is a conceptual diagram of a product sales system B in this embodiment. The product sales system B includes one or more product stores 3 and one or more server devices 2. The product storeroom 3 includes a vending machine 31, an attached product storeroom 12, and a payment terminal 33.

[0106] 8 is a block diagram of product sales system B in this embodiment. Vending machine 31 constituting product warehouse 3 constituting product sales system B includes instruction target 111, instruction receiving unit 112, and settlement unit 313. Note that vending machine 31 may be the same as vending machine 11. Furthermore, settlement unit 313 includes internal settlement unit 1131.

[0107] The payment terminal 33 includes a transmission destination identifier storage unit 331, and a payment unit 332. The payment unit 332 includes a product identifier receiving means 3321, and a payment processing means 3322.

[0108] The vending machine 31 is, for example, a known vending machine. For example, the vending machine 31 dispenses an internal commodity corresponding to the instruction target 111 from within the vending machine 31 in response to the insertion of cash and the acceptance of an instruction to the instruction target 111. For example, the vending machine 31 dispenses an internal commodity corresponding to the instruction target 111 from within the vending machine 31 in response to communication with an electronic money card and the acceptance of an instruction to the instruction target 111.

[0109] The destination identifier storage unit 331 constituting the payment terminal 33 stores a destination identifier corresponding to a product identifier. The destination identifier is information that specifies the destination of information such as product information. The destination identifier is, for example, an IP address of the destination server device, an email address, a telephone number, etc. The destination identifier storage unit 331 stores, for example, a destination identifier corresponding to an external product identifier or an internal product identifier. One destination identifier may correspond to one product identifier, or two or more product identifiers. Here, the correspondence may be a direct correspondence or an indirect correspondence.

[0110] The settlement unit 313 accepts an external product identifier that identifies an external product, and performs settlement processing for settlement of the external product corresponding to the external product identifier.

[0111] The product identifier receiving means 3321 receives an external product identifier. There is no restriction on the method of receiving the external product identifier. The product identifier receiving means 3321 may be realized by a code reader that reads a code displayed on an external product. The product identifier receiving means 3321 may be configured with a receiving module that receives an external product identifier. The external product identifier is information that identifies an external product, which is a product other than the internal product stored in the vending machine 31 included in the product warehouse 3. The code is, for example, a two-dimensional code. The code is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark), a barcode, etc. However, it goes without saying that any code is acceptable and there is no restriction on the code.

[0112] The product identifier receiving unit 3321 may receive external product information including an external product identifier. The external product information may include, for example, a sold quantity. The external product information may include, for example, a device identifier. The external product information may be only the external product identifier.

[0113] The product identifier receiving unit 3321 may also receive internal product information including an internal product identifier for identifying an internal product. The product identifier receiving unit 3321 acquires, for example, a product identifier corresponding to the designated target 111 from the vending machine 31.

[0114] The payment processing means 3322 performs payment processing for payment of the external product corresponding to the external product identifier accepted by the external product identifier accepting means 3321. The payment processing may be any processing related to payment. The payment processing may be, for example, transmission of the sold product identifier, transmission of the amount and the user identifier to the server device 2 or a payment server (not shown), writing of deduction information to the electronic money card, transmission of the purchase amount and the ID of the electronic money card to the server device 2 or a payment server (not shown) to debit the purchase amount, etc. The user identifier is, for example, an identifier obtained from an electronic money card or a credit card by a reader (not shown) installed in the vending machine 11.

[0115] The payment processing means 3322 transmits, for example, external product information to a payment server for debiting the purchase amount.

[0116] The settlement processing means 3322 may also transmit the internal product information accepted by the internal product identifier accepting means 3321. In other words, the settlement terminal 33 may perform settlement processing for the sale of the internal product.

[0117] The payment processing means 3322 obtains a destination identifier corresponding to the external product identifier or internal product identifier of the sold product from the destination identifier storage unit 331, and transmits the external product information or internal product information to the destination identified by the destination identifier.

[0118] Destination identifier storage unit 331 is preferably a non-volatile recording medium, but can also be realized as a volatile recording medium.

[0119] There is no restriction on the process by which information is stored in destination identifier storage unit 331. For example, information may be stored in destination identifier storage unit 331 via a recording medium, information transmitted via a communication line or the like may be stored in destination identifier storage unit 331, or information inputted via an input device may be stored in destination identifier storage unit 331.

[0120] The settlement unit 313 and the settlement processing means 3322 can usually be realized by an MPU, memory, etc. The processing procedure of the settlement unit 313, etc. is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded in a recording medium such as a ROM. However, it may also be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

[0121] The settlement unit 313 and the settlement processing means 3322 may be realized by a communication means.

[0122] The product identifier receiving means 3321 is realized by, for example, a code reader, a communication means, and the like.

[0123] Next, an example of the operation of the payment terminal 33 constituting the product sales system B will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0124] (Step S901) The product identifier receiving means 3321 judges whether or not a product identifier has been received. If the product identifier has been received, the process proceeds to step S902, and if the product identifier has not been received, the process proceeds to step S911.

[0125] (Step S902) The payment processing means 3322 acquires the product identifier accepted in step S901.

[0126] (Step S903) The payment processing means 3322 obtains the amount that corresponds to the product identifier obtained in step S902 from a storage unit (not shown). The payment unit 113 then uses the amount to determine whether or not payment is possible. If payment is possible, the process proceeds to step S904, and if payment is not possible, the process proceeds to step S909. The payment processing means 3322 determines whether or not payment is possible, for example, by using card information temporarily stored in step S912 (for example, the amount stored in an electronic money card).

[0127] (Step S904) The payment processing means 3322 judges whether or not the product identifier acquired in step S902 is an external product. If it is an external product, the process proceeds to step S906, and if it is an internal product, the process proceeds to step S905. The payment processing means 3322 judges whether or not the product is an external product, for example, based on whether or not there is a flag indicating an external product associated with the product identifier acquired in step S902 or the designated instruction target 111. Any other algorithm may be used for the judgment process here.

[0128] (Step S905) The payment processing means 3322 instructs the vending machine 31 to discharge the internal product identified by the product identifier acquired in step S902 from a storage unit (not shown) of the vending machine 31. Note that this instruction to the vending machine 31 causes the internal product to be discharged from the storage unit of the vending machine 31.

[0129] (Step S906) The payment processing means 3322 performs a payment process. The payment process is, for example, a process of moving the cash inserted by the user to a cash chest (not shown) in the vending machine 11, or a payment process using an electronic money card or a cash card. Note that such a payment process is a publicly known technique.

[0130] (Step S907) The payment processing means 3322 acquires product information including the product identifier acquired in step S902. The payment processing means 3322 acquires, for example, a device identifier stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the payment terminal 33, and configures product information including the device identifier and the product identifier.

[0131] (Step S908) The payment processing means 3322 acquires a destination identifier corresponding to the product identifier from the destination identifier storage unit 331. Then, the payment processing means 3322 transmits the product information acquired in step S907 to the server device 2 identified by the destination identifier. Return to step S901.

[0132] (Step S909) The settlement processing means 3322 judges whether or not a timeout has occurred. If a timeout has occurred, the process proceeds to step S910, and if not, the process returns to step S903.

[0133] (Step S910) The payment processing means 3322 performs error processing. Return to step S901. Note that the error processing is, for example, processing to output an error message, processing to discharge the cash inserted into a cash discharge port (not shown) of the vending machine 31, etc.

[0134] (Step S911) The payment terminal 33 judges whether or not information of a card (for example, an electronic money card, a credit card) has been acquired. If the information has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S912, and if the information has not been acquired, the process returns to step S901.

[0135] (Step S912) The payment terminal 33 temporarily stores the card information acquired in step S911 in a storage unit (not shown) of the payment terminal 33. Return to step S901.

[0136] In the flowchart of FIG. 9, the process ends when the power is turned off or an interrupt occurs to end the process.

[0137] Hereinafter, a specific operation of the product sales system B in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0138] 10 and 11 are examples of the product storehouse 3. The vending machine 31 in the product storehouse 3 is a beverage vending machine. In addition, the attached product storehouse 12 stores a variety of external products such as snacks and instant noodles.

[0139] Now, assume that the user selects instant noodles from among the multiple types of external products in the accessory product storehouse 12, and takes out the instant noodles from the accessory product storehouse 12. Next, the user touches a predetermined area (here, for example, the liquid crystal screen) of the payment terminal 33 (step 1 in FIG. 12). This puts the payment terminal 33 in a state where it can start operating.

[0140] Next, the user brings the code (here, a barcode) printed on the surface of the instant noodle close to a reader included in the payment terminal 33, causing the reader to read the code (step 2 in FIG. 12). Then, the product identifier receiving means 3321 of the payment terminal 33 reads the code and obtains the product identifier corresponding to the code. Then, the payment terminal 33 outputs a payment method selection screen stored in a storage unit (not shown).

[0141] Next, the user selects a payment method (step 3 in FIG. 12). For example, it is assumed that the user selects the menu item "Transportation."

[0142] Next, the user reads the transportation electronic money card into the payment terminal 33. Next, the payment processing means 3322 obtains the amount that corresponds to the obtained product identifier from a storage unit (not shown).

[0143] Next, the user holds the electronic money card over the vending machine 11 and performs an action for payment. Next, the settlement unit 113 determines that the payment can be made using the amount. Then, the settlement processing means 3322 performs the settlement process. The settlement process is, for example, a known settlement process using an electronic money card.

[0144] Next, the payment processing means 3322 determines that the product identifier acquired in step S902 is an external product.

[0145] Next, the payment processing means 3322 acquires product information including the acquired product identifier. For example, the payment processing means 3322 acquires a device identifier stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the payment terminal 33, and configures product information including the device identifier and the product identifier. Next, the payment processing means 3322 transmits the product information to the server device 2.

[0146] Next, the server receiving unit 22 of the server device 2 receives the product information from the payment terminal 33. Next, the server processing unit 23 stores the received product information in the server storage unit 21.

[0147] For example, the server processing unit 23 performs a predetermined statistical process on one or more pieces of product information including the device identifier stored in the server storage unit 21 for each device identifier, and obtains the statistical process result. Then, for example, the server transmission unit 24 transmits the statistical process result to a device not shown.

[0148] Next, the user presses the instruction object 111(a) corresponding to a beverage that the user thinks goes well with the purchased instant noodles. Next, the user inserts cash or holds a card such as an electronic money card or a credit card over the vending machine 11 to perform an action for payment.

[0149] In the above specific example, a product store can be provided that can easily sell a set of beverages in the vending machine 31 and snacks (such as cup noodles, bread, etc.) placed in the auxiliary product store 12 without any staff.

[0150] As described above, according to the present embodiment, a product store can be provided that can sell products in an auxiliary product store 12 different from the vending machine 31 in an unmanned manner in addition to the products in the vending machine 31.

[0151] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, products in the vending machine 31 and products in the attached product storeroom 12 can be paid for using different payment processes.

[0152] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, a payment terminal that performs payment processing for external products can be provided. Furthermore, the payment terminal does not require the vending machine 31 to handle external products, and therefore the need for improvements and modifications to the vending machine 31 is minimal.

[0153] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, information regarding sales of external products can be transmitted.

[0154] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, sales-related information can be sent to different destinations depending on whether the product sold is an internal product or an external product.

[0155] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, sales-related information can be sent to different destinations depending on the product sold.

[0156] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an auxiliary product store that can store external products and is used in combination with a vending machine.

[0157] The software for realizing payment terminal 33 in this embodiment is the following program. In other words, this program causes a computer to function as product identifier receiving means for receiving an external product identifier that identifies an external product, which is a product other than the internal products stored in the vending machine of the product warehouse, and as payment processing means for performing payment processing for the external product corresponding to the external product identifier received by the external product identifier receiving means.

[0158] Fig. 13 shows the appearance of a computer that executes the programs described in this specification to realize the vending machines, server devices, and payment terminals of the various embodiments described above. The above-described embodiments can be realized by computer hardware and computer programs executed thereon. Fig. 13 is an overview of this computer system 300, and Fig. 14 is a block diagram of system 300.

[0159] In FIG. 13, computer system 300 includes a computer 301 including a CD-ROM drive, a keyboard 302, a mouse 303, and a monitor 304.

[0160] 14, computer 301 includes, in addition to CD-ROM drive 3012, MPU 3013, bus 3014 connected to CD-ROM drive 3012 etc., ROM 3015 for storing programs such as a boot-up program, RAM 3016 connected to MPU 3013 for temporarily storing instructions of application programs and providing temporary storage space, and hard disk 3017 for storing application programs, system programs, and data. Although not shown here, computer 301 may further include a network card for providing connection to a LAN.

[0161] A program for causing computer system 300 to execute functions of the vending machine or the like of the above-mentioned embodiment may be stored on CD-ROM 3101, inserted into CD-ROM drive 3012, and then transferred to hard disk 3017. Alternatively, the program may be transmitted to computer 301 via a network (not shown) and stored on hard disk 3017. The program is loaded into RAM 3016 when executed. The program may also be loaded directly from CD-ROM 3101 or the network.

[0162] The program does not necessarily include an operating system (OS) or a third party program that causes the computer 301 to execute the functions of the vending machine of the above-mentioned embodiment. The program only needs to include an instruction portion that calls appropriate functions (modules) in a controlled manner to obtain a desired result. How the computer system 300 operates is well known, and a detailed description will be omitted.

[0163] In addition, in the above program, the steps of transmitting information and receiving information do not include processing performed by hardware, such as processing performed by a modem or interface card in the transmitting step (processing that is performed only by hardware).

[0164] The program may be executed by a single computer or a plurality of computers. That is, the program may be executed by a centralized processing or a distributed processing.

[0165] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, it goes without saying that two or more communication means present in one device may be physically realized by one medium.

[0166] In each of the above embodiments, each process may be realized by centralized processing in a single device, or may be realized by distributed processing in a plurality of devices.

[0167] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible, and it goes without saying that these modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0168] As described above, the product store of the present invention has the effect of providing a product store that can sell products in an auxiliary product store, which is a product store separate from the vending machine, in an unmanned manner, in addition to the products in the vending machine, and is useful as a product store installed in a company. [Explanation of symbols]

[0169] 1, 3 Product warehouse 2. Server equipment 11, 31 Vending Machine 12 Accessory Stock 21 Server Storage 22 Server Receiving Unit 23 Server Processing Unit 24 Server transmission section 33 Payment terminal 111 Referent 112 Instruction Reception Department 113, 313, 332 Payment Department 114 Product outlet 331 Destination Identifier Storage Section 1131 Internal Settlement Department 1132 External Payment Department 3321 External product identifier receiving means 3321 Product identifier receiving means 3321 Product identifier acceptance means 3322 Payment processing means

Claims

1. A product sales system having a product warehouse and a server device, The said inventory is a vending machine that sells one or more internal products; an auxiliary product warehouse for storing at least one or more external products that are products; a settlement unit that performs an internal settlement process for the sale of the internal product and an external settlement process for the sale of the external product stored in the auxiliary product warehouse, The settlement unit, Transmitting product information to the server device, the product information having a device identifier for identifying the product stock, the vending machine, or the auxiliary product stock, and a product identifier for identifying the sold external product; The server device includes: a server receiving unit that receives the product information transmitted by the settlement unit; a server processing unit that accumulates the product information.

2. The settlement unit, 2. The product sales system according to claim 1, wherein product information including the device identifier, the product identifier, and the user identifier is transmitted to the server device.

3. The settlement unit, 2. The product sales system according to claim 1, wherein product information including the device identifier, the product identifier, and the time of sale is transmitted to the server device.

4. The server processing unit: performing statistical processing on the product information stored in the server storage unit for each device identifier, and acquiring a result of the statistical processing; The server device includes:

2. The product sales system according to claim 1, further comprising a server transmission unit that transmits the statistical processing results to an external device.

5. The payment unit is provided in the vending machine, The vending machine includes: having two or more referents, An instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction for an instruction target from a user, The settlement unit, A product sales system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: acquiring a product identifier for the instruction target received by the instruction receiving unit; determining whether the product identified by the product identifier is an external product or an internal product; and only when it is determined that the product is an internal product, performing a process of discharging the product identified by the product identifier from inside the vending machine.

6. a vending machine that sells one or more internal products; an auxiliary product warehouse for storing at least one or more external products that are products; a settlement unit that performs an internal settlement process for the sale of the internal product and an external settlement process for the sale of the external product stored in the auxiliary product warehouse, The settlement unit, A product storehouse that transmits product information to the server device, the product information having a device identifier that identifies the product storehouse, the vending machine, or the auxiliary product storehouse, and a product identifier that identifies the sold external product.

7. The settlement unit, 7. The product stockroom according to claim 6, wherein product information including the device identifier, the product identifier, and the user identifier is transmitted to the server device.

Images