Discharge device, discharge method, and discharge program

Abstract

To hygienically manage a sanitary product.SOLUTION: A discharge device installed in a predetermined private room where a user uses a sanitary product, includes: a storage part that stores the sanitary product to be used by the user; a presentation part that presents the sanitary product stored by the storage part so as to be visible from the outside of the discharge device; and a discharge part that discharges the sanitary product stored by the storage part in response to an operation on the discharge device performed by the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ejection device, an ejection method, and an ejection program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are known techniques relating to dispensing devices such as dispensers that dispense sanitary products. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-099636 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned conventional techniques, it is not always possible to hygienically manage the sanitary product before the discharge device provides the sanitary product to the user.

[0005] The present application has been made in view of the above, and has an object to manage sanitary products in a hygienic manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The discharge device according to the present application is a discharge device installed in a specified private room where a user uses sanitary products, and is characterized by comprising: a storage unit that stores the sanitary products used by the user; a presentation unit that presents the sanitary products stored in the storage unit so that they can be seen from outside the discharge device; and a discharge unit that discharges the sanitary products stored in the storage unit by the user operating the discharge device. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiment, sanitary products can be managed hygienically. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a discharge control process executed by a discharge device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a discharge device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a discharge device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a discharge system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a discharge device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contract information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a usage information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a provided information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the discharge control process executed by the discharge device according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a providing process executed by the management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a discharge device according to a modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a discharge device according to a modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a discharge device according to a modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a determination process executed by a management device according to a modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a cartridge information storage section according to a modified example. [Figure 17]FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] At least the following points will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Aspect 1 is a discharge device installed in a specific private room where a user uses sanitary products. Aspect 1 is characterized in that it includes a storage unit that stores the sanitary products used by the user, a presentation unit that presents the sanitary products stored in the storage unit so that they can be seen from outside the discharge device, and a discharge unit that discharges the sanitary products stored in the storage unit by operating the discharge device by the user.

[0011] According to such an embodiment 1, for example, sanitary products used by a user are stored, the stored sanitary products are presented so as to be visible from the outside of the discharge device, and the stored sanitary products are discharged by the user's operation of the discharge device. For example, the discharge device may have a window through which the sanitary products stored therein can be checked. In this case, the user can immediately check the condition in which the sanitary products stored in the discharge device are being managed. In this way, embodiment 1 allows sanitary products to be managed hygienically.

[0012] A second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that in the first aspect, the container has a window through which the sanitary product contained in the container section can be visually recognized by the user.

[0013] According to the second aspect, for example, a window is provided for allowing a user to visually check the sanitary products contained in the discharge device, whereby the user can check the management state, that is, the state in which the sanitary products are managed, through the window.

[0014] Aspect 3 is characterized in that, in aspect 1 or 2, the management state, in which the sanitary products stored in the storage section are managed within the storage section, is presented to the user through the window.

[0015] According to the third aspect, for example, the management status of the sanitary products housed in the discharge device is presented to the user through a window. This allows the user to check the management status of the sanitary products.

[0016] A fourth aspect is characterized in that in any of the first to third aspects, information showing the management state of the sanitary products stored in the storage section is displayed.

[0017] According to the fourth aspect, for example, if the discharge device has a display unit, the display unit displays information indicating the management status of the sanitary products. This allows the user to check the management status of the sanitary products.

[0018] A fifth aspect is characterized in that in the fourth aspect, information on the number of days from the date on which the sanitary product was restocked in the storage section to the present is displayed as the information indicating the management status.

[0019] According to the fifth aspect, for example, if the discharge device has a display unit, the display unit displays information on the number of days from the date on which the sanitary products were restocked to the present as information showing the management status of the sanitary products. In this way, the fifth aspect allows the user to recognize how many days have passed since the sanitary products were restocked.

[0020] A sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that in the fourth or fifth aspect, information on the temperature or humidity inside the storage section is displayed as the information indicating the management state.

[0021] According to the sixth aspect, for example, when the discharge device has a display unit, the display unit displays information on the temperature or humidity inside the discharge device as information showing the management state of the sanitary products. This allows the user to recognize the environment in which the sanitary products are managed.

[0022] Aspect 7 is characterized in that in aspects 1 to 6, the sanitary products are stored individually wrapped and the sanitary products are discharged individually.

[0023] According to the seventh aspect, for example, individually wrapped sanitary products are stored. Then, in the seventh aspect, the sanitary products are discharged individually. In this way, in the seventh aspect, the sanitary products can be managed hygienically and maintained in a sanitary state until the user uses the sanitary products.

[0024] Aspect 8 is characterized in that in aspects 1 to 6, a predetermined package containing a predetermined number of the sanitary products is contained, and the sanitary products contained in the predetermined package are discharged individually.

[0025] According to the eighth aspect, for example, a predetermined package containing a predetermined number of sanitary products is stored. Then, in the eighth aspect, the sanitary products stored in the predetermined package are individually discharged. In this way, in the eighth aspect, the sanitary products can be managed hygienically and maintained in a sanitary state until the user uses the sanitary products.

[0026] Aspect 9 is characterized in that, in aspects 1 to 6, the sanitary products are contained in a cartridge-type packaging that can be attached to the discharging device and that the sanitary products contained in the cartridge-type packaging are discharged individually.

[0027] According to the ninth aspect, for example, the cartridge-type package contains a predetermined number of sanitary products, and has a window that allows a user to visually check the sanitary products contained in the cartridge-type package from the outside of the discharging device. The ninth aspect discharges the sanitary products contained in the cartridge-type package individually. This allows the ninth aspect to hygienically manage the sanitary products and maintain them in a sanitary state until the user uses them.

[0028] A tenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects further includes a disinfecting section that disinfects the sanitary products housed in the housing section, and discharges the sanitary products disinfected by the disinfecting section.

[0029] According to aspect 10, for example, the sanitary products housed in the discharge device are disinfected by a predetermined operation by the user. Then, aspect 10 discharges the disinfected sanitary products. In this way, aspect 10 can manage the sanitary products hygienically. Also, aspect 10 allows the user to use sanitary sanitary products.

[0030] An example of a form for implementing the discharge device, discharge method, and discharge program (hereinafter, referred to as an "embodiment") will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the discharge device, discharge method, and discharge program are not limited to this embodiment. Also, the same parts in the following embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0031] [Embodiment] [1. An example of output control processing executed by the discharge device] An example of a discharge control process executed by the discharge device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a discharge control process executed by the discharge device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0032] First, the premise will be described. It is assumed that a user U1 visits the commercial facility F1. It is also assumed that the commercial facility F1 has a contract for a predetermined service using the discharge device 100 that provides sanitary products to the user U1. Here, the predetermined service related to the use of the discharge device 100 is provided by a business entity that manages the management device 200.

[0033] For example, the management device 200 pre-stores, as contract information related to a contract for a predetermined service regarding the use of the discharge device 100, identification information for identifying a facility such as a contracting commercial facility, the number of contracted discharge devices 100, and information regarding the installation locations of each discharge device 100. In addition, the management device 200 pre-stores, as contract information, information regarding the type of sanitary products accommodated in the discharge device 100, the number of sheets accommodated, and the like.

[0034] The discharge device 100 is installed in each private room of the toilet located on each floor of the commercial facility F1. In the example of Fig. 1, a user U1 uses the toilet TO1. The discharge device 100 has a communication function.

[0035] In such a case, first, an example will be described in which a user U1 uses a sanitary product by using the discharge device 100. Next, an example will be described in which the management device 200 provides provision information to a replenishing company DE1 that replenishing sanitary products based on the number of sanitary products in stock. Note that the information processing steps described below may also include the actions of natural persons for convenience.

[0036] First, an example will be described in which a user U1 uses a sanitary product by utilizing the excretion device 100. In the example of Fig. 1, the user U1 uses the toilet TO1 and executes authentication processing using the terminal device 10 that the user U1 uses. In this case, it is assumed that the user U1 uses an application AP. For example, it is assumed that the user U1 has installed the application AP in the terminal device 10 in advance.

[0037] Here, the application AP will be described. An operator who manages the management device 200 provides the application AP. Specifically, an application control server controls the application AP. For example, the application AP manages information related to the menstruation of the user U1. The application AP also manages information related to the menstrual cycle of the user U1. The application AP also manages information related to the physical condition of the user U1. The application AP also manages user information such as the gender, age, etc. of the user. The application AP also enables the user U1 to use the sanitary products discharged from the discharge device 100. Note that in the application AP, the above managed objects and functions can be arbitrarily combined as appropriate.

[0038] 1, a user performs a predetermined operation (step S1). Specifically, the terminal device 10 executes an authentication process for using the discharge device 100 on the discharge device 100 in response to the user's operation on the application AP. For example, the terminal device 10 displays a two-dimensional code such as a QR (Quick Response) code (registered trademark) on the application AP. Then, the user holds the two-dimensional code over the discharge device 100 so that it can be read.

[0039] In this case, the discharge device 100 reads the two-dimensional code to receive an authentication request from the user U1 (step S2). For example, the discharge device 100 receives the authentication request from the user U1 together with identification information for identifying the two-dimensional code from the terminal device 10. For example, the identification information for identifying the two-dimensional code includes identification information for identifying the user U1.

[0040] Next, the management device 200 receives an authentication request for user U1 from the discharge device 100 (step S3). Then, the management device 200 authenticates the user U1 (step S4). For example, it is assumed that identification information for identifying user U1 is stored in a predetermined storage unit of the management device 200. In this case, the management device 200 compares the identification information for identifying user U1 received from the discharge device 100 with the identification information for identifying user U1 stored in a predetermined storage unit of the discharge device 100. Next, the management device 200 authenticates user U1 if the comparison is successful. Here, it is assumed that authentication of user U1 is successful.

[0041] Next, the management device 200 transmits the authentication result to the discharge device 100 (step S5). For example, the management device 200 transmits the authentication result, such as that the authentication of the user U1 has been successful, to the discharge device 100. In addition, the management device 200 transmits information regarding an instruction to discharge sanitary products to the discharge device 100 together with the authentication result.

[0042] Then, the discharging device 100 discharges the sanitary product (step S6). For example, the discharging device 100 discharges the sanitary product based on information on an instruction to discharge the sanitary product. In this case, the sanitary product is assumed to be individually packaged. In the following, a package in which the sanitary product is individually packaged may be referred to as an individual package.

[0043] Next, the user U1 uses the sanitary product discharged from the discharge device 100 (step S7). In this case, the user U1 opens the exterior packaging of the sanitary product and uses the sanitary product.

[0044] Here, the excretion device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. First, the configuration of the excretion device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Next, the excretion mechanism of the excretion device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. In the example of Figs. 2 and 3, it is assumed that the sanitary products are individually wrapped.

[0045] First, the configuration of the discharging device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the discharging device according to the embodiment. In FIG. 2, the sanitary product SI1 housed inside the discharging device 100 is indicated by a dotted line. In the example of FIG. 2, a plurality of sanitary products SI1 are housed inside the discharging device 100. In addition, two windows W1 are provided on the front surface of the discharging device 100. For example, the windows W1 are made of a transparent material such as glass or plastic. Note that, although the term "transparent" is used hereinafter, the transparency may be selected as appropriate as long as the sanitary product S11 inside the discharging device 100 can be seen from the outside of the discharging device 100.

[0046] Moreover, the window W1 is provided at a position where the sanitary products SI1 housed inside the discharging device 100 can be seen from the outside of the discharging device 100. In the example of Fig. 2, all of the sanitary products SI1 housed inside the discharging device 100 are provided at positions where they can be seen from the outside of the discharging device 100. Moreover, in the example of Fig. 2, the discharging device 100 has two tubular parts that house the sanitary products SI1. In this case, the sanitary products SI1 housed in the respective tubular parts can be seen from each window W1.

[0047] The discharging device 100 also has a discharging section 150 below the window W1. For example, the discharging section 150 individually discharges the sanitary products SI1 housed in the discharging device 100. In the example of Fig. 2, the discharging section 150 discharges the sanitary products SI1 housed in the discharging device 100 starting from the sanitary product SI1 located at the bottom.

[0048] Next, the discharge mechanism of the discharge device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the discharge device according to the embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the inside of the discharge device 100 from the side of the discharge device 100. In the example of FIG. 3, the discharge device 100 includes a storage section 130 having a tubular section for storing the sanitary product SI1. The discharge device 100 also includes a discharge mechanism EM1 below the storage section 130. For example, the discharge mechanism EM1 is a mechanism for individually discharging the sanitary product SI1 stored in the discharge device 100. The discharge mechanism EM1 is included in the discharge section 150 shown in FIG. 2.

[0049] 3, the discharge device 100 sends the sanitary products SI1 stored in the storage unit 130 one by one to the discharge mechanism EM1 (step S21). Then, the discharge device 100 discharges the sanitary products SI1 individually by the discharge mechanism EM1 (step S22). This allows the discharge device 100 to discharge the sanitary products SI1 individually one by one.

[0050] Next, an example in which the management device 200 provides provision information to the replenishing company DE1 based on the number of sanitary products in stock will be described with reference to Fig. 1. In the example of Fig. 1, the management device 200 acquires inventory information indicating the number of sanitary products in stock stored in the discharge device 100 (step S8). For example, the management device 200 acquires inventory information from each discharge device 100 for each predetermined period (e.g., every day).

[0051] Next, the management device 200 provides the provision information, which is information regarding the refilling of sanitary products, to the refilling agent DE1 (step S9). For example, the management device 200 estimates the number of sanitary products to be refilled in the discharge device 100 based on the number of sanitary products in stock for each discharge device 100. Here, the number of sanitary products estimated by the management device 200 is the total number of sanitary products to be refilled in each discharge device 100 for which the inventory information has been obtained.

[0052] Then, the management device 200 provides, as the provision information, information regarding replenishing the estimated number of sanitary products to the replenishing agent server 20 managed by the replenishing agent DE1. In this case, the management device 200 provides, as the replenishing information, information regarding an instruction to replenishing the estimated number of sanitary products plus a predetermined number to the replenishing agent server 20.

[0053] Then, the restocking agent DE1 delivers the sanitary products to the commercial facility F1 (step S10). For example, the restocking agent DE1 delivers the sanitary products to the commercial facility F1 based on the provided information received by the restocking agent server 20. Then, the restocking agent DE1 restocks the sanitary products into each discharge device 100. In this case, the restocking of the sanitary products involves restocking individually wrapped sanitary products one by one.

[0054] Conventionally, there are known techniques related to discharge devices such as dispensers that discharge sanitary products. However, in the conventional techniques, the discharge device does not necessarily manage the sanitary products hygienically before providing the sanitary products to the user. Therefore, the discharge device 100 stores the sanitary products used by the user, presents the stored sanitary products visible from the outside of the discharge device 100, and discharges the stored sanitary products by the user's operation on the discharge device 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the discharge device 100 has a window through which the sanitary products stored therein can be confirmed. In this case, the user can immediately confirm in what state the sanitary products stored in the discharge device 100 are being managed. As a result, the discharge device 100 can manage the sanitary products hygienically before providing the sanitary products to the user.

[0055] Generally, sanitary products are not sold individually wrapped, but are often sold in multiple individual packages wrapped in outer packaging. Furthermore, when a user purchases sanitary products wrapped in outer packaging, the store where the user purchases them wraps them in a dark colored bag such as black or brown so that the purchased item cannot be seen. This type of packaging is done to be considerate of the fact that sanitary products are purchased in the presence of others, and to ensure the hygiene of sanitary products worn on the skin. This is also true for vending machines, where sanitary products are not sold individually wrapped, but wrapped in outer packaging, even in vending machines where sanitary products can be purchased. Therefore, when a user obtains sanitary products while out and about, they can use sanitary products that are wrapped in outer packaging, ensuring hygiene.

[0056] On the other hand, when sanitary products are provided at a place where sanitary products can be replaced with the user's authentication as in the present embodiment, there is little need to provide a large amount of sanitary products to the user at once and to be considerate about providing them in the presence of others. Usually, only the amount of sanitary products that the user will use immediately on the spot is provided, so excessive packaging would hinder the user's use of the sanitary products. In this regard, the discharge device 100 allows the user to check the state of the individually packaged sanitary products, which can be said to be the state of the sanitary products after the packaging is opened, in sanitary products that are handled by the user from opening the packaging that packages multiple sanitary products to using them by themselves. In addition, the discharge device 100 can manage the sanitary products hygienically. This allows the user to use the sanitary products with peace of mind. In addition, the discharge device 100 allows the facility management company to check the state in which the sanitary products are managed. This makes it easier for the facility management company to manage the sanitary products stored in the discharge device 100.

[0057] 2. Configuration of the exhaust system Next, the configuration of the discharge system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the discharge system 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the discharge system 1 includes a terminal device 10, a refill agent server 20, an application control server 30, a facility management agent server 40, a discharge device 100, and a management device 200. The terminal device 10, the refill agent server 20, the application control server 30, the facility management agent server 40, the discharge device 100, and the management device 200 are connected to each other via a network N so as to be able to communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly.

[0058] In addition, the discharge system 1 shown in Figure 4 may include multiple terminal devices 10, multiple replenishment agent servers 20, multiple application control servers 30, multiple facility management agent servers 40, multiple discharge devices 100, and multiple management devices 200.

[0059] The terminal device 10 is an information processing device used by a user to access content such as web content displayed in a browser or content for an application. For example, the terminal device 10 is a desktop personal computer (PC), a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or the like.

[0060] The restocking agent server 20 is an information processing device managed by a restocking agent that restocks sanitary products to facilities, and is realized by, for example, a server device or a cloud system. For example, the restocking agent server 20 receives provided information provided by the management device 200. Then, the restocking agent restocks sanitary products to the facility in accordance with the provided information.

[0061] The application control server 30 is an information processing device that provides a function for controlling the application AP, and is realized by, for example, a server device or a cloud system, etc. For example, the application control server 30 manages information related to the physiological state of the user that is input on the application AP.

[0062] The facility management company server 40 is an information processing device managed by a facility management company that manages the facility, and is realized by, for example, a server device or a cloud system, etc. For example, the facility management company server 40 provides various information to the management device 200.

[0063] The discharge device 100 is a device capable of communicating with various devices and having a function of storing sanitary products inside the discharge device 100. For example, the discharge device 100 discharges the sanitary products stored inside the discharge device 100 to the outside. In this case, the inside of the discharge device 100 is realized using a door that can open and close the bottom of a tubular part in which the sanitary products are stored, and a driving unit such as a motor for operating a mechanism (for example, a guide mechanism that guides the sanitary products to an outlet that discharges the sanitary products) for making it possible to take out a predetermined number of sanitary products stored in the tubular part when the door is opened.

[0064] The discharge device 100 is preferably installed in a place where sanitary products are used or replaced. For example, when the discharge device 100 is installed in a toilet, the user can use or replace the discharged sanitary products in the toilet without being seen by the opposite sex. The discharge device 100 may be installed near the washbasin of the toilet, on a wall, in a private room, or the like. The discharge device 100 may be configured from a housing having a predetermined size. For example, the predetermined size is a size that allows the user to place small items owned by the user and a bag for storing the sanitary products used by the user. This allows the user to replace the sanitary products without blocking her hands.

[0065] The management device 200 is an information processing device capable of communicating with various devices via a network N such as the Internet, and is realized by, for example, a server device or a cloud system. For example, the management device 200 is connected to various other devices via the network N so as to be able to communicate with them.

[0066] 3. Configuration of the Discharge Device Next, the configuration of the discharge device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 shows an example of the configuration of the discharge device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the discharge device 100 has a communication unit 110, a reading unit 120, a storage unit 130, a detection unit 140, a discharge unit 150, a storage unit 160, a display unit 170, a presentation unit 180, and a control unit 190.

[0067] (Regarding communication unit 110) The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a network interface card (NIC), etc. The communication unit 110 is connected to a network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from various other devices.

[0068] (Regarding the reading unit 120) The reading unit 120 is realized by, for example, a camera including an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) and an optical system. The reading unit 120 reads a predetermined code displayed on a display unit of the terminal device 10. For example, the reading unit 120 has a code reader for reading a predetermined code such as a one-dimensional code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code such as a QR code.

[0069] (Regarding the storage section 130) The storage section 130 stores one or more sanitary products. The storage section 130 has a tubular section for storing the sanitary products. The storage section 130 may be separate from the discharge device 100, and may be, for example, a cartridge that can be separated from the discharge device 100 and can be freely inserted into and removed from a predetermined position of the discharge device 100.

[0070] (Regarding the detection unit 140) The detection unit 140 is realized by, for example, various sensors. The detection unit 140 detects the number of sanitary products housed in the storage unit 130. The detection unit 140 then stores information related to the detected number of sanitary products in the storage unit 160. For example, the detection unit 140 detects the number of sanitary products housed in the storage unit 130 using various sensors such as a load sensor and a pressure sensor.

[0071] Furthermore, the detection unit 140 estimates information regarding the number of days from the date when the sanitary products were restocked in the storage unit 130 to the present. For example, assume that the storage unit 130 is restocked with sanitary products. In this case, the detection unit 140 detects the weight of the sanitary products stored in the storage unit 130. Then, the detection unit 140 calculates the number of days from the date when the weight was detected to the present. In this manner, the detection unit 140 estimates information regarding the number of days from the date when the sanitary products were restocked in the storage unit 130 to the present. Then, the detection unit 140 stores in the storage unit 160 the estimated number of days, which is information regarding the number of days from the date when the sanitary products were restocked in the storage unit 130 to the present.

[0072] Furthermore, the detection unit 140 detects the temperature, humidity, and the like inside the storage unit 130. Then, the detection unit 140 stores information related to the detected temperature, humidity, and the like in the storage unit 160. For example, the detection unit 140 detects the temperature and humidity inside the storage unit 130 using various sensors such as a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor.

[0073] (Regarding the discharge section 150) The discharge unit 150 is realized, for example, by using a door that can open and close the bottom of the tubular part of the storage unit 130, and a drive unit such as a motor for operating a discharge mechanism that enables a predetermined number of sanitary products stored in the tubular part to be taken out when the door is opened. The discharge unit 150 discharges the sanitary products stored in the storage unit 130 to the outside.

[0074] (Regarding the storage unit 160) The storage unit 160 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 160 stores an identifier for identifying the discharge device 100, etc. The storage unit 160 also stores information regarding the number of sanitary products detected by the detection unit 140. The storage unit 160 also stores information regarding the number of days from the day when the sanitary products were replenished in the storage unit 130 to the present. The storage unit 160 also stores information regarding the temperature, humidity, etc. detected by the detection unit 140.

[0075] (Regarding the display unit 170) The display unit 170 is realized by using, for example, a liquid crystal or organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display panel. The display unit 170 displays various information. Specifically, the display unit 170 displays information indicating the management status of the sanitary products stored in the storage unit 130.

[0076] For example, the display unit 170 displays, as information indicating the management status, information regarding the number of days from the date on which the sanitary products were restocked in the storage unit 130 to the present. For example, the display unit 170 displays information regarding the number of days from the date on which the sanitary products were restocked in the storage unit 130 to the present, which is the number of days stored in the storage unit 160.

[0077] Furthermore, the display unit 170 displays information relating to the temperature or humidity inside the storage unit 130 as information indicating the management state. For example, the display unit 170 displays information relating to the temperature or humidity inside the storage unit 130, which is the temperature or humidity detected by the detection unit 140.

[0078] The display unit 170 may display, as information indicating the management state, information regarding the number of days from the date when the sanitary products were refilled into the storage unit 130 to the present, and information regarding the temperature or humidity inside the storage unit 130. In addition to the information indicating the management state, the display unit 170 may display information regarding the sanitary products (type of sanitary product, product name or package, length, scenes in which it is easy to use, color, etc.). The display unit 170 may also display information indicating that the sanitary products are genuine products.

[0079] (Regarding the presentation unit 180) The presentation unit 180 presents the sanitary products housed in the storage unit 130 so that they can be seen from outside the discharge device 100. For example, the presentation unit 180 has a window that allows the user to see the sanitary products housed in the storage unit 130. As a result, the presentation unit 180 presents the user through the window the state in which the sanitary products housed in the storage unit 130 are managed within the storage unit 130. For example, the window is made of a transparent material such as glass. The presentation unit 180 may also be a display or the like that displays a moving image captured by a camera or the like (not shown) of the inside of the storage unit 130. In this case, the moving image within the storage unit 130 is displayed on the display unit 170 by the display control unit 195 described later, and the function of the presentation unit 180 may be realized by them.

[0080] (Regarding the control unit 190) The control unit 190 is a controller, and is realized, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs (an example of a discharge program) stored in a storage device inside the discharge device 100 using a RAM as a working area. The control unit 190 is also a controller, and is realized, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0081] As shown in Fig. 5, the control unit 190 has an acquisition unit 191, a transmission unit 192, a reception unit 193, a discharge control unit 194, and a display control unit 195, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 190 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 5, and may be other configurations as long as they perform the information processing described below. Also, the connection relationship between the processing units of the control unit 190 is not limited to the connection relationship shown in Fig. 5, and may be other connection relationships.

[0082] (Regarding acquisition unit 191) The acquiring unit 191 acquires various kinds of information. Specifically, the acquiring unit 191 acquires information indicated by a predetermined code read by the reading unit 120. For example, the acquiring unit 191 acquires identification information for identifying the two-dimensional code read by the reading unit 120. Then, the acquiring unit 191 stores in the storage unit 160 the identification information for identifying the acquired two-dimensional code.

[0083] (Regarding the transmitting unit 192) The transmission unit 192 transmits various information. Specifically, the transmission unit 192 transmits information indicated by the predetermined code acquired by the acquisition unit 191 to the management device 200. For example, the transmission unit 192 transmits identification information for identifying the two-dimensional code acquired by the acquisition unit 191 to the management device 200.

[0084] In addition, the transmission unit 192 transmits to the management device 200 inventory information indicating the number of sanitary products stored in the storage unit 130 in stock.

[0085] Furthermore, when the discharge device 100 breaks down, the transmission unit 192 may transmit information about an alert indicating the breakdown to the facility management company server 40. Here, the breakdown includes a breakdown of the discharge device 100 itself and a breakdown in which the discharge device 100 cannot communicate with the management device 200. Note that, when the discharge device 100 breaks down, the transmission unit 192 may further transmit information about an alert indicating the breakdown to the management device 200.

[0086] (Regarding the reception unit 193) The reception unit 193 receives various information. Specifically, the reception unit 193 receives a user authentication request from the terminal device 10 based on the two-dimensional code read by the reading unit 120. For example, the reception unit 193 receives the user authentication request from the terminal device 10 together with identification information for identifying the two-dimensional code.

[0087] Furthermore, the receiving unit 193 receives an authentication result of the user from the management device 200. For example, the receiving unit 193 receives an authentication result, such as a result that the authentication of the user has been successful, from the management device 200. Furthermore, the receiving unit 193 receives information regarding an instruction to discharge sanitary products from the management device 200 together with the authentication result.

[0088] (Regarding the discharge control unit 194) The discharge control unit 194 controls the discharge unit 150. Specifically, the discharge control unit 194 controls the discharge unit 150 to discharge the sanitary product outside the storage unit 130. For example, when information regarding an instruction to discharge the sanitary product is received by the reception unit 193, the discharge control unit 194 discharges the sanitary product outside the storage unit 130 based on the information regarding the instruction to discharge the sanitary product.

[0089] (Regarding the display control unit 195) The display control unit 195 controls the display unit 170. Specifically, the display control unit 195 controls the display unit 170 to display various information. For example, the display control unit 195 controls the display unit 170 to display information relating to the number of days from the date on which the sanitary products were restocked in the storage unit 130 to the present, as information indicating the management state. For example, the display control unit 195 controls the display unit 170 to display information relating to the number of days from the date on which the sanitary products were restocked in the storage unit 130 to the present, which is the number of days stored in the storage unit 160.

[0090] Furthermore, the display control unit 195 controls the display unit 170 to display information related to the temperature or humidity inside the storage unit 130 as information indicating the management state. For example, the display control unit 195 controls the display unit 170 to display information related to the temperature or humidity inside the storage unit 130, which is the temperature or humidity detected by the detection unit 140.

[0091] 4. Configuration of the Management Device Next, the configuration of the management device 200 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 shows an example of the configuration of the management device 200 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the management device 200 includes a communication unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a control unit 230.

[0092] (Regarding communication unit 210) The communication unit 210 is realized by, for example, a NIC etc. The communication unit 210 is connected to a network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from various other devices.

[0093] (Regarding the storage unit 220) The storage unit 220 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 220 has a contract information storage unit 221, a usage information storage unit 222, and a provision information storage unit 223.

[0094] (Regarding the contract information storage unit 221) The contract information storage unit 221 stores contract information regarding the use of the discharge device 100, which is contract information contracted by a facility management company. Here, Fig. 7 shows an example of the contract information storage unit 221 according to the embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the contract information storage unit 221 has items such as "contract ID" and "contract information". For example, the "contract information" has items such as "facility management company ID", "facility management company information", "discharge device ID", "installation location", "type of sanitary product", "inventory quantity", "usage status", and "malfunction status".

[0095] "Contract ID" is an identifier for identifying contract information. "Facility management company ID" is an identifier for identifying a facility management company that manages the facility associated with the "contract ID". "Facility management company information" is information related to the facility management company associated with the "facility management company ID".

[0096] For example, the facility management company information is information on the number of employees at the facility, information on the location of the facility, information on the contract for a specific service in which the discharge device 100 provides sanitary products, etc. Furthermore, the information on the contract for a specific service in which the discharge device 100 provides sanitary products is information on the total number of contracted discharge devices 100, information on the contracted plan, etc.

[0097] The "discharge device ID" is an identifier for identifying the discharge device 100 associated with the "contract ID." Here, the discharge device 100 identified by the discharge device ID is the discharge device 100 installed in a specific private room.

[0098] The "installation location" is information on the installation location where the discharge device 100 associated with the "discharge device ID" is installed. For example, the installation location is information on the location of a toilet in a facility associated with the "facility manager ID". To give a more specific example, the facility is a commercial facility. In this case, the installation location is a toilet on the second floor of the commercial facility, and is the fourth private room or the like counting from the entrance of the toilet.

[0099] "Type of sanitary product" is information on the type of sanitary product housed in the discharge device 100 associated with the "discharge device ID." For example, the information on the type of sanitary product is information on the type classified according to the shape and length of the sanitary product, product features (gentle on the skin, low environmental impact, day / night use, etc.), etc.

[0100] The information on the type of sanitary product may be information on types classified by absorption capacity, size, whether or not it has wings, whether or not it has a scent, additional functions, etc. The information on the type of sanitary product may also be information on types classified by shape (e.g., shapes such as tampons, napkins, shorts-type napkins, etc.). The information on the type of sanitary product may also be information on the degree of environmental impact of the sanitary product. For example, the information on the type of sanitary product may be information on types with low environmental impact, types with high environmental impact, etc.

[0101] "Number of sheets in stock" is information regarding the number of sheets stored in the discharge device 100 associated with the "discharge device ID." "Usage status" is information regarding the usage status of the discharge device 100 associated with the "discharge device ID." For example, the usage status is information regarding whether or not the device is being used by a user. "Breakdown status" is information regarding a malfunction of the discharge device 100 associated with the "discharge device ID."

[0102] For example, in Fig. 7, "A1" identified by the contract ID has a facility management company ID of "F1", facility management company information of "FI1", discharge device ID of "D1", setting location of "DP1", and type of sanitary product of "DT1". Also, "A1" has a stock quantity of "DI1", a usage status of "DU1", and a failure status of "DF1".

[0103] In the example shown in Figure 7, the facility management contractor information, etc. is expressed as an abstract code such as "FI1", but the facility management contractor information, etc. may also be information regarding numerical values ​​or character strings, or the file format of a file containing the facility management contractor information, etc.

[0104] Further, the contract information storage unit 221 may store information on the number of sanitary products accommodated in the discharging device 100, in addition to the items of contract information listed above. Here, the number of sanitary products accommodated is information on the maximum number of sanitary products that can be accommodated in the discharging device 100. Further, the contract information storage unit 221 may store information on the operating time of the discharging device 100.

[0105] Among the information stored in the contract information storage unit 221, the “facility management company information”, “discharge device ID”, “installation location”, and “type of sanitary product” are registered when the facility contracts for a specific service using the discharge device 100. Among the information stored in the contract information storage unit 221, the “inventory quantity”, “usage status”, and “malfunction status” may be appropriately updated based on the information acquired by the management device 200.

[0106] (Regarding the usage information storage unit 222) The usage information storage unit 222 stores various information related to the user's use of the discharge device 100. Here, Fig. 8 shows an example of the usage information storage unit 222 according to the embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the usage information storage unit 222 has items such as "user ID" and "usage information". For example, the "usage information" has items such as "user information", "discharge device ID", "installation location", "latest usage date and time", and "number of sheets used".

[0107] The "user ID" is an identifier for identifying a user. The "user information" is information about a user associated with the "user ID." For example, the user information includes information about the user's height, weight, the date when menstruation began, the amount of menstrual blood, the type of sanitary product used, etc.

[0108] The "discharge device ID" is an identifier for identifying the discharge device 100 used by the user associated with the "user ID." The "installation location" is information regarding the installation location associated with the "discharge device ID."

[0109] The "latest usage date and time" is information regarding the latest date and time when a user used the discharge device 100 associated with the "discharge device ID." The "number of sheets used" is information regarding the number of sanitary products discharged from the discharge device 100 associated with the "discharge device ID."

[0110] For example, in FIG. 8, “U1” identified by the user ID has user information “UI1”, discharge device ID “D1”, installation location “DP1”, most recent usage date and time “UD1”, and number of sheets used “UN1”.

[0111] In the example shown in Figure 8, the user information, etc. is expressed as an abstract code such as "UI1", but the user information, etc. may also be information regarding numbers or character strings, or the file format of a file containing the user information, etc.

[0112] (Regarding the provided information storage unit 223) The provided information storage unit 223 stores information related to replenishing sanitary products. An example of the provided information storage unit 223 according to the embodiment is shown in Fig. 9. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the provided information storage unit 223 has items such as "provided information ID" and "provided information".

[0113] The "provided information ID" is an identifier for identifying the provided information. The "provided information" is provided information associated with the "provided information ID." For example, the provided information includes information regarding refilling for refilling each discharge device 100 with a predetermined number of sanitary products.

[0114] For example, in Fig. 9, "I1" identified by the provided information ID is the provided information "IP1". Note that, in the example shown in Fig. 9, the provided information, etc. are expressed by abstract codes such as "IP1", but the provided information, etc. may be information related to numerical values ​​or character strings, or the file format of a file including the provided information, etc.

[0115] (Regarding the control unit 230) The control unit 230 is a controller, and is realized, for example, by a CPU, an MPU, or the like, executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the management device 200 using a RAM as a working area. The control unit 230 is also a controller, and is realized, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0116] As shown in Fig. 6, control unit 230 has reception unit 231, authentication unit 232, acquisition unit 233, provision unit 234, and determination unit 235, and realizes or executes functions and actions of information processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of control unit 230 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 6, and may be other configurations as long as they perform information processing described below. Also, the connection relationship between each processing unit in control unit 230 is not limited to the connection relationship shown in Fig. 6, and may be other connection relationships.

[0117] (Regarding the reception unit 231) The receiving unit 231 receives various requests. Specifically, the receiving unit 231 receives a request for authentication of a user. For example, the receiving unit 231 receives the request for authentication of a user from the discharge device 100 together with identification information for identifying a two-dimensional code.

[0118] (Regarding authentication unit 232) The authentication unit 232 authenticates a user who uses the discharge device 100. Specifically, the authentication unit 232 compares the identification information for identifying the user included in the identification information for identifying the two-dimensional code received by the reception unit 231 with the identification information for identifying the user stored in the storage unit 220. Then, when the comparison is successful, the authentication unit 232 authenticates the user.

[0119] (Regarding the acquisition unit 233) The acquisition unit 233 acquires various information. Specifically, the acquisition unit 233 acquires inventory information of the sanitary products housed in the discharge device 100. For example, the acquisition unit 233 acquires inventory information from each discharge device 100 for each predetermined period. Then, the acquisition unit 233 stores the acquired inventory information in the contract information storage unit 221.

[0120] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 233 acquires information relating to the weight of the sanitary products housed in the discharging device 100 from the discharging device 100. Then, the acquisition unit 233 stores in the storage unit 220 the acquired information relating to the weight of the sanitary products.

[0121] (About the provider 234) The providing unit 234 provides various information. Specifically, the providing unit 234 transmits the authentication result of the user to the discharging device 100. For example, the providing unit 234 transmits the authentication result, such as a successful authentication of the user, to the discharging device 100. In addition, the providing unit 234 transmits information related to an instruction to discharge the sanitary product to the discharging device 100 together with the authentication result.

[0122] Furthermore, the providing unit 234 provides provision information for providing the sanitary products based on the number of sanitary products. For example, the providing unit 234 estimates the number of sanitary products to be replenished to the discharge device 100 based on the number of sanitary products used for each discharge device 100. Then, the providing unit 234 stores the estimated number of sanitary products as provision information in the provision information storage unit 223. Here, the number of sanitary products estimated by the providing unit 234 is the total number of sanitary products to be replenished to each discharge device 100 for which inventory information has been acquired.

[0123] Next, the providing unit 234 provides the provided information stored in the provided information storage unit 223 to the restocking agent server 20. To give a more specific example, the providing unit 234 provides, as the provided information, information regarding restocking for restocking the estimated number of sanitary products to the restocking agent server 20. In this case, the providing unit 234 provides, as the information regarding restocking, information regarding an instruction to restock the estimated number of sanitary products plus a predetermined number to the restocking agent server 20.

[0124] (Regarding the determination unit 235) The determination unit 235 determines whether the sanitary product is a genuine product. For example, the determination unit 235 determines whether the sanitary product is a genuine product based on information about the weight of the sanitary product acquired from the discharge device 100 by the acquisition unit 233.

[0125] For example, the determination unit 235 determines that the sanitary product is genuine based on information about the weight of the sanitary product. In such a case, the provision unit 234 provides information indicating that the sanitary product is genuine to the discharge device 100. Then, the display unit 170 of the discharge device 100 displays the information indicating that the sanitary product is genuine.

[0126] On the other hand, the determination unit 235 determines that the sanitary product is not genuine based on the information on the weight of the sanitary product. In such a case, the provision unit 234 provides information indicating that the sanitary product is not genuine to the discharge device 100. Then, the display unit 170 of the discharge device 100 displays the information indicating that the sanitary product is not genuine.

[0127] [5. Processing Procedure (1)] Next, a procedure of the discharge control process executed by the discharge device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the discharge control process executed by the discharge device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0128] 10, the reading unit 120 determines whether or not a predetermined code has been read (step S101). For example, if the reading unit 120 has not read the predetermined code (step S101; No), the reading unit 120 waits until the predetermined code is read.

[0129] On the other hand, if the reading unit 120 has read the predetermined code (step S101; Yes), the accepting unit 193 accepts the user authentication request (step S102). Then, the transmitting unit 192 transmits the user authentication request to the management device 200 (step S103).

[0130] Then, the accepting unit 193 accepts the authentication result (step S104). Next, the discharge control unit 194 controls the discharge unit 150 to discharge the sanitary product out of the storage unit 130. As a result, the discharge unit 150 discharges the sanitary product (step S105).

[0131] [6. Processing Procedure (2)] Next, a procedure of a provision process executed by the management device 200 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the provision process executed by the management device 200 according to the embodiment.

[0132] 11, the acquisition unit 233 waits until inventory information is acquired (step S201). For example, if the acquisition unit 233 has not acquired inventory information (step S201; No), the acquisition unit 233 waits until inventory information is acquired.

[0133] On the other hand, if the acquisition unit 233 acquires the inventory information (step S201; Yes), the provision unit 234 provides the provision information based on the inventory information (step S202).

[0134] 7. Modifications The above-described discharge device 100 or management device 200 may be implemented in various different forms other than the above-described embodiment. Therefore, other embodiments of the discharge device 100 or management device 200 will be described below.

[0135] [7-1. Facilities] In the above embodiment, the facility is described as a commercial facility, but the present invention is not limited to this. The facility may be any facility. For example, the facility may be a facility in which a company or the like is located, a facility in which a local government, a regional organization, a sports organization, or the like is located, or a public facility.

[0136] [7-2. Prescribed Code] In the above embodiment, the reading unit 120 reads a two-dimensional code, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the reading unit 120 may read a predetermined code such as a one-dimensional code such as a barcode, in addition to the two-dimensional code.

[0137] [7-3. Acquisition process] In the above embodiment, the acquisition unit 233 acquires the inventory information from the discharge device 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the acquisition unit 233 may acquire the inventory information at predetermined intervals from the facility management company server 40 of the facility where the discharge device 100 is installed.

[0138] As a more specific example, the acquisition unit 233 may acquire inventory information for a predetermined period, that is, every day, from the facility management company server 40 managed by the facility management company. At this time, the facility management company confirms the number of sanitary products in stock housed in the discharge device 100, and inputs the number of stocked items to the facility management company server 40. Then, the facility management company server 40 may transmit inventory information indicating the number of stocked items to the management device 200.

[0139] As another example, the facility management company server 40 may acquire inventory information from the discharge device 100 at predetermined intervals. In this case, the facility management company server 40 may transmit the acquired inventory information to the management device 200.

[0140] [7-4. Authentication process] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the authentication unit 232 executes the authentication process for authenticating the user, but the present invention is not limited to this example. The discharge device 100 may execute the authentication process for authenticating the user.

[0141] For example, the discharge device 100 reads a two-dimensional code displayed on the application AP in response to an operation by the user, and receives an authentication request of the user from the terminal device 10 together with identification information for identifying the two-dimensional code. Then, the discharge device 100 authenticates the user. For example, the discharge device 100 compares the identification information for identifying the two-dimensional code with identification information for identifying the user that is pre-stored in the storage unit 160. Then, the discharge device 100 may authenticate the user if the comparison is successful. This allows the user to use the discharge device 100.

[0142] The providing unit 234 may transmit information related to the discharge instruction to the terminal device 10 together with the authentication process. Then, the terminal device 10 may transmit information related to the discharge instruction to the discharge device 100. When transmitting information related to the discharge instruction from the terminal device 10 to the discharge device 100, the information may be transmitted by using a method such as short-distance communication between the terminal device 10 and the discharge device 100, or displaying a two-dimensional code in place of the information related to the discharge instruction on the display unit of the terminal device 10 and having the discharge device 10 read the two-dimensional code.

[0143] Also, it is assumed that the discharge device 100 and the terminal device 10 perform short-distance communication. In this case, the discharge device 100 may transmit identification information for identifying the device itself to the terminal device 10. Then, the terminal device 10 may transmit identification information for identifying the user and identification information for identifying the discharge device 100 to the management device 200. Then, the authentication unit 232 may authenticate the discharge device 100 and the user. Specifically, the authentication unit 232 collates the received identification information for identifying the discharge device 100 with the identification information for identifying the discharge device 100 stored in the storage unit 220. Then, the authentication unit 232 authenticates the discharge device 100 when the collation is successful. Also, the authentication unit 232 collates the received identification information for identifying the user with the identification information for identifying the user stored in the storage unit 220. Then, the authentication unit 232 authenticates the user when the collation is successful. For example, it is assumed that the authentication of the discharge device 100 and the user is successful.

[0144] Next, the providing unit 234 transmits the authentication result to the discharging device 100. For example, the providing unit 234 transmits the authentication result, such as that the authentication of the discharging device 100 and the user has been successful, to the discharging device 100. In addition, the providing unit 234 may transmit information regarding an instruction to discharge the sanitary product to the discharging device 100 together with the authentication result.

[0145] In addition, the providing unit 234 may transmit the authentication result to the terminal device 10 in a manner other than the above example. For example, the providing unit 234 transmits to the terminal device 10 an authentication result such as a successful authentication of the discharging device 100 and the user. The providing unit 234 may also transmit information related to an instruction to discharge sanitary products together with the authentication result to the terminal device 10. Then, the terminal device 10 may transmit the authentication result and the information related to the discharge instruction to the discharging device 100 via short-range communication.

[0146] The discharge device 100 may also transmit information regarding the discharge results (success or failure of discharge, the type of the discharged absorbent article, etc.) to the management device 200. The discharge device 100 may also transmit information regarding the discharge results to the terminal device 10, and the terminal device 10 may transmit information regarding the discharge results to the management device 200.

[0147] Furthermore, device information including identification information for identifying the discharge device 100 and user information including identification information for identifying a user may be transmitted from either the terminal device 10 or the discharge device 100 in order for the management device 200 to perform authentication processing. For example, the terminal device 10 transmits a discharge request including user information to the management device 200, and the discharge device 100 transmits a discharge request including device information to the management device 200, respectively, so that the management device 200 performs authentication in response to requests from both devices, rather than just one device, thereby improving the reliability of authentication.

[0148] The information included in the discharge request transmitted by the terminal device 10 and the discharge device 100 may include either the device information or the user information, or may include both the device information and the user information. In this way, as long as the management device 200 that executes the authentication process can receive the device information and the user information, the device information and the user information may be transmitted in any combination.

[0149] [7-5. Disinfection Department] In the above embodiment, the storage unit 130 stores sanitary products, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the discharge device 100 may further include a disinfection unit that disinfects the sanitary products stored in the storage unit 130.

[0150] For example, the sterilization unit sterilizes the sanitary products stored in the storage unit 130 through a predetermined operation by the user. Then, the discharge unit 150 may discharge the sanitary products sterilized by the sterilization unit.

[0151] The disinfection unit will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a discharge device 100 according to a modified example. In the example of Fig. 12, the discharge device 100 has a disinfection unit L1. Here, the disinfection unit shown in Fig. 12 is drawn with a dotted line. For example, the disinfection unit is a black light for disinfection or the like.

[0152] In the example of FIG. 12, the storage unit 130 stores sanitary products. Here, the sanitary products are individually wrapped. In addition, in the example of FIG. 12, the presenting unit 180 has a window W2. Also, the sanitary products stored by the storage unit 130 can be seen from the window W2. In this case, the disinfection state of the sanitary products can be seen. For example, it is assumed that a user performs an authentication process when using the discharge device 100 as a predetermined operation, and the authentication of the user is successful. In this case, the disinfecting unit disinfects the surface of the package in which the sanitary products are individually wrapped. Then, the discharge unit 150 discharges the sanitary products disinfected by the disinfecting unit. In this way, the disinfecting unit can assist in hygienic management of the sanitary products. Also, the disinfecting unit can allow the user to use sanitary sanitary products.

[0153] In the above modified example, the disinfection unit disinfects the surface of the package in which the sanitary products are individually packaged, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the disinfection unit may disinfect the inside of the individually packaged sanitary products. In a more specific example, the disinfection unit is a black light for disinfection. In this case, the disinfection unit may disinfect the inside of the individually packaged sanitary products by irradiating ultraviolet light with an ultraviolet light intensity equal to or greater than a predetermined value. This allows the disinfection unit to assist in hygienic management of the sanitary products.

[0154] Furthermore, the discharge device 100 may have a switch for operating the disinfection unit. For example, the discharge device 100 may have a switch for operating the disinfection unit on the exterior of the device itself. In this case, the user may disinfect the sanitary product by pressing the switch as a predetermined operation.

[0155] The disinfection unit may be configured to disinfect in response to a user's operation or to disinfect constantly. For example, the disinfection unit may be configured to irradiate the disinfectant black light constantly regardless of whether the user operates the disinfectant or not, or to irradiate the disinfectant at predetermined intervals or whenever there is a change in the sanitary products in the storage unit, such as when the sanitary products are refilled or discharged, or the disinfection unit may be configured to allow the user to disinfect at any time.

[0156] [7-6. Packaging] In the above embodiment, the storage unit 130 stores sanitary products, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the storage unit 130 may store a predetermined package that stores a predetermined number of sanitary products. The discharge unit 150 may individually discharge the sanitary products stored in the predetermined package.

[0157] An example in which a refilling agent refills the discharging device 100 with a predetermined package B1 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a discharging device 100 according to a modified example. In the example of Fig. 13, the predetermined package B1 is a package that contains a predetermined number of individually packaged sanitary products SI1. Here, the predetermined package B1 is made of a transparent material such as plastic.

[0158] In the example of Fig. 13, the refilling agent first opens the bottom side of the predetermined package B1. Next, the refilling agent opens the top surface T1 of the discharging device 100. Then, the refilling agent refills the predetermined package B1 from the top side of the discharging device 100 (step S31). This allows the storage section 130 to store the predetermined package B1. In this way, the discharging device 100 can store the predetermined package B1 as it is.

[0159] 3, the discharge device 100 sends out the sanitary products SI1 housed in the housing unit 130 one by one to the discharge mechanism EM1. Next, the discharge device 100 discharges the sanitary products SI1 individually by the discharge mechanism EM1.

[0160] In this way, since there is no need for the refiller to open the predetermined packaging body B1 and transfer the sanitary products one by one, the sanitary products can be hygienically managed until the user uses the sanitary products. Furthermore, the discharge device 100 can hygienically manage the sanitary products regardless of the degree of sealing of the individual packaging of the sanitary products or the material of the packaging body of the individual packaging. As a result, the discharge device 100 can maintain the sanitary products in a sanitary state until the user uses them.

[0161] [7-7. Cartridge-type packaging] In the above embodiment, an example in which the storage unit 130 stores sanitary products has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the storage unit 130 may be a cartridge-type packaging body in which a predetermined number of sanitary products are stored, and the cartridge-type packaging body may have a window that allows a user to visually confirm the sanitary products stored in the cartridge-type packaging body from the outside of the discharge device 100. The discharge unit 150 may individually discharge the sanitary products stored in the cartridge-type packaging body.

[0162] An example in which a refilling agent refills the discharging device 100 with a cartridge-type packaging body CA1 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a discharging device 100 according to a modified example. In the example of Fig. 14, the storage unit 130 is a cartridge-type packaging body CA1. Specifically, the storage unit 130 is a cartridge-type packaging body CA1 that is separate from the discharging device 100 and can be separated from the discharging device 100. The storage unit 130 allows the cartridge-type packaging body CA1 to be freely inserted and removed from a predetermined position of the discharging device 100.

[0163] In the example of Fig. 14, the cartridge-type packaging body CA1 is a packaging body that contains a predetermined number of individually packaged sanitary products SI1. Here, the cartridge-type packaging body CA1 is made of a material having rigidity such as plastic. As in the example of Fig. 14, when the cartridge is directly attached to the discharge device 100, the replenisher can complete the replenishment without touching the sanitary products in the cartridge, so that the sanitary products can be managed hygienically until they are provided to the user.

[0164] Although not shown in FIG. 14, the cartridge-type packaging body CA1 may have a window for allowing the user to visually check the sanitary products contained therein. For example, each cartridge-type packaging body CA1 may have one window. The cartridge-type packaging body may be foldable. The cartridge-type packaging body CA1 may be made of a material having a transparency that allows the inside of the packaging body to be visually checked. For example, the cartridge-type packaging body CA1 may be made of transparent plastic. This can provide the same effect as the window described above. A camera may be provided in the cartridge-type packaging body CA1, and the camera in the packaging body CA1 and the discharging device 100 may be electrically connected by mounting the cartridge-type packaging body CA1 on the discharging device 100, and the camera in the packaging body CA1 may be activated, and the image of the camera may be displayed on the display unit 170 of the discharging device 100. The function and configuration that allows the inside of these packaging bodies to be visually checked has the function of the above-mentioned presentation unit 180.

[0165] In the example of Fig. 14, the refilling agent first opens the bottom side of the cartridge-type packaging body CA1. Next, the refilling agent attaches the cartridge-type packaging body CA1 from the top side of the discharging device 100 (step S41). In this way, the cartridge-type packaging body CA1 can be attached to the discharging device 100 as is. Here, when the bottom surface is removed and then the cartridge-type packaging body CA1 is attached as shown in Fig. 14, the sanitary products inside the packaging body CA1 may fall out because the bottom surface faces downward. Therefore, a protrusion made of a flexible material such as rubber may be disposed on the bottom of the packaging body CA1, and an attachment guide provided on the discharging device 100 of Fig. 14 may push the protrusion into the packaging body CA1, thereby enabling the sanitary products to be attached without falling out.

[0166] Furthermore, the bottom cover of the packaging body CA1 may be a sliding cover instead of a hinged door as shown in Fig. 14, and the sliding cover may be removed after the packaging body CA1 is attached to the discharge device 100. These configurations are particularly suitable for a mechanism that drops and discharges sanitary products into the discharge section 150 of the discharge device 100. The cartridge-type storage section CA1 may be installed not only on the top of the discharge device 100, but also on the side or bottom of the discharge device. In that case, a mechanism for sending the sanitary products in the storage section CA1 to the discharge section 150 of the discharge device 100 may be configured in the storage section CA1.

[0167] In this case, as shown in Fig. 3, the discharge device 100 sends out the sanitary products SI1 contained in the cartridge-type packaging body CA1 one by one to the discharge mechanism EM1. Then, the discharge device 100 discharges the sanitary products SI1 individually by the discharge mechanism EM1.

[0168] In this way, since there is no need for refillers to open the packages in which the sanitary products are packed and to transfer the sanitary products one by one, the sanitary products can be managed hygienically until the user uses them. In addition, it is easy for refillers to replenish the sanitary products.

[0169] For example, in convenience stores and the like, restrooms are often available to anyone. In such cases, the person in charge of the restroom may not be familiar with handling sanitary products, and therefore there is a risk that the sanitary management of the sanitary products may be insufficient. In addition, when the restroom is used by an unspecified number of people, such as in a convenience store, there is a risk that the sanitary management of the sanitary products may be insufficient due to other users. In such a case of a restroom that is available to anyone, a structure that does not allow the sanitary products to be touched when replacing them, such as a cartridge-type package, or that makes it difficult for the sanitary products to be touched, is preferable. With such a configuration, it is possible to ensure that the sanitary products are not touched by other users, etc., as much as possible, until the user uses them. Therefore, the discharge device 100 can maintain the sanitary products in a sanitary state until the user uses them.

[0170] Next, an example of providing a cartridge-type package will be described with reference to Fig. 15. This is a diagram showing an example of a determination process executed by a management device 200 according to a modified example. Since the premise is the same as that of Fig. 1, the description will be omitted.

[0171] The cartridge-type packaging is provided by a refiller DE1. The cartridge-type packaging has a chip or the like. For example, the chip stores identification information for identifying the cartridge-type packaging. Hereinafter, the cartridge-type packaging may be referred to as a cartridge.

[0172] 15, the reception unit 231 of the management device 200 receives a cartridge provision request from the facility management company server 40 (step S51). For example, the reception unit 231 receives, as the provision request, information on the number of cartridges corresponding to the number of discharge devices 100 that can accommodate the cartridges from the facility management company server 40.

[0173] Next, the refilling agent server 20 receives a request to provide a cartridge from the management device 200 (step S52). Then, the reception unit 231 receives cartridge information, which is information related to the cartridge, from the refilling agent server 20 (step S53). For example, the reception unit 231 receives, as the cartridge information, an ejection device ID to which the cartridge can be attached, an installation location of the ejection device 100, a type of sanitary product contained in the ejection device 100, the number of sanitary products contained in the ejection device 100, a cartridge state, etc.

[0174] Next, the refilling company DE1 delivers the cartridge to the commercial facility F1 (step S54). Then, the facility management company installs the cartridge (step S55). For example, the facility management company attaches the cartridge to the discharge device 100 installed in the toilet TO1.

[0175] Next, the acquisition unit 233 acquires cartridge information of the mounted cartridge from the discharge device 100 (step S56). For example, the acquisition unit 233 acquires identification information for identifying the cartridge from the cartridge. To explain this by taking a more specific example, the acquisition unit 233 acquires the identification information for identifying the cartridge from a chip included in the cartridge at the same time as the cartridge is mounted or after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0176] Then, the determination unit 235 checks the cartridge (step S57). For example, it is assumed that identification information for identifying the cartridge is stored in the storage unit 220. In this case, the determination unit 235 compares the identification information for identifying the cartridge acquired from the discharge device 100 with the identification information for identifying the cartridge stored in the storage unit 220. Next, if the comparison is successful, the determination unit 235 determines that the inquiry of the cartridge has been successful. Here, it is assumed that the inquiry of the cartridge has been successful.

[0177] The method of acquiring the identification information for identifying the cartridge may be, for example, by the discharge device 100 reading a one-dimensional code or numbers attached to the cartridge using a camera, etc. Also, the identification information may be acquired by another device (for example, a terminal device of a facility manager, etc.), in which case the identification information acquired by the other device may be transmitted to the management device 200, and the identification information may be collated by the determination unit 235 of the management device 200.

[0178] Next, the providing unit 234 transmits the inquiry result to the discharging device 100 (step S58). For example, the providing unit 234 transmits the inquiry result to the discharging device 100, such as that the inquiry of the cartridge has been successful.

[0179] Then, the ejection device 100 displays the inquiry result (step S59). For example, the ejection device 100 displays the inquiry result that the inquiry of the cartridge was successful. Note that, if the ejection device 100 has a lamp or the like, the inquiry result may be displayed by turning on the lamp. Also, the inquiry result may be displayed on the application AP.

[0180] Next, an example of collecting empty cartridges will be described with reference to FIG. 15. In the example of FIG. 15, a facility management company collects the empty cartridges from the discharge device 100 (step S60). Next, a refilling company DE1 collects the empty cartridges (step S61). Then, the refilling company DE1 refills the empty cartridges with sanitary products. In this case, the refilling company DE1 resets the chip in the cartridge. This allows the cartridge to be reused.

[0181] In this way, the discharge device 100 can ensure that the sanitary condition of the sanitary product is maintained until the user uses it. Generally, sanitary products are worn by the user, and if inferior products are used, the user may suffer from skin irritation, leakage of menstrual blood, or other damage. In addition, if only the individual packaging of the sanitary product is changed and the contents are replaced with inferior products, the contents may not be visible from the outside of the package. For this reason, it is considered that it is more reassuring for the user to check whether the sanitary product contained in the package is genuine. In this way, the discharge device 100 can provide the user with sanitary and genuine sanitary products using a cartridge-type package.

[0182] In addition, when the facility is a convenience store, the convenience store's logistics center may collect empty cartridges instead of the refilling company DE1. In this case, the logistics center operator may refill the empty cartridges with sanitary products and deliver the reused cartridges to the convenience store. Also, the refilling company DE1 may collect the empty cartridges, refill the cartridges with sanitary products, and deliver the reused cartridges to the convenience store's logistics center. In this case, the logistics center operator may deliver the reused cartridges to the convenience store.

[0183] In the above case, the management device 200 may further include a cartridge information storage unit 224. The cartridge information storage unit 224 stores various information related to the cartridge-type packaging body. FIG. 16 shows an example of the cartridge information storage unit 224 according to a modified example. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the cartridge information storage unit 224 has items such as "cartridge ID" and "cartridge information." For example, the "cartridge information" has items such as "discharge device ID," "installation location," "type of sanitary product," "number of sanitary products," and "cartridge status."

[0184] "Cartridge ID" is an identifier for identifying a cartridge. For example, the cartridge ID is information related to an identifier assigned to a chip or the like possessed by the cartridge. "Ejection device ID" is an identifier for identifying the ejection device 100 in which the cartridge-type packaging body associated with the "cartridge ID" is installed. "Installation location" is information related to the installation location associated with the "ejection device ID."

[0185] "Type of sanitary product" is information on the type of sanitary product contained in the discharge device 100 associated with the "discharge device ID". "Number of sanitary products" is information on the number of sanitary products contained in the discharge device 100 associated with the "discharge device ID".

[0186] "Cartridge status" is information on the status of the cartridge installed in the discharge device 100 associated with the "discharge device ID." For example, the status of the cartridge is information indicating new or installed. To give a more specific example, the status of the cartridge is stored as new before it is attached to the discharge device 100. Then, when a cartridge is attached to the discharge device 100, if the determination unit 235 determines that the cartridge inquiry is successful, the status of the cartridge is updated to installed.

[0187] For example, in FIG. 16, “C1” identified by the cartridge ID has a discharge device ID of “D1”, an installation location of “DP1”, a type of sanitary product of “CT1”, a number of sanitary products of “CN1”, and a cartridge status of “CS1”.

[0188] In the example shown in FIG. 16, the installation location, etc. is expressed by an abstract code such as "DP1", but the installation location, etc. may also be a numerical value, information regarding a character string, or the file format of a file including the installation location, etc.

[0189] [7-8. Replenishing sanitary products] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a restocking agent restocks sanitary products into each discharge device 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a facility management agent may restock sanitary products into each discharge device 100. In this case, the facility management agent receives the sanitary products delivered by the restocking agent. The restocking agent may be a manufacturer that provides sanitary products, or may be a facility management agent.

[0190] [7-9. Discharge device] In the above embodiment, an example in which the discharge device 100 is provided with two windows has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the number of windows may be one. Also, the number of windows may be three or more. In this way, the number of windows provided in the discharge device 100 may be any number.

[0191] In the above embodiment, the storage unit 130 has two tubular portions for storing sanitary products, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the number of tubular portions may be one. Also, the number of tubular portions may be three or more. In this way, the number of tubular portions included in the storage unit 130 may be any number.

[0192] Furthermore, the discharge device 100 may further include components such as an alarm unit and an alarm control unit. For example, the alarm unit outputs an alarm to the outside. For example, the alarm unit is realized using an alarm, a speaker, or the like. Furthermore, the alarm unit may be realized using an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp, for example. In this case, the alarm unit may output an alarm by light (using blinking of an LED or the like to present information by the location, color, and blinking pattern of the LED lamp).

[0193] The alarm control unit controls the alarm unit to output an alarm when the acceleration detected by the detection unit 140 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In this case, the detection unit 140 detects an external force applied to the discharge device 100. For example, the detection unit 140 has sensors such as an acceleration sensor, a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor, a vibration sensor, and a load sensor. In this case, the detection unit 140 may detect an acceleration occurring in the discharge device 100. In this manner, the detection unit 140 may detect an external force applied to the discharge device 100. Next, when the acceleration detected by the detection unit 140 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the alarm control unit presumes that the user is attempting to steal the discharge device 100, and outputs a sound alarm from the alarm unit. Note that information regarding sounds such as sound alarms is pre-stored in the storage unit 160 of the discharge device 100.

[0194] In this way, the detection unit 140 can detect the theft of the discharge device 100. In addition, the alarm control unit outputs an alarm sound from the alarm unit when the acceleration is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, thereby preventing the theft of the discharge device 100.

[0195] In addition, the alarm control unit may send a report to the terminal device 10 used by a security officer guarding the facility in which the discharge device 100 is installed, indicating that the discharge device 100 is about to be stolen or destroyed.

[0196] Moreover, the discharge device 100 may further include the configuration of the determination unit 235 included in the management device 200. In this case, the discharge device 100 may determine whether the sanitary product is a genuine product. Note that, when the discharge device 100 has a configuration equivalent to the determination unit 235, the management device 200 does not need to have the determination unit 235.

[0197] Specifically, the discharge device 100 may determine whether the sanitary product is genuine or not based on information related to the weight of the sanitary product.

[0198] For example, the discharge device 100 detects the weight of the sanitary product. Then, the discharge device 100 determines that the sanitary product is genuine based on the information about the weight of the sanitary product. Then, the discharge device 100 may display information indicating that the sanitary product is genuine.

[0199] On the other hand, the discharge device 100 determines that the sanitary product is not genuine based on the information on the weight of the sanitary product. Then, the discharge device 100 may display information indicating that the sanitary product is not genuine.

[0200] The discharge device 100 may also operate without a power supply. For example, the discharge device 100 may mechanically discharge the sanitary products when the power supply is stopped due to a disaster or the like. The discharge device 100 may also mechanically manage the number of sanitary products. The display unit 170 may display that there are no sanitary products by pressing a mechanical switch when the number of sanitary products decreases by a certain number.

[0201] Also, in the event of a disaster, etc., a master card capable of executing authentication processing of a user may be used. For example, when power supply is stopped due to a disaster, etc., the discharge device 100 may discharge sanitary products by having the reading unit 120 read the master card. In this case, the discharge device 100 may output a predetermined sound, or may not output a predetermined sound.

[0202] In addition, when the discharge device 100 has a plurality of discharge units 150, the sanitary products refilled in the storage unit 130 may be discharged in the order of oldest to newest. For example, the discharge device 100 may detect the refill date and time of the storage unit 130 (install a weight sensor in the storage unit 130 and determine that refilling has been performed based on an increase in weight, install an optical sensor or the like in the upper part of the storage unit 130 and determine that refilling has been performed when the optical sensor detects a sanitary product after not detecting it), and when the discharge device 100 receives a discharge instruction, it may operate the discharge unit 150 corresponding to the storage unit 130 with the oldest detected refill date and time to discharge the sanitary product. This can prevent the sanitary products from being left undischarged after being refilled.

[0203] In addition, it is preferable that the outlet provided in the outlet unit 150 be closed with a door or shutter that can be opened and closed except when the sanitary products are being discharged. In particular, since the present discharge device 100 is often installed in places where sanitary management is difficult, such as toilets, there is a high risk of insects and contamination. Therefore, by closing (more preferably sealing) the outlet through which the sanitary products are discharged with a shutter or the like, it is possible to prevent insects from entering through the outlet and to prevent contamination of the sanitary products in the storage unit 130, and therefore it is possible to manage the sanitary products more hygienically.

[0204] [7-10. Application AP] Furthermore, the application AP may realize the discharge management of sanitary products. Specifically, the application control server 30 may execute a user authentication process. For example, the application control server 30 receives a user authentication request from the terminal device 10 together with identification information for identifying the two-dimensional code displayed on the application AP in response to an operation by the user.

[0205] Next, the application control server 30 authenticates the user. For example, the application control server 30 compares the identification information for identifying the two-dimensional code with the identification information for identifying the user stored in a predetermined storage unit of the application control server 30. Then, the application control server 30 may authenticate the user if the comparison is successful. This allows the user to use the discharge device 100.

[0206] The application AP may record information regarding the number of sanitary products used each time the discharge device 100 is used. In this case, the application control server 30 may store information regarding the number of sanitary products used in a predetermined storage unit.

[0207] [7-11. Information display for sanitary products] The sanitary products may have the manufacturer, material, etc. printed on each sanitary product. In this case, the sanitary products on which the manufacturer, material, etc. are printed may be packaged only with a packaging sheet. The manufacturer, material, etc. may be printed on the exterior of a package that packages the sanitary products or a cartridge-type package. The manufacturer, material, etc. may be printed on the exterior of the discharge device 100, or a sticker with the manufacturer, material, etc. printed on it may be attached.

[0208] [7-12. Contract Information] Furthermore, when a facility operator contracts for a certain service, the facility operator may select the discharge device 100 appropriate for the facility from among the discharge devices 100 such as the discharge device 100 that is attached to a cartridge-type packaging body and the discharge device 100 that contains a certain packaging body. In such a case, the operator that manages the management device 200 delivers the discharge device 100 appropriate for the facility to the facility. For example, when the facility operator selects the discharge device 100 that is attached to a cartridge-type packaging body, the operator that manages the management device 200 may deliver the cartridge-type packaging body and the discharge device 100 that is attached to the cartridge-type packaging body. Furthermore, when the facility operator selects the discharge device 100 that contains a certain packaging body, the operator that manages the management device 200 may deliver the certain packaging body and the discharge device 100 that contains the certain packaging body.

[0209] Furthermore, when contracting for a certain service, the facility operator may select the discharge device 100 according to the type of sanitary product. In general, it may be difficult for one discharge device to discharge all types of sanitary products. For example, since the state of the package, the size of the sanitary product, the material of the sanitary product, and the like vary depending on the type of sanitary product, it may not be possible to discharge all types of sanitary products with one discharge device. For this reason, the facility operator needs to select the discharge device 100 according to the type of sanitary product that may be used in the facility. In this way, the facility operator can appropriately select the discharge device 100 according to the facility.

[0210] [7-13.Others] Of the above-mentioned processes, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically may be performed manually. Also, all or part of the processes described as being performed manually may be performed automatically by a known method. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings may be changed arbitrarily unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the illustrated information.

[0211] In addition, each component of each device shown in the figure is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure. Furthermore, each component may be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0212] Furthermore, the above-described processes may be executed in any suitable combination as long as no contradiction occurs.

[0213] Moreover, the above-mentioned "section, module, unit" can be read as "means" or "circuit", etc. For example, the discharge section can be read as discharge means or discharge circuit.

[0214] [8. Hardware Configuration] The terminal device 10, the replenishment agent server 20, the application control server 30, the facility management agent server 40, the discharge device 100, and the management device 200 according to the above-described embodiments are realized, for example, by a computer 1000 having a configuration as shown in Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration. The computer 1000 is connected to an output device 1010 and an input device 1020, and a calculation device 1030, a cache 1040, a memory 1050, an output IF (Interface) 1060, an input IF 1070, and a network IF 1080 are connected by a bus 1090.

[0215] The arithmetic device 1030 operates based on programs stored in a cache 1040 or memory 1050, programs read from the input device 1020, etc., and executes various processes. The cache 1040 is a cache such as a RAM that temporarily stores data used by the arithmetic device 1030 for various calculations. The memory 1050 is a storage device in which data used by the arithmetic device 1030 for various calculations and various databases are registered, and is a memory realized by a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, etc.

[0216] The output IF 1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to an output device 1010 that outputs various types of information, such as a monitor or a printer, and may be realized by a connector conforming to a standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), or HDMI (registered trademark) (High Definition Multimedia Interface). On the other hand, the input IF 1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020, such as a mouse, keyboard, scanner, etc., and is realized by, for example, a USB.

[0217] For example, the input device 1020 may be realized by a device that reads information from an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a PD (Phase change rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory, etc. The input device 1020 may also be realized by an external storage medium such as a USB memory.

[0218] The network IF 1080 has a function of receiving data from other devices via the network N and sending it to the arithmetic device 1030, and also has a function of transmitting data generated by the arithmetic device 1030 to other devices via the network N.

[0219] Here, the arithmetic device 1030 controls the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 via the output IF 1060 and the input IF 1070. For example, the arithmetic device 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or the memory 1050 onto the cache 1040 and executes the loaded program. For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the ejection device 100, the arithmetic device 1030 of the computer 1000 executes the program loaded onto the cache 1040 to realize the function of the control unit 190.

[0220] The embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings. However, these are merely examples, and the embodiments of the present application can be embodied in other forms that include the forms described in the section of the disclosure of the invention, as well as in other forms that include various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. [Explanation of symbols]

[0221] N Network 1. Emission system 10 Terminal Equipment 20 Replenishment Agent Server 30 Application Control Server 40 Facility management company server 100 Ejector 110 Communications Department 120 Reading unit 130 Storage unit 140 Detection unit 150 Discharge section 160 Storage section 170 Display section 180 Presentation section 190 Control section 191 Acquisition Department 192 Transmitter 193 Reception Department 194 Discharge control section 195 Display control section 200 Management device 210 Communications Department 220 Storage section 221 Contract information storage unit 222 Usage information storage unit 223 Provided information storage unit 224 Cartridge information storage unit 230 Control Unit 231 Reception 232 Authentication Department 233 Acquisition Department 234 Provision Department 235 Judgment section

Claims

1. A discharge device installed in a designated private room where a user uses sanitary products, A storage section for storing sanitary products to be used by the user; a presentation unit that presents the sanitary product accommodated in the accommodation unit so as to be visible from outside the discharge device; an excretion section that excretes the sanitary product accommodated in the accommodation section in response to an operation of the excretion device by the user; A discharge device comprising:

2. The presentation unit is A window is provided for allowing the user to visually confirm the sanitary product contained in the container.

2. The ejection device according to claim 1 .

3. The presentation unit is A management state, which indicates that the sanitary products stored in the storage unit are being managed within the storage unit, is presented to the user through the window.

3. The ejection device according to claim 2.

4. The storage unit further includes a display unit that displays information indicating a management state of the sanitary products stored in the storage unit. An ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The display unit is As the information indicating the management status, information regarding the number of days from the date when the sanitary products were replenished in the storage unit to the present is displayed.

5. The ejection device according to claim 4.

6. The display unit is As the information indicating the management state, information regarding the temperature or humidity inside the storage unit is displayed.

5. The ejection device according to claim 4.

7. The storage section includes: A container containing the sanitary products individually packaged therein; The discharge section is Discharge the sanitary products separately 2. The ejection device according to claim 1 .

8. The storage section includes: A predetermined package containing a predetermined number of the sanitary products is stored in the package. The discharge section is Discharge the sanitary products contained in the specified packaging individually.

2. The ejection device according to claim 1 .

9. The storage section includes: a cartridge-type package that contains a predetermined number of the sanitary products and is attachable to the discharge device; The discharge section is The sanitary products contained in the cartridge-type packaging are individually discharged.

2. The ejection device according to claim 1 .

10. Further, a disinfection unit is provided for disinfecting the sanitary product accommodated in the accommodation unit, The discharge section is Discharge the sanitary products disinfected by the disinfecting unit.

2. The ejection device according to claim 1 .

11. A discharge method performed by a discharge device installed in a specific private room where a user uses sanitary products, comprising: A storing step of storing sanitary products to be used by the user; a presentation step of presenting the sanitary product accommodated in the accommodation step so as to be visible from outside the discharge device; an ejection step of ejecting the sanitary product accommodated in the storage step by an operation of the ejection device by the user; A method for discharging comprising the steps of:

12. A storage procedure for storing sanitary products used by users; a presentation step of presenting the sanitary products stored in the storage step so as to be visible from outside of a discharge device installed in a predetermined private room where the user uses the sanitary products; an ejection step of ejecting the sanitary product accommodated in the storage step by an operation of the ejection device by the user; A discharge program that causes a computer to execute the above steps.

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