Automatic vending machine

Abstract

To provide an automatic vending machine that can improve convenience (usability) for purchasers by enabling them to purchase articles without having to take out and operate portable terminals.SOLUTION: An automatic vending machine 100 includes: a first communication unit 10 that communicates with a portable terminal 200 possessed by a purchaser; a second communication unit 11 that measures a terminal distance 30 from a vending machine main unit 100a to the portable terminal 200 by a predetermined communication; a control unit 2 that determines whether or not the portable terminal 200 is located within a predetermined sales area 80 based on the terminal distance 30 measured by the second communication unit 11, and controls switching from a standby mode in which payment for purchase of an article using the portable terminal 200 is not possible to a sales mode in which payment for purchase of the article using the portable terminal 200 is possible when the portable terminal 200 is located within the sales area 80.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vending machine, and more particularly to a vending machine that communicates with a portable terminal held by a purchaser.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a vending machine that communicates with a portable terminal held by a purchaser has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a vending machine system including a wireless communication module and a control module, configured to perform a settlement process by a user terminal held by a user via the communication module. The wireless communication module disclosed in Patent Document 1 performs short-range wireless communication with a user terminal held by a user using Bluetooth (registered trademark) and is configured to perform a settlement process online. Further, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, a user operates a user application of the user terminal to select a vending machine and select a product to be purchased, thereby purchasing the product.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Here, although not disclosed in Patent Document 1 above, in short-range wireless communication using Bluetooth, when a plurality of user terminals (mobile terminals) are located within the communicable area, it is impossible to identify the mobile terminal held by the user (purchaser) who is communicatively connected to each mobile terminal and purchases a product. Therefore, in the vending machine system (vending machine) disclosed in Patent Document 1 above, when the user operates the user app of the user terminal to select the vending machine, the wireless communication module (first communication unit) of the selected vending machine performs short-range wireless communication with the user terminal (mobile terminal) using Bluetooth. Therefore, in order for the user to purchase a product, it is necessary to take out and operate the mobile terminal, which reduces the convenience (usability) of the purchaser. Therefore, there is a need for a vending machine that allows a user to purchase a product without taking out and operating the mobile terminal when purchasing a product.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide a vending machine capable of improving the convenience (usability) of the purchaser by enabling the purchaser to purchase a product without taking out and operating the mobile terminal.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above object, a vending machine according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first communication unit that communicates with a mobile terminal held by a purchaser, a second communication unit that measures the terminal distance from the vending machine main body to the mobile terminal by a predetermined communication, and based on the terminal distance measured by the second communication unit, determines whether or not the mobile terminal is located within a preset sales area, and when the mobile terminal is located within the sales area, controls to switch from a standby mode in which payment for product purchase using the mobile terminal is impossible to a sales mode in which payment for product purchase using the mobile terminal is possible.

[0008] In the vending machine according to one aspect of the present invention, as described above, a second communication unit that measures the terminal distance from the vending machine main body to the mobile terminal by predetermined communication, and when the mobile terminal is located within the sales area, a control unit that performs control to switch from a standby mode in which settlement of product purchase using the mobile terminal is impossible to a sales mode in which settlement of product purchase using the mobile terminal is possible. Thereby, when a purchaser having a mobile terminal moves into the sales area, it is possible to automatically switch to the sales mode. Therefore, the purchaser can purchase a product by operating the vending machine without operating the mobile terminal to switch to the sales mode. Therefore, by making it possible to purchase a product without taking out and operating the mobile terminal, the convenience (usability) of the purchaser can be improved.

[0009] In the vending machine according to the above aspect, preferably, the second communication unit is configured to be able to measure the straight-line distance between the vending machine main body and the mobile terminal and the terminal angle between the vending machine main body and the mobile terminal, and the control unit is based on the straight-line distance and the terminal angle. , configured to obtain the terminal distance as the horizontal distance between the mobile terminal and the portion corresponding to the height position of the mobile terminal of the vending machine main body. Here, for example, when measuring the terminal distance with an infrared sensor or the like, only the straight-line distance (distance between two points) between the vending machine main body and the mobile terminal can be obtained. In this case, the straight-line distance between the mobile terminal and the vending machine main body changes depending on the height position at which the purchaser holds the mobile terminal. Specifically, even if the position of the purchaser does not change, the greater the difference between the height position at which the purchaser holds the mobile terminal and the height position of the second communication unit, the greater the straight-line distance between the mobile terminal and the vending machine main body. Therefore, even if the purchaser is located within the sales area, depending on the height position at which the purchaser holds the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal may be determined to be located outside the sales area.

[0010] Therefore, as described above, by configuring to obtain the terminal distance as the horizontal distance between the mobile terminal and the portion of the vending machine main body corresponding to the height position of the mobile terminal based on the straight-line distance and the terminal angle, it is possible to determine whether the mobile terminal is located within the sales area based on the terminal distance, which is the horizontal distance between the mobile terminal and the portion of the vending machine main body corresponding to the height position of the mobile terminal. Therefore, compared with the configuration for determining whether the mobile terminal is located within the sales area based on the straight-line distance, it is possible to accurately determine whether the mobile terminal is located within the sales area. As a result, it is possible to accurately switch between the sales mode and the standby mode according to the position of the mobile terminal. Also, regardless of the height position at which the purchaser holds the mobile terminal, such as in a bag or in a pocket of trousers, it is possible to determine whether the mobile terminal is located within the sales area based on the horizontal distance between the mobile terminal and the portion of the vending machine main body corresponding to the height position of the mobile terminal. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the mobile terminal is located within the sales area without the purchaser changing the height position of the mobile terminal. As a result, it is possible to improve the convenience (usability) of the purchaser compared with the configuration for moving the mobile terminal to a predetermined height position.

[0011] In this case, preferably, when a plurality of mobile terminals are located within the sales area, the control unit is configured to communicate with the mobile terminal having the smallest terminal distance via the first communication unit or the second communication unit and perform a settlement process. Here, among the plurality of mobile terminals arranged within the sales area, it is considered that the mobile terminal held by the purchaser who purchases the product is located closest to the vending machine main body. Therefore, if configured as described above, even when a plurality of mobile terminals are located within the sales area, it is possible to identify the mobile terminal held by the purchaser of the product. Therefore, it is possible to communicate with the mobile terminal held by the purchaser of the product and perform a settlement process. As a result, it is possible to effectively suppress the settlement process from being performed by the mobile terminals held by users other than the purchaser.

[0012] In the configuration where the control unit communicates with the mobile terminal having the shortest terminal distance and performs settlement processing, preferably, the control unit is configured to acquire the distance in the direction orthogonal to the front surface of the vending machine main body as the terminal distance. Here, the second communication unit can communicate with mobile terminals located within a radially spreading area. Therefore, when a plurality of terminals are located on an arc centered on the second communication unit, there may be a plurality of mobile terminals with the shortest terminal distance, and it becomes impossible to specify the mobile terminal to communicate with. Thus, as described above, if the control unit is configured to acquire the distance in the direction orthogonal to the front surface of the vending machine main body as the terminal distance, even when a plurality of terminals are located on an arc centered on the second communication unit, it is possible to discriminate the mobile terminal held by the purchaser who is closer to the vending machine main body. As a result, it is possible to more effectively suppress the settlement processing from being performed by a mobile terminal held by a user other than the purchaser.

[0013] In the vending machine according to the above aspect, preferably, the control unit is configured to perform control to switch from the sales mode to the standby mode when the mobile terminal moves outside the sales area. With this configuration, after the purchaser purchases the product and leaves the vending machine, it is possible to automatically switch from the sales mode to the standby mode without the purchaser performing an operation on the mobile terminal such as closing the application. As a result, compared with the configuration in which the control unit switches from the sales mode to the standby mode based on the operation of the purchaser on the mobile terminal, the convenience (usability) of the purchaser can be improved. Also, since the control unit switches from the sales mode to the standby mode when the mobile terminal moves outside the sales area, unlike the configuration in which the control unit switches from the sales mode to the standby mode based on the operation of the purchaser on the mobile terminal, it is possible to suppress the sales mode from being maintained even after the purchaser who purchased the product has left the vending machine. As a result, even when another user operates the vending machine after the purchaser has purchased the product, it is possible to suppress the settlement processing from being performed by the mobile terminal of the purchaser who purchased the product.

[0014] In the vending machine according to the above-described one aspect, preferably, the control unit is configured to maintain the sales mode without disconnecting the communication with the mobile terminal when the purchaser remains in the sales area even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the purchaser purchased the product. With this configuration, unlike a configuration in which the communication with the mobile terminal is disconnected every time the purchaser purchases a product, the sales mode is maintained even after the product is purchased. Therefore, when the purchaser wants to continuously purchase a plurality of products, the purchaser can continuously purchase a plurality of products without operating the mobile terminal to connect the communication with the vending machine. As a result, the convenience (usability) of the purchaser when purchasing a plurality of consecutive products can be improved.

[0015] In the vending machine according to the above-described one aspect, preferably, the control unit is configured to communicate with the mobile terminal located in the sales area via the first communication unit or the second communication unit based on the fact that the product has been purchased, and to give points to the mobile terminal located in the sales area. Here, in the case of a configuration in which the distance between the vending machine main body and the mobile terminal is not measured, points may be given to the mobile terminal held by a user other than the purchaser of the product by operating the mobile terminal held by the user. Therefore, if configured to give points to the mobile terminal located in the sales area as described above, points can be given after identifying the mobile terminal located in the sales area as the mobile terminal held by the purchaser who has purchased the product. As a result, it is possible to suppress erroneously giving points to a user who has not purchased the product.

[0016] In this case, preferably, when a plurality of mobile terminals are located in the sales area, the control unit communicates with the mobile terminal having the smallest terminal distance via the first communication unit or the second communication unit, and is configured to give points to the mobile terminal having the smallest terminal distance. With this configuration, even when a plurality of mobile terminals are located in the sales area, the mobile terminal held by the purchaser can be accurately identified. As a result, it is possible to effectively suppress giving points to the mobile terminal held by a user other than the purchaser.

[0017] In the vending machine according to the above-described one aspect, preferably, the first communication unit is configured to communicate with a mobile terminal by communication using the Bluetooth communication standard, and the second communication unit is configured to measure a distance by a signal in an ultra-wideband band. It is configured to measure the terminal distance by communication using the ultra-wideband wireless communication standard. With this configuration, when the first communication unit performs settlement processing on the mobile terminal by communication using the Bluetooth communication standard, the second communication unit that performs communication using ultra-wideband wireless communication can accurately acquire the position of the mobile terminal. As a result, it is possible to provide a vending machine suitable for a configuration in which the position of a mobile terminal located within the sales area is specified by communication using the second communication unit and settlement processing is performed by wireless communication using the first communication unit or the second communication unit. The ultra-wideband signal is a signal having a frequency range of about 3.0 GHz to about 10.0 GHz.

Effects of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to provide a vending machine capable of improving the convenience (usability) of a purchaser by making it possible to purchase a product without taking out and operating a mobile terminal.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] [Embodiment] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 12, the configuration of a vending machine 100 according to an embodiment will be described.

[0022] In this embodiment, the vending machine 100 is configured to be able to settle the payment for products via the application 210 (see FIG. 2) of the mobile terminal 200 (see FIG. 2). Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the vending machine 100 is provided with an outlet 40 for taking out products, an insertion slot 50 for inserting money, and a return slot 60 for returning change or money other than change (for example, unidentifiable money). The insertion slot 50 includes a coin insertion slot and a bill insertion slot. Also, when returning coins, the return slot 60 may be used, and when returning bills, the bill insertion slot may be used. In this specification, the vertical direction is defined as the Z direction. One direction in the Z direction is defined as the Z1 direction, and the other direction is defined as the Z2 direction. Also, two directions orthogonal to each other within the plane orthogonal to the Z direction are defined as the X direction and the Y direction, respectively. One direction in the X direction is defined as the X1 direction, and the other direction is defined as the X2 direction. Also, one direction in the Y direction is defined as the Y1 direction, and the other direction is defined as the Y2 direction.

[0023] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the vending machine 100 includes an operation unit 1, a control unit 2, a multimedia unit 3, and a server communication unit 4.

[0024] The operation unit 1 is equipment used to perform each operation of the vending machine 100. The operation unit 1 includes a first communication unit 10, a second communication unit 11, a product delivery unit 12, a money management unit 13, a card reader 14, a temperature control unit 15, an indicator 16, a selection unit 17, an operation remote control 18, and lighting 19.

[0025] The first communication unit 10 is configured to communicate with the mobile terminal 200 held by the purchaser. Details of the configuration in which the first communication unit 10 communicates with the mobile terminal 200 will be described later.

[0026] The second communication unit 11 is configured to measure the terminal distance 30 (see FIG. 5) from the vending machine main body 100a (see FIG. 1) to the mobile terminal 200 by a predetermined communication. Details of the configuration in which the second communication unit 11 acquires the terminal distance 30 will be described later.

[0027] The product delivery unit 12 is used to deliver products. The product delivery unit 12 includes, for example, a mechanism unit for feeding products out of the storage, and a delivery chute for guiding the products fed out by the mechanism unit to the outlet 40 (see FIG. 1).

[0028] The money management unit 13 is used to identify and manage money. The money management unit 13 includes a money storage unit for storing money. The management of money includes storing the money inserted into the vending machine 100 from the insertion slot 50 (see FIG. 1) in the money storage unit, and feeding out the money from the money storage unit to the return slot 60 (see FIG. 1). The money management unit 13 includes a coin processing device (coin mech) for identifying and managing coins, and a bill processing device (bill validator) for identifying and managing bills.

[0029] The card reader unit 14 is used for settlement. The card reader unit 14 reads an electronic money - enabled card and writes to an electronic money - enabled card.

[0030] The temperature control unit 15 is used to adjust the temperature inside the vending machine 100. The temperature control unit 15 heats or cools the products by adjusting the temperature inside the storage. The temperature control unit 15 includes, for example, a compressor, an expansion part, a condenser, and an evaporator, and includes a refrigeration cycle for circulating a refrigerant to heat or cool the temperature inside the storage. Also, the temperature control unit 15 may include an internal temperature sensor, and feeds back the internal temperature information to the control unit 2 by the internal temperature sensor.

[0031] The indicator 16 is used to display information about money in characters. The information displayed on the indicator 16 includes, for example, information about the amount of money, including the amount of inserted money and the amount of change, and error information indicating out of stock, cooling, or heating.

[0032] The selection unit 17 is used to receive the selection of products. The selection unit 17 is, for example, an operation button.

[0033] The operation remote controller 18 is used to input settings related to the operation of the vending machine 100 or to manage sales.

[0034] The lighting 19 is used to illuminate the surroundings of the vending machine 100. The lighting 19 includes fluorescent lamps and LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes).

[0035] The control unit 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a circuit board, and a memory as hardware. An operating system is implemented on the circuit board as software. The control unit 2 operates the operation unit 1 by means of a general-purpose operating system (not shown) or an embedded operating system (not shown). Specifically, the control unit 2 controls each operation unit 1 using an application programmed on a general-purpose or embedded operating system.

[0036] Also, in the present embodiment, the control unit 2 is configured to determine whether or not the mobile terminal 200 is located within a preset sales area 80 (see FIG. 4) based on the terminal distance 30 measured by the second communication unit 11. Further, when the mobile terminal 200 is located within the sales area 80, the control unit 2 is configured to perform control to switch from a standby mode in which settlement of a product purchase using the mobile terminal 200 is impossible to a sales mode in which settlement of a product purchase using the mobile terminal 200 is possible. Details of the configuration in which the control unit 2 determines whether or not the mobile terminal 200 is located within the sales area 80 and the configuration for switching to the sales mode will be described later.

[0037] The control unit 2 is configured to control the multimedia unit 3. Further, the control unit 2 switches the payment mode to either a sales mode or a standby mode. Also, the control unit 2 is configured to perform a payment process by the mobile terminal 200 when the selection unit 17 is operated in the sales mode. Note that when the selection unit 17 is operated in the standby mode, the control unit 2 does not perform the payment process by the mobile terminal 200. Note that the payment mode is a mode for determining whether to perform a payment process by the mobile terminal 200. When the selection unit 17 is selected after a purchaser inserts money into the insertion slot 50, the control unit 2 performs a payment process based on the inserted money instead of using the mobile terminal 200.

[0038] The multimedia unit 3 is used to perform at least one of outputting information by video or audio and acquiring information by at least one of video, audio, and operation. The multimedia unit 3 includes at least one or more of a speaker, a liquid crystal display, a camera, a touch panel, and a microphone. The speaker is used to notify information related to products or sales by voice. Different from the indicator 16, the liquid crystal display is used to display videos such as advertisements and output information by video. Also, the multimedia unit 3 displays on the liquid crystal display whether it is a mode in which products can be purchased on the mobile terminal 200. The camera is used to photograph a purchaser of the vending machine 100 or the surrounding situation and acquire information by video. Also, the camera is used to photograph a purchaser and determine the gender and age of the purchaser. The touch panel is used to output information by displaying products and receive selection of products to acquire information. The microphone is used to select products by voice.

[0039] The server communication unit 4 is configured to connect the vending machine 100 and the server 300 via the network NW1. The server communication unit 4 is configured to communicate with the outside according to a communication standard such as the LTE (Long Term Evolution) standard. The network NW1 is, for example, the Internet.

[0040] Further, the mobile terminal 200 includes a terminal communication unit 201, a terminal control unit 202, a storage unit 203, a display unit 204, and an input reception unit 205.

[0041] The terminal communication unit 201 is configured to be communicable with the first communication unit 10, the second communication unit 11, and the server 300. The terminal communication unit 201 is configured to be communicable according to the Bluetooth communication standard, the ultra-wideband wireless communication (Ultra Wide Band communication: UWB communication) standard capable of measuring distance by an ultra-wideband signal, and the LTE communication standard. Further, the terminal control unit 202 is configured to control each unit of the mobile terminal 200. The terminal control unit 202 includes a CPU as hardware, a circuit board, and a memory. Further, the storage unit 203 stores an application 210 for a user to operate in the mobile terminal 200. The storage unit 203 is a non-volatile storage device such as a NAND-type flash memory, for example. Further, the display unit 204 is configured to display an operation screen of the application 210 and the like. The display unit 204 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor, for example. Further, the input reception unit 205 is configured to receive a user input. The input reception unit 205 is, for example, a touch panel integrally formed with the display unit 204.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the vending machine 100 is connected to the server 300 via the network NW1. Further, the mobile terminal 200 is connected to the server 300 via the network NW2. The network NW2 is the Internet, for example. Further, the vending machine 100 and the mobile terminal 200 are connected by short-range wireless communication via the first communication unit 10 or the second communication unit 11 and the terminal communication unit 201.

[0043] The server 300 is configured to be connectable to the vending machine 100 via the network NW1. Also, the server 300 is configured to be connectable to the mobile terminal 200 via the network NW2. The server 300 is configured as a management server for the vending machine 100. Also, the server 300 is configured as a payment server for performing payment for goods by electronic money and payment for goods via the application 210. Specifically, the server 300 communicates with the mobile terminal 200 connected by the network NW2 and is configured to perform payment processing for goods based on a payment request from the application 210. Note that the server 300 may be configured to receive a payment request from the application 210 via the network NW1 from the vending machine 100 connected to the mobile terminal 200 and perform payment processing. Also, when the vending machine 100 communicates with the server 300 via the network NW1 and detects that payment processing has been performed via the application 210 of the mobile terminal 200, the vending machine 100 controls the product delivery unit 12 to deliver the product to the outlet 40 (see FIG. 1).

[0044] (Connection of Communication with Mobile Terminal by First Communication Unit) As shown in FIG. 3, the first communication unit 10 transmits a beacon signal 70 at a predetermined time interval. The beacon signal 70 includes an ID (Identification) for identifying the vending machine 100 (see FIG. 2) and a service ID for identifying the service provided by the vending machine 100. Note that the predetermined time interval is, for example, 0.5 seconds.

[0045] The mobile terminal 200 (terminal control unit 202 (see FIG. 2)) that has received the beacon signal 70 determines whether the application 210 (see FIG. 2) corresponding to the vending machine 100 is installed based on the ID of the vending machine 100, the service ID, etc. included in the beacon signal 70. When the application 210 corresponding to the vending machine 100 is installed, the mobile terminal 200 transmits a connection request signal 71.

[0046] The first communication unit 10 that has received the connection request signal 71 connects to the mobile terminal 200. In the present embodiment, the first communication unit 10 is configured to communicate with the mobile terminal 200 by communication using the Bluetooth communication standard. Specifically, the first communication unit 10 is configured to communicate with the mobile terminal 200 by communication using BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0047] (Sales area) In the present embodiment, the control unit 2 (see FIG. 2) sets an area for switching the settlement mode according to the terminal distance 30 (see FIG. 5) between the vending machine 100 and the mobile terminal 200. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 2 sets a sales area 80, a customer waiting area 81, a monitoring area 82, and a non-connected area 83 according to the distance from the vending machine 100.

[0048] The sales area 80 is an area where a purchaser is located when purchasing a product. The sales area 80 is an area within a predetermined first distance D1 from the second communication unit 11, as indicated by the dashed line 90. The predetermined first distance D1 is, for example, 100 cm. Note that the first distance D1 may be set to a value other than 100 cm.

[0049] Also, outside the sales area 80, a customer waiting area 81, a monitoring area 82, and a non-connected area 83 are set according to the distance from the vending machine 100.

[0050] The customer waiting area 81 is an area where another user is located when a purchaser is purchasing a product. The customer waiting area 81 is outside the sales area 80 and within a predetermined second distance D2 from the second communication unit 11, as indicated by the dashed line 91. The predetermined second distance D2 is, for example, 150 cm. Note that the second distance D2 may be set to a value other than 150 cm as long as it is greater than the first distance D1.

[0051] The monitoring area 82 is near the vending machine 100 and is the area where users who may purchase products are located. As shown by the dashed line 92, the monitoring area 82 is outside the customer waiting area 81 and within a region within a predetermined third distance D3 from the second communication unit 11. The predetermined third distance D3 is, for example, 200 cm. Note that the third distance D3 may be set to a value other than 200 cm as long as it is greater than the second distance D2.

[0052] The unconnected area 83 is the area where users with a low likelihood of purchasing products are located. The unconnected area 83 is the area outside the monitoring area 82.

[0053] The control unit 2 switches whether to connect the communication according to the position of the mobile terminal 200. Specifically, the control unit 2 connects the communication with the mobile terminal 200a located within the sales area 80, the mobile terminal 200b located within the customer waiting area 81, and the mobile terminal 200c located within the monitoring area 82, and does not connect the communication with the mobile terminal 200d located in the unconnected area 83.

[0054] Also, the control unit 2 switches the settlement mode to either the sales mode or the standby mode according to the position of the mobile terminal 200 to which the communication is connected. Specifically, when the mobile terminal 200 is located within the sales area 80, the control unit 2 performs control to switch the settlement mode to the sales mode.

[0055] Also, when multiple users are located within the sales area 80, for example, multiple mobile terminals 200 may be located within the sales area 80. Therefore, when multiple mobile terminals 200 are located within the sales area 80, the control unit 2 is configured to communicate with the mobile terminal 200 having the smallest terminal distance 30 via the first communication unit 10 or the second communication unit 11 and perform settlement processing. In this embodiment, the control unit 2 communicates with the mobile terminal 200 having the smallest terminal distance 30 via the first communication unit 10 and performs settlement processing.

[0056] Further, the control unit 2 is configured to perform control to switch from the sales mode to the standby mode when the mobile terminal 200 moves outside the sales area 80.

[0057] (Acquisition of Terminal Distance by the Second Communication Unit) Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, the configuration in which the control unit 2 (see FIG. 5) acquires the terminal distance 30 will be described. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the second communication unit 11 measures the terminal distance 30 between the vending machine main body 100a (see FIG. 1) and the mobile terminal 200. The second communication unit 11 is configured to measure the terminal distance 30 by communication using the ultra-wideband wireless communication (UWB communication) standard capable of measuring the distance by a signal in an ultra-wideband.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, the second communication unit 11 is configured to be able to measure the straight-line distance 31 between the vending machine main body 100a and the mobile terminal 200. Specifically, the second communication unit 11 transmits a ranging signal 72 to the mobile terminal 200. The mobile terminal 200 that has received the ranging signal 72 transmits a response signal 73. The second communication unit 11 receives the response signal 73 transmitted from the mobile terminal 200. The control unit 2 acquires the straight-line distance 31 between the second communication unit 11 and the mobile terminal 200 based on the elapsed time from when the second communication unit 11 transmits the ranging signal 72 until it receives the response signal 73. Specifically, the control unit 2 acquires the straight-line distance 31 by the following formula (1). [Number] Here, Da is the straight-line distance 31 between the second communication unit 11 and the mobile terminal 200. Also, R a is the time from when the second communication unit 11 transmits the ranging signal 72 until it receives the response signal 73. Also, D b is the time required for the mobile terminal 200 to transmit the response signal 73 after receiving the ranging signal 72. Also, c is the speed of light.

[0059] As shown in the above formula (1), the control unit 2 obtains the straight-line distance 31 by SS-TWR (Single-Sided Two-Way Ranging). Note that the control unit 2 may obtain the straight-line distance 31 by a method other than SS-TWR. For example, the control unit 2 may obtain the straight-line distance 31 by DS-TWR (Double-Sided Two-Way Ranging).

[0060] Also, in the present embodiment, the second communication unit 11 is configured to be able to measure the first terminal angle 32 between the vending machine main body 100a and the mobile terminal 200. Specifically, the second communication unit 11 has a plurality of antennas. Therefore, the control unit 2 can obtain the angle of the mobile terminal 200 with respect to the vending machine main body 100a based on the response signal 73 received by the plurality of antennas included in the second communication unit 11. That is, in the present embodiment, the control unit 2 is configured to obtain the first terminal angle 32 between the vending machine main body 100a and the mobile terminal 200 by using the following formula (2) according to AoA (Angle of Arrival). [Number] Here, α is the angle of the mobile terminal 200 with respect to the vending machine main body 100a. Also, Δd is the difference between the distance between the first antenna and the mobile terminal 200 and the distance between the second antenna and the mobile terminal 200. Also, L is the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna.

[0061] In this embodiment, the second communication unit 11 has three antennas. Specifically, two of the three antennas are arranged side by side along the X direction, and the remaining one antenna is arranged so as to be aligned with one of the two antennas aligned in the X direction in the Z direction. Therefore, the control unit 2 can apply the above formula (2) to the response signals 73 received by the two antennas aligned in the Z direction among the three antennas to obtain the first terminal angle 32. In addition, the control unit 2 can apply the above formula (2) to the response signals 73 received by the two antennas aligned in the X direction among the three antennas to obtain a second terminal angle 33, which will be described later. Note that the first terminal angle 32 is an example of the "terminal angle" in the claims.

[0062] In this embodiment, the control unit 2 is configured to obtain the terminal distance 30 based on the linear distance 31, the first terminal angle 32, and the second terminal angle 33.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 6, the first terminal angle 32 is the angle θ formed between the vending machine main body 100a and the mobile terminal 200 when the front surface 100b of the vending machine main body 100a is used as a reference. In other words, the first terminal angle 32 is the angle θ of the mobile terminal 200 with respect to the vending machine main body 100a when the Z direction is used as a reference.

[0064] (Obtaining the Terminal Distance as the Horizontal Distance) Here, depending on the position where the purchaser holds the mobile terminal 200, the linear distance 31 (see FIG. 5) between the vending machine 100 and the mobile terminal 200 may change. Specifically, as in the case of the mobile terminal 200a and the mobile terminal 200e shown in FIG. 6, even if the positions in the X direction are the same, the positions in the Z direction may be different. In this case, the first linear distance 31a between the mobile terminal 200a and the vending machine 100 and the second linear distance 31b between the mobile terminal 200e and the vending machine 100 are different from each other.

[0065] In this embodiment, the control unit 2 determines whether the mobile terminal 200 is located within the sales area 80 (see FIG. 4) based on the terminal distance 30, and switches the payment mode to the sales mode when the mobile terminal 200 is located within the sales area 80. When the purchaser is located near the boundary between the sales area 80 and the waiting area 81 (see FIG. 4), if the first linear distance 31a is used as the terminal distance 30, the mobile terminal 200 is determined to be located within the sales area 80. However, when the second linear distance 31b is used as the terminal distance 30, the mobile terminal 200 may be determined to be located within the waiting area 81 outside the sales area 80. In this case, even though the purchaser is located within the sales area 80, depending on the position where the mobile terminal 200 is held, the payment mode may not be switched to the sales mode, so that even if the user operates the selection unit 17 (see FIG. 1), the user cannot purchase the product.

[0066] Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 2 is configured to obtain the terminal distance 30 as the horizontal distance between the mobile terminal 200 and the portion 100c corresponding to the height position of the mobile terminal 200 in the vending machine main body 100a based on the linear distance 31 and the first terminal angle 32.

[0067] In this embodiment, the control unit 2 is configured to obtain the terminal distance 30 as the horizontal distance according to the following formula (3).

Equation

[0068] In addition, when obtaining the horizontal distance based on the above formula (3) for a plurality of mobile terminals 200 located within the sales area 80, the terminal distances 30 may be equal to each other. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, when the mobile terminal 200a and the mobile terminal 200f are located at positions where the Z-direction positions are equal to each other on the circumference of a circle 94 with a radius D6 centered on the second communication unit 11, the terminal distances 30 obtained by the above formula (3) are equal to each other. In this case, it is impossible to determine which of the mobile terminal 200a and the mobile terminal 200f is the mobile terminal 200 held by the purchaser from the terminal distance 30 obtained by the above formula (3).

[0069] Therefore, the control unit 2 is configured to obtain the distance in the direction (X direction) orthogonal to the front surface 100b of the vending machine main body 100a as the terminal distance 30. Specifically, the control unit 2 obtains the distance calculated based on the following formula (4) as the terminal distance 30. [Number] Here, Db is the horizontal distance between the mobile terminal 200 and the portion 100c corresponding to the height position of the mobile terminal 200 among the vending machine main body 100a. Dc is the distance in the direction (X direction) orthogonal to the front surface 100b of the vending machine main body 100a. Φ is the second terminal angle 33. In the present embodiment, the second terminal angle 33 is the rotation angle φ around the Z direction when the Z direction is the axis and the X1 direction is the reference.

[0070] The length of the terminal distance 30 of the mobile terminal 200a obtained based on the above formula (4) is the radius D6 of the circle 94, and the magnitude of the terminal distance 30 of the mobile terminal 200f is the length D7. Comparing the radius D6 and the length D7, the length D7 of the terminal distance 30 of the mobile terminal 200f is smaller than the length (radius D6) of the terminal distance 30 of the mobile terminal 200a. Therefore, the control unit 2 can determine that the mobile terminal 200f is the mobile terminal 200 with the smallest terminal distance 30.

[0071] (Continuous purchase) Here, it is conceivable that a purchaser purchases a plurality of products continuously. If the communication with the mobile terminal 200 is disconnected every time the purchaser purchases one product and performs a settlement process on the mobile terminal 200, in order for the purchaser to continuously purchase a plurality of products, it is necessary to operate the mobile terminal 200 to connect the communication between the vending machine 100 and the mobile terminal 200. In this case, it is necessary to operate the mobile terminal 200 every time a product is purchased, and the convenience (usability) of the purchaser is reduced.

[0072] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control unit 2 is configured to maintain the sales mode without disconnecting the communication with the mobile terminal 200 when the purchaser remains within the sales area 80 even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the purchaser purchased a product. Note that the control unit 2 controls the period from when the purchaser presses the selection unit 17 (see FIG. 2) until the product is actually carried out as one sales sequence. Therefore, even if the selection unit 17 is operated by the purchaser before the sales sequence ends, the control unit 2 is configured not to sell a plurality of products. The predetermined time is set to be longer than one sales sequence. The predetermined time is, for example, 5 seconds.

[0073] (Point awarding) Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the function of the control unit 2 provided in the vending machine 100 according to the present embodiment to grant points to the mobile terminal 200 (see FIG. 2) will be described. In the vending machine 100, it is conceivable to grant points as a privilege to a user who has purchased a product. When granting points to a user, the control unit 2 (see FIG. 2) communicates with the mobile terminal 200 and grants points to the user via the mobile terminal 200. When the user operates the mobile terminal 200 to purchase a product, it is possible to identify the mobile terminal 200 of the purchaser. Therefore, the control unit 2 grants points to the mobile terminal 200 of the purchaser. On the other hand, when the user purchases a product without using the mobile terminal 200, for example, by cash or credit card, the control unit 2 identifies the mobile terminal 200 held by the user who has purchased the product and then grants points via the mobile terminal 200 held by the purchaser. When granting points to the mobile terminal 200, there may be a case where the mobile terminal 200 held by a user other than the purchaser is in a state of being communicatively connected to the vending machine 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, there may be a case where both the mobile terminal 200f held by the purchaser and the mobile terminal 200a held by a user other than the purchaser are in a state of being communicatively connected to the vending machine 100. In this case, by operating the mobile terminal 200 by a user other than the purchaser, points can be obtained even if the product has not been purchased. That is, points may not be granted to the purchaser of the product. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the terminal distance 30a of the mobile terminal 200f is smaller than the terminal distance 30b of the mobile terminal 200a.

[0074] Therefore, in the present embodiment, based on the purchase of a product, the control unit 2 communicates with the mobile terminal 200 located within the sales area 80 via the first communication unit 10 or the second communication unit 11, and is configured to grant points to the mobile terminal 200 located within the sales area 80. In the present embodiment, when a plurality of mobile terminals 200 are located within the sales area 80, the control unit 2 communicates with the mobile terminal 200 having the smallest terminal distance 30 via the first communication unit 10 or the second communication unit 11, and is configured to grant points to the mobile terminal 200 having the smallest terminal distance 30. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 2 communicates with the mobile terminal 200f having a terminal distance 30a smaller than the terminal distance 30b via the first communication unit 10, and is configured to grant points. Further, the points granted to the mobile terminal 200 are stored in a state associated with the user in a server connected via the mobile terminal 200.

[0075] (Settlement mode switching process) Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the process of the control unit 2 (see FIG. 2) switching the settlement mode will be described. The settlement mode switching process shown in FIG. 9 is executed when the first communication unit 10 (see FIG. 2) establishes communication connection between the vending machine 100 (see FIG. 2) and the mobile terminal 200 (see FIG. 2).

[0076] In step S1, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 2 acquires the terminal distance 30 by communication via the second communication unit 11.

[0077] In step S2, the control unit 2 determines whether the mobile terminal 200 is located inside the unconnected area 83 (see FIG. 4) based on the terminal distance 30. If the mobile terminal 200 is located inside the unconnected area 83, the process proceeds to step S3. If the mobile terminal 200 is located in the unconnected area 83, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0078] In step S3, the control unit 2 determines whether the mobile terminal 200 is located within the sales area 80 (see FIG. 4) based on the terminal distance 30. If the mobile terminal 200 is located within the sales area 80, the process proceeds to step S5. If the mobile terminal 200 is not located within the sales area 80, the process proceeds to step S6. That is, if the mobile terminal 200 is located within the customer waiting area 81 (see FIG. 4) or within the monitoring area 82 (see FIG. 4), the process proceeds to step S6.

[0079] In step S5, the control unit 2 switches the payment mode to the sales mode. If the payment mode is already the sales mode, the process of step S5 is skipped. Then, the process ends.

[0080] Also, when the process proceeds from step S3 to step S6, in step S6, the control unit 2 switches the payment mode to the standby mode. If the payment mode is already the standby mode, the process of step S6 is skipped. Then, the process ends.

[0081] Also, when the process proceeds from step S2 to step S4, in step S4, the control unit 2 disconnects the communication between the vending machine 100 and the mobile terminal 200.

[0082] (Approval process) Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the payment process performed by the control unit 2 (see FIG. 2) in the mobile terminal 200 will be described. The payment process shown in FIG. 10 starts with the control unit 2 having acquired the terminal distance 30 (see FIG. 5). Also, the payment process shown in FIG. 10 starts with the mobile terminal 200 being located within the sales area 80 (see FIG. 4).

[0083] In step S10, the control unit 2 determines whether there is an operation input to purchase a product by the selection unit 17 (see FIG. 2). If there is an operation input to purchase a product, the process proceeds to step S11. If there is no operation input to purchase a product, the process of step S10 is repeated.

[0084] In step S11, the control unit 2 determines whether a plurality of mobile terminals 200 are located within the sales area 80. If a plurality of mobile terminals 200 are located within the sales area 80, the process proceeds to step S12. If a plurality of mobile terminals 200 are not located within the sales area 80 (that is, if only one mobile terminal 200 is located within the sales area 80), the process proceeds to step S13.

[0085] In step S12, the control unit 2 determines whether the mobile terminal 200 to which communication is connected by the first communication unit 10 (see FIG. 2) is the mobile terminal 200 with the smallest terminal distance 30. If it is the mobile terminal 200 with the smallest terminal distance 30, the process proceeds to step S13. If it is not the mobile terminal 200 with the smallest terminal distance 30, the process ends without performing the settlement process.

[0086] In step S13, the control unit 2 performs a settlement process on the mobile terminal 200. Specifically, the control unit 2 performs a settlement process for purchasing a product via the application 210 (see FIG. 2) installed on the mobile terminal 200. Then, the process ends.

[0087] (Continuous purchase determination process) Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the determination process of continuous purchase by the control unit 2 (see FIG. 2) will be described. Note that the determination process of continuous purchase shown in FIG. 11 is started when a product is purchased by a purchaser.

[0088] In step S20, the control unit 2 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed. In the present embodiment, the predetermined time is, for example, 5 seconds. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S21. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process of step S20 is repeated.

[0089] In step S21, the control unit 2 acquires the terminal distance 30 (see FIG. 5) by communication via the second communication unit 11 (see FIG. 5).

[0090] In step S22, the control unit 2 determines whether the mobile terminal 200 (see FIG. 2) is located within the sales area 80 (see FIG. 4) based on the terminal distance 30. If the mobile terminal 200 is located within the sales area 80, the process proceeds to step S23. If the mobile terminal 200 is not located within the sales area 80, the process proceeds to step S24.

[0091] In step S23, the control unit 2 maintains the sales mode as the settlement mode. Then, the process ends.

[0092] When the process proceeds from step S22 to step S24, in step S24, the control unit 2 determines whether the mobile terminal 200 is located in the unconnected area 83 (see FIG. 4). If the mobile terminal 200 is located in the unconnected area 83, the process proceeds to step S25. If the mobile terminal 200 is not located in the unconnected area 83, the process proceeds to step S26. That is, when the mobile terminal 200 is located in the customer waiting area 81 (see FIG. 4) or the monitoring area 82 (see FIG. 4), the process proceeds to step S26.

[0093] In step S25, the control unit 2 disconnects the communication with the mobile terminal 200. Then, the process ends.

[0094] Also, when the process proceeds from step S24 to step S26, in step S26, the control unit 2 switches the settlement mode from the sales mode to the standby mode. Then, the process ends.

[0095] (Point awarding process) Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the process in which the control unit 2 (see FIG. 2) awards points to the mobile terminal 200 (see FIG. 2) will be described. The point awarding process shown in FIG. 12 is performed when the user purchases a product.

[0096] In step S30, the control unit 2 acquires the terminal distance 30 (see FIG. 5) through communication via the second communication unit 11 (see FIG. 5).

[0097] In step S31, the control unit 2 determines whether the mobile terminal 200 is located within the sales area 80 (see FIG. 4) based on the terminal distance 30. If the mobile terminal 200 is located within the sales area 80, the process proceeds to step S32. If the mobile terminal 200 is not located within the sales area 80, the process ends.

[0098] In step S32, the control unit 2 determines whether a plurality of mobile terminals 200 are located within the sales area 80. If a plurality of mobile terminals 200 are located within the sales area 80, the process proceeds to step S33. If a plurality of mobile terminals 200 are not located within the sales area 80, the process proceeds to step S34. That is, if only one mobile terminal 200 is located within the sales area 80, the process proceeds to step S34.

[0099] In step S33, the control unit 2 determines whether the mobile terminal 200 to which communication is connected by the first communication unit 10 (see FIG. 2) is the mobile terminal 200 with the smallest terminal distance 30. If it is the mobile terminal 200 with the smallest terminal distance 30, the process proceeds to step S34. If it is not the mobile terminal 200 with the smallest terminal distance 30, the process ends without awarding points.

[0100] In step S34, the control unit 2 awards points to the mobile terminal 200. Specifically, the control unit 2 performs a process of awarding points via the application 210 installed in the mobile terminal 200. Thereafter, the process ends.

[0101] (Effect of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0102] In this embodiment, as described above, the vending machine 100 includes a first communication unit 10 that communicates with the mobile terminal 200 held by the purchaser, a second communication unit 11 that measures the terminal distance 30 from the vending machine main body 100a to the mobile terminal 200 by a predetermined communication, and based on the terminal distance 30 measured by the second communication unit 11, determines whether the mobile terminal 200 is located within a preset sales area 80. When the mobile terminal 200 is located within the sales area 80, a control unit 2 performs control to switch from a standby mode in which settlement of a product purchase using the mobile terminal 200 is impossible to a sales mode in which settlement of a product purchase using the mobile terminal 200 is possible. As a result, when a purchaser holding the mobile terminal 200 moves into the sales area 80, the sales mode can be automatically switched. Therefore, the purchaser can purchase a product by operating the vending machine 100 without operating the mobile terminal 200 to switch to the sales mode. As a result, by making it possible to purchase a product without taking out and operating the mobile terminal 200, the convenience (usability) of the purchaser can be improved.

[0103] Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the second communication unit 11 is configured to be able to measure the straight-line distance 31 between the vending machine main body 100a and the mobile terminal 200, and the first terminal angle 32 between the vending machine main body 100a and the mobile terminal 200. The control unit 2 is configured to obtain the terminal distance 30 as the horizontal distance between the mobile terminal 200 and the portion 100c corresponding to the height position of the mobile terminal 200 in the vending machine main body 100a based on the straight-line distance 31 and the first terminal angle 32. Here, for example, when measuring the terminal distance 30 with an infrared sensor or the like, only the straight-line distance 31 (the distance between two points) between the vending machine main body 100a and the mobile terminal 200 can be obtained. In this case, even if the purchaser is located within the sales area 80, the straight-line distance 31 between the mobile terminal 200 and the vending machine main body 100a changes depending on the height position at which the mobile terminal 200 is held. Specifically, even if the position of the purchaser does not change, the greater the difference between the height position at which the purchaser holds the mobile terminal 200 and the height position of the second communication unit 11, the greater the straight-line distance 31 between the mobile terminal 200 and the vending machine main body 100a. Therefore, even if the purchaser is located within the sales area 80, depending on the height position at which the purchaser holds the mobile terminal 200, the mobile terminal 200 may be determined to be located outside the sales area 80.

[0104] Therefore, as described above, based on the linear distance 31 and the first terminal angle 32, the terminal distance 30 as the horizontal distance between the mobile terminal 200 and the portion 100c corresponding to the height position of the mobile terminal 200 in the vending machine main body 100a is obtained. By configuring in this way, it is possible to determine whether the mobile terminal 200 is located within the sales area 80 based on the terminal distance 30, which is the horizontal distance between the mobile terminal 200 and the portion 100c corresponding to the height position of the mobile terminal 200 in the vending machine main body 100a. Therefore, compared with the configuration of determining whether the mobile terminal 200 is located within the sales area 80 based on the linear distance 31, it is possible to accurately determine whether the mobile terminal 200 is located within the sales area 80. As a result, the sales mode and the standby mode can be accurately switched according to the position of the mobile terminal 200. Also, regardless of the height position at which the purchaser holds the mobile terminal 200, such as inside a bag or in the pocket of trousers, it is possible to determine whether the mobile terminal 200 is located within the sales area 80 based on the horizontal distance between the mobile terminal 200 and the portion 100c corresponding to the height position of the mobile terminal 200 in the vending machine main body 100a. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the mobile terminal 200 is located within the sales area 80 without the purchaser changing the height position of the mobile terminal 200. As a result, the convenience (usability) of the purchaser can be improved compared with the configuration of moving the mobile terminal 200 to a predetermined height position for the purchaser.

[0105] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, when a plurality of mobile terminals 200 are located within the sales area 80, the control unit 2 is configured to communicate with the mobile terminal 200 having the smallest terminal distance 30 via the first communication unit 10 or the second communication unit 11 and perform a settlement process. Here, among the plurality of mobile terminals 200 arranged within the sales area 80, it is considered that the mobile terminal 200 held by the purchaser who purchases the product is located at the position closest to the vending machine main body 100a. Therefore, by configuring as described above, even when a plurality of mobile terminals 200 are located within the sales area 80, the mobile terminal 200 held by the purchaser of the product can be specified. Therefore, it is possible to communicate with the mobile terminal 200 held by the purchaser of the product and perform a settlement process. As a result, it is possible to effectively suppress the settlement process from being performed by the mobile terminal 200 held by a user other than the purchaser.

[0106] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 2 is configured to acquire the distance in the direction (X direction) orthogonal to the front surface 100b of the vending machine main body 100a as the terminal distance 30. Here, the second communication unit 11 can communicate with the mobile terminal 200 located within the radially spreading area. Therefore, when a plurality of terminals are located on the arc centered on the second communication unit 11, there will be a plurality of mobile terminals 200 having the smallest terminal distance 30, and it is impossible to specify the mobile terminal 200 to communicate with. Therefore, by configuring the control unit 2 to acquire the distance in the direction orthogonal to the front surface 100b of the vending machine main body 100a as the terminal distance 30 as described above, even when a plurality of terminals are located on the arc centered on the second communication unit 11, it is possible to discriminate the mobile terminal 200 held by the purchaser who is closer to the vending machine main body 100a. As a result, it is possible to more effectively suppress the settlement process from being performed by the mobile terminal 200 held by a user other than the purchaser.

[0107] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 2 is configured to perform control to switch from the sales mode to the standby mode when the mobile terminal 200 moves outside the sales area 80. As a result, after the purchaser purchases the product and leaves the vending machine 100, the sales mode can be automatically switched to the standby mode without the purchaser performing an operation on the mobile terminal 200 such as closing the application 210. As a result, the convenience (usability) of the purchaser can be improved as compared with a configuration in which the control unit 2 switches from the sales mode to the standby mode based on the operation of the purchaser on the mobile terminal 200. Further, since the control unit 2 switches from the sales mode to the standby mode when the mobile terminal 200 moves outside the sales area 80, unlike a configuration in which the sales mode is switched from the sales mode to the standby mode based on the operation of the mobile terminal 200 by the purchaser, it is possible to suppress the sales mode from being maintained even after the purchaser who has purchased the product leaves the vending machine 100. As a result, even when another user operates the vending machine 100 after the purchaser has purchased the product, it is possible to suppress the settlement process from being performed by the mobile terminal 200 of the purchaser who has purchased the product.

[0108] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 2 is configured to maintain the sales mode without disconnecting the communication with the mobile terminal 200 when the purchaser remains within the sales area 80 even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the purchaser purchased the product. As a result, unlike a configuration in which the communication with the mobile terminal 200 is disconnected every time the purchaser purchases a product, the sales mode is maintained even after the product is purchased. Therefore, when the purchaser wants to purchase a plurality of products continuously, the purchaser can purchase a plurality of products continuously without operating the mobile terminal 200 to connect the communication with the vending machine 100. As a result, the convenience (usability) of the purchaser when purchasing a plurality of products continuously can be improved.

[0109] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 2 is configured to communicate with the mobile terminal 200 located within the sales area 80 via the first communication unit 10 or the second communication unit 11 based on the purchase of a product, and to grant points to the mobile terminal 200 located within the sales area 80. Here, in the case of a configuration in which the distance between the vending machine main body 100a and the mobile terminal 200 is not measured, by operating the mobile terminal 200 held by a user other than the purchaser of the product, points may be granted to the mobile terminal 200 of a user who has not purchased the product. Therefore, as described above, by configuring to grant points to the mobile terminal 200 located within the sales area 80, it is possible to grant points after identifying the mobile terminal 200 located within the sales area 80 as the mobile terminal 200 held by the purchaser who has purchased the product. As a result, it is possible to suppress erroneously granting points to a user who has not purchased the product.

[0110] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, when a plurality of mobile terminals 200 are located within the sales area 80, the control unit 2 communicates with the mobile terminal 200 having the smallest terminal distance 30 via the first communication unit 10 or the second communication unit 11, and is configured to grant points to the mobile terminal 200 having the smallest terminal distance 30. Thereby, even when a plurality of mobile terminals 200 are located within the sales area 80, the mobile terminal 200 held by the purchaser can be accurately identified. As a result, it is possible to effectively suppress granting points to the mobile terminal 200 held by a user other than the purchaser.

[0111] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, the first communication unit 10 is configured to communicate with the mobile terminal 200 by communication using the Bluetooth communication standard, and the second communication unit 11 is configured to measure the terminal distance 30 by communication using an ultra-wideband wireless communication standard capable of measuring distance by an ultra-wideband signal. Thereby, when the first communication unit 10 performs a settlement process on the mobile terminal 200 by communication using the Bluetooth communication standard, the second communication unit 11 that performs communication using ultra-wideband wireless communication can accurately acquire the position of the mobile terminal 200. As a result, it is possible to provide a vending machine 100 suitable for a configuration in which the position of the mobile terminal 200 located within the sales area 80 is specified by communication by the second communication unit 11 and a settlement process is performed by wireless communication by the first communication unit 10 or the second communication unit 11.

[0112] [Modification Example] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the description of the above embodiments but by the claims, and further includes all changes (modification examples) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0113] For example, in the above embodiment, an example of a configuration in which the control unit 2 acquires the terminal distance 30 as the horizontal distance acquired based on the straight-line distance 31 and the first terminal angle 32 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the control unit may acquire the straight-line distance 31 measured by the second communication unit 11 as the terminal distance 30. However, in the case of a configuration in which the control unit acquires the straight-line distance 31 as the terminal distance 30, the determination accuracy as to whether the mobile terminal 200 is located within the sales area 80 decreases due to the position of the mobile terminal 200 in the Z direction or the like. Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit 2 is configured to acquire the terminal distance 30 as the horizontal distance acquired based on the straight-line distance 31 and the first terminal angle 32.

[0114] In the above embodiment, an example of the configuration in which when a plurality of mobile terminals 200 are located within the sales area 80, the control unit 2 communicates with the mobile terminal 200 having the shortest terminal distance 30 via the first communication unit 10 and performs settlement processing has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, when a plurality of mobile terminals 200 are located within the sales area 80, the control unit may be configured to communicate with the mobile terminal 200 having the shortest terminal distance 30 via the second communication unit 11 and perform settlement processing.

[0115] In the above embodiment, an example of the configuration in which the control unit 2 acquires the distance in the direction (X direction) orthogonal to the front surface 100b of the vending machine main body 100a as the terminal distance 30 has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the control unit may be configured to acquire the straight-line distance 31 or the horizontal distance as the terminal distance 30. However, when the control unit acquires the straight-line distance 31 or the horizontal distance as the terminal distance 30, the determination accuracy of the mobile terminal 200 located at the position closest to the vending machine 100 decreases. Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit 2 is configured to acquire the distance in the direction (X direction) orthogonal to the front surface 100b of the vending machine main body 100a as the terminal distance 30.

[0116] In the above embodiment, an example of the configuration in which when the mobile terminal 200 moves outside the sales area 80, the control unit 2 performs control to switch from the sales mode to the standby mode has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the control unit 2 may be configured to switch from the sales mode to the standby mode after a predetermined time has elapsed since the user purchased the product.

[0117] In the above embodiment, an example of the configuration in which the control unit 2 performs control to switch from the sales mode to the standby mode when the mobile terminal 200 moves outside the sales area 80 was shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the control unit 2 does not necessarily have to switch from the sales mode to the standby mode even when the mobile terminal 200 moves outside the sales area 80. However, when the control unit does not switch from the sales mode to the standby mode even when the mobile terminal 200 moves outside the sales area 80, there may be a case where another user operates the selection unit 17 and the settlement is made by the mobile terminal 200 held by the purchaser. Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit 2 is configured to switch from the sales mode to the standby mode even when the mobile terminal 200 moves outside the sales area 80.

[0118] Also, in the above embodiment, an example of the configuration in which the control unit 2 maintains the sales mode without disconnecting the communication with the mobile terminal 200 when the purchaser remains within the sales area 80 even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the purchaser purchased the product was shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the control unit may be configured to switch from the sales mode to the standby mode after a predetermined time has elapsed regardless of whether the purchaser remains within the sales area 80 after purchasing the product. However, when the control unit is configured to switch from the sales mode to the standby mode after a predetermined time has elapsed regardless of whether the purchaser remains within the sales area 80 after purchasing the product, an operation such as the application 210 is required for the user to continuously purchase products, and the convenience (usability) of the user decreases. Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit 2 is configured to maintain the sales mode without disconnecting the communication with the mobile terminal 200 when the purchaser remains within the sales area 80 even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the purchaser purchased the product.

[0119] In the above-described embodiment, an example of a configuration is shown in which the control unit 2 communicates with the mobile terminal 200 located within the sales area 80 via the first communication unit 10 based on the purchase of a product, and awards points to the mobile terminal 200 located within the sales area 80. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the control unit may be configured to communicate with the mobile terminal 200 located within the sales area 80 via the second communication unit 11 based on the purchase of a product, and award points to the mobile terminal 200 located within the sales area 80.

[0120] Also, in the present embodiment, the control unit may not be configured to award points to the mobile terminal 200. However, if the control unit does not award points to the mobile terminal 200, the number of products sold may decrease due to a decline in the user's willingness to purchase, for example. Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit 2 is configured to award points to the mobile terminal 200.

[0121] In the above-described embodiment, an example of a configuration is shown in which, when a plurality of mobile terminals 200 are located within the sales area 80, the control unit 2 communicates with the mobile terminal 200 having the smallest terminal distance 30 via the first communication unit 10, and awards points to the mobile terminal 200 having the smallest terminal distance 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, when a plurality of mobile terminals 200 are located within the sales area 80, the control unit may be configured to communicate with the mobile terminal 200 having the smallest terminal distance 30 via the second communication unit 11, and award points to the mobile terminal 200 having the smallest terminal distance 30.

[0122] Further, in the above-described embodiment, the first communication unit 10 is configured to communicate with the mobile terminal 200 by communication using the Bluetooth communication standard, and the second communication unit 11 is configured to measure the terminal distance 30 by communication using an ultra-wideband wireless communication standard capable of measuring distance by an ultra-wideband signal. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As long as it is possible to communicate with the mobile terminal 200 by wireless connection, the first communication unit may use any communication standard. Also, as long as the terminal distance 30 can be acquired, the second communication unit may use any communication standard.

[0123] Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example of a configuration in which the control unit 2 performs all controls of switching between the sales mode and the standby mode, determination of continuous purchase, and point provision has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, if the control unit 2 performs control to switch between the sales mode and the standby mode, it may not perform control for determination of continuous purchase and point provision. Also, the control unit 2 may be configured to perform control for switching between the sales mode and the standby mode and control for determination of continuous purchase, or may be configured to perform control for switching between the sales mode and the standby mode and control for point provision.

[0124] Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example of a configuration in which the control unit 2 determines that the mobile terminal 200 with the smallest terminal distance 30 is the mobile terminal 200 held by the purchaser of the product, and communicates with the determined mobile terminal 200 to perform settlement processing and point provision processing has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the control unit may be configured to determine the mobile terminal 200 that performs settlement processing and point provision processing based on the image captured by the camera provided in the multimedia unit 3 and the terminal distance 30.

[0125] In the above-described embodiment, an example of the configuration in which the indicator 16 displays information related to money and error information has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the indicator may be configured to display information indicating a user (e.g., the name of the user set in the mobile terminal 200, etc.) acquired from the mobile terminal 200 by communication via the first communication unit 10 or the second communication unit 11.

[0126] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the selection unit 17 is an operation button has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the selection unit may be a keypad or a touch panel. When the selection unit is a touch panel, the multimedia unit may also function as the selection unit, or the multimedia unit and the selection unit may each include a touch panel.

[0127] In the above-described embodiment, an example of the configuration in which the vending machine 100 includes a money management unit 13 that manages money and an insertion slot 50 for inserting money has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the vending machine may not include the money management unit 13 and the insertion slot 50. That is, if the vending machine can perform settlement by electronic money and settlement by the application 210 of the mobile terminal 200, it may not be able to perform settlement by cash.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0128] 2 Control unit 10 First communication unit 11 Second communication unit 30 Terminal distance 31 Linear distance (linear distance between the vending machine main body and the mobile terminal) 32 First terminal angle (terminal angle between the vending machine main body and the mobile terminal) 33 Second terminal angle 100 Vending machine 100a Vending machine main body 100b Front surface (front surface of the vending machine main body) 100c Portion of the vending machine main body corresponding to the height position of the mobile terminal 200 Mobile terminal

Claims

1. a first communication unit that communicates with a mobile terminal possessed by a purchaser; a second communication unit that measures a terminal distance from the vending machine main body to the mobile terminal by a predetermined communication; a control unit that determines whether or not the mobile terminal is located within a preset sales area based on the terminal distance measured by the second communication unit, and when the mobile terminal is located within the sales area, controls to switch from a standby mode in which settlement of a product purchase using the mobile terminal is impossible to a sales mode in which settlement of a product purchase using the mobile terminal is possible; A vending machine comprising:

2. The second communication unit is configured to be able to measure a straight-line distance between the vending machine main body and the mobile terminal and a terminal angle between the vending machine main body and the mobile terminal, The control unit is configured to obtain the terminal distance as a horizontal distance between the mobile terminal and a portion corresponding to the height position of the mobile terminal among the vending machine main bodies based on the straight-line distance and the terminal angle. The vending machine according to claim 1.

3. When a plurality of the mobile terminals are located within the sales area, the control unit communicates with the mobile terminal having the smallest terminal distance via the first communication unit or the second communication unit and performs a settlement process. The vending machine according to claim 2, which is configured to:

4. The control unit is configured to obtain a distance in a direction orthogonal to the front surface of the vending machine main body as the terminal distance. The vending machine according to claim 3.

5. The control unit is configured to perform control to switch from the sales mode to the standby mode when the mobile terminal moves outside the sales area. The vending machine according to claim 1.

6. The control unit is configured to maintain the sales mode without disconnecting communication with the mobile terminal when the purchaser remains within the sales area even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the purchaser purchased a product. The vending machine according to claim 1.

7. The control unit communicates with the mobile terminal located within the sales area via the first communication unit or the second communication unit based on the fact that a product has been purchased, and gives points to the mobile terminal located within the sales area. The vending machine according to claim 1, which is configured to:

8. When a plurality of the mobile terminals are located within the sales area, the control unit communicates with the mobile terminal having the smallest terminal distance via the first communication unit or the second communication unit, and is configured to give points to the mobile terminal having the smallest terminal distance. The vending machine according to claim 7.

9. The first communication unit is configured to communicate with the mobile terminal by communication using the Bluetooth communication standard. The second communication unit is configured to measure the terminal distance by communication using an ultra-wideband wireless communication standard capable of measuring the distance by a signal in an ultra-wideband band. The vending machine according to claim 1.

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