Supply system, server, dispenser, and supply method

Abstract

To provide a supply system that can provide an absorbent article without a registration operation of user information.SOLUTION: A supply system 100 includes a dispenser 5 for an absorbent article A and controllers (processors 11, 51) that control the discharge from the dispenser. The dispenser includes a discharge mechanism that discharges the absorbent article stored therein. The controller is configured to: generate a two-dimensional code including a one-time password generated on the basis of time at a predetermined timing and access information, and cause it to be displayed on a surface of the dispenser (S1); determine whether or not the absorbent article can be provided in response to access from a user terminal that reads the two-dimensional code (S2-1 to 5); and cause a discharge operation to be performed when the determination is affirmative (S6). The determination thereof includes determining whether or not the one-time password included in the access from the user terminal is within a valid period based on a timing of receiving the access from the user terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a supply system, a server, a dispenser, and a supply method.

Background Art

[0002] A woman's menstrual period is very long throughout her life. Therefore, it is not an exaggeration to say that how to spend the menstrual period comfortably affects the quality of a woman's life.

[0003] One of the stresses associated with menstruation is that, just like during non-menstrual periods, a woman cannot go to the toilet without carrying sanitary products. To remove this stress, the inventors came to think that it would be sufficient if sanitary products could be obtained in the same way as toilet paper in public toilets. As a result, a woman can go to the toilet without carrying sanitary products even during her menstrual period. As a result, a woman is liberated from one of the stresses associated with menstruation.

[0004] The same can be said for widely used sanitary absorbent articles such as baby diapers and adult diapers. The inventors came to think that absorbent articles such as diapers and pet sheets should also be obtainable in the same way as toilet paper in public toilets when going out with children, when adults need diapers when going out, when going out with pets, etc.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0006] In this regard, it is conceivable to install a dispenser for providing sanitary products, disclosed in the above Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 7192154), in a toilet or the like. As a result, a woman can obtain sanitary products in a toilet or the like.

[0007] However, in order to obtain sanitary products using the dispenser of Patent Document 1, the user needs to perform an operation for registering user information in advance, which is cumbersome. In addition, since absorbent articles such as sanitary products require delicacy specific to women, some users may feel resistance to performing the operation for registering user information in advance. Therefore, there is a need for a supply system, a server, a dispenser, and a supply method that can provide absorbent articles without requiring an operation for registering user information in advance.

[0008] According to an embodiment, a supply system is a supply system for absorbent articles, including a dispenser for absorbent articles and a controller for controlling the discharge of absorbent articles from the dispenser. The dispenser has a discharge mechanism for discharging the stored absorbent articles according to the control of the controller. The controller generates a two-dimensional code including a one-time password and access information generated based on time at a predetermined timing and displays it on the surface of the dispenser, determines whether to provide absorbent articles in response to access from a user terminal that has read the two-dimensional code, and causes the discharge mechanism to perform a discharge operation when the result of the determination is affirmative. Determining whether to provide absorbent articles includes making a first determination as to whether the one-time password included in the access from the user terminal is within the valid period based on the timing when the access from the user terminal is received.

[0009] Further details will be described as embodiments below.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] <1. Overview of Supply System, Server, Dispenser, and Supply Method> (1) The supply system according to the embodiment is a supply system for absorbent articles, and includes a dispenser for absorbent articles and a controller for controlling the discharge of absorbent articles from the dispenser. The dispenser has a discharge mechanism for discharging the stored absorbent articles according to the control of the controller. The controller generates a two-dimensional code including a one-time password and access information generated based on time at a predetermined timing and displays it on the surface of the dispenser, determines whether the supply of absorbent articles is possible in response to an access from a user terminal that has read the two-dimensional code, and when the result of the determination is affirmative, causes the discharge mechanism to perform a discharge operation. Determining whether the supply of absorbent articles is possible includes making a first determination as to whether the one-time password included in the access from the user terminal is within the valid period based on the timing when the access from the user terminal is received.

[0012] The absorbent article is a sanitary absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, a tampon, a baby diaper, an adult diaper, a pet sheet, etc. In this case, the dispenser is installed near toilets such as in a toilet cubicle or a washroom, or near a nursing room. Also, the dispenser may be installed in a place other than near a toilet or a nursing room, such as outdoors, for example. The controller may be a processor installed in the dispenser, or a processor of a server capable of communicating with the dispenser, or a processor of a user terminal, or a combination thereof.

[0013] In the supply system according to the embodiment, by reading the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit of the dispenser using the user terminal, when the result of determining whether the absorbent article can be provided is affirmative, the absorbent article is discharged from the dispenser. Thereby, the user of the user terminal can acquire the absorbent article in a similar feeling to toilet paper. Whether the absorbent article can be provided is determined by whether the one-time password generated based on the time at a predetermined timing included in the access from the user terminal is within the validity period based on the timing when the access from the user terminal is received. Thus, in the access from the user terminal including a one-time password outside the validity period, the absorbent article is not discharged. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the use that does not meet the usage conditions, such as accessing using the two-dimensional code read from the display unit of the dispenser before the expiration date. In this way, the user can acquire the absorbent article when the first determination is affirmative without performing the operation of registering user information in advance. Therefore, in the supply system according to the present embodiment, the absorbent article can be widely provided to the users who need it.

[0014] (2) Preferably, in the supply system of (1), the controller is further configured to generate a one-time password at regular intervals and update the display of the two-dimensional code of the dispenser. As a result, the availability of the absorbent article is determined based on whether the one-time password is within the valid period, and unauthorized use outside the valid period is prevented.

[0015] (3) Preferably, in the supply system of (1) and (2), the access information includes access information to a specific website. The specific website is configured to request an absorbent article in response to access according to the access information from the user terminal. As a result, the user can obtain the absorbent article without installing a dedicated application on the user terminal.

[0016] (4) Preferably, in the supply system of (1) to (3), the access information includes activation information for activating a second application in a first application installed on the user terminal. The second application is configured to request an absorbent article using some functions of the first application in response to activation based on the activation information from the user terminal. As a result, the user can obtain the absorbent article by using the second application activated by the first application installed on the user terminal.

[0017] (5) Preferably, in the supply system of (1) to (4), the dispenser further has a communication unit for performing short-range wireless communication. Determining the availability of the absorbent article includes determining whether the information received from the user terminal by the communication unit through short-range wireless communication is pre-registered information. As a result, the user can also obtain the absorbent article by a method of performing short-range wireless communication.

[0018] (6) Preferably, in the supply system of (1) to (5), the controller further records the provision history of the absorbent article together with the identification information of the requester of the absorbent article. The result of the determination being acceptable further includes that the result of the second determination based on the provision history is acceptable. Thereby, the availability of providing the absorbent article is determined based on the provision history, and usage that does not meet the usage conditions based on the provision history is prevented.

[0019] (7) Preferably, in the supply system of (6), the second determination includes that the time interval between the provisions of the absorbent articles associated with the identification information of the same requester is equal to or longer than a specified interval. Thereby, overuse of the absorbent article by the same user is prevented.

[0020] (8) The server according to the embodiment is a server capable of communicating with a dispenser of absorbent articles. The dispenser has a discharge mechanism for discharging the stored absorbent articles according to the control of the server. The server determines the availability of providing the absorbent article in response to an access from a user terminal that has read a two-dimensional code including a one-time password generated based on the time at a predetermined timing and access information displayed on the surface of the dispenser, and when the result of the determination is acceptable, causes the discharge mechanism to perform a discharge operation. Determining the availability of providing the absorbent article includes determining whether the one-time password included in the access from the user terminal is within the valid period based on the timing when the access from the user terminal is received.

[0021] By using the server according to the embodiment, by reading the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit of the dispenser using the user terminal, it is determined at the server whether absorbent articles can be provided. When the result of the determination is affirmative, the absorbent articles are discharged from the dispenser under the control of the server. As a result, the user of the user terminal can obtain the absorbent articles in the same manner as toilet paper. The server determines whether absorbent articles can be provided based on whether a one-time password generated based on the time at a predetermined timing included in the access from the user terminal is within the valid period based on the timing when the access from the user terminal is received, so that access from the user terminal including a one-time password outside the valid period does not cause the absorbent articles to be discharged. Therefore, it is possible to prevent use that does not meet the usage conditions, such as accessing using a two-dimensional code read from the display unit of the dispenser before the expiration date. In this way, the user can obtain the absorbent articles when it is determined to be affirmative without performing an operation of registering user information in advance. Therefore, by using the server according to the present embodiment, it is possible to widely provide absorbent articles to the users who need them.

[0022] (9) The dispenser according to the embodiment is a dispenser for absorbent articles, and includes a display unit provided on the surface, a storage unit for absorbent articles, a discharge mechanism for discharging the absorbent articles stored in the storage unit, a communication unit for communicating with a server, and a controller. The controller is configured to generate a two-dimensional code including a one-time password generated based on the time at a predetermined timing and access information and display it on the display unit, and cause the discharge mechanism to perform a discharge operation according to a control signal from the server.

[0023] By using the dispenser according to the embodiment, by reading the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit of the dispenser using a user terminal, it is determined at the server whether absorbent articles can be provided. When the result of the determination is affirmative, the dispenser discharges the absorbent articles according to the control of the server, so that the user of the user terminal can obtain the absorbent articles in the same manner as toilet paper. Also, at the server, it is possible to determine whether absorbent articles can be provided based on whether the one-time password included in the access from the user terminal is within the valid period based on the timing when the access from the user terminal was received. Thereby, the server can prevent the discharge of absorbent articles in the case of access from a user terminal including a one-time password outside the valid period. Therefore, it is possible to prevent usage that does not meet the usage conditions, such as accessing using a two-dimensional code read from the display unit of the dispenser before the expiration date. In this way, the user can obtain absorbent articles when the determination is affirmative without performing an operation of registering user information in advance. For this reason, by using the dispenser according to the present embodiment, it is possible to widely provide absorbent articles to users in need.

[0024] (10) Preferably, the dispenser of (9) further includes a second communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication. The controller is further configured to cause the first communication unit to transmit the information received from the user terminal by the second communication unit through short-range wireless communication to the server. Thereby, the user can also obtain absorbent articles by a method of performing short-range wireless communication.

[0025] (11) The supply method according to the embodiment is a supply method in a supply system having an absorbent article dispenser and a controller that controls the discharge of absorbent articles from the dispenser. The dispenser has a discharge mechanism that discharges the stored absorbent articles according to the control of the controller. The supply method includes generating a two-dimensional code including a one-time password generated based on time at a predetermined timing and access information, displaying the two-dimensional code on the surface of the dispenser, determining whether or not to provide an absorbent article in response to access from a user terminal that has read the two-dimensional code, and when the result of the determination is affirmative, causing the discharge mechanism to perform a discharge operation. Determining whether or not to provide an absorbent article includes determining whether or not the one-time password included in the access from the user terminal is within the valid period based on the timing when the access from the user terminal was received.

[0026] By using the supply method according to the embodiment, the controller determines whether or not to provide an absorbent article by reading the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit of the dispenser using a user terminal. When the result of the determination is affirmative, the dispenser discharges the absorbent article according to the control of the controller, so that the user of the user terminal can acquire the absorbent article. Further, in the controller, it is possible to determine whether or not to provide an absorbent article based on whether or not the one-time password included in the access from the user terminal is within the valid period based on the timing when the access from the user terminal was received. Thereby, the controller can prevent the discharge of absorbent articles in the case of access from a user terminal including a one-time password outside the valid period. Therefore, it is possible to prevent use that does not meet the usage conditions, such as accessing using a two-dimensional code read from the display unit of the dispenser before the expiration date. In this way, the user can acquire the absorbent article when the determination is affirmative without performing an operation of registering user information in advance. For this reason, the supply method according to the present embodiment can widely provide absorbent articles to users who need them.

[0027] <2. Examples of Supply Systems, Servers, Dispensers, and Supply Methods> (Overview of the Supply System) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a supply system 100 according to an embodiment. The supply system 100 includes a server 1 having a processor 11. The supply system 100 also includes one or more dispensers 5 for absorbent articles. The dispenser 5 has a first communication unit 53. Thus, the server 1 and the dispenser 5 can communicate with each other via a communication network 7 such as the Internet.

[0028] The absorbent article is a sanitary absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, a tampon, a baby diaper, an adult diaper, a pet sheet, and the like. In the following description, the absorbent article is a sanitary napkin (hereinafter, napkin) A. Even when the absorbent article is not a napkin but a tampon or a diaper, etc., the supply system 100 provides it in the same manner as follows.

[0029] The dispenser 5 is installed near the toilet as an example. The area near the toilet is, for example, a toilet cubicle, a washroom, etc., and in the following description, it is a toilet cubicle. The dispenser 5 discharges the napkin A stored in the storage unit 58 from the discharge port 50 according to a control signal from the server 1. Thereby, the user 9 can obtain the napkin A in the toilet cubicle.

[0030] The supply system 100 includes a user terminal 3 of the user 9. The user terminal 3 has a camera 35. The camera 35 is an example of an input unit that inputs a photographed image. The user terminal 3 also has a touch panel 34. The touch panel 34 is an example of a display device or an output device, and an input device that receives a user operation. The server 1 and the user terminal 3 can communicate with each other via the communication network 7.

[0031] The dispenser 5 has a processor 51 which is a controller. The processor 51 generates a two-dimensional code Ct at a predetermined timing. The two-dimensional code Ct includes a one-time password and access information generated based on the time t. The two-dimensional code is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark).

[0032] The dispenser 5 has a display 54 and displays the two-dimensional code Ct (step S1). Since the processor 51 generates the two-dimensional code Ct at a predetermined timing, the two-dimensional code Ct displayed on the display 54 is updated at a predetermined timing.

[0033] The user 9 requests the napkin A by photographing the two-dimensional code Ct displayed on the display 54 of the dispenser 5 with the camera 35 of the user terminal 3 (the first method). As an example, when the two-dimensional code Ct is photographed with the camera 35 (step S2-1), an acquisition display screen 400 is displayed on the touch panel 34 of the user terminal 3 (step S3). When the user 9 touches the button 40 on the display screen 400, a request for the napkin A is sent to the server 1 (step S4-1).

[0034] Also, the user 9 requests the napkin A by holding the user terminal 3 over the dispenser 5 and having the identification information (ID: identification) read by short-range wireless communication (the second method). In this case, when the user terminal 3 performs short-range wireless communication with the dispenser 5 (step S2-2), the ID of the user terminal 3 is read by the dispenser 5. A request for the napkin A is sent from the dispenser 5 to the server 1 (step S4-2).

[0035] At server 1, it is determined whether napkin A can be provided in response to a request from user terminal 3 or a request from dispenser 5 (step S5). When the determination result is affirmative, server 1 causes dispenser 5 to perform a discharging operation (step S6). At dispenser 5, the discharging operation is performed according to the control signal from server 1. As a result, napkin A stored in storage unit 58 is discharged from discharge port 50 (step S7).

[0036] (System Configuration) FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of server 1. FIGS. 3 to 5 are diagrams each showing a specific example of the configuration of a database (hereinafter referred to as DB) stored in server 1. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of dispenser 5. FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of user terminal 3.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, server 1 is a computer having a processor 11 which is a controller and a memory 12, or is composed of one computer and its peripheral devices. Server 1 may be realized by a plurality of computers cooperating with each other. Also, server 1 has a communication unit 13 for communicating via communication network 7. Communication unit 13 is a communication module or the like.

[0038] Processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Memory 12 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. Memory 12 stores a program 121 executed by processor 11.

[0039] Processor 11 executes discharge process 111 by executing program 121. Discharge process 111 is a process for causing dispenser 5 to discharge napkin A. Processor 11 executes guidance process 112 by executing program 121. Guidance process 112 includes causing user terminal 3 to display a screen for guiding user 9 to the location where napkin A is provided. Processor 11 executes management process 113 by executing program 121. Management process 113 includes managing the storage state of napkin A in one or more dispensers 5. Processor 11 executes advertisement process 114 by executing program 121. Advertisement process 114 includes causing user terminal 3 to display an advertisement. Each process will be described later.

[0040] Memory 12 has dispenser DB 122, which is a storage area for storing information about dispenser 5. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a specific example of the configuration of dispenser DB 122. Also, memory 12 has user information DB 123, which is a storage area for storing user information. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific example of the configuration of user information DB 123. Also, memory 12 has advertisement DB 124, which is a storage area for storing advertisement information. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of the configuration of advertisement DB 124. Note that these DBs may be stored in a distributed manner in a plurality of computers constituting server 1.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, dispenser information 220-1 to 220-n for each dispenser 5 (also collectively referred to as dispenser information 220) is registered in dispenser DB 122. In the example of FIG. 3, dispenser information 220 is registered for n dispensers 5 in dispenser DB 122. Dispenser information 220 includes identification information (ID) 221 of dispenser 5, position information 222 indicating the installed position, and the number of napkins A stored in storage unit 58, 223.

[0042] The location information 222 may be values such as latitude and longitude, or may be the name of the installed facility, the name of the nearest station, etc. Further, the location information 222 may be information such as the ID of a facility list table, etc., for associating with information on facilities stored in other memories (such as a facility list table) not shown in the figure. Preferably, the location information 222 further includes information indicating the arrangement in the toilet of the installed toilet cubicle. Thereby, highly accurate guidance can be performed in the guidance process 112 described later. The storage quantity 223 may be the number of napkins A, or may be a level of the number of napkins such as "many", "ordinary", "few".

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, in the user information DB 123, user information 230-1 to 230-m for each user 9 (also collectively referred to as user information 230) is registered. In the example of FIG. 4, m pieces of user information 230 are registered in the user information DB 123. The user information 230 includes identification information (ID) 231 of the user 9 and a provision history 232 of napkins A for the user 9.

[0044] The ID of the user 9 may be information that can distinguish the user 9 from other users. Therefore, the ID may be a character string mechanically assigned by the system side or the website described later, or may be the user's name, address, phone number, information obtained by the dispenser 5 through short-range wireless communication with the user terminal 3, information such as a character string set by the user himself, or a combination thereof.

[0045] The user ID is registered, for example, by the website shown in the access information described later. The user ID is, for example, automatically assigned to the user by the website when the user first accesses the website using the user terminal 3. When the user ID is registered on the website, the server 1 is notified, and the user ID is registered in the user information DB 123. Alternatively, the user ID may be registered in the user information DB 123 when the ID of the short-range wireless communication that is automatically passed when the user terminal 3 first performs short-range wireless communication with the dispenser 5 is notified from the dispenser 5 to the server 1. Thereby, it can be used for the third determination described later without requiring a user operation for registering the user ID in advance. Note that the user ID may include information registered on the website according to a user operation.

[0046] The provision history 232 includes at least the date and time when the napkin A was provided to the user 9 and the ID of the dispenser 5 that provided it. Thereby, for each user 9, the provision history of when and where the napkin A was provided is managed. The provision history 232 may be, for example, information such as the ID of a provision history list table for associating with the provision history for each user stored in another memory (not shown, such as a provision history list table). In this case, the provision history of when and where the napkin A was provided is recorded in the provision history list table.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, in the advertisement DB 124, advertisement information 240-1 to 240-k for each advertisement (also collectively referred to as advertisement information 240) is registered. In the example of FIG. 5, k pieces of advertisement information 240 are registered in the advertisement DB 124. In the advertisement information 240, for example, the expiration date 241 and the location information 242 are associated with the display data 243. The expiration date 241 indicates the valid period of display of the display data 243. The location information 242 is used to determine the user terminal 3 on which the advertisement is to be displayed in the advertisement process 114 described later. The location information 242 may be a value such as latitude and longitude, or may be a facility name, the name of the nearest station, or the like.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 6, the dispenser 5 includes a processor 51 which is a controller, and a memory 52. The processor 51 is, for example, a CPU. The memory 52 includes, for example, a ROM, a RAM, etc. The memory 52 stores a program 521 executed by the processor 51. Further, the memory 52 stores the ID of the dispenser 5 (ID storage unit 522).

[0049] The dispenser 5 further includes a first communication unit 53 for communicating via the communication network 7. The first communication unit 53 is a communication module or the like. The dispenser 5 further includes a second communication unit 55 for performing short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi communication and Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication. The dispenser 5 also has a display 54.

[0050] Note that the first communication unit 53 is not necessarily essential for all dispensers 5. For example, in the case of a dispenser 5 without the first communication unit 53, the dispenser 5 may communicate with the server 1 via a repeater (not shown) using the second communication unit 55. The repeater may be, for example, another dispenser 5 installed in a neighboring toilet cubicle, or may be provided separately.

[0051] The dispenser 5 has a discharge mechanism 56. The discharge mechanism 56 includes a mechanism for discharging the napkin A stored in the storage unit 58 (FIG. 1). The structure of the discharge mechanism 56 is not limited to a specific structure, and any structure may be used as long as it can discharge the napkins A stored in the storage unit 58 one by one from the discharge port 50.

[0052] As an example, the storage unit 58 stores the napkins A stacked in the vertical direction inside. At the lowermost part of the storage unit 58, an arm (not shown) is provided for pushing the lowermost napkin A from the storage unit 58 toward the discharge port 50. The discharge mechanism 56 causes the arm to perform an operation for pushing the lowermost napkin A from the storage unit 58 toward the discharge port 50, and then returns it to the original position. Thereby, the napkins A in the storage unit 58 are discharged from the discharge port 50 in order from the bottom.

[0053] The dispenser 5 has an inventory sensor 57-1. The inventory sensor 57-1 senses the amount of napkins A in the storage section 58 (hereinafter also referred to as inventory). The inventory sensor 57-1 is, for example, a sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object, and may be a contact-type sensor or a photoelectric sensor. In this case, the inventory sensor 57-1 is attached at a position where it is desired to know the inventory of napkins A in the storage section 58, and senses whether or not napkins A are accumulated up to that position. A plurality of inventory sensors 57-1 may be arranged in the storage section 58. As another example, the inventory sensor 57-1 may be a weight sensor or a strain sensor, and may sense the weight of napkins A in the storage section 58. The sensing signal from the inventory sensor 57-1 is input to the processor 51. Note that the sensing of the inventory of napkins A in the storage section 58 may be performed by a method other than a sensor. In that case, the dispenser 5 may not have the inventory sensor 57-1.

[0054] The dispenser 5 has an open / close sensor 57-2. The open / close sensor 57-2 senses the opening and closing of the door 59 (FIG. 1) provided in the storage section 58. As an example, when the door 59 is in the open state, the open / close sensor 57-2 inputs a sensor signal to the processor 51. That is, the open / close sensor 57-2 detects that the door 59 has been opened.

[0055] The door 59 is opened and closed when replenishing napkins A into the storage section 58, and preferably has a key (not shown) attached thereto. The key may be a physical key or an electronic lock.

[0056] The processor 51 executes a generation process 511 by executing a program 521. The generation process 511 includes generating a two-dimensional code Ct at a predetermined timing. The processor 51 executes a transmission process 512 by executing the program 521. The transmission process 512 includes causing information including a user ID obtained from the user terminal 3 by short-range wireless communication in the second communication unit 55 to be transmitted from the first communication unit 53 to the server 1. The processor 51 executes a management process 513 by executing the program 521. The management process 513 includes processes related to the management of the number of napkins A stored in the storage unit 58. Each process will be described later.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 7, the user terminal 3 is composed of a computer having a processor 31 as a controller and a memory 32, or one computer and its peripheral devices. The user terminal 3 is, for example, a portable terminal device such as a smartphone, a tablet, or a smartwatch. The user terminal 3 may be realized by a plurality of computers cooperating with each other.

[0058] The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU. The memory 32 includes, for example, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The memory 32 stores a program 321 executed by the processor 31. The program 321 has already been downloaded and installed in the user terminal 3.

[0059] The memory 32 stores an ID (ID storage unit 322). The ID may be information that can distinguish the user of the user terminal 3 from other users. Therefore, the ID may be a character string assigned by the system side, or may be the user's name, address, telephone number, information automatically passed to the dispenser 5 by short-range wireless communication with the dispenser 5, such as a card number, information such as a character string set by the user himself / herself, or a combination thereof.

[0060] The user terminal 3 has a first communication unit 33 for communicating via the communication network 7. The first communication unit 33 is a communication module or the like. The user terminal 3 further has a second communication unit 36 for performing short-range wireless communication. Also, the user terminal 3 has a touch panel 34. The touch panel 34 is an example of an input device and a display device. Therefore, a typical user operation in this case is a touch on the touch panel 34. When the user terminal 3 is a device without a touch panel such as a computer, the user operation is to indicate coordinates according to the display on the display using a mouse or keyboard, input keys for specifying characters or positions using the keyboard, and the like. Also, the user terminal 3 has a camera 35. Note that the user terminal 3 may have only one of the camera 35 and the second communication unit 36.

[0061] (Supply method) FIGS. 8A and 8B are flowcharts showing an example of processing in the dispenser 5 in the supply method of the napkin A. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the user terminal 3 in the supply method of the napkin A. FIGS. 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing an example of processing in the server 1 in the supply method of the napkin A.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 8A, the processor 51 of the dispenser 5 executes a generation process 511 according to the program 521. Specifically, when the processor 51 reaches a specified timing (YES in step S101), it generates a token (step S103). The specified timing is the timing when the update interval of the two-dimensional code Ct, which is predefined from the previous process, has elapsed. The update interval is a time interval considered to be the degree to which the user terminal 3 that has read and accessed the server 1 is used in the toilet cubicle where the dispenser 5 is installed, and as an example, it is about the typical usage time of the toilet cubicle.

[0063] A token refers to small data containing time information T regarding the generation time, and as an example, it is TOTP (Time-based One-Time Password). The processor 51 generates a token in accordance with the provisions of RFC (Request for Comments) 6238 and RFC4226, for example. Specifically, the processor 51 calculates the time information T by the following formula (1) using the current time Current UNIXTIME, the update interval (time step) X (for example, 2 minutes), and the constant T0. The processor 51 obtains a hash value from the obtained time information T and the encryption key K unique to the dispenser 5, and converts it into a number of about 6 digits to obtain a token. T = (Current UNIXTIME - T0) ÷ X ··· Formula (1)

[0064] The processor 51 generates a two-dimensional code Ct using the token generated in step S103 (step S105). In step S105, the processor 51 adds the token generated in step S103 and the ID of the dispenser 5 to the pre-stored access information to generate the two-dimensional code Ct. The method of converting data into the two-dimensional code Ct is not limited to a specific method, and any method may be used.

[0065] The pre-stored access information includes access information to a specific website. The access information is, for example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator). The specific website is a website, also called a web app, that provides a function for the server 1 to request Napkin A. The ID of the dispenser 5 may be the encryption key K unique to the dispenser 5 when the token is generated by the above formula (1).

[0066] The processor 51 causes the two-dimensional code Ct generated in step S105 to be displayed on the display 54 (step S107). As a result, on the dispenser 5, the two-dimensional code Ct is displayed on the display 54. The processor 51 repeats steps S101 to S107. As a result, the two-dimensional code Ct displayed on the display 54 of the dispenser 5 is updated at a prescribed update interval.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 8B, when the processor 51 acquires the user's ID such as a card number from the user terminal 3 by short-range wireless communication in the second communication unit 55 (YES in step S109), the processor 51 executes a transmission process 512 according to the program 521. Specifically, the processor 51 adds the ID of the dispenser 5 to the acquired user ID and transmits it to the server 1, thereby requesting the server 1 for the napkin A (step S111).

[0068] The processor 51 repeats steps S109 and S111. As a result, when the user's ID is acquired from the user terminal 3 by short-range wireless communication, the dispenser 5 requests the server 1 for the napkin A.

[0069] In the user terminal 3, as shown in FIG. 9, when code reading is instructed (YES in step S201), the processor 31 activates the camera 35, captures a photographed image from the camera 35, and processes it. As a result, the two-dimensional code Ct is read by the user terminal 3 (step S203). As an example, in steps S201 and S203, the user 9 activates the camera 35 of the user terminal 3 in the toilet cubicle and photographs the two-dimensional code Ct displayed on the display 54 of the dispenser 5. The processor 31 reads the two-dimensional code Ct from the image of the two-dimensional code Ct included in the photographed image.

[0070] The processor 31 reads out access information (URL) from the two-dimensional code Ct read in step S203 (step S205), and accesses the website indicated by the access information according to the access information (step S207). At this time, the token included in the two-dimensional code Ct is passed to the website. Also, at this time, the ID of the user previously registered on the website may be automatically passed as login information and user authentication may be performed, so that login may be performed. In this case, the token is passed to the website when the login is successful.

[0071] When an instruction to acquire the napkin A is received by a user operation or the like (YES in step S211), the processor 31 requests the napkin A from the website (step S213). In step S211, as an example, an instruction to acquire the napkin A is made by touching the "acquire" button included in the screen of the website displayed on the user terminal 3. A request for the napkin A is sent from the website to the server 1 (step S215). At this time, a token is passed from the website to the server 1, and the ID of the user 9 obtained from the user terminal 3 is passed.

[0072] Note that in FIG. 9, it is assumed that the processor 31 requests the napkin A from the website after receiving an instruction to acquire the napkin A in step S211, but the acquisition instruction is not essential. That is, in the user terminal 3, when instructed to read the two-dimensional code Ct in step S201, access information may be obtained from the read two-dimensional code Ct and the website may be automatically accessed. In this case, the website requests the napkin A from the server 1 in response to the access from the user terminal 3.

[0073] In the case of the first method in which the user terminal 3 reads the two-dimensional code Ct and requests the napkin A, the processor 11 of the server 1 executes the process shown in FIG. 10. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, when the napkin A is requested from the website (YES in step S301), the processor 11 of the server 1 executes the discharge process 111 according to the program 121. Specifically, when receiving a request for the napkin A from the website (YES in step S301), the processor 11 acquires a token from the data received from the website (step S303) and makes a first determination using the token (step S305). The first determination is a determination as to whether the token is valid. The fact that the token is valid means that the time information included in the token is within the valid period based on the timing when the server 1 received the token. Thus, in the server 1, when the token has time information before the valid period from the timing when the token was received, the token can be made invalid.

[0074] To determine whether the token is valid, as an example, the processor 11 generates a determination token using the same secret key and the same time information, that is, at the same prescribed update interval using the same secret key. The processor 11 determines that the token is valid when the token from the website matches the determination token.

[0075] As a result of the first determination, if the token is valid (YES in step S305), the processor 11 makes a third determination using the ID of the user 9 included in the data received from the web application (step S307). The third determination is to determine whether the ID of the user 9 is included in the user information 230 of the user information DB 123 (FIG. 4).

[0076] In the third determination, if the ID of user 9 is registered in the user information DB123 (YES in step S307), the processor 11 outputs a control signal for instructing the dispenser 5 identified by the ID of the dispenser 5 included in the received data to discharge the napkin A (step S313). As a result, the dispenser 5 performs a discharging operation and discharges the napkin A. Further, the processor 11 registers the provision history 232 in the user information 230 of user 9 (step S315). This enables the second determination described later.

[0077] Preferably, when the ID of user 9 is registered in the user information DB123, the processor 11 further makes a second determination (step S311). The second determination is to determine whether the acquisition conditions for the napkin A by user 9 are satisfied. The acquisition conditions are the conditions defined as being supplyable set by the supply side, and include, for example, that the time interval between the provisions of the napkin A associated with the same ID of user 9 is equal to or longer than a specified interval. This corresponds to, for example, attempting to acquire a number of napkins exceeding the assumed required number in a short period of time.

[0078] Whether the acquisition conditions are satisfied is determined using the provision history 232 included in the user information 230 of user 9. The acquisition conditions are, for example, that the number of provisions within a specified time from the current time is within a specified number. This prevents excessive acquisition by a specific user and enables the napkin A to be widely provided.

[0079] As another example, the acquisition conditions may be that the provision position within a specified period is within a predetermined range, or may be a combination with the number of provisions. Also, as another example, a plurality of conditions may be set as the acquisition conditions, and it may be determined whether all of those conditions are satisfied, or it may be determined whether at least one condition is satisfied.

[0080] Specifically, in step S311, the processor 11 reads out the user information 230 of user 9 from the user information DB 123 using the ID of user 9 obtained from the received data, and determines whether the number of provided napkins A within a specified period is within the specified number. Further, the processor 11 reads out the ID of the dispenser 5 that has discharged napkin A within the specified period from the user information 230 of user 9, refers to the dispenser DB 122, and determines whether the interval at that position is within a predetermined range.

[0081] As a result of the second determination, when the acquisition conditions are satisfied (YES in step S311), the processor 11 outputs a control signal instructing the discharge of napkin A to the dispenser 5 identified by the ID of the dispenser 5 included in the received data (step S313). Thereby, the discharge operation is performed by the dispenser 5, and napkin A is discharged. Further, the processor 11 registers the provision history 232 in the user information 230 of user 9 (step S315).

[0082] On the other hand, as a result of the second determination, when the acquisition conditions are not satisfied (NO in step S311), the processor 11 may notify an error (step S317). Also, when it is determined in the first determination in step S305 that the token is not valid (NO in step S305), the processor 11 may notify an error (step S317).

[0083] The error in step S317 may be notified to the dispenser 5 identified by the ID of the dispenser 5 included in the received data. In that case, an error indicating that napkin A cannot be discharged may be displayed on the display 54 of the dispenser 5. Alternatively, access information for a web page that displays that napkin A cannot be discharged and the reason thereof may be displayed on the display 54 of the dispenser 5. Alternatively, in step S317, an error may be notified to the user terminal 3 or the website. In that case, an error indicating that napkin A cannot be discharged may be displayed on the touch panel 34 of the user terminal 3.

[0084] By the above supply method, the user 9 can obtain the napkin A discharged from the dispenser 5 by using the user terminal 3 to read the two-dimensional code Ct displayed on the dispenser 5 in the toilet cubicle.

[0085] Since the two-dimensional code Ct displayed on the dispenser 5 is updated at a prescribed timing, when the two-dimensional code Ct is read to request the napkin A, at the server 1, whether supply is possible or not is determined according to the determination result of whether the token of the two-dimensional code Ct is valid (first determination). This ensures that the user 9 is near the dispenser 5 at the timing when the user requests the napkin A. Thereby, for example, it is possible to prevent usage methods that do not conform to the usage conditions specified by the supply side, such as discharging the napkin A from the dispenser 5 at a location different from the toilet cubicle by using the two-dimensional code Ct photographed in the toilet cubicle.

[0086] Also, in this method, it is possible to ensure that the user 9 is near the dispenser 5 at the timing when the user requests the napkin A without using the position information of the user terminal 3. Therefore, even if the user 9 has resistance to transmitting the position information, the user can obtain the napkin A with confidence. Also, even if the user terminal 3 is a device that cannot measure position information such as GPS or the user does not want to use that function, the user can obtain the napkin A.

[0087] In the above example, since the website is used according to the access information included in the two-dimensional code Ct read by the user terminal 3, it is not necessary to install a dedicated program (dedicated app) on the user terminal 3. Therefore, even if the user 9 has resistance to installing the dedicated app or the dedicated app cannot be installed on the user terminal 3, the user 9 can obtain the napkin A.

[0088] In the case of the second method of requesting the napkin A by holding the user terminal 3 over the dispenser 5, the processor 11 of the server 1 executes the process of FIG. 11. The process of FIG. 11 is different from the process of FIG. 10 in that it has S321 to S323 instead of S301 to S305. That is, in the case of the second method, as shown in FIG. 11, when the napkin A is requested from the dispenser 5 (YES in step S321), the processor 11 of the server 1 obtains the user ID from the data received from the dispenser 5 (step S323), and makes a third determination (step S307). Thereafter, the process is the same as that of FIG. 10.

[0089] In the second method, the napkin A can be obtained by holding the user terminal 3 over the dispenser 5 and transmitting the ID. In this case, the dispenser 5 requests the napkin A from the server 1 without the user terminal 3 communicating via the communication network 7. Therefore, even if the user 9 is reluctant to communicate with the server 1 via the communication network 7 using the user terminal 3, the user can obtain the napkin A with confidence.

[0090] In this case, if it is possible to perform short-range wireless communication with the dispenser 5, the user terminal 3 does not have to be a terminal device having a communication function via the communication network 7 such as a smartphone, a tablet, or a smartwatch. Therefore, the user terminal 3 may be, for example, a card having a short-range wireless communication function. In other words, when the user 9 does not have a terminal device having a communication function via the communication network 7 such as a smartphone or a tablet in the toilet cubicle, or in an environment where the use of a device having a communication function via the communication network 7 is restricted, if the user has a card having a short-range wireless communication function such as a transportation IC card or an employee ID card, the user can request the napkin A by holding it in front of the dispenser 5. In this case, when registering the user's ID, the processor 11 of the first process may access the card issuer's device and inquire whether the ID obtained as the user's ID by short-range wireless communication is legitimate. Also, in the above example, since either the reading of the two-dimensional code Ct or the short-range wireless communication with the dispenser 5 can be selected, it can be used appropriately according to the situation.

[0091] In this method, the supply of the napkin A can be managed for each user using the user's ID. Therefore, authentication is performed using the user's ID when providing the napkin A to the user. In this method, authentication is automatically performed using the ID registered on the website or the ID of short-range wireless communication. Therefore, in this method, the user operation for authentication can be made unnecessary. That is, in this method, the napkin A is discharged without performing a user operation for user authentication at a place where the dispenser 5 is installed such as a toilet cubicle. As a result, the user can obtain the napkin A in the same feeling as toilet paper without carrying the napkin A.

[0092] (Modification example 1 of the supply method) As a first modification example, instead of the website, the user terminal 3 may request the napkin A from the server 1 using the program 321 (first application) already installed on the user terminal 3. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a first modification example of the processing in the user terminal 3.

[0093] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, in the supply method according to the first modification example, the user first activates the program 321 of the user terminal 3 (step S221). The processor 31 of the user terminal 3 activates the program 321 according to the user operation (step S223). When the reading of the code is instructed (YES in step S225), the processor 31 activates the camera according to the program 321 and captures a photographed image. As a result, the two-dimensional code Ct is read in the program 321 (step S227).

[0094] In the supply method according to the first modification example, the processor 31 according to the program 321 does not necessarily read the access information (URL) from the two-dimensional code Ct, or may read the access information and confirm the match with the access information preset in the program 321. It is assumed that when the two-dimensional code Ct is read in the program 321 in step S227, the acquisition of the napkin A is instructed to the processor 31 (YES in step S229). The processor 31 passes the token read from the two-dimensional code Ct to the server 1 that stores the access destination in advance in the program 321 and passes the ID of the user 9 registered in the program 321, and requests the napkin A (step S231). In step S229, the processor 31 may further receive an instruction to acquire the napkin A by a user operation or the like.

[0095] As a first modification example, further, instead of the website, the user terminal 3 may request the server 1 for the napkin A using a so-called mini-app (second application). In this case, the access information read from the two-dimensional code Ct includes the startup information of the mini-app (second application). The mini-app refers to a program that is started by the already installed program 321 (first application) according to the startup information.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 13, when the two-dimensional code Ct is read in the program 321 in step S227 (YES in step S229), the processor 31 starts the mini-app according to the startup information included in the access information read from the two-dimensional code Ct (step S231-1). At this time, the processor 31 passes the authentication information of the program 321 to the mini-app according to the program 321. The mini-app causes the processor 31 to request the server 1 for the napkin A using a partial function of the program 321. Specifically, the processor 31 passes the token read from the two-dimensional code Ct to the server 1 whose access destination is stored in advance in the mini-app according to the mini-app, and also passes the ID of the user 9 obtained from the authentication information of the program 321, and requests the napkin A (step S231-2).

[0097] Note that the processing of the processor 31 in FIG. 12 or FIG. 13 may be combined with the processing in FIG. 9. That is, in the processing of FIG. 9, when the program 321 indicated by the access information read from the two-dimensional code in step S205 is not installed, or when the program 321 fails to start up normally, the processor 31 may access the website according to the access information in step S207. Or, when the program 321 is not installed after accessing the website according to the access information in step S207, or when the program 321 fails to start up normally, the processor 31 may pass a token to the website. In this case, when the program 321 is installed in the user terminal 3, or when the program 321 starts up normally, the processor 31 executes the processing in FIG. 12 or FIG. 13. As a result, in the user terminal 3, when the program 321 is installed in the user terminal 3, or when the program 321 starts up normally, the napkin A is requested by the program 321 or the mini-app launched by the program 321, and otherwise the napkin A is requested by the website.

[0098] Furthermore, the website may display selection buttons (not shown) for selecting to request Napkin A using Program 321, to request Napkin A using a mini-app launched by Program 321, and to request Napkin A on the website. In this case, the processor 31 executes processing according to the user operation. That is, when accessing the website according to the access information in step S207 of FIG. 9 and the user operation performed on the displayed screen is to request Napkin A using Program 321, the processor 31 executes the processing of FIG. 12. When accessing the website according to the access information in step S207 of FIG. 9 and the user operation performed on the displayed screen is to request Napkin A using a mini-app, the processor 31 executes the processing of FIG. 13. When accessing the website according to the access information in step S207 of FIG. 9 and the user operation performed on the displayed screen is to request Napkin A on the website, the processor 31 executes the processing after step S209 of FIG. 9. Thereby, the user can request Napkin A in the specified method.

[0099] In the supply method according to the first modification, the processor 11 of the server 1 generally performs the same processing as in FIG. 10. That is, in the first modification, the processor 11 of the server 1 receives a request for Napkin A from the user terminal 3 according to Program 321 or the mini-app, and executes the processing after step S303 of FIG. 10. The discharge process 111 is executed according to Program 121. The subsequent processing is the same as in FIG. 10.

[0100] Even with the supply method according to the first modification example, the user 9 can obtain the napkin A discharged from the dispenser 5 by using the user terminal 3 to read the two-dimensional code Ct displayed on the dispenser 5 in the toilet cubicle. At this time, in the supply method according to the first modification example, instead of accessing the website, the already installed program 321 (first application) or the mini-app (second application) is used, and the ID of the user stored in these applications within the application is automatically used. Therefore, even with the supply method according to the first modification example, the user operation for authentication can be made unnecessary.

[0101] (Modification Example 2 of the Supply Method) Note that in the above supply method, it is assumed that the user information 230 is registered in the user information DB123 of the server 1. As a result, the above-described second determination becomes possible, and the napkin A can be provided only when the acquisition conditions are satisfied. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent use that does not meet the usage conditions such as overuse or pranks.

[0102] However, the registration of the user information 230 is not essential. That is, as a second modification example, the server 1 may skip step S307 in FIG. 10 and supply the napkin A when requested from the website or the application. Even in this case, when the napkin A is requested from the website or the application, the validity of the token is determined in the first determination, thereby preventing the usage of the two-dimensional code Ct once read at a position away from the toilet cubicle.

[0103] (Modification Example 3 of the Supply Method) As another example of the user information 230, specific attributes may further be set. The specific attributes are, for example, attributes that are beneficial to the user 9. The benefits here are, for example, the benefits in the acquisition conditions, such as no restrictions on the number or interval of available napkins A. Also, the benefits may be such that in the advertisement display described later, the advertisement is not displayed or only a specific advertisement is displayed.

[0104] The specific attributes with benefits may be set by the user 9 who meets the predetermined conditions, or may be set by the server 1 when the use of the supply system 100 meets the specified conditions. This can meet the needs of the user 9 and improve convenience.

[0105] Note that as another example, the specific attributes may be attributes that are disadvantageous to the user 9. The disadvantages are, for example, the disadvantages in the acquisition conditions, such as the number or interval of available napkins A being more stringent than the normal conditions. The attributes with disadvantages may be set by the server 1 according to the use of the supply system 100 by the user 9. For example, the attributes with disadvantages may be set by the server 1 as a penalty when it is detected that the use does not meet the use conditions of the supply system 100 by the user 9. This can prevent the use that does not meet the use conditions of the supply system 100.

[0106] (Management method) FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing in the dispenser 5 in the management method of the napkin A. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing in the server 1 in the management method of the napkin A.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 14, when the control signal for instructing the discharge operation from the server 1 is received in step S313 of FIGS. 10 and 11 (YES in step S401), the processor 51 of the dispenser 5 executes the management process 513 according to the program 521. Specifically, the processor 51 drives the discharge mechanism 56 according to the control signal to discharge the napkin A stored in the storage unit 58 (step S403).

[0108] Preferably, the processor 51 detects that the napkin A has been normally discharged based on sensor signals such as a sensor arranged in the discharge mechanism 56 (not shown) or a sensor arranged at the discharge port 50 (step S405). When it is not detected that the napkin A has been normally discharged (NO in step S405), the processor 51 may drive the discharge mechanism 56 again (step S403). Further, when the processor 51 detects that the napkin A has been normally discharged (YES in step S405), it may notify the server 1 of the completion of the discharge (step S407), or it may not notify.

[0109] At the timing of inventory management, the processor 51 reads the sensor signal of the inventory sensor 57-1 (step S409) and transmits it to the server 1 as sensor information (step S411). When the napkin A is stored in the storage unit 58 in a stacked manner in the height direction, as an example, the inventory sensor 57-1 is installed at a plurality of positions in the height direction inside the storage unit 58. Therefore, the inventory sensor signal at each position detects up to which height the napkin A is stored, that is, the inventory.

[0110] In FIG. 14, the timing of inventory management is assumed to be the timing when the napkin A is discharged according to the control signal from the server 1, but the timing of inventory management is not limited to this timing. As other examples of the timing of inventory management, it may be when there is a change in the sensor signal of the inventory sensor 57-1, a predetermined timing such as a fixed interval or the opening time of the installed facility, or the timing requested from the server 1, and so on.

[0111] At a predetermined timing, the processor 11 of server 1 executes management process 113 according to program 121. In the example of FIG. 15, the timing for executing management process 113 is the timing when an instruction to discharge is given to dispenser 5 (YES in step S501). As another example, the timing for executing management process 113 may further be the timing when sensor information is received (YES in step S503). As still another example, the timing for executing management process 113 may be a predetermined timing such as a fixed interval, or the timing instructed by an operator using an input device (not shown). Also, the timing at which processor 11 executes management process 113 may vary for each dispenser 5, or depending on the facility, region, season, or presence or absence of an event where dispenser 5 is installed.

[0112] Specifically, according to the instruction to discharge given to dispenser 5, processor 11 updates the storage number 223 included in dispenser information 220 of dispenser 5 stored in dispenser DB 122 (FIG. 3) (step S505). In this case, if an error in discharging is notified from dispenser 5, preferably, processor 11 restores storage number 223. Alternatively, processor 11 may update storage number 223 by receiving sensor information from dispenser 5.

[0113] Processor 11 determines whether or not it is necessary to replenish napkin A for dispenser 5 based on storage number 223 (step S507). As an example, processor 11 determines that replenishment is necessary when the inventory becomes equal to or less than a threshold value stored in advance. In that case (YES in step S507), processor 11 notifies that replenishment is necessary (step S509) and ends the process.

[0114] In step S509, the processor 11 notifies, as an example, the target dispenser 5. In this case, the processor 51 of the dispenser 5 can display on the display 54 that replenishment is necessary. As another example, in step S509, the processor 11 may notify a pre-stored device. The pre-stored device is, for example, a terminal device carried by a staff member who replenishes the napkin A, a management device of a facility where the dispenser 5 is installed, or the like. As a result, the napkin A can be replenished promptly.

[0115] By the above management method, the inventory of each dispenser 5 can be managed. Thereby, it is possible to avoid or suppress a situation where the napkin A is not stored in the dispenser 5 and cannot be discharged.

[0116] (Guiding method) FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen of the user terminal 3 in the first guiding method. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the server 1 in the first guiding method. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the server 1 in the second guiding method. FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen of the user terminal 3 in the second guiding method.

[0117] The display screen 401 in FIG. 16 is, as an example, a screen displayed on the touch panel 34 of the user terminal 3 by connecting to the website of the supply system 100 with the user terminal 3. The display screen 401 may, as another example, be a screen displayed on the touch panel 34 of the user terminal 3 by starting a dedicated application (not shown) installed in the user terminal 3. In this case, the display screen 401 may include a button 42 in addition to the button 40 for requesting the napkin A. The button 42 is a button for instructing the display of a facility where the napkin A can be obtained, that is, a facility where the dispenser 5 is installed. The display screen 401 also includes an area 41 for displaying a display diagram described later.

[0118] When the button 42 is touched on the display screen 401, a guidance request is sent from the user terminal 3 to the server 1. The guidance here includes displaying a map on the touch panel 34 of the user terminal 3. Note that the display screen 401 may not include the button 42, and a guidance request may be sent from the user terminal 3 to the server 1 by connecting to the website of the supply system 100 on the user terminal 3.

[0119] When a guidance request is received from the user terminal 3, the processor 11 of the server 1 executes a guidance process 112 (first guidance). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, when a guidance request is received from the user terminal 3 (YES in step S601), the processor 11 of the server 1 accepts a location specification from the user terminal 3 (step S603). As an example, the location may be specified by displaying a map on the user terminal 3. As another example, the location may be specified by inputting location information such as GPS from the user terminal 3.

[0120] The processor 11 refers to the location information 222 of each dispenser 5 stored in the dispenser DB 122 (FIG. 3), and extracts the dispensers 5 within a specified range from the specified location (step S605), and sets the facilities where these dispensers 5 are installed as the display targets. The specified range may be predefined, for example, as a range within walking distance, or may be set according to an instruction from the user terminal 3. It may also be changed according to an instruction from the user terminal 3.

[0121] Based on the location of the facility to be displayed, the processor 11 acquires map information of the range where the facility is to be displayed (step S607). The acquisition source of the map information is not limited. Using the map information, the processor 11 generates a display diagram showing the location of the facility to be displayed (step S609) and displays it on the user terminal 3 (step S611). In step S609, as an example, the processor 11 synthesizes a mark indicating the location of the facility to be displayed on the map displayed based on the map information acquired in step S607.

[0122] When the processor 31 of the user terminal 3 receives the display instruction of step S611 from the server 1, as shown in FIG. 16, the processor 31 of the user terminal 3 switches the display screen 401 to the display screen 402 using the information received from the server 1. A map based on the specified position is displayed in the area 41 of the display screen 402. Further, in the area 41, a mark 45 indicating the specified position and a mark 46 indicating the position of the facility where the napkin A can be obtained are displayed.

[0123] Preferably, the mark 46 is displayed selectably on the display screen 402. Also, as shown in FIG. 16, the display screen 402 may further have a button 43. The button 43 is a button for instructing the display of the guidance to the dispenser 5 in the facility specified by the selection of the mark 46. When the button 43 is touched on the display screen 402, a guidance to the dispenser 5 is requested from the user terminal 3 to the server 1. Note that even if the display screen 402 does not include the button 43 and a guidance to the dispenser 5 in the specified facility is requested from the user terminal 3 to the server 1 when the mark 46 is selected, it may be acceptable.

[0124] When the processor 11 of the server 1 is requested for a guidance to the dispenser 5 from the user terminal 3, the processor 11 of the server 1 executes a guidance process 112 (second guidance). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18, when the processor 11 of the server 1 is requested for a guidance (YES in step S701) from the user terminal 3, the processor 11 of the server 1 reads out the dispenser information 220 of the dispenser 5 installed in the specified facility from the dispenser DB 122 (FIG. 3) (step S703).

[0125] When there are a plurality of dispensers 5 installed in the specified facility, the processor 11 determines the priority of the guidance to the dispenser 5 (step S705). In step S705, the processor 11 determines the priority based on at least the storage number 223 of the dispenser information 220. That is, the processor 11 determines that the priority of the dispenser 5 with a large inventory among the plurality of dispensers 5 is high, and the priority of the dispenser 5 with a small inventory is low.

[0126] The processor 11 acquires the arrangement of each dispenser 5 from the information regarding the arrangement included in the position information 222 of the dispenser information 220 (step S707). The processor 11 generates a guidance diagram using the arrangement of the dispenser 5 (step S709) and causes it to be displayed on the user terminal 3 (step S711).

[0127] When receiving the display instruction of step S711 from the server 1, the processor 31 of the user terminal 3 switches the display screen 402 (FIG. 16) to the display screen 403 using the information received from the server 1 as shown in FIG. 19. Alternatively, the processor 31 may display the display screen 403 together with the display screen 402. In the area 41 of the display screen 403, the guidance diagram generated in step S709 is displayed. As an example, the guidance diagram is a diagram for guiding to the private room where the dispenser 5 with a high priority is installed in the toilet. In FIG. 19, an arrow indicates from the entrance of the toilet to the private room of the toilet where the dispenser 5 with a high priority is installed, and the order of priorities is shown. Also, as shown in FIG. 19, the inventory of the napkin A of each dispenser 5 may be displayed in the area 41 of the display screen 403.

[0128] Note that in FIGS. 16 to 19, in the guidance process 112 of the server 1, a display diagram showing a mark 46 indicating the position of the facility where the napkin A can be acquired by the user terminal 3 is displayed (first guidance), and after one of the facilities is selected, a guidance diagram to the dispenser 5 is displayed (second guidance). However, the guidance process 112 is not limited to performing the second guidance after the first guidance. That is, the second guidance may be performed independently of the first guidance.

[0129] By the above guidance method, the user 9 can use the user terminal 3 or the like to know the facility where the dispenser 5 within the specified range is installed from the specified position. Thereby, for example, when a napkin A is needed in an unfamiliar place such as a destination and the facility where the provided dispenser 5 is installed is unknown, the napkin A can be easily obtained. Also, it is possible to know in advance the facilities where napkin A can be obtained, such as the planned location of going out.

[0130] In addition, by guiding the toilet cubicles according to the inventory of the dispenser 5, the user 9 can select the toilet cubicle where the dispenser 5 with a large inventory is installed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the situation where napkin A cannot be obtained due to out-of-stock. Also, when there are both cubicles with the dispenser 5 installed and cubicles without the dispenser 5 installed in the toilet, it is possible to prevent the situation where there is no dispenser 5 in the entered cubicle and napkin A cannot be obtained.

[0131] Therefore, by using the supply system 100 according to the present embodiment, the user 9 can, for example, when menstruation suddenly starts in an unfamiliar place such as a destination or when the napkins are insufficient, use the user terminal 3 to check the facilities where napkin A can be obtained nearby without panic. Also, it is possible to check in advance the facilities where napkin A can be obtained nearby at the planned place to go out. This leads to eliminating the anxiety of the user 9 about menstruation starting in an unfamiliar place such as a destination and the anxiety of running out of sanitary products, and greatly encourages the actions of the user 9.

[0132] Furthermore, since the dispenser 5 is guided according to the inventory quantity, the user 9 can enter the cubicle where the dispenser 5 with a large inventory is installed. This also leads to eliminating the anxiety of the user 9 that sanitary products (napkin A) cannot be obtained due to out-of-stock of the dispenser 5, and greatly encourages the actions of the user 9.

[0133] (Advertising display method) Preferably, the processor 11 of the server 1 causes the user terminal 3 to display an advertisement at a predetermined timing. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing in the server 1 in the advertisement display method. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display screen of the user terminal 3 in the advertisement display method.

[0134] The processor 11 of the server 1 executes an advertisement process 114 at a predetermined timing according to the program 121. The predetermined timing is, for example, a fixed time interval, a set date and time, etc. As another example, the predetermined timing may be the timing when the user 9 enters the private toilet cubicle or the timing when the user requests the napkin A. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20, at the timing of executing the advertisement process 114, the processor 11 refers to the expiration date 241 of each advertisement information 240 registered in the advertisement DB 124 (FIG. 5). If there is advertisement information 240 whose expiration date is the current time (YES in step S801), the processor 11 reads out the position information 242 of the advertisement information 240 whose expiration date is the current time (step S803).

[0135] Based on the provision history of the user information DB 123 (FIG. 4) and the position information read in step S803, the processor 11 extracts the users to whom the advertisement is to be displayed (step S805), and transmits the advertisement information to the user terminal 3 for display (step S807).

[0136] The extraction condition here is a condition that there is a possibility of going to the position indicated by the position information read in step S803. That is, as an example, the extraction condition here is, within a specified period, a user who has obtained the napkin A from the dispenser 5 installed within a predetermined range from the position indicated by the position information read in step S803, a user whose number of acquisitions is equal to or more than a specified number, etc.

[0137] The extraction conditions in step S805 are not limited to specific conditions and can be various conditions. Also, the processor 11 may receive the setting or change of the extraction conditions from the advertiser or the user 9. That is, the extraction conditions in step S805 are not limited to location information. As another example, user attributes included in the user information may be used. That is, when the user's age group, hobbies, etc. are included as user information, they may be used as extraction conditions.

[0138] Note that the user information 230 registered in the user information DB 123 may include the availability of advertisements not shown in the figure. In that case, in step S805, the processor 11 does not extract the users who are set as not available for advertisements in the user information 230. Thereby, it is possible not to display advertisement displays to users who do not desire advertisements.

[0139] Also, as described above, in the case of the user 9 in which a specific attribute with merits is set in the user information 230, in step S805, the processor 11 can also not extract the user 9. Thereby, the merits due to the attribute set for the user 9 can be brought about. As another example, when a specific attribute is set as the target of the advertisement in the advertisement information 240, in step S805, the processor 11 can also extract only the users 9 in which a specific attribute with merits is set. Thereby, for example, advertisements such as discount coupons and vouchers can be displayed with a narrowed target, and the merits due to the attribute set for the user 9 can be brought about.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 21, when receiving the display instruction of step S807 from the server 1, the processor 31 of the user terminal 3 displays the display screen 404 using the information received from the server 1. An advertisement based on the advertisement information transmitted in step S807 is displayed in the area 41 of the display screen 404. In the case of advertisement display, preferably, as shown in FIG. 21, the area 41 is arranged in the vicinity of the button 40 that instructs the discharge of the napkin A. Thereby, an advertisement is displayed in the vicinity of the button 40, and the advertisement effect can be enhanced.

[0141] With the above advertisement display method, in the supply system 100, it is possible to display an advertisement on the user terminal 3 of a user who may go to the position associated with the advertisement information 240. Thereby, for example, when the user 9 frequently obtains the napkin A at a certain dispenser 5, an advertisement for a store within the facility where the dispenser 5 is installed can be displayed on the user terminal 3. Therefore, it is possible to display advertisements to users more effectively.

[0142] This advertisement display method can produce merits for the facility side, such as leading to attracting customers to the facility by installing the dispenser 5, and merits for the advertiser side, which is the store in that facility. Also, it can produce merits for the user 9 side, such as obtaining information and coupons for stores in frequently visited facilities. This leads to an increase in the facilities where the dispenser 5 is installed, and accordingly, it becomes easier for the user 9 to obtain the napkin A.

[0143] (Modification example) The processing in the supply system 100 described above is executed by the controller. The controller includes the processor 11 of the server 1, the processor 31 of the user terminal 3, and the processor 51 of the dispenser 5, and the processing in the supply system 100 may be executed by any of these processors. That is, the discharge processing 111 in FIGS. 10 and 11, the management processing 113 in FIG. 15, the guidance processing 112 in FIGS. 17 and 18, and the advertisement processing 114 in FIG. 20 are not all executed by the processor 11 of the server 1, and at least a part of them may be executed by the processor 31 of the user terminal 3 or the processor 51 of the dispenser 5. Similarly, the generation processing 511 and the transmission processing 512 in FIG. 8 are not all executed by the processor 51 of the dispenser 5, and at least a part of them may be executed by the processor 11 of the server 1 or the processor 31 of the user terminal 3.

[0144] <3. Supplementary Note> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. For example, at least one dispenser 5 included in the supply system 100 may not have a display 54. In this case, a seal printed with a two-dimensional code Ct may be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the dispenser 5. The two-dimensional code Ct in this case may be a fixed one that is not updated, or as another example, it may be updated by replacing the seal at a specified update interval. Alternatively, in this case, when the processor 51 of the dispenser 5 receives information from the user terminal 3 via the second communication unit 55, it may cause the first communication unit 53 to transmit the information to the server 1.

Explanation of Signs

[0145] 1: Server, 3: User terminal, 5: Dispenser, 11, 31, 51: Processor (controller), 56: Discharge mechanism, 58: Storage unit, 100: Supply system, A: Napkin (absorbent article), Ct: Two-dimensional code

Claims

1. An absorbent article supply system, a dispenser for the absorbent article, and a controller for controlling the discharge of the absorbent article from the dispenser, the dispenser having a discharge mechanism for discharging the stored absorbent article according to the control of the controller, the controller generates a two-dimensional code including a one-time password and access information generated based on time at a predetermined timing and displays it on the surface of the dispenser, determines whether the absorbent article can be provided in response to an access from a user terminal that has read the two-dimensional code, and is configured to cause the discharge mechanism to perform a discharge operation when the result of the determination is affirmative, determining the availability includes making a first determination as to whether the one-time password included in the access from the user terminal is within a valid period based on the timing when the access from the user terminal was received, Supply system.

2. The controller is further configured to generate the one-time password at regular intervals and update the display of the two-dimensional code on the dispenser. The supply system according to claim 1.

3. The access information includes access information to a specific website, and the specific website is configured to request the absorbent article in response to an access according to the access information from the user terminal. The supply system according to claim 1.

4. The access information includes activation information for activating a second application in a first application installed on the user terminal. The second application is configured to request the absorbent article using some functions of the first application in response to activation based on the activation information by the user terminal. The supply system according to claim 1.

5. The dispenser further has a communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication. Determining whether the absorbent article can be provided includes determining whether information received from the user terminal by the communication unit via short-range wireless communication is pre-registered information. The supply system according to claim 1.

6. The controller further records a supply history of the absorbent article together with identification information of the source of the request for the absorbent article. The result that the determination is acceptable further includes that the result of a second determination based on the supply history is acceptable. The supply system according to claim 1.

7. The second determination includes that the time interval between supplies of the absorbent article associated with the identification information of the same source of the request is equal to or greater than a specified interval. The supply system according to claim 6.

8. A server capable of communicating with a dispenser of an absorbent article, The dispenser has a discharge mechanism for discharging the stored absorbent article according to the control of the server. In response to access from a user terminal that reads a two-dimensional code including a one-time password and access information generated based on time at a predetermined timing, which is displayed on the surface of the dispenser, determine whether the absorbent article can be provided. When the result of the determination is acceptable, it is configured to cause the discharge mechanism to perform a discharge operation. Determining the approval or disapproval includes determining whether the one-time password included in the access from the user terminal is within the valid period based on the timing when the access from the user terminal was received. Server.

9. A dispenser for absorbent articles, comprising: A display unit provided on the surface; A storage unit for the absorbent article; A discharge mechanism for discharging the absorbent article stored in the storage unit; A first communication unit for communicating with a server; A controller, and is configured to: The controller is configured to: Generate a two-dimensional code including a one-time password and access information generated based on time at a predetermined timing, and display the two-dimensional code on the display unit; Cause the discharge mechanism to perform a discharge operation according to a control signal from the server. Dispenser.

10. Further comprising a second communication unit for performing short-range wireless communication, The controller is further configured to cause the first communication unit to transmit the information received by the second communication unit from the user terminal by short-range wireless communication to the server. The dispenser according to claim 9.

11. A supply method in a supply system having an absorbent article dispenser and a controller for controlling the discharge of the absorbent article from the dispenser, The dispenser has a discharge mechanism for discharging the stored absorbent article according to the control of the controller, Generate a two-dimensional code including a one-time password and access information generated based on time at a predetermined timing, Display the two-dimensional code on the surface of the dispenser, Determine the availability of providing the absorbent article in response to access from the user terminal that has read the two-dimensional code, and when the result of the determination is affirmative, the discharge mechanism performs a discharge operation, wherein determining the availability includes determining whether the one-time password included in the access from the user terminal is within the validity period based on the timing when the access from the user terminal is received. Supply method.

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