Commodity sales system, method for controlling commodity sales system, ticket issuing device, and locker device

Abstract

To provide a commodity sales system for enabling operation of purchasing commodities to be performed smoothly and reliably even in a case of collectively purchasing a plurality of commodities from a locker device including a plurality of locker boxes, a method for controlling commodity sales system, a ticket issuing device, and a locker device.SOLUTION: A commodity sales system 1 includes: a locker device 10 having a plurality of locker boxes; a ticket issuing device 20 having a function of adjusting a purchase price of commodities; and control units 301, 410. The locker device 10 includes locking units provided respectively for the locker boxes and a reading unit 13 that reads information. The control unit 401 receives designation of a commodity to be purchased through an interface 21, causes a ticket issuing unit 404 to issue a purchase ticket that holds unlocking information for unlocking a locker box that stores the designated commodity in a form readable by the reading unit 13, and unlocks the locker box based on the unlocking information read from the purchase ticket by the reading unit 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a merchandise sales system that sells merchandise using a locker device, a control method for the merchandise sales system, a ticket issuing device, and a locker device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, stores have adopted a non-face-to-face sales format. In this sales format, for example, a locker device may be used in which products are stored in multiple locker boxes. Each locker box can be locked. When a user completes a payment process for the purchase price, the locker box is unlocked.

[0003] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1 below, after a user makes a deposit and selects a product to purchase, the door of the locker box is set to an open state, allowing the user to remove the product from the locker box. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-163393 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the door is opened each time a deposit is made and a product is selected, so the user must remove the product each time. This process is quite troublesome when purchasing multiple products at once.

[0006] In view of these problems, the present invention aims to provide a product sales system, a control method for a product sales system, a ticket issuing device, and a locker device that enable smooth and reliable product purchasing operations even when multiple products are purchased at once from a locker device equipped with multiple locker boxes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a product sales system. The product sales system according to this aspect includes a locker device that stores products in multiple locker boxes, a ticket issuing device that has the function of settling the purchase price of the products, and a control unit. The ticket issuing device includes a ticket issuing unit and an interface that accepts input from a user, and the locker device includes a locking unit provided for each locker box and a reading unit that reads information. The control unit accepts designation of a product to be purchased via the interface, causes the ticket issuing unit to issue a purchase ticket that holds unlocking information for unlocking the locker box storing the designated product in a form readable by the reading unit, and unlocks the locker box based on the unlocking information read from the purchase ticket by the reading unit.

[0008] According to the product sales system of this aspect, when a user purchases multiple products at once, the user can obtain purchase tickets from the ticket issuing device to unlock the multiple locker boxes that store the products, and by having the obtained purchase tickets read by the reading unit of the locker device, the user can unlock the locker boxes and remove the products. Therefore, even when purchasing multiple products at once, the product purchasing process can be carried out smoothly and reliably.

[0009] In the product sales system according to this aspect, the control unit can be configured to accept, as the product specification, the specification of the locker box in which the product to be purchased is stored, include specific information identifying the specified locker box in the unlocking information to issue the purchase ticket, and unlock the locker box corresponding to the specific information in the unlocking information read by the reading unit.

[0010] According to this configuration, the user can take out the product that he or she has specified from the corresponding locker box, thereby providing the user with the product that he or she has individually desired.

[0011] The product sales system according to this aspect may include a plurality of locker devices, each of which may include an alarm unit. The control unit may be configured to, when a locker box corresponding to the unlocking information read by the reading unit of one of the locker devices is not present in the locker device, cause the alarm unit to output a notification to that effect.

[0012] According to this configuration, if the user mistakenly causes the purchase ticket to be read by an inappropriate locker device, the user can be notified of this, allowing the user to smoothly proceed with retrieving the product.

[0013] In this configuration, the control unit can be configured to, in the notification, cause the notification unit to notify the locker device that has the locker box that corresponds to the unlocking information read by the reading unit.

[0014] This configuration allows the user to know which locker device to go to in order to retrieve the product to be purchased, thereby enabling the user to smoothly proceed with retrieving the product.

[0015] The control unit can also be configured to accept, as the product specification, the specification of the locker device and the locker box that will store the product to be purchased, include specific information that identifies the specified locker box in the specified locker device in the unlocking information, issue the purchase ticket, and, if the specific information in the unlocking information read by the reading unit matches the locker box of one of the locker devices that performed the reading, unlock the matching locker box.

[0016] With this configuration, when multiple locker devices are installed, a user can smoothly retrieve the product they have specified from the locker box of the corresponding locker device, thereby ensuring that the product they individually desired is provided to the user.

[0017] In the product sales system according to this aspect, the control unit may be configured to accept re-unlocking of the locker box using the purchase ticket within a certain period of time from a predetermined timing of the product removal process in response to the unlocking.

[0018] With this configuration, if a user accidentally closes the locker box door without removing the product, the user can use the same purchase ticket to unlock the locker box again within a certain period of time, thereby ensuring that the product to be purchased is provided to the user.

[0019] In the product sales system according to this aspect, the control unit may be configured to execute a replenishment mode for replenishing products based on the reading unit reading other unlocking information for replenishing products in the locker box.

[0020] With this configuration, the same reading unit can be used for further product replenishment processes. Also, the manager can smoothly replenish products in the locker boxes by having the reading unit of the locker device to read other unlocking information.

[0021] In this configuration, the replenishment mode may include a mode for unlocking the locker box from which merchandise has been sold.

[0022] With this configuration, the manager can smoothly replenish products in empty locker boxes where products have already been sold.

[0023] The replenishment mode may include a mode of unlocking the locker box containing unsold products that satisfy a predetermined product replacement condition. This configuration allows new products to be smoothly replenished into locker boxes that require replacement of products.

[0024] Here, the product replacement condition may include a condition that the period of time that the product has been stored in the locker box exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0025] With this configuration, products whose quality has deteriorated due to being stored in the locker box for a long period of time can be smoothly replaced with new products.

[0026] The product sales system according to this aspect may further include a system that issues the other release information. According to this configuration, the administrator can obtain other release information from other systems.

[0027] Alternatively, the control unit may be configured to cause the ticket issuing unit to issue a supplementary ticket that holds the other release information in a readable form in response to a predetermined input to the interface.

[0028] According to this configuration, the manager can use the ticket issuing device to obtain a replenishment ticket that holds other release information, and can use the replenishment ticket to proceed with replenishing products in the locker device.

[0029] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a control method for a merchandise sales system that includes a locker device that stores merchandise in multiple locker boxes, and a ticket issuing device that has a function of settling the purchase prices of the merchandise. The control method according to this aspect accepts the designation of a merchandise to be purchased via an interface, causes the ticket issuing device to issue a purchase ticket that holds, in a readable form, unlocking information for unlocking the locker box that stores the designated merchandise, and unlocks the locker box based on the unlocking information read from the purchase ticket.

[0030] According to the control method of this aspect, the same effects as those of the first aspect can be achieved.

[0031] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a ticket issuing device that has the function of settling the purchase price of products stored in each of multiple locker boxes of a locker device. The ticket issuing device according to this aspect includes a ticket issuing unit, an interface that accepts input from a user, and a control unit. The control unit accepts designation of a product to be purchased via the interface and causes the ticket issuing unit to issue a purchase ticket that holds unlocking information for unlocking the locker box storing the designated product in a form readable by a reading unit of the locker device.

[0032] The ticket issuing device according to this aspect has the same effects as the first aspect.

[0033] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a locker device that constitutes a product sales system together with a ticket issuing device that issues purchase tickets that hold, in readable form, unlocking information for unlocking the locker boxes that store products designated by a user via an interface in response to payment for the purchase prices of the products. The locker device according to this aspect includes a plurality of locker boxes for storing products, a locking unit provided for each of the locker boxes, a reading unit that reads information, and a control unit that unlocks the locker boxes based on the unlocking information read from the purchase tickets by the reading unit.

[0034] According to the rocker device of this aspect, the same effects as those of the first aspect can be achieved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0035] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a product sales system, a control method for a product sales system, a ticket issuing device, and a locker device that enable the product purchasing process to be carried out smoothly and reliably, even when multiple products are purchased at once from a locker device equipped with multiple locker boxes.

[0036] The effects and significance of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments, however, the embodiments shown below are merely examples of how the present invention can be implemented, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a product sales system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of a main body of the locker device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Fig. 3(a) is a front view showing the configuration of a locker box with the door open according to an embodiment, and Fig. 3(b) is a perspective view showing the configuration of the locker box with the door closed as seen from the left side. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the configuration of a ticket issuing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the circuitry of the locker device and the ticket issuing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 6(a) to 6(c) are diagrams showing the configuration of various management information stored in the storage unit of the ticket issuing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of box management information stored in the storage unit of the locker device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 8(a) and 8(b) are diagrams showing the configurations of a reception screen and a box selection screen, respectively, that are displayed on the interface of the ticket issuing device when purchasing a product, according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 9(a) and 9(b) are diagrams showing the configurations of a payment screen and a payment completion screen, respectively, according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the process of the ticket issuing device when purchasing a product according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] Fig. 11(a) is a diagram showing the configuration of a purchase ticket according to an embodiment, and Fig. 11(b) is a diagram showing the configuration of unlocking information stored in a code graphic of the purchase ticket according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] 12(a) and 12(b) are diagrams showing the configurations of a reception screen and an unlock notification screen, respectively, that are displayed on the display input unit of the locker device when a product is taken out, according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of an error notification screen displayed on the display input unit of the locker device when a product is taken out according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the process of the locker device when a product is taken out according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the process performed by the locker device when replenishing products in the locker box according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] 16(a) is a diagram showing the configuration of a mode selection screen displayed on the display input unit of a locker device when replenishing products in a locker box according to an embodiment, and FIG. 16(b) is a diagram showing the configuration of a replenishing reception screen displayed when the full-open mode is selected on the mode selection screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 17] 17(a) is a diagram showing the configuration of a replenishment order screen displayed when the individual release mode is selected on the mode selection screen according to an embodiment, and FIG. 17(b) is a diagram showing the configuration of a replenishment order screen displayed when the empty release mode is selected on the mode selection screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 18]FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of a replenishment reception screen that is displayed when the time-out release mode is selected on the mode selection screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a process for issuing a password for replenishing products according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a front view showing the configuration of a product sales system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0040] The product sales system 1 comprises a locker device 10 and a ticket issuing device 20. Here, four locker devices 10 are installed in the store. However, the number of locker devices 10 installed in the store is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that at least one locker device 10 is installed. The ticket issuing device 20 is used to settle the purchase prices of the products stored in each of the four locker devices 10. Multiple pairs of at least one locker device 10 and ticket issuing device 20 may be installed in the store.

[0041] Locker device 10 comprises a main body 10a, a base 10b on which main body 10a is placed, and a stand 10c that is placed on main body 10a. A plurality of locker boxes 11 are arranged in a matrix on main body 10a. Here, 42 locker boxes 11 are arranged in each locker device 10. However, the number of locker boxes 11 arranged in one locker device 10 is not limited to this.

[0042] Products for sale are stored in each locker box 11. The products for sale are, for example, eggs. A predetermined number of eggs are packed and stored in each locker box 11. However, the products for sale are not limited to eggs and may be other products such as agricultural products.

[0043] The base portion 10b has a plurality of doors arranged thereon that can store fixtures, etc. The stand portion 10c houses the circuit portion of the locker device 10, such as a power circuit, a power switch, and a control board.

[0044] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the main body 10a of the locker device 10. As shown in FIG.

[0045] In addition to 42 locker boxes 11, a display input unit 12 and a reading unit 13 are arranged in the main body 10a.

[0046] The display input unit 12 is configured with a touch panel or the like, and is capable of displaying and inputting information. When unlocking the locker box 11 to remove purchased items, the display input unit 12 presents information such as the unlocking procedure to the user (customer). When removing purchased items, input to the display input unit 12 is invalidated. Furthermore, when unlocking the locker box 11 to replenish items, the display input unit 12 presents information such as the unlocking procedure to the manager. In this case, input to the display input unit 12 is validly accepted.

[0047] As will be described later, the reading unit 13 reads the unlocking information on the purchase ticket issued by the ticket issuing device 20. Here, the unlocking information is stored on the purchase ticket as a QR code (registered trademark). The reading unit 13 is a QR code (registered trademark) reader. However, the storage format of the unlocking information is not limited to this, and the unlocking information may be stored on the purchase ticket in other formats such as a barcode.

[0048] Each locker box 11 has a transparent door 111. The door 111 is installed on the locker box 11 so that it can be opened and closed with two hinges 112. The door 111 has a knob 114 that is gripped when opening and closing the door, and a lockable portion 113 for locking the door 111 in a closed state. The knob 114 may be translucent.

[0049] Fig. 3(a) is a front view showing the configuration of locker box 11 with door 111 open. Fig. 3(b) is a perspective view showing the configuration of locker box 11 when door 111 is closed, as seen from the left side.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3(a), when the door 111 is opened, a storage section 115 (storage space) for storing products is exposed. A flat plate 116 extending vertically is disposed at the right end of the storage section 115. A lighting unit 117 is provided on the flat plate 116 at a position corresponding to the knob 114 on the door 111 side. The lighting unit 117 is configured, for example, by an LED. The lighting unit 117 may also be configured by a lamp other than an LED. When the lighting unit 117 is lit while the door 111 is closed, the knob 114 on the front of the door 111 and its surroundings emit light in the color of the lighting unit 117. The color of the light emitted by the lighting unit 117 is set to a color that is easily visible to the user, such as green or blue.

[0051] A gap 116a is provided in the flat plate 116. As shown in FIG. 3(b), a locking mechanism 118 is disposed at the back of the gap 116a. Meanwhile, the locked portion 113 on the door 111 side is provided with a claw portion 113a that protrudes from the back side of the door 111. When the door 111 is closed, the claw portion 113a fits into the locking mechanism 118. When the claw portion 113a fits into the locking mechanism 118, the claw 113a is automatically locked into the locking mechanism 118. This causes the door 111 to be locked in the closed state.

[0052] An illumination unit 119 that illuminates the inside of storage unit 115 is disposed on the inner surface of the upper side of storage unit 115. Illumination unit 119 is configured with an LED, for example. Illumination unit 119 may also be configured with a lamp other than an LED. When door 111 is unlocked, illumination unit 119 is turned on, and the products stored in storage unit 115 are illuminated with light from illumination unit 119. In addition, some of the light from illumination unit 119 is guided to the outside through transparent door 111. This allows the user to smoothly remove products from the unlocked locker box 11.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the configuration of the ticket issuing device 20. As shown in FIG.

[0054] The ticket issuing device 20 includes an interface 21, a bill deposit port 22, a bill withdrawal port 23, a coin deposit port 24, a coin withdrawal port 25, and a ticket issuing port 26.

[0055] The interface 21 presents predetermined information to the user and receives input from the user regarding the presented information. The interface 21 is configured by, for example, a touch panel. However, the configuration of the interface 21 is not limited to this.

[0056] The banknote deposit port 22 is used to deposit banknotes when settling the price of merchandise. The banknote withdrawal port 23 is used to dispense banknotes as change. In addition, the banknote withdrawal port 23 is used to return banknotes deposited through the banknote deposit port 22 if the banknote is a lost note. The coin deposit port 24 is used to deposit coins when settling the price of merchandise. The coin withdrawal port 25 is used to dispense coins as change. In addition, the coin withdrawal port 25 is used to return coins deposited through the coin deposit port 24 if the coin is a lost coin.

[0057] The ticket issuing slot 26 is used to issue purchase tickets. Once payment for the product to be purchased is completed, the ticket issuing slot 26 issues a purchase ticket for unlocking the locker box 11 storing the product. As described above, this purchase ticket holds unlocking information for unlocking the locker box 11 as a QR code (registered trademark). In other words, a QR code (registered trademark) holding the unlocking information is printed on the front of the purchase ticket. Other information such as the product name, price, and payment date and time may also be printed on the front of the purchase ticket.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the circuitry of the locker device 10 and the ticket issuing device 20. As shown in FIG.

[0059] 5 also shows the server device 30 and the mobile terminal 40. As will be described later, the server device 30 and the mobile terminal 40 are used when replenishing merchandise in the locker device 10. In other words, the server device 30 and the mobile terminal 40 constitute a system that issues additional unlocking information for unlocking the locker box 11 when replenishing merchandise in the locker device 10.

[0060] Although Fig. 5 shows the circuit configuration for only one locker device 10, the four locker devices 10 shown in Fig. 1 have the same circuit configuration. All four locker devices 10 can communicate with the ticket issuing device 20 via a LAN (Local Area Network) 50, and can also communicate with the server device 30 via the LAN 50 and an external communication network 60.

[0061] Locker device 10 includes display input unit 12 and reading unit 13 shown in FIG. 2, as well as control unit 301, storage unit 302, lock drive unit 303, lamp drive unit 304, and communication unit 305.

[0062] The control unit 301 includes an arithmetic processing circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls each unit according to a program stored in the storage unit 302. The storage unit 302 includes memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores the program. The storage unit 302 is also used as a work area when the control unit 301 executes the program.

[0063] The lock drive unit 303 individually drives the above-mentioned lock mechanism 118 arranged in each locker box 11. As described above, the lock mechanism 118 automatically locks the claw portion 113a when the door 111 is closed. The lock drive unit 303 is provided with a driver for each locker box 11 (each lock mechanism 118) that drives the lock mechanism 118 to release the lock of the claw portion 113a under the control of the control unit 301.

[0064] The lamp driving unit 304 drives the above-mentioned lighting unit 117 and illumination unit 119 arranged in each locker box 11. The lamp driving unit 304 includes multiple drivers provided for each locker box 11. The communication unit 305 communicates with the ticket issuing device 20 and the server device 30 under the control of the control unit 301.

[0065] The ticket issuing device 20 includes a control unit 401, a storage unit 402, a deposit / withdrawal unit 403, a ticket issuing unit 404, and a communication unit 405, in addition to the interface 21 shown in FIG.

[0066] The control unit 401 includes a processing circuit such as a CPU, and controls each unit according to a program stored in the storage unit 402. The storage unit 402 includes memories such as a ROM and a RAM, and stores the program. The storage unit 402 is also used as a work area when the control unit 401 executes the program.

[0067] The deposit / withdrawal unit 403 deposits and withdraws banknotes and coins to / from the banknote deposit port 22, the banknote withdrawal port 23, the coin deposit port 24, and the coin deposit port 25. The deposit / withdrawal unit 403 has a transport mechanism that transports banknotes and coins along a transport path, an identification unit that identifies the denominations of banknotes and coins on the transport path, and multiple banknote storage units and multiple coin storage units that store deposited banknotes and coins by denomination. The transport path for banknotes is connected to the banknote deposit port 22, the banknote withdrawal port 23, and the multiple banknote storage units in FIG. 4. The transport path for coins is connected to the coin deposit port 24, the coin withdrawal port 25, and the multiple coin storage units in FIG. 4.

[0068] The ticket issuing unit 404 issues the above-mentioned purchase ticket. The ticket issuing unit 404 includes a printing unit that prints a QR code (registered trademark) or the like that holds unlocking information on roll paper, and a cutting unit that cuts the roll paper printed by the printing unit to a predetermined length to generate a purchase ticket.

[0069] 6(a) to 6(c) are diagrams showing the configuration of various management information stored in the storage unit 402 of the ticket issuing device 20. FIG.

[0070] 6(a) shows the configuration of locker management information for managing the locker devices 10 installed in a store. The locker management information is configured by linking a locker ID, which is identification information of the locker device 10, with area information indicating the area where each locker device 10 is installed.

[0071] The locker ID is, for example, a product code assigned to each locker device 10. The area information is an area code assigned to the installation area of ​​each locker device 10 in a layout image, which will be described later. Here, four installation areas are set on the layout image, and area codes A to D are assigned to these four installation areas, respectively. The setting of the installation areas in the layout image and the linking of each installation area with the locker ID are performed by the store manager or an installer of the product sales system 1 via a predetermined setting screen provided in the ticket issuing device 20.

[0072] FIG. 6(b) shows the configuration of product management information for managing products stored in the locker device 10. The product management information is configured by linking product types with the prices of products of each product type. In this example, four product types are set, ranging from LL size to S size eggs. The store manager sets the product types and prices via a predetermined setting screen provided in the ticket issuing device 20.

[0073] FIG. 6(c) shows box management information for managing the status of products in the locker box 11.

[0074] The box management information is configured by linking together a box number, area information, product type, storage date and time, removal date and time, and sold information.

[0075] The "box number" is a number assigned to each locker box 11. In this example, a series of numbers is assigned to all of the locker boxes 11 provided in the four locker devices 10.

[0076] That is, the 42 locker boxes 11 of the locker device 10 installed in area A are numbered 1 to 42, respectively. The 42 locker boxes 11 of the locker device 10 installed in area B are numbered 43 to 84, respectively, and the 42 locker boxes 11 of the locker device 10 installed in area C are numbered 44 to 126, respectively. The 42 locker boxes 11 of the locker device 10 installed in area D are numbered 127 to 168, respectively.

[0077] In each locker device 10, the first number is assigned to the locker box 11 in the upper left corner, and the last number is assigned to the locker box 11 in the lower right corner. The numbers increase by one from the top locker box 11 to the bottom locker box 11. When a number is assigned to the bottom locker box 11, the next number is assigned to the top locker box 11 in the column to the right, and so on down the column. In this way, consecutive numbers are assigned from the locker box 11 in the upper left corner to the locker box 11 in the lower right corner.

[0078] "Area information" is the installation area (area code) of the locker device 10 to which the locker box 11 of each box number belongs. As described above, the relationship between each area and box number is specified in advance. Each box number is linked to an area according to this relationship.

[0079] "Product type" is the type of product stored in the locker box 11 of each box number. Any of the product types set in the product management information in FIG. 6(b) is registered here. In the example of FIG. 6(c), the product type differs for each area. The method of setting the product type is not limited to this; for example, the same product type may be set for all areas, or the same product type may be set for two areas. The store manager sets the product type for each area via a specified setting screen provided in the ticket issuing device 20.

[0080] The "storage date and time" is the date and time when the product was stored in the locker box 11 of each box number. When a product is replenished in a locker box 11 using the replenishment mode described below, a notification of this is sent from the corresponding locker device 10 to the ticket issuing device 20. In response, the ticket issuing device 20 (control unit 401) registers the date and time when the notification was received in the "storage date and time" field of the corresponding locker box 11. The notification may include the storage date and time of the product set on the locker device 10 side (see FIG. 7). In this case, the ticket issuing device 20 (control unit 401) registers the storage date and time included in the notification in the "storage date and time" field of the corresponding locker box 11.

[0081] The "take-out date and time" is the date and time when the product was taken out from the locker box 11 of each box number. When a product is taken out from the locker box 11 in the take-out mode described below, a notification of this is sent from the corresponding locker device 10 to the ticket issuing device 20. In response, the ticket issuing device 20 (control unit 401) registers the date and time when the notification was received in the "take-out date and time" field of the corresponding locker box 11. The notification may include the date and time when the product was taken out set on the locker device 10 side (see FIG. 7). In this case, the ticket issuing device 20 (control unit 401) registers the date and time of take-out included in the notification in the "take-out date and time" field of the corresponding locker box 11.

[0082] "Sold" is information that indicates whether or not the product in the locker box 11 of each box number has been sold, in other words, whether or not that locker box 11 is empty. When a product is stored in a locker box 11 and the date and time is registered in the "Storage Date and Time" field, information indicating that the product has not yet been sold (here, the information "Not yet") is registered in the "Sold" field for that locker box 11. When a product is removed from a locker box 11 and the date and time is registered in the "Removal Date and Time" field, information indicating that the product has been sold (here, the information "Sold") is registered in the "Sold" field for that locker box 11.

[0083] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of box management information stored in the storage unit 302 of the locker device 10. As shown in FIG.

[0084] The box management information managed by the locker device 10 side is the box management information in FIG. 6(c) with the "area" and "product type" fields omitted. The "box number" is the number of each of the 42 locker boxes 11. Here, box numbers 1 to 42 are assigned to each locker device 10. That is, in each locker device 10, box numbers 1 to 42 are assigned in order from the locker box 11 in the upper left corner to the locker box 11 in the lower right corner. The vertical column including the locker box 11 in the upper left corner is assigned numbers 1 to 7, and the column immediately to the right of this column is assigned numbers 8 to 14. In this way, numbers are assigned in the same manner up to the rightmost column.

[0085] The "Storage Date and Time," "Removal Date and Time," and "Sold" fields are the same as the corresponding fields in the box management information in Figure 6(c). When an item is stored in a locker box 11 corresponding to a specific box number, the control unit 301 of the locker device 10 registers the date and time at that time in the "Storage Date and Time" field for that box number. Also, when an item is removed from a locker box 11 corresponding to a specific box number, the control unit 301 of the locker device 10 registers the date and time at that time in the "Removal Date and Time" field for that box number.

[0086] When a product is stored or removed from a specific box number, the control unit 301 of the locker device 10 sends a notification of this to the ticket issuing device 20 along with the box number and its own locker ID. The control unit 401 of the ticket issuing device 20 identifies the area of ​​the locker device 10 from the received locker ID using the locker management information in FIG. 6(a). The control unit 401 then converts the received box number into a numbering system corresponding to the identified area (a consecutive numbering system for the four locker devices 10) and registers the date and time of receiving this notification in the "storage date and time" or "removal date and time" field associated with the converted box number. For example, if a notification indicating the removal of a product from box number "33" is received from locker device 10 in area B, the control unit 401 of the ticket issuing device 20 registers the date and time of receiving this notification in the "removal date and time" field associated with box number "75."

[0087] As will be described later, if the same purchase ticket is used to perform multiple product removal processes, the date and time of the first removal process will be registered in the "Removal Date and Time" field. The "Removal Date and Time" field is erased when a new product is restocked in the locker box 11 with the corresponding box number. At this time, the "Storage Date and Time" field for that box number is updated to the storage date and time of the new product, and the "Sold" field is updated to "Not yet."

[0088] <Purchase Mode> FIG. 8(a) is a diagram showing the configuration of a reception screen 500 displayed on the interface 21 of the ticket issuing device 20 when purchasing a product.

[0089] Prior to purchasing a product, a customer user references the products stored in the locker boxes 11 of each of the four locker devices 10 through the transparent doors 111, decides on the product he or she wishes to purchase, and ascertains the location of that product. The user then moves to the ticket issuing device 20 to purchase the product, and operates the reception screen 500 displayed on the interface 21 of the ticket issuing device 20.

[0090] Reception screen 500 includes message 501 prompting the user to select a locker device 10 (vending machine), selection buttons 502a-502d for selecting a locker device 10 (vending machine), and layout image 503 showing the layout of the four locker devices 10 (vending machines). Area names (A-D) indicating the installation areas of the four locker devices 10 shown in layout image 503 are added to selection buttons 502a-502d, and each of selection buttons 502a-502d is associated with the shape or dashed line of each locker device 10 on layout image 503.

[0091] The user can ascertain the locker device 10 holding the product that the user wishes to purchase from the selection buttons 502a to 502d and the layout image 503. Thus, the user operates the selection button corresponding to the locker device 10 holding the product that the user wishes to purchase, among the selection buttons 502a to 502d.

[0092] FIG. 8(b) is a diagram showing the configuration of a box selection screen 510 that is displayed on the interface 21 when the selection button 502a is operated on the reception screen 500 of FIG. 8(a).

[0093] The box selection screen 510 includes tab images 511a to 511d indicating which locker device 10 (vending machine) is being selected, a message 511 prompting the user to select a locker box 11, 42 selection buttons 513 for selecting a locker box 11, a button 514 for returning the screen to the reception screen 510, and a confirmation button 515 for confirming the selection.

[0094] The 42 selection buttons 513 are arranged in the same layout as the 42 locker boxes 11 in the locker device 10. Each selection button 513 is marked with a symbol indicating the area of ​​the locker device and the box number of the corresponding locker box 11. For example, A-1 marked on the selection button 513 in the upper left corner indicates that the locker box 11 with box number (1) in the locker device 10 installed in area A corresponds to this selection button 513. Here, the selection button 513 corresponding to the box number for which the "Sold" item in FIG. 6(c) is set to "Sold" is displayed, for example, grayed out and cannot be selected.

[0095] The user operates one of the 42 selection buttons 513 corresponding to the locker box 11 that holds the product that the user wishes to purchase. If there are multiple products that the user wishes to purchase, the user can operate multiple selection buttons 513 corresponding to the multiple locker boxes 11 that store these products, respectively. When the user operates the desired selection button 513, that selection button 513 is displayed in a color different from the unselected selection buttons 513. This allows the user to know which selection button 513 the user has selected. When the user operates the selected selection button 513 again, the selection for that selection button 513 is canceled. This causes that selection button 513 to return to the color it had when unselected.

[0096] After operating the desired selection button 513 in this way, the user operates the confirmation button 515. This completes the selection of the locker box 11, and a payment screen for paying for the selected product is displayed.

[0097] FIG. 9(a) is a diagram showing the configuration of the settlement screen 520.

[0098] The settlement screen 520 includes a message 521 prompting the user to insert money for settlement, a settlement display area 522 showing the amount for settlement, an image 523 showing the insertion position of banknotes and coins in the ticket issuing device 20, and a button 524 for returning the screen to the box selection screen 510.

[0099] The settlement display area 522 displays an item indicating the total price (purchase amount) of the products selected by the user, the total amount of currency inserted by the user (deposited amount), and the amount of change obtained by subtracting the purchase amount from the deposited amount. The purchase amount is obtained by the control unit 401 of the ticket issuing device 20 based on the product type (see box management information in FIG. 6(c)) linked to the locker box 11 selected by the user and the price (see product management information in FIG. 6(b)) linked to this product type. If the user selects multiple locker boxes 11 on the box selection screen 510 in FIG. 8(b), the control unit 401 calculates the purchase amount as the total of the amounts obtained for each selected locker box 11.

[0100] When the total amount of money inserted by the user is equal to or greater than the purchase amount displayed in the payment display area 522, the control unit 401 causes the interface 21 to display a payment completion screen 530 shown in FIG. 9(b).

[0101] The payment completion screen 530 includes a message 531 prompting the user to remove the purchase ticket and change, a payment display area 532 similar to the payment display area 522 in FIG. 9(a), and an image 533 indicating the removal positions of the purchase ticket and change in the ticket issuing device 20. The user refers to the message 531 and the image 533 and removes the purchase ticket from the ticket issuing slot 26 of the ticket issuing device 20. This completes the operation of the ticket issuing device 20 when purchasing a product.

[0102] 8(b), a separate purchase ticket will be issued for each selected locker box 11. For example, if five locker boxes 11 are selected on the box selection screen 510, five purchase tickets will be issued, and a QR code (registered trademark) for unlocking the corresponding locker box 11 will be printed on each purchase ticket.

[0103] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the process of the ticket issuing device 20 when purchasing a product.

[0104] The control unit 401 of the ticket issuing device 20 displays the reception screen 500 of Fig. 8(a) on the interface 21 and accepts the selection of an area (S101). When the user selects an area via the reception screen 500 (S102: YES), the control unit 401 displays the box selection screen 510 of Fig. 8(b) on the interface 21 and accepts the selection of a locker box 11 (S103).

[0105] When the user selects a locker box 11 via the box selection screen 510 (S104: YES), the control unit 401 displays the settlement screen 520 of Fig. 9(a) on the interface 21 and settles the purchase price (S105). When the user completes the settlement of the purchase price via the box selection screen 510 (S106: YES), the control unit 401 displays the settlement completion screen 530 of Fig. 9(b) on the interface 21 and issues a purchase ticket (S107).

[0106] In addition, if the ticket issuing device 20 is equipped with a speaker, the control unit 401 may output message audio with content similar to messages 512, 521, and 531 from the speaker when displaying the screens of Figures 9(b) and 10(a) and (b) on the interface 21.

[0107] <Purchase ticket composition> FIG. 11(a) is a diagram showing the configuration of a purchase ticket 70.

[0108] A code graphic 71 is displayed in the center of the purchase ticket 70. As described above, the code graphic 71 is a QR code (registered trademark) graphic. Area 72 displays the installation area (areas A to D) of the locker device 10 that holds the purchased product, the box number of the locker box 11 that stores the product, the product type of the product stored in the locker box 11, etc. Area 73 displays the name of the store where the product is purchased, the purchase date and time (ticket issuance date and time), the ticket issuance number, etc. The purchase amount may also be displayed in area 73, etc., so that the purchase ticket can function as a receipt.

[0109] FIG. 11(b) is a diagram showing the configuration of the unlocking information held in the code graphic 71.

[0110] The unlocking information includes the ticket issuing date and time, ticket issuing number, ticket issuing device ID, box number, and store code. The "ticket issuing date and time" is the date and time when the purchase ticket 70 was issued. The "ticket issuing number" is a number that is incremented by one for each ticket issued from the time the ticket issuing device 20 starts issuing tickets. The "ticket issuing device ID" is identification information for the ticket issuing device 20 (for example, a product code). The "box number" is the box number of the locker box that stores the product to be purchased. The "box number" holds any number between 1 and 168. The "store code" is identification information for the store in which the ticket issuing device 20 is installed. The store code is set by the store's administrator via a specified settings screen.

[0111] <Eject mode> FIG. 12(a) is a diagram showing the configuration of a reception screen 600 displayed on the display input unit 12 of the locker device 10 when a product is taken out.

[0112] The reception screen 600 includes a message 601 that prompts the user to have the reading unit 13 read the code graphic 71 of the purchase ticket 70 obtained from the ticket issuing device 20. This message 601 prompts the user to hold the code graphic 71 of the purchase ticket 70 that the user has obtained over the reading unit 13 to have the code graphic 71 read. As a result, unlocking information is obtained from the purchase ticket 70.

[0113] If the box number included in this unlocking information matches the locker number of any of the 42 locker boxes 11 in the locker device 10, the locker box 11 corresponding to the matching locker number will be unlocked. At the same time, the lighting unit 117 and illumination unit 119 of the unlocked locker box 11 will be turned on. This allows the user to know which locker box 11 has been unlocked. Furthermore, the unlocking notification screen 610 of FIG. 12(b) will be displayed on the display input unit 12.

[0114] Here, the locker numbers included in the release information are consecutive numbers assigned to a total of 168 locker boxes 11 in the four locker devices 10. The control unit 301 of the locker device 10 converts the locker numbers assigned to its 42 locker boxes 11 into the consecutive locker numbers based on its own area code notified by the ticket issuing device 20. For example, if its own area code is Area B, the control unit 301 of the locker device 10 converts the box numbers 1 to 42 in its 42 locker devices 10 into numbers 43 to 84. Then, if the box number in the release information read from the purchase ticket 70 matches one of the converted box numbers, the control unit 301 causes the display input unit 12 to display an unlock notification screen 610 shown in FIG. 12(b).

[0115] The unlocking notification screen 610 includes a message 611 notifying that the locker box 11 corresponding to the box number in the unlocking information read from the purchase ticket 70 has been unlocked, a box image 612 displaying the 42 locker boxes 11 together with their box numbers, and a message image 613 including a message urging the user to remove the item from the unlocked locker box 11 and show the door 111.

[0116] The message image 613 includes a message informing that the code graphic 71 on the purchase ticket 70 is valid for 10 minutes from the time of unlocking. The box image 612 corresponding to the unlocked locker box 11 is displayed in a color different from the other box images 612, and furthermore, a mark 612a indicating that it has been unlocked is added.

[0117] The user refers to the unlock notification screen 610 to determine the location of the unlocked locker box 11, remove the product from that locker box 11, and close the door 111 of that locker box 11. This causes the door 111 of that locker box 11 to be locked by the locking mechanism 118. This completes the product removal process. In response to this, as described above, the date and time of removal is registered in the "Removal Date and Time" field for the box number corresponding to that locker box 11 in the box management information in FIGS. 6(c) and 7.

[0118] In the unlikely event that a user opens the door 111 of an unlocked locker box 11 but closes the door 111 without removing the product from the locker box 11, the user can unlock the locker box 11 again within 10 minutes by having the reading unit 13 read the code graphic 71 on the purchase ticket 70. This allows the user to reliably remove the desired product from the locker box 11.

[0119] If the box number in the unlocking information read from the purchase ticket 70 does not match any of the locker numbers (consecutive numbers for the four locker devices 10) of the 42 locker boxes 11 of the locker device 10, the control unit 301 causes the display input unit 12 to display the error notification screen 620 of Figure 13.

[0120] The error notification screen 620 includes a message 621 informing the user that there is no locker box 11 corresponding to the box number in the unlocking information read from the purchase ticket 70. Furthermore, this message 621 includes a message informing the user of the area in which the corresponding locker box 11 is located, and a message urging the user to read the code image 71 on the purchase ticket 70 in that area. This allows the user to smoothly retrieve an item from a locker device 10 in the correct area.

[0121] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the process of the locker device 10 when a product is taken out.

[0122] The control unit 301 of the locker device 10 displays the reception screen 600 of FIG. 12(a) on the display input unit 12 and prompts the user to read the purchase ticket 70 (code graphic 71) (S201). When the user holds the code graphic 71 over the reading unit 13, the control unit 301 acquires the reading result of the code graphic 71 from the reading unit 13 (S202: YES). The control unit 301 determines whether the reading result is unlocking information for retrieving a product (S203). Specifically, the control unit 301 determines whether the reading result complies with the format of FIG. 11(b).

[0123] If the read result is not unlocking information for product removal (S203: NO), the control unit 301 executes a replenishment mode, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the read result is unlocking information for product removal (S203: YES), the control unit 301 references the box number in the unlocking information and determines whether or not the box number matches any of the box numbers assigned to its own 42 locker boxes 11 (consecutive box numbers for the four locker devices 10) (S204).

[0124] If the determination in step S204 is NO, the control unit 301 causes the display input unit 12 to display the error notification screen 620 of Fig. 13 (S209), and ends the process. If the locker device 10 is equipped with a speaker, the control unit 301 may cause the speaker to output a message voice similar to the message 621 in the error notification screen 620 in step S209.

[0125] The control unit 301 also determines NO in step S204 if the store code in the release information does not match its own store code, i.e., the store code set in the locker device 10 by the manager of the store where the locker device 10 is installed. The control unit 301 also determines NO in step S204 if the difference between the ticket issuance date and time in the release information and the current date and time does not satisfy a predetermined condition (for example, the date of the ticket issuance date and the current date and time are the same day). In these cases, the control unit 301 causes the display input unit 12 to display an error notification screen indicating the respective reason. The predetermined condition may be set arbitrarily by the manager of the store.

[0126] If the determination in step S204 is YES, the control unit 301 refers to the box management information in Fig. 7 and determines whether the current reading of the release information is within the expiration date (10 minutes from the date and time in the "Removal Date and Time" field) (S205). If the determination in step S205 is NO, the control unit 301 causes the display input unit 12 to display a notification screen notifying that the expiration date of the purchase ticket 70 has expired (S208). If the locker device 10 is equipped with a speaker, the control unit 301 may also cause the speaker to output a similar voice message.

[0127] If the determination in step S205 is YES, the control unit 301 causes the display input unit 12 to display the unlock notification screen 610 of Fig. 12(b) and unlocks the corresponding locker box 11 (S206). At the same time, the control unit 301 turns on the lighting unit 117 and the illumination unit 119 of the unlocked locker box 11.

[0128] Then, the control unit 301 registers the current date and time in the "Taking Date and Time" field linked to the box number related to this taking in the box management information in Fig. 7, and further transmits a notification to the ticket issuing device 20 indicating that the product has been taken out from that box number together with the area code of that locker device 10 (S207). As a result, the "Taking Date and Time" corresponding to that locker box 11 in the box management information on the ticket issuing device 20 side is updated. In this way, the control unit 301 ends the processing of Fig. 14.

[0129] <Refill mode> When an empty locker box 11 occurs in the locker device 10, the store manager stores (replenishes) new products in the locker box 11. In addition, even when there is no empty locker box 11, the store manager replaces unsold products at regular intervals.

[0130] In these cases, in this embodiment, the store manager uses his / her own mobile terminal 40 to obtain a password from the server device 30 that manages the product sales system 1. An application program for communicating with the server device 30 is installed on the mobile terminal 40.

[0131] The acquired password is displayed on the mobile terminal 40 as a code graphic (QR code (registered trademark)) that can be read by the reading unit 13 of each locker device 10. The format of the information stored in this code graphic differs from the format shown in FIG. 11(b), and the code graphic mainly stores the password and its issue date and time. The password has an expiration date of, for example, five minutes. The administrator can have the reading unit 13 of the locker device 10 to be replenished read the code graphic on the mobile terminal 40 within this expiration date, and replenish the new product.

[0132] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the process performed by the locker device 10 when replenishing the locker box 11 with products.

[0133] If step S203 in FIG. 14 is NO, the control unit 301 of the locker device 10 extracts the password from the information acquired from the code image in step S202 (S301), and determines whether the password is correct (S302).

[0134] If the password cannot be extracted from the information, the control unit 301 determines NO in step S302. If the password can be extracted from the information, the control unit 301 inquires of the server device 30 whether the password is correct.

[0135] Server device 30 refers to the password issuance history it holds (stores), checks whether the inquired password was issued within the most recent predetermined time (for example, within five minutes, which is the password expiration time), and transmits the check result to the inquiring locker device 10. If the received check result indicates that the password was issued within the most recent predetermined time, control unit 301 determines YES in step S302, and otherwise determines NO in step S302.

[0136] If the determination in step S302 is NO, the control unit 301 causes the display input unit 12 to display a notification screen notifying the user that the password in the code image is incorrect (S308). If the locker device 10 is equipped with a speaker, the control unit 301 may further cause the speaker to output an audio message notifying the user of the fact.

[0137] If the determination in step S302 is YES, the control unit 301 displays a screen for selecting a product replenishment mode on the display input unit 12 and accepts the mode selection from the manager (S303). In response, if the manager selects a predetermined mode (S304: YES), the control unit 301 executes processing for product replenishment in the selected mode (S305).

[0138] In accordance with this process, when the user restocks products in the locker device 10 and performs a predetermined completion operation (S306: YES), the control unit 301 updates the box management information for the locker box 11 to which the products have been restocked, and sends a notification to that effect along with the area code to the ticket issuing device 20 (S307). This notification updates the box management information for the locker box 11 on the ticket issuing device 20 side. In this way, the control unit 301 ends the process of FIG. 15.

[0139] FIG. 16(a) is a diagram showing the configuration of the mode selection screen 700 displayed in step S303 of FIG.

[0140] The mode selection screen 700 includes four mode selection buttons 701 to 704, and a button 705 for ending the replenishment process without selecting a mode.

[0141] A mode for unlocking the doors 111 of all locker boxes 11 (all-open mode) is assigned to mode selection button 701. A mode for individually unlocking the doors 111 of locker boxes 11 desired by the manager (individual-open mode) is assigned to mode selection button 702. A mode for unlocking the doors 111 of empty locker boxes 11 (empty-open mode) is assigned to mode selection button 703. A mode for unlocking the doors 111 of locker boxes 11 that have had products stored therein for a certain period of time (time-out-open mode) is assigned to mode selection button 704.

[0142] FIG. 16(b) is a diagram showing the configuration of a refill order screen 710 that is displayed in step S305 of FIG. 15 when the mode selection button 701 (full release mode) is selected on the mode selection screen 700 of FIG. 16(a).

[0143] The replenishment order screen 710 includes a message 711 , 42 box images 712 , explanatory images 713 and 714 , a bulk change button 715 , and a complete button 716 .

[0144] The message 711 is intended to alert the manager to ensure that the product replenishment status of each locker box 11 on the replenishment reception screen 710 matches the actual product replenishment status of each locker box 11.

[0145] The 42 box images 712 are associated with the 42 locker boxes 11, respectively, and each box number and an image 712a indicating the unlocked state are added to each box image 712.

[0146] The explanatory images 713 and 714 are images that explain the color applied to the box image 712. If the locker box 11 corresponding to the box image 712 does not contain a product, the color of the explanatory image 713 is applied to that box image 712. If the locker box 11 corresponding to the box image 712 contains a product, the color of the explanatory image 714 is applied to that box image 712. When the replenishment reception screen 710 starts to be displayed, it is determined whether or not a product is stored in each locker box 11 based on the "Sold" item in the box management information in FIG. 7.

[0147] The administrator operates the batch change button 715 when all locker boxes 11 are to be collectively set to a stocked state with products. The administrator operates the complete button 716 when stocking of products is complete.

[0148] In this case, the full open mode has been selected, so all 42 locker boxes 11 are unlocked. For this reason, an image 712a indicating the unlocked state is attached to all 42 box images 712. Here, only the locker box 11 with box number "9" is empty due to a product purchase. Each time the administrator operates a box image 712, the administrator can cyclically change the state of the locker box 11 corresponding to that box image 712 between having a product and not having a product.

[0149] The manager opens the door 111 for each locker box 11 and refills the locker boxes 11 with new products. After refilling the locker boxes 11 with new products, the manager appropriately operates the box image 712 corresponding to that locker box 11 to set that locker box 11 to a product refill status. This setting may be performed by the manager operating the batch change button 715 after refilling all of the locker boxes 11 with new products has been completed.

[0150] After completing the replenishing of new products in all locker boxes 11 in this manner, the manager operates the Complete button 716. As a result, the determination in step S306 in FIG. 15 becomes YES.

[0151] In this case, in step S307, the box management information in Fig. 7 is updated for all locker boxes 11 that have been newly stocked with products (locker boxes 11 whose box images 712 are set to a product storage state). That is, for these locker boxes 11, the current date and time is registered in "storage date and time," the "removal date and time" is deleted, and "not yet" is registered in "sold."

[0152] Furthermore, for all locker boxes 11 that have been newly stocked with products, a notification indicating that the products have been stocked is sent together with the area code to the ticket issuing device 20. As a result, the box number information corresponding to all locker boxes 11 that have been newly stocked with products in the box management information in Figure 6(c) is updated in the same way.

[0153] FIG. 17(a) is a diagram showing the configuration of a replenishment order screen 710 that is displayed in step S305 of FIG. 15 when the mode selection button 702 (individual release mode) is selected on the mode selection screen 700 of FIG. 16(a).

[0154] In this case, the configuration of the replenishment order screen 710 is the same as that shown in Figure 16(b). However, because the individual opening mode has been selected, none of the 42 locker boxes 11 are unlocked. Therefore, none of the 42 box images 712 are accompanied by an image 712a indicating the unlocked state.

[0155] In this case, the manager operates the box image 712 corresponding to the locker box 11 that he or she wishes to unlock in order to replenish the locker box with new products. As a result, the locker box 11 is unlocked, and an image 712a indicating the unlocked state is attached to the corresponding box image 712.

[0156] The administrator refills the unlocked locker box 11 with new products. Furthermore, the administrator operates the box image 712 corresponding to that locker box 11 to set that locker box 11 to a refilled state (product storage state). The refilled state may be set by operating the batch change button 715. Thereafter, the administrator operates the complete button 716. As a result, the determination in step S306 in FIG. 15 becomes YES, and the processing of step S307 is executed.

[0157] Here, after the administrator operates the box image 712 to unlock it, the box management information in Fig. 7 is updated only for the locker box 11 for which the box image 712 is set to the replenished state. A notification of this, together with the area code, is sent to the ticket issuing device 20, and the box management information in Fig. 6(c) is updated. In the box management information in Fig. 6(c), the "Storage date and time", "Removal date and time", and "Sold" items are updated only for the same locker box 11.

[0158] FIG. 17(b) is a diagram showing the configuration of a replenishment order screen 710 that is displayed in step S305 of FIG. 15 when the mode selection button 703 (empty release mode) is selected on the mode selection screen 700 of FIG. 16(a).

[0159] The configuration of the replenishment reception screen 710 in this case is the same as that shown in Figure 16(b). However, because the empty unlock mode has been selected here, only the empty locker boxes 11 out of the 42 locker boxes 11 are unlocked. For this reason, an image 712a indicating the unlocked state is added to the box images 712 out of the 42 box images 712 that correspond to the empty locker boxes 11.

[0160] In this case, the administrator refills the unlocked, empty locker box 11 with new products. Furthermore, the administrator operates the box image 712 corresponding to that locker box 11 to set that locker box 11 to a refilled state. The refilled state may be set by operating the batch change button 715. Thereafter, the administrator operates the complete button 716. As a result, the determination in step S306 in FIG. 15 becomes YES, and the processing of step S307 is executed.

[0161] In this example, the box management information in Fig. 7 is updated only for locker boxes 11 that were unlocked because they were empty and then set to a refilled state by the administrator by operating the box image 712. A notification of this fact, along with the area code, is sent to the ticket issuing device 20, and the box management information in Fig. 6(c) is updated. In the box management information in Fig. 6(c), the "Storage Date and Time," "Removal Date and Time," and "Sold" items are updated only for the same locker box 11.

[0162] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of a replenishment order screen 710 that is displayed in step S305 of FIG. 15 when the mode selection button 704 (time-out release mode) is selected on the mode selection screen 700 of FIG. 16(a).

[0163] The configuration of the replenishment order screen 710 in this case is the same as that shown in Fig. 16(b). However, because the time-out release mode has been selected here, only the locker boxes 11 in which products have been stored for a certain period of time are unlocked out of the 42 locker boxes 11. For this reason, images 712a indicating the unlocked state are added to the box images 712 corresponding to these locker boxes 11 out of the 42 box images 712.

[0164] In this case, the administrator refills the unlocked locker box 11 that has expired with new products. Furthermore, the administrator operates the box image 712 corresponding to that locker box 11 to set that locker box 11 to a refilled state. The refilled state may be set by operating the batch change button 715. Thereafter, the administrator operates the complete button 716. This locks the unlocked locker box 11, and the process of step S307 in FIG. 15 is executed.

[0165] Here, after the locker box 11 has been unlocked due to time-out, the box management information in Fig. 7 is updated only for those locker boxes 11 that the administrator has set to a replenished state by operating the box image 712. A notification of this, along with the area code, is sent to the ticket issuing device 20, and the box management information in Fig. 6(c) is updated. In the box management information in Fig. 6(c), the "Storage Date and Time", "Removal Date and Time", and "Sold" items are updated only for those locker boxes 11.

[0166] <Effects of the embodiment> 1 to 5, product sales system 1 includes locker device 10, which stores products in multiple locker boxes 11, a ticket issuing device 20 with a function for settling the purchase price of the products, and control units 301 and 401. Ticket issuing device 20 includes ticket issuing unit 404 and interface 21 for accepting input from a user, while locker device 10 includes locked unit 113 and locking mechanism 118 (locking unit) provided for each locker box 11, and reading unit 13 for reading information. As shown in FIGS. 8(a), (b), and 10, control unit 401 accepts the designation of a product to be purchased via interface 21 (S101 to S104) and causes ticket issuing unit 404 to issue a purchase ticket 70 holding unlocking information for unlocking locker boxes 11 storing the designated products in a form readable by reading unit 13. The control unit 301 unlocks the locker box 11 based on the unlocking information read from the purchase ticket 70 by the reading unit 13.

[0167] With this configuration, when a user purchases multiple items at once, the user can obtain from the ticket issuing device 20 purchase tickets 70 for unlocking each of the multiple locker boxes 11 that store the items, and by having the obtained purchase tickets 70 read by the reading unit 13 of the locker device 10, the user can unlock the locker boxes 11 and remove the items. Therefore, even when purchasing multiple items at once, the product purchasing process can be carried out smoothly and reliably.

[0168] As shown in Fig. 8(b), the control unit 401 accepts the specification of the locker box 11 that stores the product to be purchased as product specification, and includes the box number (specific information) that specifies the specified locker box 11 in the unlocking information of Fig. 11(b) to issue the purchase ticket 70. As shown in Fig. 14, the control unit 301 unlocks the locker box 11 that corresponds to the box number (specific information) in the unlocking information read by the reading unit 13 (S204, S206).

[0169] According to this configuration, the user can take out the product that he or she has specified from the corresponding locker box 11. Therefore, the product that the user individually desires can be provided to the user.

[0170] 1 and 5, the product sales system 1 includes a plurality of locker devices 10, and each locker device 10 includes a display input unit 12 (alarm unit). As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, if the locker box 11 corresponding to the unlocking information read by the reading unit 13 of the locker device 10 does not exist in the locker device 10 itself (S204: NO), the control unit 301 causes the display input unit 12 (alarm unit) to output a notification to that effect (S209).

[0171] According to this configuration, if the user mistakenly causes an inapplicable locker device 10 to read the purchase ticket 70, the user can be notified of this fact, allowing the user to smoothly proceed with retrieving the product.

[0172] As shown in FIG. 13, in the notification of step S209 of FIG. 14, the control unit 301 causes the display input unit 12 (notification unit) to notify the locker device 10 (area) equipped with the locker box 11 corresponding to the unlocking information read by the reading unit 13.

[0173] This configuration allows the user to know which locker device 10 to go to in order to retrieve the product to be purchased, thereby enabling the user to smoothly proceed with retrieving the product.

[0174] 8(a), (b) and 11(b), the control unit 401 receives, as product specification, specification of the locker device 10 and locker box 11 that will store the product to be purchased, and issues purchase tickets 70 to four locker devices 10 that identify the specified locker box 11 in the specified locker device 10, with consecutive box numbers (specific information) included in the unlocking information. As shown in FIG. 14, if the box number (specific information) in the unlocking information read by the reading unit 13 matches any of the locker boxes 11 in the locker device 10 that performed the reading (S204: YES), the control unit 301 unlocks the matching locker box 11.

[0175] According to this configuration, when multiple locker devices 10 are installed, the user can smoothly take out the product he or she has specified from the locker box 11 of the corresponding locker device 10. Therefore, the product that the user individually desired can be reliably provided to the user.

[0176] As shown in FIG. 14, the control unit 301 accepts re-unlocking of the locker box 11 using the same purchase ticket 70 within a certain period (within the expiration date) from a predetermined timing (removal date and time) of the product removal process corresponding to the first unlocking using the purchase ticket (S205).

[0177] With this configuration, if the user accidentally closes the door 111 of the locker box 11 without taking out the product, the user can unlock the locker box 11 again using the same purchase ticket 70 within a certain period (within the expiration date). Therefore, the product to be purchased can be reliably provided to the user.

[0178] It should be noted that the above-described human error by the user can also be addressed by a control that leaves the door 111 of the locker box 11 unlocked for a certain period of time after the locker box 11 is unlocked using the purchase ticket 70. However, with this control, the door 111 of the locker box 11 can be opened for a certain period of time even after the user has properly removed the product. This raises the risk that undesired products may be stored in the locker box 11 during that time. For this reason, it is preferable that the door 111 be locked when the door 111 is closed after being unlocked. The above-described configuration exhibits the above-described effects when this control is implemented.

[0179] As shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 301 executes a replenishment mode for replenishing merchandise (S303 to S306) based on the fact that the reading unit 13 has read the password information (other unlocking information) for replenishing merchandise in the locker box 11 (S302: YES).

[0180] With this configuration, the same reading unit 13 can be used for further product replenishment processes. Also, the manager can smoothly replenish products in the locker boxes 11 by having the reading unit 13 of the locker device 10 to be replenished read the password information (other unlocking information).

[0181] As shown in FIG. 16(a), the replenishment mode includes an empty release mode (mode selection button 703) for unlocking a locker box 11 from which an item has been sold.

[0182] According to this configuration, the manager can smoothly replenish products into empty locker boxes 11 after products have been sold.

[0183] As shown in FIG. 16(a), the replenishment mode includes a time-out release mode (mode selection button 703) for unlocking locker boxes 11 containing unsold products that satisfy a predetermined product replacement condition (time-out).

[0184] According to this configuration, new products can be smoothly replenished into locker boxes 11 that require replacement of products.

[0185] Here, the product replacement condition is that the period of time that the product has been stored in the locker box 11 exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0186] With this configuration, products whose quality has deteriorated due to being stored in the locker box for a long period of time can be smoothly replaced with new products.

[0187] As shown in FIG. 5, the product sales system 1 further includes a system (server device 30, mobile terminal 40) that issues password information (other release information) for product replenishment.

[0188] According to this configuration, the administrator can obtain password information (other release information) from another system.

[0189] When food is stored in locker box 11 as described above, it is preferable that the heat generated by ticket issuing device 20 does not reach the food in locker box 11 as much as possible, in order to maintain the quality of the food. Also, it is preferable that the heat generated in locker box 11 does not reach ticket issuing device 20 as much as possible, in order to minimize the impact on the operation of ticket issuing device 20 (money handling, printing, etc.). In contrast, in the above embodiment, locker device 10 and ticket issuing device 20 are installed separately, so heat generated in one device is less likely to propagate to the other device. Therefore, both devices can be operated properly and stably.

[0190] <Example of change> In the above embodiment, the code graphic including the password for replenishing merchandise is provided from the server device 30 to the mobile terminal 40. However, this code graphic may be issued by the ticket issuing device 20.

[0191] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a process for issuing a password for replenishing products according to a modified example.

[0192] The administrator performs an operation to display a screen for issuing a password via the interface 21. At this time, the administrator inputs the administrator ID and his / her own password into the ticket issuing device 20. As a result, the control unit 401 of the ticket issuing device 20 causes the interface 21 to display a reception screen for issuing a password (S401).

[0193] When the administrator issues a password for the locker device 10 in the desired area on this reception screen (S402: YES), the control unit 401 causes the ticket issuing unit 404 to issue a replenishment ticket for replenishing merchandise in the locker device 10 in that area (S403). A code image is printed on the replenishment ticket, which stores the area, password, and current date and time as password information. The control unit 401 causes the storage unit 402 to store this password information (S404).

[0194] The administrator causes the reading unit 13 of the corresponding locker device 10 to read the code image of the issued replenishment ticket. The control unit 301 of the locker device 10 extracts password information from the code image through the processing of steps S201 to S203 in FIG. 14 and steps S301 and S302 in FIG. 15, and determines whether the password information is appropriate. In step S302, the control unit 301 determines whether the area code in the password information matches the area code of its own locker device 10. If these area codes do not match, the control unit 301 determines NO in step S302. If these area codes match, the control unit 301 inquires of the ticket issuing device 20 whether the password in the password information is appropriate.

[0195] The verification process in the ticket issuing device 20 is the same as the verification process in the server device 30. If the password is not correct, the control unit 301 executes the same process as in step S308 and ends the process. If the password is correct, the control unit 301 executes the processes from step S303 onwards.

[0196] According to this configuration, it is possible to replenish merchandise with locker devices 10 desired by the manager without using a password issuing system made up of server device 30 and mobile terminal 40. This makes it possible to further simplify the operation of merchandise sales system 1.

[0197] <Other change examples> In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11(b), the code graphic 71 of the purchase ticket 70 holds the box number of the locker box to be unlocked, but the unlocking information held in the code graphic 71 is not limited to this.

[0198] For example, when purchasing a product, if a screen for selecting the product name or product type is displayed instead of the box selection screen 510 in Figure 8(b), the unlocking information stored in the code graphic 71 may include the product name and product type instead of the box number. In this case, the control unit 301 of the locker device 10 only needs to unlock any locker box 11 that contains a product, from among the locker boxes 11 that correspond to the product name and product type read from the code graphic 71.

[0199] 11 (consecutive box numbers for multiple locker devices 10), the unlocking information may include information identifying the locker device 10 (for example, an area code) and the number of the locker box 11 in that locker device 10 (any one of 1 to 42). In this case, in step S204 of FIG. 14, the control unit 301 of the locker device 10 may determine whether or not there is a locker box 11 to be unlocked depending on whether or not the information about the locker device 10 (for example, the area code) read from the purchase ticket 70 matches the locker device 10 itself.

[0200] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the expiration date in step S205 of Figure 14 was set based on the date and time when the locker box 11 was first unlocked using the same purchase ticket 70, but the reference time (starting point) of the expiration date may be any other date and time as long as it is included in the product removal process in response to the first unlocking.

[0201] For example, if the locker box 11 has a sensor that detects the opening and closing of the door 111, the expiration date may be set based on the date and time the door 111 is first opened using the same purchase ticket 70, or the date and time the door 111 is first closed after being opened. Alternatively, the expiration date may be set based on the date and time the door 111 is first opened and then closed and locked after being opened. Furthermore, if the locker box 11 has a sensor that detects whether or not a product is stored inside, the expiration date may be set based on the date and time the door 111 is first opened and then detected as having been removed. In these cases, in step S207 of FIG. 14, each reference date and time is registered in the box management information of FIG. 7, and a notification to that effect is sent to the ticket issuing device 20 at each reference date and time.

[0202] It is also possible to set the expiration date based on the date and time when the purchase ticket 70 is issued by the ticket issuing device 20. However, if an expiration date is set in this way, when a user purchases multiple items at once, the user must remove these items from the locker device 10 within a certain period of time from the date and time of issuance, which is inconvenient for the user. In contrast, if an expiration date is set as in the above embodiment, the user is not restricted by the expiration date when removing each item. Therefore, it is preferable to set the expiration date based on the timing (date and time) included in the removal process when the locker box 11 is first unlocked using the same purchase ticket 70.

[0203] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the processing from purchasing a product to removing it is shared between the control unit 401 of the ticket issuing device 20 and the control unit 301 of the locker device 10, but the configuration of the control unit is not limited to this. For example, if the control unit 401 of the ticket issuing device 20 also controls each locker device 10, this control unit 401 may perform the above processing from purchasing a product to removing it. Alternatively, if a control unit that controls the locker device 10 and the ticket issuing device 20 is provided in addition to these devices, this control unit may perform the above processing from purchasing a product to removing it. The control unit described in the claims may be configured by the control units 301 and 401 arranged in the locker device 10 and the ticket issuing device 20, respectively, as in the above embodiment, or may be configured by a single control unit as described above.

[0204] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when multiple products are purchased in bulk and the total amount is settled using the ticket issuing device 20, a purchase ticket 70 is issued for each product (each locker box 11). However, this is not limiting, and when multiple products are purchased in bulk, one purchase ticket 70 common to multiple products (multiple locker boxes 11) may be issued.

[0205] In this case, release information for unlocking multiple locker boxes 11 is stored in the code graphic 71. When this code graphic 71 is read by the reading unit 13, the multiple locker boxes 11 indicated by the release information are unlocked simultaneously, and the lighting units 117 and illumination units 119 of these locker boxes 11 are turned on. Also, on the unlock notification screen 610 of Fig. 12, the unlocking of these locker boxes 11 is reflected in the box images 612 and message images 613. The user simply removes items from the unlocked multiple locker boxes 11 while checking the lighting units 117 and illumination units 119 and the unlock notification screen 610.

[0206] Alternatively, in this case, when the code graphic 71 is read by the reading unit 13, the multiple locker boxes 11 indicated by the release information may be unlocked in sequence, and the lighting unit 117 and the illumination unit 119 of the unlocked locker boxes 11 may be turned on. In this case, when the user removes an item from the unlocked locker box 11 and closes the door 111 of that locker box 11, the door 111 of the next locker box 11 is unlocked, and the lighting unit 117 and the illumination unit 119 of that locker box 11 are turned on. This operation is performed in sequence for all locker boxes 11 that hold the code graphic 71.

[0207] In addition, in the above embodiment, the expiration time in step S205 of Fig. 14 is 10 minutes, but the expiration time is not limited to 10 minutes. Similarly, the expiration time of the password for replenishing products is not limited to 5 minutes.

[0208] In the above embodiment, as shown in Fig. 16(a), a time-out opening mode is provided as a replenishment mode for unlocking locker boxes 11 containing unsold products that meet a predetermined product replacement condition, but the product replacement condition is not limited to time-out. For example, if the locker box 11 has a sensor that detects the freshness or degree of deterioration of the product, the product replacement condition may be that the freshness has fallen below a threshold value or the degree of deterioration has risen above the threshold value.

[0209] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, locker numbers are not given to the respective locker boxes 11, but locker numbers may be given to the respective locker boxes 11.

[0210] The configuration of the locker device 10 and the configuration of the various screens shown in the above embodiment are merely examples, and other configurations may be used. The locker box 11 may have a refrigeration function or a freezing function. Furthermore, payment for purchases at the ticket issuing device 20 is not limited to cash; the ticket issuing device 20 may also be equipped with a non-cash payment unit that accepts credit cards, electronic money, code payments, etc.

[0211] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0212] 1 Product sales system 10. Locker device 11 Locker Box 12 Display input unit (notification unit) 13 Reading unit 20 Ticket issuing device 21 Interface 113 Locked part (locking part) 118 Locking mechanism (locking part) 301 Control Unit 401 Control Unit 404 Ticketing Department

Claims

1. a locker device for storing products in a plurality of locker boxes; a ticket issuing device having a function of settling the purchase price of the product; a control unit, The ticket issuing device The ticketing department and an interface for receiving input from a user; The rocker device is A locking unit provided for each locker box; a reading unit that reads information, The control unit Accepting designation of a product to be purchased via the interface; causing the ticket issuing unit to issue a purchase ticket that holds unlocking information for unlocking the locker box that stores the specified product in a form that can be read by the reading unit; unlocking the locker box based on the unlocking information read from the purchase ticket by the reading unit; A product sales system characterized by:

2. The product sales system according to claim 1, The control unit Accepting a designation of the locker box in which the product to be purchased will be stored as the designation of the product; The purchase ticket is issued by including specific information for identifying the designated locker box in the unlocking information, unlocking the locker box corresponding to the specific information in the unlocking information read by the reading unit; A product sales system characterized by:

3. The product sales system according to claim 1, A plurality of the rocker devices is provided, Each of the locker devices includes an alarm unit, When the locker box corresponding to the unlocking information read by the reading unit of one of the locker devices is not present in the one of the locker devices, the control unit causes the notification unit to output a notification to that effect. A product sales system characterized by:

4. The product sales system according to claim 3, The control unit, in the notification, causes the notification unit to notify the locker device including the locker box corresponding to the unlocking information read by the reading unit. A product sales system characterized by:

5. The product sales system according to claim 3, The control unit Accepting a designation of the locker device and the locker box in which the product to be purchased is to be stored as the designation of the product; issuing the purchase ticket by including in the unlocking information specific information for identifying the designated locker box in the designated locker device; When the specific information in the unlocking information read by the reading unit matches any of the locker boxes of the locker device that performed the reading, the matching locker box is unlocked. A product sales system characterized by:

6. The product sales system according to claim 1, The control unit accepts re-unlocking of the locker box using the purchase ticket within a certain period of time from a predetermined timing of the product removal process in response to the unlocking. A product sales system characterized by:

7. The product sales system according to claim 1, the control unit executes a replenishment mode for replenishment of merchandise based on the reading unit having read other unlocking information for replenishment of merchandise to the locker box. A product sales system characterized by:

8. The product sales system according to claim 7, The replenishment mode includes a mode for unlocking the locker box for which the product has been sold. A product sales system characterized by:

9. The product sales system according to claim 7, The replenishment mode includes a mode of unlocking the locker box containing unsold products that satisfy a predetermined product replacement condition. A product sales system characterized by:

10. The product sales system according to claim 9, The product replacement condition includes that the storage period of the product in the locker box exceeds a predetermined threshold. A product sales system characterized by:

11. The product sales system according to claim 7, Further comprising a system for issuing the other release information, A product sales system characterized by:

12. The product sales system according to claim 7, the control unit causes the ticket issuing unit to issue a supplementary ticket holding the other release information in a readable form in response to a predetermined input to the interface. A product sales system characterized by:

13. A control method for a merchandise sales system including a locker device that stores merchandise in a plurality of locker boxes, and a ticket issuing device that has a function of settling the purchase price of the merchandise, Accepts the specification of the product to be purchased via the interface, causing the ticket issuing device to issue a purchase ticket that holds, in a readable form, unlocking information for unlocking the locker box that stores the designated product; unlocking the locker box based on the unlocking information read from the purchase ticket; A control method for a merchandise sales system.

14. A ticket issuing device having a function of settling the purchase price of products stored in each of a plurality of locker boxes of a locker device, The ticketing department and an interface for accepting input from a user; a control unit, The control unit Accepting designation of a product to be purchased via the interface; causing the ticket issuing unit to issue a purchase ticket holding unlocking information for unlocking the locker box storing the specified product in a form readable by a reading unit of the locker device; A ticket issuing device characterized by:

15. A locker device that constitutes a product sales system together with a ticket issuing device that issues a purchase ticket that holds, in a readable form, unlocking information for unlocking the locker box that stores a product to be purchased designated by a user via an interface, in response to payment of the purchase price of the product, There are multiple locker boxes for storing items, A locking unit provided for each locker box; a reading unit that reads information; and a control unit that unlocks the locker box based on the unlocking information read from the purchase ticket by the reading unit. A rocker device characterized by:

Images