Remote payment method

Abstract

To address a social urgency for labor saving and efficiency improvement accompanying recent population decline, and to fulfill a social responsibility required of an operating company by continuing the operation of beverage vending machines, which can be regarded as social infrastructure, and capsule-toy machines with long-standing demand so as to meet social needs.SOLUTION: The method for remote payment includes remotely performing payment for at least one second vending machine having at least one second storage compartment for accommodating a second product group including products that a consumer is not allowed to freely select, by a payment mechanism of at least one first vending machine having at least one first storage compartment for accommodating a first product group including products that a consumer is allowed to freely select.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vending machine, and more particularly to a technique for providing both products that can be selected by a consumer at will and products that cannot be selected by a consumer at will. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, vending machines that allow consumers to purchase products (drinks) that can be selected at will by the consumer are known.

[0003] Furthermore, conventionally, vending machines (item supply devices) known as Gashapon (registered trademark) or Gachapon (registered trademark) have been known, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, for example. In this type of vending machine, a plurality of items are stored in a product warehouse, and one of these items is supplied, and the consumer cannot freely select which item is supplied, but the machine also has a so-called game element that stimulates the consumer's gambling spirit by winning the item they want. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-22430 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-103432 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Vending machines such as those described in Patent Document 1, which allow consumers to freely select the products they want, and vending machines such as those described in Patent Document 2, which deliberately prevent consumers from selecting the products they want, giving them a game-like element, differ in the types of products offered and the internal structure of the device, and are therefore made by different device manufacturers, and their operations, such as replenishing products and collecting payment, are also different.

[0006] Therefore, for example, when installing both types of vending machines in a new store, different installers will be used, so not only will different arrangements be required for the installation space and implementation plans, but different arrangements will also be required for operation after installation, which can be cumbersome.

[0007] Furthermore, for example, even if you want to set up a new Gashapon (registered trademark) in a location where a beverage vending machine is already installed, you will need to handle the installation preparations and operation after installation individually, which can be said to be a barrier to installation.

[0008] Furthermore, labor-saving and efficiency improvements due to the recent population decline are urgent social issues, and it can be said that it is the social responsibility of operating companies to continue operating beverage vending machines, which can be considered social infrastructure, and Gashapon (registered trademark), which has been in demand for many years, and to be able to meet social needs.

[0009] The present invention proposes a novel technique for solving the above problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above, and the means for solving this problem will now be described.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a payment mechanism of a first vending machine having at least one first storage compartment storing a first group of products including products that can be selected at will by a consumer; The remote payment method remotely performs payment for at least one second vending machine having a second storage compartment storing a second group of products including products that cannot be selected arbitrarily by a consumer.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, the second vending machine has at least one second dispensing mechanism for dispensing the second group of products from the second storage compartment; The second dispensing mechanism a handle that is rotated by a consumer; a second locking mechanism for locking / unlocking the rotation of the handle; The second locking mechanism will be unlocked when the payment by the payment mechanism is completed.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, The settlement mechanism and the second locking mechanism are connected by communication.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, The first vending machine is provided with a selection mechanism that allows a consumer to select any second storage compartment when there are multiple second storage compartments. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The present invention provides the following effects. In other words, according to one aspect of the present invention, a payment mechanism for processing payments for products in each product warehouse can be shared, thereby improving the efficiency of sales management and payment collection. Furthermore, for example, even if multiple second storage units are added to an existing vending machine equipped with a first storage unit, payments for products stored in the other second storage units can be processed using the existing vending machine's payment mechanism, eliminating the need to install a new payment function for each additional second storage unit. This advantage is particularly pronounced when a larger number of second storage units are added, such as 10 or more. Furthermore, since the second vending machine can be installed physically away from the first vending machine, flexibility in installation location is enhanced, allowing for more efficient use of space, for example, by installing the second vending machine in an empty space or for a short period of time during a campaign. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a vending machine. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of various mechanisms provided in a vending machine. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a vending machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a vending machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a vending machine 1 according to an embodiment. The vending machine 1 is configured by combining a first vending machine 100 having a first housing 101 and a second vending machine 200 having a second housing 201, and each vending machine dispenses the products stored therein.

[0018] The first vending machine 100 has a first housing 101 provided with at least one first storage compartment 102 for storing a first group of products including products that can be selected at will by a consumer. The first housing 101 has an outer door 106 that can be opened and closed, and by opening the outer door 106, each first storage compartment 102 can be replenished with products.

[0019] An outer door 106 is provided with a product display section 103 in which dummies 10 of products to be sold and selection buttons 12 for selecting the dummies 10 are arranged. When a consumer presses the selection button 12 corresponding to the dummy 10 of the product they want and completes payment, the product is dispensed and they can take it out from a product take-out opening 14 provided at the bottom of the outer door 106.

[0020] The number of tiers of the display space in the product display section 103 and the configuration of the dummies are not particularly limited, and the entire product display section 103 may be configured as a touch screen display, with the dummies and selection means being displayed as images.

[0021] The products included in the first product group may include beverages as well as various foods such as bread, sweets, and ice cream, and various items such as cigarettes, trading cards, and vouchers.

[0022] A card reader 16a for cashless payment, a bill insertion slot 16b, and a coin insertion slot 16c are arranged on the outer door 106 as components for making payment. Also, a coin return slot 16d for returning coins is arranged below the coin insertion slot 16c.

[0023] Examples of electronic money cards for cashless payments include those that utilize the functions of Suica (registered trademark), PASMO (registered trademark), FeliCa (registered trademark), and the like. Various other payment methods can also be adopted. Examples of payment methods that utilize smartphone communication functions include those that utilize the FeliCa (registered trademark) communication function, such as Google Pay (registered trademark) and Apple Pay (registered trademark). Examples of smartphone app payment processing methods include those that utilize electronic money associated with apps. Examples of image code payment processing methods include those that utilize two-dimensional codes, QR codes (registered trademarks), and the like. Examples of electronic payment methods include those that enable payment by receiving a signal from an electronic transmission or electronic communication device (e.g., a watch with communication functions) through a card reader on a vending machine. Examples of payment methods using a payment authorization card include those that enable payment by inserting a special card that authorizes payment into a bill slot. Furthermore, as a payment method using a payment-permitted coin, for example, a method in which payment is possible by inserting a special coin that permits payment into a coin slot may be considered.

[0024] The outer door 106 is provided with a selection button 18 for selecting the purchase of a product from the second vending machine 200. In this embodiment, the selection button 18 is additionally provided in a space 20 (commonly known as the instrument panel section) formed on the outer door 106 and used for displaying advertisements. An indicator 25, such as an arrow, may be provided above the selection button 18 to make it easier to select the second vending machine 200. In addition to the selection button 18 for purchasing products from the second vending machine 200, the space 20 may also be provided with a selection button 21 or dummy 22 for selling products from the first vending machine 100. The appearance of the selection button 18 shown in FIG. 1 is made different from the selection button 12 in the product display section 103 for selling products from the first vending machine 100 and the selection button 21 in the space 20, so as to differentiate it from the selection button 18 for selecting the second vending machine 200. Alternatively, the selection button 18 may have the same shape as the selection button 12 in the product display section 103 and the selection button 21 in the space 20, and is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the selection buttons 12 and the like of the product display section 103 may be assigned as selection buttons for purchases at the second vending machine 200.

[0025] The second housing 201 of the second vending machine 200 is provided with at least one second storage compartment 202 that stores a second product group 204 that includes products that cannot be selected by the consumer. The second storage compartment 202 has a window 203 through which the products 51 of the second product group 204 can be seen.

[0026] An opening / closing door (not shown) is provided on the top surface of the second housing 201 of the second vending machine 200 for replenishing the products 51 in the second storage compartment 202. The opening / closing door may be provided on the back or side of the second housing 201, or the window 203 may be made openable and closable to function as the opening / closing door.

[0027] A handle 52 and a dispensing opening 54 for the product 51 are provided on the front surface of the second housing 201 of the second vending machine 200. As will be described in detail later, when payment is completed, the handle 52 is unlocked, and the product 51 is dispensed from the dispensing opening 54 by rotating the handle 52.

[0028] The second product group 204 sold by the second vending machine 200 includes multiple types of products, and consumers can view the products through the window 203. However, consumers cannot select which product will be dispensed, which gives the game a gamified feel. For example, the products included in the second product group 204 may be displayed in the window 203, or this display may be placed on the front of the outer door 106 of the first vending machine 100. For example, if the second product group 204 includes six types of capsule toys, a photo of each capsule toy may be displayed.

[0029] The products included in the second product group are, for example, those that consist of a two-part transparent capsule and an item contained in the transparent capsule, and can be products that are provided in the form of so-called capsule toys, but are not particularly limited to these.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of various mechanisms provided in the vending machine. The first vending machine 100 is provided with a first control mechanism 111 for performing various controls of the first vending machine 100, a payment mechanism 112 for completing payment, a first selection mechanism 113 for selecting a product for the first vending machine 100, and a second selection mechanism 213 for selecting a product for the second vending machine 200. The first selection mechanism 113 corresponds to the selection button 12 shown in FIG. 1, and the second selection mechanism 213 corresponds to the selection button 18 shown in FIG. 1.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the first vending machine 100 is also provided with a first dispensing mechanism 115 for dispensing products from the first storage compartment 102, a first locking mechanism 116 for locking / unlocking the first dispensing mechanism 115, and a first communication mechanism 117 for communicating with external devices.

[0032] Based on an operation signal from the first selection mechanism 113 and a payment completion signal from the payment mechanism 112, the first control mechanism 111 unlocks the first locking mechanism 116 of the first dispensing mechanism 115 corresponding to the selected product, and dispenses the product stored in the first storage compartment 102. The first storage compartment 102 is generally called a column device (rack), and in this case, the first locking mechanism 116 is composed of a locking lever that supports the gate lever of a vending mechanism provided in the column device.

[0033] The first control mechanism 111 controls the temperature of the first storage compartment 102, and controls the cooling and heating of each product to a predetermined temperature.

[0034] A first communication mechanism 117 is connected to the first control mechanism 111. The first communication mechanism 117 is for transmitting data signals from the first control mechanism 111 to the second communication mechanism 217 of the second vending machine 200. Note that communication between the first communication mechanism 117 and the second communication mechanism 217 is not particularly limited and may be performed directly via wire or wirelessly, or via the Internet.

[0035] The first control mechanism 111 transmits an unlock signal from the first communication mechanism 117 to the second communication mechanism 217 based on the operation signal from the second selection mechanism 213 and the payment completion signal from the payment mechanism 112 .

[0036] The second vending machine 200 is provided with a second control mechanism 211 for performing various controls of the second vending machine 200, a second dispensing mechanism 215 for dispensing products from the second storage room 202, a second locking mechanism 216 for locking / unlocking the second dispensing mechanism 215, and a second communication mechanism 217 for communicating with external devices.

[0037] When the second control mechanism 211 receives the unlock signal via the second communication mechanism 217, it releases the lock set by the second lock mechanism 216 of the second dispensing mechanism 215, allowing the handle 52 (FIG. 1) to rotate. In this state, as shown in FIG. 1, the consumer can rotate the handle 52 to dispense one product 51 from the second product group 204 through the dispensing opening 54. Note that the second lock mechanism 216 can be realized, for example, by a configuration that restricts / unrestricts rotation of the rotation shaft of the handle 52. Furthermore, the handle 52 can be rotated only once per reception of the unlock signal.

[0038] In the configuration of Figure 2, the payment mechanism 112 and the second locking mechanism 216 are connected via communication, which makes it possible to operate the second locking mechanism 216 remotely even if the payment mechanism 112 and the second locking mechanism 216 are located at different locations.

[0039] With the above configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, At least one first storage 101 for storing a first group of products including products that can be selected arbitrarily by a consumer; at least one second storage 202 containing a second group of products including products that cannot be selected by the consumer; at least one first dispensing mechanism 115 for discharging a first group of products from the first storage 101; at least one second dispensing mechanism 215 for dispensing at least one product of the second group of products from the second storage bin 202; a payment mechanism 112; a first selection mechanism 113 (selection buttons 12) for a consumer to select a product from the first product group; a second selection mechanism 213 (selection buttons 18) for a consumer to select a product from the second product group; When the settlement by the settlement mechanism 112 is completed, the first dispensing mechanism or the second dispensing mechanism can dispense the product. The second dispensing mechanism 215 is a handle 52 that is rotated by the consumer; a locking mechanism (first locking mechanism 116) that locks / unlocks the rotation of the handle; The vending machine 1 is configured such that the locking mechanism is unlocked when the second selection mechanism is selected and payment by the payment mechanism 112 is completed.

[0040] In the above configuration, if a consumer wishes to purchase a product from the second product group stored in the second storage room 202, after operating the selection button 18 and completing the payment, the consumer can operate the handle 52 to dispense the product from the second product group.

[0041] In the above configuration, the first vending machine 100 and the second vending machine 200 can be installed as a single unit, allowing for the unification of the installation plans and operations of each vending machine. For example, as shown in Figure 1, by attaching the second vending machine 200 to the side panel 101a (exterior surface) of the housing 101 of the first vending machine 100, both the first vending machine 100 and the second vending machine 200 can be installed while securing floor space for the first vending machine 100, allowing for efficient use of limited space.

[0042] The second vending machine 200 may be installed in an empty space on the outer door 106 of the first vending machine 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the second vending machine 200 may be installed in a space 20 (commonly known as an instrument panel) formed on the outer door 106 and used for displaying advertisements. In this case, the selection button 18 may be provided on the front of the second vending machine 200.

[0043] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first storage compartment 102 is provided inside the housing of the vending machine, and the payment mechanism 112 is provided on an outer door 106 that is rotatably provided on the housing 101 in which the first storage compartment 102 is provided, or on the inside of the housing 101, or on the exterior surface of the housing 101 (for example, side panel 101a).

[0044] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, both the first vending machine 100 and the second vending machine 200 are installed as new machines, and it is also possible to install the second vending machine 200 in addition to an existing first vending machine 100, thereby making it possible to add value to the existing first vending machine 100.

[0045] Furthermore, since it is possible to unify payments for the first vending machine 100 and the second vending machine 200, it is possible to unify sales management for each vending machine, as well as unify collection of money and product replenishment, thereby reducing the burden of management and product replenishment and optimizing operational management.

[0046] In addition, in the above configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, At least one first storage 101 for storing a first group of products including products that can be selected arbitrarily by a consumer; at least one second storage 202 containing a second group of products including products that cannot be selected by the consumer; at least one first dispensing mechanism 115 for discharging a first group of products from the first storage 101; at least one second dispensing mechanism 215 for dispensing at least one product of the second group of products from the second storage bin 202; A payment method for a vending machine 1 having A single payment mechanism 112 allows payment for both the first product group and the second product group. This will realize a payment method for vending machines.

[0047] This allows the payment mechanism 112 for making payments for products in each product warehouse to be shared, thereby improving the efficiency of sales management and payment collection. Furthermore, for example, even if multiple second storage containers 202 are added to an existing vending machine equipped with a first storage container 101, payments for products stored in the other second storage containers 202 can be made using the payment mechanism 112 of the existing vending machine, and there is no need to install a new payment function for each additional second storage container 202. This becomes even more effective the more second storage containers 202 are added, such as when there are 10 or more second storage containers 202 added.

[0048] In another embodiment, the second dispensing mechanism 215 shown in FIG. 2 includes a discharge restriction mechanism (not shown) that restricts the discharge of products from the second storage facility, and a second locking mechanism 216 that locks / unlocks the operation of the discharge restriction mechanism (not shown), and the second locking mechanism 216 is unlocked when payment by the payment mechanism 112 is completed.

[0049] In one embodiment, the discharge restriction mechanism (not shown) is realized by a configuration including, for example, a restriction unit (not shown) that restricts the movement of the product and is operable by second lock mechanism 216, and handle 52 (FIG. 1) that is turned by the consumer to operate the restriction unit. In this case, the product is discharged (dispensed) by the consumer turning handle 52 (FIG. 1), which gives the consumer the fun of operating the handle and allows them to experience the excitement (gambling spirit) unique to Gashapon (registered trademark).

[0050] In one embodiment, the discharge restriction mechanism (not shown) includes, for example, a restriction unit (not shown) that restricts the movement of the product and is operable by second lock mechanism 216, and the restriction unit is set to a state in which it does not restrict the movement of the product by second lock mechanism 316, and the product is discharged. In this case, the product is automatically discharged (dispensed) without any operation by the consumer, so the consumer can pick up the product without operating the handle.

[0051] 4, a first vending machine 100 having a first housing 101 and a second vending machine 200 having a second housing 201 may be located in physically separate locations, and payment for the second vending machine 200 may be remotely performed by the first vending machine 100. In other words, this is a remote payment method in which payment for at least one second vending machine 200 having a second housing that stores a second group of products that includes products that cannot be selected by the consumer is remotely performed by the payment mechanism of the first vending machine 100 having at least one first storage compartment that stores a first group of products that includes products that the consumer can select at will.

[0052] The example in FIG. 4 shows an example in which one first vending machine 100 remotely handles payments for four second vending machines 200. The first vending machine 100 is provided with four selection buttons 18 corresponding to each second vending machine 200, and consumers can make payments for each second vending machine 200 by pressing the selection button 18 corresponding to the number displayed on each second vending machine 200. In this way, the first vending machine 100 is equipped with selection buttons 18 (selection mechanism) that allow consumers to select any second storage compartment 200 when there are multiple second storage compartments 200. Furthermore, since the second vending machine 200 can be installed in a location physically separated from the first vending machine 100, flexibility in installation location is increased, and space can be used more effectively, for example, by installing the second vending machine 200 in an empty space or by installing the second vending machine 200 for a short period of time, such as for a campaign.

[0053] In addition to the one-to-one correspondence between the selection buttons 18 and the second vending machines 200, the second vending machine 200 may be identified by providing numeric keys for inputting the number of the second vending machine 200 and a confirmation key.

[0054] In the example of FIG. 4, the payment mechanism provided on the first vending machine 100 side and the payment mechanism provided on the second vending machine 200 side are also connected by communication. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1. Vending Machine 10 Dummy 12 Select button 14. Dispense slot 16a Card reader 16b Bill slot 16c Coin slot 16d Return Slot 18 Select button 20 spaces 21 Select button 22 Dummy 51 items 52 Handle 54 Dispense slot 100 First Vending Machine 101 First enclosure 102 First Detention Center 103 Product Exhibition Department 106 Outer door 111 First Control Mechanism 112 Payment and Settlement Organizations 113 First-choice mechanism 115 First Dispensing Mechanism 116 First locking mechanism 117 First Communications Organization 200 Second Vending Machine 201 Second enclosure 202 Second Detention Center 203 Window 204 Second product group 211 Second Control Mechanism 213 Second Selection Mechanism 215 Second dispensing mechanism 216 Second locking mechanism 217 Second Communication Mechanism

Claims

1. a payment mechanism of a first vending machine having at least one first storage compartment storing a first group of products including products that can be selected at will by a consumer; The remote payment method remotely performs payment for at least one second vending machine having a second storage compartment that stores a second group of products including products that cannot be selected arbitrarily by a consumer.

2. the second vending machine has at least one second dispensing mechanism for dispensing the second group of products from the second storage compartment; The second dispensing mechanism a handle that is rotated by a consumer; a second locking mechanism that locks / unlocks the rotation of the handle; The second locking mechanism is unlocked when the payment is completed by the payment mechanism.

2. The remote payment method according to claim 1.

3. The settlement mechanism and the second locking mechanism are connected by communication; 3. The remote payment method according to claim 2.

4. the first vending machine is provided with a selection mechanism for allowing a consumer to select an arbitrary second storage compartment when there are multiple second storage compartments; 4. The remote payment method according to claim 3.

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