Worker terminal, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To address a conventional problem in that a set of a communication terminal identifier, a settlement terminal identifier, and a vending machine identifier cannot be easily transmitted to a server.SOLUTION: A worker terminal 1 includes: a communication terminal identifier acquisition unit 131 that reads a code of a communication terminal 3 that transmits sales information about a commodity in a vending machine 2 to a server 5 to acquire a communication terminal identifier embedded in the code; a settlement terminal identifier acquisition unit 132 that reads a code of a settlement terminal 4 to be used for settlement in the vending machine 2 to acquire a settlement terminal identifier embedded in the code; a vending machine identifier acquisition unit 133 that reads a code of the vending machine 2 to acquire a vending machine identifier embedded in the code; and a transmission unit 14 that transmits the communication terminal identifier, the settlement terminal identifier, and the vending machine identifier to the server 5. A set of the communication terminal identifier, the settlement terminal identifier, and the vending machine identifier can be easily transmitted to the server by the worker terminal 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an operator terminal or the like used by an operator of a vending machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, when installing a payment terminal on a vending machine, an administrator would determine in advance which payment terminal to install on the vending machine, and an operator would visit the vending machine where it was installed, visually check the vending machine's control number against the terminal identifier of the payment terminal to be installed, and then install it.

[0003] Furthermore, there has conventionally been a vending machine system in which payment processing can be performed by communication between the vending machine and a payment server (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-85953 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, conventionally, there has been no mechanism for easily managing in a server the combination of the identifier of the communication terminal that transmits information from the vending machine, the identifier of the payment terminal installed in the vending machine, and the identifier of the vending machine.

[0006] Furthermore, conventionally, it has not been easy to manage the identifier of a communication terminal and the vending machine management information recorded in the vending machine in an error-free association. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The worker terminal of the first invention is an worker terminal that includes a communication terminal identifier acquisition unit that acquires a communication terminal identifier that identifies the communication terminal that transmits product sales information in the vending machine to a server, a payment terminal identifier acquisition unit that acquires a payment terminal identifier that identifies the payment terminal used for payment in the vending machine, a vending machine identifier acquisition unit that acquires a vending machine identifier that identifies the vending machine, and a transmission unit that transmits the communication terminal identifier, payment terminal identifier, and vending machine identifier to the server.

[0008] This configuration allows a set of a communication terminal identifier, a payment terminal identifier, and a vending machine identifier to be easily transmitted to the server, thereby enabling the server to manage the set of a communication terminal identifier, a payment terminal identifier, and a vending machine identifier without error.

[0009] Furthermore, in the worker terminal of the second invention, compared to the first invention, the communication terminal identifier acquisition unit reads the code of the communication terminal and acquires the communication terminal identifier embedded in the code, and the vending machine identifier acquisition unit reads the code of the vending machine and acquires the vending machine identifier embedded in the code.

[0010] This configuration allows a set of a communication terminal identifier, a payment terminal identifier, and a vending machine identifier to be easily transmitted to the server, thereby enabling the server to manage the set of a communication terminal identifier, a payment terminal identifier, and a vending machine identifier without error.

[0011] Furthermore, the worker terminal of the third invention is different from the worker terminal of the first or second invention in that the transmission unit is a worker terminal that automatically transmits the communication terminal identifier, payment terminal identifier, and vending machine identifier to the server when the communication terminal identifier, payment terminal identifier, and vending machine identifier are acquired.

[0012] This configuration makes it extremely easy to send a set of a communication terminal identifier, a payment terminal identifier, and a vending machine identifier to the server, thereby enabling the server to manage the set of a communication terminal identifier, a payment terminal identifier, and a vending machine identifier without error.

[0013] Furthermore, the worker terminal of the fourth invention is a worker terminal in which, compared to the first to third inventions, the order in which three identifiers, namely the communication terminal identifier, the payment terminal identifier, and the vending machine identifier, are acquired is determined, and the worker terminal is equipped with a judgment unit that determines whether the identifiers have been acquired in the order, and an error output unit that outputs error information if the judgment unit determines that the identifiers have not been acquired in the order.

[0014] This configuration allows a set of a communication terminal identifier, a payment terminal identifier, and a vending machine identifier to be easily transmitted to the server, thereby enabling the server to manage the set of a communication terminal identifier, a payment terminal identifier, and a vending machine identifier without error.

[0015] Furthermore, in the worker terminal of the fifth invention, compared to the fourth invention, the judgment unit determines whether the information embedded in the code read by the communication terminal identifier acquisition unit is a communication terminal identifier, and if the information is not a communication terminal identifier, acquires error information, then the payment terminal identifier acquisition unit determines whether the information embedded in the code read is a payment terminal identifier, and if the information is not a payment terminal identifier, acquires the error information, then the vending machine identifier acquisition unit determines whether the information embedded in the code read is a vending machine identifier, and if the information is not a vending machine identifier, acquires the error information, and the error output unit is a worker terminal that outputs the error information when the judgment unit acquires the error information.

[0016] This configuration allows a set of a communication terminal identifier, a payment terminal identifier, and a vending machine identifier to be easily transmitted to the server, thereby enabling the server to manage the set of a communication terminal identifier, a payment terminal identifier, and a vending machine identifier without error.

[0017] In addition, the worker terminal of the sixth invention, compared to any one of the first to fifth inventions, further comprises a storage unit in which a worker identifier that identifies the worker terminal is stored, and the transmission unit is a worker terminal that transmits the worker identifier, communication terminal identifier, payment terminal identifier, and vending machine identifier to the server.

[0018] This configuration makes it possible to identify the worker who sent the combination of the communication terminal identifier, payment terminal identifier, and vending machine identifier to the server. As a result, the combination of the communication terminal identifier, payment terminal identifier, and vending machine identifier can be managed correctly on the server.

[0019] Furthermore, the worker terminal of the seventh invention is a worker terminal according to any one of the first to sixth inventions, further comprising a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information that identifies a location, and the transmission unit also transmits the location information to the server.

[0020] With this configuration, from the next time onwards, workers who visit the vending machine can visit the location where the vending machine is located without making a mistake about the vending machine.

[0021] In addition, the worker terminal of the eighth invention is a worker terminal that includes a communication terminal identifier acquisition unit that acquires a communication terminal identifier that identifies the communication terminal that transmits product sales information in the vending machine to a server, a management information acquisition unit that acquires vending machine management information from the vending machine that includes information about the equipment of the vending machine, and a transmission unit that transmits the communication terminal identifier and vending machine management information to the server.

[0022] With this configuration, the communication terminal identifier and the vending machine management information recorded in the vending machine can be managed in association with each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] The worker terminal according to the present invention can easily transmit a set of a communication terminal identifier, a payment terminal identifier, and a vending machine identifier to the server. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] Conceptual diagram of working system A in embodiment 1 [Figure 2] Block diagram of the same work system A [Figure 3] A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the worker terminal 1 [Figure 4] FIG. 10 shows an example of screen transitions on the worker terminal 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 shows an example of screen transitions on the worker terminal 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the worker terminal and the like will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that, in the embodiments, components with the same reference numerals perform similar operations, and therefore, repeated description may be omitted.

[0026] (Embodiment 1) In this embodiment, a worker terminal that transmits three identifiers, a communication terminal identifier, a payment terminal identifier, and a vending machine identifier, to a server will be described.

[0027] In this embodiment, a worker terminal that automatically transmits the three identifiers to the server when the third identifier is acquired will be described.

[0028] In addition, in this embodiment, we will describe an operator terminal in which the order in which three identifiers are obtained is fixed, with the aim of assisting operators in accurately installing a communication terminal and a payment terminal in a vending machine.

[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a worker terminal that transmits a worker identifier to a server together with three identifiers will be described.

[0030] In this specification, information X being associated with information Y means that information Y can be obtained from information X, or information X can be obtained from information Y, and the method of association is not important. Information X and information Y may be linked, may exist in the same buffer, information X may be included in information Y, or information Y may be included in information X, etc.

[0031] 1 is a conceptual diagram of a work system A according to this embodiment. Work system A includes one or more worker terminals 1, one or more vending machines 2, and a server 5. A communication terminal 3 and a payment terminal 4 are installed in the vending machine 2.

[0032] The worker terminal 1 is typically a terminal used by a worker who installs the communication terminal 3 and payment terminal 4 in the vending machine 2. The worker terminal 1 may be, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal, but the type is not important.

[0033] The communication terminal 3 is a terminal that transmits information acquired by the vending machine 2 to the server. The communication terminal 3 is installed in the vending machine 2. The information acquired by the vending machine 2 is information acquired when selling a product to a consumer. Note that products are usually sold for a fee, but they may also be provided free of charge, and the manner of product transfer is not important. The information acquired when selling a product is, for example, sales information. The sales information includes information that identifies the product purchased by the consumer. The sales information includes, for example, a vending machine identifier and a column identifier. The column identifier is information that identifies the column. A column usually involves the discharge of a product, but it may also be a virtual column that does not involve the discharge of a product.

[0034] The payment terminal 4 is a terminal used by consumers when purchasing products from the vending machine 2. The payment terminal 4 is, for example, a touch terminal that communicates with a smartphone or NFC card held by the consumer to make payment for products. It is preferable that the payment terminal 4 has a short-range communication function such as NFC. The payment terminal 4 is installed in the vending machine 2.

[0035] Server 5 is a device that manages pairs of communication terminal identifiers, payment terminal identifiers, and vending machine identifiers. The pairs of communication terminal identifiers, payment terminal identifiers, and vending machine identifiers are used, for example, for payment, but their use is not important. Server 5 is, for example, a cloud server or ASP server, but the type is not important.

[0036] 2 is a block diagram of the work system A according to this embodiment. The worker terminal 1 constituting the work system A includes a storage unit 11, a reception unit 12, a processing unit 13, a transmission unit 14, and an output unit 15. The processing unit 13 includes a communication terminal identifier acquisition unit 131, a payment terminal identifier acquisition unit 132, a vending machine identifier acquisition unit 133, a determination unit 134, a location information acquisition unit 135, and a management information acquisition unit 136. The output unit 15 includes an error output unit 151. The worker terminal 1 typically includes a camera. The vending machine 2 includes a management information recording unit 21.

[0037] Various types of information are stored in storage unit 11 that constitutes worker terminal 1. The various types of information include, for example, a worker identifier that identifies the worker, communication terminal conditions that are conditions for identifying a communication terminal identifier, payment terminal conditions that are conditions for identifying a payment terminal identifier, and vending machine conditions that are conditions for identifying a vending machine identifier.

[0038] The worker identifier may be information for identifying the worker terminal 1. The worker identifier may be, for example, the worker's ID, the worker's email address, the worker's telephone number, or the worker terminal 1 ID.

[0039] The communication terminal condition is, for example, a condition that specifies the range of the communication terminal identifier, or the first or last character (for example, a number) of the communication terminal identifier.

[0040] The payment terminal condition is, for example, a condition that specifies a range of payment terminal identifiers, or the first or last character (e.g., a number) of the payment terminal identifier.

[0041] The vending machine condition is, for example, a condition that specifies the range of the vending machine identifier, or the first or last character (e.g., a number) of the vending machine identifier.

[0042] The reception unit 12 receives various instructions and information. The various instructions and information are, for example, instructions to launch an app or pressing a button on a screen. Here, the app is, for example, an installation work support app. The installation work support app is an application that supports the installation of the communication terminal 3 and the payment terminal 4 in the vending machine 2.

[0043] The means for inputting various instructions and information may be any means, such as a touch panel, keyboard, mouse, or menu screen.

[0044] Processing unit 13 performs various types of processing. The various types of processing are, for example, processing performed by communication terminal identifier acquisition unit 131, payment terminal identifier acquisition unit 132, vending machine identifier acquisition unit 133, and determination unit 134.

[0045] The communication terminal identifier acquisition unit 131 acquires a communication terminal identifier that identifies the communication terminal. The means by which the communication terminal identifier acquisition unit 131 acquires the communication terminal identifier is not important. For example, the communication terminal identifier acquisition unit 131 reads a code of the communication terminal 3 and acquires the communication terminal identifier embedded in the code. The code is information in which an identifier is embedded. The code here is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark) or a barcode, but the type is not important. The communication terminal identifier acquisition unit 131 receives the communication terminal identifier stored in the communication terminal 3, for example, by wireless or wired communication. Such wireless communication is preferably short-range wireless communication such as NFC.

[0046] It is preferable that the code of the communication terminal 3 is visible on the communication terminal 3. For example, the code of the communication terminal 3 is printed on a sticker attached to the communication terminal 3. The code of the communication terminal 3 may be visible on the packaging of the communication terminal 3. The packaging of the communication terminal 3 is, for example, a bag or box containing the communication terminal 3.

[0047] The payment terminal identifier acquisition unit 132 acquires a payment terminal identifier that identifies the payment terminal 4. The means by which the payment terminal identifier acquisition unit 132 acquires the payment terminal identifier is not important. For example, the payment terminal identifier acquisition unit 132 receives the payment terminal identifier stored in the payment terminal 4 via wireless or wired communication. Such wireless communication is preferably short-range wireless communication such as NFC. For example, the payment terminal identifier acquisition unit 132 reads a code on the payment terminal 4 and acquires the payment terminal identifier embedded in the code. Note that the code here is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark) or a barcode, but the type is not important.

[0048] It is preferable that the code of the payment terminal 4 is visible on the payment terminal 4. For example, the code of the payment terminal 4 is printed on a sticker attached to the payment terminal 4. The code of the payment terminal 4 may be visible on the packaging of the payment terminal 4. The packaging of the payment terminal 4 is, for example, a bag or box containing the payment terminal 4.

[0049] The vending machine identifier acquisition unit 133 acquires a vending machine identifier that identifies the vending machine 2. The means by which the vending machine identifier acquisition unit 133 acquires the vending machine identifier is not important. For example, the vending machine identifier acquisition unit 133 reads a code on the vending machine 2 and acquires the vending machine identifier embedded in the code. Note that the code here is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark) or a barcode, but the type is not important. For example, the vending machine identifier acquisition unit 133 receives the vending machine identifier stored in the vending machine 2 via wireless or wired communication. For wireless communication, short-range wireless communication such as NFC is preferable.

[0050] It is preferable that the code of the vending machine 2 is displayed on the vending machine 2. For example, the code of the vending machine 2 is displayed on the inside of the door of the vending machine 2. However, the location where the code of the vending machine 2 is present is not critical, although it is usually inside the vending machine 2.

[0051] The determination unit 134 determines whether the order in which the three identifiers, for example, the communication terminal identifier, the payment terminal identifier, and the vending machine identifier are acquired is determined and whether the identifiers have been acquired in that order.

[0052] The determination unit 134 performs a first determination to determine whether the information acquired by the communication terminal identifier acquisition unit 131 is a communication terminal identifier, and acquires error information if the information is not a communication terminal identifier. The first determination is a determination as to whether the acquired identifier satisfies the communication terminal condition.

[0053] The determination unit 134 performs a second determination to determine whether the information acquired by the payment terminal identifier acquisition unit 132 is a payment terminal identifier, and acquires error information if the information is not a payment terminal identifier. The second determination is a determination of whether the acquired identifier satisfies the payment terminal condition.

[0054] The determination unit 134 performs a third determination, for example, to determine whether the information acquired by the vending machine identifier acquisition unit 133 is a vending machine identifier, and acquires error information if the information is not a vending machine identifier. The third determination is a determination as to whether the acquired identifier satisfies the vending machine conditions.

[0055] It is preferable that the determination unit 134 makes the first determination, then the second determination, and then the third determination. In other words, it is preferable that the identifiers be acquired in the following order: communication terminal identifier, payment terminal identifier, and vending machine identifier.

[0056] The location information acquisition unit 135 acquires location information that identifies the location of the worker terminal 1. The location information is usually (latitude, longitude) or (latitude, longitude, altitude), but this does not matter. The location information acquisition unit 135 acquires the location information, for example, using a GPS receiver. The timing at which the location information acquisition unit 135 acquires the location information does not matter. The location information acquisition unit 135 acquires the location information, for example, when the processing unit 13 acquires one or more identifiers. The location information acquisition unit 135 acquires the location information, for example, when an application that acquires identifiers is launched. The location information acquisition unit 135 constantly acquires location information.

[0057] The management information acquisition unit 136 acquires vending machine management information from the vending machine 2. For example, the management information acquisition unit 136 receives the vending machine management information from the management information recording unit 21 of the vending machine 2 using short-range wireless communication technology such as NFC. The management information acquisition unit 136 acquires the vending machine management information by reading a code in which vending machine management information is embedded, such as a code attached to the vending machine 2. Note that the means by which the management information acquisition unit 136 acquires the vending machine management information is not important.

[0058] The transmission unit 14 transmits the communication terminal identifier, the payment terminal identifier, and the vending machine identifier to the server 5.

[0059] The transmission unit 14 may transmit the worker identifier, the communication terminal identifier, the payment terminal identifier, and the vending machine identifier to the server 5.

[0060] It is preferable that transmission unit 14 also transmits the location information to server 5. It is preferable that transmission unit 14 transmits the location information together with the worker identifier to server 5. Transmission unit 14 transmits, for example, the worker identifier, the communication terminal identifier, the payment terminal identifier, the vending machine identifier, and the location information to server 5.

[0061] Transmitting unit 14 transmits the vending machine management information acquired by management information acquiring unit 136 to server 5. It is preferable that transmitting unit 14 transmits the worker identifier and the vending machine management information to server 5. Transmitting unit 14 may transmit the worker identifier, the communication terminal identifier, the payment terminal identifier, the vending machine identifier, and the vending machine management information to server 5. Transmitting unit 14 may transmit the worker identifier, the communication terminal identifier, the payment terminal identifier, the vending machine identifier, the location information, and the vending machine management information to server 5.

[0062] For example, when the communication terminal identifier, the payment terminal identifier, and the vending machine identifier are acquired, the transmission unit 14 automatically transmits the communication terminal identifier, the payment terminal identifier, and the vending machine identifier to the server 5.

[0063] The transmission unit 14 transmits the communication terminal identifier, the payment terminal identifier, and the vending machine identifier to the server 5, for example, in response to an instruction from the user.

[0064] The following order is preferred for the worker's work procedure and the processing order on worker terminal 1. First, the worker installs communication terminal 3 in vending machine 2, and before and after the installation of communication terminal 3, communication terminal identifier acquisition unit 131 acquires the communication terminal identifier; second, the worker installs payment terminal 4 in vending machine 2, and before and after the installation of payment terminal 4, payment terminal identifier acquisition unit 132 acquires the payment terminal identifier; then, vending machine identifier acquisition unit 133 acquires the vending machine identifier; and then, transmission unit 14 transmits these three identifiers to server 5. In this case, transmission unit 14 preferably also transmits the worker identifier and location information to server 5.

[0065] The output unit 15 outputs various types of information. The various types of information are, for example, error information. The error information is information indicating that an error has occurred. The content of the error information is not important.

[0066] Here, output usually means display on a display, but it may also be a concept that includes projection using a projector, printing on a printer, sound output, transmission to an external device, storage on a recording medium, and handing over of processing results to other processing devices or other programs.

[0067] The error output unit 151 outputs error information when the determination unit 134 determines that the identifiers have not been acquired in the correct order.

[0068] When the determining unit 134 acquires error information, the error output unit 151 outputs the error information.

[0069] Vending machine manager information is stored in the management information recording unit 21 of the vending machine 2. Vending machine manager information is information related to the vending machine 2. The vending machine manager information includes, for example, information related to the equipment of the vending machine 2 and information related to the software installed on the vending machine 2. The information related to the equipment is, for example, the model identifier of the vending machine 2. The information related to the software is, for example, the software ID, software name, and version. The vending machine manager information includes, for example, an identifier that identifies the region or location where the vending machine 2 is installed.

[0070] The storage unit 11 and the management information recording unit 21 are preferably non-volatile recording media, but can also be realized as volatile recording media.

[0071] There is no restriction on the process by which information is stored in the storage unit 11 etc. For example, information may be stored in the storage unit 11 etc. via a recording medium, information transmitted via a communication line etc. may be stored in the storage unit 11 etc., or information input via an input device may be stored in the storage unit 11 etc.

[0072] The reception unit 12 can be realized by, for example, a device driver for an input means such as a touch panel or buttons, or control software for a menu screen.

[0073] The processing unit 13 and the determination unit 134 can usually be realized by a processor, memory, etc. The processing procedures of the processing unit 13, etc. are usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM. However, they may also be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit). The processor may be a CPU, MPU, GPU, etc., and the type does not matter.

[0074] The location information acquisition unit 135 is realized by, for example, a GPS receiver, but may be realized by other means capable of acquiring location information.

[0075] The communication terminal identifier acquisition unit 131, the payment terminal identifier acquisition unit 132, and the vending machine identifier acquisition unit 133 are realized, for example, by a code reader, but may also be realized by wireless or wired communication means. The communication terminal identifier acquisition unit 131, etc. may also be considered to have a camera.

[0076] The management information acquisition unit 136 is realized by, for example, a wireless or wired communication means. Preferably, the management information acquisition unit 136 is realized by a short-range wireless communication means that can use a short-range wireless communication technology such as NFC. The management information acquisition unit 136 is realized by, for example, a code reader.

[0077] The transmitter 14 is usually realized by a wireless or wired communication means, but may also be realized by a broadcasting means.

[0078] The output unit 15 and the error output unit 151 may or may not include output devices such as a display, a speaker, etc. The output unit 15 may be realized by driver software for an output device, or by a combination of driver software for an output device and the output device, etc.

[0079] Next, an example of the operation of the worker terminal 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0080] (Step S301) Processing unit 13 determines whether the first code has been read. If the first code has been read, the process proceeds to step S302, and if the first code has not been read, the process returns to step S301. Here, for example, communication terminal identifier acquisition unit 131 determines whether the first code has been read.

[0081] (Step S302) The processing unit 13 acquires the identifier embedded in the first code read in step S301. Here, for example, the communication terminal identifier acquisition unit 131 acquires the identifier embedded in the first code.

[0082] (Step S303) The judgment unit 134 judges whether or not the identifier acquired in step S302 is the first identifier. If it is the first identifier, the process proceeds to step S304, and if it is not the first identifier, the process proceeds to step S315. Note that here, for example, the judgment unit 134 judges whether or not the identifier acquired in step S302 is a communication terminal identifier.

[0083] (Step S304) Processing unit 13 temporarily stores the first identifier acquired in step S302 in a buffer (not shown). Note that here, for example, communication terminal identifier acquisition unit 131 temporarily stores the communication terminal identifier, which is the identifier acquired in step S302, in a buffer (not shown).

[0084] (Step S305) Processing unit 13 determines whether the second code has been read. If the second code has been read, proceed to step S306, and if not, return to step S305. Here, for example, payment terminal identifier acquisition unit 132 determines whether the second code has been read.

[0085] (Step S306) Processing unit 13 acquires the identifier embedded in the second code. Here, for example, payment terminal identifier acquisition unit 132 acquires the identifier embedded in the second code.

[0086] (Step S307) The judgment unit 134 judges whether the identifier acquired in step S306 is the second identifier. If it is the second identifier, the process proceeds to step S308, and if it is not the first identifier, the process proceeds to step S316. Note that here, for example, the judgment unit 134 judges whether the identifier acquired in step S306 is a payment terminal identifier.

[0087] (Step S308) Processing unit 13 temporarily stores the second identifier acquired in step S306 in a buffer (not shown). Note that here, for example, payment terminal identifier acquisition unit 132 temporarily stores the payment terminal identifier, which is the identifier acquired in step S306, in a buffer (not shown).

[0088] (Step S309) The processing unit 13 determines whether or not the third code has been read. If the third code has been read, the process proceeds to step S310; if not, the process returns to step S309. Here, for example, the vending machine identifier acquisition unit 133 determines whether or not the third code has been read.

[0089] (Step S310) The processing unit 13 acquires the identifier embedded in the third code. Here, for example, the vending machine identifier acquisition unit 133 acquires the identifier embedded in the third code.

[0090] (Step S311) The judgment unit 134 judges whether the identifier acquired in step S310 is the third identifier. If it is the third identifier, the process proceeds to step S311, and if it is not the third identifier, the process proceeds to step S317. Note that here, for example, the judgment unit 134 judges whether the identifier acquired in step S306 is a vending machine identifier.

[0091] (Step S312) The processing unit 13 temporarily stores the third identifier acquired in step S310 in a buffer (not shown). Note that here, for example, the vending machine identifier acquisition unit 133 temporarily stores the vending machine identifier acquired in step S310 in a buffer (not shown).

[0092] (Step S313) The location information acquisition unit 135 acquires location information.

[0093] (Step S314) The processing unit 13 acquires the worker identifier of the storage unit 11.

[0094] (Step S315) The transmitter 14 associates the three identifiers (communication terminal identifier, payment terminal identifier, vending machine identifier) ​​in the buffer (not shown) with the location information acquired in step S313 and transmits them to the server 5.

[0095] (Step S316) The management information acquisition unit 135 acquires vending machine management information from the vending machine 2.

[0096] (Step S317) The transmission unit 14 transmits the operator identifier and the vending machine management information to the server, and the process ends.

[0097] (Step S318) The error output unit 151 outputs an error message. The process returns to step S301.

[0098] (Step S319) The error output unit 151 outputs an error message. The process returns to step S305.

[0099] (Step S320) The error output unit 151 outputs an error message. The process returns to step S309.

[0100] In the flowchart of Figure 3, the first identifier, second identifier, and third identifier are preferably a communication terminal identifier, a payment terminal identifier, and a vending machine identifier, respectively. However, the first identifier, second identifier, and third identifier may be different types of identifiers. The communication terminal identifier, payment terminal identifier, and vending machine identifier are each different types.

[0101] Also, in the flowchart of FIG. 3, it is assumed that by inspecting the identifier, it is possible to determine whether it is the first identifier, the second identifier, the third identifier, or another identifier.

[0102] Furthermore, in the flowchart of FIG. 3, the transmission unit 14 may transmit the vending machine management information together with the first identifier, the second identifier, the third identifier, and the like to the server.

[0103] Next, an example of operation using three identifiers will be described, which is an example of operation of the vending machine 2, the communication terminal 3, the payment terminal 4, and the server 5. It goes without saying that the process using the three identifiers is not limited to the following.

[0104] The information transmitted from the worker terminal 1 is received by the server 5 and stored by the server 5. More specifically, when the server 5 receives a set of a communication terminal identifier, a payment terminal identifier, and a vending machine identifier associated with an worker identifier, the server 5 associates the set of three identifiers with the worker identifier and stores them in an identifier management table (not shown). The server 5 stores the location information in the identifier management table in association with the worker identifier, etc. Furthermore, the server 5 stores the vending machine management information in association with the worker identifier in the identifier management table.

[0105] Furthermore, suppose that a communication terminal 3 and a payment terminal 4 are installed in the vending machine 2, and after the vending machine 2 starts selling products, a consumer touches, for example, their smartphone (not shown) to the payment terminal 4 of the vending machine 2 and presses the button corresponding to the product they wish to purchase. Then, for example, the smartphone obtains a payment terminal identifier from the payment terminal 4 via short-range wireless communication, associates the smartphone's user identifier with the payment terminal identifier, and transmits them to the server 5.

[0106] In addition, the vending machine 2 passes to the communication terminal 3 of the vending machine 2 the column identifier and the vending machine identifier corresponding to the button pressed by the consumer.

[0107] The communication terminal 3 transmits to the server 5 the stored communication terminal identifier and the passed column identifier and vending machine identifier.

[0108] The server 5 receives the user identifier and the payment terminal identifier from the consumer's smartphone, and also receives the communication terminal identifier, the column identifier, and the vending machine identifier from the communication terminal 3.

[0109] Next, server 5 references the identifier management table and detects that the combination of the communications terminal identifier and vending machine identifier received from communications terminal 3 and the payment terminal identifier received from the consumer's smartphone exists in the identifier management table. In other words, server 5 detects that the three identifiers are valid. Server 5 then obtains the price of the product paired with the received vending machine identifier and column identifier from the product management table (not shown), and performs payment processing to charge the user identified by the received user identifier. Note that, for example, the user identifier is associated with a credit card number.

[0110] Next, in response to the successful completion of the payment process, the server 5 transmits an instruction to the communication terminal 3 of the vending machine 2 to dispense the product.

[0111] Next, the communication terminal 3 receives the discharge instruction and passes the discharge instruction to the vending machine 2. Next, the vending machine 2 discharges the product in the column corresponding to the button pressed by the consumer.

[0112] A specific example of the operation of the worker terminal 1 in this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0113] In this specific example, it is assumed that the worker is installing the communication terminal 3 and the payment terminal 4 in the newly installed vending machine 2.

[0114] First, the worker launches the installation work support app on the worker terminal 1 to perform the work. Then, the worker terminal 1 launches the app and displays screen (a) of FIG. 4(a). Next, the worker presses the "Installation Registration" button 401 on screen (a). Pressing this button can start the installation work. The installation work is the installation of the communication terminal 3 and payment terminal 4 in the vending machine 2.

[0115] Next, the worker terminal 1 displays screen (b) in FIG. 4(b). Screen (b) is a screen that prompts the worker to read the code on the communication terminal 3. Next, the worker presses button 402 on screen (b). This activates the camera on the worker terminal 1. Next, the worker moves the worker terminal 1 to a position where the camera can read a code (here, a QR code) on the back of the communication terminal 3 (FIG. 4(c)). Next, the communication terminal identifier acquisition unit 131 of the worker terminal 1 reads the code and acquires the identifier embedded in the code (FIG. 4(c)).

[0116] Next, determination unit 134 determines whether the acquired identifier is a communication terminal identifier. Here, it is assumed that determination unit 134 determines that the acquired identifier is a communication terminal identifier. Next, communication terminal identifier acquisition unit 131 temporarily stores the communication terminal identifier in a buffer (not shown). By the above process, reading of the communication terminal identifier is completed (FIG. 4(d)).

[0117] Next, the worker terminal 1 displays the screen of Fig. 4(e). Screen (e) is a screen that prompts the worker to attach the communication terminal 3 to the vending machine 2. This screen is a screen for supporting the worker when attaching the communication terminal 3 to the vending machine 2. As a result of the worker performing the work while looking at this screen, it is assumed that the worker has completed the work of attaching the communication terminal 3 to the vending machine 2 (Fig. 4(f)).

[0118] Next, the worker terminal 1 switches to a screen for attaching the payment terminal 4 (FIG. 5(g)). The payment terminal 4 may also be called a touch terminal.

[0119] 5(g), the payment terminal 4 and the worker terminal 1 communicate with each other, and the payment terminal identifier acquisition unit 132 of the worker terminal 1 acquires an identifier from the payment terminal 4 via NFC short-range wireless communication.

[0120] Next, the determination unit 134 determines whether the acquired identifier is a payment terminal identifier. Here, it is assumed that the determination unit 134 determines that the acquired identifier is a payment terminal identifier. Next, the payment terminal identifier acquisition unit 132 temporarily stores the payment terminal identifier in a buffer (not shown). By performing the above process, reading of the payment terminal identifier is completed (FIG. 5(h)).

[0121] It is assumed that the worker then completes the work of attaching the payment terminal 4 to the vending machine 2. Then, the screen of the worker terminal 1 transitions to FIG. 5(i).

[0122] Next, in order to associate the vending machine identifier with the communication terminal identifier and payment terminal identifier, the worker presses button 504 on the screen of FIG. 5(i) of the worker terminal 1. This causes the screen of the worker terminal 1 to switch to FIG. 5(j). In other words, the camera of the worker terminal 1 is activated.

[0123] Next, the worker moves the camera of the worker terminal 1 to the position of the code of the vending machine 2.

[0124] Then, the vending machine identifier acquisition unit 133 of the worker terminal 1 reads the code (here, a barcode) of the vending machine 2 and acquires the identifier embedded in the code.

[0125] Next, the determination unit 134 determines whether the acquired identifier is a vending machine identifier. Here, it is assumed that the determination unit 134 determines that the acquired identifier is a vending machine identifier. Then, the screen of the worker terminal 1 transitions to FIG. 5(k).

[0126] Next, processing unit 13 temporarily stores the acquired vending machine identifier in a buffer (not shown). As a result, the three identifiers, the communication terminal identifier, the payment terminal identifier, and the vending machine identifier, are associated with each other. Next, processing unit 13 acquires the worker identifier from storage unit 11 of worker terminal 1.

[0127] Next, the transmission unit 14 associates the three identifiers (communication terminal identifier, payment terminal identifier, and vending machine identifier) ​​with the worker identifier and transmits them to the server 5. Note that here, the location information acquisition unit 135 has acquired location information that identifies the location of the worker terminal 1, and the transmission unit 14 may also transmit this location information to the server 5.

[0128] Next, server 5 receives and stores the three identifiers (communication terminal identifier, payment terminal identifier, vending machine identifier) ​​and the worker identifier from worker terminal 1. As a result, the three identifiers that can manage the combination of vending machine 2, communication terminal 3, and payment terminal 4 are accurately stored in server 5. Note that here, server 5 may also receive and store the three identifiers (communication terminal identifier, payment terminal identifier, vending machine identifier), location information, and the worker identifier from worker terminal 1.

[0129] As described above, according to this embodiment, a set of a communication terminal identifier, a payment terminal identifier, and a vending machine identifier can be easily transmitted to the server 5. More specifically, while the worker is attaching the communication terminal 3 and the payment terminal 4 to the vending machine 2, the worker terminal 1 can easily transmit the set of the three identifiers to the server 5.

[0130] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a worker identifier that can identify the worker who transmitted the set of the communication terminal identifier, payment terminal identifier, and vending machine identifier to server 5 can also be stored in server 5 together with the set.

[0131] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a set of a communication terminal identifier, a payment terminal identifier, and a vending machine identifier can be stored together with location information in server 5. By storing location information, the location of a vending machine 2 identified by the vending machine identifier can be accurately determined, making it easier to visit the vending machine 2.

[0132] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the communication terminal identifier and the vending machine management information recorded in the vending machine can be managed in association with each other.

[0133] The processing in this embodiment may be implemented by software. This software may be distributed by software download or the like. Furthermore, this software may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed. This also applies to the other embodiments in this specification. The software implementing the worker terminal 1 in this embodiment may be, for example, the following program. That is, this program causes a computer to function as a communication terminal identifier acquisition unit that acquires a communication terminal identifier that identifies the communication terminal that transmits product sales information for a vending machine to a server, a payment terminal identifier acquisition unit that acquires a payment terminal identifier that identifies the payment terminal used for payment in the vending machine, a vending machine identifier acquisition unit that acquires a vending machine identifier that identifies the vending machine, and a transmission unit that transmits the communication terminal identifier, the payment terminal identifier, and the vending machine identifier to the server.

[0134] Furthermore, the software that realizes the operator terminal 1 may be, for example, the following program: That is, this program functions as a communication terminal identifier acquisition unit that acquires a communication terminal identifier that identifies the communication terminal that transmits product sales information for a vending machine to a server, a management information acquisition unit that acquires vending machine management information including information about the equipment of the vending machine from the vending machine, and a transmission unit that transmits the communication terminal identifier and the vending machine management information to the server.

[0135] The computer that executes the program may be a single computer or a plurality of computers, that is, it may perform centralized processing or distributed processing.

[0136] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, each process may be realized by centralized processing in a single device, or may be realized by distributed processing in a plurality of devices.

[0137] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible, and it goes without saying that these modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0138] As described above, the worker terminal 1 of the present invention has the advantage of being able to easily transmit a set of a communication terminal identifier, a payment terminal identifier, and a vending machine identifier to a server, and is useful as a worker terminal for a worker who installs a communication terminal 3 and a payment terminal 4 on a vending machine 2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] A. Work System 1. Worker terminal 2. Vending machines 3. Communication terminals 4. Payment terminal 5 Server 11 Storage area 12 Reception 13 Processing section 14 Transmitter 15 Output section 21 Management information recording section 131 Communication terminal identifier acquisition unit 132 Payment terminal identifier acquisition unit 133 Vending machine identifier acquisition unit 134 Judgment Department 135 Location information acquisition unit 136 Management Information Acquisition Department 151 Error output section

Claims

1. a communication terminal identifier acquisition unit that acquires a communication terminal identifier that identifies a communication terminal that transmits sales information of products in the vending machine to a server; a payment terminal identifier acquisition unit that acquires a payment terminal identifier that identifies a payment terminal used for payment in the vending machine; a vending machine identifier acquisition unit that acquires a vending machine identifier that identifies the vending machine; an operator terminal including a transmission unit that transmits the communication terminal identifier, the payment terminal identifier, and the vending machine identifier to the server;

2. The communication terminal identifier acquisition unit reading a code of the communication terminal and obtaining the communication terminal identifier embedded in the code; The vending machine identifier acquisition unit The operator terminal according to claim 1, wherein the operator terminal reads a code of the vending machine and acquires the vending machine identifier embedded in the code.

3. The transmission unit The worker terminal according to claim 1, wherein when the communication terminal identifier, the payment terminal identifier, and the vending machine identifier are acquired, the worker terminal automatically transmits the communication terminal identifier, the payment terminal identifier, and the vending machine identifier to the server.

4. a determination unit that determines whether the three identifiers, i.e., the communication terminal identifier, the payment terminal identifier, and the vending machine identifier, are acquired in a predetermined order, and that determines whether the identifiers have been acquired in that order; The worker terminal according to claim 1 , further comprising: an error output unit that outputs error information when the determination unit determines that the identifiers have not been acquired in accordance with the order.

5. The determination unit The communication terminal identifier acquisition unit determines whether the acquired information is a communication terminal identifier, and if the information is not a communication terminal identifier, acquires error information; thereafter, the payment terminal identifier acquisition unit determines whether the acquired information is a payment terminal identifier, and if the information is not a payment terminal identifier, acquires error information; thereafter, the vending machine identifier acquisition unit determines whether the acquired information is a vending machine identifier, and if the information is not a vending machine identifier, acquires error information; The error output unit 5. The worker terminal according to claim 4, wherein when the determining unit acquires error information, the determining unit outputs the error information.

6. a storage unit for storing a worker identifier for identifying the worker terminal; The transmission unit The worker terminal according to claim 1, wherein the worker identifier, the communication terminal identifier, the payment terminal identifier, and the vending machine identifier are transmitted to the server.

7. Further comprising a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information that identifies the location, The worker terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the transmitting unit also transmits the position information to the server.

8. a communication terminal identifier acquisition unit that acquires a communication terminal identifier that identifies a communication terminal that transmits sales information of products in the vending machine to a server; a management information acquisition unit that acquires vending machine management information including information about equipment of the vending machine from the vending machine; An operator terminal comprising a transmission unit that transmits the communication terminal identifier and the vending machine management information to the server.

9. An information processing method in a working terminal including a communication terminal identifier acquisition unit, a payment terminal identifier acquisition unit, a vending machine identifier acquisition unit, and a transmission unit, a communication terminal identifier acquisition step in which the communication terminal identifier acquisition unit acquires a communication terminal identifier that identifies a communication terminal that transmits sales information of products in the vending machine to a server; a payment terminal identifier acquisition step in which the payment terminal identifier acquisition unit acquires a payment terminal identifier that identifies a payment terminal used for payment in the vending machine; a vending machine identifier acquisition step in which the vending machine identifier acquisition unit acquires a vending machine identifier that identifies the vending machine; an information processing method including a transmitting step in which the transmitting unit transmits the communication terminal identifier, the payment terminal identifier, and the vending machine identifier to the server.

10. An information processing method in a work terminal including a communication terminal identifier acquisition unit, a management information acquisition unit, and a transmission unit, comprising: a communication terminal identifier acquisition step in which the communication terminal identifier acquisition unit acquires a communication terminal identifier that identifies a communication terminal that transmits sales information of products in the vending machine to a server; a vending machine management information acquisition step in which the management information acquisition unit acquires vending machine management information including information about equipment of the vending machine from the vending machine; an information processing method including a transmitting step in which the transmitting unit transmits the communication terminal identifier and the vending machine management information to the server.

11. Computer, a communication terminal identifier acquisition unit that acquires a communication terminal identifier that identifies a communication terminal that transmits sales information of products in the vending machine to a server; a payment terminal identifier acquisition unit that acquires a payment terminal identifier that identifies a payment terminal used for payment in the vending machine; a vending machine identifier acquisition unit that acquires a vending machine identifier that identifies the vending machine; A program for causing the computer to function as a transmitting unit that transmits the communication terminal identifier, the payment terminal identifier, and the vending machine identifier to the server.

12. Computer, a communication terminal identifier acquisition unit that acquires a communication terminal identifier that identifies a communication terminal that transmits sales information of products in the vending machine to a server; a management information acquisition unit that acquires vending machine management information including information about equipment of the vending machine from the vending machine; A program for causing the computer to function as a transmitting unit that transmits the communication terminal identifier and the vending machine management information to the server.

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