Automatic vending methods, devices, and programs

Abstract

To provide an automatic vending machine that allows a user to order a product or the like that is not stocked in the automatic vending machine.SOLUTION: An automatic vending machine that allows a user to reserve, order, or apply for an object that is not stocked in the machine, comprises: a reading unit 6 for reading personal information from a personal information holder or reading a unique identifier linked to the personal information from a unique identifier holder; a processing unit 2 for processing the settlement of the payment for the object using a settlement identifier read from a settlement identifier holder via the reading unit 6 or cash inserted into a cash receiving mechanism 8; and a communication unit 5 for transmitting data including the personal information or the unique identifier linked to the personal information to an external apparatus in order to notify a reservation, order, or application regarding the settled object to a reservation destination, an order destination or an application destination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vending device (automatic vending machine) that allows users to purchase products by touching an IC card with an IC chip built in or a portable device such as a portable terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] Vending machines are installed in train stations, on the street, etc., and allow users to purchase products stored in the machine by inserting cash. Users can also purchase products stored in the machine by touching an IC card or the like with an IC chip (for example, Patent Document 1). However, it is not possible to purchase products that are not in stock in the machine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-103254 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the conventional example and to provide a vending machine that allows a customer to order products that are not in stock inside the vending machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configuration: a vending machine capable of reserving, ordering, or applying for an item not in stock within the machine, comprising a reading unit that reads personal information from a personal information holder or a unique identifier linked to the personal information from a unique identifier holder, a processing unit that proceeds with payment for the item using a payment identifier read via a reader from a payment identifier holder or cash inserted into a cash receiving mechanism, and a communication unit that transmits data including the personal information or the unique identifier linked to the personal information to an external device to notify the reservation, order, or application destination of the reservation, order, or application for the paid item.

[0006] "Target" includes goods and services. "Personal information holder" refers to media or mobile devices with a personal information storage unit, such as media with an IC chip built in, such as IC cards. "Unique identifier holder" refers to media holding a unique identifier, including media and terminals with an IC chip built in, such as IC cards, as well as magnetic cards and media displaying barcodes. Examples include credit cards, electronic money cards, point cards, bank cash cards, wristbands, and mobile devices with equivalent functions. "Unique identifier" refers to an identifier that uniquely identifies personal information, such as a credit card number, electronic money number, point card number, or bank account number. "Payment identifier holder" refers to media holding a payment identifier, including media and terminals with an IC chip built in, such as IC cards, as well as media displaying magnetic cards and barcodes. Examples include credit cards, electronic money cards, point cards, bank cash cards, wristbands, hotel room keys, medical facility patient registration cards, and mobile devices with equivalent functions. "Payment identifier" includes credit card number, electronic money number, point card number, bank account number, user number, etc.

[0007] According to the present invention, a user can select an object and simply read an IC card or the like to proceed with payment for the selected object, and can automatically notify the order recipient or the like of personal information required for delivery of the object based on the information stored in the IC card or the like. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to order products that are not in stock inside the vending machine. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overview of a trading system realized by the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vending machines A and B shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a portable device such as an IC card shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a data structure diagram of the product DB provided in the transaction management system shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the personal information DB shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vending machine C shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of a trading system implemented in accordance with the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a structural diagram of data stored in the storage unit of the vending machine in the embodiment of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, an overview of a transaction system realized by a vending machine of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0011] Figure 1 shows three vending machines, A, B, and C. Vending machine A is installed in locations where conventional vending machines are typically installed, such as inside train stations or on the street. Vending machine B is installed in an airport. Vending machines A and B have the same appearance as existing touch panel vending machines, but are characterized by the fact that they can sell products that do not have built-in touch panels.

[0012] On the other hand, vending machine C is placed near people who are not good at shopping. Vending machine C is configured, for example, as a tablet terminal, and is characterized by the ease of use, allowing products to be purchased simply by touching an IC card, just like with existing vending machines. The detailed configuration of each vending machine A, B, and C will be described later.

[0013] A consumer operates the touch panel of vending machine A, B, or C to select the product they wish to purchase, and purchases the product by touching vending machine A, B, or C with a portable device 10 equipped with an IC chip, such as an IC card 10. Products that can be purchased from vending machine A, B, or C are managed in a product database (product DB) 21 by a transaction management system 20. Transaction management system 20 is a computer system that communicates with vending machines A, B, and C via a computer network such as the Internet, as well as with a card company system 30 (including agent systems) and a personal information database (personal information DB) 40, which are also computer systems.

[0014] There are multiple card company systems 30, each handling different electronic money and credit cards. Each card company manages a personal information DB 40, and there are multiple personal information DBs 40. Each company's personal information DB 40 stores personal information such as the address, name, and telephone number of its customers, linked to their electronic money number or credit card number. The personal information DB 40 may also store the address, name, telephone number, etc. of the IC chip owner, linked to an identifier (such as IDm) unique to the IC chip. The personal information DB 40 may be under the management of the transaction management system 20.

[0015] The transaction management system 20 arranges for delivery of the purchased goods, and obtains the personal information required for delivery from the IC card 10 touched to the vending machine A, B, C, or from the personal information DB 40.

[0016] Foreign tourists and the like who use the airport can have a new IC card 10 issued at the airport. At that time, the foreign tourists and the like can register personal information and the like in the personal information DB 40 in association with the credit card number or electronic money number on the newly acquired IC card 10. Registration of personal information and the like is performed using an information registration device 50 installed at the airport.

[0017] The transaction management system 20 arranges for delivery of products for which payment has been completed by touching an IC card 10 or the like, or for which payment has been made by cash on delivery. In FIG. 1, solid lines indicate the flow of information, and dotted lines indicate the flow of products. In arranging delivery, the transaction management system 20 sends product shipping instructions to the producer of one or more purchased products and to the collection point for those products. The producer receives the shipping instructions using the producer device 60 and prepares the specified products for shipment. The products prepared for shipment are collected at the designated collection point. A local town hall or chamber of commerce can also serve as a collection point.

[0018] At the collection base, the base device 70 receives the shipping instructions, collects the specified products from each producer, and bundles the collected products together. The bundled products are then delivered to the destination via the distribution network 80.

[0019] Products purchased from vending machine A are delivered to the consumer who purchased them or to a designated delivery address. Products purchased from vending machine B are delivered to a product pickup counter set up at the airport, where the foreign tourist who purchased the product can pick it up before boarding their flight home. Products purchased from vending machine C are delivered to the shopper who purchased them.

[0020] Producer device 60 and base device 70 are computers, facsimiles, etc., and communicate with transaction management system 20 via a computer network or public line. Transaction management system 20 also collects information indicating delivery status from computers deployed in distribution network 80 via the computer network.

[0021] Next, the above-mentioned configuration will be described in detail.

[0022] Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of vending machines A and B. Vending machines A and B are equipped with an input unit 1, a processing unit 2, a memory unit 3, a display unit 4, and a network communication unit 5, which are the basic elements of a computer. Vending machines A and B also have a short-range wireless communication unit 6 that communicates with an IC chip mounted on an IC card 10, and an access point 7 that communicates with a smartphone 11 located in a local area. Furthermore, vending machines A and B are equipped with a cash receiving mechanism 8 and a built-in product providing mechanism 9, which are conventionally equipped in general vending machines.

[0023] The input unit 1 accepts user input. The display unit 4 displays information to the user. In this embodiment, the input unit 1 and the display unit 4 are touch panels. The processing unit 2 includes a processor that executes programs to realize various functions. The memory unit 3 is a storage area of ​​a storage device such as a hard disk. The network communication unit 5 is a communication device that communicates with external computers via a computer network. The short-range wireless communication unit 6 is an IC chip reader / writer that communicates with an IC chip touched to the short-range wireless communication unit 6 using a predetermined protocol. The access point 7 communicates with a smartphone 11 in the local area via wireless LAN. The cash receiving mechanism 8 detects cash inserted by a consumer and stores the inserted cash. The built-in product supply mechanism 9 guides a product from the product rack to the product outlet when a product installed in vending machine A or B is purchased.

[0024] The memory unit 3 stores a record of each product for sale. The structure of a record of a product for sale associates a unique product identifier, product introduction information, product price information, additional product information, and out-of-stock information for each product. The product introduction information includes a product image and a product description. The product price information indicates the unit price of the product. The additional product information includes information on the sales region, popularity ranking, recommended products, whether the product is a built-in product or a delivery product, and preference tags. The out-of-stock information indicates whether the product is out of stock at the manufacturer. However, the record of the out-of-stock product itself may be deleted, making it unnecessary to add out-of-stock information.

[0025] 3 is a configuration diagram of a portable device 10 incorporating an IC chip such as an IC card 10. The portable device 10 is an IC card, a mobile phone, or the like. The portable device 10 includes a processing unit 12, a memory unit 13, and a communication unit 14. The processing unit 12, the memory unit 13, and the communication unit 14 are incorporated in the IC chip.

[0026] The memory unit 13 stores the device identifier in association with the personal information of the owner of the mobile device 10. The device identifier is an identifier unique to each mobile device 10, such as an IC card, and is a credit card number or electronic money number. The personal information includes the name, address, delivery destination, telephone number, passport number, and return flight information. Areas for the passport number and return flight information are provided as needed. The name, address, and telephone number indicate the name, address, and telephone number of the owner of the mobile device 10. The delivery destination includes the name, address, and telephone number of the product delivery destination. The passport number indicates the passport number of the foreign traveler who has become the owner of the mobile device 10. The return flight information indicates the schedule of the foreign traveler's return flight. In addition, in the case of an electronic money card, the electronic money balance and usage history are recorded. In the case of a credit card, a PIN number and the like are recorded.

[0027] Figure 4 shows the structure of records stored in the product DB21 of the transaction management system 20. The record associates a unique product identifier, product introduction information, product price information, additional product information, inventory information, producer information, and collection point information for each product. The product identifier, product introduction information, product price information, and additional product information are the same types of information stored in the memory units 3 of vending machines A and B as described above. The inventory information indicates the current inventory quantity received from the producer machine 60. The producer information includes the identifier and contact information of the producer of the product. The collection point information includes the identifier and contact information of the collection point for the product. Each identifier is, for example, a login ID for the transaction management system 20, and each contact information is, for example, an email address or a fax number.

[0028] 5 shows the structure of a record stored in the personal information DB 40. The record associates a device identifier, name, address, delivery destination, telephone number, passport number, return flight information, and preference information. Information other than the preference information is the same as the information stored in the memory unit 13 of the mobile device 10 described above. The preference information is set based on the past purchase history of the owner of the mobile device 10, and is information that indicates the preferences of the owner.

[0029] Next, the operation of each vending machine will be described.

[0030] [Product Presentation] A consumer using vending machine A touches IC card 10 to short-range wireless communication unit 6. Processing unit 2 of vending machine A acquires the device identifier stored in memory unit 13 of the touched IC card 10 through short-range wireless communication unit 6. Processing unit 2 also displays a menu for selecting built-in products or delivery products on display unit 4, and displays a list of built-in products on display unit 4 by default, for example. Each time the consumer operates input unit 1 to select a built-in product or delivery product from the menu, processing unit 2 displays a list of the selected products on display unit 4.

[0031] When the built-in product menu is selected, the processing unit 2 searches the storage unit 3 for products whose additional product information indicates "built-in product." When the delivery product menu is selected, the processing unit 2 searches the storage unit 3 for products whose additional product information indicates "delivery product." However, products whose out-of-stock information indicates "out of stock" are excluded. The processing unit 2 reads out the product introduction information (images and product descriptions) and product price information of the searched products from the storage unit 3, creates a list, and displays it on the display unit 4.

[0032] [Sort products] When displaying a list of products, the processing unit 2 prioritizes displaying products that match the consumer's preferences. The processing unit 2 acquires preference information associated with the device identifier read from the IC card 10 from the personal information DB 40. The information in the personal information DB 40 is acquired through the network communication unit 5 and the transaction management system 20. If the personal information DB 40 is managed by a card operating company, the information in the personal information DB 40 may be acquired through the card company system 30. Similarly, if the personal information DB 40 is managed by the operator of the transaction management system 20, the information in the personal information DB 40 may be acquired through the transaction management system 20. Furthermore, if the personal information DB 40 can be accessed directly, the network communication unit 5 may acquire the preference information directly from the personal information DB 40.

[0033] The processing unit 2 preferentially displays in the list products that match the preference information acquired from the personal information DB 40. The processing unit 2 determines whether the preference tag information included in the product additional information of the searched product matches the preference information acquired from the personal information DB 40, and determines the order in which the products are displayed in the list in order of match.

[0034] The preference information managed in the personal information DB 40 may be linked to an identifier other than the above-mentioned device identifier. For example, it may be linked to a unique identifier of a mobile terminal (such as a smartphone 11) owned by the consumer. In this case, the consumer's mobile terminal may connect to the access point 7 of the vending machine A by activating a communication app for the vending machine, and transmit the unique identifier of the mobile terminal (such as a device ID, serial number, MAC address, or unique ID of the communication app) to the vending machine A. The processing unit 2 obtains the consumer's preference information linked to the unique identifier of the received mobile terminal from the personal information DB 40.

[0035] The processing unit 2 also displays a sorting menu for sorting the products displayed in the list on the display unit 4. The sorting menu can be, for example, sorting by preference as described above, by popularity ranking, by recommendation, or by lowest price. The processing unit 2 accepts the selection of the sorting menu from the input unit 1. If the selected menu is sorting by popularity ranking, the processing unit 2 determines the order of products to be displayed in the list according to the popularity ranking order included in the additional product information of the searched product. If the selected menu is sorting by recommendation, the processing unit 2 prioritizes displaying products that are marked as "recommended products" in the additional product information of the searched product. If the selected menu is sorting by lowest price, the processing unit 2 determines the order of products to be displayed in the list according to the lowest product price information of the searched product.

[0036] The processing unit 2 displays a list of products on the display unit 4 in accordance with the determined order. The processing unit 2 may narrow down the products to a specified type and display them on the display unit 4. In this case, the type of product is described in the additional product information, and the list is narrowed down to products whose type of product selected by operating the input unit 1 matches the type of product described in the additional product information.

[0037] [Product Selection] The consumer selects products to purchase from the product list displayed on the display unit 4. If the product list spans multiple screens, the consumer searches for the products they want to purchase by switching between product list screens, for example by swiping on the touch panel on which the product list is displayed. The processing unit 2 provides a user interface for this. The consumer then selects the products to purchase by touching one or more products they wish to purchase on the touch panel. The consumer also inputs the purchase quantity of the selected products through the input unit 1. The processing unit 2 displays purchase details on the display unit 4, including the product name, price, purchase quantity, and total purchase amount of the selected one or more products.

[0038] [Buy built-in products] When a consumer selects a built-in product, they either insert cash into the cash receiving mechanism 8 or touch the IC card 10 to the short-range wireless communication unit 6. When cash sufficient to cover the product price has been inserted, or when the product price has been deducted from the electronic money balance on the IC card 10 via the short-range wireless communication unit 6, or when the product price has been deducted from the electronic money balance and cash has been inserted to cover the remaining amount, the processing unit 2 drives the built-in product providing mechanism 9 and guides the purchased product from the product rack to the product removal outlet.

[0039] [Purchase delivery items: Select delivery address] On the other hand, a consumer who has selected a product to be delivered checks the purchase details and touches the IC card 10 to the short-range wireless communication unit 6. The processing unit 2 acquires the device identifier, name, address, and delivery destination information stored in the IC card 10 through the short-range wireless communication unit 6. Alternatively, the processing unit 2 acquires the device identifier stored in the IC card 10, and acquires the name, address, and delivery destination information associated with the acquired device identifier from the personal information DB 40 through the network communication unit 5.

[0040] When there are multiple device identifiers stored in the IC card 10, for example, when an electronic money number, a credit card number, a point card number, and an IC chip identifier are stored, the processing unit 2 acquires name, address, and delivery address information from a personal information DB 40 managed by one of the card companies, etc. If the processing unit 2 is unable to acquire the expected information from the personal information DB 40 linked to one device identifier, it acquires name, address, and delivery address information from the personal information DB 40 linked to another device identifier. The same applies to the acquisition of the preference information described above.

[0041] Then, the processing unit 2 displays options for the delivery destination of the product on the display unit 4. As options, the acquired address and name, and one or more addresses and names included in the delivery destination information are displayed. The consumer touches and selects the desired delivery destination from the options for delivery destinations displayed on the display unit 4.

[0042] [settlement] Once the delivery destination is selected, the processing unit 2 then displays payment method options on the display unit 4. The processing unit 2 displays available payment method options on the display unit 4 based on the device identifier acquired from the IC card 10 that has been touched to the short-range wireless communication unit 6. If the IC card 10 supports electronic money payment, the processing unit 2 includes electronic money payment as an option. If the IC card 10 supports credit card payment, the processing unit 2 includes credit card payment as an option. In addition, cash on delivery and cash payment are included as options. The consumer touches the desired payment method from the options displayed on the display unit 4 to select it.

[0043] The processing unit 2 displays a screen on the display unit 4, requesting the consumer to confirm the delivery destination and payment method selected up to that point. The consumer confirms the product to be purchased, the price, the delivery destination, and the payment method, and then touches the IC card 10 to the near-field wireless communication unit 6. In the case of electronic money payment, the processing unit 2 completes the payment by subtracting the purchase amount from the electronic money balance recorded on the IC card 10. If the electronic money balance is insufficient, the processing unit 2 determines that the remaining cash has been inserted into the cash receiving mechanism 8, and then completes the payment. In the case of credit card payment, the processing unit 2 may request the input of a personal identification number, and if the personal identification number entered by the consumer through the input unit 1 matches the personal identification number recorded on the IC card 10, the payment may be completed. The processing unit 2 notifies the card company system 30 of the electronic money or credit card payment information at a predetermined timing. In the case of cash on delivery payment, the processing unit 2 confirms the order by touching the IC card 10. In the case of cash payment, the processing unit 2 determines that sufficient cash to cover the product price has been inserted into the cash receiving mechanism 8, and then completes the payment. Alternatively, part of the payment may be paid by IC card, and the remainder may be deposited in cash into the cash receiving mechanism 8. Conversely, the remaining amount after depositing cash may be paid by IC card (credit card or electronic money).

[0044] In the above operations, the consumer views and operates the screen using the touch panel of vending machine A, but by connecting smartphone 11, on which a remote operation app for vending machine A has been installed, to access point 7, it is also possible to view and operate the screen of vending machine A remotely from smartphone 11. In this case, the delivery address may be entered into the vending machine using personal information such as name and address registered in the smartphone or in a database associated with the smartphone.

[0045] [Shipping] The processing unit 2 sends an order form for the purchased or ordered product to the transaction management system 20 via the network communication unit 5. The order form includes the product identifier of the purchased product, payment information, delivery address information, and, if payment is cash on delivery, a statement to that effect. Based on the order form received from the vending machine A, the transaction management system 20 reads out from the product DB 21 the producer information and collection point information associated with the product identifier of the ordered product. If multiple products are ordered, the producer information and collection point information for each product is read out.

[0046] Now, suppose that eggplant, a local specialty, and local sake are purchased. The transaction management system 20 reads the producer information and collection base information for the eggplant from the product DB 21, and also reads the producer information and collection base information for the local sake from the product DB 21. Assume that the eggplant and local sake are produced by different producers but have the same collection base. Based on the order forms for eggplant and local sake sent from vending machine A, the transaction management system 20 generates order forms addressed to the eggplant producer and the local sake producer, respectively. The order forms include the ordered products, their quantities, and information about the collection base.

[0047] Furthermore, the transaction management system 20 generates a delivery arrangement for the eggplant and local sake addressed to the collection base based on the order form for the eggplant and local sake sent from vending device A. The delivery arrangement includes a list of products to be included (eggplant and local sake), information on the delivery destination, and, if payment is cash on delivery, a statement to that effect. Based on the producer information for each product, the transaction management system 20 sends an order form addressed to each producer to the producer device 60 of each producer. Based on the collection base information for each product, the transaction management system 20 also sends a delivery arrangement for the collection base to the base device 70.

[0048] Each producer that receives the order form gathers the number of products ordered based on the order form and brings them to the designated collection point. The collection point confirms that all of the products from each producer that should be bundled have been gathered based on the delivery arrangement, bundles them together, and ships them with a waybill addressed to the delivery address indicated on the delivery arrangement (including a notice if payment is made by cash on delivery). The shipped products are delivered to the designated delivery address via the distribution network 80. If payment is made by cash on delivery, the product price is collected at the delivery address.

[0049] Although the method of collecting and shipping has been described here, the products may also be shipped directly from the producer to the delivery destination. In this case, the transaction management system 20 includes information about the delivery destination in the order form addressed to each producer.

[0050] [Update product information] The producer's inventory quantity for each product is notified to the transaction management system 20 from the producer device 60 at any time. The transaction management system 20 receives the association between the product identifier and the current inventory quantity of that product from the producer device 60, and updates the inventory quantity (inventory information) in the record for the corresponding product in the product DB 21. If this update results in a shortage, the transaction management system 20 associates the product identifier of the out-of-stock product with shortage information and sends it to the vending machine A. Upon receiving this information, the vending machine A updates the shortage information for the product corresponding to the received product identifier to "out of stock." Alternatively, the vending machine A deletes the record corresponding to the received product identifier from the storage unit 3.

[0051] Furthermore, the products sold by vending machine A among those registered in product DB21 vary depending on the sales region. Each product record registered in product DB21 includes sales region information in the additional product information. When requesting product information from transaction management system 20, vending machine A transmits the identifier of the region in which it is installed to transaction management system 20. Transaction management system 20 reads product information from product DB21 whose sales region matches the region identifier received from vending machine A, and provides this to vending machine A that made the request. Vending machine A stores the product information received from transaction management system 20 in memory unit 3. This allows each vending machine to have a distinctive product lineup, such as selling products from the region in which it is installed.

[0052] As described above, consumers using vending machine A can purchase delivery products not built into the vending machine and have them delivered to a specified destination through simple operations similar to those of conventional vending machines: selecting a product on the touch panel and touching IC card 10 to make payment. There is no need to key in personal information such as the recipient's address or name when purchasing delivery products. Furthermore, with the vending machine of this embodiment, consumers can purchase delivery products that are not built into the vending machine as well as built-in products. Note that a vending machine that only sells delivery products and does not sell built-in products does not require the built-in product providing mechanism 9. Furthermore, a vending machine that does not sell built-in products does not require on-site restocking, reducing personnel costs. Furthermore, since the operation and maintenance of the built-in product providing mechanism 9 is not required, running and maintenance costs can also be reduced. Furthermore, even if the vending machine is broken into, there are no products inside, and in the case of a vending machine that only accepts electronic payments and does not have a cash receiving mechanism 8, there is no cash inside either. This reduces the risk of theft, making it suitable for use in foreign countries with poor security, and promoting the widespread use of vending machines.

[0053] In this embodiment, the consumer touches the IC card 10 three times on the vending machine A to purchase a product. This number of touches can be reduced. For example, if the initial product suggestions do not reflect the consumer's preferences, the touch before selecting a product can be omitted. On the other hand, if a single touch is required before selecting a product, the touch before presenting the delivery destination options can be omitted if the single touch also reads the information necessary for selecting the delivery destination and payment method before payment. However, if the consumer leaves the machine after selecting a product, there is a risk that others may see the consumer's personal information, such as the delivery destination. Therefore, a method can be considered in which the personal information is not displayed on the screen, but only a message such as "Do you want to have the product delivered to your registered address?" is displayed, and delivery arrangements are made when the consumer presses "Yes." In this case, marks are pre-assigned to the addresses, names, etc. of the delivery destinations to be prioritized among the delivery destination candidates stored in the memory unit 3 or personal information DB 40 of the IC card 10. When the processing unit 2 receives the input of "Yes" from the input unit 1, it retrieves the address, name, etc. marked with the mark from the storage unit 3 of the IC card 10 or the personal information DB 40 and uses the information for arranging delivery.

[0054] [Airport services] Vending machine B is installed at an airport. The configuration of vending machine B is the same as that of vending machine A described above, but it can provide convenient services to foreign tourists at the airport. When a foreign tourist arrives at the airport, he or she receives a new IC card 10 at the IC card issuing counter. At this time, the name, address, delivery address, telephone number, passport number, and return flight information are registered in memory unit 13 of IC card 10 in association with the device identifier.

[0055] Alternatively, the foreign traveler operates the information registration device 50 installed at the airport and registers the name, address, delivery destination, telephone number, passport number, and return flight information in the personal information database 40 in association with the device identifier of the issued IC card 10. The name, address, telephone number, and passport number are the name, address, telephone number, and passport number of the foreign traveler who received the IC card 10. The delivery destination is the product delivery counter at the airport from which the return flight departs. The return flight information includes the date and time of the return flight arranged by the foreign traveler. At the time of each of the above registrations, nationality, religion, and preferences may also be registered as preference information. In this way, for example, it is possible to display pork-free foods for Muslims on the screen, or to guide them to restaurants and lodgings that serve pork-free dishes.

[0056] The foreign tourist uses the issued IC card 10 to purchase a product from vending machine B in the same way as purchasing a product from vending machine A described above. The processing unit 2 of vending machine B then sends an order form for the purchased product to the transaction management system 20, including the name, address, telephone number, and delivery address, as well as the passport number and return flight information obtained from the IC card 10 or personal information DB 40. The transaction management system 20 then includes the passport number and return flight information in the delivery arrangement form sent to the base device 70. The collection base displays the passport number on the product's shipping label and specifies the product's arrival date and time well before the return flight date and time. The product arrives at the airport product delivery counter well before the return flight date and time. The foreign tourist's passport number is used to verify their identity as the purchaser, and they can pick up the purchased product at the product delivery counter before boarding their return flight.

[0057] [Vending machine for those with limited shopping skills] In FIG. 1, vending machine C is placed near a shopper. The configuration of this vending machine C is shown in FIG. 6. Vending machine C is composed of a tablet terminal and a near-field wireless communication device 6 (IC card reader / writer) connected to the tablet terminal. The tablet terminal is equipped with an input unit 1, a processing unit 2, a memory unit 3, a display unit 4, and a network communication unit 5. The input unit 1 and the display unit 4 are touch panels. The components of vending machine C are equivalent to the components of vending machines A and B shown in FIG. 2.

[0058] Vending machine C does not sell built-in products, and therefore does not have the cash receiving mechanism 8 and built-in product providing mechanism 9 shown in Figure 2. It also does not have the access point 7. The rest of the configuration is the same as vending machines A and B. A shopper can easily purchase a product at home or elsewhere by selecting a product on the touch panel of the tablet terminal and touching the IC card 10 to the near-field wireless communication device 6, just like using vending machine A described above, and can receive the purchased product at home or elsewhere. For product delivery, it is recommended to use a local base such as a town hall or chamber of commerce as a collection point. The near-field wireless communication device 6 may be built into the tablet terminal.

[0059] [Application to refrigerators] The components of the vending device C shown in Fig. 6 may be incorporated into a refrigerator. That is, a refrigerator is constructed incorporating a touch panel that serves as the input unit 1 and display unit 4, a processing unit 2, a memory unit 3, a network communication unit 5, and a short-range wireless communication device 6. If there are ingredients missing from the refrigerator, for example, the user can easily purchase the product by selecting the product they want to purchase from the touch panel equipped on the refrigerator and touching an IC card 10 to the short-range wireless communication unit 6, and the missing ingredients can be delivered to their home or other location. Of course, it is also possible to have a system that detects when ingredients are running low in the refrigerator and automatically orders the missing ingredients.

[0060] [Other embodiments] Another embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7. In Figure 7, a delivery destination device 90 is provided as the delivery destination through a delivery network 80. In reality, there are multiple delivery destination devices 90. Furthermore, vending devices D to F are provided in place of vending devices A to C in Figure 1. The other configurations are the same as in Figure 1. In reality, there are also multiple vending devices A to F.

[0061] [Delivery to IC lockers] 7, delivery destination device 90 includes a storage unit for storing products, a locking mechanism for locking the storage unit, a control unit for unlocking the storage unit by touching an IC card (IC chip) 10 that serves as a key, and a communication unit for communicating with an external computer. Delivery destination device 90 is, for example, an IC card compatible coin locker (hereinafter referred to as an "IC locker").

[0062] In this embodiment, first, a consumer purchases a product from a vending machine D using an IC card 10. The purchased product is delivered to a specified IC locker 90. Then, the consumer touches the IC card 10 used to purchase the product to the IC locker 90, unlocking the IC locker 90 and allowing the consumer to receive the product. That is, the vending machine obtains personal information such as address and name, and passes the card number used for payment to a server, which then links this information with the card reader of the IC locker 90 and verifies the consumer's identity when receiving the product.

[0063] The configuration of the vending machine D is the same as that shown in FIG. 2, but the processing executed by the processing unit 2 and the information stored in the storage unit 3 are different from those in the above-described embodiment.

[0064] The storage unit 3 stores the information shown in Fig. 8 in addition to the information shown in Fig. 2, in association with each other. That is, the storage unit 3 stores the product identifier of the purchased product, payment status information indicating the payment status of the product, delivery destination information indicating the location of the storage unit in the IC locker 90 to which the product will be delivered, and IC key information that can unlock the storage unit, in association with each other. The storage unit 3 also stores IC locker information, including a list of the locations of multiple storage units to which the product can be delivered.

[0065] The payment status information includes information on the price of the purchased product and a notice that the price of the product has been paid. The delivery destination information includes information identifying the installation location of one of the IC lockers 90 among the IC lockers 90 scattered at multiple locations, and information identifying one empty storage section among the multiple storage sections provided in that IC locker 90. The IC key information includes information identifying the IC card 10 that was touched to the vending machine D when purchasing the product. The information identifying the IC card 10 is, for example, the card number. The IC locker information includes a list of empty storage sections that can be selected as the delivery destination, and the list includes, for each storage section, information identifying that storage section and information identifying the installation location of the IC locker 90 to which that storage section belongs.

[0066] 2 includes "Delivery to IC locker" in the options displayed on the display unit 4 in the "Select delivery destination" of the embodiment described above. When the consumer selects "Delivery to IC locker," the processing unit 2 receives a list of empty storage compartments in IC lockers 90 located within a certain distance from the address included in the delivery destination information described above from an external information server such as the transaction system 20, and stores the received information in the storage unit 3 as IC locker information.

[0067] The processing unit 2 reads the IC locker information from the storage unit 3 and displays a list of empty storage compartments on the display unit 4. The display method involves plotting the locations of the target IC lockers 90 on a map, and when one IC locker 90 is selected by touch, a matrix of the IC locker's multiple storage compartments is displayed on the display unit, color-coded to indicate whether each compartment is empty. Furthermore, when one empty storage compartment is selected as the delivery destination by touch, the processing unit 2 confirms with the consumer whether that storage compartment is acceptable, and then records the delivery destination information in the storage unit 3. The delivery destination information includes information identifying the selected storage compartment and information identifying the location of the IC locker 90 to which that storage compartment belongs. At this time, the processing unit 2 associates the product identifier of the purchased product, the payment status information for the purchase, the delivery destination information for the product, and the IC key information based on the used IC card 10, and records them in the storage unit 3.

[0068] Thereafter, when the processing unit 2 sends the aforementioned order form (order data), it reads from the memory unit 3 the product identifier of the purchased product, the payment status information for the purchase, the delivery address information for the product (addressed to IC locker 90), and the IC key information (such as the card number used for the purchase), which are all linked to each other, and includes them in the order data.

[0069] When the transaction management system 20 receives order data from the vending machine D, it sends a reservation signal to the specified IC locker 90 indicated in the delivery destination information, locking the specified storage unit indicated in the delivery destination information to prevent others from using it. The reservation signal includes a link between the designation of a specific storage unit and an unlock key for unlocking that storage unit. The control unit of the IC locker 90 has the function of receiving the reservation signal via a communication network such as the Internet and locking the specified storage unit in response to the reservation signal. The locking caused by the reservation signal can be unlocked using an unlock code known by the delivery company. The unlock code may be the same as the IC key information.

[0070] The delivery address information and IC key information recorded in the order data are handed over to the delivery company along with the product. The delivery company brings the product to the designated IC locker 90 indicated in the delivery address information and unlocks the designated storage unit indicated in the delivery address information by entering the unlock code into the IC locker 90. The delivery company then places the product in the storage unit and locks it again. When locking the storage unit, the delivery company operates the input unit of the IC locker 90 to link the IC key information with the corresponding storage unit and set it in the memory unit of the IC locker 90. Upon receiving this setting, the control unit of the IC locker 90 controls the storage unit to unlock the storage unit only if the same IC key information is given to the target storage unit. The IC key information may be previously transmitted via the communication unit and linked to the corresponding storage unit and set in the memory unit.

[0071] A consumer who has purchased a product goes to the IC locker 90 selected at the time of purchase and touches the IC card 10 used at the time of purchase to the IC locker 90. The IC locker 90 uses an IC chip reader to read identification information such as a card number, which corresponds to IC key information, from the IC card 10. The IC locker 90 then determines which storage unit has IC key information that matches the identification information such as the card number that was read, and if there is a match, the corresponding storage unit is unlocked. This allows the consumer to collect the product purchased from the vending machine D from the IC locker 90 using the same IC card 10 as when making the purchase.

[0072] The IC locker 90 may be installed anywhere, for example, at an airport, port, station, hotel, etc. along the travel route. For example, if a traveler purchases a souvenir from vending machine E, the traveler can pick up the souvenir at an IC locker 90 installed at the airport, port, station, etc. on the way back.

[0073] [Hometown tax payment] So far, we have explained mechanisms involving delivery, but the above mechanisms can also be used in other cases. For example, a vending machine displays a hometown tax (donation) screen and allows the user to select the local government to which the tax (donation) will be made. The user enters the amount of the hometown tax (donation) to the local government and scans the card. The donor's address, name, etc. are then communicated to the receiving local government, and payment can be made using the IC card 10. Payment can also be made in cash rather than by card. Next, a screen for selecting a gift (return gift) from the local government receiving the donation is displayed. Once the desired product is selected, the delivery address is communicated to the receiving local government, and the item is delivered to the donor's home or other location. This makes hometown tax and donation easy. In this case, the producer is the provider of the return gift, and if the gift is packed at a local base, the local government may manage the local base. If the return gift is a ticket for a performance or facility, the ticket company could be the producer.

[0074] 7, vending machine D has a function of making "hometown tax payments" (donations) to one or more local governments. The configuration of vending machine D is the same as that of FIG.

[0075] 2, the storage unit 3 stores the product identifier, product introduction information, product price information, additional product information, and out-of-stock information of the return gift in response to the donation. The product price information is the minimum donation amount required to receive the return gift. The additional product information includes the identifier of the local government to which the donation is made.

[0076] When "Hometown Tax Payment" is selected from the input unit 1, the processing unit 2 reads out the identifiers of each local government that will be the donation recipient from the additional product information registered in the memory unit 3, and displays a list of the local governments that will be the donation recipients on the display unit 4. When the selection of the local government that will be the donation recipient is accepted from the input unit 1, the processing unit 2 accepts input of the donation amount from the input unit 1. When the input of the donation amount is accepted, the processing unit 2 displays the local government that will be the donation recipient and the donation amount on the display unit 4. After checking the display, the donor touches their IC card to the short-range wireless communication unit 6. The processing unit 2 reads personal information such as the donor's address and name from the touched IC card 10. Alternatively, the processing unit 2 reads the card number from the touched IC card 10 and acquires personal information linked to the card number from the network communication unit 5. The personal information acquisition process is the same as in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0077] The processing unit 2 displays the name of the local government to which the donation will be made, the donation amount, and the donor's personal information on the display unit 4. The donor touches the short-range wireless communication unit 6 with the IC card 10 used to pay the donation amount displayed on the display unit 4. Alternatively, the donor may select cash payment. In the case of IC card payment, the processing unit 2 reads the card number from the touched IC card 10, and if the IC card 10 supports multiple payment methods such as prepaid, postpaid, and debit, displays payment method options on the display unit 4. The donor selects a payment method using the input device 1. The processing unit 2 displays the name of the local government to which the donation will be made, the donation amount, the donor's personal information, and the payment method on the display unit 4. The donor makes a final confirmation of the display and confirms the donation using the input unit 1. In the case of cash payment, the donor inserts cash equivalent to the donation amount into the cash receiving mechanism 8. As in the above-mentioned embodiment, the processing unit 2 executes payment using the IC card 10 or cash.

[0078] Next, the processing unit 2 searches the memory unit 3 for products (return gifts) whose additional product information includes the identifier of the local government to which the hometown tax donation was made and whose product price information is less than the donation amount. The processing unit 2 reads the product identifiers, product introduction information, and out-of-stock information of the searched multiple return gifts from the memory unit 3, and displays a list of the return gifts on the display unit 4. Return gifts that are out of stock may not be displayed. The donor selects a return gift that is not out of stock using the input unit 1 and touches the IC card 10 to the short-range wireless communication unit 6. The processing unit 2 reads personal information from the touched IC card 10, such as the address, name, and telephone number to which the return gift will be delivered. Alternatively, the processing unit 2 reads the card number of the touched IC card 10 and obtains personal information linked to the card number from the network communication unit 5. The personal information acquisition process is the same as in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0079] If there is more than one piece of personal information acquired, the processing unit 2 displays a list of them on the display unit 4. The donor selects the personal information to which the return gift will be delivered using the input unit 1. The processing unit 2 displays the selected return gift and the personal information of the delivery destination on the display unit 4 and asks for final confirmation. After checking the display, the donor confirms the delivery of the return gift using the input unit 1. The processing unit 2 transmits data for the local government regarding the hometown tax donation (including the donor's address, name, etc.) and data for delivery of the return gift (including the return gift product identifier, delivery address, name, etc.) to the transaction management system 20, and prompts the local government to process the hometown tax donation acceptance and the producer and regional base to process the delivery of the return gift.

[0080] Here, the delivery destination may be the IC locker 90 described above. The IC card 10 for payment and the IC card 10 for obtaining the delivery destination may be different cards. The IC card 10 for obtaining the delivery destination may be a dedicated IC card 10 for obtaining the delivery destination. The dedicated IC card 10 for obtaining the delivery destination may require personal information to be input from the input unit 1 when used for the first time, and the input personal information may be stored or linked to the IC card 10 so that the personal information can be automatically obtained from the second time onwards. This is also the case with the above-described embodiment.

[0081] The hometown tax payment system is widely known, but despite its high awareness, the percentage of people who have actually made hometown tax payments is low. According to this embodiment, donations such as hometown tax payments can be made easily using a vending machine, thereby promoting donations.

[0082] [Use at accommodation facilities] The vending machines of the above embodiments may be installed within accommodation facilities. In FIG. 7 , a vending machine installed within an accommodation facility is designated as E. Vending machine E is installed within the accommodation facility and sells delivery items such as local souvenirs to guests of the accommodation facility. Vending machine E is connected to a settlement device 110 for settling expenses incurred at the accommodation facility. The configuration of vending machine E is the same as that shown in FIG. 2 , and the process from product purchase to delivery is the same as that of the above-described embodiment. The delivery destination may be an IC locker 90. The IC card 10 used for payment may be issued by the accommodation facility. When an IC card 10 issued by the accommodation facility is used to pay for a product, the processing unit 2 associates the IC card number with the product price and transmits them to the settlement device 110. By previously storing the IC card number in association with the user or the user's room number, the settlement device 110 can include the price of the product purchased from vending machine E in the accommodation facility fee and bill the user. Meanwhile, the user can pay the price of the product purchased from vending machine E together with the accommodation facility fee.

[0083] The same processing can be performed even if a magnetic card is used instead of the IC card 10 and a magnetic card reader is provided instead of the short-range wireless communication unit 6. The same processing can also be performed even if a barcode display medium is used instead of the IC card 10 and a barcode reader is provided instead of the short-range wireless communication unit 6. The IC card 10 can also be a room key card.

[0084] [Use in medical facilities] The vending machines of the above embodiments may be installed within a medical facility. In FIG. 7 , the vending machine installed within the medical facility is designated as F. The vending machine F is installed within the medical facility and sells delivery items such as daily necessities to users of the medical facility. The vending machine F is connected to a settlement device 120 for settling expenses incurred at the medical facility. The configuration of the vending machine F is the same as that shown in FIG. 2 , and the process from product purchase to delivery is the same as that of the above-described embodiment. The delivery destination may be an IC locker 90. The IC card 10 used for payment may be one issued by the medical facility. When an IC card 10 issued by the medical facility is used to pay for a product, the processing unit 2 associates the IC card number with the product price and transmits them to the settlement device 120. By previously storing the IC card number associated with the user, the settlement device 120 can include the price of the product purchased from the vending machine F in the medical facility usage fee and bill the user. Meanwhile, the user can pay the price of the product purchased from the vending machine F together with the medical facility usage fee.

[0085] It is believed that many shopaholics and elderly people who use medical facilities are not accustomed to using smartphones to purchase products, but many of them are accustomed to purchasing products from vending machines. Therefore, according to this embodiment, shopaholics and elderly people who use medical facilities can effectively use the long waiting time before receiving a medical examination, etc., to relatively easily purchase daily necessities and the like from a vending machine, and can enjoy the convenience of having the purchased products automatically delivered to their home, etc.

[0086] The same processing can be performed even if a magnetic card is used instead of the IC card 10 and a magnetic card reader is provided instead of the short-range wireless communication unit 6. The same processing can also be performed even if a barcode display medium is used instead of the IC card 10 and a barcode reader is provided instead of the short-range wireless communication unit 6. The IC card 10 can also be a patient card for a medical facility, etc.

[0087] [Registration and use of personal information] In each of the above embodiments, a user who does not have an IC card 10 or who cannot retrieve information from an IC card 10 may input personal information such as name and address through the input unit 1 of the vending machine. The personal information may also be linked to a magnetic card in addition to the IC card 10. When a magnetic card is used, the vending machine is equipped with a magnetic card reader. The processing unit 2 of the vending machine then executes the following processes: accepting input of personal information through the input unit 1; reading card-identifying information (ID) such as a card number from the IC card 10 or magnetic card before or after the personal information is input; and linking the input personal information with the card-identifying information and registering it in an external personal information DB 40 via the communication unit 5. Furthermore, when the processing unit 2 subsequently reads the card-identifying information from the IC card 10 or magnetic card, it executes the process of acquiring the personal information linked to the card-identifying information from the personal information DB 40 via the communication unit 5.

[0088] The vending machine may also execute a process of accepting input of a PIN or password from the input unit 1 and a process of acquiring features such as a fingerprint, iris, face, or vein from a sensor as biometric authentication information, and when linking information identifying the card with personal information and registering the linked information in the personal information DB 40, the PIN, password, or biometric authentication information (authentication information) may also be linked and registered together. When acquiring personal information from the personal information DB 40, the vending machine may acquire authentication information from the input unit 1 or the sensor, and transmit the information identifying the card and the authentication information to the personal information DB 40 via the communication unit 5 to acquire the personal information, and acquire the personal information after being authenticated by the personal information DB 40.

[0089] In addition, the IC locker 90 may accept input of card identifying information and PIN information from its own input device, query the combination with the personal information DB 40, and release the locking mechanism of the storage unit if the combination of card identifying information and PIN information is registered in the personal information DB 40.

[0090] The vending machine may be equipped with a mechanism for issuing an IC card 10 or magnetic card on which information identifying the card is recorded to the user when the information identifying the card and personal information are initially registered in the personal information DB 40. In this initial case, the user does not need to have the vending machine read the IC card 10 or magnetic card. The issued card can be used next time to retrieve personal information from the personal information DB 40.

[0091] [Tourist information function] The vending machine is placed at a station, on the street, or elsewhere, and displays local guide information on the screen. For example, the processing unit 2 first displays items such as tourist information, hotel information, and dining information on the display unit 4. When a touch operation to select tourist information is detected from the input unit 1, the processing unit 2 reads information about nearby facilities, such as museums, included in the tourist information category from the storage unit 3 and displays it on the display unit 4. The storage unit 3 stores information about multiple facilities available for reservation, categorized by category. When a facility selection and a reservation operation for the selected facility are input from the input unit 1, the processing unit 2 requests the user to touch the IC card 10 to the near-field wireless communication device 6. Upon detecting the touch of the IC card 10, the processing unit 2 acquires personal information required for the reservation of the selected facility and executes payment. The acquisition of personal information and payment processing methods based on the touch of the IC card 10 are the same as those in the previously described embodiment. The processing unit 2 transmits reservation data from the communication unit to an external computer to provide the reservation data, including the identifier of the reserved facility, the payment status for the reservation, and the personal information of the person making the reservation, to the facility.

[0092] Furthermore, when a touch operation to select hotel information is detected from the input unit 1, the processing unit 2 reads information about nearby hotels included in the hotel information category from the storage unit 3 and displays it on the display unit 4. The storage unit 3 stores information about multiple hotels available for reservation, categorized by category. When a hotel selection and a reservation operation for the selected hotel are input from the input unit 1, the processing unit 2 accepts a selection of accommodation dates from the input unit 1. Next, the processing unit 2 accepts a selection of the number of nights from the input unit 1. Next, the processing unit 2 requests that the IC card 10 be touched to the near-field wireless communication device 6. Upon detecting the touch of the IC card 10, the processing unit 2 acquires personal information necessary for reserving the selected hotel and executes payment according to the selected accommodation dates and number of nights. The acquisition of personal information and payment processing methods based on the touch of the IC card 10 are the same as those in the previously described embodiment. The processing unit 2 transmits reservation data from the communication unit to an external computer to provide the reservation data, including the identifier of the reserved hotel, the payment status of the reservation fee, and the personal information of the person making the reservation, to the hotel.

[0093] Furthermore, when a touch operation to select meal information is detected from the input unit 1, the processing unit 2 reads information about nearby restaurants included in the meal information category from the storage unit 3 and displays it on the display unit 4. The storage unit 3 stores information about multiple restaurants available for reservations, categorized by category. When a restaurant selection and a reservation operation for the selected restaurant are input from the input unit 1, the processing unit 2 accepts a selection of the date and time of use from the input unit 1. Next, the processing unit 2 accepts a selection of the number of people from the input unit 1. Next, the processing unit 2 requests that the IC card 10 be touched to the near-field wireless communication device 6. Upon detecting the touch of the IC card 10, the processing unit 2 acquires personal information necessary for making a reservation at the selected restaurant and executes payment according to the selected date and time of use and number of people. The acquisition of personal information and payment processing methods based on the touch of the IC card 10 are the same as in the above-described embodiment. The processing unit 2 transmits reservation data from the communication unit to an external computer to provide the reservation data, including the identifier of the reserved restaurant, the payment status of the reservation fee, and the personal information of the person making the reservation, to the restaurant where the reservation is made.

[0094] However, when making reservations or applying for sightseeing, hotels, meals, etc., payment by card is not required; you can also pay by cash, or you can pay when you arrive at the destination rather than paying on the spot.

[0095] A vending machine providing tourist information can provide guidance not only on a screen but also through an audio output unit, such as a speaker or earphones. For example, if a user selects a museum, the processing unit 2 not only displays directions to the museum on the screen but also provides audio guidance. While a map or general directions can be displayed or provided as audio guidance, the system can also identify the location of the vending machine and provide directions from there. The system might provide audio guidance such as, "Go straight down the street in front of the station, turn left at the second traffic light, and it's on the corner at the next light." The processing unit 2 can read pre-stored location information from a memory unit or acquire location information from the vending machine's GPS. By identifying the location of the vending machine, the processing unit 2 can search for nearby products and facilities and suggest them to the user. It can also search for routes to nearby facilities and output route guidance information.

[0096] [Local delivery of goods] The processing unit 2 of the vending machine displays museum goods and souvenirs from the area where the vending machine is installed as products on the display unit 4. The user selects a displayed product and performs a reservation operation for the selected product using the input unit 1. After accepting this reservation operation, the processing unit 2 then detects the touch of the IC card 10 to the short-range wireless communication unit 6, and acquires the user's personal information and performs payment for the selected product, as in the above-mentioned embodiment. The processing unit 2 then links the identifier of the selected product, the payment status information for that product, and the IC card number (information that identifies the IC card 10), and transmits this as product reservation data to the computer of the product provider, such as the museum that offers the product. The communication address of the product provider is assumed to be included in the product additional information.

[0097] The product provider's computer receives the product reservation data, stores it in its memory, and notifies the product provider that a product has been reserved. The product provider prepares the reserved product based on the product reservation data and provides the product on the spot when the user arrives. The product provider's computer has the visiting user touch their IC card 10, reads the IC card number, and determines whether product reservation data matching the IC card number is stored in its memory. If a match is found, the product reservation data is displayed on the screen or an audio message is output indicating that the product has been reserved. Alternatively, the reserved product can be stored in a storage compartment of the IC locker 90, and when the user holds the IC card 10 over the card reader of the IC locker 90, the corresponding storage compartment opens and the product can be collected.

[0098] The invention encompasses other embodiments that do not deviate from the spirit of the invention in addition to those described in the embodiments. The embodiments are intended to explain the invention and do not limit its scope. The scope of the invention is indicated by the claims, not by the description in the specification. Therefore, the invention encompasses all forms that include the meaning and scope within the scope of equivalents of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1. Vending machine input section 2 Processing section of vending machine 3. Vending machine memory 4 Display 5. Network Communication Section 6 Near field wireless communication section (equipment) 7 Access Points 8 Cash Receiving Organization 9 Built-in product provision mechanism 10 IC card (portable device) 12 IC chip processing section 13 IC chip memory section 14 IC chip communication section 20 Transaction Management System 21 Product DB 30 Payment Systems 40 Personal information DB 50 Information registration device 60 Producer Equipment 70 Base Device 80 Delivery network 90 Delivery destination device (IC locker) 110,120 Settlement device A~F Vending machines

Claims

1. An automated vending machine capable of reserving, ordering, or applying for an item, A reading step in which personal information is read from a personal information holder or a unique identifier associated with personal information is read from a unique identifier holder, A settlement step in which the payment for the item in question is settled using a settlement identifier read from a settlement identifier holder via a reader or cash deposited into a cash receiving mechanism, A communication step of transmitting data including the personal information or a unique identifier linked to the personal information to an external device in order to notify the reservation, order, or application recipient of the reservation, order, or application related to the item for which payment has been made, If the item that has been settled is built into the vending machine, the step includes providing the built-in product by guiding the item to the dispensing slot, The aforementioned subject is a vending machine, and the vending method relates to a facility, lodging facility, or restaurant in the vicinity of the location where the vending machine is installed.

2. An automated vending machine capable of reserving, ordering, or applying for an item, A reading step in which personal information is read from a personal information holder or a unique identifier associated with personal information is read from a unique identifier holder, A settlement step in which the payment for the item in question is settled using a settlement identifier read from a settlement identifier holder via a reader or cash deposited into a cash receiving mechanism, A communication step of transmitting data including the personal information or a unique identifier linked to the personal information to an external device in order to notify the reservation, order, or application recipient of the reservation, order, or application related to the item for which payment has been made, If the item that has been settled is built into the vending machine, the step includes providing the built-in product by guiding the item to the dispensing slot, The aforementioned items are return gifts for hometown tax donations, Furthermore, the process includes a display step of reading the identifier of the return gift and displaying the selectable return gifts on the screen, and a selection step of allowing the user to select one of the displayed return gifts. The aforementioned data includes an identifier for the selected return gift, and is an automated sales method.

3. An automatic vending machine comprising a processor that performs the automatic vending method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. An automated vending program that causes a processor to execute the automated vending method described in Claim 1 or 2.

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