Program and system

Abstract

To improve security concerning the issuance of electronic money.SOLUTION: A program causes a computer 70 of a terminal device 3, which is configured to be capable of communicating with a vending apparatus 2 that dispenses a product on the basis of acceptance of inserted cash, to execute: transmitting, to the vending apparatus 2, grant information relating to granting electronic money corresponding to the cash by inserting the cash into the vending apparatus 2; transmitting information for causing the vending apparatus 2 to output output information in the form of an image or sound; and, when it is determined that cash has been inserted into the vending apparatus 2 and that the relationship between the output information and input information, which is input on the basis of an operation by a user of the terminal device 3 and relating to authentication of the granting of electronic money, satisfies grant conditions for granting the electronic money, displaying, on the terminal device 3, at least one piece of information indicating that granting of electronic money corresponding to the cash has become possible and information indicating that the electronic money corresponding to the cash has been granted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program and a system. [Background technology]

[0002] A technique for awarding points using a vending machine has been known in the past. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for awarding a predetermined number of points or points according to the purchase amount of a product in response to the purchase of the product. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-209775 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the conventional technology does not sufficiently improve the security of the electronic money provision. For example, there is room for further study regarding the authentication method used when providing electronic money.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a program and a system that can improve security regarding the provision of electronic money. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer of a terminal device configured to communicate with a sales device that dispenses goods based on the acceptance of cash insertion to send to the sales device grant information regarding the granting of electronic money corresponding to the cash by inserting cash into the sales device, send information that causes the sales device to output output information in the form of an image or sound, and, when it is determined that cash has been inserted into the sales device and it is determined that the relationship between the output information and input information regarding authenticating the granting of electronic money, which is input based on the operation of a user of the terminal device, satisfies the granting conditions for the granting of electronic money, display at least one of information indicating that electronic money corresponding to the cash has been granted and information indicating that electronic money corresponding to the cash has been granted on the terminal device.

[0007] A program according to another aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer of a terminal device configured to be able to communicate with a sales device that dispenses goods upon receiving cash to send to the sales device grant information regarding the granting of electronic money corresponding to the amount of change from the sales device, wherein the amount of change is the difference between the first amount corresponding to the inserted cash and the second amount corresponding to the goods when the first amount exceeds the second amount corresponding to the goods; sends information that causes the sales device to output output information in the form of an image or sound; and, when it is determined that the first amount exceeds the second amount and the relationship between the output information and input information regarding authenticating the granting of electronic money, which is input based on the operation of the user of the terminal device, is determined to satisfy the granting condition regarding the granting of electronic money, displays at least one of information indicating that electronic money corresponding to the change has been granted and information indicating that electronic money corresponding to the cash has been granted on the terminal device.

[0008] A program according to another aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer of a sales device that dispenses goods upon receiving cash to communicate with a terminal device, receive from the terminal device granting information regarding the granting of electronic money corresponding to the cash upon depositing the cash into the sales device, output output information in the form of an image or sound, receive input information regarding authenticating the granting of electronic money that is entered based on the operation of a user of the terminal device, and control processing related to the granting of electronic money corresponding to the cash when it is determined that cash has been deposited into the sales device and it is determined that the relationship between the output information and the input information satisfies the granting conditions for the granting of electronic money.

[0009] A system according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a system including a vending device that dispenses goods upon receiving cash, and a terminal device configured to be able to communicate with the vending device, and performs the following operations: receiving from the terminal device granting information regarding the granting of electronic money corresponding to the cash upon depositing the cash into the vending device; outputting output information in the form of an image or sound from the vending device; receiving input information regarding authenticating the granting of electronic money, which is entered based on the operation of a user of the terminal device; determining whether cash has been deposited into the vending device and whether the relationship between the output information and the input information satisfies the granting conditions regarding the granting of electronic money; and controlling processing related to the granting of electronic money corresponding to the cash when it is determined that the granting conditions are satisfied. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve security regarding the provision of electronic money. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the operation of the system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the terminal device 3 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the terminal device 3 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the terminal device 3 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the terminal device 3 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the terminal device 3 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the terminal device 3 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of each device in a system 1 according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, components with the same reference numerals may have the same or similar configurations.

[0013] <1. Overview> In this embodiment, a user can purchase goods using either cash or electronic money from a vending machine 2 of a system 1 according to this embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as "system 1" and "vending machine 2," respectively).

[0014] (Purchase of goods with cash) Specifically, a user can purchase a product sold by the vending machine 2 by inserting cash into a cash slot of the vending machine 2 and pressing a product selection button. At that time, if the amount of cash inserted exceeds the price of the product, change equivalent to the difference will be dispensed from the change dispenser of the vending machine 2.

[0015] (Purchasing goods using electronic money linked to a card-type device, etc.) Furthermore, a user can purchase goods using electronic money associated with a device (such as a card-type device, for example) by contacting the device with which the electronic money is associated with a reading device (such as an IC card reader, for example) provided in the vending machine 2. In this case, the electronic money equivalent to the amount of the goods is used, and no change is given. A user can charge the electronic money associated with the device by, for example, having a dedicated device read the device and inserting cash into the dedicated device.

[0016] (Purchasing products using electronic money associated with a user's account) Furthermore, if the electronic money is associated with a user's account, the user can have the vending device 2 obtain information about the account and purchase a product using the electronic money associated with the account. For example, the user can connect their own terminal device 3 to the vending device 2 for communication and have the vending device 2 obtain information about their own account. When the product selection button is pressed, the vending device 2 subtracts the electronic money equivalent to the amount of the product from the electronic money associated with the user's account. In this case, too, the electronic money equivalent to the amount of the product is used, so no change is dispensed.

[0017] A user can use, for example, dedicated application software (hereinafter referred to as an "app") to charge electronic money associated with an account by, for example, credit card payment or the like. In addition, a user can deposit cash into the vending machine 2 and then perform a predetermined operation on the app to have electronic money in an amount corresponding to the deposited cash added to their account. Hereinafter, the act of a user depositing cash into the vending machine 2 and then performing a predetermined operation on the app to have electronic money in an amount corresponding to the deposited cash added to their account will be referred to as "cash charging."

[0018] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the user purchases a product from the sales device 2 by the above-mentioned method of "purchasing a product with cash" or "purchasing a product with electronic money associated with the user's account."

[0019] One of the purposes of the system 1 according to one embodiment is to improve security when a user charges cash. An overview of the operation of the system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The detailed operation of the system 1 will be described later with reference to Figs. 3-7, for example.

[0020] The system 1 includes a terminal device 3 and a vending device 2. The terminal device 3 is used by a user. An example of the terminal device 3 is a smartphone or the like. The terminal device 3 is typically a mobile terminal on which a dedicated app is installed. The vending device 2 dispenses a product based on receipt of cash. An example of the vending device 2 is a vending machine or the like. An example of the product is a bottled drink or the like.

[0021] First, the terminal device 3 establishes a communication connection with the vending device 2 (S1). This communication connection may be established, for example, by short-range wireless communication. Short-range wireless communication may include, for example, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and NFC. Information about the user's account may be transmitted from the terminal device 3 to the vending device 2 via this communication connection.

[0022] Next, the user inserts cash into the vending device 2 (S2). Next, the vending device 2 randomly generates an authentication code and transmits the authentication code to the terminal device 3 (S3). In parallel with step S3, the vending device 2 displays the authentication code on its own display screen (S4). An example of the authentication code is a numeric code of about 4 to 8 digits.

[0023] The user visually checks the authentication code displayed by the vending device 2 (S5). The user inputs the authentication code into the terminal device 3 (S6). The terminal device 3 determines whether the authentication code received in step S3 matches the authentication code input in step S6 (S7). An example of the two authentication codes matching is when the two authentication codes match. If it is determined in step S7 that the authentication codes match, the terminal device 3 becomes able to grant the user electronic money in an amount corresponding to the cash inserted by the user in step S2.

[0024] Here, the authentication code displayed in step S4 may be displayed so as to be difficult for other users to see. For example, the authentication code may be displayed so as to be visible to a person in front of and near the vending device 2. The specific reasons for this are described below, but this makes it difficult for another user to receive electronic money on behalf of the user who inserted cash, for example. Hereinafter, the act of another user receiving electronic money on behalf of the user who inserted cash will be referred to as "charge theft."

[0025] If the system 1 does not transmit an authentication code (see steps S3-S7), a charge theft may occur. That is, if the system 1 is configured so that a communication connection is established between the terminal device 3 and the vending device 2 (see step S1) and a user can charge cash simply by inserting cash (see step S2), a charge theft may occur. As an example, a charge theft may occur in the following scenario. (Step a) Another user who intends to commit charge theft establishes a communication connection between his / her own terminal device and the vending device 2 in advance. (Step b) The other user moves away from the vending device 2 as long as the communication connection is not interrupted. If the communication connection is via Bluetooth (registered trademark), for example, the other user may be able to move away from the vending device 2 by approximately 10 to 20 meters. (Step c) A user, unaware of the presence of other users, inserts cash into the vending machine 2 to purchase a product. (Step d) Electronic money in an amount corresponding to the inserted cash is given to the other user with whom a communication connection was established in step a.

[0026] In contrast, the system 1 according to this embodiment executes cash charging when the authentication code entered by the user matches the authentication code transmitted by the vending device 2. As described above, the authentication code may be displayed in a manner that makes it difficult for other users to see. Therefore, the system 1 can prevent other users from stealing electronic money from the user who inserted the cash.

[0027] In the present disclosure, "granting electronic money to a user" may mean increasing the amount of electronic money by changing information about the amount of electronic money associated with at least one of the user's identification information (e.g., user account ID, etc.) and the identification information (e.g., terminal device ID, etc.) of the user's terminal device 3. The association between the identification information of the user, etc. and the information about the amount of electronic money may be managed, for example, by a server device 4 configured to be able to communicate with the vending device 2.

[0028] <2. Functional configuration> The functional configuration of system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 2. System 1 includes a vending device 2, a terminal device 3, a server device 4, and a communication network 5. Vending device 2, terminal device 3, and server device 4 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via communication network 5.

[0029] [Terminal device 3] The terminal device 3 is a device used by a user. The terminal device 3 may be, for example, a smartphone, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smart device, etc. In the present disclosure, the terminal device 3 will be mainly described as a smartphone.

[0030] A dedicated app may be installed on the terminal device 3. At least some of the functions of the terminal device 3 described below may be realized by the app. The terminal device 3 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 12, a network interface unit 14, and a bus 16. The control unit 10, the storage unit 12, and the network interface unit 14 may be electrically connected via the bus 16.

[0031] (Control unit 10) The control unit 10 can function as a communication connection means 100, an acquisition means 102, a reception means 104, a determination means 106, a transmission means 108, and a display means 110 by executing various programs stored in the memory unit 12 described below.

[0032] -Communication connection means 100- The communication connection means 100 establishes a communication connection with the vending device 2. In one example, the communication connection means 100 executes the process related to step S1 in FIG.

[0033] In one embodiment, the communication connection means 100 establishes a communication connection with the vending device 2 through short-range wireless communication. The short-range wireless communication may be, for example, NFC (Near Field Communication), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc. In one embodiment, the communication connection means 100 establishes a communication connection with the vending device 2 for performing direct inter-device communication.

[0034] In another embodiment, the communication connection means 100 establishes a communication connection with the terminal device 3 via a mobile communication system (for example, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network and a fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system network). In another embodiment, the communication connection means 100 establishes a communication connection with the vending device 2 via the server device 4.

[0035] In one embodiment, when the determination means 106, which will be described later, determines that the granting conditions are not satisfied, the communication connection means 100 disconnects the communication connection established with the vending device 2. The communication connection means 100 may disconnect the communication connection itself, or may transmit information to the vending device 2 to disconnect the communication connection.

[0036] -Acquisition method 102- The acquisition means 102 acquires various pieces of information output from the vending device 2. In one embodiment, the acquisition means 102 acquires various pieces of information via the communication connection established by the communication connection means 100.

[0037] The acquiring means 102 acquires output information transmitted by the vending device 2. The output information may include an authentication code. That is, in one example, the acquiring means 102 executes the process related to step S3 in FIG. 1. The authentication code may be generated probabilistically. The authentication code may be, for example, a random numeric code consisting of multiple digits, a random character code consisting of multiple letters and symbols, or a random password consisting of numbers, letters, symbols, etc.

[0038] In one embodiment, the acquiring means 102 acquires information regarding the amount of cash inserted into the vending machine 2. In one example, the information regarding the amount of cash inserted into the vending machine 2 may include information regarding the amount of electronic money to be (or has been) granted in the electronic money granting process.

[0039] In one embodiment, the acquisition means 102 acquires information relating to the status of a process relating to the granting of electronic money (hereinafter referred to as the "electronic money granting process"). The information relating to the status of the electronic money granting process may include information indicating that the electronic money granting process has been completed in the vending device 2. The information relating to the status of the electronic money granting process may include information indicating that it has been confirmed that the electronic money granting process will now be executed. The information indicating that the electronic money granting process has been completed may also be referred to as an "electronic money granting completion notification."

[0040] In the present disclosure, acquiring information includes making the information processable in the control unit 10. Acquiring information may be, for example, receiving the information from another device, obtaining the information through predetermined processing, reading the information from the storage unit 12, etc.

[0041] -Method of reception 104- The accepting unit 104 accepts input from a user. The accepting unit 104 may accept the input via a user interface (for example, a touch panel, buttons, a microphone, etc.) provided in the terminal device 3. The accepting unit 104 may also accept the input via an imaging device, etc. provided in the terminal device 3.

[0042] The accepting unit 104 accepts input of input information related to authenticating the granting of electronic money. In one embodiment, the accepting unit 104 accepting the input of input information includes accepting input of an authentication code from the user. That is, in one example, the accepting unit 104 executes the process related to step S6 in FIG. 1.

[0043] -Judgment means 106- The determination means 106 determines whether the relationship between the output information acquired by the acquisition means 102 and the input information accepted by the acceptance means 104 satisfies the granting condition for granting electronic money. In one embodiment, the granting condition includes a condition regarding a match between the authentication code included in the output information and the authentication code included in the input information. That is, the determination means 106 can determine that the relationship between the output information and the input information satisfies the granting condition when, for example, the authentication code included in the output information matches the authentication code included in the input information. In one example, the determination means 106 executes the process related to step S7 in FIG. 1.

[0044] Consistency between the output information and the input information may mean that at least a portion of the information included in the output information matches or corresponds to at least a portion of the information included in the input information. Correspondence between the first information and the second information may mean that the second information is uniquely determined based on the first information, that the first information is uniquely determined based on the second information, or that the first information and the second information correspond in a one-to-one relationship.

[0045] In one embodiment, the determination means 106 determines whether or not cash has been inserted into the vending machine 2. This determination can be made based on information regarding the amount of cash inserted into the vending machine 2. As described above, the information regarding the amount of cash inserted into the vending machine 2 can be acquired by the acquisition means 102.

[0046] -Transmission means 108- The transmitting means 108 transmits various information to the vending device 2. In one embodiment, the transmitting means 108 transmits various information via the communication connection established by the communication connection means 100.

[0047] The transmission means 108 transmits the grant information related to the cash charge to the vending machine 2. As a result, the vending machine 2 can start accepting the insertion of cash for the cash charge.

[0048] Transmission means 108 transmits information that causes vending device 2 to output output information by image or sound. In one embodiment, the information that causes vending device 2 to output output information by image or sound may be information that causes an authentication code included in the output information to be output by image or sound. Hereinafter, information that causes the authentication code to be output by image or sound is referred to as an "authentication code output instruction." In other words, by transmitting an authentication code output instruction from transmission means 108, vending device 2 can output output information including the authentication code by image or sound.

[0049] In one embodiment, when the determination means 106 determines that the granting condition is satisfied, the transmission means 108 transmits information (hereinafter referred to as an "electronic money granting instruction") for causing the vending device 2 to execute an electronic money granting process. This allows the vending device 2 to execute an electronic money granting process for electronic money corresponding to the amount of cash inserted for cash charging.

[0050] In one embodiment, the transmitting means 108 transmits restriction information that restricts the output of image or audio output information from the vending device 2. In one embodiment, the transmitting means 108 transmits the restriction information after the receiving means 104 receives input of input information. In one example, the transmitting means 108 transmits the restriction information immediately after the receiving means 104 receives input of the entire authentication code. By transmitting the restriction information, the vending device 2 can switch the authentication code, etc. that was displayed at that time, to hidden.

[0051] -Display means 110- The display means 110 controls information displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 3. In one embodiment, the display means 110 displays information indicating that cash charging is possible when the determination means 106 determines that the grant conditions are met. In another embodiment, the display means 110 displays information indicating that cash charging is complete when the determination means 106 determines that the grant conditions are met.

[0052] In one embodiment, the display means 110 displays information relating to the amount of cash inserted into the vending device 2. As described above, the information relating to the amount of cash inserted into the vending device 2 can be acquired by the acquisition means 102. In one embodiment, the display means 110 displays information relating to the amount after the transmission means 108 transmits the grant information to the vending device 2.

[0053] In one embodiment, the display means 110 displays information regarding a period during which the receiving means 104 accepts input of input information. In one embodiment, the display means 110 displays information regarding a period during which the input of input information is accepted after the transmitting means 108 transmits the grant information to the vending device 2.

[0054] (Storage unit 12) The storage unit 12 stores various types of information for the operation of the terminal device 3. For example, the storage unit 12 stores various programs executed by the control unit .

[0055] (Network Interface Unit 14) The network interface unit 14 realizes communication with other devices via the communication network 5. The network interface unit 14 may perform communication via a communication connection established by the communication connection means 100 of the control unit 10.

[0056] [Sales Device 2] The vending device 2 dispenses merchandise based on the receipt of cash. Examples of merchandise that the vending device 2 can dispense include beverages, food, daily necessities, books, chargers, cosmetics, etc. In this disclosure, the vending device 2 will be mainly described as one that sells beverages.

[0057] The vending device 2 includes a control unit 20, a storage unit 22, a network interface unit 24, and a bus 26. The control unit 20, the storage unit 22, and the network interface unit 24 are electrically connected via the bus 26.

[0058] (Control unit 10) The control unit 20 can function as a communication connection means 200, an acquisition means 202, a reception means 204, a generation means 206, a transmission means 208, a display means 210, and an execution means 212 by executing various programs stored in the memory unit 22 described below.

[0059] -Communication connection means 200- The communication connection means 200 establishes a communication connection with the terminal device 3. The communication connection means 200 may work in conjunction with the communication connection means 100 of the terminal device 3 to establish the communication connection.

[0060] In one embodiment, when the communication connection means 200 has established a communication connection with one terminal device 3, it restricts the establishment of a communication connection with another terminal device 3. In one example, restricting the establishment of a communication connection may mean not establishing a communication connection with the communication connection means of the other terminal device. In another example, restricting the establishment of a communication connection may mean not accepting wireless communication (e.g., a communication connection request) from the communication connection means of the other terminal device.

[0061] -Acquisition method 202- The acquisition means 202 acquires various information transmitted from the terminal device 3. In one embodiment, the acquisition means 202 acquires various information via a communication connection established by the communication connection means 200. In one embodiment, the acquisition means 202 acquires grant information, an instruction to output an authentication code, an instruction to grant electronic money, and restriction information.

[0062] - Reception method 204 - The accepting unit 204 accepts user operations on the vending device 2. In one embodiment, the accepting unit 204 is associated with a cash insertion unit provided in the vending device 2. The accepting unit 204 obtains the amount of cash inserted into this cash insertion unit. The cash insertion unit is physically provided in the vending device 2. The cash insertion unit may include a coin insertion unit that accepts coins and a bill insertion unit that accepts bills. In one example, the accepting unit 204 executes the process related to step S2 in FIG. 1 .

[0063] In one embodiment, the accepting unit 204 distinguishes between cash inserted for cash charging and cash inserted for purposes other than cash charging (for example, cash inserted for purchasing goods). In one embodiment, the accepting unit 204 is configured to recognize that the amount of cash inserted thereafter is cash for cash charging, based on the acquisition unit 202 acquiring the grant information.

[0064] In one embodiment, the receiving means 204 is associated with a product selection unit included in the vending device 2. The receiving means 204 acquires the purchase amount (product price) corresponding to the product selected in the product selection unit. The vending device 2 also dispenses (sells) the product selected in the product selection unit. The product selection unit is physically provided in the vending device 2 and typically refers to, but is not limited to, a mechanical or electronic button that accepts product selection. For example, the product selection unit may be displayed on the terminal device 3, or may be a product selection screen that accepts product selection.

[0065] -Generation means 206- The generating means 206 generates output information. Generating the output information includes generating an authentication code to be included in the output information. The generating means 206 generates a random authentication code. The generating means 206 may generate the authentication code based on a random number seed. The generating means 206 may randomly select some authentication codes from a plurality of candidate authentication codes and generate output information including the selected authentication code.

[0066] In the present disclosure, generating information may mean at least one of making information obtained by a specified process processable in the control unit 20 and storing the information obtained by the specified process in the memory unit 22.

[0067] -Transmission means 208- The transmitting means 208 transmits various types of information to the terminal device 3. In one embodiment, the transmitting means 208 transmits various types of information via the communication connection established by the communication connection means 200. The transmitting means 208 transmits output information, information related to the status of the electronic money granting process, information related to the amount of cash inserted into the vending device 2, and the like.

[0068] In one embodiment, the output information transmitted by the transmitting means 208 includes an authentication code. In one embodiment, the transmitting means 208 transmits the output information including the authentication code based on the fact that the obtaining means 202 obtains the instruction to output the authentication code.

[0069] -Display means 210- Display means 210 controls the information displayed on the display device of vending device 2. This display device may be, for example, a device that displays the amount of cash when it is inserted into vending device 2, or it may be an independent device (for example, a liquid crystal panel, etc.).

[0070] In one embodiment, the display unit 210 displays the output information as an image. In one example, the display unit 210 displays the output information in a manner that is visible to a person in front of and near the vending device 2.

[0071] In one embodiment, displaying the output information by the display means 210 as an image includes displaying the authentication code included in the output information. In one embodiment, the display means 210 displays the output information including the authentication code based on the acquisition means 202 acquiring the authentication code output instruction. In one example, the display means 210 executes the process related to step S4 in FIG. 1.

[0072] The display means 210 may restrict the display of the output information based on the earlier of the time when the acquisition means 202 receives restriction information (i.e., information for restricting the output of image or audio output information on the vending device 2) and the time when the duration of display of the output information reaches a predetermined threshold for receiving restriction information. In one example, if the predetermined threshold is set to 10 seconds, and if the acquisition means 202 acquires restriction information within 10 seconds after the start of displaying the authentication code (an example of output information), the display means 210 hides the authentication code at the time the restriction information is acquired (an example of restriction). In another example, if the predetermined threshold is set to 10 seconds, and if the acquisition means 202 does not acquire restriction information within 10 seconds after the start of displaying the authentication code, the display means 210 hides the authentication code after 10 seconds have elapsed.

[0073] The predetermined threshold may be determined based on an input from the user to the terminal device 3. More specifically, the terminal device 3 may receive information regarding the predetermined threshold from the user and transmit the information to the vending device 2. The vending device 2 may receive the information and determine the predetermined threshold. At least one of an upper limit and a lower limit may be set for the predetermined threshold that can be set by the user. For example, the user can set the predetermined threshold to any length between 5 seconds (an example of a lower limit) and 20 seconds (an example of an upper limit).

[0074] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the vending device 2 mainly displays output information as images, but the vending device 2 may output the output information as audio. Outputting the output information as audio by the vending device 2 includes the vending device 2 reading out the authentication code included in the output information using text-to-speech software.

[0075] -Means of Execution 212- The execution means 212 executes an electronic money granting process. The electronic money granting process includes the vending device 2 actually granting electronic money to the user. In another embodiment, the electronic money granting process may include causing the server device 4 or the like to grant the electronic money to the user. The vending device 2 can cause the server device 4 or the like to grant the electronic money to the user by, for example, transmitting to the server device 4 identification information of the user or the like to whom the electronic money is to be granted, information regarding the amount of cash inserted for cash top-up, and the like.

[0076] The vending device 2 and the server device 4 may grant electronic money by updating the databases related to electronic money that they manage. For example, the server device 4 may grant electronic money to a specific user by increasing the amount of electronic money associated with the specific user in the database related to electronic money that it manages.

[0077] In one embodiment, the above-mentioned transmission means 208 may transmit information regarding the status of the electronic money granting process by working in conjunction with the execution means 212. In one example, based on the completion of the electronic money granting process by the execution means 212, the transmission means 208 may transmit information indicating this to the terminal device 3.

[0078] (Storage unit 22) The storage unit 22 stores various types of information for the operation of the vending device 2. In one example, the storage unit 22 stores various programs that the control unit 20 executes.

[0079] (Network Interface Unit 24) The network interface unit 24 realizes communication with other devices via the communication network 5. The network interface unit 24 may perform communication via a communication connection established by the communication connection means 200 of the control unit 20.

[0080] [Server device 4] The server device 4 is a device that provides services to at least one of the vending device 2 and the terminal device 3 as a client device. In one embodiment, the server device 4 stores the user's identification information in association with electronic money, electronic benefits, etc., granted to the user.

[0081] [Communication Network 5] The communication network 5 enables communication between the devices included in the system 1.

[0082] <3.Operation> An example of the operation of the system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 3-7. Figures 3 and 6 are sequence diagrams showing an example of the operation of the system 1. Note that Figure 6 shows a continuation of the operation of Figure 3. Figures 4 and 5 are diagrams showing an example of a display screen on the terminal device 3 of Figure 3. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen on the terminal device 3 of Figure 6.

[0083] First, with reference to FIG. 3-5, an operation from when the terminal device 3 and the vending device 2 establish a communication connection until when the vending device 2 accepts the insertion of cash for cash charging will be described.

[0084] First, the terminal device 3 displays a top screen (S100). FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an example of the top screen displayed at this time. The example display screen in FIG. 4A displays a balance d100 and a connect button d102. The balance d100 displays the total amount of electronic money currently provided to the user, etc. The connect button d102 is a button that the user can press to start the process of establishing a communication connection with the vending device 2.

[0085] 3, the user presses the connect button d102 (S102). Based on this, the terminal device 3 transmits a communication connection request to the vending device 2, and establishes a communication connection via short-range wireless communication (S104).

[0086] After the communication connection is established, the terminal device 3 displays a payment method selection screen (S106). FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an example of the payment method selection screen displayed at this time. The example display screen of FIG. 4B displays payment method buttons d200 and d202 and a cash charge button d204. The payment method buttons d200 and d202 are buttons for selecting the payment method to be used by the user. The cash charge button d204 is a button that the user can press to transmit grant information related to cash charging.

[0087] Returning to FIG. 3, the user presses the cash charge button d204 (S108). Based on this, the terminal device 3 transmits grant information to the vending device 2 (S110). Based on receiving the grant information, the vending device 2 may recognize that cash inserted thereafter is for cash charging.

[0088] After transmitting the grant information, the terminal device 3 displays a cash insertion guidance screen (S112). FIG. 4C is a diagram showing an example of the cash insertion guidance screen displayed at this time. The example display screen of FIG. 4C displays an illustration d300, an insertion completion button d302, and a cancel button d304. The illustration d300 is an image that guides the user to insert cash into the vending device 2. The insertion completion button d302 is a button that, when pressed by the user, can transmit information indicating that the insertion of cash has been completed (also referred to as an insertion completion notice) to the vending device 2. The cancel button d304 is a button that, when pressed by the user, can cancel the cash charge. When the cancel button d304 is pressed, the terminal device 3 can disconnect the communication connection with the vending device 2.

[0089] Returning to Figure 3, the user inserts cash by referring to the cash insertion guide screen (S114), and then presses the insertion completion button d302 (S116). Based on this, the terminal device 3 transmits an insertion completion notification to the vending device 2 (S117). In this example, the description will be given assuming that the user inserts 300 yen for cash charging.

[0090] The vending device 2 determines whether cash has been inserted (S118). If the determination in S118 is NO, the vending device 2 may transmit information to the terminal device 3 indicating that cash has not been inserted (not shown). If the determination in S118 is YES, the vending device 2 transmits information regarding the amount of cash inserted to the terminal device 3 (S119). The terminal device 3 displays a deposited amount screen based on this information (S120). FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of the deposited amount screen displayed at this time. The display screen example in FIG. 5B displays a deposited amount d400, an authentication start button d402, and a back button d404. The deposited amount d400 displays the amount of cash inserted by the user. Note that a display similar to the deposited amount d400 may also be displayed on the vending device 2 at this time. The authentication start button d402 is a button that the user can press to start inputting information related to authenticating the granting of electronic money. The back button d404 is a button that the user can press to change the vending machine 2 to a state where it can accept cash insertion again.

[0091] Next, proceed to Figure 6. The user presses the authentication start button d402 (S200). This causes the terminal device 3 to send an instruction to output an authentication code to the vending device 2 (S202). In response, the vending device 2 displays the authentication code on its own display device (S204) and sends output information including the authentication code to the terminal device 3 (S206).

[0092] The terminal device 3, which has received the output information including the authentication code, displays an authentication code input screen (S208). FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of the authentication code input screen displayed at this time. The example display screen in FIG. 7A displays the remaining time d500, an authentication code d502, and a numeric keypad d504. The remaining time d500 is an example of information regarding the period during which the terminal device 3 accepts input of input information. In the example in FIG. 7A, the colored portion of the gauge for the remaining time d500 decreases as time passes, and when the colored portion disappears (i.e., when the remaining time reaches zero), the terminal device 3 disconnects the communication connection with the vending device 2. The authentication code d502 displays the digits of the authentication code that have already been entered. The numeric keypad d504 is a button that the user can press to enter the authentication code.

[0093] 6, the user inputs the authentication code that began to be displayed in S204 on the authentication code input screen (S210), which causes the terminal device 3 to transmit restriction information to the vending device 2 (S211) and stop displaying the authentication code.

[0094] Next, the terminal device 3 determines whether the authentication code received in S206 matches the authentication code entered in S210 (S212). If the determination in S212 is NO, the terminal device 3 may disconnect the communication connection with the vending device 2 (not shown). If the determination in S212 is YES, the terminal device 3 displays a charge confirmation screen (S214).

[0095] Figure 7B is a diagram showing an example of the charge confirmation screen displayed at this time. The example display screen in Figure 7B displays the deposited amount d600, an execute button d602, and a cancel button d604. The deposited amount d600 and the cancel button d604 may be similar to the deposited amount d400 in Figure 5B and the cancel button d304 in Figure 5A, respectively, and therefore will not be described here. The execute button d602 is a button that the user can press to execute cash charging.

[0096] Returning to FIG. 6, the user presses the execute button d216 (S216). As a result, the terminal device 3 transmits an electronic money granting instruction to the vending device 2 to grant electronic money corresponding to the inserted cash (300 yen in this example) (S218). In response, the vending device 2 executes an electronic money granting process (S220). At this time, the vending device 2 may execute the electronic money granting process in conjunction with the server device 4 (not shown).

[0097] After executing the electronic money granting process, the vending device 2 transmits information indicating that the electronic money granting process has been completed (electronic money granting completion notification) to the terminal device 3 (S222). As a result, the terminal device 3 displays a charge completion screen (S224) and disconnects the communication connection (S226).

[0098] According to the system 1, electronic money is provided when the input information input by the user matches the output information displayed and transmitted by the vending device 2. This improves security regarding the provision of electronic money.

[0099] In one embodiment, the terminal device 3 acquires output information from the vending device 2 via short-range wireless communication and determines whether the output information matches the input information. This configuration requires a user attempting to charge cash to be near the vending device 2. This makes it difficult to steal a charge from the vending device 2. As a result, security regarding the dispensing of electronic money is improved.

[0100] In one embodiment, the terminal device 3 displays information regarding the period during which input information is accepted. This configuration can prompt the user to enter the input information within the period. In other words, the period during which the output information is displayed on the vending device 2 can be limited to some extent. This reduces the opportunity for a third party to spy on the output information. As a result, security regarding the issuance of electronic money is improved.

[0101] In one embodiment, after accepting the input information, the terminal device 3 transmits restriction information that restricts the display of the output information on the vending device 2. This reduces the chances of a third party peeking at the output information, thereby improving security regarding the dispensing of electronic money.

[0102] <4. Hardware Configuration> An example of a hardware configuration in which the devices included in the above-described system 1 are realized by a computer 70 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Note that the functions of each device can also be realized by dividing them among multiple devices.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 8, a computer 70 includes a processor 700 , a storage device 702 , an input I / F 704 , a data I / F 706 , a communication I / F 708 , and a display device 710 .

[0104] The processor 700 controls various processes in the computer 70 by executing programs stored in the storage device 702. For example, each functional unit included in the control unit 10 of the vending device 2 can be realized by the processor 700 executing the programs stored in the storage device 702.

[0105] The storage device 702 is a storage medium such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The RAM temporarily stores the program code of the program executed by the processor 700 and data required when the program is executed.

[0106] The storage device 702 may also be a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory. The storage device 702 stores an operating system and various programs for implementing the above-described configurations. The storage medium storing the various programs may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The storage device 702 may also store tables that register various types of information and a DB that manages the tables. Such programs and data are loaded into the storage device 702 as needed and referenced by the processor 700.

[0107] The input I / F 704 is a device for receiving input from a user. Specific examples of the input I / F 704 include a camera, a button, a microphone, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, various sensors, and a wearable device. The input I / F 704 may be connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0108] The data I / F 706 is a device for inputting data from outside the computer 70. A specific example of the data I / F 706 is a drive device for reading data stored in various storage media. The data I / F 706 may be provided outside the computer 70. In this case, the data I / F 706 is connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as a USB.

[0109] The communication I / F 708 is a device for performing wired or wireless data communication with devices external to the computer 70 via the communication network 5. The communication I / F 708 may be provided external to the computer 70. In this case, the communication I / F 708 is connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as a USB.

[0110] The display device 710 is a device for displaying various types of information. Specific examples of the display device 710 include a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and a display of a wearable device. The display device 710 may be provided outside the computer 70. In this case, the display device 710 is connected to the computer 70 via, for example, a display cable. Furthermore, when a touch panel is adopted as the input I / F 704, the display device 710 can be configured as an integral part of the input I / F 704.

[0111] Furthermore, the components of the devices included in the system 1 described in the above embodiment are assumed to realize predetermined processing in cooperation with other hardware by the processor 700 executing a program stored in the storage device 702. In other words, these components are envisioned as both software or firmware and the corresponding hardware, and in both of these concepts, they are also referred to as "functions," "means," "parts," "processing circuits," "units," or "modules," and can be interpreted as such.

[0112] <5. Other configurations> The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The elements of the embodiments, as well as their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, etc., are not limited to those illustrated and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, configurations shown in different embodiments can be partially substituted or combined with each other.

[0113] The arrangement of each component described in the above embodiment may be changed as appropriate within the scope of not causing technical inconsistencies. In one example, the above embodiment has been described as the terminal device 3 acquiring output information from the vending device 2 and determining whether it matches the input information, but this is not limited thereto. The system 1 may also be configured, for example, so that the vending device 2 acquires input information from the terminal device 3 and determines whether it matches the output information.

[0114] The order of operations of the system 1 described in the above embodiment can be changed as appropriate within the scope of not causing technical inconsistencies. As an example, the above embodiment describes an example in which cash is inserted into the vending device 2 (see S114 in FIG. 3) after a communication connection is established (see S104 in FIG. 3), but this is not limited to this. The system 1 can be configured to establish a communication connection with the terminal device 3, for example, after cash is inserted into the vending device 2.

[0115] [Variation 1] In the above embodiment, the output information has been described as including an authentication code composed of numbers, etc., but is not limited to this. The output information may include a probabilistically generated image code (for example, a QR code (registered trademark), etc.), and the terminal device 3 accepting input of the input information may include capturing an image code using an imaging device provided in the terminal device 3, and the granting condition may include a condition related to a match between the image code included in the output information and the image code captured by the imaging device. In other words, authentication related to cash charging may be performed based on the image code instead of (or in addition to) the authentication code described in the above embodiment.

[0116] [Variation 2] The terminal device 3 may receive from the user a setting input regarding the period during which the output information is to be output by image or sound on the vending device 2, and transmit the setting to the vending device 2. In response, the vending device 2 may adjust the period during which the output information is to be displayed, etc., based on the setting. In one example, if the user sets the period during which the output information is to be output by image or sound to 10 seconds, the vending device 2 may display the output information for 10 seconds and stop displaying it when that number of seconds has elapsed. In another example, if the user sets the period during which the output information is to be output by image or sound to 20 seconds, the vending device 2 may display the output information for 20 seconds and stop displaying it when that number of seconds has elapsed. Note that, from a security standpoint, an upper limit may be set on the period during which the display can continue.

[0117] [Variation 3] When the terminal device 3 determines that the relationship between the output information and the input information satisfies the awarding condition, the terminal device 3 may further execute a process for displaying on the display screen at least one of information indicating that an additional electronic reward has been awarded and information indicating that an additional electronic reward has been awarded. That is, the terminal device 3 may execute a process for obtaining an additional electronic reward when charging with cash. The electronic reward may be points or the like that can be used for the same purposes as electronic money, or stamps or the like that cannot be used to purchase products. The content of the electronic reward may be determined based on, for example, user information acquired by the vending device 2 from the terminal device 3, information regarding the location where the vending device 2 is installed, and identification information of the vending device 2 itself. For example, if a user's cash charge amount exceeds a predetermined threshold within a predetermined period, the user may be awarded a larger reward when charging with cash than when other users charge with cash. Alternatively, a larger reward may be awarded when a vending device 2 installed in an area where a campaign is being held performs a cash charge than when a vending device 2 installed in another area performs a cash charge.

[0118] [Variation 4] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the communication connection between the terminal device 3 and the vending device 2 is mainly disconnected when the award condition is not satisfied, but this is not limiting. In one example, when it is determined that the award condition is not satisfied, the terminal device 3 may transmit information to cause the cash inserted by the user to be discharged from the cash discharge port of the vending device 2. In another example, when it is determined that the award condition is not satisfied, the terminal device 3 may transmit information to cause a display device provided in the vending device 2 to display information indicating that the award condition is not satisfied.

[0119] [Variation 5] In the above embodiment, the system 1 has been described as providing electronic money corresponding to the amount of cash inserted by the user when the providing condition is satisfied. Alternatively, or in addition, the system 1 may be configured to provide electronic money to the user, etc., when the providing condition is satisfied and the vending device 2 provides the user with change corresponding to the amount of change. Providing electronic money corresponding to the amount of change from the vending device 2 may also be referred to as "change charging." More specifically, the terminal device 3 may be configured to: transmit providing information regarding change charging to the vending device 2, where the amount of change is the difference between a first amount corresponding to the cash inserted into the vending device 2 and a second amount corresponding to the product purchased by the user, when the first amount exceeds the second amount; transmit information causing the vending device 2 to output output information in the form of an image or sound; and, when it is determined that the first amount exceeds the second amount and that the relationship between the output information and the input information satisfies the providing condition, display at least one of information indicating that the electronic money corresponding to the change has been provided and information indicating that the electronic money corresponding to the change has been provided.

[0120] [Variation 6] In the above embodiment (particularly, FIGS. 3-5 and the like), an example has been described in which the terminal device 3 establishes a communication connection with the vending device 2 based on pressing the connect button d102, but this is not limiting. The terminal device 3 may establish a communication connection with the vending device 2 based on approaching the vending device 2 with a dedicated app running. One of the terminal device 3 and the vending device 2 may determine whether it has approached the other device based on, for example, the received radio wave strength of a short-range wireless communication signal received from the other device. When the one device determines that it has approached the other device, it may transmit a communication connection request to the other device.

[0121] 6. Aspects of the Present Disclosure The present disclosure includes the following techniques:

[0122] [Appendix 1] A program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer 70 of a terminal device 3, which is configured to be able to communicate with a sales device 2 that dispenses goods based on the acceptance of cash deposit, to send to the sales device 2 grant information regarding the granting of electronic money corresponding to the cash by depositing cash into the sales device 2, send information that causes the sales device 2 to output output information in the form of an image or sound, and, when it is determined that cash has been deposited into the sales device 2 and it is determined that the relationship between the output information and input information regarding authenticating the granting of electronic money, entered based on the operation of the user of the terminal device 3, satisfies the granting conditions for the granting of electronic money, display at least one of information indicating that electronic money corresponding to the cash has been granted and information indicating that electronic money corresponding to the cash has been granted on the terminal device 3.

[0123] [Appendix 2] The program described in Appendix 1, wherein the output information includes a probabilistically generated authentication code, accepting input information includes accepting input of an authentication code from a user, and the grant condition includes a condition regarding consistency between the authentication code included in the output information and the authentication code entered by the user.

[0124] [Appendix 3] To computer 70, A program described in Appendix 2, which executes the following: obtaining an authentication code included in the output information via short-range wireless communication with the vending device 2; and determining whether the authentication code included in the output information matches the authentication code entered by the user.

[0125] [Appendix 4] A program described in any one of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein the output information includes a probabilistically generated image code, accepting input of the input information includes photographing the image code with an imaging device provided in the terminal device 3, and the assignment condition includes a condition regarding consistency between the image code included in the output information and the image code photographed by the imaging device.

[0126] [Appendix 5] A program according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, which causes a computer 70 to output information regarding a period for accepting input information after transmitting the grant information to the vending device 2.

[0127] [Appendix 6] A program described in any one of Appendices 1 to 5, which causes a computer 70 to receive input from a user of settings regarding the period during which output information is output as images or audio on the sales device 2, and to transmit the settings to the sales device 2.

[0128] [Appendix 7] 7. A program according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, which causes a computer 70 to transmit restriction information that restricts the output of image or audio output information from a vending device 2 after receiving input information.

[0129] [Appendix 8] A program described in any one of Appendices 1 to 7, which causes a computer 70 to obtain information regarding the amount of cash inserted into the sales device 2, and after sending the grant information to the sales device 2, display the information regarding the amount on the terminal device 3.

[0130] [Appendix 9] A program described in any one of Appendices 1 to 8, which, when the computer 70 determines that the relationship between the output information and the input information satisfies the granting conditions, further displays on the terminal device 3 at least one of information indicating that an additional electronic benefit can be granted and information indicating that an additional electronic benefit has been granted.

[0131] [Appendix 10] A program described in any one of Appendices 1 to 9, which causes a computer 70 to perform at least one of the following when it is determined that the grant conditions are not met: (1) sending information to cause the inserted cash to be discharged from the cash discharge port of the vending device 2; (2) sending information to cause a display device provided in the vending device 2 to display information regarding the fact that the grant conditions are not met; and (3) disconnecting the communication connection established with the vending device 2.

[0132] [Appendix 11] A program according to another aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer 70 of a terminal device 3 configured to be able to communicate with a sales device 2 that dispenses goods based on the acceptance of cash deposit to send, to the sales device 2, grant information regarding the granting of electronic money corresponding to the amount of change from the sales device 2, wherein the amount of change is the difference between the first amount corresponding to the deposited cash and the second amount corresponding to the goods when the first amount exceeds the second amount; sends information that causes the sales device 2 to output output information in the form of an image or sound; and, when it is determined that the first amount exceeds the second amount and the relationship between the output information and input information regarding authenticating the granting of electronic money, which is input based on the operation of the user of the terminal device 3, is determined to satisfy the granting conditions for the granting of electronic money, displays on the terminal device 3 at least one of information indicating that the granting of electronic money corresponding to the change has become possible and information indicating that electronic money corresponding to the change has been granted.

[0133] [Appendix 12] A program according to another aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer 70 of a sales device 2 that dispenses goods upon receiving cash to communicate with a terminal device 3, receive from the terminal device 3 granting information regarding the granting of electronic money corresponding to the cash upon depositing the cash into the sales device 2, output output information in the form of an image or sound, receive input information regarding authenticating the granting of electronic money that is entered based on the operation of a user of the terminal device 3, and control processing related to the granting of electronic money corresponding to the cash when it is determined that cash has been deposited into the sales device 2 and it is determined that the relationship between the output information and the input information satisfies the granting conditions for the granting of electronic money.

[0134] [Appendix 13] A system 1 according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a system including a vending device 2 that dispenses goods upon receiving cash, and a terminal device 3 that is configured to be able to communicate with the vending device 2, and performs the following operations: receiving from the terminal device 3 granting information regarding the granting of electronic money corresponding to the cash upon depositing the cash into the vending device 2; outputting output information in the form of an image or sound from the vending device 2; receiving input information regarding authenticating the granting of electronic money that is entered based on the operation of a user of the terminal device 3; determining whether cash has been deposited into the vending device 2 and whether the relationship between the output information and the input information satisfies the granting conditions for the granting of electronic money; and controlling processing related to the granting of electronic money corresponding to the cash when it is determined that the granting conditions are met. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1...system, 2...sales device, 3...terminal device, 4...server device, 5...communication network, 10, 20...control unit, 12, 22...storage unit, 14, 24...network interface unit, 16, 26...bus, 70...computer, 100, 200...communication connection means, 102, 202...acquisition means, 104, 204...reception means, 106...determination means, 108, 208...transmission means, 110, 210...display means, 206...generation means, 212...execution means, 700...processor, 702...storage device, 710...display device

Claims

1. A computer of a terminal device configured to be able to communicate with a vending machine that dispenses merchandise based on receipt of cash, transmitting, to the vending machine, grant information relating to granting of electronic money corresponding to the cash when the cash is inserted into the vending machine; transmitting information that causes the vending device to output output information by image or sound; When it is determined that cash has been inserted into the vending machine and when it is determined that the relationship between the output information and input information related to authenticating the provision of the electronic money, which is input based on the operation of the user of the terminal device, satisfies a provision condition related to the provision of the electronic money, displaying at least one of information indicating that the provision of the electronic money corresponding to the cash has become possible and information indicating that the electronic money corresponding to the cash has been provided on the terminal device; A program that executes.

2. the output information includes a probabilistically generated authentication code; Receiving the input of the input information includes receiving an input of an authentication code from the user; The program according to claim 1 , wherein the condition for granting includes a condition regarding a match between an authentication code included in the output information and an authentication code input by the user.

3. The computer, acquiring an authentication code included in the output information via short-range wireless communication with the vending machine; determining whether the authentication code included in the output information matches the authentication code input by the user; The program according to claim 2, wherein the program executes the following.

4. the output information includes a probabilistically generated image code; accepting the input of the input information includes capturing an image code using an imaging device included in the terminal device; The program according to claim 1 , wherein the condition for providing the image includes a condition regarding a match between the image code included in the output information and the image code captured by the imaging device.

5. The program according to claim 1 , further comprising causing the computer to output information relating to a period during which the input information is accepted after the grant information has been transmitted to the vending device.

6. The computer, receiving, from the user, an input of a setting regarding a period during which the output information is to be output as an image or sound on the vending device; transmitting the settings to the vending device; The program according to claim 1 ,

7. 2. The program according to claim 1, further comprising causing the computer to transmit, after receiving the input information, restriction information for restricting output of the output information by image or sound from the vending device.

8. The computer, obtaining information regarding the amount of cash inserted into the vending machine; After transmitting the grant information to the sales device, displaying information regarding the amount on the terminal device; The program according to claim 1 ,

9. The program described in claim 1, wherein when the computer determines that the relationship between the output information and the input information satisfies the granting condition, it further displays at least one of information indicating that an additional electronic bonus has been granted and information indicating that the additional electronic bonus has been granted on the terminal device.

10. The computer, If it is determined that the conditions for granting the bonus are not met, (1) transmitting information to cause the inserted cash to be discharged from a cash discharge port of the vending device; (2) transmitting information to a display device provided in the vending device to display information indicating that the granting condition is not satisfied; and (3) disconnecting the established communication connection with the vending device; The program according to claim 1 , which causes the program to execute at least one of the following:

11. A computer of a terminal device configured to be able to communicate with a vending machine that dispenses merchandise based on receipt of cash, transmitting, to the vending device, provision information relating to provision of electronic money corresponding to the amount of change from the vending device, wherein the amount of change is the difference between a first amount corresponding to the inserted cash and a second amount corresponding to the product when the first amount exceeds the second amount; transmitting information that causes the vending device to output output information by image or sound; When it is determined that the first amount is greater than the second amount and when it is determined that the relationship between the output information and input information related to authenticating the provision of the electronic money, which is input based on the operation of the user of the terminal device, satisfies a provision condition related to the provision of the electronic money, displaying at least one of information indicating that the provision of the electronic money corresponding to the change has become possible and information indicating that the electronic money corresponding to the change has been provided on the terminal device; A program that executes.

12. A computer of a vending machine that dispenses goods based on the receipt of cash is communicating with a terminal device; receiving, from the terminal device, grant information relating to granting of electronic money corresponding to cash by inserting the cash into the vending machine; outputting output information by image or sound; receiving input information related to authenticating the provision of the electronic money, which is input based on an operation of a user of the terminal device; When it is determined that cash has been inserted into the vending machine and it is determined that the relationship between the output information and the input information satisfies a granting condition for granting the electronic money, controlling a process related to granting the electronic money corresponding to the cash; A program that executes.

13. A system including a vending machine that dispenses a commodity based on receipt of cash, and a terminal device configured to be able to communicate with the vending machine, receiving, from the terminal device, grant information relating to granting of electronic money corresponding to cash by inserting the cash into the vending machine; outputting output information from the vending device in the form of an image or sound; receiving input information related to authenticating the provision of the electronic money, which is input based on an operation of a user of the terminal device; determining whether or not cash has been inserted into the vending machine and whether or not the relationship between the output information and the input information satisfies a granting condition for granting the electronic money; When it is determined that the provision condition is satisfied, controlling a process related to provision of the electronic money corresponding to the cash; To run the system.

Images