Program, information processing method, and user terminal

Abstract

To solve the problem that proper settlement using a user terminal cannot be performed for the use of an automatic vending machine.SOLUTION: A purchase information receiving unit 121 that receives purchase information including a product identifier and a first identifier from the vending machine 2, a user information receiving unit that receives user information including the second identifier and a user identifier from the user terminal 3, and a determining unit 131 that determines whether vending machine management information indicating a correspondence between the first identifier included in the purchase information and the second identifier included in the user information is present in the vending machine management unit 111; And a settlement processing part 132 for performing settlement processing for making the settlement person corresponding to the user identified by the user identifier included in the user information bear the amount corresponding to the commodity identifier included in the purchase information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device or the like that supports payment when purchasing products from a vending machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a vending machine system that can reduce the time loss from the completion of payment processing between a mobile terminal and a payment server to the delivery of a product (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-46396 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the prior art, it was not possible to perform appropriate payment using a user terminal when using a vending machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The information processing device of the first invention is a vending machine in which a first identifier that identifies the vending machine is stored, a vending machine having an ID storage medium in which a second identifier that identifies the vending machine is stored, and is an information processing device that includes: a purchase information receiving unit that receives purchase information from the vending machine that accepts a product purchase instruction and transmits purchase information having a product identifier corresponding to the purchase instruction and the first identifier; a user information receiving unit that receives user information including the second identifier and a user identifier from a user terminal that has acquired the second identifier from the ID storage medium; a judgment unit that references a vending machine management unit in which one or more pieces of vending machine management information that are information indicating the correspondence between the first identifier and the second identifier are stored, and determines whether vending machine management information indicating the correspondence between the first identifier contained in the purchase information and the second identifier contained in the user information exists in the vending machine management unit; and a payment processing unit that, when the judgment unit determines that the information exists in the vending machine management unit, performs payment processing to have the amount corresponding to the product identifier contained in the purchase information paid to the settler corresponding to the user identifier contained in the user information.

[0006] With this configuration, appropriate payment can be made using the user terminal when using the vending machine.

[0007] Furthermore, in the information processing device of the second invention, compared to the first invention, the user information receiving unit receives user information from each of two or more user terminals, the judgment unit references the vending machine management unit and judges whether vending machine management information indicating a correspondence between a first identifier contained in the purchase information and each of two or more second identifiers contained in the user information received from each of the two or more user terminals exists in the vending machine management unit, and the payment processing unit, when the judgment unit judges that all vending machine management information indicating a correspondence between the first identifier and each of two or more second identifiers exists in the vending machine management unit, performs payment processing to have the amount corresponding to the product identifier contained in the purchase information paid by a cashier corresponding to any one or more users identified by the user identifiers contained in each of the two or more user information.

[0008] With this configuration, when two or more users use the vending machine, appropriate payments can be made using the user terminals.

[0009] Furthermore, in the information processing device of the third invention, compared to the second invention, the judgment unit refers to a group management unit in which one or more group information having two or more user identifiers is stored, and judges whether group information having two or more second identifiers held by user information received from each of two or more user terminals exists in the group management unit, and the payment processing unit performs payment processing only if the judgment unit judges that group information having two or more second identifiers exists in the group management unit.

[0010] With this configuration, appropriate payments can be made using the user terminal when a group of two or more specific users uses the vending machine.

[0011] Furthermore, the information processing device of the fourth invention is an information processing device in which, compared to any one of the first to third inventions, the payment processing unit performs payment processing using only user information received when the proximity condition is met relative to when the purchase information receiving unit received the purchase information.

[0012] This configuration allows for more appropriate payment using the user terminal when using the vending machine.

[0013] In addition, the information processing device of the fifth invention is an information processing device that, with respect to any one of the first to third inventions, further comprises an instruction sending unit that sends an ejection instruction to the vending machine when the payment processing unit performs payment processing or when the payment processing has been performed.

[0014] With this configuration, when using the vending machine, payment and product dispensing can be performed appropriately using the user terminal.

[0015] Furthermore, the vending machine of the sixth invention is a vending machine comprising a vending machine storage unit in which a first identifier that identifies the vending machine is stored, an ID storage medium in which a second identifier that identifies the vending machine is stored, a vending machine reception unit that receives product purchase instructions, a vending machine configuration unit that configures purchase information having a product identifier corresponding to the purchase instruction and the first identifier, and a vending machine transmission unit that transmits the purchase information to an information processing device.

[0016] With this configuration, a vending machine can be provided that allows appropriate payment using a user terminal when using the vending machine.

[0017] In addition, the vending machine of the seventh invention is a vending machine that, compared to the sixth invention, further comprises a vending machine receiving unit that receives a discharge instruction corresponding to purchase information from an information processing device, and a discharge unit that discharges the product corresponding to the discharge instruction when the vending machine receiving unit receives the discharge instruction.

[0018] With this configuration, when using the vending machine, payment can be made and products can be dispensed appropriately using the user terminal.

[0019] Furthermore, the vending machine of the eighth invention is a vending machine according to the sixth or seventh invention, in which the ID storage medium is an NFC medium.

[0020] With this configuration, it is possible to provide a vending machine equipped with an NFC medium that allows appropriate payment using a user terminal when using the vending machine.

[0021] In addition, the user information of the ninth invention is a user terminal having a terminal storage unit in which a user identifier is stored, a terminal acquisition unit that acquires the second identifier from an ID storage medium of a vending machine in which the second identifier is stored, and a terminal transmission unit that transmits user information including the second identifier and the user identifier to an information processing device.

[0022] With this configuration, it is possible to provide a user terminal that can make appropriate payments when using a vending machine. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the information processing device of the present invention, appropriate payment can be made using a user terminal when using a vending machine. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] Conceptual diagram of vending machine system A in embodiment 1 [Figure 2] Block diagram of the vending machine system A [Figure 3] Block diagram of the information processing device [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing device 1. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating an example of the determination process [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating an example of the payment process [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating an example of the timeout process [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the vending machine 2 [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the user terminal 3 [Figure 10] A diagram showing the vending machine management table [Figure 11] A diagram showing the group management table [Figure 12] Image of the usage [Figure 13] A diagram showing the usage image [Figure 14] Image of the vending machine 2 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0026] (Embodiment 1) In this embodiment, a vending machine in which a first identifier is stored and which transmits user information including an ID storage medium in which a readable second identifier is stored to an information processing device will be described.

[0027] In this embodiment, a user terminal that acquires a second identifier from an ID storage medium of a vending machine and transmits user information including the second identifier and a user identifier to an information processing device will be described.

[0028] We also describe an information processing device that receives purchase information from a vending machine, receives user information from a user terminal, and uses the purchase information and the user information to perform payment processing to have the amount corresponding to the purchased product paid by the settler corresponding to the user identified by the user identifier included in the user information.

[0029] In this embodiment, an information processing device that receives user information from two or more user terminals and performs payments for one or more users will be described. In such a case, it is preferable that a user group for two or more user terminals is managed.

[0030] In this embodiment, an information processing device will be described that performs settlement processing using only user information received within a predetermined time period from the time when purchase information is received.

[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an information processing device that transmits a discharge instruction to the vending machine when or after the payment process is performed will be described.

[0032] In this embodiment, information X being associated with information Y means that information Y can be obtained from information X, or information X can be obtained from information Y, and the method of association is not important. Information X and information Y may be linked, may exist in the same buffer, information X may be included in information Y, or information Y may be included in information X, etc.

[0033] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of a vending machine system A in this embodiment. The vending machine system A includes an information processing device 1, one or more vending machines 2, and one or more user terminals 3. In Figure 1, symbols G1, ..., GN are identifiers for groups of two or more user terminals 3. Note that the vending machine system A may include user terminals 3 that do not belong to a group, and all user terminals 3 do not have to belong to a group.

[0034] The information processing device 1 is a server that supports payment processing when purchasing products from the vending machine 2. The information processing device 1 is, for example, a cloud server or an ASP server, but the type is not important.

[0035] The vending machine 2 is a vending machine that sells products. The products may be, for example, beverages, but are not limited to these. The products may also be vouchers for products that the user ultimately acquires. Products may also be considered to include services. Services may be, for example, car parking services or motorcycle parking services. The vending machine 2 that sells services is, for example, a device that unlocks a parking lot or bicycle parking area.

[0036] The user terminal 3 is a terminal used by a user who purchases a product from the vending machine 2. The user terminal 3 is, for example, a smartphone, but may also be a watch-type terminal, a tablet terminal, a so-called personal computer, or the like, and the type of the terminal does not matter.

[0037] The information processing device 1 and the vending machine 2, and the information processing device 1 and the user terminal 3, can usually communicate via the Internet, a LAN, etc. It is preferable that the vending machine 2 and the user terminal 3 can communicate via short-range wireless communication or other communication means.

[0038] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the vending machine system A in this embodiment. Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the information processing device 1.

[0039] Information processing device 1 includes a storage unit 11, a receiving unit 12, a processing unit 13, and a transmitting unit 14. Storage unit 11 includes a vending machine management unit 111 and a group management unit 112. Receiving unit 12 includes a purchase information receiving unit 121 and a user information receiving unit 122. Processing unit 13 includes a determination unit 131 and a payment processing unit 132. Transmitting unit 14 includes an instruction transmitting unit 141.

[0040] Vending machine 2 includes vending machine storage unit 21, ID storage medium 22, vending machine reception unit 23, vending machine processing unit 24, vending machine receiving unit 25, vending machine transmission unit 26, vending machine output unit 27, and discharge unit 28. Vending machine processing unit 24 includes vending machine configuration unit 241.

[0041] The user terminal 3 includes a terminal storage unit 31, a terminal reception unit 32, a terminal processing unit 33, a terminal transmission unit , a terminal reception unit , and a terminal output unit .

[0042] Various types of information are stored in storage unit 11 that constitutes information processing device 1. The various types of information include, for example, vending machine management information, user information, and group information, which will be described later.

[0043] The user information is information about a user who uses the user terminal 3. The user information includes, for example, a user identifier and one or more user attribute values. The user attribute values ​​include, for example, a credit card number, a name, a telephone number, and an email address.

[0044] The user attribute value may be the group identifier of the group to which the user belongs. In this case, one group information item is two or more group identifiers that are paired with one group identifier.

[0045] The vending machine management unit 111 stores one or more pieces of vending machine management information. The vending machine management information is information that indicates the correspondence between a first identifier and a second identifier of one vending machine 2. The vending machine management information includes, for example, the first identifier and the second identifier of one vending machine 2. The vending machine management information is associated with, for example, a vending machine identifier that identifies one vending machine 2.

[0046] The first identifier is information unique to the vending machine 2. The first identifier is, for example, the identifier of a SIM inserted into the vending machine 2 for communication with the information processing device 1.

[0047] The second identifier is information that identifies the ID storage medium 22 included in the vending machine 2. The second identifier is, for example, information that identifies the ID storage medium 22 that has a short-range wireless communication function, such as an NFC identifier.

[0048] The group management unit 112 stores one or more pieces of group information. Group information is information for managing groups. A group is a group of two or more users. A group here is a collection of users who use the vending machine 2 together. A group is, for example, an organization such as a company or department. Group information usually has two or more user identifiers. A burden flag may be associated with a user identifier. A burden flag is information that indicates whether or not a user can be responsible for paying the cost of a product when a group of two or more users purchases the product. When a group of two or more users purchases the product, the user identified by the user identifier associated with the burden flag will pay the cost of the product. Payment information may be associated with a user identifier. Payment information is information used for payment. Payment information is, for example, a credit card number or a user ID for a payment app, but it may also be other information that can be used for payment.

[0049] The receiving unit 12 receives various instructions and information, such as purchase information and terminal information, which will be described later.

[0050] The purchase information receiving unit 121 receives purchase information from one or more vending machines 2. The vending machines 2 are vending machines that have received an instruction to purchase a product.

[0051] The purchase information is information relating to the purchase of a product at the vending machine 2. The purchase information includes, for example, a product identifier and a first identifier corresponding to the purchase instruction. The purchase information includes, for example, a vending machine identifier. The purchase information includes, for example, purchase time information.

[0052] The first identifier is information that identifies the vending machine 2. The product identifier is information that identifies a product. The product identifier is, for example, the column identifier of the vending machine 2, the product ID, and the product name. The vending machine identifier is information that identifies the vending machine 2. The purchase time information is, for example, information that identifies the time when the vending machine 2 acquired the product identifier and the first identifier. The purchase time information is, for example, information that identifies the time when a purchase instruction was input into the vending machine 2. The purchase time information is, for example, the time of day.

[0053] The user information receiving unit 122 receives user information from one or more user terminals 3. The user information is information transmitted from the user terminal 3 when purchasing a product. The user information includes a second identifier and a user identifier. The user information includes, for example, user time information.

[0054] The second identifier is the identifier of the ID storage medium 22 of the vending machine 2, and is information that identifies the vending machine 2. The user time information is information that specifies the time when the user terminal 3 transmits the second identifier and the user identifier. The user time information is, for example, the time.

[0055] The processing unit 13 performs various processes. The various processes are processes performed by the determination unit 131 and the payment processing unit 132, for example.

[0056] The judgment unit 131 judges whether vending machine management information indicating a correspondence between the first identifier contained in the received purchase information and the second identifier contained in the received user information exists in the vending machine management unit 111.

[0057] The determination unit 131 normally acquires a determination result indicating whether or not to make a payment. Note that if the determination result is information indicating that the payment should be made, this means that the payment conditions are satisfied.

[0058] The payment condition is, for example, that the proximity condition is satisfied and that the vending machine condition is satisfied.

[0059] The approximation condition is that the difference between the purchase time information contained in the purchase information and the user time information contained in the user information is within a threshold value or shorter than the threshold value.

[0060] The vending machine condition is that vending machine management information indicating a correspondence between the first identifier contained in the received purchase information and the second identifier contained in the received user information exists in vending machine management unit 111.

[0061] The judgment unit 131 judges, for example, whether vending machine management information indicating a correspondence between a first identifier contained in the received purchase information and two or more second identifiers contained in the user information received from each of two or more user terminals exists in the vending machine management unit 111.

[0062] Here, the user information received from each of two or more user terminals is usually user information received simultaneously or within a threshold time.

[0063] The determination unit 131 determines whether or not group information having two or more user identifiers included in the user information received from two or more user terminals 3 exists in the group management unit 112, for example.

[0064] The judgment unit 131 obtains a judgment result that payment will be made, for example, when vending machine management information indicating a correspondence between a first identifier contained in the received purchase information and two or more second identifiers contained in the user information received from each of two or more user terminals exists in the vending machine management unit 111, and group information having two or more user identifiers contained in the two or more user information exists in the group management unit 112.

[0065] The payment processing unit 132 performs payment processing when the determination unit 131 obtains a determination result that payment should be made. The payment processing unit 132 performs payment processing when the determination unit 131 determines that it exists in the vending machine management unit 111.

[0066] The settlement process is a process related to the settlement of a product purchase by a user at the vending machine 2. The settlement process is a process for making the settlement party corresponding to the user identifier in the user information pay the amount corresponding to the product identifier in the purchase information.

[0067] Note that the adjuster corresponding to a user identifier is, for example, a user identified by the user identifier, but may also be a person other than the user. A person other than the user may be, for example, an organization to which the user identified by the user identifier belongs, a guardian of the user identified by the user identifier, or a person who has some kind of relationship with the user identified by the user identifier. Furthermore, it can be said that the adjuster corresponding to a user identifier is the adjuster corresponding to the user identified by the user identifier. The adjuster corresponding to a user may also be the user.

[0068] The amount corresponding to the product identifier contained in the purchase information may be the entire purchase price of the product identified by the product identifier contained in the purchase information, or may be a portion thereof. The amount corresponding to the product identifier contained in the purchase information is the amount to be paid by the adjuster corresponding to the user identifier.

[0069] The payment process is, for example, a process for making a payment using payment information such as the user's credit card number. The payment process is, for example, a process for sending payment information, an amount, etc. to a payment server. However, the payment process may also be a process for supporting a payment, or any process related to a payment. In other words, the content of the payment process is not important.

[0070] When the judgment unit 131 determines that vending machine management information indicating a correspondence between the first identifier contained in the purchase information and the second identifier contained in the user information exists in the vending machine management unit 111, the payment processing unit 132 performs payment processing to have the amount corresponding to the product identifier contained in the purchase information paid by the settler corresponding to the user identified by the user identifier contained in the user information.

[0071] For example, when the judgment unit 131 determines that all vending machine management information indicating the correspondence between the first identifier and each of two or more second identifiers exists in the vending machine management unit 111, the payment processing unit 132 performs payment processing to have the amount corresponding to the product identifier contained in the purchase information paid by the settler corresponding to any one or more users identified by the user identifiers contained in each of the two or more user information.

[0072] It is preferable that the payment processing unit 132 performs the payment processing only when the determination unit 131 determines that group information having two or more second identifiers exists in the group management unit 112.

[0073] The payment processing unit 132 performs payment processing using only the user information received when the approximate condition is satisfied with respect to when the purchase information receiving unit 121 received the purchase information.

[0074] The transmitting unit 14 transmits various information and instructions, such as a discharge instruction and payment completion information, which will be described later.

[0075] The payment completion information is information indicating that the payment has been completed. The transmission unit 14 transmits the payment completion information to the user terminal 3.

[0076] The instruction sending unit 141 sends an ejection instruction to the vending machine 2 when the payment processing unit 132 performs payment processing or has performed payment processing. An ejection instruction is usually an instruction to eject a product. An ejection instruction is usually an instruction to eject a product specified by a user from the vending machine 2. However, an ejection instruction may also be considered an instruction to enable a user to remove a product. An ejection instruction may also be an instruction to unlock a lock on a storeroom where products are sold (appropriately referred to as an "unlock instruction"). An unlocking instruction may also be an instruction to unlock a parking lot or bicycle parking area, for example.

[0077] Various types of information are stored in the vending machine storage unit 21 that constitutes the vending machine 2. The various types of information are, for example, first identifiers.

[0078] A second identifier is stored in the ID storage medium 22. The second identifier is usually information different from the first identifier. The ID storage medium 22 is, for example, attached to the vending machine 2. The ID storage medium 22 is, for example, inserted into the vending machine 2. The ID storage medium 22 is, for example, an NFC chip, an NFC card, or a medium on which a code is printed. The code corresponds to the second identifier. For example, the second identifier is embedded in the code. The code is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark) or a barcode, but the type is not critical.

[0079] It is preferable that the ID storage medium 22 is a medium installed in the vending machine 2 without modifying the internal mechanism of the vending machine 2 .

[0080] The vending machine reception unit 23 receives various instructions and information. The various instructions and information are, for example, purchase instructions. A purchase instruction is an instruction to purchase a product. A purchase instruction is generated, for example, by pressing a button on the vending machine 2. A purchase instruction is associated with a product identifier.

[0081] Here, "reception" refers to the reception of instructions from buttons on the vending machine 2, the reception of instructions input from an input device such as a touch panel, the reception of information transmitted via a wired or wireless communication line, and the like.

[0082] The vending machine processing unit 24 performs various types of processing. The various types of processing are, for example, processing performed by the vending machine configuration unit 241. The various types of processing are, for example, processing performed by a known vending machine 2.

[0083] The vending machine configuration unit 241 configures purchase information that includes a product identifier corresponding to the purchase instruction received by the vending machine reception unit 23 and a first identifier of the vending machine storage unit 21. The product identifier corresponding to the purchase instruction is, for example, a product identifier corresponding to a button pressed by the user.

[0084] The vending machine receiving unit 25 receives various information and instructions. For example, the vending machine receiving unit 25 receives a discharge instruction from the information processing device 1. For example, the vending machine receiving unit 25 receives a second identifier transmission instruction from the user terminal 3.

[0085] The vending machine transmitting unit 26 transmits the purchase information configured by the vending machine configuration unit 241 to the information processing device 1.

[0086] Vending machine output unit 27 outputs various types of information, such as a sound effect when a button on vending machine 2 is pressed, a sound effect corresponding to a dispense command, and information indicating that payment has been completed.

[0087] Here, output is a concept that includes displaying on a display, projection using a projector, printing on a printer, sound output, transmission to an external device, storage on a recording medium, and delivery of processing results to other processing devices or other programs.

[0088] The discharge unit 28 discharges products from the vending machine 2. When the vending machine receiving unit 25 receives a discharge instruction from the information processing device 1, the discharge unit 28 discharges the product corresponding to the discharge instruction. The product corresponding to the discharge instruction is, for example, a product corresponding to a product identifier contained in the discharge instruction, or a product corresponding to a purchase instruction (for example, a product corresponding to a button indicated by a user). The process of a vending machine discharging products is well known technology. Discharging a product may also be considered to include discharging a product voucher.

[0089] Various types of information are stored in the terminal storage unit 31 that constitutes the user terminal 3. The various types of information are, for example, user identifiers.

[0090] The terminal reception unit 32 receives various instructions and information, such as an instruction to obtain a second identifier.

[0091] The second identifier acquisition instruction is an instruction to acquire the second identifier from the ID storage medium 22 of the vending machine 2. The second identifier acquisition instruction is, for example, an instruction to launch an app that acquires the second identifier from the ID storage medium 22 of the vending machine 2.

[0092] The means for inputting various instructions and information may be any means, such as a touch panel, keyboard, mouse, or menu screen.

[0093] The terminal processing unit 33 performs various types of processing. For example, the various types of processing are processing to convert received information, instructions, etc. into information, instructions, etc. with a structure to be transmitted. For example, the various types of processing are processing to convert received information into information with a structure to be output.

[0094] The device processing unit 33 composes user information having the second identifier and the user identifier received by the device receiving unit 35. The device processing unit 33 composes user information having the second identifier, the user identifier, and user time information received by the device receiving unit 35. The user time information is, for example, the current time obtained by the device processing unit 33 from a clock (not shown).

[0095] The terminal transmitting unit 34 transmits various instructions and information. For example, the terminal transmitting unit 34 transmits user information configured by the device processing unit 33 to the information processing device 1. For example, the terminal transmitting unit 34 transmits a second identifier transmission instruction to the vending machine 2.

[0096] The terminal receiving unit 35 receives various types of information. For example, the terminal receiving unit 35 receives a second identifier from the ID storage medium 22. For example, the terminal receiving unit 35 receives payment completion information from the information processing device 1.

[0097] The terminal output unit 36 ​​outputs various information, such as payment completion information.

[0098] Here, output typically means displaying on a display or projecting using a projector, but it may also be a concept that includes printing on a printer, sending to an external device, storing on a recording medium, or handing over the processing results to another processing device or another program.

[0099] Storage unit 11, vending machine management unit 111, group management unit 112, vending machine storage unit 21, and terminal storage unit 31 are preferably non-volatile recording media, but can also be realized using volatile recording media.

[0100] There is no restriction on the process by which information is stored in the storage unit 11 etc. For example, information may be stored in the storage unit 11 etc. via a recording medium, information transmitted via a communication line etc. may be stored in the storage unit 11 etc., or information input via an input device may be stored in the storage unit 11 etc.

[0101] The receiving unit 12, the purchase information receiving unit 121, the user information receiving unit 122, and the terminal receiving unit 35 are usually realized by wireless or wired communication means, but may also be realized by means for receiving broadcasts.

[0102] The processing unit 13, judgment unit 131, payment processing unit 132, vending machine processing unit 24, vending machine configuration unit 241, and terminal processing unit 33 are typically realized by a processor, memory, etc. The processing procedures of the processing unit 13, etc. are typically realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM. However, they may also be realized by hardware (dedicated circuitry). The processor may be a CPU, MPU, GPU, etc., and the type is not important.

[0103] Transmitter 14, instruction transmitter 141, vending machine transmitter 26, and terminal transmitter 34 are typically implemented by wireless or wired communication means, but may also be implemented by broadcasting means.

[0104] The ID storage medium 22 is usually realized by a non-volatile recording medium. It is preferable that the ID storage medium 22 has a communication function. The communication here is preferably short-range wireless communication, for example, but the type of communication is not important.

[0105] The vending machine reception unit 23 is realized by, for example, buttons and a touch panel.

[0106] The discharge unit 28 is realized by a product discharge mechanism of the vending machine 2.

[0107] The terminal reception unit 32 can be realized by a device driver for an input means such as a touch panel or a keyboard, or control software for a menu screen.

[0108] The terminal output unit 36 ​​may or may not be considered to include an output device such as a display, a speaker, etc. The terminal output unit 36 ​​may be realized by driver software for an output device, or by a combination of driver software for an output device and the output device, etc.

[0109] Next, we will explain an example of the operation of the vending machine system A. First, we will explain an example of the operation of the information processing device 1 using the flowchart in FIG.

[0110] (Step S401) The purchase information receiving unit 121 determines whether or not purchase information has been received from the vending machine 2. If purchase information has been received, the process proceeds to step S402, and if not, the process proceeds to step S404.

[0111] (Step S402) The processing unit 13 acquires the current time from a clock (not shown). This current time is usually the purchase time information. Next, the processing unit 13 constructs new purchase information having the first identifier included in the purchase information received in step S401, the product identifier included in the purchase information, and the purchase time information. Next, the processing unit 13 stores the new purchase information in a buffer (not shown).

[0112] In step S402, the processing unit 13 does not have to acquire the purchase information. In this case, the purchase information includes the purchase information.

[0113] (Step S403) The judgment unit 131 judges whether or not unused user information exists in a buffer (not shown). If the user information exists, the process proceeds to step S407, and if not, the process returns to step S401. Note that unused user information is user information that is not associated with a completion flag or user information that has resulted in an error.

[0114] (Step S404) The user information receiving unit 122 determines whether or not user information has been received from the user terminal 3. If user information has been received, the process proceeds to step S405, and if not, the process proceeds to step S415.

[0115] (Step S405) The processing unit 13 acquires the current time from a clock (not shown). This current time is used as user time information. Next, the processing unit 13 constructs new user information having the second identifier included in the user information received in step S404, the user identifier included in the user information, and the user time information. Next, the processing unit 13 stores the new user information in a buffer (not shown). Note that in step S405, the processing unit 13 does not need to acquire the user time information. In such a case, the user time information is included in the user information.

[0116] (Step S406) The judgment unit 131 judges whether or not unused purchase information exists in a buffer (not shown). If purchase information exists, the process proceeds to step S407; if not, the process returns to step S401. Note that unused purchase information is purchase information that does not have a completion flag associated with it, or purchase information that has resulted in an error.

[0117] (Step S407) The judgment unit 131 performs a judgment process as to whether or not to perform payment processing. An example of the judgment process will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 5. The judgment process as to whether or not to perform payment processing is a process as to whether or not payment conditions are satisfied.

[0118] (Step S408) The payment processing unit 132 determines whether the judgment result in step S407 is "OK" or "NG." If it is "OK," proceed to step S409, and if it is "NG," return to step S401. Note that if the judgment result is "OK," it means that the payment conditions are met.

[0119] (Step S409) The payment processing unit 132 performs payment processing. An example of the payment processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0120] (Step S410) The processing unit 13 determines whether the settlement has been completed normally. If the settlement has been completed normally, the process proceeds to step S411, and if not, the process proceeds to step S413.

[0121] (Step S411) The processing unit 13 generates a discharge instruction. The discharge instruction includes, for example, one or more product identifiers included in the purchase information that was the subject of the determination process in step S407. The discharge instruction may not include, for example, a product identifier, but may include only a command or flag to discharge the product.

[0122] The instruction sending unit 141 also acquires the first identifier included in the purchase information that was the subject of the determination process in step S407. Next, the instruction sending unit 141 transmits the configured discharge instruction to the vending machine 2 identified by the first identifier.

[0123] (Step S412) The processing unit 13 assigns a completion flag to the purchase information that was the subject of the determination process in step S407. The processing unit 13 also assigns a completion flag to the user information that was the subject of the determination process in step S407. The processing unit 13 returns to the upper processing. The completion flag is information that indicates that the information is the subject of payment.

[0124] (Step S413) The processing unit 13 acquires an error code and / or an error message. The transmission unit 14 transmits the error code and / or the error message to the vending machine 2 identified by the first identifier included in the purchase information that was the subject of the determination process in step S407. The transmission unit 14 also transmits the error code and / or the error message to the user terminal 3 identified by the user identifier included in the user information that was the subject of the determination process in step S407.

[0125] (Step S414) The processing unit 13 deletes the purchase information that was the subject of the determination process in step S407 from a buffer (not shown). The processing unit 13 deletes the user information that was the subject of the determination process in step S407 from a buffer (not shown). Return to step S401.

[0126] (Step S415) The processing unit 13 performs timeout processing. Return to step S401. An example of the timeout processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 7. The timeout processing is a process performed when it is determined that the received purchase information or user information will not be used for payment due to a timeout.

[0127] In the flowchart of FIG. 4, the process ends when the power is turned off or an interrupt occurs to end the process.

[0128] Next, an example of the determination process in step S407 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0129] (Step S501) The determination unit 131 acquires purchase information included in the purchase information to be inspected.

[0130] (Step S502) The determination unit 131 acquires the first identifier included in the purchase information to be inspected.

[0131] (Step S503) The determination unit 131 assigns 1 to the counter i.

[0132] (Step S504) The judgment unit 131 judges whether or not unprocessed i-th user information exists in a buffer (not shown). If the i-th user information exists, the process proceeds to step S505; if not, the process proceeds to step S514.

[0133] (Step S505) The determination unit 131 acquires the user time information included in the i-th user information.

[0134] (Step S506) The judgment unit 131 judges whether the purchase time information acquired in step S501 and the user time information acquired in step S505 satisfy the approximation condition. If the approximation condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S507, and if not, the process proceeds to step S513.

[0135] (Step S507) The determination unit 131 acquires the second identifier included in the i-th user information.

[0136] (Step S508) The determination unit 131 assigns 1 to the counter j.

[0137] (Step S509) The judgment unit 131 determines whether the jth vending machine management information exists in the vending machine management unit 111. If the jth vending machine management information exists, the process proceeds to step S510; if not, the process proceeds to step S513.

[0138] (Step S510) The judgment unit 131 determines whether the first identifier acquired in step S502 and the second identifier acquired in step S507 satisfy the vending machine conditions for the jth vending machine management information. If the vending machine conditions are satisfied, the process proceeds to step S511; if the vending machine conditions are not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S512. The vending machine condition is that the jth vending machine management information is information that indicates an association between the first identifier and the second identifier. For example, the vending machine condition is that the jth vending machine management information is information that includes the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0139] (Step S511) The determination unit 131 associates the purchase information of the inspection target with the i-th user information.

[0140] (Step S512) The determination unit 131 increments the counter j by 1. The process returns to step S509.

[0141] (Step S513) The determination unit 131 increments the counter i by 1. The process returns to step S504.

[0142] (Step S514) The determination unit 131 determines whether or not one piece of user information is associated with the purchase information in step S511. If one piece of user information is associated with the purchase information, the process proceeds to step S515, and if not, the process proceeds to step S517.

[0143] (Step S515) The determination unit 131 assigns "OK" to the variable "determination result".

[0144] (Step S516) The determination unit 131 assigns the product identifier to the variable "discharge instruction". The process returns to the upper level process. The product identifier is the product identifier included in the received purchase information. The determination unit 131 may also obtain a discharge instruction that does not include a product identifier.

[0145] (Step S517) The determination unit 131 determines whether the user information associated with the purchase information in step S511 is equal to or greater than 2. If it is equal to or greater than 2, the process proceeds to step S518, and if it is equal to 0, the process proceeds to step S525.

[0146] (Step S518) The determination unit 131 acquires the user identifiers included in each of two or more pieces of user information associated with the purchase information.

[0147] (Step S519) The determination unit 131 assigns 1 to a counter k.

[0148] (Step S520) Determination unit 131 determines whether or not the k-th group information exists in group management unit 112. If the k-th group information exists, the process proceeds to step S521, and if not, the process proceeds to step S525.

[0149] (Step S521) The judgment unit 131 judges whether or not the two or more user identifiers acquired in step S518 satisfy the group condition for the k-th group information. If the group condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S522, and if not, the process proceeds to step S524. Note that the group condition is, for example, that all of the two or more user identifiers are included in the group information.

[0150] (Step S522) The determination unit 131 assigns "OK" to the variable "determination result."

[0151] (Step S523) The determination unit 131 assigns one or more product identifiers to the variable "discharge instruction". The process returns to the upper level process. Note that each of the one or more product identifiers is a product identifier included in the received purchase information.

[0152] (Step S524) The determination unit 131 increments the counter k by 1. The process returns to step S520.

[0153] (Step S525) The determination unit 131 assigns "NG" to the variable "determination result".

[0154] Next, an example of the payment process in step S409 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0155] (Step S601) The payment processing unit 132 acquires one or more product identifiers included in the purchase information of the product to be inspected.

[0156] (Step S602) The payment processing unit 132 obtains the price corresponding to each of one or more product identifiers from a product database (not shown). If there are two or more product identifiers, the payment processing unit 132 obtains the total price of the two or more prices. The product database has two or more records each containing a product identifier and the price of the product. The payment processing unit 132 may also obtain the price included in the purchase information.

[0157] (Step S603) The payment processing unit 132 acquires a user identifier from one or more pieces of user information to be inspected.

[0158] (Step S604) The payment processing unit 132 determines whether the user identifier acquired in step S603 is 2 or more. If it is 2 or more, the process proceeds to step S605, and if it is 1, the process proceeds to step S606.

[0159] (Step S605) The payment processing unit 132 determines whether there is one user or two or more users who will pay the purchase price of the product, based on the burden flags paired with the two or more user identifiers acquired in step S603. If there is one user, proceed to step S606, and if there are two or more users, proceed to step S608.

[0160] (Step S606) The payment processing unit 132 acquires a paying user identifier, which is the user identifier acquired in step S603. Alternatively, the payment processing unit 132 acquires a paying user identifier, which is the user identifier paired with the burden flag, from among the two or more user identifiers acquired in step S603. The paying user identifier is the user identifier of the user who will bear the purchase price of the product.

[0161] (Step S607) The settlement processing unit 132 performs a process of making the user identified by the paying user identifier pay the purchase price of the product.

[0162] (Step S608) The settlement processing unit 132 divides the purchase price of the product by the number of users to calculate the split price for each user.

[0163] (Step S609) The settlement processing unit 132 assigns 1 to the counter i.

[0164] (Step S610) The settlement processing unit 132 determines whether or not the i-th burden user identifier exists. If the i-th burden user identifier exists, the process proceeds to step S611, and if not, the process returns to the upper processing.

[0165] (Step S611) The settlement processing unit 132 performs processing to make the user identified by the i-th paying user identifier pay the split amount.

[0166] (Step S612) The payment processing unit 132 increments the counter i by 1. The process returns to step S610.

[0167] Next, an example of the timeout process in step S415 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0168] (Step S701) The processing unit 13 acquires the current time from a clock (not shown).

[0169] (Step S702) The processing unit 13 assigns 1 to the counter i.

[0170] (Step S703) The processing unit 13 determines whether or not unprocessed i-th purchase information exists in a buffer (not shown). If the i-th purchase information exists, the process proceeds to step S704; if not, the process proceeds to step S710. Note that unprocessed purchase information is purchase information that does not have a completion flag associated with it.

[0171] (Step S704) The processing unit 13 acquires the purchase time information contained in the i-th purchase information.

[0172] (Step S705) The processing unit 13 determines whether the purchase information acquired in step S704 satisfies the timeout condition with respect to the current time acquired in step S701. If the timeout condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S706, and if the timeout condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S709. The timeout condition is that the difference between the two times is equal to or greater than a threshold value or is longer than the threshold value. The timeout condition is that a considerable amount of time has passed.

[0173] (Step S706) The processing unit 13 acquires the first identifier included in the i-th purchase information.

[0174] (Step S707) The processing unit 13 obtains an error code indicating that the i-th purchase information was not processed from the storage unit 11. The transmission unit 14 transmits the error code to the vending machine 2 identified by the first identifier obtained in step S706. The error code may be an error message.

[0175] (Step S708) The processing unit 13 deletes the i-th purchase information from the buffer (not shown).

[0176] (Step S709) The processing unit 13 increments the counter i by 1. The process returns to step S703.

[0177] (Step S710) The processing unit 13 assigns 1 to the counter i.

[0178] (Step S711) The processing unit 13 determines whether or not unprocessed i-th user information exists in a buffer (not shown). If the i-th user information exists, the process proceeds to step S712; if not, the process returns to the upper processing. Note that unprocessed user information is user information that does not have a completion flag associated with it.

[0179] (Step S712) The processing unit 13 acquires the user time information included in the i-th user information.

[0180] (Step S713) The processing unit 13 determines whether the user time information acquired in step S712 satisfies the timeout condition for the current time acquired in step S701. If the timeout condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S714, and if the timeout condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S717.

[0181] (Step S714) The processing unit 13 acquires the user identifier included in the i-th user information.

[0182] (Step S715) The transmission unit 14 transmits an error message to the user terminal 3 identified by the user identifier received in step S714. The error message may be an error code.

[0183] (Step S716) The processing unit 13 deletes the i-th user information from the buffer (not shown).

[0184] (Step S717) The processing unit 13 increments the counter i by 1. The process returns to step S711.

[0185] Next, an example of the operation of the vending machine 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0186] (Step S801) Vending machine reception unit 23 determines whether or not a purchase instruction has been received. If a purchase instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S802, and if not, the process proceeds to step S809.

[0187] (Step S802) The vending machine configuration unit 241 acquires the product identifier corresponding to the purchase instruction received in step S801.

[0188] (Step S803) The vending machine configuration unit 241 determines whether or not to configure purchase information. If configuring purchase information, proceed to step S806; if not configuring purchase information, proceed to step S804. Note that purchase information is configured when, for example, a threshold amount of time has passed since the initial purchase instruction was received, or when information indicating completion of input of the purchase instruction is received.

[0189] (Step S804) The vending machine reception unit 23 determines whether or not a purchase instruction has been received. If a purchase instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S805; if not, the process returns to step S803. The purchase instruction here is a purchase instruction for the second or subsequent product. The purchase instruction here is, for example, a purchase instruction input by the second or subsequent user.

[0190] (Step S805) The vending machine configuration unit 241 acquires the product identifier corresponding to the purchase instruction received in step S804.

[0191] (Step S806) The vending machine configuration unit 241 acquires the first identifier from the vending machine storage unit 21.

[0192] (Step S807) The vending machine configuration unit 241 configures purchase information having the one or more acquired product identifiers and the first identifier acquired in step S805. Note that the purchase information may also include purchase time information, which is the current time.

[0193] (Step S808) The vending machine transmitting unit 26 transmits the purchase information to the information processing device 1. The process returns to step S801.

[0194] (Step S809) The vending machine receiving unit 25 determines whether or not a discharge instruction has been received from the information processing device 1. If a discharge instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S810, and if not, the process proceeds to step S814.

[0195] (Step S810) The discharge unit 28 assigns 1 to the counter i.

[0196] (Step S811) The discharge unit 28 determines whether or not the i-th product identifier corresponding to the discharge instruction exists. If the i-th product identifier exists, the process proceeds to step S812; if not, the process returns to step S801. The i-th product identifier may be included in the discharge instruction, or may be stored in the vending machine storage unit 21.

[0197] (Step S812) The discharge unit 28 discharges the product identified by the ith product identifier corresponding to the discharge instruction.

[0198] (Step S813) The discharge unit 28 increments the counter i by 1. The process returns to step S811.

[0199] (Step S814) The vending machine receiving unit 25 determines whether or not an error code or an error message has been received from the information processing device 1. If an error code or the like has been received, the process proceeds to step S815; if not, the process returns to step S801.

[0200] (Step S815) The vending machine processing unit 24 performs processing according to the error code etc. received in step S814. Return to step S801.

[0201] 8, the ID storage medium 22 may, for example, receive a second identifier acquisition instruction and transmit the second identifier stored in the ID storage medium 22. The second identifier is received by the user terminal 3.

[0202] In the flowchart of FIG. 8, the process ends when the power is turned off or an interrupt occurs to end the process.

[0203] Next, an example of the operation of the user terminal 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0204] (Step S901) The terminal reception unit 32 determines whether or not a second identifier acquisition instruction has been received. If a second identifier acquisition instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S902, and if not, the process proceeds to step S906.

[0205] (Step S902) In response to receiving the second identifier acquisition instruction, the terminal processing unit 33 or the terminal receiving unit 35 acquires the second identifier from the ID storage medium 22 of the vending machine 2. Note that, for example, acquiring the second identifier is receiving the second identifier. For example, acquiring the second identifier is reading the second identifier from the ID storage medium 22.

[0206] (Step S903) The device processing unit 33 acquires the user identifier from the device storage unit 31.

[0207] (Step S904) The device processing unit 33 generates user information having the second identifier and the user identifier. The user information may also include user time information, which is the current time.

[0208] (Step S905) The terminal transmitting unit 34 transmits the user information configured in step S904 to the information processing device 1. The process returns to step S901.

[0209] (Step S906) The terminal receiving unit 35 determines whether or not information has been received. If information has been received, the process proceeds to step S907, and if information has not been received, the process returns to step S901. The information may be, for example, an error message, an error code, or a message indicating that the payment has been completed successfully.

[0210] (Step S907) The terminal processing unit 33 converts the received information into information with a structure for output. The terminal output unit 36 ​​outputs the information. The process returns to step S901.

[0211] In the flowchart of FIG. 9, the process ends when the power is turned off or an interrupt occurs to end the process.

[0212] A specific example of the operation of the vending machine system A in this embodiment will be described below.

[0213] It is assumed that the vending machine management table shown in FIG. 10 is stored in the vending machine management unit 111 of the information processing device 1. The vending machine management table is a table that manages vending machine management information. The vending machine management table manages one or more records that have an "ID," a "first identifier," and a "second identifier." The "ID" is information that identifies the record and corresponds to the vending machine 2.

[0214] It is assumed that the group management unit 112 stores the group management table shown in FIG. 11. The group management table is a table for managing group information. The group management table manages one or more records each having an "ID," "user identifier," "group identifier," "burden flag," and "payment usage information." The "ID" is information that identifies a record and corresponds to a user. The "group identifier" is the identifier of the group to which the user belongs. The burden flag "1" indicates that a user can be a burden payer when two or more users in a group purchase a product. When a user corresponding to the burden flag "1" and a user not corresponding to the burden flag "1" purchase a product, only the user corresponding to the burden flag "1" will bear the cost of the product. The "payment usage information" is information used for payment for the purchase of a product. Here, the "payment usage information" is, for example, a credit card number or a user ID of a payment app.

[0215] In this situation, the following three specific examples will be described. Specific Example 1 is when one user purchases a product from vending machine 2. Specific Example 2 is when multiple users in the same group purchase products and one user pays for them. Specific Example 3 is when multiple users in the same group purchase products and split the cost.

[0216] (Example 1) It is assumed that one user A inputs a second identifier acquisition instruction to his / her user terminal 3. The input of the second identifier acquisition instruction is, for example, the launch of an app for purchasing a product from the vending machine 2. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, it is assumed that user A brings his / her user terminal 3 close to the ID storage medium 22 (here, an NFC card) of the vending machine 2.

[0217] Next, it is assumed that the terminal receiving unit 35 receives the second identifier "NFC001" from the ID storage medium 22 of the vending machine 2. Next, it is assumed that the terminal processing unit 33 acquires the user identifier "U0002" from the terminal storage unit 31. Next, the terminal processing unit 33 composes user information "<user identifier>U0002 <second identifier>NFC001" having the second identifier and the user identifier. Next, the terminal transmitting unit 34 transmits the user information to the information processing device 1.

[0218] Next, it is assumed that user A presses the button of the product that he or she wishes to purchase from among the products sold in vending machine 2.

[0219] Then, it is assumed that the vending machine reception unit 23 of the vending machine 2 receives a purchase instruction containing the product identifier "G101" corresponding to the button. Next, the vending machine configuration unit 241 obtains the product identifier "G101" corresponding to the purchase instruction. Next, the vending machine configuration unit 241 obtains the first identifier "SIM0001" from the vending machine storage unit 21. Next, the vending machine configuration unit 241 constructs purchase information "<first identifier>SIM0001 <product identifier>G101" that contains the product identifier and the first identifier. Next, the vending machine transmission unit 26 transmits the purchase information to the information processing device 1.

[0220] Next, the user information receiving unit 122 of the information processing device 1 receives the user information "<user identifier>U0002 <second identifier>NFC001" from the user terminal 3 of user A. Next, the processing unit 13 acquires the current time "T1" from a clock (not shown). Next, the processing unit 13 constructs new user information "<user identifier>U0002 <second identifier>NFC001 <user time information>T1" that has the second identifier "NFC001" included in the received user information, the user identifier "U0002" included in the user information, and the user time information. Next, the processing unit 13 stores the new user information in a buffer (not shown).

[0221] The purchase information receiving unit 121 also receives the purchase information "<first identifier>SIM0001 <product identifier>G101" from the vending machine 2. Next, the processing unit 13 obtains the current time "T2" from a clock (not shown). Next, the processing unit 13 constructs new purchase information "<first identifier>SIM0001 <product identifier>G101 <purchase time information>T2" that includes the first identifier included in the received purchase information, the product identifier included in the purchase information, and the purchase time information "T2", which is the current time. Next, the processing unit 13 stores the new purchase information in a buffer (not shown).

[0222] Next, the determination unit 131 acquires the purchase time information "T2" included in the purchase information stored in a buffer (not shown). The determination unit 131 also acquires the first identifier "SIM0001" included in the purchase information.

[0223] The determination unit 131 also acquires the user time information "T1" contained in the user information in a buffer (not shown). Next, the determination unit 131 determines that the difference between the purchase time information "T2" and the user time information "T1" is within a threshold value and satisfies the approximation condition.

[0224] Next, the judgment unit 131 obtains the second identifier "NFC001" included in the user information. Then, the judgment unit 131 composes information having the first identifier "SIM0001" and the second identifier "NFC001." Next, the judgment unit 131 determines that vending machine management information matching this information exists in the vending machine management table (FIG. 10). Note that this vending machine management information is the vending machine management information for "ID=1" in the vending machine management table (FIG. 10). Next, the judgment unit 131 assigns "OK" to the variable "judgment result." In other words, the judgment unit 131 determines that the payment conditions are met.

[0225] Next, the payment processing unit 132 performs payment processing as follows: That is, the payment processing unit 132 acquires the product identifier "G101" included in the purchase information. Next, the payment processing unit 132 acquires the amount "150 yen" corresponding to each product identifier "G101" from a product database (not shown).

[0226] Next, the payment processing unit 132 acquires the user identifier "U0002" from the user information. Note that here, since only one piece of user information is received, the user identifier "U0002" is the paying user identifier. Next, the payment processing unit 132 acquires the payment use information "payment app ID1" that pairs with the user identifier "U0002". Next, the payment processing unit 132 settles the amount "150 yen" using the ID of the payment app that corresponds to the payment use information "payment app ID1". Through this process, user A pays 150 yen.

[0227] Next, the processing unit 13 composes a discharge instruction. Next, the instruction sending unit 141 sends the composed discharge instruction to the vending machine 2 identified by the first identifier.

[0228] Next, the vending machine receiving unit 25 of the vending machine 2 receives the discharge instruction. Next, the discharge unit 28 discharges from the vending machine 2 the product corresponding to the pressed button.

[0229] Through the above process, user A can obtain the product identified by the product identifier "G101."

[0230] (Example 2) It is assumed that user A has input a second identifier acquisition instruction to his / her user terminal 3. It is also assumed that user B has input a second identifier acquisition instruction to his / her user terminal 3. Next, as shown in FIG. 13, it is assumed that user A and user B bring their respective user terminals 3(1) and 3(2) close to the ID storage medium 22 of the vending machine 2 (see FIG. 13(a)).

[0231] Next, the terminal processing unit 33 of the user terminal 3(1) acquires the second identifier "NFC001" from the ID storage medium 22 of the vending machine 2. Next, the terminal processing unit 33 acquires the user identifier "U0002" from the terminal storage unit 31. Next, the terminal processing unit 33 constructs user information "<user identifier>U0002 <second identifier>NFC001" having the second identifier and the user identifier. Next, the terminal transmission unit 34 transmits the user information to the information processing device 1.

[0232] Furthermore, the terminal processing unit 33 of the user terminal 3(2) acquires the second identifier "NFC001" from the ID storage medium 22 of the vending machine 2. Next, the terminal processing unit 33 acquires the user identifier "U0001" from the terminal storage unit 31. Next, the terminal processing unit 33 constructs user information "<user identifier>U0001 <second identifier>NFC001" having the second identifier and the user identifier. Next, the terminal transmission unit 34 transmits the user information to the information processing device 1.

[0233] Next, it is assumed that User A presses the button for one of the products sold in the vending machine 2. It is also assumed that User B presses the button for one of the products sold in the vending machine 2 (see FIG. 13(b)).

[0234] It is assumed that the vending machine reception unit 23 of the vending machine 2 then receives a purchase instruction containing the product identifier "G101" corresponding to the button pressed by user A. It is also assumed that the vending machine reception unit 23 of the vending machine 2 receives a purchase instruction containing the product identifier "G102" corresponding to the button pressed by user B. Next, the vending machine configuration unit 241 acquires the product identifiers "G101" and "G102" corresponding to the purchase instruction. Next, the vending machine configuration unit 241 acquires the first identifier "SIM0001" from the vending machine storage unit 21. Next, the vending machine configuration unit 241 configures purchase information "<first identifier>SIM0001 <product identifier>G101, G102" that contains the product identifier and the first identifier. Next, the vending machine transmission unit 26 transmits the purchase information to the information processing device 1.

[0235] Next, the user information receiving unit 122 of the information processing device 1 receives the user information "<user identifier>U0002 <second identifier>NFC001" from the user terminal 3 of user A. Next, the processing unit 13 acquires the current time "T3" from a clock (not shown). Next, the processing unit 13 constructs new user information "<user identifier>U0002 <second identifier>NFC001 <user time information>T3" that has the second identifier "NFC001" included in the received user information, the user identifier "U0002" included in the user information, and the user time information. Next, the processing unit 13 stores the new user information in a buffer (not shown).

[0236] Furthermore, the user information receiving unit 122 of the information processing device 1 receives the user information "<user identifier>U0001 <second identifier>NFC001" from the user terminal 3 of user B. Next, the processing unit 13 acquires the current time "T4" from a clock (not shown). Next, the processing unit 13 constructs new user information "<user identifier>U0001 <second identifier>NFC001 <user time information>T4" that has the second identifier "NFC001" included in the received user information, the user identifier "U0001" included in the user information, and the user time information. Next, the processing unit 13 stores the new user information in a buffer (not shown).

[0237] The purchase information receiving unit 121 also receives the purchase information "<first identifier>SIM0001 <product identifier>G101, G102" from the vending machine 2. Next, the processing unit 13 obtains the current time "T5" from a clock (not shown). Next, the processing unit 13 constructs new purchase information "<first identifier>SIM0001 <product identifier>G101, G102 <purchase time information>T5" that includes the first identifier included in the received purchase information, the product identifier included in the purchase information, and the purchase time information "T5", which is the current time. Next, the processing unit 13 stores the new purchase information in a buffer (not shown).

[0238] Next, the determination unit 131 acquires the purchase time information "T5" included in the purchase information stored in a buffer (not shown). The determination unit 131 also acquires the first identifier "SIM0001" included in the purchase information.

[0239] The determination unit 131 also acquires the user time information "T3" and "T4" contained in each of the two pieces of user information stored in a buffer (not shown). Next, the determination unit 131 determines that the difference between the purchase time information "T2" and each piece of user time information "T1" and "T4" is within a threshold value, and that the two pieces of user time information satisfy the approximation condition.

[0240] Next, determination unit 131 acquires the second identifier "NFC001" included in each of the two pieces of user information. Then, determination unit 131 creates information having the first identifier "SIM0001" and the second identifier "NFC001." Next, determination unit 131 determines that vending machine management information matching this information exists in the vending machine management table (FIG. 10). Note that this vending machine management information is the vending machine management information for "ID=1" in the vending machine management table (FIG. 10).

[0241] Next, the determination unit 131 determines that there are two or more pieces of user information associated with the purchase information. Next, the determination unit 131 acquires the user identifiers "U10002" and "U10001" included in each of the two or more pieces of user information associated with the purchase information.

[0242] Next, the judgment unit 131 obtains the group identifiers "G1" and "G1" that are paired with one user identifier "U10002" and "U10001" from the group management table, and determines that the two group identifiers are the same. In other words, the judgment unit 131 determines that the group condition is met. Next, the judgment unit 131 assigns "OK" to the variable "judgment result." In other words, the judgment unit 131 determines that the payment condition is met.

[0243] Next, the payment processing unit 132 performs payment processing as follows. First, the payment processing unit 132 acquires two product identifiers "G101, G102" included in the purchase information of the inspection target. Next, the payment processing unit 132 acquires the amounts "150 yen, 180 yen" corresponding to each of the two product identifiers from a product database (not shown).

[0244] Next, the payment processing unit 132 acquires the user identifiers "U10002" and "U10001" from each of the two pieces of user information to be inspected. Next, the payment processing unit 132 determines that the acquired user identifier is two or more. Next, the payment processing unit 132 acquires the burden flags paired with each of the two acquired user identifiers ("-" for U10002, "1" for U10001). Next, based on the two burden flags, the payment processing unit 132 determines that the user who will pay the purchase price of the product is the single user paired with the user identifier "U10001".

[0245] Next, the payment processing unit 132 obtains the total amount of the products, "330 yen." Next, the payment processing unit 132 obtains the payment use information "credit card number 1" that is paired with the user identifier "U0001." Next, the payment processing unit 132 performs processing to settle the amount "330 yen" to the credit card with the number in the payment use information "credit card number 1." Through this processing, user B pays 330 yen with his credit card.

[0246] Next, the processing unit 13 constructs a discharge instruction. The discharge instruction has product identifiers "G101, G102." The instruction sending unit 141 also acquires the first identifier "SIM0001" contained in the purchase information that was the subject of the determination process. Next, the instruction sending unit 141 transmits the constructed discharge instruction to the vending machine 2 identified by the first identifier.

[0247] Next, the vending machine receiving unit 25 of the vending machine 2 receives the discharge instruction. Next, the discharge unit 28 sequentially discharges the two products "G101, G102" corresponding to the pressed buttons from the vending machine 2.

[0248] Through the above process, User B and User C can each obtain the product they want. User B also buys User C a product (a drink in this case), and the two of them can toast together (see FIG. 13(c)).

[0249] (Example 3) It is assumed that user A has input a second identifier acquisition instruction to his / her user terminal 3. It is also assumed that user C has input a second identifier acquisition instruction to his / her user terminal 3. Next, as shown in FIG. 13, it is assumed that user A and user C bring their respective user terminals 3(1) and 3(2) close to the ID storage medium 22 of the vending machine 2.

[0250] Next, the terminal processing unit 33 of the user terminal 3(1) acquires the second identifier "NFC001" from the ID storage medium 22 of the vending machine 2. Next, the terminal processing unit 33 acquires the user identifier "U0002" from the terminal storage unit 31. Next, the terminal processing unit 33 constructs user information "<user identifier>U0002 <second identifier>NFC001" having the second identifier and the user identifier. Next, the terminal transmission unit 34 transmits the user information to the information processing device 1.

[0251] Furthermore, the terminal processing unit 33 of the user terminal 3(2) acquires the second identifier "NFC001" from the ID storage medium 22 of the vending machine 2. Next, the terminal processing unit 33 acquires the user identifier "U0003" from the terminal storage unit 31. Next, the terminal processing unit 33 constructs user information "<user identifier>U0003 <second identifier>NFC001" having the second identifier and the user identifier. Next, the terminal transmission unit 34 transmits the user information to the information processing device 1.

[0252] Next, it is assumed that User A presses the button for one of the products sold in Vending Machine 2. It is also assumed that User C presses the button for one of the products sold in Vending Machine 2.

[0253] Then, it is assumed that the vending machine reception unit 23 of the vending machine 2 receives a purchase instruction containing the product identifier "G101" corresponding to the button pressed by user B. Furthermore, it is assumed that the vending machine reception unit 23 of the vending machine 2 receives a purchase instruction containing the product identifier "G102" corresponding to the button pressed by user C. Next, the vending machine configuration unit 241 acquires the product identifiers "G101" and "G102" corresponding to the purchase instruction. Next, the vending machine configuration unit 241 acquires the first identifier "SIM0001" from the vending machine storage unit 21. Next, the vending machine configuration unit 241 configures purchase information "<first identifier>SIM0001 <product identifier>G101, G102" that contains the product identifier and the first identifier. Next, the vending machine transmission unit 26 transmits the purchase information to the information processing device 1.

[0254] Next, the user information receiving unit 122 of the information processing device 1 receives the user information "<user identifier>U0002 <second identifier>NFC001" from the user terminal 3 of user A. Next, the processing unit 13 acquires the current time "T6" from a clock (not shown). Next, the processing unit 13 constructs new user information "<user identifier>U0002 <second identifier>NFC001 <user time information>T6" that has the second identifier "NFC001" included in the received user information, the user identifier "U0002" included in the user information, and the user time information. Next, the processing unit 13 stores the new user information in a buffer (not shown).

[0255] Furthermore, the user information receiving unit 122 of the information processing device 1 receives the user information "<user identifier>U0003 <second identifier>NFC001" from the user terminal 3 of user C. Next, the processing unit 13 acquires the current time "T7" from a clock (not shown). Next, the processing unit 13 constructs new user information "<user identifier>U0003 <second identifier>NFC001 <user time information>T7" that has the second identifier "NFC001" contained in the received user information, the user identifier "U0003" contained in the user information, and the user time information. Next, the processing unit 13 stores the new user information in a buffer (not shown).

[0256] The purchase information receiving unit 121 also receives the purchase information "<first identifier>SIM0001 <product identifier>G101, G102" from the vending machine 2. Next, the processing unit 13 obtains the current time "T8" from a clock (not shown). Next, the processing unit 13 constructs new purchase information "<first identifier>SIM0001 <product identifier>G101, G102 <purchase time information>T8" that includes the first identifier included in the received purchase information, the product identifier included in the purchase information, and the purchase time information "T8", which is the current time. Next, the processing unit 13 stores the new purchase information in a buffer (not shown).

[0257] Next, the determination unit 131 acquires the purchase time information "T8" included in the purchase information stored in a buffer (not shown). The determination unit 131 also acquires the first identifier "SIM0001" included in the purchase information.

[0258] The determination unit 131 also acquires the user time information "T6" and "T7" contained in each of the two pieces of user information stored in a buffer (not shown). Next, the determination unit 131 determines that the difference between the purchase time information "T8" and each piece of user time information "T6" and "T7" is within a threshold value, and that the two pieces of user time information satisfy the approximation condition.

[0259] Next, determination unit 131 acquires the second identifier "NFC001" included in each of the two pieces of user information. Then, determination unit 131 creates information having the first identifier "SIM0001" and the second identifier "NFC001." Next, determination unit 131 determines that vending machine management information matching this information exists in the vending machine management table (FIG. 10).

[0260] Next, the determination unit 131 determines that there are two or more pieces of user information associated with the purchase information. Next, the determination unit 131 acquires the user identifiers "U10002" and "U10003" included in each of the two or more pieces of user information associated with the purchase information.

[0261] Next, the judgment unit 131 obtains the group identifiers "G1" and "G1" that are paired with one user identifier "U10002" and one user identifier "U10003" from the group management table, and determines that the two group identifiers are the same. In other words, the judgment unit 131 determines that the group condition is met. Next, the judgment unit 131 assigns "OK" to the variable "judgment result." In other words, the judgment unit 131 determines that the payment condition is met.

[0262] Next, the payment processing unit 132 performs payment processing as follows. First, the payment processing unit 132 acquires two product identifiers "G101, G102" included in the purchase information of the inspection target. Next, the payment processing unit 132 acquires the amounts "150 yen, 180 yen" corresponding to each of the two product identifiers from a product database (not shown).

[0263] Next, the payment processing unit 132 acquires the user identifiers "U10002" and "U10003" from each of the two pieces of user information to be inspected. Next, the payment processing unit 132 determines that the acquired user identifiers are two or more. Next, the payment processing unit 132 acquires the burden flags paired with each of the two acquired user identifiers ("-" for U10002, "-" for U10001). Next, based on the two burden flags, the payment processing unit 132 determines that there are two users who will bear the cost of the product purchase.

[0264] Next, the payment processing unit 132 obtains the total amount of the products, "330 yen." Next, the payment processing unit 132 obtains "165 yen," which is the amount obtained by splitting the amount "330 yen." Next, the payment processing unit 132 obtains the payment use information "payment app ID1" paired with the user identifier "U0002" and the payment use information "credit card number 2" paired with the user identifier "U0003" from the group management table (FIG. 11). Next, the payment processing unit 132 pays the amount "165 yen" using the ID of the payment app corresponding to the payment use information "payment app ID1." Through this process, user A pays 165 yen.

[0265] Furthermore, the payment processing unit 132 performs processing to settle the amount "165 yen" to the credit card number in the payment use information "credit card number 2." Through this processing, user C pays 165 yen with his credit card.

[0266] Next, the processing unit 13 constructs a discharge instruction. The discharge instruction has product identifiers "G101, G102." The instruction sending unit 141 also acquires the first identifier "SIM0001" contained in the purchase information that was the subject of the determination process. Next, the instruction sending unit 141 transmits the constructed discharge instruction to the vending machine 2 identified by the first identifier.

[0267] Next, the vending machine receiving unit 25 of the vending machine 2 receives the discharge instruction. Next, the discharge unit 28 sequentially discharges the two products "G101, G102" corresponding to the pressed buttons from the vending machine 2.

[0268] Through the above process, User A and User C can each obtain the product they want, and the two can then toast together in harmony (see FIG. 13(c)).

[0269] As described above, according to this embodiment, appropriate payment can be made using the user terminal 3 when using the vending machine 2.

[0270] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, appropriate payments can be made using the user terminals 3 when two or more users use the vending machine 2.

[0271] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, appropriate payment can be made using the user terminal 3 when a group of two or more specific users uses the vending machine 2.

[0272] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when using the vending machine 2, payment and product dispensing can be performed appropriately using the user terminal 3.

[0273] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a vending machine 2 that allows appropriate payment using the user terminal 3 when using the vending machine 2.

[0274] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a vending machine 2 equipped with an NFC medium that allows appropriate payment using a user terminal when using the vending machine.

[0275] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a user terminal 3 that can perform appropriate payment for use of a vending machine.

[0276] In this embodiment, the vending machine 2 may include a locked goods storeroom or may be a locked goods storeroom. Such a vending machine 2 is shown, for example, in FIG. 14. In FIG. 14, 1401 is a normal vending machine and 1402 is a locked goods storeroom. In this case, the above-described process unlocks the key to the goods storeroom 1402, allowing the user to obtain goods from the goods storeroom 1402. Also, for example, after the user obtains the goods, the goods storeroom 1402 is locked.

[0277] The processing in this embodiment may be realized by software. This software may be distributed by software download or the like. This software may also be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed. This also applies to the other embodiments in this specification. The software that realizes the information processing device 1 in this embodiment is the following program. In other words, this program causes a computer to function as a vending machine that stores a first identifier that identifies the vending machine and has an ID storage medium that stores a second identifier that identifies the vending machine, accepts a product purchase instruction, and transmits purchase information containing a product identifier corresponding to the purchase instruction and the first identifier; a purchase information receiving unit that receives purchase information from the vending machine that receives the purchase information and transmits purchase information containing the first identifier and a product identifier corresponding to the purchase instruction; a user information receiving unit that receives user information containing the second identifier and a user identifier from a user terminal that has acquired the second identifier from the ID storage medium; a judgment unit that references a vending machine management unit that stores one or more pieces of vending machine management information that is information indicating the correspondence between the first identifier and the second identifier, and determines whether vending machine management information indicating the correspondence between the first identifier contained in the purchase information and the second identifier contained in the user information exists in the vending machine management unit; and, if the judgment unit determines that the information exists in the vending machine management unit, performs a payment processing to have the amount corresponding to the product identifier contained in the purchase information paid to the adjuster corresponding to the user identified by the user identifier contained in the user information.

[0278] The software that realizes the vending machine 2 in this embodiment is the following program: In other words, this program causes a computer that can access a vending machine storage unit that stores a first identifier that identifies a vending machine equipped with an ID storage medium that stores a second identifier that identifies the vending machine to function as a vending machine reception unit that receives product purchase instructions, a vending machine configuration unit that configures purchase information that includes a product identifier corresponding to the purchase instruction and the first identifier, and a vending machine transmission unit that transmits the purchase information to an information processing device.

[0279] The software that realizes the user terminal 3 in this embodiment is the following program. That is, this program causes a computer that can access a terminal storage unit in which a user identifier is stored to function as a terminal acquisition unit that acquires a second identifier from an ID storage medium of a vending machine in which the second identifier is stored, and a terminal transmission unit that transmits user information including the second identifier and the user identifier to an information processing device.

[0280] In addition, in the above program, the steps of transmitting information and receiving information do not include processing performed by hardware, such as processing performed by a modem or interface card in the transmission step (processing that can only be performed by hardware).

[0281] The computer that executes the program may be a single computer or a plurality of computers, that is, it may perform centralized processing or distributed processing.

[0282] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, it goes without saying that two or more communication means present in one device may be physically realized by one medium.

[0283] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, each process may be realized by centralized processing in a single device, or may be realized by distributed processing in a plurality of devices.

[0284] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible, and it goes without saying that these modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0285] As described above, the information processing device 1 according to the present invention has the effect of enabling appropriate payment using a user terminal when using a vending machine, and is useful as a server or the like that supports payment for vending machines. [Explanation of symbols]

[0286] A Vending machine system 1. Information processing equipment 2. Vending machines 3. User terminal 11 Storage area 12 Receiving unit 13 Processing section 14 Transmitter 21 Vending machine storage area 22 ID storage medium 23 Vending machine reception area 24 Vending machine processing section 25 Vending machine receiver 26 Vending machine transmitter 27 Vending machine output section 28 Discharge section 31 Terminal storage section 32 Terminal Reception 33 Terminal processing section 34 Terminal transmitter 35 Terminal receiving unit 36 Terminal Output Unit 111 Vending Machine Management Department 112 Group Management Department 121 Purchase Information Receiving Department 122 User information receiving unit 131 Judgment Department 132 Payment processing unit 141 Instruction transmission unit 241 Vending machine components

Claims

1. A program for executing an information processing method performed by a user terminal having a terminal receiving unit, a terminal transmitting unit, and a terminal output unit, The terminal receiving unit receives, via short-range wireless communication, a second identifier that identifies the vending machine from an ID storage medium in which the second identifier is stored; The terminal transmitting unit transmits a user identifier that identifies a user who uses the user terminal and the second identifier to an information processing device that performs payment processing for the vending machine; and a step in which the terminal output unit outputs information corresponding to the payment completion information, based on payment completion information indicating the completion of payment received from the information processing device.

2. receiving information indicating a payment error when the terminal receiving unit determines that a predetermined condition is not satisfied in the information processing device; The program according to claim 1 , further comprising a step in which the terminal output unit outputs information indicating the payment error.

3. The program of claim 2, further comprising a step in which the terminal receiving unit receives information indicating a payment error when the difference between the time indicated by the user time information corresponding to the user identifier in the information processing device and the current time is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

4. An information processing method performed by a user terminal having a terminal receiving unit, a terminal transmitting unit, and a terminal output unit, comprising: The terminal receiving unit receives, via short-range wireless communication, a second identifier that identifies the vending machine from an ID storage medium in which the second identifier is stored; The terminal transmitting unit transmits a user identifier that identifies a user who uses the user terminal and the second identifier to an information processing device that performs payment processing for the vending machine; and a step of outputting, by the terminal output unit, information corresponding to the payment completion information, based on payment completion information indicating completion of payment, received from the information processing device.

5. a terminal receiving unit that receives, via short-range wireless communication, a second identifier that identifies the vending machine from an ID storage medium in which the second identifier is stored; a terminal transmitting unit that transmits a user identifier that identifies a user and the second identifier to an information processing device that performs payment processing for the vending machine; and a terminal output unit that outputs information corresponding to the payment completion information, based on the payment completion information indicating the completion of the payment, received from the information processing device.

Images