Information processing apparatus, vending machine, and information processing method

Abstract

To solve the problem that an appropriate function for promoting the use of an automatic vending machine is not provided.SOLUTION: The vending machine includes a reception part 12 for receiving a commodity identifier for identifying a commodity to be dispensed, a dispensing part 132 for dispensing the commodity identified by the commodity identifier received by the reception part 12, and a specific information acquisition part 131 for acquiring specific information from a card storing the specific information for specifying the card. The dispensing unit 132 performs a sales process of dispensing a first product for a fee in response to the acceptance unit 12 accepting a first product identifier for identifying the first product, and further includes the control unit 422 that performs a control process for the dispensing unit 132 to dispense a second product for free in response to the acceptance unit 12 accepting a second product identifier for identifying the second product after the acceptance unit 12 accepts the first product identifier and after the specifying information acquisition unit 131 acquires the specifying information, the dispensing unit 132 dispenses the second product according to the control processing. The vending machine 1 can promote the use of the vending machine.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vending machine or the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a free vending control system that controls the free vending function provided in a vending machine for products such as canned beverages from outside via a communication line in accordance with various purposes (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] More specifically, the prior art is a free vending control system that includes a short-range wireless transceiver unit provided on the vending machine side and a mobile terminal that stores a dedicated app, and that, when the dedicated app is executed, triggers the reading of activation permission information linked to a specific vending machine, creates an activation command for the free vending function of the vending machine, and creates a release command when the release condition is met, thereby realizing a free vending control function. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-212569 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, conventional vending machines do not have an appropriate function for promoting the use of vending machines. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vending machine of the first invention comprises a reception unit that receives a product identifier that identifies the product to be dispensed, a discharge unit that dispenses the product identified by the product identifier received by the reception unit, and a specific information acquisition unit that acquires specific information from a card on which specific information that identifies the card is stored, wherein the discharge unit performs a sales process to dispense the first product for a fee in response to the reception unit receiving a first product identifier that identifies the first product, and further comprises a control unit that performs control processing to cause the discharge unit to dispense a second product free of charge in response to the reception unit receiving a second product identifier that identifies a second product after the reception unit receives the first product identifier and after the specific information acquisition unit acquires the specific information, and the discharge unit dispenses the second product in response to the control processing.

[0007] With this configuration, by performing a sales process in which the first product is dispensed for a fee, the second product can be dispensed free of charge, thereby promoting the use of the vending machine.

[0008] In addition, the vending machine of the second invention is a vending machine in which, compared to the first invention, the control unit performs control processing when a sales process is performed within a threshold time or a time shorter than the threshold time after the specific information acquisition unit acquires the specific information.

[0009] This configuration can promote the use of vending machines.

[0010] Furthermore, the vending machine of the third invention differs from the vending machine of the second invention in that the specific information acquisition unit acquires first specific information corresponding to the first product identifier accepted by the reception unit, and before the control unit performs control processing, acquires second specific information corresponding to the second product identifier accepted by the reception unit, and the control unit performs control processing when the first specific information and the second specific information match the permission conditions.

[0011] This configuration can promote the use of vending machines.

[0012] Furthermore, the vending machine of the fourth invention is a vending machine according to the third invention, wherein the permission condition is that the first specifying information and the second specifying information are the same information.

[0013] This configuration can promote the use of vending machines.

[0014] In addition, the vending machine of the fifth invention is a vending machine in which, compared to the third invention, the permission condition is that the first specific information and the second specific information are different information and have a predetermined relationship.

[0015] This configuration makes it possible to support communication between users using vending machines.

[0016] Furthermore, the vending machine of the sixth invention is a vending machine in which, compared to the first invention, the control unit performs control processing when the specific information acquisition unit acquires specific information within a threshold time or a time shorter than the threshold time after the discharge unit performs the sales process.

[0017] This configuration can promote the use of vending machines.

[0018] Furthermore, the vending machine of the seventh invention is a vending machine according to any one of the first to sixth inventions, in which the control unit performs control processing only when the first product identifier matches a first condition.

[0019] This configuration can promote sales of specific products using the vending machine.

[0020] Furthermore, the vending machine of the eighth invention is a vending machine according to any one of the first to seventh inventions, in which the control unit performs control processing only when the second product identifier matches a second condition.

[0021] This configuration can promote the provision of specific products using vending machines.

[0022] Furthermore, the vending machine of the ninth invention is a vending machine in which, compared to any one of the first to eighth inventions, the specific information has a card identifier that identifies a card, and the control unit performs control processing only if the card identifier held by the specific information is not included in a block list that stores one or more card identifiers that are not the target of control processing.

[0023] With this configuration, it is possible to encourage only appropriate users to use the vending machine.

[0024] Furthermore, the vending machine of the tenth invention is a vending machine in which, compared to any one of the first to ninth inventions, the specific information has a group identifier that identifies a group of cards, and the control unit performs control processing only if the group identifier held by the specific information is included in the group management unit, which stores one or more group identifiers that identify the group that is the target of the control processing.

[0025] With this configuration, it is possible to encourage only appropriate users to use the vending machine.

[0026] Furthermore, the vending machine of the eleventh invention is a vending machine in which, compared to any one of the first to tenth inventions, the specific information has a card identifier that identifies a card, and the control unit performs control processing only if the card identifier held by the specific information is included in a safe list that stores one or more card identifiers that are the target of control processing.

[0027] With this configuration, it is possible to encourage only appropriate users to use the vending machine.

[0028] Furthermore, the vending machine of the twelfth invention is a vending machine according to any one of the first to eleventh inventions, wherein the specific information has a card identifier that identifies the card, and when a second product is dispensed free of charge based on the control processing, the specific information is information regarding the history of use of the control processing, and further comprises a history storage unit that performs storage processing to acquire and store history information that corresponds to the card identifier, and the control unit performs the control processing only if the history information corresponding to the card identifier held by the specific information acquired by the specific information acquisition unit satisfies the usage conditions.

[0029] This configuration can promote the use of vending machines under appropriate usage conditions.

[0030] Furthermore, the vending machine of the thirteenth invention is a vending machine in which, compared to any one of the first to twelfth inventions, the control unit is equipped with specific information sending means for sending the specific information acquired by the specific information acquisition unit to a server, judgment result receiving means for receiving from the server a judgment result as to whether the free discharge conditions are met in response to the transmission of the specific information, and control processing means for performing control processing only if the judgment result is information indicating that the free discharge conditions are met.

[0031] This configuration reduces the processing burden on the vending machine for dispensing products free of charge.

[0032] In addition, the server of the fourteenth invention is a server that includes a specific information receiving unit that receives specific information from the vending machine, a judgment unit that uses the specific information received by the specific information receiving unit to determine whether the free discharge conditions are met and obtains the judgment result, and a judgment result sending unit that transmits the judgment result obtained by the judgment unit to the vending machine.

[0033] This configuration reduces the processing burden on the vending machine for dispensing products free of charge. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] The vending machine according to the present invention can promote the use of the vending machine. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] Conceptual diagram of vending machine system A in embodiment 1 [Figure 2] Block diagram of the vending machine system A [Figure 3] A flowchart illustrating a first operation example of the vending machine 1. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating a second operation example of the vending machine 1. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating an example of the determination result acquisition process [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the server 2 [Figure 7] Block diagram of vending machine system B in embodiment 2 [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating an example of a determination result acquisition process performed by the vending machine 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of a vending machine 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.

[0037] (Embodiment 1) In this embodiment, a vending machine will be described that acquires information from a card and dispenses a second product free of charge in response to a purchase process of a first product.

[0038] In addition, in this embodiment, we will explain the case of pre-addition processing, in which information is obtained from a card, the purchase of a first product is detected, and then a second product is dispensed free of charge, and the case of post-addition processing, in which information is obtained from a card after the purchase of a first product is detected, and a second product is dispensed free of charge in accordance with the acquisition of that information.

[0039] In this embodiment, a vending machine that dispenses a second product free of charge when one or more free-of-charge conditions are met will be described.

[0040] In this embodiment, a vending machine that manages a card usage history and dispenses a second product free of charge only when a usage condition based on the usage history is satisfied is described. Note that the usage condition is an example of a free dispense condition.

[0041] In addition, in this embodiment, we will explain a vending machine that sends information from a card to a server and dispenses a second product free of charge if the server determines that it is okay to dispense the second product free of charge.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a server that receives information from one or more vending machines, determines whether or not it is acceptable to dispense the second product free of charge, and transmits the determination result to the vending machine will be described.

[0043] In this embodiment, information A being associated with information B means that information B can be obtained from information A, or information A can be obtained from information B, and the method of association is not important. Information A and information B may be linked, may exist in the same buffer, information A may be included in information B, or information B may be included in information A, etc.

[0044] 1 is a conceptual diagram of a vending machine system A according to this embodiment. The vending machine system A includes one or more vending machines 1, a server 2, and one or more cards.

[0045] Vending machine 1 is a device that dispenses one or more types of products stored in the vending machine 1. The products dispensed by vending machine 1 are, for example, various types of beverages. However, the type of product is not important. Vending machine 1 is a machine that can sell the products stored therein. In this vending machine 1, a user can dispense the product for a fee by using one or more means. The means is used to make vending machine 1 dispense the product. The means is, for example, cash, electronic money, or a credit card. Furthermore, the type of vending machine 1 is not important.

[0046] The server 2 is capable of communicating with one or more vending machines 1 and performs the determination process described below. The server 2 is, for example, a so-called cloud server or ASP server, but the type and location of the server are not important.

[0047] The card 3 is an item from which specific information can be obtained. The specific information is information used to utilize the free ejection process described below. The specific information may be an identifier for the card 3, or information indicating that the card 3 is a card that can utilize the free ejection process. Information indicating that the card 3 is a card that can utilize the free ejection process is, for example, a card identifier, a group identifier, a flag, an organization identifier, etc. The group identifier is information that identifies the group to which the user who is the card holder belongs. The group identifier may be an organization identifier. The organization identifier is information that identifies the organization to which the user belongs. The organization may be a company, business division, department, section, etc., and the unit is not important. The card identifier is information that identifies the card 3, and is, for example, a user ID, email address, telephone number, etc. The card identifier may be a user identifier.

[0048] The card 3 may be, for example, a card from which information can be obtained by the vending machine 1, a card capable of communicating with the vending machine 1, or a terminal capable of communicating with the vending machine 1, but the type is not limited. In other words, the card 3 may also be considered to include mobile terminals such as smartphones, tablet terminals, and mobile phones. The card 3 may also function as a national ID card, employee ID card, student ID card, health insurance card, driver's license, etc. In other words, the card 3 may have a role other than causing the vending machine 1 to dispense products. The card may be, for example, an IC card or a magnetic card. The card 3 may be, for example, an object capable of transmitting specific information to the vending machine 1 via short-range wireless communication such as NFC or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The card 3 may be, for example, an IC card. A contactless IC card with short-range wireless communication functionality such as FeliCa (registered trademark) is suitable as the IC card, but a contact-type IC card may also be used. The card may be, for example, a medium on which a code is displayed. The medium may be resin, paper, or the like, and the material of the medium is not limited. The type of card 3 is also not limited. The definition of card 3 is broadly interpreted. Note that specific information is embedded in the code. In such a case, the vending machine 1 can read the code. The code may be, for example, a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) or a color code, or a one-dimensional code such as a barcode, and the type of code is not important. Note that as long as the specific information is passed from the card 3 to the vending machine 1, the method of passing the specific information and the route for passing the information are not important.

[0049] 2 is a block diagram of a vending machine system A according to this embodiment. A vending machine 1 constituting the vending machine system A includes a storage unit 11, a reception unit 12, and a processing unit 13.

[0050] The processing unit 13 includes a specific information acquisition unit 131, a discharge unit 132, a control unit 133, and a history accumulation unit 134. The control unit 133 includes a specific information transmission unit 1231, a determination result reception unit 1232, and a control processing unit 1233.

[0051] The server 2 includes a server storage unit 21, a server receiving unit 22, a server processing unit 23, and a server transmitting unit 24. The server storage unit 21 includes a condition storage unit 211 and a history information storage unit 212. The condition storage unit 211 includes a first condition storage unit 2111, a second condition storage unit 2112, a block list storage unit 2113, a safe list storage unit 2114, a group management unit 2115, and a usage condition storage unit 2116. The server receiving unit 22 includes a specific information receiving unit 221. The server processing unit 23 includes a determination unit 231. The server transmitting unit 24 includes a determination result transmission unit 241.

[0052] Various types of information are stored in the storage unit 11 that constitutes the vending machine 1. The various types of information are, for example, permission conditions, which will be described later. The storage unit 11 may also have one or more storage units among a first condition storage unit 2111, a second condition storage unit 2112, a block list storage unit 2113, a safe list storage unit 2114, a group management unit 2115, and a usage condition storage unit 2116. In such cases, at least some of the conditions will be used to determine whether the vending machine 1 satisfies the free discharge conditions.

[0053] The reception unit 12 receives various types of information. The various types of information are, for example, product identifiers that identify the products to be dispensed. The product identifiers are, for example, column identifiers that identify columns of the vending machine 1, and button identifiers that identify buttons on the vending machine 1. The product identifiers may be information that identifies a product. The product identifiers are information that corresponds to one type of product. In other words, the product identifiers may be information that can identify the product to be dispensed.

[0054] The product identifier may be, for example, a first product identifier or a second product identifier. The first product identifier is information that identifies a product that the user purchases for a fee. The second product identifier is information that identifies a product that the user obtains free of charge.

[0055] The product identifier is received, for example, by the user pressing a button on the vending machine 1. The button may be a physical button or a virtual button displayed on the display. The button may be any button that can be selected. The product identifier is received, for example, by the vending machine 1 receiving the product identifier from the user's terminal (not shown). There is no restriction on how the various types of information are received by the reception unit 12.

[0056] The processing unit 13 performs various types of processing. The various types of processing are, for example, processing performed by a specific information acquisition unit 131, a discharge unit 132, a control unit 133, and a history accumulation unit .

[0057] The specific information acquisition unit 131 acquires the specific information from the card 3 on which the specific information is stored. The specific information acquisition unit 131 receives the specific information from the card 3, for example, by short-range wireless communication. The specific information acquisition unit 131 receives the specific information from the card 3, which is, for example, FeliCa, by NFC.

[0058] The specific information acquisition unit 131 reads a code in which specific information is embedded, for example, a code displayed on the card 3, and acquires the specific information. In this case, the specific information acquisition unit 131 has a function of a code reader. The code reader is, for example, a QR code reader or a barcode reader.

[0059] The discharge unit 132 discharges the product identified by the product identifier received by the reception unit 12.

[0060] The dispensing unit 132 performs a sales process in response to the reception unit 12 receiving a first product identifier that identifies a first product. The sales process is a process of dispensing, for a fee, a first product identified by the first product identifier received by the reception unit 12. The sales process is a process for selling well-known products in the vending machine 1. Note that the first product may be dispensed for a fee when it is detected that cash necessary to purchase the first product has been inserted, or when it is detected that an electronic money payment has been made in the amount necessary to purchase the first product, and there are no restrictions on the conditions for dispensing the first product for a fee.

[0061] The discharge unit 132 discharges the second product in accordance with a control process described later. The discharge unit 132 discharges the second product identified by the second product identifier accepted by the acceptance unit 12 free of charge in accordance with a control process described later. The control process is performed by the control unit 133.

[0062] The control unit 133 performs control processing in response to the reception unit 12 receiving the second product identifier after the reception unit 12 receives the first product identifier and after the identification information acquisition unit 131 acquires the identification information. The control processing is processing for the discharge unit 132 to discharge the second product identified by the second product identifier free of charge. The control processing, for example, is to pass an instruction to the discharge unit 132 to discharge the second product free of charge. The control processing, for example, is to call software that enables the discharge unit 132 to discharge the second product free of charge. The control processing is sufficient as long as the discharge unit 132 discharges the second product identified by the second product identifier free of charge, and the method for achieving free discharge of the second product is not important. Note that the second product identifier and the first product identifier may be different identifiers or may be the same identifier.

[0063] The above-mentioned phrase "the control unit 133 performs control processing in response to the reception unit 12 receiving a second product identifier after the reception unit 12 receives a first product identifier and after the specific information acquisition unit 131 acquires specific information" includes the following processing. That is, the control unit 133 may perform control processing, for example, in response to the reception unit 12 receiving a second product identifier after the reception unit 12 receives two or more first product identifiers for a sales process in which two or more products are dispensed for a fee after the specific information acquisition unit 131 acquires specific information. In such a case, for example, if a user purchases two products within X time (e.g., within 30 seconds), the user can obtain one product for free. That is, the number of first product identifiers received by the reception unit 12 does not matter in order to perform the control processing. Furthermore, although the number of second products dispensed for free in one control process is usually one, it may be two or more. Furthermore, the control unit 133 may perform control processing when a game-related condition is satisfied, for example, after the dispensing unit 132 performs a sales process in which the first product is dispensed for a fee in response to the reception unit 12 receiving the first product identifier. In such a case, for example, when a user purchases N (N is a natural number greater than or equal to 1) roulette machines for a fee, the control unit 133 may execute a roulette game and execute control processing only if the user wins the roulette game. That is, the game-related condition may be, for example, winning the roulette game. However, the game-related condition may also be a condition in another game, such as the user inputting a winning hand in a rock-paper-scissors game output by the control unit 133. The game-related condition may be winning a game executed internally by the vending machine 1, or winning a game using information input by the user. Note that information input by the user may be, for example, input using a button, an image of the user captured (e.g., an image of the user's hand in a rock-paper-scissors game), etc. However, the means by which the user inputs information is not limited.

[0064] It is preferable that the control unit 133 performs the control process when the sales process is performed within a threshold time or a time shorter than the threshold time after the specific information acquisition unit 131 acquires the specific information.

[0065] It is preferable that the control unit 133 performs control processing only within a threshold time from a point in time corresponding to the sales processing performed by the discharge unit 132 or for a time shorter than the threshold time. The point in time corresponding to the sales processing performed by the discharge unit 132 is, for example, when the first product is discharged, when the identification information acquisition unit 131 acquires the first identification information, or when the identification information acquisition unit 131 acquires the second identification information. In other words, the point in time may be any point in time as long as it is related to the sales processing performed by the discharge unit 132, and the starting point of the threshold time does not matter.

[0066] It is preferable that the control unit 133 performs the control process when the first identification information and the second identification information match the permission conditions. The first identification information is identification information corresponding to the first product identifier received by the reception unit 12. The second identification information is identification information corresponding to the second product identifier received by the reception unit 12 before the control unit 133 performs the control process. Note that the reception unit 12 may not receive the second identification information in some cases.

[0067] The permission condition is an example of a free delivery condition. The free delivery condition is a condition for delivering a product free of charge. The permission condition is a condition regarding the relationship between the first identification information and the second identification information. For example, the permission condition is that the first identification information and the second identification information are identical. In such a case, the second product is provided free of charge to a user who purchased the first product. For example, the permission condition is that the first identification information and the second identification information are different information and have a predetermined relationship. Note that the predetermined relationship is, for example, that the group identifier held by the first identification information and the group identifier held by the second identification information are identical. In such a case, a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user who purchased the first product can receive the second product free of charge. Furthermore, the predetermined relationship is, for example, a relationship of belonging to the same organization or a superior-subordinate relationship.

[0068] It is preferable that the control unit 133 performs the control process only when the first product identifier matches the first condition. In this case, the control unit 133 does not perform the control process when a product that does not match the first condition is sold for a fee.

[0069] The first condition is a condition for using the control process. The first condition is a condition related to a first product identifier. For example, the first condition has one or more product identifiers. For example, the first condition has one or more product type identifiers. A product type identifier is information that identifies the type of product, such as "coffee," "tea," or "water." In such a case, when a specific first product that meets the first condition is purchased, a second product is dispensed free of charge. Furthermore, product type identifiers are usually managed in pairs with product identifiers.

[0070] It is preferable that the control unit 133 performs the control process only when the second product identifier matches the second condition. In this case, the control unit 133 does not perform the control process to provide the product that does not match the second condition free of charge.

[0071] The second condition is a condition related to a second product identifier. The second condition may, for example, include one or more product identifiers. The second condition may, for example, include one or more product type identifiers. In such a case, when the first product is purchased, a specific second product that meets the second condition is dispensed free of charge.

[0072] The control unit 133 may perform the control process only when the first product identifier matches the first condition and only when the second product identifier matches the second condition.

[0073] It is preferable that the control unit 133 performs the control process only when the block list does not include the card identifier contained in the specific information. The block list stores one or more card identifiers that are not subject to the control process. The block list is preferably stored in the server 2, but may also be stored in the storage unit 11. The block list is information for managing cards 3 that cannot be used to dispense products free of charge from the vending machine 1.

[0074] It is preferable that the control unit 133 performs the control process only when the group identifier contained in the specific information acquired by the specific information acquisition unit 131 is included in the group management unit. One or more group identifiers are stored in the group management unit. The group identifier is information that identifies the group that is the target of the control process. It is preferable that the group management unit is stored in the server 2, but it may also be stored in the storage unit 11.

[0075] It is preferable that the control unit 133 performs control processing only when the safe list includes a card identifier that the specific information has. The safe list stores one or more card identifiers that are the targets of the control processing. The safe list is preferably stored in the server 2, but may also be stored in the storage unit 11. The safe list is information for managing cards 3 that can be used to dispense products from the vending machine 1 free of charge.

[0076] It is preferable that the control unit 133 performs the control process only when the history information corresponding to the card identifier included in the specific information acquired by the specific information acquisition unit 131 satisfies the usage conditions.

[0077] The history information is information relating to the history of use of the control process. The history information is information that identifies the history of a user's acquisition of a second product free of charge. The history information is information that corresponds to a card identifier. The history information includes, for example, a card identifier and a date. The history information includes, for example, a card identifier and a date and time. The history information includes, for example, a vending machine identifier. The vending machine identifier is information that identifies the vending machine 1 that dispensed the second product free of charge, and is, for example, the ID of the vending machine 1.

[0078] The usage conditions are conditions for using the free mode. The usage conditions are usually conditions regarding the frequency of use of the free mode. For example, the usage conditions are up to N times per person per unit period (N is a natural number greater than or equal to 1). For example, the usage conditions are once per person per day. The free mode is a mode in which the second product can be obtained free of charge. The free mode is a mode in which the second product can be dispensed free of charge. The free mode is information that can be stored in the variable "mode", for example, but it does not have to be information, and may also be a mode in which control is shifted to one in which the second product can be dispensed free of charge.

[0079] It is preferable that the control unit 133 performs control processing only when it receives a determination result indicating that the free discharge conditions are met from the server 2. If the free discharge conditions are met, the determination result is, for example, "OK," and if the free discharge conditions are not met, the determination result is, for example, "NG."

[0080] The specific information transmitting means 1231 constituting the control unit 133 transmits the specific information acquired by the specific information acquiring unit 131 to the server 2 .

[0081] In response to the transmission of the specific information, the determination result receiving means 1232 receives from the server 2 the determination result as to whether or not the free discharge condition is met.

[0082] The control processing means 1233 performs control processing only when the determination result received by the determination result receiving means 1232 indicates that the free discharge condition is met.

[0083] When the second product is dispensed free of charge based on the control process, the history accumulation unit 134 acquires the history information and performs accumulation processing. The accumulation processing is processing for accumulating the history information. The history information is accumulated, for example, on the server 2, but may also be accumulated on the storage unit 11. The accumulation processing is, for example, processing for transmitting the history information to the server 2. The accumulation processing is, for example, processing for accumulating the history information in the storage unit 11.

[0084] For example, when a second product is dispensed free of charge based on the control process, the history accumulation unit 134 acquires the date and time from a clock (not shown). The history accumulation unit 134 also acquires the card identifier contained in the specific information acquired by the specific information acquisition unit 131. The history accumulation unit 134 then acquires the vending machine identifier from the storage unit 11. The history accumulation unit 134 then constructs history information that includes, for example, the card identifier, the vending machine identifier, and the date and time. Next, the history accumulation unit 134 performs an accumulation process using the constructed history information. Note that the history information does not have to include the vending machine identifier.

[0085] Various types of information are stored in the server storage unit 21 constituting the server 2. The various types of information are, for example, various conditions in the condition storage unit 211 and history information.

[0086] One or more free delivery conditions are stored in the condition storage unit 211. The free delivery conditions are, for example, a permission condition, a first condition, a second condition, a block list, a safe list, one or more group identifiers, and a usage condition.

[0087] One or more first conditions are stored in the first condition storage unit 2111. It is preferable that the first condition is associated with a vending machine identifier. In other words, the first condition may differ depending on the vending machine 1.

[0088] One or more second conditions are stored in the second condition storage unit 2112. The second condition is preferably associated with a vending machine identifier. In other words, the second condition may differ depending on the vending machine 1.

[0089] The block list storage unit 2113 stores a block list. The safe list storage unit 2114 stores a safe list. Note that typically, one of the block list and the safe list is used, but not the other. It is preferable that the block list be associated with the vending machine identifier. In other words, the block list may differ depending on the vending machine 1.

[0090] The group management unit 2115 stores one or more group identifiers that identify the groups that are the targets of control processing. It is preferable that the group identifiers correspond to the vending machine identifiers. In other words, the group identifiers may be different depending on the vending machine 1.

[0091] One or more usage conditions are stored in the usage condition storage unit 2116. It is preferable that the usage conditions are associated with the vending machine identifier. In other words, the usage conditions may differ depending on the vending machine 1.

[0092] The history information storage unit 212 stores one or more pieces of history information. A card identifier is usually associated with the history information. A first card identifier and a second card identifier may be associated with the history information. When a first card identifier and a second card identifier are associated with the history information, the usage conditions are conditions for use by a pair of a person who purchases a product and a person who receives the product for free, such as "the pair's cards may be used once per day." The history information may also be associated with a vending machine identifier. In other words, the usage conditions may be determined for each vending machine 1. In such a case, the usage conditions are "up to once per day per person per vending machine."

[0093] The server receiving unit 22 receives various types of information from the vending machine 1. The various types of information include, for example, specific information, a first product identifier, a second product identifier, and a vending machine identifier.

[0094] The identification information receiving unit 221 receives identification information from the vending machine 1. The identification information receiving unit 221 receives, for example, first identification information from the vending machine 1. The identification information receiving unit 221 receives, for example, second identification information from the vending machine 1.

[0095] The server processing unit 23 performs various types of processing. The various types of processing are, for example, determination processing performed by the determination unit 231. The server processing unit 23 accumulates the specific information received by the specific information receiving unit 221 in the history information storage unit 212.

[0096] The determination unit 231 determines whether the free discharge conditions are met using the specific information received by the specific information receiving unit 221, and acquires the determination result. The determination result is information that specifies whether the free discharge conditions are met. The determination process of the determination unit 231 will be described below for each free discharge condition. (1) When the free discharge conditions include a permit condition

[0097] The determination unit 231 determines whether the first identification information received by the identification information receiving unit 221 and the second identification information received by the identification information receiving unit 221 meet a permission condition, for example, and acquires the determination result. The permission condition is, for example, that the first identification information and the second identification information are the same information. The permission condition is, for example, that the first identification information and the second identification information are different information and have a predetermined relationship.

[0098] The determination unit 231 determines whether the first and second identification information received by the identification information receiving unit 221 match the permission conditions paired with the vending machine identifier corresponding to the first or second identification information, and acquires the determination result. Note that in this case, for example, if the permission conditions are met, the determination unit 231 acquires the determination result "OK." (2) When the free discharge condition includes the first condition

[0099] The determination unit 231 determines, for example, whether or not the first product identifier received by the receiving unit 22 matches a first condition, and acquires the determination result.

[0100] The determination unit 231 obtains the determination result by determining, for example, whether the first product identifier matches a first condition for pairing with a vending machine identifier corresponding to the first product identifier received by the receiving unit 22. Note that in this case, for example, if the first condition is met, the determination unit 231 obtains the determination result "OK." (3) When the free discharge condition includes the second condition

[0101] The determination unit 231 determines, for example, whether or not the second product identifier received by the receiving unit 22 matches the second condition, and acquires the determination result.

[0102] The determination unit 231 obtains the determination result by, for example, determining whether the second product identifier matches the second condition that pairs with the vending machine identifier corresponding to the second product identifier received by the receiving unit 22. Note that in this case, for example, if the second condition is met, the determination unit 231 obtains the determination result "OK." (4) When the free release conditions include a block list condition

[0103] The block list condition is that the card identifier of the card 3 that uses the free mode is not included in the block list.

[0104] The determination unit 231 determines whether or not the card identifier included in the identification information received by the identification information receiving unit 221 is included in the block list of the block list storage unit 2113, and acquires the determination result.

[0105] The determination unit 231 determines, for example, whether the card identifier included in the identification information received by the identification information receiving unit 221 is included in a block list paired with the vending machine identifier corresponding to the identification information, and acquires the determination result. Note that in this case, for example, if the card identifier is not included in the block list, the determination unit 231 acquires the determination result "OK." (5) When the free discharge conditions include a safe list condition.

[0106] The safe list condition is that the card identifier of the card 3 using the free mode is included in the safe list.

[0107] The determination unit 231 determines whether or not the card identifier included in the specific information received by the specific information receiving unit 221 is included in the safe list of the safe list storage unit 2114, and acquires the determination result.

[0108] The determination unit 231 determines, for example, whether the card identifier contained in the specific information received by the specific information receiving unit 221 is included in a safe list paired with the vending machine identifier corresponding to the specific information, and acquires the determination result. Note that in this case, for example, if the card identifier is included in the safe list, the determination unit 231 acquires the determination result "OK." (6) When the free discharge conditions include a group condition

[0109] The group condition is that the group management unit 2115 includes a group identifier included in the specific information of the card 3 that uses the free mode.

[0110] The determination unit 231 determines whether or not the group identifier included in the identification information received by the identification information receiving unit 221 is included in the group management unit 2115, and acquires the determination result.

[0111] The determination unit 231 determines whether the group identifier contained in the specific information received by the specific information receiving unit 221 is included in one or more group identifiers that are paired with the vending machine identifier corresponding to the specific information, and acquires the determination result. Note that in this case, for example, if the group identifier is included, the determination unit 231 acquires the determination result "OK." (7) When the free discharge conditions include the use conditions

[0112] The judgment unit 231 acquires from the history information storage unit 212 the history information corresponding to the card identifier contained in the specific information received by the specific information receiving unit 221, judges whether the history information satisfies the usage conditions, and acquires the judgment result.

[0113] The determination unit 231 acquires, for example, history information that is paired with the vending machine identifier corresponding to the specific information received by the specific information receiving unit 221 and that corresponds to the card identifier contained in the specific information from the history information storage unit 212, determines whether the history information satisfies the usage conditions, and acquires the determination result. Note that in this case, for example, if the usage conditions are satisfied, the determination unit 231 acquires the determination result "OK."

[0114] The free discharge conditions may include two or more of the conditions (1) to (7). That is, the determination unit 231 may obtain a determination result using the free discharge conditions that combine two or more of the conditions (1) to (7).

[0115] The server transmitting unit 24 transmits various types of information to the vending machine 1. The various types of information are, for example, the determination results.

[0116] The determination result transmission unit 241 transmits the determination result acquired by the determination unit 231 to the vending machine 1.

[0117] The storage unit 11, server storage unit 21, condition storage unit 211, history information storage unit 212, first condition storage unit 2111, second condition storage unit 2112, block list storage unit 2113, safe list storage unit 2114, group management unit 2115, and usage condition storage unit 2116 are preferably non-volatile recording media, but can also be realized with volatile recording media.

[0118] 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.

[0119] The reception unit 12 is realized, for example, by software that acquires buttons on the vending machine 1 and a product identifier that identifies the pressed button.

[0120] The processing unit 13, the specific information acquisition unit 131, the discharge unit 132, the control unit 133, the history accumulation unit 134, the control processing means 1233, the server processing unit 23, and the determination unit 231 can usually be realized by a processor, a memory, or the like. The processing procedures of the processing unit 13, etc. are usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM. However, they may also be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit). The processor may be a CPU, MPU, GPU, etc., and the type is not important.

[0121] The specific information transmitting means 1231, the server transmitting section 24, and the determination result transmitting section 241 are usually realized by wireless or wired communication means.

[0122] The determination result receiving means 1232, the server receiving unit 22, and the specific information receiving unit 221 are usually realized by wireless or wired communication means.

[0123] Next, we will explain an example of the operation of the vending machine system A. First, we will explain a first example of the operation of the vending machine 1 using the flowchart in Figure 3. The first example of the operation is the case of so-called pre-payment processing.

[0124] (Step S301) The specific information acquisition unit 131 determines whether or not specific information has been acquired from the card 3. If specific information has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S302, and if specific information has not been acquired, the process proceeds to step S310.

[0125] (Step S302) The control unit 133 acquires a determination result that is a result of the determination process using the specific information acquired in step S301. An example of such a determination result acquisition process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0126] (Step S303) The control unit 133 determines whether the determination result acquired in step S302 is "OK" or "NG." If it is "OK," the process proceeds to step S304, and if it is "NG," the process proceeds to step S309.

[0127] (Step S304) The reception unit 12 determines whether or not the first product identifier, etc. has been received. If the first product identifier, etc. has been received, the process proceeds to step S305, and if the first product identifier, etc. has not been received, the process proceeds to step S308. The first product identifier, etc., is, for example, the first product identifier and cash for the first product, or information indicating that payment for the first product identifier and the first product has been completed.

[0128] (Step S305) The discharge unit 132 discharges the first product identified by the first product identifier received in step S304. At this point, the sales process is completed.

[0129] (Step S306) The control unit 133 acquires the determination result as to whether or not the first product identifier accepted in step S304 satisfies the first condition. If the first condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S307, and if the first condition is not satisfied, the process returns to step S301. Note that this determination may be made by the control unit 133 using the first condition in the storage unit 11, or by the server 2.

[0130] (Step S307) Control unit 133 assigns the value "free mode" to the variable "mode". The process returns to step S301. The initial value of the variable "mode" is "normal mode". The normal mode is a mode in which products are sold for a fee.

[0131] (Step S308) The control unit 133 determines whether or not a threshold time has elapsed since the specific information acquisition unit 131 acquired the specific information in step S301. If it is within the threshold time, the process returns to step S304, and if more time has elapsed than the threshold time, the process returns to step S301. If more time has elapsed than the threshold time, a timeout occurs, and it is determined that the specific information was not acquired in step S301.

[0132] (Step S309) The control unit 133 receives an error message indicating that the free mode is not available, and outputs the error message. The process returns to step S301. Note that the content of the error message does not matter.

[0133] (Step S310) The reception unit 12 determines whether or not the second product identifier, etc. has been received. If the second product identifier, etc. has been received, the process proceeds to step S311, and if the second product identifier, etc. has not been received, the process returns to step S301. The second product identifier, etc., may be, for example, just the second product identifier, the second product identifier and second specific information, the second product identifier and cash for the second product, or the second product identifier and information indicating that payment for the second product has been completed.

[0134] (Step S311) The control unit 133 determines whether the value of the variable “mode” is “free mode.” If it is “free mode,” the process proceeds to step S313, and if it is “normal mode,” the process proceeds to step S312.

[0135] (Step S312) The discharge unit 132 discharges the second product identified by the second product identifier received in step S310. Return to step S301. In this case, the second product is sold for a fee.

[0136] (Step S313) The control unit 133 acquires the determination result as to whether or not the second product identifier accepted in step S310 satisfies the second condition. If the second condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S314, and if the second condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S318. Note that this determination may be made by the control unit 133 using the second condition in the storage unit 11, or may be made by the server 2. Note that here, the control unit 133 may determine whether or not the first identification information acquired in step S301 and the second identification information acquired in step S310 satisfy the permission condition, and proceed to S314 if the permission condition is satisfied, or proceed to step S318 if the permission condition is not satisfied.

[0137] (Step S314) The ejection unit 132 ejects the second product identified by the second product identifier received in step S310.

[0138] (Step S315) Control unit 133 assigns the value "normal mode" to the variable "mode".

[0139] (Step S316) The history accumulation unit 134 generates history information including the specific information acquired in step S301.

[0140] (Step S317) The history storage unit 134 performs storage processing using the history information configured in step S316. The process returns to step S301.

[0141] (Step S318) The control unit 133 receives an error message indicating that the free mode is not available, and outputs the error message. The process returns to step S301.

[0142] In the flowchart of FIG. 3, the process ends when the power is turned off or an interrupt occurs to end the process.

[0143] Next, a second operation example of the vending machine 1 will be described using the flowchart of Fig. 4. In the flowchart of Fig. 4, explanations of the same steps as in the flowchart of Fig. 3 will be omitted. The second operation example is a case of post-installation processing.

[0144] (Step S401) The identification information acquisition unit 131 determines whether or not the identification information has been acquired. If the identification information has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S402, and if the identification information has not been acquired, the process returns to step S304. Note that the identification information acquisition unit 131 acquires valid identification information after the purchase process for the first product has been completed.

[0145] (Step S402) Control unit 133 determines whether the value of variable “mode” is “free mode.” If it is “free mode,” the process proceeds to step S403, and if it is “normal mode,” the process proceeds to step S409.

[0146] (Step S403) The reception unit 12 determines whether or not the second product identifier, etc. has been received. If the second product identifier, etc. has been received, the process proceeds to step S404; if the second product identifier, etc. has not been received, the process returns to step S403. The second product identifier, etc., is, for example, only the second product identifier, or the second product identifier and second identification information. The second identification information is identification information different from the identification information received in step S401. The identification information received in step S401 is the first identification information.

[0147] (Step S404) The control unit 133 acquires the determination result as to whether or not the second product identifier accepted in step S403 satisfies the second condition. If the second condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S405, and if the second condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S408. Note that this determination may be made by the control unit 133 using the second condition in the storage unit 11, or may be made by the server 2. Note that here, the control unit 133 may determine whether or not the first identification information acquired in step S401 and the second identification information acquired in step S403 satisfy the permission condition, and proceed to S405 if the permission condition is satisfied, or proceed to step S408 if the permission condition is not satisfied.

[0148] (Step S405) The control unit 133 acquires a determination result that is the result of the determination process using the identification information acquired in step S401. An example of such a determination result acquisition process will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 5. Note that here, the control unit 133 may acquire a determination result that is the result of the determination process using the first identification information acquired in step S401 and the second identification information acquired in step S403.

[0149] (Step S406) The control unit 133 determines whether the determination result acquired in step S405 is "OK" or "NG." If it is "OK," the process proceeds to step S314, and if it is "NG," the process proceeds to step S407.

[0150] (Step S407) The control unit 133 receives an error message indicating that the free mode is not available, and outputs the error message. The process returns to step S304.

[0151] (Step S408) The control unit 133 receives an error message indicating that the free mode is not available, and outputs the error message. The process returns to step S304.

[0152] (Step S409) The control unit 133 receives an error message indicating that the mode is not free, and outputs the error message. The process returns to step S304.

[0153] In addition, in S304 of the flowchart in Figure 4, the first product identifier etc. accepted by the acceptance unit 12 is, for example, the first product identifier and cash for the first product fee, or information that payment for the first product identifier and the first product has been completed.

[0154] In the flowchart of FIG. 4, the process ends when the power is turned off or an interrupt occurs to end the process.

[0155] Next, an example of the determination result acquisition process in step S302 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0156] (Step S501) The specific information transmitting means 1231 composes transmission information including the acquired specific information. The transmission information is information to be transmitted to the server 2 for the determination process. The transmission information includes the acquired specific information. The transmission information includes, for example, the first specific information and the second specific information. The transmission information includes, for example, only the first specific information.

[0157] (Step S502) The specific information transmitting means 1231 transmits the transmission information configured in step S501.

[0158] (Step S503) In response to the transmission of the transmission information, the determination result receiving means 1232 determines whether or not a determination result has been received from the server 2. If a determination result has been received, the means 1232 returns to the upper processing, and if a determination result has not been received, the means 1232 returns to step S503.

[0159] Next, an example of the operation of the server 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0160] (Step S601) The identification information receiving unit 221 determines whether or not information including identification information has been received from the vending machine 1. If information has been received, the process proceeds to step S602; if information has not been received, the process proceeds to step S610. The received information is information used for the determination process. The received identification information is the first identification information and the second identification information, or the first identification information.

[0161] (Step S602) The determination unit 231 acquires a card identifier from the specific information received in step S601. The acquired card identifier is the first card identifier and the second card identifier, or the first card identifier.

[0162] (Step S603) The judgment unit 231 judges whether or not the two card identifiers acquired in step S602 satisfy the permission conditions. If the permission conditions are satisfied, the process proceeds to step S604, and if the permission conditions are not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S609. Note that this judgment is made only when the first card identifier and the second card identifier have been acquired in step S602.

[0163] (Step S604) The determination unit 231 acquires history information paired with one or two card identifiers acquired in step S602 from the history information storage unit 212. Note that there may be cases where history information cannot be acquired here.

[0164] (Step S605) The determination unit 231 determines whether the usage conditions are met using the history information acquired in step S604. If the usage conditions are met, the process proceeds to step S606, and if the usage conditions are not met, the process proceeds to step S609.

[0165] (Step S606) The judgment unit 231 uses one or two card identifiers acquired in step S602 to refer to the safe list storage unit 2114 and judges whether or not the safe list conditions are met. If the safe list conditions are met, the process proceeds to step S607, and if the safe list conditions are not met, the process proceeds to step S609.

[0166] (Step S607) The determination unit 231 assigns "OK" to the variable "determination result".

[0167] (Step S608) The determination result transmission unit 241 transmits the acquired determination result to the vending machine 1 that transmitted the information, and then returns to the upper processing.

[0168] (Step S609) The determination unit 231 assigns "NG" to the variable "determination result." Then, the process proceeds to step S608.

[0169] (Step S610) The server receiving unit 22 determines whether or not history information has been received from the vending machine 1. If history information has been received, the process proceeds to step S611, and if history information has not been received, the process returns to step S601.

[0170] (Step S611) Server processing unit 23 stores the history information received in step S610 in history information storage unit 212. The process returns to the upper level process.

[0171] In the flowchart of FIG. 6, the determination process may be performed using a block list.

[0172] In the flowchart of FIG. 6, the process ends when the power is turned off or an interrupt occurs to end the process.

[0173] A specific example of the operation of the vending machine system A in this embodiment will be described below.

[0174] It is assumed here that the condition storage unit 211 of the server 2 does not include a first condition storage unit 2111, a second condition storage unit 2112, a block list storage unit 2113, and a safe list storage unit 2114.

[0175] It is assumed that the group identifiers "Group A" and "Group B" are stored in the group management unit 2115 of server 2. It is also assumed that the permission condition is that the received specific information contains the group identifier "Group A" or "Group B." It is also assumed that the group identifier "Group A" is associated with the vending machine identifier "V01," and the group identifier "Group B" is associated with the vending machine identifier "V02."

[0176] Also, the usage condition of the usage condition storage unit 2116 is assumed to be "one time per person per day." In other words, use of the free mode is permitted only once per day for one card 3. Also, the card 3 here is assumed to be, for example, an IC card (e.g., FeliCa).

[0177] In this situation, the following two specific examples will be described. Specific Example 1 is a case where the vending machine 1 performs the first operation example (see FIG. 3). Specific Example 2 is a case where the vending machine 1 performs the second operation example (see FIG. 4).

[0178] (Example 1) Now, let us say that User X and User Y, a subordinate of User X, move in front of the vending machine 1. Then, User X holds his / her card 3 over the IC card reader of the vending machine 1. It should be noted that User X's card 3 stores specific information including a card identifier that includes the group identifier "Group A" and the user identifier "XXX."

[0179] Then, the specific information acquisition unit 131 of the vending machine 1 acquires the specific information (<group identifier> group A <user identifier> XXX).

[0180] Next, the control unit 133 acquires the determination result, which is the result of the determination process using the specific information (<group identifier> group A <user identifier> XXX). In other words, the specific information transmission means 1231 composes transmission information (<group identifier> group A <user identifier> XXX <vending machine identifier> V01) that includes the acquired specific information. Note that the specific information transmission means 1231 reads the vending machine identifier "V01" from the storage unit 11 and composes the transmission information. Next, the specific information transmission means 1231 transmits the transmission information to the server 2.

[0181] Next, the specific information receiving unit 221 of the server 2 receives the transmission information (<group identifier> Group A <user identifier> XXX <vending machine identifier> V01) from the vending machine 1. At this point, it is assumed that a timer (not shown) starts operating.

[0182] Next, the determination unit 231 obtains the group identifier "Group A" from the received information. Next, the determination unit 231 obtains the group identifier "Group A" that pairs with the vending machine identifier "V01" from the group management unit 2115. Then, the determination unit 231 determines that the group condition is met because the group identifier "Group A" contained in the received transmission information matches the group identifier "Group A" of the group management unit 2115.

[0183] Next, it is assumed that the determination unit 231 determines that no history information paired with the acquired user identifier "XXX" and today's date exists in the history information storage unit 212. Then, since the determination unit 231 could not acquire the history information, it determines that the usage condition "one time per person per day" is met.

[0184] Then, the determination unit 231 assigns “OK” to the variable “determination result.” Next, the determination result transmission unit 241 transmits the determination result “OK” to the vending machine 1.

[0185] Next, the determination result receiving means 1232 of the vending machine 1 receives the determination result "OK" from the server 2 in response to the transmission of the transmission information.

[0186] Next, it is assumed that user X inserts coins worth the retail price of the first product he or she wishes to purchase into vending machine 1 and presses the button for the first product.

[0187] The reception unit 12 of the vending machine 1 then receives the first product identifier (pressing the button) and coins. The control unit 133 then determines that the time counted by the timer (not shown) is within the threshold time. The dispensing unit 132 then dispenses the first product corresponding to the button.

[0188] Next, the control unit 133 determines that the received first product identifier satisfies the first condition. Here, it is assumed that the first condition is stored in the storage unit 11, for example.

[0189] Next, the control unit 133 assigns the value "free mode" to the variable "mode".

[0190] Next, after the first product has been sold, it is assumed that user Y or user X presses a button on vending machine 1 corresponding to a second product.

[0191] Then, the reception unit 12 of the vending machine 1 receives the second product identifier. Next, the control unit 133 determines that the time that has elapsed since the identification information acquisition unit 131 acquired the identification information is within the threshold time. Note that the determination of a timeout here may not be necessary.

[0192] Next, the control unit 133 reads the variable "mode" and determines that the value of the variable "mode" is "free mode."

[0193] Next, the discharge unit 132 discharges the second product identified by the accepted second product identifier free of charge.

[0194] Next, the control unit 133 assigns the value "normal mode" to the variable "mode".

[0195] Next, the history accumulation unit 134 constructs history information (<group identifier> Group A <user identifier> XXX <vending machine identifier> V01 <date and time> November 8, 2021, 15:34) that includes the acquired specific information. It is assumed that the history accumulation unit 134 acquired the date and time "November 8, 2021, 15:34" from a clock (not shown). Next, the history accumulation unit 134 uses the constructed history information to send it to the server 2.

[0196] Next, the server receiving unit 22 of the server 2 receives the history information from the vending machine 1. Next, the server processing unit 23 stores the received history information in the history information storage unit 212.

[0197] In this example, because User X purchased the first product, User Y, who is subordinate to User X, was able to obtain the second product for free. This is expected to lead to more active communication between User X and User Y.

[0198] (Example 2) Now, suppose that User X and User Y, a subordinate of User X, move in front of the vending machine 1. Then, User X purchases a first product from the vending machine 1 at the regular price using electronic money. Then, the dispenser 132 of the vending machine 1 dispenses the first product. Note that the purchase process here is a known product purchase process for the vending machine 1.

[0199] Next, the control unit 133 of the vending machine 1 assigns the value "free mode" to the variable "mode." Here, it is assumed that the operation of a timer (not shown) is started.

[0200] Next, assume that User X holds his / her card 3 over the IC card reader of the vending machine 1. It is assumed that User X's card 3 stores specific information including a card identifier that includes the group identifier "Group A" and the user identifier "XXX."

[0201] Then, the specific information acquisition unit 131 of the vending machine 1 acquires the specific information (<group identifier> group A <user identifier> XXX).

[0202] Next, the control unit 133 reads the variable "mode" and determines that its value is "free mode."

[0203] Next, it is assumed that user Y or user X presses the button on vending machine 1 corresponding to the second product.

[0204] Then, the accepting unit 12 accepts the second product identifier corresponding to the instructed button. Also, assume that the control unit 133 determines that the time counted by the timer (not shown) is within the threshold time.

[0205] Next, it is assumed that the control unit 133 determines that the accepted second product identifier satisfies the second condition. Here, it is assumed that the second condition is stored in the storage unit 11, for example.

[0206] Next, the control unit 133 acquires a judgment result that is the result of a judgment process using the specific information (<group identifier> group A <user identifier> XXX). That is, the specific information transmitting means 1231 composes transmission information (<group identifier> group A <user identifier> XXX) that includes the acquired specific information. Next, the specific information transmitting means 1231 transmits the transmission information to the server 2.

[0207] Next, the specific information receiving unit 221 of the server 2 receives the transmission information (<group identifier> Group A <user identifier> XXX) from the vending machine 1.

[0208] Next, the specific information receiving unit 221 of the server 2 receives the transmission information (<group identifier> Group A <user identifier> XXX <vending machine identifier> V01) from the vending machine 1.

[0209] Next, the determination unit 231 acquires the group identifier "group A" from the received information. Next, the determination unit 231 determines that the group identifier "group A" satisfies the group condition.

[0210] Next, it is assumed that the determination unit 231 determines that no history information paired with the acquired user identifier "XXX" and today's date exists in the history information storage unit 212. Then, since the determination unit 231 could not acquire the history information, it determines that the usage condition "one time per person per day" is met.

[0211] Then, the determination unit 231 assigns “OK” to the variable “determination result.” Next, the determination result transmission unit 241 transmits the determination result “OK” to the vending machine 1.

[0212] Next, the determination result receiving means 1232 of the vending machine 1 receives the determination result "OK" from the server 2 in response to the transmission of the transmission information.

[0213] Next, the dispensing unit 132 of the vending machine 1 dispenses the second product identified by the accepted second product identifier.

[0214] Next, the control unit 133 assigns the value "normal mode" to the variable "mode".

[0215] Next, the history accumulation unit 134 constructs history information (<group identifier> Group A <user identifier> XXX <date and time> 2021 / 11 / 8 15:34) including the acquired specific information. It is assumed that the history accumulation unit 134 acquires the date and time "2021 / 11 / 8 15:34" from a clock (not shown). Next, the history accumulation unit 134 uses the constructed history information to transmit it to the server 2.

[0216] Next, the server receiving unit 22 of the server 2 receives the history information from the vending machine 1. Next, the server processing unit 23 stores the received history information in the history information storage unit 212.

[0217] In this example, because User X purchased the first product, User Y, who is subordinate to User X, was able to obtain the second product for free. This is expected to lead to more active communication between User X and User Y.

[0218] As described above, according to this embodiment, by performing a sales process in which the first product is dispensed for a fee, the second product can be dispensed free of charge, thereby promoting the use of the vending machine.

[0219] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a vending machine 1 that can support communication between users by recognizing the cards 3 of two users who have a predetermined relationship.

[0220] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by performing a determination process using the first condition, it is possible to promote sales of a specific product using a vending machine.

[0221] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by performing a determination process using the second condition, it is possible to promote the provision of specific products using vending machines.

[0222] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by performing a judgment process using a block list or a safe list, it is possible to encourage only appropriate users to use the vending machine.

[0223] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by performing a determination process using group conditions, it is possible to encourage only appropriate users to use the vending machine.

[0224] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by performing a determination process using the usage conditions, it is possible to promote the use of the vending machine under appropriate usage conditions.

[0225] 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 vending machine 1 in this embodiment is the following program. In other words, this program causes a vending machine to function as a reception unit that receives a product identifier that identifies the product to be dispensed, a discharge unit that dispenses the product identified by the product identifier received by the reception unit, and a specific information acquisition unit that acquires specific information that identifies the card from the card on which the specific information is stored, wherein the discharge unit performs a sales process to dispense the first product for a fee in response to the reception unit receiving a first product identifier that identifies a first product, and further causes the vending machine to function as a control unit that performs control processing to cause the discharge unit to dispense the second product free of charge in response to the reception unit receiving a second product identifier that identifies a second product after the reception unit receives the first product identifier and after the specific information acquisition unit acquires the specific information, and the discharge unit is a program that causes the vending machine to function as dispensing the second product in response to the control processing.

[0226] The software that realizes the server 2 is the following program. In other words, this program causes a computer to function as a specific information receiving unit that receives specific information from the vending machine 1, a determination unit that uses the specific information received by the specific information receiving unit to determine whether the free discharge conditions are met and acquires the determination result, and a determination result transmitting unit that transmits the determination result acquired by the determination unit to the vending machine.

[0227] (Embodiment 2) The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the vending machine operates as a standalone machine, meaning that the server 2 is not required in this embodiment.

[0228] 7 is a block diagram of a vending machine system B according to this embodiment. The vending machine system B has a vending machine 4 and one or more cards 3.

[0229] The vending machine 4 includes a storage unit 41, a reception unit 12, and a processing unit 42. The storage unit 41 includes a condition storage unit 211 and a history information storage unit 212. The processing unit 42 includes a specific information acquisition unit 131, a discharge unit 132, a determination unit 421, a control unit 422, and a history accumulation unit 134.

[0230] Various types of information are stored in the storage unit 41. The various types of information include, for example, various conditions and history information. The various conditions include, for example, permission conditions, first conditions, second conditions, a block list, a safe list, one or more group identifiers, and usage conditions.

[0231] The processing unit 42 performs various types of processing, such as processing performed by the specific information acquisition unit 131, the ejection unit 132, the determination unit 421, the control unit 422, and the history accumulation unit 134.

[0232] The determination unit 421 performs a determination process using the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 131. The determination process is the same as the process performed by the determination unit 231.

[0233] The control unit 422 performs control processing in response to the reception unit 12 receiving the second product identifier after the reception unit 12 receives the first product identifier and after the identification information acquisition unit 131 acquires the identification information. The control processing is processing for the discharge unit 132 to discharge the second product identified by the second product identifier free of charge. Details of the control processing have been described above.

[0234] It is preferable that the control unit 422 performs the control process when the sales process is performed within a threshold time or a time shorter than the threshold time after the specific information acquisition unit 131 acquires the specific information.

[0235] It is preferable that the control unit 422 performs the control process only within a threshold time from the point in time corresponding to the sales process performed by the discharge unit 132 or for a time shorter than the threshold time.

[0236] It is preferable that the control unit 422 performs the control process when the first specification information and the second specification information match the permission conditions.

[0237] It is preferable that the control unit 422 performs the control process only when the first product identifier matches the first condition.

[0238] It is preferable that the control unit 422 performs the control process only when the second product identifier matches the second condition.

[0239] The control unit 422 may perform the control process only when the first product identifier matches the first condition and only when the second product identifier matches the second condition.

[0240] It is preferable that the control unit 422 performs the control process only when the block list does not include the card identifier contained in the specific information.

[0241] It is preferable that the control unit 422 performs control processing only when the group identifier included in the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 131 is included in the group management unit.

[0242] It is preferable that the control unit 422 performs the control process only when the safe list includes the card identifier that the specific information has.

[0243] It is preferable that the control unit 422 performs the control process only when the history information corresponding to the card identifier included in the specific information acquired by the specific information acquisition unit 131 satisfies the usage conditions.

[0244] It is preferable that the control unit 422 performs the control process only when the determination unit 421 receives a determination result indicating that the free discharge condition is met.

[0245] The storage unit 41, the condition storage unit 211, and the history information storage unit 212 are preferably non-volatile recording media, but may also be realized as volatile recording media.

[0246] There is no restriction on the process by which information is stored in the storage unit 41 etc. For example, information may be stored in the storage unit 41 etc. via a recording medium, information transmitted via a communication line etc. may be stored in the storage unit 41 etc., or information input via an input device may be stored in the storage unit 41 etc.

[0247] The processing unit 42, the specific information acquisition unit 131, the discharge unit 132, the determination unit 421, the control unit 422, and the history accumulation unit 134 can usually be realized by a processor, a memory, or the like. The processing procedures of the processing unit 42, etc. are usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM. However, they may also be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit). The processor may be a CPU, MPU, GPU, or the like, and the type does not matter.

[0248] Next, an example of the operation of the vending machine 4 will be described. The example of the operation of the vending machine 4 is the same as that shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, except for the judgment result acquisition process. An example of the judgment result acquisition process performed by the vending machine 4 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0249] (Step S801) The determination unit 421 acquires a card identifier from the specific information acquired from the card 3. The card identifier is a combination of the first card identifier and the second card identifier, or the first card identifier.

[0250] (Step S802) The judgment unit 421 judges whether or not the two card identifiers acquired in step S801 satisfy the permission conditions. If the permission conditions are satisfied, the process proceeds to step S803, and if the permission conditions are not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S808. Note that there may be cases where the judgment using the permission conditions is not performed here.

[0251] (Step S803) The determination unit 421 acquires history information paired with one or two card identifiers acquired in step S801 from the history information storage unit 212. Note that there may be cases where history information cannot be acquired here.

[0252] (Step S804) The determination unit 421 determines whether the usage conditions are met using the history information acquired in step S803. If the usage conditions are met, the process proceeds to step S805, and if the usage conditions are not met, the process proceeds to step S807.

[0253] (Step S805) The judgment unit 421 uses one or two card identifiers acquired in step S801 to refer to the safe list storage unit 2114 and judges whether or not the safe list conditions are met. If the safe list conditions are met, the process proceeds to step S806, and if the safe list conditions are not met, the process proceeds to step S807.

[0254] (Step S806) Determination unit 421 assigns "OK" to the variable "determination result" and returns to the upper level process.

[0255] (Step S807) The determination unit 421 assigns "NG" to the variable "determination result" and returns to the upper level process.

[0256] As described above, according to this embodiment, by performing a sales process in which the first product is dispensed for a fee, the second product can be dispensed free of charge, thereby promoting the use of the vending machine.

[0257] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the vending machine 1 operates as a standalone, eliminating the need to prepare a server 2, and enabling a function that can promote the use of the vending machine to be realized with a simple system configuration.

[0258] The software that realizes the vending machine 4 in this embodiment is the following program. That is, this program causes the vending machine to function as a reception unit that receives a product identifier that identifies a product to be dispensed, a dispensing unit that dispenses a product identified by the product identifier received by the reception unit, and a specific information acquisition unit that acquires specific information that identifies the card from the card, wherein the dispensing unit performs a sales process to dispense the first product for a fee in response to the reception unit receiving a first product identifier that identifies a first product, and further causes the vending machine to function as a control unit that performs control processing to cause the dispensing unit to dispense the second product free of charge in response to the reception unit receiving a second product identifier that identifies a second product after the reception unit receives the first product identifier and after the specific information acquisition unit acquires the specific information, and the dispensing unit dispenses the second product in response to the control processing.

[0259] 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.

[0260] 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.

[0261] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, each process may be realized by centralized processing by a single device, or may be realized by distributed processing by multiple devices. In other words, for example, the above-mentioned determination process may be shared in any manner between the vending machine and the server 2.

[0262] 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]

[0263] As described above, the vending machine according to the present invention has the effect of promoting the use of vending machines, and is useful as a vending machine, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0264] 1, 4 Vending machines 2 Server 3 Cards 11, 41 Storage area 12 Reception 13, 42 Processing section 21 Server Storage 22 Server receiving unit 22 Receiving unit 23 Server processing unit 24 Server transmission unit 131 Specific information acquisition department 132 Discharge section 133, 422 Control section 134 History storage unit 211 Condition storage section 212 History information storage unit 221 Specific Information Receiving Unit 231, 421 Judgment Department 241 Judgment result transmission unit 1231 Specific information transmission means 1232 Judgment result receiving means 1233 Control Processing Means 2111 First condition storage section 2112 Second condition storage unit 2113 Block List Storage 2114 Safelist Storage 2115 Group Management Department 2116 Usage conditions storage section

Claims

1. a determination unit that, when specific information including information related to a user is received, determines whether a first product selected by the user and sold satisfies a first condition; a control unit that performs control to provide a second product by a method different from the sales process of the first product based on the result of the determination unit. Information processing device.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit performs control to provide the second product free of charge based on the result of the determination unit.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the first condition is a condition related to a type of product.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the first condition is set based on a vending machine identifier, which is information for identifying a vending machine.

5. a history information storage unit for storing history information relating to the user's use history of the control process, The determination unit also determines whether the history information satisfies a usage condition. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. The information processing device according to claim 5 , wherein the usage conditions are conditions regarding the number of times of usage within a predetermined period.

7. The determination unit also determines whether the second product satisfies a second condition, The control unit performs the control in response to receiving a selection of the second product from the user. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

8. The information processing device according to claim 7 , wherein the second condition is a condition relating to the type of product.

9. The information processing device according to claim 7 , wherein the second condition is set based on a vending machine identifier, which is information for identifying a vending machine.

10. the specific information includes information identifying a group to which the user belongs, The determination unit also determines whether the identified group of users satisfies a predetermined group condition. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

11. The information processing device according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined group condition is a condition set based on a vending machine identifier, which is information for identifying a vending machine.

12. the identification information includes first identification information and second identification information relating to different users; the determination unit determines whether a first user corresponding to the first identification information and a second user corresponding to the second identification information satisfy a predetermined relationship; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

13. a reception unit that receives a first product identifier that identifies the first product; a discharge unit that performs sales processing of the first product in response to the reception unit receiving the first product identifier; a specific information acquisition unit that acquires specific information including information related to a user; A vending machine having a control unit that performs control to provide a second product by a method different from the sales processing of the first product based on the determination result of whether the first product satisfies a first condition.

14. An information processing method implemented by an information processing device including a determination unit and a control unit, a determination step in which, when the determination unit receives specific information including information related to a user, the determination unit determines whether a first product selected by the user and processed for sale satisfies a first condition; a control step in which the control unit performs control to provide the second product by a method different from the sales process of the first product based on a result of the determination unit. Information processing methods.

15. An information processing method realized by a vending machine including a reception unit, a discharge unit, a specific information acquisition unit, and a control unit, a receiving step in which the receiving unit receives a first product identifier that identifies a first product; a discharging step in which the discharging unit performs a sales process for the first product in response to the reception unit receiving the first product identifier; a specific information acquisition step in which the specific information acquisition unit acquires specific information including information related to a user; An information processing method comprising a control step in which the control unit performs control to provide a second product by a method different from the sales processing of the first product based on the judgment result of whether the first product satisfies a first condition.

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