Commodity sales system and settlement method

The product sales system integrates free vending and unified payment processing, addressing multiple payment issues in vending machines by allowing simultaneous selection and payment for multiple items.

JP2026017482APending Publication Date: 2026-02-04ASAHI SOFT DRINKS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024118278
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-07-23
Publication Date
2026-02-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing vending machines require multiple payment processes for each item, and free vending machines lack payment integration, leading to cumbersome user experiences and inefficiencies.

Method used

A product sales system with a storage facility and payment terminal that allows for selection, delivery, and unified payment processing, incorporating free vending and payment reading capabilities for both in-storage and out-of-storage items.

Benefits of technology

Enables seamless, hassle-free purchasing of multiple items with a single payment process, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency by combining payment processing with free vending.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a commodity sales system and a settlement method for selling and settling a commodity in an unmanned state.SOLUTION: A commodity sales system includes at least one first storage for carrying out at least one storage commodity stored in a storage by a user's selection operation, and a settlement terminal for reading identification information attached to the carried-out storage commodity and settling the price of the storage commodity, wherein the first storage includes a selected part for allowing a user to select each storage commodity, and has a free-bend function for carrying out the storage commodity without settlement of the storage commodity according to an operation of the selected part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a product sales system and a payment method for selling products and making payments without an attendant. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in self-propelled vending machines that mainly sell beverages without staff, multiple product dummies are displayed with a button placed near each dummy. After selecting a button, the user pays for the corresponding product using a cashless payment method, or inserts coins or bills and then selects a button to dispense the product.

[0003] On the other hand, there are also known free-vend vending machines that allow products to be dispensed free of charge, as disclosed in Patent Document 2. This type of free-vend vending machine is primarily used as a disaster response vending machine, and allows products in the vending machine to be dispensed free of charge in the event of an emergency such as an earthquake. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7421005 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6061169 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As is clear from the above description of Patent Document 1, conventionally, payment had to be made for each item. Therefore, for example, when purchasing two items, payment processing had to be performed twice, and as the number of items increased to three, four, etc., the number of payment processing steps also increased, which imposed a cumbersome task on the user. In other words, the series of steps of selecting items, paying (payment processing), and removing the items had to be performed multiple times.

[0006] On the other hand, when providing products through free vending as described in Patent Document 2, users are not forced to make payments. Therefore, when a person skilled in the art designs a vending machine that supports free vending, he or she does not take into consideration how users will make payments during free vending.

[0007] Furthermore, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, free vending-compatible vending machines have a choice between a normal mode in which the product is dispensed with payment processing, and a free mode in which the product is dispensed free of charge, and it can be said that it is common technical knowledge among those skilled in the art that the normal mode (payment processing) and the free mode are incompatible.

[0008] The inventor of the present application has made extensive consideration in light of the above circumstances, and has set out to eliminate the hassle involved in payment processing when a user wishes to purchase multiple products. He has invented a new concept that would never have been anticipated by the technical common sense of a person skilled in the art, by combining the concepts of payment processing and free vending.

[0009] As described above, the present invention proposes a completely new technology for a merchandise sales system and payment method for selling merchandise and making payments without an attendant.

[0010] Another issue is the feasibility of building a new product sales system or payment method. If an existing general-purpose device configuration is used, it would be easy to introduce and expand, so this issue must be taken into consideration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above, and the means for solving this problem will now be described.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, at least one first storage facility that delivers at least one product stored therein in response to a selection operation by a user; a payment terminal for reading identification information attached to the delivered products and paying for the products; The product sales system has the following features.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, at least one first storage facility that delivers at least one product stored therein in response to a selection operation by a user; A product sales system having a payment terminal for reading identification information attached to the delivered products and paying for the products, The first storage cabinet has a selection unit for allowing a user to select each product therein, The product sales system has a free vending function that conveys the products in the warehouse without payment for the products in the warehouse in response to the operation of the selection unit.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, at least one first storage facility that delivers at least one product stored therein in response to a selection operation by a user; A product sales system having a payment terminal for reading identification information attached to the delivered products and paying for the products, The payment terminal is a product sales system that can pay for one or more products in the warehouse.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, at least one first storage facility that delivers at least one product stored therein in response to a selection operation by a user; A product sales system having a payment terminal for reading identification information attached to the delivered products and paying for the products, The first storage cabinet has a selection unit for allowing a user to select each product therein, A free vending function is provided for carrying out the products in the warehouse without paying for the products in the warehouse in response to the operation of the selected unit, The payment terminal is a product sales system that allows payment for one or more products in the warehouse.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, The first storage cabinet has a price display unit for displaying the price of each product stored in the cabinet.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first storage cabinet has a temperature adjustment function for controlling the temperature of the products stored therein.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, at least one first storage facility that delivers at least one product stored therein in response to a selection operation by a user; A product sales system having a payment terminal for reading identification information attached to the delivered products and paying for the products, The payment terminal is It is possible to read identification information attached to outside products outside the first storage facility and make payment for the outside products, Settlement for one or more of the said goods in the warehouse; or Settlement for one or more of the off-site items; or a payment including one or more of the in-warehouse items and one or more of the out-warehouse items; It is a product sales system that enables the above.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, at least one first storage facility that delivers at least one product stored therein in response to a selection operation by a user; A product sales system having a payment terminal for reading identification information attached to the delivered products and paying for the products, The first storage cabinet has a selection unit for allowing a user to select each product therein, A free vending function is provided for carrying out the products in the warehouse without paying for the products in the warehouse in response to the operation of the selected unit, The payment terminal is It is possible to read identification information attached to outside products outside the first storage facility and make payment for the outside products, Settlement for one or more of the said goods in the warehouse; or Settlement for one or more of the off-site items; or a payment including one or more of the in-warehouse items and one or more of the out-warehouse items; It is a product sales system that enables the above.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, The outside products are displayed in a second storage cabinet from which users can take them out at their discretion.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, The payment terminal is configured as a unit, Provided in the first storage facility, Or, provided in the second storage facility, Alternatively, it may be installed in a separate installation space from the first and second storage facilities.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, The second storage cabinet does not have a temperature adjustment function for controlling the temperature of the products outside the storage cabinet.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, The second storage cabinet has a temperature adjustment function for controlling the temperature of the products outside the storage cabinet.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, A payment method in a product sales system, Reading the identification information of the in-storage product at the payment terminal; Calculating a payment amount from the total unit price of the in-warehouse products corresponding to the identification information; and a step of paying the payment amount.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, The method may further include a step of transmitting terminal identification information of the payment terminal from the payment terminal to a server. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] The present invention provides the following effects. That is, according to one aspect of the present invention, in a product sales system for selling products and making payments unmanned, the function of product delivery by free vending, which was previously only used in emergencies, is utilized in normal times, and payment processing can be performed all at once not only when a user is purchasing one product but also when purchasing multiple products, eliminating the hassle of purchasing. Also, it becomes possible to provide a completely new purchasing experience (user experience) that combines the concepts of payment processing and free vending. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a payment terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of a first storage unit (vending machine) and a payment terminal. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart of a payment method according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a payment terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1A is a diagram illustrating an example of payment at a payment terminal, and FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an example of payment at a payment terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of a payment method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [Example]

[0029] 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment 1, a product sales system is configured having at least one first storage cabinet 10 that removes at least one in-warehouse product 31 stored in the cabinet through a user's selection operation, and a payment terminal 2 that reads identification information attached to the removed in-warehouse product and makes payment for the in-warehouse product 31.

[0030] The first storage cabinet 10 of the first embodiment has an external appearance similar to that of a so-called vending machine as shown in Fig. 3. The first storage cabinet 10 has a main body 12 in which commodities are stored, and an outer door 14 that is provided on the main body 12 so as to be able to open and close.

[0031] The main body 12 has multiple column devices built in, and each column device stores products (products inside the storage compartment) corresponding to the product dummies 14a displayed on the outer door 14. The main body 12 has a built-in temperature control mechanism (not shown) that controls the temperature of the products inside the storage compartment by cooling, keeping them warm, or heating them. It is also possible to store products at room temperature by stopping the operation of the temperature control mechanism. Possible products inside the storage compartment include, for example, bottled drinks, canned drinks, ice cream, refrigerated foods, frozen foods, room-temperature foods, confectioneries, snacks, etc.

[0032] A push button 14b is provided near each product dummy 14a, functioning as a selection part that is selected and operated by the user, and each push button 14b is provided with a price display part that displays the price of the product, so that the user can make a selection after recognizing the price of the product (product in the storage) corresponding to each product dummy 14a.

[0033] The price display unit is intended to allow the user to recognize the price, and may be provided on the push button 14b, or the user may be able to recognize the price by, for example, attaching a label to the product dummy 14a or displaying a price list on the outer door 14. Also, for example, a liquid crystal display may be provided on the outer door 14, and the product dummy, push button, price display unit, etc. may be displayed on the liquid crystal display.

[0034] Each push button 14b corresponding to each product dummy 14a is linked to a corresponding column device that stores the product corresponding to that product dummy 14a. When a push button 14b is pressed, the discharge device provided on the linked column device is activated and the product is discharged. The discharged product is sent to the removal port 14c, and the user can remove the product from the removal port 14c. The removed product can be held by hand, or if there are a large number of products, a shopping cart 9 can be used.

[0035] As described above, the first storage cabinet 10 (vending machine) is configured to perform a free vending function, which allows the user to take out products without paying for them. By operating each push button 14b as desired, the user can take out multiple products of the same type or different types of products. In this way, the first storage cabinet 10 (vending machine) is configured to have a free vending function that allows the user to take out products without paying for them in response to the operation of the selection unit.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the payment terminal 2 is composed of an identification information reading unit 2a for reading identification information attached to a product, a payment receipt unit 2b for receiving payment from the payment means, a display unit 2c for displaying the payment amount, a communication unit 2d for connecting to a communication network, and a control unit 2e connected to each functional unit for controlling them.

[0037] The payment terminal 2 is configured as a unit and is provided in the first storage warehouse 10, for example, or can be installed in a cash register 5 (a space for making payments) located away from the first storage warehouse 10, as shown in Fig. 3. In addition, it can also be installed on a loading platform used for bagging products, on an interior wall near the first storage warehouse, on an interior wall or door at a location away from the first storage warehouse.

[0038] 2, the identification information reading unit 2a of the payment terminal 2 reads the identification information 33 attached to the product (stored product 31) by allowing the user to hold the product's identification information 33 over the unit 2. The identification information 33 is, for example, a JAN code, and is a display for identifying the attributes (product number, place of manufacture, date of manufacture, etc.) of the product (stored product 31).

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, the payment receipt unit 2b of the payment terminal 2 is used to receive payment from the user's payment method, and may be configured as, for example, a reader for a transportation IC card, a reader for a credit card, or a reader for smartphone payment. The payment receipt unit 2b may also be configured as a cash processing device that receives cash such as coins or bills and dispenses change. In the case of payment using a two-dimensional code, the identification information reader 2a of the payment terminal 2 can read the two-dimensional code displayed on the purchaser's smartphone and use it to make the payment.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, the display unit 2c of the payment terminal 2 is used to display the total price of one or more products (stocked products 31) read by the identification information reading unit 2a, as well as other information registered on the server, and is composed of, for example, an LCD screen.

[0041] 2, the communication unit 2d of the payment terminal 2 is for connecting to a communication network such as the Internet. For example, it is configured as a device for utilizing WIFI that can be connected in the space where the payment terminal 2 is installed.

[0042] 2, the control unit 2e of the payment terminal 2 is responsible for carrying out control to complete the payment process. This control involves cooperation with a management system managed by a server 4 on the cloud.

[0043] The server 4 stores unit price data linking the identification information 33 attached to the product (stored product 31) with the unit price of the product corresponding to the identification information 33. The unit price data can be updated as needed by an administrator. The server also stores, for example, the name of the product being sold, the unit price, product type, JAN code, cost price, and sales start date and time. The server 4 is also configured to, for example, input the number of products in stock stored in the first storage warehouse 10, input the number of products to be replenished, manage product disposal processing, tally and display sales data, and check affiliated stores and installation locations.

[0044] The server 4 calculates the payment amount from the identification information 33 and unit price data received from the payment terminal 2. When multiple pieces of identification information 33 are received, the server 4 calculates the total payment amount based on the unit prices corresponding to each piece of identification information 33. The calculated payment amount is sent to the payment terminal 2 and displayed on the display unit 2c of the payment terminal 2.

[0045] The user checks the payment amount displayed on the display 2c of the payment terminal 2 and performs cashless payment using, for example, a transportation IC card 3a or a smartphone 3b, or pays in cash. Alternatively, the user pays in cash.

[0046] As described above, in the first embodiment, the following payment method can be implemented. FIG. 4 shows steps in implementing the payment method according to the first embodiment. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, A step of reading identification information 33 of the stored product by the payment terminal 2; a step of transmitting the identification information 33 read from the payment terminal 2 to the server 4; A step of calculating a payment amount from the total unit price of the in-warehouse products 31 corresponding to the identification information 33 in the server 4; transmitting the payment amount from the server 4 to the payment terminal 2; a step of displaying the payment amount on the payment terminal 2; and a step of paying the payment amount at the payment terminal 2.

[0047] With the above configuration, in a product sales system for unmanned product sales and payment, the function of product delivery by free vending, which was previously only used in emergencies, can be utilized in normal times, and payment processing can be performed all at once not only when a user is purchasing one product but also when purchasing multiple products, eliminating the hassle of purchasing. Also, it is possible to provide a completely new purchasing experience (user experience) by combining the concepts of payment processing and free vending.

[0048] Here, a particular advantage of the first storage cabinet 10 being a vending machine is that, in a storage cabinet with a temperature control function, a user can remove products from the cabinet by operating the selection unit (push button 14b (FIG. 3)) without opening the outer door. For example, in the case of a showcase with a glass door, which is common in supermarkets and convenience stores, the door must be kept closed at all times to prevent cold air from escaping, and the user must open and close it. Furthermore, the user must open the door with one hand and remove the product with the other, which requires both hands, which is very burdensome when carrying luggage. This is a difficult task when carrying a bag or shopping basket. In this regard, the present invention allows products to be removed by simply selecting the product with one hand, eliminating the need to open and close the glass door and enabling smart removal. Furthermore, because the need to open and close the glass door does not occur, cold air from the cabinet does not leak to the outside, improving cooling efficiency and preventing unnecessary temperature increases and re-cooling. This improves energy efficiency and contributes to energy conservation and environmental protection. In addition, the refrigeration and heating functions of the vending machine can be utilized effectively. [Example]

[0049] 5 and 6 show a second embodiment of the present invention. In this second embodiment, in addition to the first embodiment, the payment terminal 2 is configured to also pay for outside products 41 that are outside the first storage cabinet 10. That is, in the second embodiment, a product sales system includes at least one first storage cabinet 10 that delivers at least one product 31 stored in the storage cabinet in response to a user's selection operation, and a payment terminal 2 that reads identification information 43 attached to the delivered product and settles the price of the product 31, The payment terminal 2 is capable of reading the identification information 43 attached to the outside product 41 located outside the first storage cabinet 10 and making a payment for the outside product 41, Settlement of one or more stocked items 31, or Settlement of one or more off-premise items 41, or The system is configured to enable payment including one or more in-storage products 31 and one or more outside-storage products 41.

[0050] In this second embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the outside products 41 are stored in a product display shelf 51 that does not have a temperature control function for controlling the temperature of the outside products 41, or in a showcase 52 that has a temperature control function for controlling the temperature of the outside products 41. These product display shelves 51 and showcases 52 are defined as second storage cabinets that can be freely removed by users, in contrast to the first storage cabinet 10 where free vending is performed. The second storage cabinet is a so-called product display fixture, and is not particularly limited to the one shown in FIG. 5, and may be a boat-shaped showcase, a table, a cardboard box, or any other device that displays products in a manner that allows the user to pick them up.

[0051] The prices of the outside products 41 can be made known to users by, for example, providing a display on the product display shelf 51, by directly attaching a sticker showing the price to the package of the outside product 41, or by displaying a price list.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 6, each outside product 41 is assigned identification information 43. The identification information 43 is, for example, a JAN code, and is a display for identifying the attributes of the product (outside product 41) (product number, place of manufacture, date of manufacture, etc.). The server 4 stores unit price data that links the identification information 43 assigned to the product (outside product 41) with the unit price of the product corresponding to the identification information 43. The unit price data can be updated as needed by an administrator.

[0053] Examples of outside goods include bottled drinks, canned drinks, ice cream, refrigerated foods, frozen foods, room temperature foods, confectioneries, snacks, etc. In addition, fresh foods such as vegetables, fruits, meat, and fish, as well as consumer goods and daily necessities, are also acceptable, and there are no particular limitations on the goods as long as they are displayed in the second storage with identification information 43 such as a JAN code attached.

[0054] In the second embodiment shown in Fig. 5, a plurality of first storage cabinets 10 are provided, and products 31 stored therein can be taken out by free vending from each first storage cabinet 10. For example, by allowing different types of products to be taken out from each first storage cabinet 10, a wide variety of products can be sold.

[0055] 5, for example, the user takes out any product from the first storage cabinet 10 or the second storage cabinet (product display shelf 51 or showcase 52) and places it in the shopping cart 9. After selecting the product, payment processing is performed by the payment terminal 2.

[0056] The configuration of the payment terminal 2 shown in Fig. 6 can be the same as that of Example 1. The payment terminal 2 is configured as a unit and can be installed in the first storage cabinet 10, or can be installed in, for example, the second storage cabinet, such as a product display shelf 51 or a showcase 52. Alternatively, as in Fig. 3, the payment terminal 2 can be installed in an installation space separate from the first storage cabinet and the second storage cabinet.

[0057] As described above, in the second embodiment, the following payment method can be implemented. In the configurations shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, A step of reading identification information 33, 43 of the in-storage product 31 and / or the outside-storage product 41 using the payment terminal 2; a step of transmitting the identification information 33, 43 read from the payment terminal 2 to the server 4; A step of calculating a payment amount in the server 4 according to the unit price of the in-storage product 31 and / or the out-storage product 41 corresponding to the identification information 33, 43; transmitting the payment amount from the server 4 to the payment terminal 2; a step of displaying the payment amount on the payment terminal 2; and a step of paying the payment amount at the payment terminal 2.

[0058] For example, as shown in FIG. 7(A), when three stored products S1 with a unit price T1 are purchased, the user successively holds the identification information 33a of each stored product S1 over the identification information reading unit 2a, and the payment terminal 2 reads the identification information 33a, identification information 33a, and identification information 33a, and transmits the identification information 33a, identification information 33a, and identification information 33a to the server 4. The server 4 adds up the unit price T1 of the identification information 33a, the unit price T1 of the identification information 33a, and the unit price T1 of the identification information 33a to calculate the payment amount K1 and transmits it to the payment terminal 2.

[0059] 7(B), when purchasing one in-storage product S1 with a unit price of T1, one outside-storage product S2 with a unit price of T2, and one outside-storage product S3 with a unit price of T3, the user successively holds the identification information of each product over the identification information reading unit 2a, and the payment terminal 2 reads the identification information 33a, the identification information 43a, and the identification information 43b, and transmits the identification information 33a, the identification information 43a, and the identification information 43b to the server 4. The server 4 adds up the unit price T1 of the identification information 33a, the unit price T2 of the identification information 43a, and the unit price T3 of the identification information 43b to calculate the payment amount K2 and transmits it to the payment terminal 2.

[0060] According to the above configuration, in the product sales system for selling and settling products without staff, in addition to carrying out products by free vending from the first storage warehouse, it is possible to make a collective payment for products displayed in the second storage warehouse such as the product display shelf 51 and the showcase 52. This makes it possible to provide a more convenient purchasing experience (user experience) in addition to the effect described in the first embodiment, allowing the user to make a collective payment for a wider range of products.

[0061] Furthermore, by installing it in an office, for example, employees can take out bottled drinks from the first storage unit via free vending, and food items such as snacks, sweets, and light meals from the second storage unit, and pay for them all at once, making it possible to introduce it as a facility for employee welfare.Since it allows employees to purchase drinks and food at the same time without going out, and it can be operated unmanned without the need for sales staff, it is possible to keep installation and operating costs low.

[0062] To pay the payment amount at the payment terminal 2, for example, when paying with a two-dimensional code, the user confirms the payment amount, taps "Purchase" displayed on the display unit 2c, taps "QR Payment" displayed, and taps the payment brand. The user displays the QR code (registered trademark) of the selected payment brand on their smartphone and has the payment receipt unit 2b of the payment terminal 2 read it. The payment terminal 2 obtains identification information for the PayPay (registered trademark) account from the read QR code (registered trademark) and sends a payment request to the PayPay (registered trademark) server via the server 4. The PayPay (registered trademark) server checks the user's PayPay (registered trademark) balance, approves the payment if payment is possible, and sends approval information to the server 4 to complete the payment. A message indicating that the payment has been completed is sent to the payment terminal, and the display unit 2c of the payment terminal displays the payment completion message.

[0063] To pay the payment amount at the payment terminal 2, for example, if paying with electronic money, the user confirms the payment amount, then taps "Purchase" displayed on the display unit 2c, taps "Electronic Money Payment" displayed, and taps the payment brand. The user then scans the magnetic card of the selected payment brand or the wallet displayed on their smartphone with the payment receipt unit 2b of the payment terminal 2. The payment terminal 2 then sends a payment request to the server of the electronic money service provider via server 4 based on the scanned information. The server of the electronic money service provider checks the user's electronic money balance, approves the payment if payment is possible, and sends approval information to server 4 to complete the payment. A message indicating that the payment has been completed is sent to the payment terminal, and the display unit 2c of the payment terminal displays the payment completion message.

[0064] It is also possible to design the system so that all or part of the above-described processing on the server is processed on the approval terminal side, as long as this does not cause any problems in principle. [Example]

[0065] In the third embodiment, a step of transmitting terminal identification information of the payment terminal 2 from the payment terminal 2 to the server 4 is performed in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the second embodiment shown in FIGS.

[0066] The terminal identification information of the payment terminal 2 is information for identifying the payment terminal 2, and for example, data linking the terminal identification information of the payment terminal 2 with the installation location of the payment terminal 2 corresponding to the terminal identification information is stored in the server 4.

[0067] By acquiring the terminal identification information of the payment terminal 2 on the server 4, the administrator can manage the payment amount paid by that payment terminal 2, the number of products, and the type of product, and can grasp the sales status of that payment terminal 2. This makes it possible to manage sales at a certain installation location where a certain payment terminal 2 is installed, and by comparing the sales status of each payment terminal 2 at each installation location, it is possible to analyze differences in product sales due to differences in installation location. [Example]

[0068] In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the payment amount is calculated at the payment terminal 2.

[0069] That is, A step of reading identification information 33, 43 of the in-storage product 31 and / or the outside-storage product 41 using the payment terminal 2; calculating a payment amount from the total unit price of the in-storage product 31 and / or the out-storage product 41 corresponding to the identification information 33, 43 in the payment terminal 2; a step of displaying the payment amount on the payment terminal 2; and a step of paying the payment amount at the payment terminal 2.

[0070] In this case, the payment terminal 2 has a recording unit, and unit price data linking the identification information 33 attached to the product (storage product 31) with the unit price of the product corresponding to the identification information 33 is recorded in the recording unit. The unit price data can be updated as needed by an administrator. The update can be performed by wire at the installation location of the payment terminal 2, or it can be updated remotely by providing the payment terminal 2 with a communication function.

[0071] The calculation unit provided in the payment terminal 2 calculates the payment amount from the identification information 33 and the unit price data. When multiple pieces of identification information 33 are read, the total payment amount is calculated based on the unit prices corresponding to each piece of identification information 33. The calculated payment amount is displayed on the display unit 2c of the payment terminal 2.

[0072] According to this configuration, it is possible to build a so-called local closed system without using the server 4 as in the first and second embodiments, and to operate in a form that does not use a server. [Example]

[0073] In Example 5, as shown in FIG. 3, a vending machine 100 having a conventional payment function is used as the first storage 10, and the free vending function of this vending machine is used to implement Examples 1 to 4 described above.

[0074] This vending machine 100 is configured with an outer door that is provided with a reading unit 91 for cashless payments, a bill insertion unit 92, a coin insertion unit 93, a price display unit 94, and a change slot 95, and is configured as a general-purpose machine that can be used alone to make payments for products.

[0075] This vending machine 100 is configured as a free vending-compatible vending machine, and is configured so that, depending on the settings of the internal controller, it can be operated in either a normal mode in which the product is dispensed with payment processing, or a free mode in which the product is dispensed free of charge.

[0076] When implementing the above-mentioned first to fourth embodiments, by using such a free vending compatible vending machine and always operating it in "free mode," it is possible to configure the first storage 10 without making any special modifications to an existing general-purpose machine. This makes it easy to introduce the device and to deploy it when implementing the above-mentioned first to fourth embodiments.

[0077] Furthermore, by returning to the "normal mode," the machine can be operated as a normal vending machine, and operation without using the payment terminal 2 can be quickly restored. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 2. Payment terminal 2a Identification information reading unit 2b Receipt Department 2c Display section 2d Communication Department 2e Control Unit 3a Transportation IC cards 3b Smartphone 4 Server 5. Cashier 9. Shopping Cart 10 First Storage 12 Main Unit 14 Outer door 14a Product dummy 14b Push Button 14c Outlet 31 Inventory items 33 Identification Information

Claims

1. at least one first storage cabinet that delivers at least one product stored therein in response to a selection operation by a user; a payment terminal for reading identification information attached to the delivered products and paying for the products; A product sales system having the above.

2. at least one first storage cabinet that delivers at least one product stored therein in response to a selection operation by a user; A product sales system having a payment terminal for reading identification information attached to the delivered products and paying for the products, The first storage cabinet has a selection unit for allowing a user to select each product therein, A product sales system having a free vending function that removes products from the warehouse without paying for them in response to the operation of the selected section.

3. at least one first storage cabinet that delivers at least one product stored therein in response to a selection operation by a user; A product sales system having a payment terminal for reading identification information attached to the delivered products and paying for the products, The payment terminal is capable of paying for one or more stored products.

4. at least one first storage cabinet that delivers at least one product stored therein in response to a selection operation by a user; A product sales system having a payment terminal for reading identification information attached to the delivered products and paying for the products, The first storage cabinet has a selection unit for allowing a user to select each product therein, A free vending function is provided for carrying out the products in the warehouse without paying for the products in the warehouse in response to the operation of the selected unit, The payment terminal is capable of paying for one or more stored products.

5. The first storage cabinet has a price display unit for displaying the price of each product in the cabinet, 5. The product sales system according to claim 1, wherein the product sales system is a system for selling products.

6. The first storage cabinet has a temperature adjustment function for controlling the temperature of the products inside the cabinet.

5. The product sales system according to claim 1, wherein the product sales system is a system for selling products.

7. at least one first storage cabinet that delivers at least one product stored therein in response to a selection operation by a user; A product sales system having a payment terminal for reading identification information attached to the delivered products and paying for the products, The payment terminal is It is possible to read identification information attached to outside products outside the first storage facility and make payment for the outside products, Settlement for one or more of the stored goods; or Settlement for one or more of the off-site products; or a payment including one or more of the in-warehouse items and one or more of the out-warehouse items; A product sales system that makes this possible.

8. at least one first storage cabinet that delivers at least one product stored therein in response to a selection operation by a user; A product sales system having a payment terminal for reading identification information attached to the delivered products and paying for the products, The first storage cabinet has a selection unit for allowing a user to select each product therein, A free vending function is provided for carrying out the products in the warehouse without paying for the products in the warehouse in response to the operation of the selected unit, The payment terminal is It is possible to read identification information attached to outside products outside the first storage facility and make payment for the outside products, Settlement for one or more of the stored goods; or Settlement for one or more of the off-site products; or A payment including one or more of the in-warehouse products and one or more of the out-warehouse products; A product sales system that makes this possible.

9. The outside products are displayed in a second storage cabinet that can be freely removed by the user.

9. The product sales system according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The payment terminal is configured as a unit, Provided in the first storage facility, Or, provided in the second storage facility, Or, it is provided in an installation space separate from the first storage and the second storage, 10. The product sales system according to claim 9.

11. The second storage cabinet does not have a temperature adjustment function for controlling the temperature of the outside product.

10. The product sales system according to claim 9.

12. The second storage cabinet has a temperature adjustment function for controlling the temperature of the outside product.

10. The product sales system according to claim 9.

13. A payment method in the product sales system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Reading the identification information of the in-storage product at the payment terminal; Calculating a payment amount from the total unit price of the in-warehouse products corresponding to the identification information; a step of paying the payment amount; Payment methods including.

14. A payment method in the product sales system according to claim 7 or 8, Reading the identification information of the in-storage product and / or the out-storage product at the payment terminal; Calculating a payment amount from the total unit price of the in-storage product and / or the out-storage product corresponding to the identification information; a step of paying the payment amount; Payment methods including.

15. A payment method in a product sales system according to claim 9, Reading the identification information of the in-storage product and / or the out-storage product at the payment terminal; Calculating a payment amount from the total value of the unit prices of the in-storage products and / or the out-storage products corresponding to the identification information; a step of paying the payment amount; Payment methods including.

16. A payment method in a product sales system according to claim 10, Reading the identification information of the in-storage product and / or the out-storage product at the payment terminal; Calculating a payment amount from the total unit price of the in-storage product and / or the out-storage product corresponding to the identification information; a step of paying the payment amount; Payment methods including.

17. A payment method in a product sales system according to claim 11, Reading the identification information of the in-storage product and / or the out-storage product at the payment terminal; Calculating a payment amount from the total unit price of the in-storage product and / or the out-storage product corresponding to the identification information; a step of paying the payment amount; Payment methods including.

18. A payment method in a product sales system according to claim 12, Reading the identification information of the in-storage product and / or the out-storage product at the payment terminal; Calculating a payment amount from the total unit price of the in-storage product and / or the out-storage product corresponding to the identification information; a step of paying the payment amount; Payment methods including.

19. transmitting terminal identification information of the payment terminal from the payment terminal to a server; The payment method of claim 13 further comprising:

20. transmitting terminal identification information of the payment terminal from the payment terminal to a server; 15. The payment method of claim 14, further comprising:

21. transmitting terminal identification information of the payment terminal from the payment terminal to a server; 16. The payment method of claim 15, further comprising:

22. transmitting terminal identification information of the payment terminal from the payment terminal to a server; 17. The payment method of claim 16, further comprising:

23. transmitting terminal identification information of the payment terminal from the payment terminal to a server; 20. The payment method of claim 17, further comprising:

24. transmitting terminal identification information of the payment terminal from the payment terminal to a server; 20. The payment method of claim 18, further comprising:

Citation Information

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