Material supply device

Abstract

To provide an article supply device that can accommodate various supply methods. [Solution] The article supply device comprises an information display body containing identification information to identify the article supply device, a storage section capable of storing articles, a supply section capable of supplying articles stored in the storage section, a locking section capable of locking the supply section to prevent the supply of articles, and a control unit capable of controlling the locking section from a locked state to an unlocked state, provided that identification information has been obtained from the information display body. The device is configured to take the form of a first form in which the information display body is not visible, and a second form in which the information display body is visible.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an article supply device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been an article supply device that obtains an article of a capsule toy stored in a device body by operating a handle or the like on the condition of paying a price (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Such an article supply device is often installed outdoors or the like, and cannot adopt a complicated structure. On the other hand, it is required to support the provision of articles by electronic settlement or the like. In addition, it is necessary to maintain the conventional cash settlement.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an article supply device that can support various supply methods.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an article supply device capable of supplying articles, including an information display body including identification information for identifying the article supply device, a storage unit capable of storing articles, a supply unit capable of supplying the articles stored in the storage unit, a lock unit capable of locking the articles so that they cannot be supplied from the supply unit, and a control unit capable of controlling the lock unit from a locked state to an unlocked state on the condition that the identification information has been obtained from the information display body. The article supply device is configured to be able to take a first form in which the information display body is not visible and a second form in which the information display body is visible. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present invention can provide an article supply device that can accommodate a variety of supply methods. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the article supply system in this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the article supply system in an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a device configuration for a smartphone, which is an example of terminal 3. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a front view of an example of an article supply device 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an example of the article supply device 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the information display unit 10 and the covering portion 11. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a functional block diagram of the article supply device 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the management server 4. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of the item supply device database D1. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a sequence diagram of the article supply system according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating a series of screens displayed on the user's terminal 3. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart of the supply judgment control process. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a flowchart of the supply process of the item supply device 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] There is an article supply device that obtains an article of a capsule toy stored in the device body by paying coins and operating a handle or the like. On the other hand, in recent years, electronic payment has become widespread, and it is desired to use electronic payment for the above-described article supply device.

[0010] However, since these article supply devices are installed in various indoor or outdoor locations, due to problems such as durability, they cannot have a complex electrical configuration, and it is difficult to have a function of directly communicating with a terminal such as a smartphone and performing electronic settlement. In addition, there are many article supply devices at the installation location, and it is necessary to identify the article supply device that supplies articles to the user from among them.

[0011] Therefore, by assigning identification information for identifying one article supply device to the article supply device and allowing the user's terminal to acquire the identification information, the article supply device that the user desires to supply can be identified. Hereinafter, an example of electronic settlement of the article supply device will be described.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an article supply system according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, 1 is an article supply device, 2 is an article supplied by the article supply device 1, 3 is a user's terminal, and 4 is a management server.

[0013] The article supply device 1 is a device that supplies the article 2 to the user. The article supply device 1 is installed indoors or outdoors, and usually, a plurality of article supply devices 1 that supply different articles are installed. An information display body 10 including unique article supply device identification information capable of identifying the article supply device is displayed on the article supply device 1 that supplies the article 2. The information display body 10 may include link information (for example, URL) to a site for electronic settlement in addition to the article supply device identification information.

[0014] The information display body 10 is preferably an information display body that can be read by the terminal 3 in consideration of the convenience of the user. For example, the information display body is a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode (QR code: registered trademark) or the like.

[0015] The terminal 3 has a reader function for the information display body and a communication function with other devices. The terminal 3 is, for example, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a mobile phone, or the like.

[0016] The management server 4 is a server that manages the purchase of goods by the goods supply device 1 and the user.

[0017] The user goes to the installation location of the goods supply device 1. In order for the user to obtain the goods 2, it is necessary to identify the goods supply device 1 that can supply the goods 2 at the location where a plurality of goods supply devices 1 are installed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the goods supply device that supplies the goods desired by the user is identified by the following method, the price of the goods is settled by electronic payment, and the goods are supplied from the goods supply device to the user.

[0018] (1) Attach the information display body 10 to the goods supply device 1 that can supply goods.

[0019] (2) At the location where the goods supply device 1 is installed, cause the user's terminal 3 to read the information display body 10 of the goods supply device 1.

[0020] (3) The terminal 3 acquires the goods supply device identification information and the link information to the site for electronic payment from the read information display body 10. Then, the terminal 3 accesses the management server 4 based on the link information and transmits the acquired goods supply device identification information.

[0021] (4) The management server 4 identifies the goods supply device 1 from the goods supply device identification information from the terminal 3 and identifies the goods 2 that can be supplied by the goods supply device. Then, the management server 4 presents a purchase screen including the content of the goods 2 that can be supplied and the settlement method of the goods 2 to the terminal 3.

[0022] (4) The user checks the goods 2 that can be supplied displayed on the terminal 3, selects a settlement method, and settles the purchase of the goods 2.

[0023] (5) Once payment for item 2 is complete, the management server 4 unlocks the item supply device 1, making it possible to supply item 2 from the item supply device 1. To unlock the item supply in the item supply device 1, the management server 4 sends an unlock signal to the item supply device 1 identified by the item supply device identification information to unlock the supply unit. Upon receiving the unlock signal, the supply unit of the item supply device 1 unlocks, making it possible to supply item 2 to the user.

[0024] In this way, the user can obtain item 2 from item supply device 1.

[0025] The following describes specific embodiments.

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the goods supply system in this embodiment. Note that components in Figure 2 that have the same configuration as those in Figure 1 are given the same numbers.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the goods supply device 1, the user terminal 2, and the management server 4 are connected to a communication network 5 and can communicate with each other. The communication network 5 refers to a communication path capable of data communication. In other words, the communication network N includes not only LANs using dedicated lines (dedicated cables) or Ethernet (registered trademark) for connection, but also communication networks such as telephone networks, cable networks, and the Internet, and the communication method can be wired or wireless.

[0028] The item supply device 1 is a device that supplies item 2 to the user.

[0029] Terminal 3 can be, for example, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, or a mobile phone. Figure 3 shows an example of the device configuration of a smartphone, which is an example of terminal 3. As shown in Figure 3, terminal 3 comprises a display 31, a touch operation panel 32 integrated with the display 31, and a built-in speaker 33 and camera 34. Terminal 3 also includes a control board, a built-in battery, a power button, volume control buttons, etc., which are not shown. The control board is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU, GPU, and DSP, ASICs, various IC memories such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a wireless communication module for wireless communication with a mobile phone base station. The control board is also equipped with so-called I / F circuits (interface circuits), such as the driver circuit for the touch operation panel 32. Each of these elements mounted on the control board is electrically connected via a bus circuit, etc., enabling data reading and writing and signal transmission and reception.

[0030] The management server 4 is a server system composed of one or more server devices and storage devices. The management server 4 performs processes such as the sale of goods purchase rights, settlement using goods purchase rights, identification of goods supply device 1 that supplies goods, and unlocking of goods supply device 1.

[0031] Figure 4 is a front view of an example of the article supply device 1, and Figure 5 is a perspective view of an example of the article supply device 1.

[0032] The article supply device 1 is a device that supplies article 2.

[0033] Item 2 includes, for example, a toy or the like contained in a divisible spherical capsule, or a toy and capsule that are integrated into one unit. Item 2 is not limited to just one type of item; there may be multiple types of items. In this case, multiple types of items are stored together as items belonging to a single series (category) in the item storage section 20 of the item supply device 1, which will be described later.

[0034] The front of the item supply device 1 is provided with a display 13 showing the contents of the item 2, a coin slot 14 for inserting coins to be paid for the item 2, a handle 15 as an operating part, a dispensing opening 16 from which the item 2 is supplied, and a coin return slot 17. The user can find out which items the item supply device 1 can supply by looking at the display 13.

[0035] The item supply device 1 is equipped with an information display unit 10. The information display unit 10 is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark). The information display unit 10 includes at least item supply device identification information that identifies the item supply device 1, and a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), which is link information to a management server 4 for identifying the items that the item supply device 1 can supply. In addition to the above, the item supply device identification information 10 may also include other information, such as location information that identifies the location where the item supply device 1 is installed, the store name, the price of the items, and management information necessary for managing the item supply device 1. Furthermore, regarding the method of displaying the item supply device identification information 10, in this example, a method of displaying it by attaching a QR code as the information display unit 10 to the item supply device 1 is adopted, but this is not the only method.

[0036] The information display unit 10 may be mounted in a position near the return slot 17, as shown in Figure 5, where the bottom surface of the return slot 17 is clearly visible. In this embodiment, the user can obtain the item 2 without paying with money such as coins, but mounting the information display unit 10 in such a position makes it easier for the user to notice the returned coins if they are mistakenly inserted and returned to the return slot 17.

[0037] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the information display unit 10 and the covering unit 11. To facilitate understanding the relationship between the information display unit 10 and the covering unit 11, Figure 6 shows a view of the article supply device 1 from the side and a view of the article supply device 1 from above.

[0038] The lower surface 19 of the front wall 18 of the item supply device 1 is oriented upward or diagonally for easy user visibility, and the information display 10 is mounted near the return slot 17 on the lower surface 19 of the front wall 18 to facilitate the acquisition of information from the information display 10. The area around the information display 10 is colored a different color (e.g., white) from the color of the lower surface 19 (e.g., black). This is to make the information display 10 easily visible to the user.

[0039] When the item supply device 1 is installed, the information display body 10 is covered by a covering part 11. The covering part 11 is, for example, a removable seal. Preferably, the surface color of the covering part 11 is the same as the color of the lower surface 19 (for example, black). When the item supply device 1 is put into use, the information display body 10 is exposed and made visible by peeling off the covering part 11 from the lower surface 19, allowing the terminal 2 to read the information display body 10. Note that the covering part 11 does not have to cover only the information display body 10. For example, if the front wall 18, including the lower surface 19, displays an "arrow" or the like, and text such as "Read with smartphone," which functions as a guide to guide the acquisition of information from the information display body 10, close to the information display body 10, the covering part 11 covers the "arrow" and the text such as "Read with smartphone." This has the effect that the operation to acquire information from the information display body 10 can be performed without error by simply removing one covering part 11. Furthermore, since there is no need to provide a separate covering part 11 to cover the words "arrow" and "read with smartphone," it also has the effect of preventing errors in attaching or detaching the covering part 11.

[0040] The goods supply device 1 is not necessarily installed in an environment where electronic payment is possible, and it is likely that in many cases only cash payments using coins are handled. In such cases, the presence of the information display 10, which is necessary for electronic payment, is likely to confuse users. Therefore, it is preferable that the covering part 11 can be repeatedly attached and detached, so that the information display 10 of the goods supply device 1 can be reattached and the information display 10 covered again. Such a covering part 11 can be formed from conventional materials.

[0041] Figure 7 is a functional block diagram of the article supply device 1.

[0042] The article supply device 1 comprises an article storage unit 20, an article supply unit 21, a locking unit 22, an operating unit 23, a control unit 24, and a communication unit 25.

[0043] The article storage section 20 stores a large number of articles 2. Articles can be easily stored by pulling the article storage section 20 forward and inserting the articles 2 from the front of the article supply device 1. An article supply section 21 is installed in the lower part of the article storage section 20, which is equipped with a rotating disc having a hole large enough for one article 2 to pass through.

[0044] The operating unit 23 transmits the operation of the handle 15 to the rotating disc of the article supply unit 21. The operating unit 23 is locked by the locking unit 22, and when the lock is released, the handle 15 becomes rotatable by the user. As a mechanism for releasing the lock, for example, a lock release mechanism using a solenoid lock is used. In this case, the solenoid lock is used to make the handle 15 unable to rotate (locked state), and the lock is released by energizing the solenoid, making the handle 15 rotatable. Note that the lock release mechanism is not limited to a solenoid lock, and other lock release mechanisms may be used. When the locking unit 22 is in the unlocked state, the rotating disc rotates in conjunction with the handle 15 when it is rotated by a predetermined angle, and when the hole in the rotating disc and the drop opening provided at the bottom of the article storage unit 20 face each other, one article 2 is supplied from the drop opening to the drop opening 16 through a passage that communicates with the drop opening 16.

[0045] The control unit 24 controls the locking and unlocking of the locking unit 22. The locking unit 22 is unlocked by the control unit 24 upon settlement with cash inserted into the input slot 14 or by an externally controlled unlocking signal. The control unit 24 also locks the locking unit 22 after detecting the discharge of the item 2 to the output slot 16, or after a predetermined time has elapsed since the lock was released. Furthermore, the control unit 24 may also lock the locking unit 22 in response to an externally controlled locking signal.

[0046] The communication unit 25 can communicate with the management server 4 via the communication network 6.

[0047] Next, we will explain the management server 4.

[0048] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the management server 4. The management server 4 comprises a storage unit 61, a processing unit 62, and a communication unit 63.

[0049] The storage unit 61 is implemented by, for example, IC memory such as RAM, ROM, or flash memory, magnetic disks such as hard disks, or optical disks such as CD-ROMs or DVDs, and stores the system program and functional programs. The system program is a program that realizes the basic functions of the computer. The functional programs are programs that cause the processing unit 62 to function as the item supply device determination unit 621, the settlement unit 622, and the item supply control unit 623, which will be described later. In addition, various databases, which will be described later, are stored. Each of the stored databases will be explained below.

[0050] The item supply device database D1 stores the item supply device identification information (ID) of an item supply device 1 capable of supplying item 2, the type of item 2 provided by that item supply device 1 (product name), and the quantity in stock, all associated with each other. Figure 9 shows an example of the item supply device database D1. As shown in Figure 9, the item supply device database D1 stores the item supply device identification information of an item supply device 1 capable of supplying item 2, the type of item 2 (product name), and the quantity in stock, all associated with each other.

[0051] The processing unit 62 comprehensively controls the operation of the management device 5 based on the programs and data stored in the memory unit 61. The functions of the processing unit 62 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, or an IC memory. The main functional units of this processing unit 62 include an item supply device determination unit 621, a settlement unit 622, and an item supply control unit 623.

[0052] The item supply device determination unit 621 receives an item supply request from terminal 3, obtains the item supply device identification information included in the request, and determines whether the obtained item supply device identification information is included in the item supply device database D1. If it is included in the item supply device database D1, the item supply device determination unit 621 checks the supplied item and its inventory quantity for item supply device 1, and if there is inventory, it notifies the settlement unit 622 of the item supply device identification information. On the other hand, if it is not included in the item supply device database D1, or if it is included in the item supply device database D1 but there is no inventory, the item supply device determination unit 621 sends an error screen to terminal 3 informing it that supply of item 2 is impossible.

[0053] The settlement unit 622 receives the item supply device identification information and user ID from the item supply device determination unit 621 and sends the item purchase screen to the user's terminal 3. The settlement unit 622 reads the product name and price of the items supplied by item supply device 1 from the item supply device database D1, generates an item purchase screen including the product name, price, and payment method, and sends the generated item purchase screen to the user's terminal 3. The settlement unit 622 also receives payment information from the user's terminal 3 and notifies the item supply control unit 623 that the payment for the purchase of the items has been completed.

[0054] When the item supply control unit 623 receives confirmation of payment completion from the settlement unit 622, it transmits an unlock signal to the item supply device 1, enabling the supply of items from the item supply device 1. The destination of the unlock signal to the item supply device 1 is the item supply device 1 identified by the item supply device identification information included in the item provision request from the terminal 3.

[0055] The operation of the system in this embodiment will now be described.

[0056] Figure 10 is a sequence diagram of the item supply system of this embodiment, and Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating a series of screens displayed on the user's terminal 3.

[0057] The user goes to a location where an item supply device 1 capable of supplying item 2 is installed, and reads the information display 10 displayed on the item supply device 1. The acquisition of the information display 10 is performed using the camera function of the terminal 3 in response to the user's operation (Step 1). Figure 11(a) shows an example of photographing the information display 10 of the item supply device 1 with the terminal 3. The user stands in front of the item supply device 1, operates the terminal 3 so that the information display 10 is displayed on the terminal 3's screen, and photographs the information display 10.

[0058] Terminal 3 obtains item supply device identification information from the captured information display 10. In this example, item supply device identification information and link destination information (e.g., URL) to the item purchase screen are obtained from the information display 10 (Step 2). In this example, the obtained item supply device identification information is "EQ1001". Based on the obtained item supply device identification information and link destination of item supply device 1, Terminal 3 sends a request for the item purchase screen to the management server 4.

[0059] The management server 4 receives a request from terminal 3 and performs supply judgment control processing (Step 3). Figure 12 is a flowchart of the supply judgment control processing.

[0060] When the item supply device determination unit 621 receives a request from terminal 3 (Step 100), it obtains the device ID included in the request (Step 101). In this example, the obtained item supply device identification information is "EQ1001".

[0061] The item supply device determination unit 621 uses the item supply device database D1 to determine the item supply device identification information (Step 102). The determination of the item supply device identification information is to determine whether the acquired item supply device identification information is included in the item supply device database D1. If the acquired item supply device identification information is included in the item supply device database D1 (Step 103), it is determined that the item supply device 1 of the item supply device identification information acquired by the user is an item supply device 1 capable of supplying item 2. On the other hand, if the acquired item supply device identification information is not included in the item supply device database D1 (Step 103), it is determined that the item supply device 1 is not capable of supplying item 2, and an error notification is sent to the terminal 3 (Step 110). In this example, the acquired item supply device identification information is "EQ1001", and since it is included in the item supply device database D1, it is determined that the item supply device 1 from which the user is trying to receive an item is the item supply device 1 with item supply device identification information "EQ1001".

[0062] The item supply device determination unit 621 checks the inventory of item 2 in item supply device 1 of the acquired item supply device identification information (Step 104). If the inventory count of the acquired item supply device identification information in the item supply device database D1 is not "0", the item supply device determination unit 621 determines that item supply device 1 of the acquired item supply device identification information is capable of supplying item 2, identifies the item supply device 1 to which the unlock signal will be sent, and notifies the settlement unit 622 of the item supply device identification information and user ID. On the other hand, if the inventory count of the acquired item supply device identification information in the item supply device database D1 is "0", the item supply device determination unit 621 sends error information to terminal 3 (Step 110).

[0063] The settlement unit 622 receives item supply device identification information from the item supply device determination unit 621 and generates an item purchase screen (Step 105). The settlement unit 622 reads the type and price of the item supplied by the acquired item supply device identification information and generates an item purchase screen that includes the item name, price, and payment method for purchasing the item. Then, the settlement unit 622 transmits the item purchase screen to terminal 3 (Step 106). In this example, the item that item supply device 1 of item supply device identification information "EQ1001" can supply is "item X" and the price is "500 yen".

[0064] Terminal 3 displays the item purchase screen (Step 4). Figure 11(b) shows an example of the item purchase screen displayed on Terminal 3. In the example in Figure 11(b), product X, its price, and three payment methods are displayed.

[0065] When the user selects a payment method from the options presented and clicks the payment button, terminal 3 transmits the payment information. This payment information includes the price and payment method.

[0066] When the settlement unit 622 receives settlement information (Step 107), it performs settlement processing (Step 108). The settlement processing can utilize conventional electronic payment methods such as credit card payments. Once the settlement is complete, the settlement unit 622 notifies the item supply control unit 623 of the completion of the settlement and the item supply device identification information.

[0067] The payment unit 622 sends a notification screen to the terminal 3, which includes a notification of the completion of payment and the provision of goods (Step 109).

[0068] The article supply control unit 623 transmits an unlock signal to the article supply device 1 identified by the article supply device identification information (Step 111). In this example, the article supply control unit 623 transmits an unlock signal to the article supply device 1 with article supply device identification information "EQ1001".

[0069] Terminal 3, upon receiving the guidance screen, displays the guidance screen. An example of the guidance screen displayed on terminal 3 is shown in Figure 11(c). In the example in Figure 11(c), the guidance indicates that payment has been completed, that the goods should be received by operating the handle 15 of the goods supply device 1, and that the handle 15 will lock in one minute.

[0070] The user operates the item supply device 1 according to the guidance information.

[0071] The item supply device 1 receives the unlock signal and performs the supply process (Step 5). Then, the item supply device 1 sends a supply report to the management server 4. The management server 4 updates the inventory count upon receiving the supply report.

[0072] Here, we will explain the supply process (Step 3) of the item supply device 1 using the flowchart in Figure 13.

[0073] When the control unit 24 of the item supply device 1 receives a lock release signal (Step 200), it releases the lock on the lock unit 22 (Step 201).

[0074] The control unit 24 of the item supply device 1 determines whether to supply item 2 (Step 202). First, the control unit 24 determines whether the handle 15 of the operating unit 23 has been operated (for example, by one rotation) (Step 203). If the handle 15 has been operated (for example, by one rotation), one item 2 is supplied from the item supply unit 21 to the outlet 16 (Step 204). Then, the control unit 24 locks the locking unit 22 (Step 205).

[0075] Meanwhile, if the handle 15 is not operated (Step 203), the control unit 24 determines whether a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) has elapsed since the lock was released (Step 207). If the handle 15 has not been operated (Step 203) and a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) has elapsed since the lock was released (Step 207), the control unit 24 locks the locking part 22 (Step 205).

[0076] Finally, the control unit 24 issues a supply report stating that item 2 was supplied normally if it was supplied normally, and a supply report stating that item 2 was not supplied if it was not supplied (Step 206).

[0077] Regarding the control of the lock unit 22 from unlocking to locking, the example described above explains that the control unit 24 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since unlocking, and if so, locks the lock unit 22. This is just one example; for example, the item supply control unit 623 of the management server 4 may measure the time from the transmission of the unlock signal, and if it does not receive a supply report indicating that the item 2 has been supplied normally within the predetermined time, the control unit 24 may be configured to send a lock signal to the control unit 24 of the item supply device 1. In this case, when the control unit 24 receives the lock signal, it locks the lock unit 22.

[0078] This concludes the explanation of the supply process (Step 5) of the item supply device 1.

[0079] In this embodiment, an information display containing identification information for the item supply device is attached to the item supply device, and electronic payment for items is enabled by having the terminal 3 read the information display. On the other hand, by covering the information display with a covering part, confusion among users when the item supply device is only available for cash payment is prevented.

[0080] In other words, by attaching and detaching the covering portion to the information display body, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the information display body is visible and electronic payment is possible, and a configuration in which the information display body is invisible and only cash payment is possible.

[0081] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following.

[0082] [Note 1] An article supply device capable of supplying articles, An information display body containing identification information for identifying an article supply device, A storage compartment capable of accommodating articles, A supply unit capable of supplying articles stored in the aforementioned storage unit, A locking mechanism capable of locking the supply mechanism to prevent the supply of goods from the supply mechanism, A control unit capable of controlling the locking unit from a locked state to an unlocked state, provided that the identification information has been obtained from the information display unit, Equipped with, The system is configured to take a first form in which the information display body is not visible, and a second form in which the information display body is visible. Goods supply device.

[0083] [Note 2] In the first embodiment, the information display body is configured in such a way that the identification information cannot be obtained, and in the second embodiment, it is configured in such a way that the identification information can be obtained. The article supply device described in Appendix 1.

[0084] [Note 3] The information display unit is provided with a covering portion that can cover it, The information display body is configured to take on a first form by attaching the covering portion, and to take on a second form by not attaching the covering portion. The article supply device described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0085] [Note 4] The covering portion is configured to be detachably attached to the information display body. An article supply device as described in any of Appendix 1 to Appendix 3.

[0086] [Note 5] The control unit controls the lock unit from a locked state to an unlocked state, conditional on the completion of electronic payment by obtaining the identification information. An article supply device as described in any of Appendix 1 to Appendix 4.

[0087] [Note 6] The aforementioned identification information includes information that enables electronic payment. An article supply device as described in any of Appendix 1 to Appendix 5.

[0088] [Note 7] It includes an operating unit for enabling the supply of articles from the supply unit, The operating unit is configured to be operable only when the locking unit is in the released state. An article supply device as described in any of Appendix 1 to Appendix 6.

[0089] [Note 8] It comprises a coin slot and a coin return slot, The information display unit is located near the return slot. An article supply device as described in any of Appendix 1 to Appendix 7.

[0090] [Note 9] It is equipped with an outlet section from which articles supplied from the supply section can be removed, The input port, the return port, and the output port are provided on the front wall of the article supply device. The lower part of the front wall is configured to face upward or diagonally upward, The information display unit is located at the lower part of the front wall. An article supply device as described in any of Appendix 1 to Appendix 8.

[0091] [Note 10] The area surrounding the information display unit is colored with a different color from the color of the lower part of the front wall. An article supply device as described in any of the appendices 1 through 9.

[0092] [Note 11] The information display unit is provided in close proximity to the information display unit and guides the user to acquire the information from the information display unit. The covering portion is configured to cover the guide portion together with the information display body. An article supply device as described in any of Appendix 1 to Appendix 10.

[0093] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above embodiments and can be modified and implemented in various ways within the scope of its technical concept. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1 Goods supply device 2 Goods 3 terminals 4. Management Server 5. Communication Network 10 Information display 11 Covering part

Claims

1. An article supply device capable of supplying articles, An information display body containing identification information that identifies an article supply device and includes information that enables electronic payment, and a storage section capable of storing articles, A supply unit capable of supplying articles stored in the aforementioned storage unit, A locking mechanism capable of locking the supply mechanism to prevent the supply of goods from the supply mechanism, A control unit capable of controlling the locking unit from a locked state to an unlocked state, provided that the identification information has been obtained from the information display unit, Equipped with, The system is configured to take a first form in which the information display body is made invisible and the identification information cannot be obtained, and a second form in which the information display body is made visible and the identification information can be obtained. The control unit controls the lock unit from the locked state to the unlocked state, conditional on the completion of electronic payment by obtaining the identification information. If the aforementioned goods supply device is installed in an environment where electronic payment is not possible, the first form is adopted. Goods supply device.

2. The information display unit is provided with a covering portion that can cover it, The information display body is configured to take on a first form by attaching the covering portion, and to take on a second form by not attaching the covering portion. The article supply device according to claim 1.

3. The article supply device according to claim 2, wherein the covering portion is configured to be detachably attached to the information display body.

4. It includes an operating unit for enabling the supply of articles from the supply unit, The operating unit is configured to be operable only when the locking unit is in the released state. The article supply device according to claim 1.

5. It comprises a coin slot and a coin return slot, The article supply device according to claim 3, wherein the information display body is located near the return port.

6. It is equipped with an outlet section from which articles supplied from the supply section can be removed, The input port, the return port, and the output port are provided on the front wall of the article supply device, and the lower part of the front wall is configured to face upward or diagonally upward. The article supply device according to claim 5, wherein the information display body is located at the lower part of the front wall.

7. The article supply device according to claim 6, wherein the area around the information display body is colored with a different color from the color of the lower part of the front wall.

8. The information display body is provided with a guide portion adjacent to it for guiding the acquisition of information from the information display body, and the covering portion is configured to cover the guide portion together with the information display body. The article supply device according to claim 2.

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