Vending machine, information processing device, method for providing items for sale, information processing method, and program

Abstract

This system allows vending machine payment processing to be completed without the user's terminal device having to transmit a user identifier. [Solution] The information processing device 2 includes a receiving unit 21 that receives from a vending machine a media identifier that identifies a recording medium acquired from a recording medium in the vending machine, and a sales target identifier that identifies a selected sales target; a storage unit 22 that stores first correspondence information that associates the media identifier with a user identifier, and second correspondence information that associates the user identifier with payment information; a payment unit 23 that, when the media identifier and the sales target identifier are received and there is payment information associated with the media identifier by the first and second correspondence information, uses the payment information to make a payment for the sales target identified by the sales target identifier; and a transmitting unit 24 that, when making a payment, transmits payment completion information to the vending machine indicating that the payment has been completed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vending machine and an information processing device or the like that performs settlement for the sale of items for sale in the vending machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when a user purchases goods or the like using a vending machine, it has been possible to purchase goods or the like without paying cash (see, 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] In the settlement for the purchase of goods or the like using a conventional vending machine, it has been necessary for a device such as a server that performs the settlement to receive a user identifier from the user's terminal device. Therefore, a user who purchases goods or the like using a vending machine has had to use a terminal device having a communication function capable of transmitting a user identifier.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a vending machine, an information processing device, and the like that enable settlement for the purchase of items for sale in a vending machine without transmitting a user identifier from the user's terminal device to the device that performs the settlement.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above objective, an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a receiving unit that receives from a vending machine a media identifier that identifies a recording medium acquired from a recording medium in the vending machine, and a sales target identifier that identifies a sales target selected by the user holding the recording medium; a storage unit that stores one or more first correspondence pieces of information that associate the media identifier with a user identifier that identifies the user holding the recording medium identified by the media identifier, and one or more second correspondence pieces of information that associate the user identifier with payment information relating to the user identified by the user identifier; a settlement unit that, when the receiving unit receives the media identifier and the sales target identifier, and payment information associated with the media identifier by the first correspondence pieces and the second correspondence pieces of information exists, uses the payment information to settle the sale target identified by the sales target identifier; and a transmitting unit that, when the settlement unit settles the sale, transmits settlement completion information to the vending machine corresponding to the settlement to indicate that the settlement has been completed.

[0007] With this configuration, the vending machine can use a media identifier obtained from the recording medium to process payments for items sold in the vending machine. Therefore, users can process payments for items purchased in the vending machine without transmitting a user identifier from their terminal device to the information processing device. For this reason, the recording medium does not necessarily have communication capabilities like a smartphone. The recording medium could, for example, be a user's employee ID card.

[0008] Furthermore, in an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the storage unit also stores one or more third correspondence pieces of information that associate a user identifier with the address of the user identified by the user identifier, and the transmission unit may, when performing a settlement by the settlement unit, transmit settlement completion information indicating the completion of the settlement to the address associated with the user identifier of the user corresponding to the settlement by the third correspondence piece of information.

[0009] With this configuration, users can be notified that a payment has been completed by receiving payment completion information sent from the information processing device to their address.

[0010] Furthermore, in an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the second correspondence information is information that associates a user identifier, payment information, sales history relating to a user identified by the user identifier, and upper limit information indicating the upper limit of sales relating to the user. The payment unit may use the sales history and upper limit information associated with the media identifier received by the receiving unit to confirm that the sales of the target product have not reached the upper limit indicated by the upper limit information, and may also update the sales history in accordance with the payment.

[0011] This configuration allows for limiting the purchase quantity of items sold using recording media in vending machines based on upper limit information.

[0012] Furthermore, in an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention, a designated user is designated as a person who will undertake the payment within a predetermined range, and the second correspondence information is information that associates a user identifier with payment information and an acceptance history which is a history of payments undertaken by the person who will undertake the payment for the user identified by the user identifier, and the payment unit may, using the acceptance history associated with the media identifier received by the receiving unit, make a payment for the item for sale to the person who will undertake the payment if it is within the scope of the payment undertaking, and update the acceptance history in accordance with the payment.

[0013] With this configuration, for example, a user can receive items for sale from a vending machine within a predetermined range, with the cost borne by a party such as the user's employer.

[0014] Furthermore, in an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the storage unit also stores one or more third correspondence pieces of information that associate a user identifier with the address of the user identified by the user identifier, and the transmission unit may, when the acceptance history indicates that the number of acceptances by the payment burden bearer is less than a threshold, send an alert to the address associated with the user identifier corresponding to the acceptance history by the third correspondence piece of information indicating that the user is to receive the product to be sold at the vending machine.

[0015] This configuration allows for the promotion of vending machine use, for example, in situations where two free beverages are offered per day from a vending machine to help prevent heatstroke. By sending alerts to users who have not yet taken advantage of these offers, it becomes possible to encourage their use.

[0016] Furthermore, in an information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the storage unit also stores one or more fourth correspondence pieces of information that associate a user identifier with work information indicating the work status of the user identified by the user identifier, and the transmission unit does not need to send an alert even if the acceptance history indicates that the acceptance by the payment burden bearer is less than a threshold, if the work information associated with the user identifier corresponding to the acceptance history by the fourth correspondence piece of information indicates that the user identified by the user identifier is not at work.

[0017] This configuration prevents alerts from being sent when the user is not at work, thus avoiding situations where, for example, an alert is sent when the user is on leave.

[0018] Furthermore, in an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the predetermined range may be modified.

[0019] With this configuration, for example, on extremely hot days, by changing a predetermined range, users can receive more free beverages from vending machines than usual.

[0020] Further, in the information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, in the storage unit, fifth correspondence information for associating a user identifier with sales permission information indicating whether sales are permitted for each type of sales target related to the user identified by the user identifier, and sixth correspondence information for associating a sales target identifier with the type of sales target identified by the sales target identifier are also stored. The settlement unit may perform settlement for the sales target identified by the sales target identifier when the type of sales target associated with the sales target identifier received by the reception unit according to the sixth correspondence information is permitted for sales according to the sales permission information associated with the sales target identifier received by the reception unit according to the first correspondence information and the fifth correspondence information.

[0021] With such a configuration, for example, a user whose intake of sweet drinks is restricted can be prevented from purchasing sweet drinks such as sports drinks.

[0022] Further, in the information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the sales target of the vending machine may be food and drink.

[0023] With such a configuration, the user can purchase food and drink in the vending machine.

[0024] Further, a vending machine according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires a medium identifier for identifying a recording medium from a recording medium held by a user, a selection reception unit that receives a selection of a sales target by the user holding the recording medium, a transmission unit that transmits the medium identifier acquired by the acquisition unit and a sales target identifier for identifying the sales target selected by the selection reception unit to an information processing apparatus, and a reception unit that receives, from the information processing apparatus, settlement completion information indicating completion of settlement for the sales target identified by the sales target identifier in response to the transmission of the medium identifier and the sales target identifier by the transmission unit. When the settlement completion information is received by the reception unit, the vending machine further includes a provision unit that provides the user with the sales target corresponding to the settlement completion information.

[0025] With such a configuration, the user can purchase items for sale at the vending machine by using the recording medium without transmitting the user identifier from their terminal device to the information processing device.

[0026] Also, in the vending machine according to one aspect of the present invention, the recording medium may be a medium using short-range wireless communication.

[0027] With such a configuration, for example, it becomes possible to purchase products and the like at the vending machine by using a recording medium that is a contactless IC card.

[0028] Also, in the vending machine according to one aspect of the present invention, the recording medium may be in the form of a card.

[0029] With such a configuration, for example, an employee ID card, which is a card-shaped recording medium, can also be used for purchasing items for sale at the vending machine.

[0030] Also, an information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method processed using a storage unit that stores one or more first correspondence information associating a receiving unit, a medium identifier, and a user identifier for identifying a user who holds a recording medium identified by the medium identifier, and one or more second correspondence information associating the user identifier and settlement information regarding the user identified by the user identifier, a settlement unit, and a transmitting unit, the receiving unit receiving, from the vending machine, a medium identifier for identifying a recording medium acquired from the recording medium in the vending machine and a sales target identifier for identifying a sales target selected by the user who holds the recording medium, the settlement unit performing settlement regarding the sales target identified by the sales target identifier using the settlement information when the medium identifier and the sales target identifier are received and there is settlement information associated with the medium identifier by the first correspondence information and the second correspondence information, and the transmitting unit transmitting settlement completion information indicating completion of the settlement to the vending machine corresponding to the settlement when the settlement in the settlement step is performed.

[0031] Furthermore, a method for providing sales targets according to one aspect of the present invention is a method for providing sales targets processed using an acquisition unit, a selection acceptance unit, a transmission unit, a reception unit, and a provision unit, comprising: a step of the acquisition unit acquiring a media identifier that identifies a recording medium from a recording medium held by a user; a step of the selection acceptance unit accepting a selection of sales targets by a user holding a recording medium; a step of the transmission unit transmitting the acquired media identifier and a sales target identifier that identifies the selected sales target to an information processing device; a step of the reception unit receiving settlement completion information from an information processing device in response to the transmission of the media identifier and the sales target identifier, indicating the completion of settlement for the sales target identified by the sales target identifier; and a step of the provision unit providing the user with a sales target corresponding to the settlement completion information when the settlement completion information is received. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] According to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing device and a vending machine can be used to purchase items from a vending machine without transmitting a user identifier to the information processing device that handles payment from a terminal device such as a smartphone. For example, a user can use a recording medium such as an employee ID card to purchase items from a vending machine. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the configuration of a vending machine according to the same embodiment. [Figure 3] Block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device according to the same embodiment. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating the operation of the vending machine according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device according to the same embodiment. [Figure 6A] This figure shows an example of multiple first correspondence information in the same embodiment. [Figure 6B] This figure shows an example of multiple second correspondence information in the same embodiment. [Figure 6C] This figure shows an example of multiple third correspondence information in the same embodiment. [Figure 6D] This figure shows an example of multiple sales target information in the same embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the display on the user's terminal device in the same embodiment. [Figure 8A] This figure shows another example of multiple second correspondence information in the same embodiment. [Figure 8B] This figure shows another example of multiple second correspondence information in the same embodiment. [Figure 9A] This figure shows another example of multiple second correspondence information in the same embodiment. [Figure 9B] This figure shows another example of multiple second correspondence information in the same embodiment. [Figure 9C] This figure shows an example of multiple pieces of information that associate the user identifier and the payer identifier in the same embodiment. [Figure 9D] This figure shows an example of multiple pieces of information that associate the payer identifier with payment information in the same embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of the display on the user's terminal device in the same embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of multiple fourth correspondence information in the same embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of multiple fifth correspondence information in the same embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of multiple sixth correspondence information in the same embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] The following describes the vending machine, information processing device, method for providing items for sale, and information processing method according to the present invention using embodiments. In the following embodiments, components and steps denoted by the same reference numerals are the same or equivalent and may not be described again. The vending machine according to this embodiment allows users to purchase items for sale using a recording medium such as an employee ID card held by the user, without the user having to transmit a user identifier from a terminal device such as a smartphone to the information processing device.

[0035] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system 100 according to this embodiment, Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vending machine 1 according to this embodiment, and Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device 2 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 100 comprises one or more vending machines 1 and an information processing device 2, and may further comprise one or more terminal devices 4 as needed. The one or more vending machines 1 and the one or more terminal devices 4 and the information processing device 2 may be connected to each other via a wired or wireless communication line 500. The communication line 500 may be, for example, the internet, an intranet, or a public telephone network. The terminal device 4 may be, for example, a mobile information terminal equipped with communication functions such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), smartwatch, or notebook computer, or it may be any other terminal device.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, the vending machine 1 according to this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 11, a selection receiving unit 12, a storage unit 13, a transmission unit 14, a receiving unit 15, and a dispensing unit 16. The vending machine 1 may, for example, dispense food and beverages. That is, the items sold by the vending machine 1 may be, for example, food and beverages. In this embodiment, the case in which the items sold by the vending machine 1 are beverages in containers such as cans or plastic bottles will be mainly described.

[0037] The acquisition unit 11 acquires a media identifier that identifies the recording medium 3 from the recording medium 3 held by the user 6. The recording medium 3 may be, for example, a card-shaped recording medium. The recording medium 3 may be, for example, an IC card, or another recording medium that can transmit the media identifier to the vending machine 1. The IC card may be, for example, a contactless card that performs short-range wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication). Thus, the recording medium 3 may be a medium that uses short-range wireless communication. In this case, the acquisition unit 11 may receive the media identifier from the recording medium 3 via the short-range wireless communication. The recording medium 3 may be, for example, an IC card such as Felica® or MIFARE® that has an RF tag. If the recording medium 3 is a Felica IC card, the media identifier may be, for example, a pair of system code and IDm stored in the recording medium 3. The recording medium 3 may also be incorporated into a terminal device such as a smartphone or a smartwatch. That is, the recording medium 3 may be, for example, an RF tag incorporated into a smartphone or the like. The terminal device into which the recording medium 3 is incorporated may be, for example, terminal device 4. Furthermore, the recording medium 3 may, for example, be the employee ID card of user 6, a management card for entry and exit, a card used to identify individuals in an organization such as a hospital or sports club, or a card used for other purposes. In this embodiment, we will mainly describe the case where the recording medium 3 is an IC card employee ID card and the vending machine 1 is located at user 6's workplace. Therefore, hereafter, the recording medium 3 will be referred to as the card-shaped medium 3. In the following description, the card-shaped medium 3 may be read as the recording medium 3.

[0038] The selection reception unit 12 receives the selection of a product to be sold by the user 6 holding the card-shaped medium 3. The user 6 may select a product to be sold by pressing a button on the vending machine 1, for example. The selection reception unit 12 may then receive the selection of a product to be sold by the user 6. In response to the user 6 pressing a button on the vending machine 1, the selection reception unit 12 may receive information that can identify the product to be sold corresponding to that button, i.e., the product to be sold selected by the user 6. The information that can identify the product to be sold may be, for example, a column identifier that identifies the column in the vending machine 1 that contains the product to be sold. The column identifier may be, as an example, a column number (column number). In this embodiment, the case in which the selection reception unit 12 receives a column identifier, which is a column number that identifies the product to be sold selected by the user 6, will be mainly described.

[0039] The selection reception unit 12 may accept the selection of a product to be sold via an input interface, such as a physical button on the vending machine 1 or a soft button displayed on the display screen. The selection reception unit 12 may or may not include a device for receiving the selection (e.g., an input interface). Furthermore, the selection reception unit 12 may be implemented by hardware or by software such as a driver that drives a predetermined device.

[0040] The timing of the acquisition of the media identifier by the acquisition unit 11 and the acceptance of the selection of sales targets by the selection acceptance unit 12 is not specified. For example, the selection of sales targets may be accepted by the selection acceptance unit 12 after the media identifier has been acquired by the acquisition unit 11, or the media identifier may be acquired by the acquisition unit 11 after the selection of sales targets has been accepted by the selection acceptance unit 12. In this embodiment, the latter case will be mainly described. Also, as an example, the acquisition of the media identifier by the acquisition unit 11 and the acceptance of the selection of sales targets by the selection acceptance unit 12 may occur simultaneously.

[0041] The storage unit 13 may store information related to the vending machine 1. For example, the storage unit 13 may store a vending machine identifier that identifies the vending machine 1. For instance, the vending machine identifier and the column identifier can be used as a pair to uniquely identify the product being sold. Therefore, for example, the pair of the vending machine identifier and the column identifier may be used as a product identification identifier. This embodiment will mainly describe this case. The storage unit 13 may also store information other than the vending machine identifier, such as the address of the information processing device 2.

[0042] The process by which information is stored in the storage unit 13 is irrelevant. For example, information may be stored in the storage unit 13 via a recording medium, information transmitted via a communication line or the like may be stored in the storage unit 13, or information input via an input device may be stored in the storage unit 13. The storage unit 13 is preferably implemented using a non-volatile recording medium, but it may also be implemented using a volatile recording medium. The recording medium may be, for example, a semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk.

[0043] The transmission unit 14 transmits to the information processing device 2 the media identifier acquired by the acquisition unit 11 and the sales target identifier that identifies the sales target whose selection has been accepted by the selection acceptance unit 12. Along with the sales target identifier, information about the sales target identified by the sales target identifier, such as the name of the sales target and the price of the sales target, may also be transmitted to the information processing device 2. The sales target identifier transmitted by the transmission unit 14 may, for example, include information that includes the column identifier accepted by the selection acceptance unit 12 and the vending machine identifier stored in the storage unit 13.

[0044] The transmission unit 14 may transmit the media identifier and the sales target identifier directly to the information processing device 2, or indirectly via a server or the like. The transmission unit 14 may also transmit to an address held in the storage unit 13 or a recording medium (not shown). The transmission unit 14 may or may not include a transmission device (e.g., a modem or network card) for transmission. The transmission unit 14 may be implemented by hardware, or by software such as a driver that drives the transmission device.

[0045] In response to the transmission of the media identifier and the sales target identifier by the transmission unit 14, the receiving unit 15 receives settlement completion information from the information processing device 2 indicating the completion of settlement for the sales target identified by the sales target identifier. This settlement completion information is transmitted from the information processing device 2 when settlement is completed in response to the transmission of the media identifier and the sales target identifier by the transmission unit 14. For example, if settlement is not completed in the information processing device 2 in response to the transmission of the media identifier and the sales target identifier by the transmission unit 14, for example, if settlement information is not registered in the information processing device 2 or if there is insufficient balance for settlement, the receiving unit 15 may receive error information from the information processing device 2 indicating that settlement was not completed. As an example, the sales target identifier that identifies the sales target subject to settlement may be included in the settlement completion information or error information. This sales target identifier is the sales target identifier transmitted by the transmission unit 14.

[0046] The receiving unit 15 may or may not include a wired or wireless receiving device (e.g., a modem or network card) for receiving data. Furthermore, the receiving unit 15 may be implemented by hardware or by software such as a driver for operating the receiving device.

[0047] When the receiving unit 15 receives payment completion information, the providing unit 16 provides the user 6 with the product corresponding to that payment completion information. The providing unit 16 may, for example, control the mechanism for providing products in the vending machine 1 so that when payment completion information is received, the product corresponding to that payment completion information is dispensed from the vending machine 1. The product corresponding to the received payment completion information may, for example, be the product identified by the product identifier transmitted by the transmitting unit 14 immediately before. The mechanism for providing products is already publicly known, and a detailed explanation thereof is omitted. By the providing unit 16 controlling the mechanism for providing products in the vending machine 1 so that the product for which payment has been completed is dispensed from the dispensing slot, for example, the user 6 can receive the product for which they desired. If the payment completion information includes a product identifier, the providing unit 16 may, for example, provide the user 6 with the product identified by that product identifier. In this case, the providing unit 16 may, for example, determine whether the sales target identifier included in the payment completion information matches the sales target identifier transmitted by the transmitting unit 14, and provide the sales target if they match, or not provide the sales target if they do not match.

[0048] Furthermore, if the receiving unit 15 receives error information, or if the receiving unit 15 does not receive payment completion information even after a predetermined period has elapsed since the transmitting unit 14 transmitted the media identifier or sales target identifier, the providing unit 16 does not have to provide the sales target to the user 6. In this case, for example, the user 6 may be notified that payment could not be made, or it may not be.

[0049] As shown in Figure 3, the information processing device 2 according to this embodiment comprises a receiving unit 21, a storage unit 22, a settlement unit 23, and a transmission unit 24. The information processing device 2 processes settlements related to one or more vending machines 1. Therefore, the information processing device 2 can be considered, for example, as a server in a server-client system.

[0050] The receiving unit 21 receives from the vending machine 1 a media identifier that identifies the card-shaped medium 3 acquired from the card-shaped medium 3 in the vending machine 1, and a sales target identifier that identifies the sales target selected by the user 6 holding the card-shaped medium 3. The receiving unit 21 may also receive information other than the pair of media identifier and sales target identifier. For example, along with the media identifier and sales target identifier, the price and name of the sales target identified by the sales target identifier may be received, and the receiving unit 21 may also receive information for storing the first to third correspondence information, which will be described later, in the storage unit 22.

[0051] The receiving unit 21 may or may not include a wired or wireless receiving device (e.g., a modem or network card) for receiving data. Furthermore, the receiving unit 21 may be implemented by hardware or by software such as a driver for operating the receiving device.

[0052] The storage unit 22 stores one or more first correspondence pieces of information that associate a media identifier with a user identifier that identifies the user 6 holding the card-shaped medium 3 identified by that media identifier. This first correspondence piece of information links the card-shaped medium 3 with the user 6. The user identifier is not particularly limited as long as it is information that can uniquely identify the user, but it may be, for example, the user's telephone number or email address, or other strings of characters that identify the user. In this embodiment, the case in which multiple first correspondence pieces of information are stored in the storage unit 22 will be mainly described.

[0053] Furthermore, the storage unit 22 also stores one or more second correspondence information entries that associate a user identifier with payment information related to the user 6 identified by that user identifier. This second correspondence information links the user 6 with the payment information. The payment information is the information used when making a payment to the user 6. This payment is usually a cashless payment. For example, if the payment method is a credit card, the payment information may include the card number, the cardholder's name, and the expiration date of the credit card, and may also include a security code if necessary. If the payment method is electronic money, the payment information may include the information necessary for electronic money payment. Also, as an example, if the company or organization where the user works bears the cost of payment for two or more users 6, the payment information may be common to two or more second correspondence information entries. In this embodiment, the case in which multiple second correspondence information entries are stored in the storage unit 22 will be mainly described.

[0054] The storage unit 22 may also store one or more third correspondence pieces of information, for example, that associate a user identifier with the address of user 6 identified by that user identifier. This third correspondence piece of information links user 6 with the address. User 6's address may be, for example, the address of an application that user 6 uses to purchase items sold at the vending machine 1, user 6's email address or social networking service (SNS) address, user 6's mobile phone number or other address that can be used to contact user 6. In this embodiment, the case in which multiple third correspondence pieces of information are stored in the storage unit 22 will be mainly described.

[0055] The storage unit 22 may also store, for example, one or more sales target correspondence information that associates a sales target identifier with information about the sales target identified by that sales target identifier. This sales target correspondence information links the sales target with the information about that sales target. The information about the sales target preferably includes, for example, the price of the sales target, and may also include the name of the sales target. However, if the price of the sales target is also received by the receiving unit 21, the storage unit 22 does not need to store the sales target correspondence information.

[0056] The process by which information is stored in the storage unit 22 is not specified. For example, information may be stored in the storage unit 22 via a recording medium, information transmitted via a communication line or the like may be stored in the storage unit 22, or information input via an input device may be stored in the storage unit 22. As an example, user 6 may register the first corresponding information in the storage unit 22 via the vending machine 1, or register it in the storage unit 22 via another device that can communicate with the information processing device 2 and accept a media identifier from a card-shaped medium 3. The registration of the first to third corresponding information in the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2 may, for example, be performed using an application on the terminal device 4. Alternatively, for example, the administrator of the vending machine 1 may register the sales target corresponding information in the storage unit 22. The storage unit 22 is preferably implemented using a non-volatile recording medium, but may also be implemented using a volatile recording medium. The recording medium may be, for example, a semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk.

[0057] Here, associating the first piece of information with the second piece of information may mean, for example, that it is sufficient to obtain the other piece of information from one of the two pieces of information. Therefore, the correspondence information that associates the first piece of information with the second piece of information may be, for example, information that includes the first piece of information and the second piece of information as a pair, or it may be information that links the first piece of information and the second piece of information.

[0058] When the receiving unit 15 receives the media identifier and the sales target identifier, and there is payment information associated with the received media identifier by the first corresponding information and the second corresponding information, the settlement unit 23 uses that payment information to settle the sale for the sale identified by the received sales target identifier.

[0059] The payment information associated with the received media identifier by the first and second correspondence information is the payment information linked to the received media identifier by the first and second correspondence information. This payment information may be identified, for example, by using the first correspondence information to identify the user identifier corresponding to the received media identifier, and then using the second correspondence information to identify the payment information corresponding to that identified user identifier.

[0060] Furthermore, the settlement unit 23 may, for example, use the sales target correspondence information stored in the storage unit 22 to identify the price corresponding to the received sales target identifier and perform settlement for that identified price. Also, if the price of the sales target is also received by the receiving unit 21, the settlement unit 23 may, for example, perform settlement for that received price. In this way, the settlement unit 23 may, for example, use the identified settlement information to perform settlement for an amount corresponding to the identified price or the received price. As a result of this settlement, the user associated with the card-shaped medium 3 identified by the received media identifier will be charged according to the price of the sales target identified by the received sales target identifier.

[0061] Furthermore, if no payment information exists that can be associated with the received media identifier by the first and second correspondence information, payment using the payment information does not need to be performed. Also, if payment information exists that can be associated with the received media identifier by the first and second correspondence information, but that payment information is invalid, for example, if the credit card has expired or if an error occurs during the payment processing using the payment information, payment does not need to be performed. An error during the payment processing using the payment information may occur, for example, if there are insufficient funds in the balance required for payment.

[0062] When the settlement unit 23 performs a settlement, the transmission unit 24 transmits settlement completion information to the vending machine 1 corresponding to that settlement, indicating that the settlement has been completed. When the settlement unit 23 performs a settlement, it is preferable that this occurs after the settlement processing by the settlement unit 23 has finished, but it may also occur when the settlement by the settlement unit 23 has not yet finished, but it has become clear that the settlement can be executed, that is, when it has become clear that there will be no errors in the settlement process. The vending machine 1 corresponding to the settlement may be the vending machine 1 that transmitted the media identifier and the sales target identifier that triggered the settlement. The transmission unit 24 may, for example, transmit settlement completion information to the source address of the media identifier and sales target identifier received by the receiving unit 21. In response to the transmission of this settlement completion information, the vending machine 1 will provide the sales target to the user 6. The settlement completion information transmitted to the vending machine 1 may, for example, only include a statement that the settlement has been completed, or it may include the sales target identifier received by the receiving unit 21.

[0063] Furthermore, when the settlement unit 23 performs a settlement, the transmission unit 24 may, in addition to transmitting settlement completion information to the vending machine 1, also transmit settlement completion information to the address associated with the user identifier of the user 6 corresponding to the settlement by the third correspondence information. The user identifier of the user 6 corresponding to the settlement may, for example, be the user identifier associated with the settlement information used in the settlement by the second correspondence information. Upon transmission of this settlement completion information, the user 6 can know that a settlement has been made for the purchase of the item sold at the vending machine 1. The settlement completion information transmitted to the user may, for example, only include the fact that the settlement has been completed, include the amount charged to the user 6 in the settlement, or include the name of the item sold that was the subject of the settlement. The settlement completion information transmitted to the user 6 may, for example, be displayed in an application or mailer on the user 6's terminal device 4.

[0064] If the settlement by the settlement unit 23 is not completed, the transmission unit 24 may, for example, send error information to the vending machine 1 corresponding to that settlement. In this case, the transmission unit 24 may also, for example, send error information to the address of the user 6 corresponding to that settlement.

[0065] The transmission unit 24 may, for example, directly transmit payment completion information to the vending machine 1, or it may transmit it indirectly via a server or the like. The transmission unit 24 may or may not include a transmission device (for example, a modem or network card) for performing the transmission. The transmission unit 24 may be implemented by hardware, or by software such as a driver that drives the transmission device.

[0066] Next, the operation of vending machine 1 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 4.

[0067] (Step S101) The selection receiving unit 12 determines whether it has received a selection of the sales target from the user 6. If it has received a selection of the sales target, it proceeds to step S102; otherwise, it repeats the process in step S101 until it receives a selection of the sales target.

[0068] (Step S102) The acquisition unit 11 determines whether the media identifier has been acquired. If the media identifier has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S103; otherwise, the process in step S102 is repeated until the media identifier is acquired. If the media identifier is not acquired after a predetermined period has elapsed since the selection of the sales target was accepted, the process may be considered to have timed out and the process may return to step S101.

[0069] (Step S103) The transmission unit 14 transmits the acquired media identifier and the sales target identifier, which identifies the sales target for which the selection has been accepted, to the information processing device 2.

[0070] (Step S104) The receiving unit 21 determines whether it has received information from the information processing device 2. If it has received information, it proceeds to step S105; otherwise, it repeats the process in step S104 until it receives information. If a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the media identifier or sales target identifier was transmitted to the information processing device 2, and no information has been received from the information processing device 2, it may be considered a timeout and the process may return to step S101.

[0071] (Step S105) The providing unit 16 determines whether the information received from the information processing device 2 is payment completion information. If payment completion information is received from the information processing device 2, the process proceeds to step S106. Otherwise, for example, if error information is received from the information processing device 2, the process returns to step S101. When returning to step S101, the providing unit 16 may, for example, output to the user 6 that the payment was not completed. This output may be, for example, displayed or voiced.

[0072] (Step S106) The supply unit 16 provides the sales item 5 selected in step S101 to the user 6. For example, the sales item 5 selected in step S101 may be discharged into the dispensing slot of the vending machine 1. Then, the process returns to step S101.

[0073] Note that the order of processing in the flowchart in Figure 4 is just one example, and the order of each step may be changed if similar results can be obtained. Also, in the flowchart in Figure 4, processing may be terminated by power off or processing termination interrupt.

[0074] Next, the operation of the information processing device 2 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 5.

[0075] (Step S201) The receiving unit 21 determines whether it has received the media identifier and the sales target identifier. If it has received them, it proceeds to step S202; otherwise, it repeats the process in step S201 until it receives them.

[0076] (Step S202) The settlement unit 23 determines whether settlement information exists that is associated with the media identifier received in step S201 by the first and second correspondence information. If such settlement information exists, the process proceeds to step S203; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S206.

[0077] (Step S203) The settlement unit 23 uses the settlement information associated with the media identifier received in step S201 by the first and second correspondence information to settle the sale item identified by the sale item identifier received in step S201.

[0078] (Step S204) The settlement unit 23 determines whether the settlement in step S203 has been completed. If the settlement has been completed, the process proceeds to step S205; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S206.

[0079] (Step S205) The transmitting unit 24 transmits payment completion information to the vending machine 1 that transmitted the media identifier and sales target identifier received in step S201. The transmitting unit 24 may also transmit payment completion information to the address of the user 6 corresponding to the completed payment. Then, the process returns to step S201.

[0080] (Step S206) The transmitting unit 24 sends error information to the vending machine 1 that transmitted the media identifier and sales target identifier received in step S201. The transmitting unit 24 may also send error information to the address of the user 6 corresponding to the uncompleted payment. Then, the process returns to step S201.

[0081] Note that the order of processing in the flowchart in Figure 5 is just one example, and the order of each step may be changed if similar results can be obtained. Also, in the flowchart in Figure 5, processing may be terminated by power off or processing termination interrupt.

[0082] Next, the operation of the information processing system 100 according to this embodiment will be explained using a specific example. In this example, it is assumed that a plurality of first correspondence information shown in Figure 6A, a plurality of second correspondence information shown in Figure 6B, a plurality of third correspondence information shown in Figure 6C, and a plurality of sales target correspondence information shown in Figure 6D are each stored in the storage unit 22. The first correspondence information shown in Figure 6A includes a media identifier and a user identifier associated with that media identifier. The second correspondence information shown in Figure 6B includes a user identifier and payment information associated with that user identifier. The third correspondence information shown in Figure 6C includes a user identifier and an address associated with that user identifier. This address is assumed to be the address of the application for purchasing sales targets at the vending machine 1. The purchase target correspondence information shown in Figure 6D includes a sales target identifier and information about the sales target identified by that sales target identifier, name and price of the sales target. The sales target identifier also includes a vending machine identifier and a column identifier. This column identifier is assumed to be the column number. As an example, the first sales target information shown in Figure 6D indicates that the name of the sales target identified by the vending machine identifier "V001" and column identifier "01" is "ABC Water," and that the price of that sales target is "130 yen." In this specific example, for the sake of explanation, we will describe the case where the name of the sales target is included in the sales target information, but the sales target information does not necessarily have to include the name of the sales target. Also, in this specific example, card-like medium 3 is assumed to be an IC card employee ID.

[0083] First, suppose that in a certain vending machine 1, a user identified by the user identifier "U001" (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "User U001"; the same applies to objects identified by other identifiers) selects a product named "ABC Water" (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "Product ABC Water") by pressing the corresponding button, and also holds a card-shaped medium 3, which is an IC card, over the reading area of ​​the vending machine 1. Then, the selection receiving unit 12 of the vending machine 1 receives the column number "01" corresponding to the product ABC Water in response to the selection of the product by User U001, and passes the column number "01" to the transmission unit 14 and the provision unit 16 (step S101). Also, the acquisition unit 11 receives the media identifier "C001" from the card-shaped medium 3 in response to User U001 holding the card-shaped medium 3 over the reading area of ​​the vending machine 1, and passes it to the transmission unit 14 (step S102).

[0084] Upon receiving the column number and media identifier, the transmission unit 14 reads the vending machine identifier "V001" of the vending machine 1 stored in the storage unit 13, and transmits the sales target identifier, which includes the vending machine identifier "V001" and the received column number "01", along with the received media identifier "C001", to the information processing device 2 (step S103).

[0085] When the receiving unit 21 of the information processing device 2 receives the sales target identifier and media identifier transmitted from the vending machine 1, it passes them to the settlement unit 23 and also passes the address of the source of those identifiers to the transmitting unit 24 (step S201).

[0086] Upon receiving a sales target identifier or media identifier, the settlement unit 23 searches the multiple first correspondence information shown in Figure 6A using the received media identifier "C001" as a search key, and identifies the user identifier "U001" contained in the hit first correspondence information. The settlement unit 23 also searches the multiple second correspondence information shown in Figure 6B using the identified user identifier "U001" as a search key, and reads the settlement information "P001" contained in the hit second correspondence information. In this specific example, since the settlement information "P001" was read, it is determined that settlement information corresponding to the received media identifier existed (step S202).

[0087] Furthermore, the settlement unit 23 searches the multiple sales target information shown in Figure 6D using the received sales target identifier, the vending machine identifier "V001" and column number "01," as search keys, and reads the name of the sales target "ABC Water" and the price "130 yen" from the hit sales target information. The settlement unit 23 then performs a payment for the price "130 yen" using the read payment information "P001" (step S203). In this specific example, it is assumed that this payment has been completed (step S204). Then, the settlement unit 23 transmits to the transmission unit 24 a message indicating that the payment has been completed, along with the name of the sales target "ABC Water," the price "130 yen," and the user identifier "U001" of the user corresponding to that payment.

[0088] Upon receiving confirmation that payment has been completed, the transmitting unit 24 sends payment completion information to the address received from the receiving unit 21. The transmitting unit 24 also searches the multiple third correspondence information shown in Figure 6C using the received user identifier "U001" as a search key and reads the address "address 001" included in the hit third correspondence information. Then, the transmitting unit 24 sends payment completion information, including the name of the product to be sold "ABC Water" and its price "130 yen", to the read address as the destination (step S205). In this way, payment completion information is transmitted to the vending machine 1 and the user 6's terminal device 4.

[0089] If no payment information corresponding to the received media identifier exists, or if payment using the payment information fails for reasons such as insufficient balance, the transmission unit 24 may send error information to the vending machine 1 or the user's terminal device 4 (step S206).

[0090] The payment completion information transmitted to vending machine 1 is received by the receiving unit 15 of vending machine 1 and passed to the dispensing unit 16 (step S104). Upon receiving the payment completion information, the dispensing unit 16 determines that payment is complete and provides the product for sale with column number "01", which it had previously received from the selection receiving unit 12, i.e., the product ABC Water for sale, to user 6 (steps S105, S106). In this way, the product ABC Water for sale is dispensed from the dispensing opening, and user 6 can receive the product.

[0091] Furthermore, the payment completion information transmitted to terminal device 4 is received by terminal device 4, and accordingly, the fact that the payment has been completed, the name of the item being sold, the price, etc., are displayed on the application screen of terminal device 4, as shown in Figure 7. In this way, user 6 can confirm that the payment has been completed and the details of the payment.

[0092] If, for any reason, payment is not processed by the information processing device 2, the receiving unit 15 of the information processing device 2 may receive error information from the information processing device 2 and pass that error information to the supply unit 16 (step S104). In this case, the supply unit 16 will determine that payment was not completed and will not provide the ABC Water selected by user 6 (step S105). In addition, user 6's terminal device 4 may also receive the error information and output to user 6 that payment was not processed.

[0093] As described above, according to the information processing system 100 of this embodiment, the information processing device 2 can perform payment for the sale of items sold at the vending machine 1 using the media identifier obtained from the card-shaped medium 3 by the vending machine 1. Therefore, when purchasing items sold at the vending machine 1, user 6 does not need to transmit a user identifier from their terminal device 4 to the information processing device 1. For example, a card-shaped medium 3 such as an employee ID card can be used to purchase items sold at the vending machine 1. As mentioned above, for example, a recording medium 3 on a smartphone or smartwatch can also be used to purchase items sold at the vending machine 1. In this case as well, it is not necessary to transmit a user identifier from the smartphone or smartwatch to the information processing device 1. Furthermore, since payment completion information is also transmitted to user 6's terminal device 4, user 6 can be notified that the payment has been completed on the terminal device 4.

[0094] In this embodiment, an upper limit on the purchase amount of items sold at the vending machine 1 using the card-shaped medium 3 may be set. In this case, the second correspondence information stored in the storage unit 22 may be, for example, information that associates a user identifier with payment information, sales history related to user 6 identified by that user identifier, and upper limit information indicating the upper limit on sales related to user 6. This second correspondence information links user 6 with payment information, sales history, and upper limit information. The sales history may be, for example, information that shows the history of sales of items sold to user 6 at the vending machine 1. Typically, this sales history is the history of sales for which payment has been made in the information processing device 2. The sales history may include, for example, the amount of items sold at the vending machine 1 and the date of the sale, or it may include the number of items sold at the vending machine 1 and the date of the sale. The upper limit information may be, for example, an upper limit on the amount per unit period, or an upper limit on the number of items per unit period. The unit period may be, for example, one day, one week, or one month. For example, the upper limit information may be information indicating a monthly upper limit of 10,000 yen. In this case, user 6 will be able to purchase items from the vending machine 1 using the card-like medium 3 up to 10,000 yen per month. User 6 may also register or change the upper limit amount in this second correspondence information in the information processing device 2, for example, using an application on the terminal device 4.

[0095] Figure 8A shows an example of multiple secondary correspondence information containing sales history and upper limit information. The secondary correspondence information shown in Figure 8A includes a user identifier, payment information, sales history, and upper limit information. In this secondary correspondence information, the payment information, sales history, and upper limit information are information associated with the user identifier. In Figure 8A, the sales history is information that includes the date the item was sold and the price (in yen) of that item. The upper limit information is information that indicates the upper limit amount per month.

[0096] In such cases, the settlement unit 23 may, for example, use the sales history and upper limit information associated with the media identifier received by the receiving unit 21 by the first and second correspondence information to perform a settlement when it confirms that the sales of the sales target identified by the sales target identifier received by the receiving unit 21 have not reached the upper limit indicated by the upper limit information, and update the sales history accordingly. This settlement is performed only if settlement information corresponding to the media identifier received by the receiving unit 21 exists. If such settlement information does not exist, this settlement will not be performed. If the upper limit information is an amount, the sales of the sales target may be judged as not having reached the upper limit indicated by the upper limit information if the total sales amount of the sales target per unit period after the sale of that sales target does not exceed the amount in the upper limit information, and as having reached the upper limit otherwise. If the upper limit information is a quantity, the sales of the sales target may be judged as not having reached the upper limit indicated by the upper limit information if the total number of units of the sales target sold per unit period after the sale of that sales target does not exceed the quantity in the upper limit information, and as having reached the upper limit otherwise. The unit period may, for example, include the present time.

[0097] Furthermore, if the upper limit information is an amount, the settlement unit 23 may update the sales history by, for example, adding a pair of the date of settlement and the price of the item sold that was the subject of the settlement to the sales history. Also, if the upper limit information is a quantity, the settlement unit 23 may, for example, increment the quantity associated with the date of settlement in the sales history by 1. If a pair of the date of settlement and the quantity is not included in the sales history, the settlement unit 23 may add a pair of the date of settlement and the quantity "1" to the sales history. The sales history may be updated in this way. The current date may be obtained from, for example, a calendar unit (not shown).

[0098] Furthermore, if the sales of a sales target identified by the sales target identifier received by the receiving unit 21 have reached the upper limit indicated by the upper limit information, the settlement unit 23 does not need to settle the sale of that sales target, and since the sales target will not be sold, the sales history does not need to be updated.

[0099] As an example, suppose that multiple second-party correspondence information items shown in Figure 8A are stored in the storage unit 22, and on September 20, 2024, user U001 selects ABC Water as the target product at vending machine 1. Then, similar to the specific example above, the media identifier and target product identifier are transmitted to the information processing device 2, and this information is received by the receiving unit 21 of the information processing device 2. The settlement unit 23 then identifies the user identifier "U001" corresponding to the received media identifier, and searches the multiple second-party correspondence information items shown in Figure 8A using the identified user identifier "U001" as a search key. It then reads the settlement information "P001", the sales history, and the upper limit information "10,000 yen / month" contained in the hit second-party correspondence information. Upon reading this information, the settlement unit 23 calculates the sum of the amount indicated by the sales history for the current month, September 2024, and the price of the item for sale, "130 yen," obtained in the same manner as in the example above, and determines whether the sum exceeds the monthly limit amount of "10,000 yen" indicated by the upper limit information. If the total amount does not exceed the monthly upper limit amount, the settlement unit 23 settles the sale and adds information about the sale to the sales history, for example, the pair of "20240920" indicating the date at that time, "September 20, 2024," and the price of the item for sale, "130 yen." As a result of adding the sales history, the second correspondence information may be updated, for example, as shown in Figure 8B. Then, settlement completion information may be sent to the vending machine 1 or the terminal device 4 of user U001 in accordance with the settlement. On the other hand, if the total amount exceeds the monthly upper limit amount, the settlement unit 23 does not settle the sale. Error information may then be transmitted to the vending machine 1 or the user U001's terminal device 4 accordingly.

[0100] In this way, the upper limit information allows for setting limits on the amount or number of items that can be purchased per unit period from the vending machine 1 using the card-like medium 3. For example, this prevents excessive purchases by user 6, and even if the card-like medium 3 is lost, it prevents malicious third parties from using it to purchase items for sale without limit.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, for predetermined users 6, a person responsible for undertaking payment within a predetermined range may be designated. For those users 6, the payment for purchases of items sold at the vending machine 1 may be borne by the designated person within a predetermined range. The predetermined users 6 may be, for example, all users 6, or some users 6. This embodiment will primarily describe the former case. Also, for example, if the vending machine 1 is located at user 6's workplace, the person responsible for payment may be the company or organization where the user works. Furthermore, for example, user 6's supervisor may also be the person responsible for payment.

[0102] In this case, the second correspondence information stored in the storage unit 22 may be, for example, information that associates a user identifier with payment information and an acceptance history, which is a history of payments accepted by the person responsible for the payment related to user 6 identified by the user identifier. This second correspondence information links user 6 with the payment information and the acceptance history. The person responsible for the payment is, for example, a person who bears the payment for user 6's purchase of items for sale at the vending machine 1 within a predetermined range. The acceptance history may be a history of sales to user 6 in which the person responsible for the payment accepted. The acceptance history may be information that includes a pair of the date the item was sold and the amount of the item, or it may be information that includes a pair of the date the item was sold and the number of items sold. As an example, the second correspondence information for user 6 who does not have a person responsible for the payment does not need to include an acceptance history.

[0103] Figure 9A shows an example of multiple secondary correspondence information items that have an underwriting history. The secondary correspondence information shown in Figure 9A includes a user identifier, payment information, and underwriting history. In this secondary correspondence information, the payment information and underwriting history are information associated with the user identifier. In Figure 9A, the underwriting history is information that includes a pair of the date the item was sold and the number of items sold.

[0104] In such cases, the settlement unit 23 may, for example, use the acceptance history associated with the media identifier received by the receiving unit 21 by the first and second correspondence information to confirm that the settlement for the sales target identified by the sales target identifier received by the receiving unit 21 is within the scope of the settlement acceptance, and then make the settlement for that sales target to the payer and update the acceptance history accordingly. The payer is the payer corresponding to user 6 identified by the user identifier associated with the media identifier received by the receiving unit 21. The updated acceptance history is the acceptance history associated with the media identifier received by the receiving unit 21. The process for updating the acceptance history is the same as the process for updating the sales history, and a detailed explanation is omitted. Furthermore, the acceptance by the payment payer may be limited to, for example, when there is payment information corresponding to the media identifier received by the receiving unit 21, or the payment payer may accept the payment even if there is no payment information corresponding to the media identifier received by the receiving unit 21. Furthermore, if the settlement unit 23 cannot confirm that the settlement for the sales item identified by the sales item identifier received by the receiving unit 21 is within the scope of its settlement acceptance, it may perform the settlement for the sales item using the settlement information associated with the media identifier received by the receiving unit 21 by the first and second correspondence information, i.e., the settlement information of the user 6 who is trying to purchase the sales item. Also, for example, if the second correspondence information associates the user identifier with the sales history, the settlement unit 23 may update the sales history in accordance with the settlement to user 6 for the sales item.

[0105] The scope of acceptance may be indicated, for example, by the maximum amount of acceptance per unit period, or by the maximum number of acceptances per unit period. If the scope of acceptance is indicated by the maximum amount of acceptance per unit period, the acceptance by the burden bearer may be determined to be within the scope of acceptance if the total amount of acceptances per unit period after the acceptance of settlement by the burden bearer of the sales items identified by the received sales item identifier does not exceed the maximum amount, and if it does not, it may be determined that the acceptance by the burden bearer exceeds the scope of acceptance. Similarly, if the scope of acceptance is indicated by the maximum number of acceptances per unit period, the acceptance by the burden bearer may be determined to be within the scope of acceptance if the total number of acceptances per unit period after the acceptance of settlement by the burden bearer of the sales items does not exceed the maximum number, and if it does not, it may be determined that the acceptance by the burden bearer exceeds the scope of acceptance. The unit period may, for example, include the present time.

[0106] The person responsible for the payment may be determined for each user, or it may be common to all users. In the former case, the storage unit 22 may store multiple pieces of information that associate a user identifier with a person responsible for the payment that corresponds to that user identifier, as shown in Figure 9C. This information links user 6 with the person responsible for the payment. For example, Figure 9C shows that the person responsible for the payment that corresponds to user U001 is person responsible for the payment. As an example, for user 6 for whom a person responsible for payment has not been determined, there may be no information that associates user identifier with person responsible for payment. Also, the storage unit 22 may store multiple pieces of information that associate a person responsible for payment with payment information related to the person responsible for payment that is identified by that person responsible for payment, as shown in Figure 9D. This information links the person responsible for payment with the payment information.

[0107] As an example, suppose that multiple second correspondence information items shown in Figure 9A are stored in the storage unit 22, and the acceptance range is set to a daily upper limit of "2", and on September 20, 2024, user U001 selects ABC Water as the target product at vending machine 1. Then, similar to the specific example above, the media identifier and target product identifier are transmitted to the information processing device 2, and this information is received by the receiving unit 21 of the information processing device 2. The settlement unit 23 then identifies the user identifier "U001" corresponding to the received media identifier, and searches the multiple second correspondence information items shown in Figure 9A using the identified user identifier "U001" as a search key, and reads the settlement information "P001" and the acceptance history contained in the hit second correspondence information. Upon reading this information, the settlement unit 23 determines whether the result of adding the number of items to be sold ("1") to the number of items indicated by the underwriting history for the date September 20, 2024 ("1") exceeds the upper limit of the underwriting range ("2"). In this case, since the sum does not exceed the upper limit, the settlement unit 23 makes a payment to the payer for the ABC Water to be sold. More specifically, the settlement unit 23 searches the multiple pieces of information shown in Figure 9C using the user identifier "U001" as the search key and reads the payer identifier "E001" from the hit information. The settlement unit 23 also searches the multiple pieces of information shown in Figure 9D using the read payer identifier "E001" as the search key and reads the settlement information "P101" from the hit information. Then, the settlement unit 23 makes a payment for the price of the ABC Water to be sold ("130 yen") using the read settlement information "P101". In this way, the payment for the ABC Water to be sold is borne by the payer E001. The payment unit 23 also increments the number corresponding to September 20, 2024 in the underwriting history corresponding to the user identifier "U001" by 1, in accordance with the payment burden of the ABC Water to be sold by the payer E001. As a result, the multiple second corresponding information stored in the storage unit 22 will be as shown in Figure 9B. In accordance with the payment, the transmission unit 24 transmits payment completion information to the vending machine 1. The payment completion information may also be transmitted to the terminal device 4 of user U001.The payment completion information transmitted to terminal device 4 may include, for example, a statement that the payer E001 has accepted the payment.

[0108] Furthermore, if, for example, the settlement history determines that the settlement for the item to be sold exceeds the scope of settlement acceptance, the settlement unit 23 may use the settlement information of user U001 to settle the settlement for the item to be sold.

[0109] In this way, by having user 6's purchase of items from vending machine 1 processed by a designated party within a predetermined range, user 6 can receive items from vending machine 1 free of charge within that range. For example, if the party responsible for payment is user 6's employer, the company can provide user 6, an employee, with items from vending machine 1 free of charge within a predetermined range. For instance, if the items for sale are beverages, the company can encourage employees to consume beverages during hot weather by providing them free of charge within a predetermined range, thereby reducing the likelihood of employees suffering from heatstroke.

[0110] Furthermore, the predetermined range may be changeable, for example. For instance, if information indicating the predetermined range is stored in the storage unit 22, and a request to change the predetermined range is received by the receiving unit 21, the settlement unit 23 may change the predetermined range stored in the storage unit 22 in accordance with the request. Note that the change of the predetermined range may be performed by a change unit other than the settlement unit 23 (not shown). In this way, if the predetermined range can be changed, for example, a predetermined range that is normally set to provide one item for sale free of charge per day may be changed to provide two items for sale free of charge per day on particularly hot days. By doing so, for example, heatstroke of user 6 can be effectively prevented.

[0111] Furthermore, the transmitting unit 24 may, for example, if the acceptance history indicates that the amount of acceptance by the payment burden bearer is less than a threshold, send an alert to the address associated with the user identifier corresponding to the acceptance history by the third correspondence information, indicating that the user should receive the product to be sold at the vending machine 1. This provision of the product to be sold is the provision of the product to be sold through the payment burden bearer's acceptance, i.e., the provision of the product to user 6 free of charge. By sending this alert, user 6 can be encouraged to receive the product to be sold free of charge at the vending machine 1, for example, by encouraging user 6 to drink beverages from the vending machine 1 during hot weather, thereby preventing user 6 from suffering from heatstroke. Furthermore, if the acceptance history does not indicate that the amount of acceptance by the payment burden bearer is less than a threshold, the transmitting unit 24 does not need to send an alert. The user identifier corresponding to the acceptance history may, for example, be the user identifier associated with the acceptance history by the second correspondence information. The threshold may be a value per unit period, for example, a value per day or a value per week. If the underwriting history includes information that combines the date on which the item was sold with the price of that item, the threshold may be indicated by the price; if the underwriting history includes information that combines the date on which the item was sold with the number of items sold, the threshold may be indicated by the number of items.

[0112] In the underwriting history, the determination of whether the number of underwrites by the payment burden bearer is less than the threshold may be made, for example, by the settlement unit 23 or by the transmission unit 24. This determination may be made, for example, at a predetermined time. For example, if a daily threshold is set, the determination may be made at, for example, 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. If a weekly threshold is set, the determination may be made at, for example, 5 p.m. on Wednesday or noon on Thursday.

[0113] For example, if there are two daily thresholds, and the second correspondence information is as shown in Figure 9A at 1:00 PM on September 20, 2024, the settlement unit 23 may determine that the amount accepted by the payment burden for user U001, etc., is less than the threshold, and pass the user identifier, the difference between the threshold and the current number of accepted items, and an instruction to send an alert for each of those sets to the transmission unit 24. Upon receiving this instruction, the transmission unit 24 may read the address corresponding to user U001, etc., using the third correspondence information and send an alert to that address. The alert may include the difference between the threshold and the current number of accepted items, i.e., the number of items that user 6 can receive for free from vending machine 1. The alert sent to user U001's terminal device 4 and displayed on the terminal device 4 may be as shown in Figure 10, for example. In this way, user U001 can learn that they can receive one more item for free from vending machine 1. Furthermore, user U001 can be prompted to accept another beverage from vending machine 1, thereby preventing heatstroke for user U001. If user U001 accepts another beverage from vending machine 1 in response to the alert, the second response information is updated as shown in Figure 9B.

[0114] For example, if vending machine 1 is installed at user 6's workplace and the responsibility lies with user 6's company, sending an alert when user 6 is off work could be annoying to user 6. Therefore, it may be better to not send alerts when user 6 is not at work. In other words, alerts may only be sent to user 6 when they are at work.

[0115] In this case, the storage unit 22 may also store one or more fourth correspondence information that associates a user identifier with work information indicating the work status of user 6 identified by that user identifier. This fourth correspondence information links user 6 with the work information. The work information indicates the current work status of user 6 and preferably is information that allows us to know whether user 6 is currently at work. This work information may be updated, for example, by a system that manages user 6's work status, or the information processing device 2 may periodically acquire the latest work information from a system that manages user 6's work status and store it in the storage unit 22. In this embodiment, the case in which multiple fourth correspondence information is stored in the storage unit 22 will be mainly described.

[0116] Figure 11 shows an example of multiple fourth correspondence information. The fourth correspondence information shown in Figure 11 includes a user identifier and the work information of user 6 identified by that user identifier. In the example in Figure 11, it is shown that only user U001 is on duty, while users U002 and U003 are not on duty.

[0117] In such cases, even if the acceptance history indicates that the amount of acceptance by the payment burden bearer is less than a threshold, the transmission unit 24 may not send an alert if the work information associated with the user identifier corresponding to the acceptance history by the fourth correspondence information indicates that the user 6 identified by that user identifier is not at work, but may send an alert if it indicates that the user 6 is at work. For example, if the fourth correspondence information shown in Figure 11 is stored in the storage unit 22, the transmission unit 24 may send an alert to user U001, which is shown to be at work, when the amount of acceptance by the payment burden bearer is less than a threshold, but may not send an alert to users U002 and U003, which are shown to be not at work, even if the amount of acceptance by the payment burden bearer is less than a threshold. In this way, alerts can not be sent to users 6 who are not at work, and users 6 can not be bothered by the sending of unnecessary alerts.

[0118] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the types of products available for purchase may be set for each user. In this case, the storage unit 22 may also store one or more fifth correspondence information that associates a user identifier with sales permission information indicating whether or not sales are permitted for each type of product for the user identified by the user identifier, and one or more sixth correspondence information that associates a product identifier with the type of product identified by the product identifier.

[0119] The fifth correspondence information links user 6 to the sales permission / denial settings for each type of product being sold. The sales permission / denial information may be set by user 6, by the company or organization where user 6 works, or by someone other than these. When the company or organization where user 6 works sets the sales permission / denial information, for example, the company or organization where user 6 works may set the sales permission / denial information based on the results of a health checkup for user 6, who is an employee. Figure 12 shows an example of multiple fifth correspondence information. The fifth correspondence information shown in Figure 12 includes a user identifier and multiple sales permission / denial information. The sales permission / denial information includes the type of product being sold and a permission / denial flag. In the sales permission / denial information, the type of product being sold that is associated with permission / denial flag "1" is a type of product being sold that is permitted to be sold, and the type of product being sold that is associated with permission / denial flag "0" is a type of product being sold that is not permitted to be sold. As an example, the first fifth correspondence information shown in Figure 12 indicates that for user U001, the sale of carbonated beverages, sweetened coffee drinks, and sports drinks is not permitted, while the sale of unsweetened coffee drinks, tea-based beverages, and water is permitted. For example, for user 6, whose consumption of sweet drinks is restricted, the same sales permission information as for user U001 may be set.

[0120] The sixth correspondence information links the sales target with the type of sales target. The sixth correspondence information may be, for example, the sales target correspondence information described above. In this case, the sales target information in the sales target correspondence information may include the type of sales target. Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of multiple sixth correspondence information. The sixth correspondence information shown in Figure 13 includes a sales target identifier and information about the sales target identified by that sales target identifier, such as the name, type, and price of the sales target. As an example, the first sixth correspondence information shown in Figure 13 shows that the type of sales target identified by the vending machine identifier "V001" and column identifier "01" is "water". Note that in the sixth correspondence information shown in Figure 13, information other than the type of sales target is the same as the sales target correspondence information shown in Figure 6D, and a detailed explanation of it is omitted.

[0121] In such cases, the settlement unit 23 may, for example, settle the sale of the item identified by

[0122] As an example, suppose that multiple fifth correspondence information items shown in Figure 12 and multiple sixth correspondence information items shown in Figure 13 are stored in the storage unit 22, and user U001 selects ABC Water as the product to be sold at the vending machine 1. Then, as in the specific example above, the media identifier and the product identifier are transmitted to the information processing device 2, and this information is received by the receiving unit 21 of the information processing device 2. The settlement unit 23 then identifies the type of product to be sold, "water," which corresponds to the received product identifier, using the sixth correspondence information shown in Figure 13. The settlement unit 23 also identifies the user identifier "U001," which corresponds to the received media identifier, using the first correspondence information. Next, the settlement unit 23 searches the multiple fifth correspondence information items shown in Figure 12 using the identified user identifier "U001" as the search key, and searches the multiple sales permission information items included in the hit fifth correspondence information using the identified product type "water" as the search key, and identifies the permission flag "1" included in the hit sales permission information. In this case, the identified permission flag is "1," indicating that the sale is permitted, so the settlement unit 23 performs settlement for the ABC Water to be sold. However, even in this case, the sale of the product to be sold may not take place if, for example, settlement information corresponding to the received media identifier does not exist, or if settlement using that settlement information is not completed.

[0123] On the other hand, as another example, if user U001 selects the DEF coffee to be sold at vending machine 1, the permission / denial flag "0" will be identified in the same way as described above. In this case, since the identified permission / denial flag is "0", indicating that the sale is not permitted, the settlement unit 23 will not process the payment for the DEF coffee to be sold. As a result, the sale of the item will not take place. In this case, the transmission unit 24 may send error information to vending machine 1 or user U001's terminal device 4.

[0124] In this way, by setting the types of products that each user 6 can purchase, it is possible to prevent user 6 from purchasing inappropriate products. For example, for user 6 with diabetes who is restricted from consuming sugary drinks, the fifth correspondence information can be set so that the sale of products corresponding to sugary drinks is not permitted, thereby preventing user 6 from purchasing sugary drinks from vending machine 1. Also, for example, if it is desired to restrict the sale of caffeinated beverages to prevent heatstroke during hot weather, the fifth correspondence information can be set so that all users are not permitted to purchase caffeinated beverages from vending machine 1 by setting the fifth correspondence information so that the sale of products that may contain caffeine, such as "sweetened coffee beverages," "unsweetened coffee beverages," and "tea-based beverages," is not permitted. Furthermore, for example, the fifth correspondence information can be set so that the sale of alcoholic beverages is not permitted for underage user 6. It should be noted that such restrictions on the sale of products may be made when user 6 makes the payment themselves, or when the payment is made by a party responsible for the payment.

[0125] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if user 6 loses the card-like medium 3, user 6 may, for example, disable their own payment information managed by the information processing device 2 by operating an application on the terminal device 4. In this way, it is possible to prevent the lost card-like medium 3 from being misused.

[0126] Furthermore, although this embodiment mainly describes the case in which the transmission unit 24 also transmits payment completion information, error information, and alerts to the user 6's terminal device 4, this is not required. If the transmission unit 24 does not transmit to the user 6's terminal device 4, the storage unit 22 does not need to store the third correspondence information.

[0127] Furthermore, although this embodiment mainly describes the case where the vending machine 1 sells food and beverages, this is not the case. The vending machine 1 may sell goods other than food and beverages, such as stationery, clothing, or daily necessities, or it may sell services. When the product sold is a service, the vending machine 1 may be, for example, a photocopier, a vending machine that sells tickets for concerts, or a vending machine that provides other services.

[0128] Furthermore, although this embodiment mainly describes the case where the sales target identifier is an identifier that can uniquely identify the type of sales target, this is not required. The sales target identifier may be, for example, the price of the sales target. In this case, the price of the sales target can be identified by the sales target identifier. Also, the settlement unit 23 of the information processing device 2 may perform settlement using the price indicated by the sales target identifier. In this case, for example, the storage unit 22 does not need to store sales target corresponding information.

[0129] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each process or function may be implemented by centralized processing by a single device or a single system, or by distributed processing by multiple devices or multiple systems.

[0130] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the exchange of information between each component may, for example, be performed by outputting information from one component and receiving information from the other component if the two components performing the information exchange are physically different, or by moving from the processing phase corresponding to one component to the processing phase corresponding to the other component if the two components performing the information exchange are physically the same.

[0131] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, information related to the processing performed by each component, such as information received, acquired, selected, generated, transmitted, or received by each component, as well as information such as thresholds, formulas, and addresses used by each component in processing, may be temporarily or for a long period of time stored in a recording medium (not shown), even if not explicitly stated in the above description. The storage of information in the recording medium (not shown) may be performed by each component or a storage unit (not shown). The reading of information from the recording medium (not shown) may be performed by each component or a reading unit (not shown).

[0132] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if the information used in each component, such as thresholds, addresses, and various setting values ​​used by each component in processing, can be changed by the user, then even if not explicitly stated in the above description, the user may be allowed to change such information as appropriate, or not. If the user can change such information, the change may be implemented, for example, by a receiving unit (not shown) that receives change instructions from the user and a changing unit (not shown) that changes the information in response to those change instructions. The receiving unit (not shown) may receive change instructions from an input device, receive information transmitted via a communication line, or receive information read from a predetermined recording medium.

[0133] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if two or more components included in the vending machine 1 and the information processing device 2 have communication devices, input devices, etc., the two or more components may have a single physical device or they may have separate devices.

[0134] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be made up of dedicated hardware, or, if a component can be realized by software, it may be realized by executing a program. For example, each component can be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory. During execution, the program execution unit may execute the program while accessing the storage unit or recording medium. The software that realizes the vending machine 1 in the above embodiment is a program as follows. In other words, this program may be a program that causes a computer to execute the following steps: obtaining a media identifier that identifies a recording medium from a recording medium held by a user; accepting a selection of a product for sale by the user holding the recording medium; transmitting the obtained media identifier and a product identifier that identifies the selected product for sale to an information processing device; receiving payment completion information from the information processing device in response to the transmission of the media identifier and the product identifier, indicating the completion of payment for the product for sale identified by the product identifier; and providing the user with the product for sale corresponding to the payment completion information when the payment completion information is received.

[0135] Furthermore, the software that implements the information processing device 2 in the above embodiment is a program as follows. That is, this program may be a program that causes a computer that can access a storage unit that stores one or more first correspondence pieces of information that associate a media identifier with a user identifier that identifies a user who holds a recording medium identified by the media identifier, and one or more second correspondence pieces of information that associate a user identifier with payment information relating to a user identified by the user identifier, to receive from a vending machine a media identifier that identifies a recording medium acquired from a recording medium in the vending machine, and a sales target identifier that identifies a sales target selected by the user who holds the recording medium; when the media identifier and the sales target identifier are received, and payment information that is associated with the media identifier by the first correspondence piece of information and the second correspondence piece of information exists, to perform a payment for the sales target identified by the sales target identifier using the payment information; and when the payment is performed in the payment performance step, to transmit payment completion information to the vending machine corresponding to the payment to indicate that the payment has been completed.

[0136] Furthermore, in the above program, steps such as receiving information, accepting information, and transmitting information do not include processes that can only be performed by hardware, such as processes performed by modems or interface cards in the steps of receiving or transmitting information.

[0137] Furthermore, this program may be executed by being downloaded from a server or the like, or by being read from a predetermined recording medium (for example, an optical disc such as a CD-ROM, a magnetic disc, or a semiconductor memory). This program may also be used as a program constituting a program product.

[0138] Furthermore, the computer running this program may be a single computer or multiple computers. That is, it may perform centralized processing or distributed processing.

[0139] Furthermore, the embodiments described above are illustrative examples for specifically carrying out the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. The technical scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments, and modifications within the literal scope and equivalent meaning of the claims are intended. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0140] 1 Vending machine 2. Information Processing Device 3. Recording media (card-shaped media) 11 Acquisition Department 12 Selection Reception Section 13, 22 Storage section 14, 24 Transmitter 15, 21 Receiving section 16 Providing Department 23 Payment Department

Claims

1. A receiving unit that receives from a vending machine a media identifier that identifies the recording medium obtained from the recording medium in the vending machine, and a sales target identifier that identifies the sales target selected by the user holding the recording medium, A storage unit that stores one or more first correspondence pieces of information relating a media identifier to a user identifier that identifies a user who holds a recording medium identified by the media identifier, and one or more second correspondence pieces of information relating a user identifier to payment information relating to the user identified by the user identifier, When the receiving unit receives a media identifier and a sales target identifier, and there is payment information associated with the media identifier by the first correspondence information and the second correspondence information, the payment unit performs a settlement for the sales target identified by the sales target identifier using the payment information, An information processing device comprising: a transmission unit that transmits payment completion information to a vending machine corresponding to the payment when the payment unit performs the payment; and a transmission unit that transmits payment completion information to the vending machine corresponding to the payment.

2. The storage unit also stores one or more third correspondence pieces of information that associate a user identifier with the address of the user identified by that user identifier. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting unit transmits payment completion information indicating the completion of payment to the address associated with the user identifier of the user corresponding to the payment by the third correspondence information when the payment unit performs payment.

3. The aforementioned second correspondence information is information that associates a user identifier with payment information, sales history related to the user identified by the user identifier, and limit information indicating the upper limit of sales related to that user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the settlement unit, using the sales history and upper limit information associated with the media identifier received by the receiving unit, confirms that the sales of the target product have not reached the upper limit indicated by the upper limit information, and updates the sales history in accordance with the settlement.

4. For predetermined users, a party responsible for handling payments within a specified range has been designated. The second correspondence information is information that associates a user identifier with payment information and an acceptance history which is a history of acceptances by the payment bearer for the user identified by the user identifier. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the settlement unit, using the underwriting history associated with the media identifier received by the receiving unit, confirms that the settlement for the item for sale is within the scope of the settlement underwriting, and then settles the item for sale with the payer and updates the underwriting history accordingly.

5. The storage unit also stores one or more third correspondence pieces of information that associate a user identifier with the address of the user identified by that user identifier. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the transmission unit, when the acceptance history indicates that the amount of acceptance by the payment burden bearer is less than a threshold, sends an alert to the address associated with the user identifier corresponding to the acceptance history by the third correspondence information, indicating that the sales item from the vending machine will be provided.

6. The storage unit also stores one or more fourth correspondence pieces of information that associate a user identifier with work information indicating the work status of the user identified by the user identifier. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the transmission unit does not send an alert even if the acceptance history indicates that the acceptance by the payment burden bearer is less than a threshold, if the work information associated with the user identifier corresponding to the acceptance history by the fourth correspondence information indicates that the user identified by the user identifier is not at work.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined range is changeable.

8. The storage unit also stores a fifth correspondence information that associates a user identifier with sales permission information indicating whether or not sales are permitted for each type of sales item for the user identified by the user identifier, and a sixth correspondence information that associates a sales item identifier with the type of sales item identified by the sales item identifier. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the settlement unit settles for a sales target identified by a sales target identifier when the type of sales target associated with the sales target identifier received by the receiving unit by the sixth correspondence information is permitted for sale according to the sales permission information associated with the media identifier received by the receiving unit by the first correspondence information and the fifth correspondence information.

9. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the vending machine sells food and beverages.

10. An acquisition unit that acquires a media identifier that identifies the recording medium from the recording medium held by the user, A selection receiving unit that accepts the selection of sales targets by a user holding the aforementioned recording medium, A transmission unit transmits to the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 a media identifier acquired by the acquisition unit and a sales target identifier that identifies a sales target selected by the selection acceptance unit, A receiving unit receives payment completion information from the information processing device in response to the transmission of a media identifier and a sales target identifier by the transmitting unit, indicating the completion of payment for the sales target identified by the sales target identifier. An automatic vending machine comprising: a receiving unit that, when payment completion information is received by the receiving unit, provides the user with the product to be sold that corresponds to the payment completion information.

11. The vending machine according to claim 10, wherein the recording medium is a medium that uses short-range wireless communication.

12. The vending machine according to claim 10, wherein the recording medium is in the form of a card.

13. An information processing method that uses a receiving unit, a storage unit that stores one or more first correspondence pieces of information relating a media identifier to a user identifier that identifies a user holding a recording medium identified by the media identifier, and one or more second correspondence pieces of information relating a user identifier to payment information relating to the user identified by the user identifier, a payment unit, and a transmission unit, The receiving unit receives from the vending machine a media identifier that identifies the recording medium obtained from the recording medium in the vending machine, and a sales target identifier that identifies the sales target selected by the user holding the recording medium. The settlement unit, when it receives a media identifier and a sales target identifier, and there is settlement information associated with the media identifier by the first correspondence information and the second correspondence information, performs a settlement using the settlement information for the sales target identified by the sales target identifier. An information processing method comprising the step of the transmitting unit transmitting payment completion information to a vending machine corresponding to the payment when the payment in the payment step is performed.

14. A method for providing sales items, processed using an acquisition unit, a selection / reception unit, a transmission unit, a reception unit, and a provision unit, The acquisition unit performs the step of acquiring a media identifier that identifies the recording medium from the recording medium held by the user, The selection receiving unit receives a selection of items to be sold by the user holding the recording medium, The transmission unit transmits the acquired media identifier and the sales target identifier that identifies the sales target for which selection has been accepted to the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The receiving unit receives, in response to the transmission of the media identifier and the sales target identifier, payment completion information from the information processing device indicating the completion of payment for the sales target identified by the sales target identifier; A method for providing sales targets, comprising the step of providing the sales target corresponding to the payment completion information to the user when the provisioning unit receives payment completion information.

15. A computer that can access a storage unit that stores one or more first correspondence pieces of information associating a media identifier with a user identifier that identifies a user who holds a recording medium identified by the media identifier, and one or more second correspondence pieces of information associating a user identifier with payment information relating to the user identified by the user identifier, The steps include receiving from a vending machine a media identifier that identifies the recording medium obtained from the recording medium in the vending machine, and a sales target identifier that identifies the sales target selected by the user holding the recording medium, When a media identifier and a sales target identifier are received, and payment information exists that is associated with the media identifier by the first corresponding information and the second corresponding information, the step of making a payment for the sales target identified by the sales target identifier using the payment information, A program for causing a vending machine to perform the following steps when a payment is made in the aforementioned payment step: sending payment completion information to the vending machine corresponding to the payment to indicate that the payment has been completed.

16. On the computer, A step of obtaining a media identifier that identifies the recording medium from the recording medium held by the user, A step of accepting a selection of products to be sold by a user who possesses the aforementioned recording medium, The steps include transmitting the acquired media identifier and the sales target identifier, which identifies the sales target for which the selection has been accepted, to the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The steps include receiving payment completion information from the information processing device in response to the transmission of the media identifier and the sales target identifier, indicating the completion of payment for the sales target identified by the sales target identifier, A program that performs the step of providing the user with the sales item corresponding to the payment completion information when payment completion information is received.

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