Product sales equipment and product sales method

Abstract

To provide a product sales device that can actively promote information transmission media. [Solution] The product sales device according to the present invention is a product sales device that sells photo stickers as products, and comprises a product production unit that produces a photo sticker by generating a photographic image of a user, generating an edited image using the photographic image based on the user's editing operation, and printing the edited image on a sticker backing sheet, and a storage unit provided on at least one of the front, back, and side of the product sales device, which houses an information transmission medium for at least one of the photo sticker and the product sales device, and is configured to allow the information transmission medium to be visible from the outside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a merchandise vending machine.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a merchandise vending machine that generates a captured image of a user as a subject, generates an edited image by editing the captured image based on an editing operation of the user, manufactures a photo sticker by printing the edited image on a sticker base paper, and automatically sells the photo sticker as a merchandise to the user (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 such a merchandise vending machine, generally, a poster related to the photo sticker as a merchandise is large and attached so as to cover the entire back surface. Since this poster is an information transmission medium, it plays a role of effectively conveying the message of the seller to the user. On the other hand, there is room for improvement in the merchandise vending machine in terms of conveying the appeal of the photo sticker as a merchandise and the appeal of the merchandise vending machine itself by actively appealing the information transmission medium and increasing the user's interest.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a merchandise vending machine capable of actively appealing an information transmission medium.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The main invention of the present invention for solving the above problems is A product sales device that sells photo stickers as products, A product manufacturing unit that produces photo stickers by generating a photograph of a user, generating an edited image using the photograph based on the user's editing operations, and printing the edited image onto a sticker sheet. A storage compartment provided on at least one of the front, back, and side of the product sales device, which houses a photographic sticker and an information transmission medium for at least one of the product sales device, and is configured to allow the information transmission medium to be visible from the outside, It is a product sales device equipped with the necessary features. Other features of the present invention will be made clearer by description in this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an external perspective view showing the configuration of the product sales device 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the product manufacturing unit 100 according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the configuration of the product sales device 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the housing section 200 according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the housing section 200 according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is an exploded perspective view of the housing section 200 with the transparent cover 230 removed, according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This is an exploded perspective view of the housing section 200 in the present embodiment with the transparent cover 230 and sheet member 240 removed. [Figure 8] This is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the light-emitting unit 220 according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the sheet member 240 according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure illustrates a method for accommodating the second design sheet 242 and the third design sheet 243 according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] This diagram illustrates a method for accommodating the first design sheet 241 according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure illustrates the state in which the sheet member 240 is housed according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following matters become clear from this specification and the accompanying drawings: In other words, it is a product sales device that sells photo stickers as a product, A product manufacturing unit that produces photo stickers by generating a photograph of a user, generating an edited image using the photograph based on the user's editing operations, and printing the edited image onto a sticker sheet. A storage compartment provided on at least one of the front, back, and side of the product sales device, which houses a photographic sticker and an information transmission medium for at least one of the product sales device, and is configured to allow the information transmission medium to be visible from the outside, It is a product sales device equipped with the necessary features. With this type of product sales device, by providing a storage unit containing information transmission media across at least one entire surface of the device's perimeter, it becomes more visible to people, allowing for active promotion of the information transmission media. As a result, the appeal of the product, such as the photo stickers and the product sales device itself, can be conveyed to users through the information transmission media, ultimately increasing user interest.

[0009] Furthermore, such a product sales device, The storage compartment may be provided on the entire front, back, and at least one side of the product sales device. According to such a merchandise vending device, for example, by forming a storage part on the entire back surface of the merchandise vending device, it becomes possible to display the information transmission medium stored in the storage part so as to cover the entire back surface of the merchandise vending device. Therefore, it becomes easier to catch people's eyes, and the information transmission medium can be more actively appealed to.

[0010] Also, such a merchandise vending device The information transmission medium may be a sheet member that functions as a poster designed using at least one of characters, graphics, patterns, illustrations, and photographs. According to such a merchandise vending device, by using a sheet member that functions as a poster as the information transmission medium, it becomes possible to reduce the thickness of the storage part itself.

[0011] Also, such a merchandise vending device The sheet member may have a plurality of design sheets with different designs. According to such a merchandise vending device, by using a plurality of design sheets with different designs, it is possible to appeal to posters rich in variations.

[0012] Also, such a merchandise vending device The storage part A transparent cover for making the internal information transmission medium visible from the outside, A light emitting part provided opposite to the transparent cover and irradiating light toward the transparent cover side, and may be configured to be able to accommodate the information transmission medium between the transparent cover and the light emitting part. According to such a merchandise vending device, by illuminating the information transmission medium with light to make it brighter, it becomes even easier to catch people's eyes, and the information transmission medium can be more actively appealed to.

[0013] Also, such a merchandise vending device The storage part A transparent cover for making the internal sheet member visible from the outside, It has a light-emitting unit provided opposite the transparent cover and irradiating light toward the transparent cover side, The sheet member is configured to accommodate the first and second design sheets, among the at least two design sheets, arranged in that order in the direction from the transparent cover toward the light-emitting section, and The design may be configured to accommodate the first design sheet and the second design sheet, and the second design sheet and the light-emitting section, by providing gaps between them. With this type of product sales device, it becomes possible to create posters with a three-dimensional effect by utilizing the storage space between the transparent cover and the light-emitting part and arranging multiple design sheets in a multi-layered manner.

[0014] Furthermore, such a product sales device, The transparent cover and the first design sheet may be configured to accommodate the first design sheet without any gap between them. With this type of product sales device, the space between the transparent cover and the light-emitting part can be effectively utilized by eliminating the gap between the transparent cover and the first design sheet.

[0015] Furthermore, such a product sales device, The first design sheet is housed in the housing by being attached to the transparent cover. The second design sheet may be housed in a state where it is suspended from the locking piece of the housing section. With this type of product sales device, the space within the storage area can be effectively utilized by using different storage methods for the first design sheet and the second design sheet.

[0016] Furthermore, such a product sales device, The aforementioned housing section is A transparent cover for making the internal sheet member visible from the outside, It has a light-emitting unit provided opposite the transparent cover and irradiating light toward the transparent cover side, The sheet member is configured to accommodate the first design sheet, the second design sheet, and the third design sheet of the sheet member in that order, in the direction from the transparent cover toward the light-emitting part, and The design is configured to accommodate the first design sheet and the second design sheet, the second design sheet and the third design sheet, and the third design sheet and the light-emitting part, with gaps provided between them. The third design sheet is made of an opaque sheet and has a color area on which a design is applied. The second design sheet is made of a transparent sheet and has a color area on which a design is applied. The color area of ​​the third design sheet that corresponds to the color area of ​​the second design sheet may be set to a white area. With this type of product display device, it becomes possible to create posters with a three-dimensional effect by layering a transparent second design sheet on top of an opaque third design sheet. Furthermore, by making the color area of ​​the third design sheet that corresponds to the color area of ​​the second design sheet a white area, when the light-emitting part illuminates the third design sheet from behind, more light will pass through that white area from behind, and the color area of ​​the second design sheet will also be illuminated from behind by the light-emitting part. This makes it possible to create posters with an even greater sense of three-dimensionality.

[0017] Furthermore, such a product sales device, The aforementioned product manufacturing department, A shooting control unit that generates a captured image with the user as the subject, An image display unit that displays the captured image, An editing operation unit for the user to perform editing operations on the captured image, An editing control unit that generates an edited image using the captured image based on the user's editing operation, A printing unit that prints the aforementioned edited image onto a sticker sheet, It may also be included. With such a product sales device, it is possible to produce photo stickers by generating a photograph of the user, generating an edited image using the photograph based on the user's editing operations, and printing the edited image onto a sticker backing sheet.

[0018] Furthermore, such a product sales device, The aforementioned transparent cover is It is constructed by connecting a central panel, a left panel to the left of the central panel, and a right panel to the right of the central panel, and The boundary position between the central panel and the left panel, or the boundary position between the central panel and the right panel, may be configured such that it does not coincide with the center position of the information transmission medium housed in the housing. With such a product sales device, by shifting the boundary between the central panel and the left panel, or the boundary between the central panel and the right panel, from the center of the information transmission medium, the information transmission medium can be made easier to see when the user views it through the transparent cover.

[0019] Furthermore, such a product sales device, The light-emitting part is, It is configured by arranging multiple light-emitting units, each composed of multiple LEDs, in a predetermined direction, and The units may be configured to emit light individually. With this type of product sales device, multiple light-emitting units can be individually illuminated, allowing for a wide variety of lighting effects. This makes the product more eye-catching and enables a more proactive appeal to information dissemination media.

[0020] Furthermore, such a product sales device, The corners of the transparent cover may be formed with a transparent member having an L-shaped cross-section. With such a product vending device, for example, when viewed from diagonally behind, the sheet material stored in the storage compartment can be displayed not only three-dimensionally but also in a larger size.

[0021] ===Implementation Method=== <<Regarding the configuration of product sales device 1>> An example of the configuration of the product sales device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is an external perspective view showing the configuration of the product sales device 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the product production unit 100 according to this embodiment. Note that Figure 2 shows the product production unit 100 with a part removed. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the product sales device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0022] In this embodiment, a product sales device that automatically sells a customized photo sticker, which is an example of a product, to a user, will be described in detail.

[0023] In the following explanation, each direction is defined as shown in the figures. Specifically, the vertical direction is defined as the "up and down direction," and "up" and "down" are defined according to gravity. Furthermore, the "front and back direction" is defined as the front side and the back side as the "rear," based on the perspective of a user facing the image display unit 130 shown in Figure 1. In addition, the direction perpendicular to the up and down direction and the front and back direction is defined as the "left and right direction," and "right" and "left" are defined based on the perspective of the user.

[0024] The product sales device 1 according to this embodiment is a vending machine installed in stores (e.g., consumer electronics stores, restaurants, etc.) or facilities (e.g., shopping facilities, amusement facilities, etc.) that, upon payment by the user, produces a photographic sticker using an image taken of the user and sells the photographic sticker to the user.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the product sales device 1 is configured to allow a user to enter the shooting space inside the device and has a product production unit 100 for producing photographic stickers using the user's captured images, and a storage unit 200 provided to form the entire back surface of the product sales device 1 and to house an information transmission medium for the photographic stickers and at least one of the product sales device 1.

[0026] In this embodiment, a sheet member that functions as a poster, designed using at least one of characters, figures, patterns, illustrations, or photographs, is housed in the storage unit 200 as an information transmission medium for conveying the appeal of the photo sticker as a product and the appeal of the product sales device 1.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the product production unit 100 includes a shooting unit 110, an operation unit 120, an image display unit 130, a printing unit 140, a guidance unit 150, an audio output unit 160, a control unit 170, and a storage unit 180.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the shooting unit 110 includes a camera 111 for photographing the user who is the subject, a strobe 112 that flashes in time with the timing of the camera 111's shooting, a lighting light 113 for brightly illuminating the shooting space where the user is located, and a mirror 114.

[0029] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the image display unit 130 is located below the camera 111 and displays various information on its screen. In this embodiment, the image display unit 130 is configured to display user-captured and edited images and is implemented, for example, by a liquid crystal display (LCD).

[0030] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the operation unit 120 is located near the image display unit 130 and includes a shooting operation unit 121 for the user to perform shooting operations and an editing operation unit 122 for the user to perform editing operations related to editing the captured image.

[0031] In this embodiment, the user can use the shooting operation unit 121 to, for example, select a shooting course or give instructions to start shooting according to the operation screen displayed on the image display unit 130. Furthermore, by using the editing operation unit 122, the user can, for example, add decorations such as stamp images or handwritten text to their captured images displayed on the image display unit 130.

[0032] In this embodiment, the shooting operation unit 121 and the editing operation unit 122 are realized, for example, by a touch panel stacked on the image display unit 130 or a stylus pen for performing touch operations.

[0033] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the printing unit 140 prints the edited photographic image (edited image) based on the user's editing operations onto a sticker sheet using a printer (not shown), and then discharges the sticker sheet (photo sticker) with the edited image printed on it to the outlet 141.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1, the guidance unit 150 is located near the entrance on the right side of the product sales device 1 and guides the user through the photo sticker production procedure, etc. In this embodiment, the guidance unit 150 has a guidance display unit 151 and a charge detection unit 152.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the guidance display unit 151 is configured to display a guidance screen for instructing the user on the procedure for producing photo stickers, etc., and is implemented, for example, by a liquid crystal display (LCD).

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the fare detection unit 152 is located below the guidance display unit 151 and is for detecting payment of fees by the user. In this embodiment, when a user inserts coins into the coin slot, the fare detection unit 152 detects the presence or absence of the inserted coins using a detection sensor (not shown).

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the audio output unit 160 amplifies the audio signals (audio information) such as voice, sound effects, and warning sounds output from the control unit 170 using a digital amplifier or the like, and outputs them as audio. For example, this can be achieved by a speaker or the like.

[0038] The control unit 170 is for controlling the entire product sales device 1 and is realized by the CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program stored in a predetermined memory. In this embodiment, the control unit 170 has a shooting control unit 171 and an editing control unit 172, as shown in Figure 3.

[0039] The shooting control unit 171 performs shooting processing related to the user's shooting. In this embodiment, the shooting control unit 171 controls the shooting unit 110 to generate a captured image with the user as the subject.

[0040] The editing control unit 172 performs editing processing related to the editing of the captured image. In this embodiment, the editing control unit 172 generates an edited image using the captured image based on the user's editing operations on the captured image.

[0041] In this embodiment, for example, image processing is performed to add decorations to a captured image by compositing a stamp image or handwritten text selected by the user, or to change the size of the user's eyes included in the captured image.

[0042] The memory unit 180 has a ROM (Read Only Memory), which is a read-only memory area where various programs and information necessary for the product sales device 1 are stored, and a RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a rewritable memory area used as a work area for arithmetic processing by the control unit 170. This is implemented by a non-volatile storage device such as flash memory or a hard disk.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, the storage unit 180 in this embodiment stores, for example, decoration information including various data for decorating a captured image, and image information including generated captured images and edited images.

[0044] <<Regarding the configuration of storage unit 200>> An example of the configuration of the housing section 200 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1, 4 to 9. Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the housing section 200 according to this embodiment. Figure 5 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the housing section 200 according to this embodiment. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the housing section 200 according to this embodiment with the transparent cover 230 removed. Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the housing section 200 according to this embodiment with the transparent cover 230 and sheet member 240 removed. Figure 8 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the light-emitting section 220 according to this embodiment. Note that in Figure 8, the transparent cover 230 and sheet member 240 of the housing section 200 are shown removed.

[0045] As shown in Figure 1, the storage section 200 is connected to the product production section 100 so as to form the entire back surface of the product sales device 1, and is configured to accommodate a sheet member 240 that functions as a poster inside.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, the housing section 200 in this embodiment includes a base section 210 which forms the main body, a transparent cover 230 made of a transparent material (for example, transparent resin, glass, etc.) so that the sheet member 240 housed inside can be seen by the user from the outside, and a display section 211 for attaching a plate on which the name of the product sales device 1 is indicated.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the transparent cover 230 completely covers the rear surface of the storage section 200 (i.e., the back of the product sales device 1) and is configured to be detachable from the base section 210.

[0048] Therefore, the seller (for example, store staff) can remove the transparent cover 230 from the base 210 to house a new sheet member 240 inside, or replace an already housed sheet member 240.

[0049] In this embodiment, the transparent cover 230 is composed of a central panel 231, a right panel 232 connected to the right side of the central panel 231, and a left panel 233 connected to the left side of the central panel 231, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0050] The central panel 231 is formed from a planar transparent member, while the right panel 232 and the left panel 233 are formed from transparent members with an L-shaped cross-section. The right panel 232 and the left panel 233 may be formed by bending a single transparent plate-like member into an L-shape, or by joining multiple transparent plate-like members together in an L-shape.

[0051] Furthermore, the L-shape is not limited to a cross-sectional shape that is bent at a perfect right angle; it may also include a rounded portion (R-shape) or a chamfered portion. This R-shape may be formed by bending a single plate-like member, or by joining multiple plate-like members with rounded edges together.

[0052] In this embodiment, by forming the right panel 232 and the left panel 233 with transparent members having an L-shaped cross-section (that is, by forming the left and right corners of the transparent cover 230 with transparent members having an L-shaped cross-section), when the product sales device 1 is viewed from, for example, diagonally from the rear, not only can the sheet member 240 housed in the storage section 200 be shown in three dimensions, but its thickness can also be made to appear larger.

[0053] Furthermore, when the central panel 231 is sandwiched and connected (integrated) by the right panel 232 and the left panel 233 from both sides, the cross-sectional shape is formed in a U-shape, which increases its strength.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 to 6, the transparent cover 230 in this embodiment is configured such that the boundary position between the central panel 231 and the left panel 233, or the boundary position between the central panel 231 and the right panel 232, does not coincide with the center position (CL) of the sheet member 240 housed in the housing 200.

[0055] By configuring it in this way, the left and right boundary positions of the transparent cover 230 are offset from the center position (CL) of the sheet member 240 housed in the housing section 200. As a result, when a user looks at the sheet member 240 inside through the transparent cover 230 from the outside, the sheet member 240 becomes easier to see.

[0056] Inside the base portion 210, as shown in Figure 7, a light-emitting unit 220 is positioned opposite the transparent cover 230 and emits light from the front to the rear in the front-to-back direction (i.e., towards the transparent cover 230).

[0057] The light-emitting unit 220 shines light toward the transparent cover 230, thereby illuminating the back surface of the sheet member 240, as shown in Figure 7, and thus functions as a backlight that illuminates the sheet member 240 from behind.

[0058] As shown in Figure 8, the light-emitting section 220 in this embodiment is composed of a plurality of light-emitting units 221 that extend in a predetermined direction and are arranged at predetermined intervals from one another. Specifically, it is composed of 10 light-emitting units 221 that extend in the vertical direction and are arranged in the horizontal direction at a constant interval from one another.

[0059] By arranging multiple light-emitting units 221 in this manner inside the base portion 210, the space within the housing portion 200 can be effectively utilized while illuminating the entire surface of the sheet member 240 (surface emission).

[0060] The light-emitting unit 221 is composed of multiple light-emitting diodes arranged in a straight line at predetermined intervals from each other. Specifically, it is composed of multiple light-emitting diodes arranged vertically at equal intervals from each other.

[0061] Alternatively, a plurality of light-emitting units 221, each extending in the left-right direction, may be arranged vertically to form the light-emitting section 220. In this case, the light-emitting unit 221 would be formed by arranging a plurality of light-emitting diodes in the left-right direction.

[0062] Furthermore, the light-emitting diode (LED) may be a monochromatic LED or a full-color LED. If the latter is used, the emitted color can be changed.

[0063] <<Regarding the composition of sheet member 240>> An example of the configuration of the sheet member 240 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 9. Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the sheet member 240 according to this embodiment.

[0064] The sheet component 240 functions as a poster that conveys the appeal of the photo sticker as a product and the appeal of the product sales device 1, and is designed using at least one of the following: text, figures, patterns, illustrations, and photographs.

[0065] In this embodiment, the sheet member 240 has multiple design sheets, each with a different design. Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, it has a first design sheet 241, a second design sheet 242, and a third design sheet 243.

[0066] In this embodiment, the first design sheet 241 and the second design sheet 242 are formed from transparent sheets, while the third design sheet 243 is formed from an opaque sheet.

[0067] As shown in Figure 9, the first design sheet 241 has a color area 241a with a design applied to its lower part, the second design sheet 242 has a color area 242a with a design applied to its upper part, and the third design sheet 243 has color areas 243a and 243b with a design applied to its entire surface.

[0068] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the first design sheet 241, the second design sheet 242, and the third design sheet 243 are arranged in the order shown from rear to front in the front-to-back direction (i.e., from the transparent cover 230 towards the light-emitting section 220) and can be stored in the storage section 200 as a multilayer sheet.

[0069] Therefore, even if the first design sheet 241, the second design sheet 242, and the third design sheet 243 each have different designs, by housing these three sheets in a multi-layered manner in the housing section 200, the color areas 242a of the transparent second design sheet 242 and the color area 241a of the transparent first design sheet 241 are superimposed on the color areas 243a and 243b of the opaque third design sheet 243, thereby creating a multi-layered sheet member 240 with a unified design.

[0070] As a result, when a user views the interior of the storage compartment 200 from the outside, the multi-layered sheet material 240 with its unified design appears three-dimensional, making it possible to effectively convey a message while creating a visual impact.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, among the color regions 243a and 243b of the third design sheet 243, the color region 243b corresponding to the color region 242a of the second design sheet 242 is set to a white region.

[0072] Therefore, as shown in Figure 7, when the light-emitting unit 220 shines light on the back surface of the opaque third design sheet 243, as shown in Figure 9, the amount of light transmitted from the back to the color region 243b, which is the white region of the third design sheet 243, increases, and the light from the light-emitting unit 220 also shines from the back to the color region 242a of the transparent second design sheet 242, making the color region 242a of the second design sheet 242 appear to stand out relative to the color region 243b of the third design sheet 243.

[0073] As a result, the multi-layered sheet member 240 housed in the storage section 200 can be made to appear more three-dimensional, thus providing an even greater visual impact to the user.

[0074] <<Regarding the method of housing the sheet member 240>> The method for housing the sheet member 240 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 10 to 12. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the method for housing the second design sheet 242 and the third design sheet 243 according to this embodiment. Note that Figure 10 shows the state in which the transparent cover 230 of the housing section 200 has been removed. Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the method for housing the first design sheet 241 according to this embodiment. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the state in which the sheet member 240 according to this embodiment is housed.

[0075] <Second design sheet 242> As shown in the enlarged view A in Figure 10, the second design sheet 242 has a plurality of first locking holes 242uh that penetrate the second design sheet 242 at its upper end.

[0076] In this embodiment, the first locking hole 242uh is a horizontally elongated rectangular hole, and is provided at equal intervals in the left-right direction to match the width of the second design sheet 242.

[0077] Furthermore, as shown in the enlarged view B in Figure 10, the second design sheet 242 has a plurality of second locking holes 242dh that penetrate the second design sheet 242 at its lower end.

[0078] In this embodiment, the second locking hole 242dh is a vertically elongated rectangular hole, and is provided at equal intervals in the left-right direction to match the width of the second design sheet 242.

[0079] As shown in the enlarged view A in Figure 10, the base portion 210 has a plurality of first locking pieces 212 at its upper end.

[0080] In this embodiment, the first locking piece 212 is a plate-shaped hook that is gently inclined upward in the vertical direction, and is provided at equal intervals in the left-right direction, corresponding to each of the first locking holes 242uh in the second design sheet 242.

[0081] Furthermore, as shown in the enlarged view B in Figure 10, the base portion 210 has multiple second locking pieces 213 in a portion that matches the vertical width of the second design sheet 242.

[0082] In this embodiment, the second locking piece 213 is an L-shaped hook that is bent vertically upward in the vertical direction, and is provided at equal intervals in the left-right direction, corresponding to each of the first locking holes 242uh in the second design sheet 242.

[0083] The seller (for example, store staff) can suspend the second design sheet 242 inside the storage section 200 by sequentially inserting the first locking pieces 212 of the base section 210 into each of the first locking holes 242uh of the second design sheet 242, with the surface of the second design sheet 242 facing backward.

[0084] Then, by sequentially inserting the second locking pieces 213 of the base portion 210 into each of the second locking holes 242dh of the second design sheet 242, the second design sheet 242 can be fixed in a suspended state inside the housing portion 200.

[0085] <First Design Sheet 241> As shown in Figure 11, the first design sheet 241 has a plurality of first through holes 241uh that penetrate the first design sheet 241 at its upper end.

[0086] In this embodiment, the first through-hole 241uh is a round hole and is provided at equal intervals in the left-right direction to match the width of the first design sheet 241.

[0087] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the first design sheet 241 has a plurality of second through holes 241dh that penetrate the first design sheet 241 at its lower end.

[0088] In this embodiment, the second locking holes 242dh are round holes, and are provided at equal intervals in the left-right direction to match the width of the first design sheet 241.

[0089] As shown in Figure 11, the central panel 231 of the transparent cover 230 has a plurality of third through-holes 234 at its upper end that penetrate the central panel 231.

[0090] In this embodiment, the third through-hole 234 is a round hole with a larger diameter than the first through-hole 241uh of the first design sheet 241, and is provided at equal intervals in the left-right direction, corresponding to each of the first through-holes 241uh.

[0091] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the central panel 231 of the transparent cover 230 has multiple fourth through-holes 235 at its lower end that penetrate the central panel 231.

[0092] In this embodiment, the fourth through-hole 235 is a round hole with a larger diameter than the second through-hole 241dh of the first design sheet 241, and is provided at equal intervals in the left-right direction, corresponding to each of the second through-holes 241dh.

[0093] The seller (for example, a store staff member) can fix the upper end of the first design sheet 241 to the upper end of the central panel 231 by inserting a screw member as a fastening member from the rear in the front-to-back direction, in the order of the third through hole 234 of the central panel 231, the first through hole 241uh of the first design sheet 241, and a washer, with the surface of the first design sheet 241 in contact with the back surface of the central panel 231, and then screwing the screw member onto a nut.

[0094] Then, a screw member, acting as a fastening member, is inserted from the rear in the front-to-back direction into the fourth through-hole 235 of the central panel 231, the second through-hole 241dh of the first design sheet 241, and a washer in that order, and the screw member is screwed onto a nut, thereby fixing the lower end of the first design sheet 241 to the lower end of the central panel 231.

[0095] By attaching the transparent cover 230, in which the first design sheet 241 and the central panel 231 are integrated in this manner, to the base portion 210, the first design sheet 241 can be housed inside the housing portion 200 without any gap between the transparent cover 230 and the first design sheet 241, as shown in Figure 12.

[0096] By integrating them in this way, the first design sheet 241 can be housed in the storage section 200 while suppressing wrinkles and distortions. As a result, the scattering of ambient light off the first design sheet 241, which would otherwise obscure the second design sheet 242 and the third design sheet 243, can be suppressed. Alternatively, the first design sheet 241 may be attached so that it is in close contact with the central panel 231.

[0097] <Third Design Sheet 243> The third design sheet 243, like the second design sheet 242, also has multiple first and second locking holes formed at its upper and lower ends. Therefore, the third design sheet 243 can be housed inside the housing section 200 using the same procedure as for the second design sheet 242.

[0098] On the other hand, the base portion 210 has a first locking piece 212 and a second locking piece 213 formed therein for suspending and accommodating the second design sheet 242 inside the accommodating portion 200, in addition to the first locking piece 212 and the second locking piece 213 formed therein for suspending and accommodating the third design sheet 243 inside the accommodating portion 200.

[0099] In the base portion 210 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, a first locking piece 212 for use with the second design sheet 242 and a first locking piece 212 for use with the third design sheet 243 are arranged at a predetermined distance apart in the front-rear direction.

[0100] Similarly, a second locking piece 213 for use with the second design sheet 242 and a second locking piece 213 for use with the third design sheet 243 are arranged at a predetermined distance apart in the front-rear direction.

[0101] As shown in Figure 12, this arrangement of locking pieces allows a gap to be created between the second design sheet 242 and the third design sheet 243, enabling them to be housed inside the housing section 200. Gaps can also be formed between the first design sheet 241 (transparent cover 230) and the second design sheet 242, and between the third design sheet 243 and the light-emitting section 220.

[0102] Thus, with the storage section 200 in this embodiment, the sheet member 240, which is made up of three overlapping sheets—the first design sheet 241, the second design sheet 242, and the third design sheet 243—can be displayed three-dimensionally. This makes it possible to effectively convey a message to the user from the outside while creating a visual impact on the inside of the storage section 200.

[0103] ===Other Embodiments=== The embodiments described above are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit its interpretation. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and equivalents thereof are also included. In particular, embodiments described below are also included in the present invention. That is, the present invention can also be constructed by appropriately combining the embodiments described above and the embodiments described below.

[0104] Furthermore, it is possible to construct various inventions by appropriately combining the multiple inventive features disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, an invention may be constructed by deleting some of the inventive features disclosed in the above embodiments, or an invention may be constructed by appropriately combining the inventive features disclosed in the above embodiments with the inventive features disclosed in the embodiments described below.

[0105] Furthermore, while the claims of this application describe the present invention using claims that selectively reference two or more other claims (referred to as "multi-claims"), the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention also includes claims that describe the invention using multi-claims that reference at least one of the multi-claims described in the claims of this application (referred to as "multi-multi-claims").

[0106] <Light-emitting part> In the above embodiment, a light-emitting section 220 equipped with a light-emitting unit 221 configured by arranging a plurality of LEDs in a straight line was described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of LEDs may be arranged in a curved shape or in a circular shape.

[0107] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the light-emitting unit 220 may be configured to emit light individually as a unit. For example, by emitting light from multiple light-emitting units 221 in sequence, it becomes possible to express a dynamic design.

[0108] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in addition to the light emission pattern in which the light-emitting unit 220 is constantly lit as a backlight, a light emission pattern that flashes at predetermined time intervals may also be used. In addition, in addition to the light emission pattern in which the light-emitting unit 220 is constantly lit in white as a backlight, a light emission pattern that lights up or flashes in a color other than white may also be used.

[0109] <Storage Area> In the above embodiment, the case in which the storage section 200 is provided on the rear (back) side of the product sales device 1 was described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be provided on the front (front) side of the product sales device 1, or on the side of the product sales device 1. That is, it may be provided on at least one of the front, rear, and side surfaces of the product sales device 1.

[0110] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described an example in which the storage section 200 is provided on the entire back surface (entire surface) of the product sales device 1, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the storage section 200 may be provided on only a part of the entire surface of the product sales device 1.

[0111] Furthermore, although the above embodiment was described using as an example a housing 200 equipped with a light-emitting unit 220 that functions as a backlight, it is also possible to configure the housing 200 without the light-emitting unit 220.

[0112] <Transparent cover> In the above embodiment, a transparent cover 230 formed by connecting a central panel 231, a right-side panel 232, and a left-side panel 233 was described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a transparent cover may be integrally molded so that it cannot be divided into multiple panels.

[0113] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described an example in which the transparent cover 230 is composed of multiple panels divided in the vertical direction, it may also be composed of multiple panels divided in the horizontal direction.

[0114] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described an example in which the transparent cover 230 is composed of multiple panels divided into three sections, it may also be composed of multiple panels divided into two sections, or multiple panels divided into four or more sections.

[0115] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described an example in which the transparent cover 230 is formed from a transparent material, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, only the central panel 231 may be formed from a transparent material, or at least one of the right panel 232 and the left panel 233 may be formed from an opaque material (such as metal or opaque resin).

[0116] <Information transmission medium> In the above embodiment, a sheet member having a planar shape was described as an example of an information transmission medium, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a molded product having a three-dimensional shape may be used as an information transmission medium, or a sheet member having an uneven shape in part or all of it may be used as an information transmission medium.

[0117] <Sheet material> In the above embodiment, a sheet member 240 formed by layering three design sheets, a first design sheet 241, a second design sheet 242, and a third design sheet 243, was described as an example. However, a sheet member 240 formed by layering two design sheets may also be used, or a sheet member 240 formed by layering four or more design sheets. In this case, the design sheet closest to the light-emitting section 220 may be made of an opaque sheet, and the other design sheets may be made of transparent sheets. Alternatively, a single design sheet may be used as the sheet member 240, in which case the housing section 200 may be configured so that the internal housing space is as thin as possible.

[0118] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the sizes of the first design sheet 241, the second design sheet 242, and the third design sheet 243 may all be the same size, some may be of different sizes, or all may be of different sizes. For example, the vertical width of the second design sheet 242 may be set to half the vertical width of the third design sheet 243, and the vertical width of the first design sheet 241 may be set to one-quarter the vertical width of the third design sheet 243.

[0119] Furthermore, although the above embodiments have used a rectangular design sheet as an example, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, design sheets in the shape of a square, trapezoid, polygon (e.g., triangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon, etc.), circle, ellipse, star shape, heart shape, etc. may be used. Also, for example, a part of the design sheet (e.g., a transparent or opaque part) may be cut out, or a part of the design sheet (e.g., a transparent or opaque part) may be notched out.

[0120] <Product> In the above embodiment, a photographic sticker using a user's photograph was described as an example of a product, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, keychains, toys, stationery, small items, clothing, etc., using a user's photograph may be sold as products. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0121] 1. Product sales device 100 Product Production Department 110 Photography Department 111 Camera 112 Strobe 113 Lighting fixtures 114 Mirror 120 Operation section 121 Shooting Control Unit 122 Editing Operation Section 130 Image display section 140 Printing Department 141 Outlet 150 Information Department 151 Information display section 152 Charge detection unit 160 Audio output section 170 Control Unit 171 Imaging Control Unit 172 Editing Control Unit 180 Storage section 200 storage units 210 Base section 211 Notice Board 212 First locking piece 213 Second locking piece 220 Light-emitting part 221 Light-emitting unit 230 Transparent Cover 231 Central Panel 232 Right panel 233 Left panel 234 Third through hole 235 The fourth through hole 240 Sheet material 241 First Design Sheet 241a Color area 241uh First through hole 241dh Second through hole 242 Second Design Sheet 242a Color area 242uh First locking hole 242dh Second locking hole 243 Third Design Sheet 243a Color Domain 243b Color Domain

Claims

1. A product sales device that sells photo stickers to users as a product, A product manufacturing unit that produces photo stickers by generating a photograph of a user, generating an edited image using the photograph based on the user's editing operations, and printing the edited image onto a sticker sheet. A storage compartment provided on at least one of the front, back, and side of the product sales device, which houses a photographic sticker and an information transmission medium for at least one of the product sales device, and is configured to allow the information transmission medium to be visible from the outside, A product sales device equipped with a vending machine.

2. The product sales device according to claim 1, wherein the storage section is provided on the entire surface of at least one of the front, back, and side surfaces of the product sales device.

3. The product sales device according to claim 1, wherein the information transmission medium is a sheet member that functions as a poster designed using at least one of characters, figures, patterns, illustrations, and photographs.

4. The product sales device according to claim 3, wherein the sheet member has a plurality of design sheets, each with a different design.

5. The aforementioned housing section is A transparent cover for making the internal information transmission medium visible from the outside, It has a light-emitting unit provided opposite the transparent cover and irradiating light toward the transparent cover side, A product sales device according to any one of claims 1-4, configured to accommodate the information transmission medium between the transparent cover and the light-emitting part.

6. The aforementioned housing section is A transparent cover for making the internal sheet member visible from the outside, It has a light-emitting unit provided opposite the transparent cover and irradiating light toward the transparent cover side, The transparent cover is configured to accommodate the first and second design sheets of the sheet member in that order, in the direction toward the light-emitting section, and The product sales device according to claim 1 or 2, configured to accommodate the product by providing gaps between the first design sheet and the second design sheet, and between the second design sheet and the light-emitting part.

7. The product sales device according to claim 6, wherein the transparent cover and the first design sheet are configured to accommodate the first design sheet without any gap between them.

8. The first design sheet is housed in the storage section by being attached to the transparent cover. The product sales device according to claim 6, wherein the second design sheet is housed in a state where it is suspended from the locking piece of the housing section.

9. The aforementioned housing section is A transparent cover for making the internal sheet member visible from the outside, It has a light-emitting unit provided opposite the transparent cover and irradiating light toward the transparent cover side, The sheet member is configured to accommodate the first design sheet, the second design sheet, and the third design sheet of the sheet member in that order, in the direction from the transparent cover toward the light-emitting part, The design is configured to accommodate the first design sheet and the second design sheet, the second design sheet and the third design sheet, and the third design sheet and the light-emitting part, with gaps provided between them. The third design sheet is made of an opaque sheet and has a color area on which a design is applied. The second design sheet is made of a transparent sheet and has a color area on which a design is applied. In the color area of ​​the third design sheet, the color area corresponding to the color area of ​​the second design sheet is made into a white area. The product sales device according to claim 3.

10. The aforementioned product manufacturing department, A shooting control unit that generates a captured image with the user as the subject, An image display unit that displays the captured image, An editing operation unit for the user to perform editing operations on the captured image, An editing control unit that generates an edited image using the captured image based on the user's editing operation, A printing unit that prints the aforementioned edited image onto a sticker sheet, A product sales device according to claim 1 or 2, having the following features.

11. The aforementioned transparent cover is It is constructed by connecting a central panel, a left panel to the left of the central panel, and a right panel to the right of the central panel, and The product sales device according to claim 5, wherein the boundary positions of the central panel and the left panel, and the boundary positions of the central panel and the right panel are configured not to coincide with the center position of the information transmission medium housed in the housing.

12. The light-emitting part is, It is configured by arranging multiple light-emitting units, each composed of multiple LEDs, in a predetermined direction, and The product sales device according to claim 5, configured to emit light individually on a unit basis.

13. The product sales device according to claim 5, wherein the corners of the transparent cover are formed with a transparent member having an L-shaped cross-section.

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