Vending machines, servers, terminal devices, methods of providing products for sale, payment methods, and programs

Abstract

In a vending machine capable of handling multiple payment transactions, ensure that only one payment transaction is processed correctly at a time. [Solution] The vending machine 1 includes a selection receiving unit 11 that accepts the user's selection of items to be sold, first and second payment processing units 12 and 13 that each perform payment processing for the items selected by the selection receiving unit, and a provisioning unit 14 that provides the items selected by the selection receiving unit 11 to the user when payment processing is performed by either of the first and second payment processing units 12 or 13. The first and second payment processing units 12 and 13 repeatedly determine whether to start payment processing, and if either of the first and second payment processing units 12 or 13 starts payment processing, the other payment processing unit does not perform payment processing.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a vending machine, a server for performing settlement related to the sale of items for sale in the vending machine, and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when a user purchases goods or the like from a vending machine, it has been possible to purchase goods or the like without paying cash (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Also, in vending machines, it has been possible to purchase goods or the like using electronic money.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] It is preferable for a vending machine to support more payment methods for the improvement of user convenience. On the other hand, when a vending machine supports both the payment method according to Patent Document 1 and the payment method using electronic money, if the processing of one payment is being performed and the processing of the other payment is also performed, there is a problem that it becomes unclear which payment processing should be executed. For example, when the payment processing according to Patent Document 1 is being performed via the user's terminal device and an IC card for electronic money is touched to the vending machine, there is a problem that it becomes unclear which one should be charged.

[0005] Generally speaking, when a vending machine can execute a plurality of settlement processes, there has been a problem that it may become unclear which settlement process should be executed.

[0006] The present invention was made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a vending machine, etc., that can perform only one payment process in a vending machine capable of performing multiple payment processes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, an automatic vending machine according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a selection receiving unit that accepts a selection of items to be sold by a user; first to N payment processing units that each perform payment processing for the sale of the items selected by the selection receiving unit; and a supplying unit that provides the items selected by the selection receiving unit to the user when payment processing is performed by any of the first to N payment processing units, where N is an integer of 2 or more; the first to N payment processing units repeatedly determine whether or not to start payment processing; and if any of the first to N payment processing units start payment processing, the other payment processing units do not perform payment processing.

[0008] With this configuration, the first to Nth payment processing units exclusively execute payment processing, so that, for example, a situation does not occur where, while the first payment processing unit is performing payment processing similar to that described in Patent Document 1, the second payment processing unit performs payment processing using an IC card for electronic money, and only one payment processing unit is performed appropriately.

[0009] Furthermore, in a vending machine according to one aspect of the present invention, N is 2, and the first payment processing unit includes a recording medium in which a first identifier for identifying the vending machine is stored, a storage unit in which a second identifier for identifying the vending machine is stored and which is associated with the first identifier, a first control unit that controls the second payment processing unit not to perform payment processing when payment processing is initiated by reading the first identifier from the recording medium by a terminal device held by the user, and a first communication unit that transmits a sales target identifier and a second identifier, which identify the sales target whose selection has been accepted by the selection acceptance unit, to a server that performs payment processing related to the first payment processing unit, and in response to the transmission, receives payment completion information from the server indicating the completion of payment for the sales target identified by the sales target identifier, and the providing unit may provide the sales target whose selection has been accepted by the selection acceptance unit to the user when the payment completion information is received by the first communication unit.

[0010] With this configuration, when settlement processing is initiated by the first settlement processing unit, settlement processing in the second settlement processing unit is prevented from being performed.

[0011] Furthermore, in a vending machine according to one aspect of the present invention, the second payment processing unit includes a receiving unit that receives payment information, a second control unit that controls the first payment processing unit not to perform payment processing when payment processing is initiated by the receiving unit receiving payment information, and a payment unit that uses the payment information received by the receiving unit to perform payment for the sales items selected by the selection receiving unit. The payment information includes a payment means identifier that identifies the payment means, transmitted by short-range wireless communication from a recording medium held by the user, and the providing unit may provide the sales items selected by the selection receiving unit to the user in response to payment by the payment unit.

[0012] With this configuration, when settlement processing is initiated by the second settlement processing unit, settlement processing in the first settlement processing unit is prevented from being performed.

[0013] Furthermore, in a vending machine according to one aspect of the present invention, the second control unit may control the first payment processing unit so that it does not perform payment processing when a payment means identifier is received by the reception unit.

[0014] With this configuration, when the payment method identifier is received by the receiving unit and payment processing is initiated by the second payment processing unit, payment processing in the first payment processing unit is prevented from being performed.

[0015] Furthermore, in a vending machine according to one aspect of the present invention, the reception unit may read the payment method identifier stored in the recording medium held by the user from the recording medium using RFID.

[0016] With this configuration, for example, the second payment processing unit can perform payment processing using electronic money by reading the payment method identifier, which is the identifier of the electronic money, from the recording medium, which is an IC card of the electronic money, using RFID.

[0017] Furthermore, in a vending machine according to one aspect of the present invention, the payment information includes the user's selection of the type of payment method, and the second control unit may control the first payment processing unit not to perform payment processing when the reception unit receives the selection of the type of payment method.

[0018] With this configuration, when the type of payment method is received by the reception unit and payment processing is initiated by the second payment processing unit, payment processing in the first payment processing unit is prevented.

[0019] Furthermore, in a vending machine according to one aspect of the present invention, the second payment processing unit further comprises a second communication unit that communicates with a second server that performs payment processing related to the second payment processing unit, and the payment unit may transmit information regarding the payment result to the second server via the second communication unit.

[0020] With this configuration, for example, it becomes possible to send an invoice to the second server based on the amount of the settlement in the second settlement processing unit.

[0021] Furthermore, a server according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a server storage unit that stores one or more correspondence pieces of information that associate a user identifier that identifies a user with payment information relating to the user; a receiving unit that receives a set of a sales target identifier that identifies a sales target selected by the vending machine and a second identifier that identifies the vending machine, transmitted from a vending machine, and a set of a user identifier that identifies a user and a first identifier that identifies the vending machine and is associated with the second identifier, transmitted from a terminal device held by a user who has selected a sales target at the vending machine; a server payment unit that, when the receiving unit receives a set of a user identifier and a first identifier, uses the payment information associated with the user identifier by correspondence pieces to perform a payment for the sales target identifier identified by the sales target identifier included in the latest set of sales target identifiers and second identifiers received by the receiving unit, which includes the second identifier associated with the first identifier; and a transmitting unit that, when the server payment unit performs a payment, transmits payment completion information to the vending machine corresponding to the payment to indicate the completion of the payment.

[0022] With this configuration, for example, even if the payment processing unit that handles payment processing receives the sales target identifier from the vending machine before it is determined, it becomes possible to appropriately link the user identifier received from the vending machine later with the sales target identifier, and to perform appropriate billing for the user.

[0023] Furthermore, a terminal device according to one aspect of the present invention is a terminal device held by a user who purchases an item for sale in a vending machine, comprising a first execution unit that performs processing necessary for a first payment processing unit to perform payment processing, and a second execution unit that performs processing necessary for a second payment processing unit to perform payment processing, wherein the second execution unit does not perform processing when the first execution unit is performing processing.

[0024] With such a configuration, after the processes necessary for the settlement process by the first settlement processing unit are executed, it is possible to prevent the processes necessary for the settlement process by the second settlement processing unit from being performed. For example, when the user attempts to perform a settlement process by the first settlement processing unit, it is possible to prevent the settlement process by the second settlement processing unit from being performed.

[0025] Also, a method for providing a sales target according to an aspect of the present invention is a method for providing a sales target that is processed using a selection reception unit, first to Nth settlement processing units that each perform first to Nth settlement processes, and a provision unit, the selection reception unit receiving a selection of a sales target by a user, any one of the first to Nth settlement processing units performing a settlement process for the sale of the selected sales target, and the provision unit providing the selected sales target to the user when a settlement process is performed by any one of the first to Nth settlement processing units, N being an integer of 2 or more, and in the step of performing the settlement process, it is repeatedly determined whether to start the first to Nth settlement processes, and when any one of the first to Nth settlement processes is started, the other settlement processes are not performed.

[0026] Also, a settlement method according to an aspect of the present invention is a settlement method processed using a server storage unit that stores one or more pieces of correspondence information associating a user identifier for identifying a user with settlement information regarding the user, a receiving unit, a server settlement unit, and a transmitting unit, the receiving unit receiving a pair of a sales target identifier for identifying a sales target for which a selection has been received in a vending machine and a second identifier for identifying the vending machine, transmitted from the vending machine, the receiving unit receiving a pair of a user identifier for identifying the user and a first identifier for identifying the vending machine, transmitted from a terminal device held by the user who has selected the sales target in the vending machine, the first identifier being associated with the second identifier, the server settlement unit performing settlement regarding the sales target identified by the sales target identifier included in the latest pair including the second identifier associated with the first identifier, among the received pair of the sales target identifier and the second identifier, using the settlement information associated with the user identifier by the correspondence information when the pair of the user identifier and the first identifier is received, and the transmitting unit transmitting settlement completion information indicating completion of settlement to the vending machine corresponding to the settlement when the settlement in the settlement performing step is performed.

Effect of the Invention

[0027] According to a vending machine or the like according to an aspect of the present invention, in a vending machine capable of executing a plurality of settlement processes, only one settlement process can be performed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] 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 embodiment [Figure 3] Block diagram showing the configuration of a first server according to the embodiment [Figure 4] Block diagram showing the configuration of a terminal device according to the embodiment [Figure 5] Flowchart showing the operation of the vending machine according to the embodiment [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating the operation of the first server according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] Flowchart showing the operation of the terminal device according to this embodiment. [Figure 8A] This figure shows an example of multiple first correspondence information in the same embodiment. [Figure 8B] This figure shows an example of multiple second correspondence information in the same embodiment. [Figure 8C] This figure shows an example of multiple sales target information in the same embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the processing flow for multiple devices in the same embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of the processing flow for multiple devices in the same embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] The following describes the vending machine, first server, terminal device, method for providing items for sale, and payment 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 is equipped with first to N payment processing units, each performing a different payment processing for the purchase of items for sale by a user. The first to N payment processing units repeatedly determine whether to start payment processing, and if any of the first to N payment processing units start payment processing, the other payment processing units do not perform payment processing. In other words, the first to N payment processing units may exclusively perform payment processing. In this embodiment, as an example, the case where N is 2 will be mainly described, but N may be an integer of 2 or more.

[0030] 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, Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first server 2 according to this embodiment, and Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device 4 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 100 comprises one or more vending machines 1, a first server 2, a second server 3, and one or more terminal devices 4. The one or more vending machines 1 and the one or more terminal devices 4, the first server 2, and the second server 3 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.

[0031] Terminal device 4 may be, for example, a mobile information terminal equipped with communication functions such as a smartphone, tablet, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), smartwatch, or laptop computer, or it may be any other terminal device. In this embodiment, the case where terminal device 4 is a smartphone will be mainly described.

[0032] The vending machine 1 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, comprises a selection reception unit 11, a first payment processing unit 12, a second payment processing unit 13, and a dispensing unit 14. The vending machine 1 may, for example, dispense food and beverages. That is, the items for sale of the vending machine 1 may, for example, be food and beverages. In this embodiment, the case in which the items for sale of the vending machine 1 are beverages in containers such as cans or plastic bottles will be mainly described. Note that "items for sale" is a term used from the seller's perspective, while from the buyer's perspective, it is called "items for purchase." Therefore, "items for sale" can also be considered as "items for purchase."

[0033] The selection reception unit 11 accepts the selection of items to be sold by the user 6. The user 6 may select items to be sold, for example, by pressing a selection button on the vending machine 1. The selection reception unit 11 may then accept the selection of items to be sold by the user 6. In response to the user 6 pressing a selection button on the vending machine 1, the selection reception unit 11 may accept information that can identify the items to be sold corresponding to that selection button, i.e., the items to be sold selected by the user 6. The information that can identify the items to be sold may be, for example, a column identifier that identifies the column in the vending machine 1 that contains the items to be sold. The column identifier may be, as an example, a column number. In this embodiment, the case in which the selection reception unit 11 accepts a column identifier, which is a column number that identifies the items to be sold selected by the user 6, will be mainly described. As an example, this column identifier and the vending machine identifier that identifies the vending machine 1 may be used as an item identifier that identifies the items to be sold.

[0034] The selection reception unit 11 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 11 may or may not include a device for receiving the selection (e.g., an input interface). Furthermore, the selection reception unit 11 may be implemented by hardware or by software such as a driver that drives a predetermined device.

[0035] The first and second payment processing units 12 and 13 each perform payment processing for the sale of the items selected by the selection acceptance unit 11. The payment processing performed by the first and second payment processing units 12 and 13 is different. The first and second payment processing units 12 and 13 may repeatedly decide whether or not to start payment processing. If either of the first or second payment processing units 12 or 13 starts payment processing, the other payment processing units will not perform payment processing. For example, if payment processing is started by the first payment processing unit 12, the second payment processing unit 13 will not perform payment processing, and if payment processing is started by the second payment processing unit 13, the first payment processing unit 12 will not perform payment processing. The payment processing performed by the first and second payment processing units 12 and 13 is the process of charging the user 6 for the purchase of the items for sale.

[0036] In this embodiment, as an example, the case in which the first payment processing unit 12 performs payment processing using the processing on the terminal device 4 held by the user 6, and the second payment processing unit 13 performs payment processing using electronic money will be mainly described. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the case in which the first payment processing unit 12 comprises a recording medium 121, a storage unit 122, a first control unit 123, and a first communication unit 124, and the second payment processing unit 13 comprises a reception unit 131, a second control unit 132, a payment unit 133, and a second communication unit 134 will be mainly described. Note that the payment processing by the first payment processing unit 12 may be the same as the payment processing described in Patent Document 1 above, for example.

[0037] The recording medium 121 stores a first identifier that identifies the vending machine 1. This recording medium 121 may, for example, be a card-shaped recording medium. The recording medium 121 may be, for example, an IC card, or it may be another recording medium. 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 121 may be a medium that uses short-range wireless communication. The recording medium 121 may, for example, be a recording medium having an RF tag such as Felica® or MIFARE®. If the recording medium 121 is a Felica IC card, the first identifier may, for example, be a pair of a system code and an IDm stored in the recording medium 121. In this embodiment, the case in which the recording medium 121 is an IC card having an RF tag will be mainly described.

[0038] The storage unit 122 stores a second identifier that identifies the vending machine 1. It is preferable that the first identifier and the second identifier are different, but this is not required. In this embodiment, the case in which the first identifier and the second identifier are different will be mainly described. This second identifier is assumed to be linked to the first identifier stored in the recording medium 121. The information linking the first identifier and the second identifier may be held, for example, by the first server 2. The storage unit 122 may also store information other than the second identifier. For example, the vending machine identifier that identifies the vending machine 1 may be stored in the storage unit 122. Furthermore, the process by which information such as the second identifier is stored in the storage unit 122 is not specified. For example, information may be stored in the storage unit 122 via a recording medium, information transmitted via a communication line or the like may be stored in the storage unit 122, or information input via an input device may be stored in the storage unit 122. Furthermore, while the storage unit 122 is preferably implemented using a non-volatile recording medium, it may also be implemented using a volatile recording medium. The recording medium may be, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0039] The first control unit 123 controls the second payment processing unit 13 to not perform payment processing when payment processing is initiated by the terminal device 4 held by the user 6 reading the first identifier from the recording medium 121. The first control unit 123 may, for example, detect that the first identifier has been read by detecting radio waves output from the reader / writer of the terminal device 4, or the current generated in the RF tag by those radio waves, when the first identifier is read from the recording medium 121 having an RF tag. The method by which the first control unit 123 controls the second payment processing unit 13 to not perform payment processing is not limited. As an example, the first control unit 123 may instruct the second payment processing unit 13 to stop payment processing. The second payment processing unit 13 may then stop payment processing in response to that instruction. When payment processing by the first payment processing unit 12 is initiated, the second payment processing unit 13 will not perform payment processing due to this control by the first control unit 123.

[0040] The first communication unit 124 transmits to the first server 2, which performs settlement processing for the first settlement processing unit 12, a sales target identifier that identifies the sales target selected by the selection reception unit 11, and a second identifier stored in the storage unit 122. This transmission may, for example, be performed immediately after the selection of the sales target is accepted by the selection reception unit 11. The transmitted sales target identifier may include, for example, a column identifier accepted by the selection reception unit 11 and a vending machine identifier stored in the storage unit 122. Along with the sales target identifier, the first communication unit 124 may also transmit to the first server 2 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.

[0041] The first communication unit 124 receives settlement completion information from the first server 2 in response to the transmission of the sales target identifier and the second identifier, indicating the completion of settlement for the sales target identified by the sales target identifier. This settlement completion information is transmitted from the first server 2 when settlement is completed in response to the transmission of the sales target identifier and the second identifier by the first communication unit 124. For example, if settlement is not completed in the first server 2 in response to the transmission of the sales target identifier and the second identifier by the first communication unit 124, the first communication unit 124 may receive error information from the first server 2 indicating that settlement was not completed, or it may not receive any information at all. As an example, the sales target identifier, which 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 first communication unit 124.

[0042] The first communication unit 124 may, for example, stop communicating with the first server 2 if it receives an instruction from the second settlement processing unit 13 to stop the settlement processing of the first settlement processing unit 12, as will be described later.

[0043] The first communication unit 124 may or may not include a wired or wireless communication device (e.g., a modem or network card) for communication. Furthermore, the first communication unit 124 may be implemented by hardware or by software such as a driver for operating the communication device.

[0044] The reception unit 131 receives payment information. The payment information may include a payment method identifier that identifies the payment method, transmitted by short-range wireless communication from a recording medium held by the user 6. The recording medium held by the user 6 may be, for example, incorporated into the terminal device 4 or other terminal devices, or it may not be. In the latter case, the recording medium may be, for example, a card-shaped recording medium. The recording medium held by the user 6 may be, for example, similar to the recording medium 121. The reception unit 131 may, for example, read the payment method identifier stored in the recording medium held by the user 6 from that recording medium using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). In this embodiment, the case in which the recording medium held by the user 6 is the recording medium 45 of the terminal device 4 will be mainly described. The recording medium 45 will be described later.

[0045] The payment method identifier may be an identifier used in electronic payments such as credit cards, debit cards, or electronic money, and may be an identifier associated with user 6. By using this payment method identifier, electronic payments related to user 6 associated with that payment method identifier can be made. As an example, the payment method identifier may be an identifier that identifies an IC card for electronic money.

[0046] The receiving unit 131 may, for example, read information from a recording medium or receive information transmitted wirelessly. In this embodiment, as described above, the case in which the receiving unit 131 is an RFID reader / writer and reads a payment method identifier from a recording medium using RFID will be mainly described. As an example, the receiving unit 131 may also receive information from the recording medium, including the balance of the payment method identified by that payment method identifier, along with the payment method identifier. The receiving unit 131 may or may not include a device for receiving data (for example, a reader / writer or a communication device). The receiving unit 131 may be implemented by hardware or by software such as a driver that drives a predetermined device.

[0047] The second control unit 132 controls the first payment processing unit 12 so that it does not perform payment processing when payment processing is initiated by receiving payment-related information from the receiving unit 131. For example, the second control unit 132 may control the first payment processing unit 12 so that it does not perform payment processing when a payment method identifier is received by the receiving unit 131. This embodiment will mainly describe this case. Furthermore, the method by which the second control unit 132 controls the first payment processing unit 12 so that it does not perform payment processing is not limited. For example, the second control unit 132 may instruct the first payment processing unit 12 to stop payment processing. The first payment processing unit 12 may then stop payment processing in response to that instruction. When payment processing by the second payment processing unit 13 is initiated, the first payment processing unit 12 will not perform payment processing due to the control by the second control unit 132.

[0048] The settlement unit 133 uses the settlement information received by the reception unit 131 to settle the sale items selected by the selection reception unit 11. The settlement unit 133 may, for example, settle using the payment method identifier received by the reception unit 131. This settlement may be a charge for the sale items selected by the payment method identified by the received payment method identifier. The settlement unit 133 may, for example, settle using the payment method identifier received by the reception unit 131 and the balance of the payment method identified by that payment method identifier. In addition, as an example, when the settlement unit 133 settles using the received payment method identifier, it may communicate with the second server 3 via the second communication unit 134. In this case, for example, the settlement unit 133 may request the second server 3 to process the settlement and receive the result of that settlement process. The settlement process performed by the settlement unit 133 may be, for example, the processing of electronic payments such as electronic money. Processing of electronic payments is already publicly known, and a detailed explanation thereof is omitted.

[0049] The settlement unit 133 may, for example, receive the price of the selected item from the selection receiving unit 11, or it may receive an identifier that identifies the selected item from the selection receiving unit 11 and identify the price associated with that identifier. In the latter case, for example, in the vending machine 1, one or more pieces of information relating a column identifier that identifies an item for sale to the price of that item for sale are stored in a storage unit (not shown), and the settlement unit 133 may use that information to identify the price of the item for sale. The settlement unit 133 may, for example, use the price received or identified as described above to make a payment.

[0050] The settlement unit 133 may, for example, stop processing a payment if it receives instructions from the first settlement processing unit 12 to stop the settlement processing of the second settlement processing unit 13. The settlement unit 133 may also, for example, transmit information regarding the settlement result to the second server 3 via the second communication unit 134. The transmission of information regarding the settlement result to the second server 3 may be, for example, done to bill an electronic payment provider such as an electronic money provider for the amount settled by the settlement unit 133. The information regarding the settlement result may be transmitted to the second server 3 each time a payment is made, or it may be transmitted to the second server 3 in a batch for multiple payments. In the latter case, for example, the transmission of information regarding the settlement result to the second server 3 may be done periodically, such as once a day or once a week.

[0051] The second communication unit 134 communicates with the second server 3, which performs processing related to the second settlement processing unit 13. The second communication unit 134 may or may not include a wired or wireless communication device (e.g., a modem or network card) for communication. Furthermore, the second communication unit 134 may be implemented by hardware or by software such as a driver that drives the communication device.

[0052] The first and second payment processing units 12 and 13 may, for example, repeatedly decide sequentially whether to start payment processing, or they may decide randomly. In the former case, if the vending machine 1 has two payment processing units, as shown in Figure 2, the first and second payment processing units 12 and 13 may, for example, repeatedly decide alternately whether to start payment processing. For example, the detection of the reading of a first identifier from the recording medium 121 and the determination of whether the receiving unit 131 has received the payment method identifier may be performed sequentially and repeatedly. If the reading of the first identifier is detected, the first control unit 123 controls the second payment processing unit 13 not to perform payment processing, and if the payment method identifier has been received, the second control unit 132 controls the first payment processing unit 12 not to perform payment processing, thereby ensuring that payment processing is performed in only one of the payment processing units. Furthermore, if the vending machine 1 has three or more payment processing units, these three or more units may, for example, repeatedly decide whether to start payment processing in a predetermined order, or they may repeatedly decide whether to start payment processing randomly. These three or more payment processing units may also execute payment processing exclusively. In this embodiment, the case in which the first and second payment processing units 12 and 13 repeatedly decide whether to start payment processing in sequence will be mainly described.

[0053] Furthermore, the first and second payment processing units 12 and 13 may, for example, start a process to repeatedly determine whether to start payment processing in response to the acceptance of the selection of a product to be sold in the vending machine 1. Subsequently, after payment processing has started in one of the first and second payment processing units 12 and 13, control may be implemented to prevent payment processing from being performed in the payment processing unit that did not start payment processing. Also, once payment processing is completed in the payment processing unit that is currently performing payment processing, both the first and second payment processing units 12 and 13 may refrain from performing payment processing until, for example, the selection of the next product to be sold is accepted.

[0054] The supply unit 14 provides the user 6 with the sales item selected by the selection acceptance unit 11 when payment processing is performed by either the first or second payment processing unit 12 or 13. The supply unit 14 may, for example, control the mechanism for providing sales items in the vending machine 1 so that the sales item 5 selected when payment processing is performed by either the first or second payment processing unit 12 or 13 is dispensed from the vending machine 1. The mechanism for providing sales items is already publicly known, and a detailed explanation thereof is omitted. By the supply unit 14 controlling the mechanism for providing sales items in the vending machine 1 so that the sales item 5 for which payment has been completed is dispensed to the dispensing slot, for example, the user 6 can receive the desired sales item 5.

[0055] The provisioning unit 14 may, for example, provide the user 6 with the sales items selected by the selection receiving unit 11 when the first communication unit 124 receives payment completion information. Alternatively, the provisioning unit 14 may provide the user 6 with the sales items selected by the selection receiving unit 11 in response to payment by the payment unit 133. Providing sales items in response to payment may mean providing sales items in response to the completion of the payment processing by the payment unit 133, or it may mean providing sales items in response to the fact that payment can be executed, i.e., that there will be no errors in the payment processing, even before the payment processing by the payment unit 133 is completed. One example of not having errors in the payment processing is that the amount subject to payment, i.e., the amount of the sales items, is less than the balance of the electronic payment corresponding to the payment method identifier.

[0056] Furthermore, if the first communication unit 124 receives error information, or if payment completion information is not received even after a predetermined period has elapsed since the first communication unit 124 transmitted the sales target identifier or the second identifier, or if payment by the payment unit 133 is not completed, the provision unit 14 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 may not be notified.

[0057] The first server 2 according to this embodiment includes a receiving unit 21, a server storage unit 22, a server settlement unit 23, and a transmitting unit 24, as shown in Figure 3.

[0058] The receiving unit 21 receives a pair transmitted from the vending machine 1, which consists of a sales target identifier that identifies the sales target selected by the vending machine 1 and a second identifier that identifies the vending machine 1. The receiving unit 21 may, for example, store the received pair of sales target identifier and second identifier in the server storage unit 22. The receiving unit 21 may also receive 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, along with the sales target identifier. The receiving unit 21 also receives a pair transmitted from the terminal device 4 held by the user 6 who selected the sales target at the vending machine 1, which consists of a user identifier that identifies user 6 and a first identifier that identifies the vending machine 1. The receiving unit 21 may, for example, store the received pair of user identifier and first identifier in the server storage unit 22.

[0059] When the receiving unit 21 stores the received pairs of sales target identifiers and second identifiers in the server storage unit 22, it is preferable to store them in a way that allows it to identify which pair is the most recent among the pairs containing the same second identifier. For this reason, the receiving unit 21 may, for example, store the received pairs of sales target identifiers and second identifiers in association with the date and time of their receipt. If a pair containing the same second identifier as the received pair of sales target identifiers and second identifiers is already stored in the server storage unit 22, the received pair may be stored by overwriting the already stored pair. Furthermore, pairs of sales target identifiers and second identifiers stored in the server storage unit 22 may be deleted if, for example, a predetermined period of time has elapsed since they were received but no settlement has been made using that pair. The most recent pair of sales target identifiers and second identifiers is the pair of sales target identifiers and second identifiers that was last received.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The server storage unit 22 stores one or more first correspondence information records that associate a user identifier that identifies user 6 with payment information related to user 6. This first correspondence information records the association between user 6 and the payment information. This embodiment mainly describes the case where multiple first correspondence information records are stored in the server storage unit 22.

[0062] 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 any other string of characters that can identify the user.

[0063] Payment information is the information used when making a payment to 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, and may also include the security code as needed. If the payment method is electronic money, the payment information may include the information required for electronic money payment.

[0064] Furthermore, the server storage unit 22 may store, for example, one or more second correspondence information that associates the first identifier with the second identifier. This second correspondence information links the first identifier with the second identifier. It is assumed that the first identifier and the second identifier associated by the second correspondence information identify the same vending machine 1. In this embodiment, the case in which the first identifier and the second identifier are associated by the second correspondence information will be mainly described, but the first identifier and the second identifier may also be associated by a function or by other methods. When the first identifier and the second identifier are associated by a function, for example, the result of substituting the first identifier into the function may become the second identifier.

[0065] Furthermore, the server storage unit 22 may also store one or more sales target correspondence information, for example, which 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. Note that if the price of the sales target is also received by the receiving unit 21, the server storage unit 22 does not need to store the sales target correspondence information.

[0066] 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.

[0067] Furthermore, the server storage unit 22 may store information other than that described above. For example, the server storage unit 22 may store pairs of sales target identifiers and second identifiers received by the receiving unit 21, as described above.

[0068] The process by which information is stored in the server storage unit 22 is irrelevant. For example, information may be stored in the server storage unit 22 via a recording medium, information transmitted via a communication line or the like may be stored in the server storage unit 22, information input via an input device may be stored in the server storage unit 22, or information may be accumulated in the server storage unit 22 by other components such as the receiving unit 21.

[0069] The server 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.

[0070] When the receiving unit 21 receives a pair of user identifiers and first identifiers, the server settlement unit 23 uses the settlement information associated with the user identifier by the first correspondence information to settle the sale item identified by the sale item identifier included in the latest pair of sale item identifiers and second identifiers received by the receiving unit 21, which includes the second identifier linked to the first identifier. The second identifier linked to the received first identifier may, for example, be the second identifier associated with the first identifier by the second correspondence information. Furthermore, the latest pair of sale item identifiers and second identifiers that includes the second identifier linked to the received first identifier is the pair of sale item identifiers and second identifiers that includes that second identifier and was last received by the receiving unit 21.

[0071] The server settlement unit 23 may, for example, identify the settlement information associated with the user identifier by the first correspondence information when a pair of user identifiers and first identifiers is received. Alternatively, the server settlement unit 23 may identify the second identifier associated with the received first identifier by the second correspondence information, identify the pair of received sales target identifiers and second identifiers that includes the identified second identifier, and identify the sales target identifier included in the last received pair among the identified pairs. Furthermore, as an example, the server settlement unit 23 may use the sales target correspondence information stored in the server storage unit 22 to identify the price corresponding to the identified sales target identifier, and perform settlement using the identified settlement information for that identified price. Also, if the price of the sales target is also received by the receiving unit 21, the server settlement unit 23 may, as an example, perform settlement using the identified settlement information for the received price. In this way, the server 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 payment, user 6, identified by the received user identifier, will be charged according to the price of the item sold, identified by the received item sold identifier.

[0072] Furthermore, if no payment information exists that can be associated with the received user identifier by the first 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 user identifier by the first 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.

[0073] When payment is made by the server payment unit 23, the transmitting unit 24 transmits payment completion information to the vending machine 1 corresponding to that payment, indicating that the payment has been completed. When payment is made by the server payment unit 23, it is preferable that this occurs after the payment processing by the server payment unit 23 has finished, but it may also occur when payment has not yet been completed by the server payment unit 23, but it has become clear that payment can be made, that is, when it has become clear that there will be no errors in the payment processing. The vending machine 1 corresponding to the payment may be the vending machine 1 that transmitted the sales target identifier, etc., that triggered the payment. The transmitting unit 24 may, for example, transmit payment completion information to the address of the source of the sales target identifier or second identifier received by the receiving unit 21. In response to the transmission of this payment completion information, the vending machine 1 will provide the sales target to the user 6. The payment completion information transmitted to the vending machine 1 may, for example, only include the fact that payment has been completed, or it may include the sales target identifier received by the receiving unit 21. If the payment by the server payment unit 23 is not completed, the transmission unit 24 may, for example, send error information to the vending machine 1 corresponding to that payment.

[0074] Furthermore, the transmitting unit 24 may, for example, transmit payment completion information or error information to the terminal device 4 held by the user 6 who selected the sales target. In this case, the transmitting unit 24 may, for example, transmit the payment completion information or error information to the source address of the user identifier or first identifier received by the receiving unit 21.

[0075] The transmitting unit 24 may or may not include a transmitting device (e.g., a modem or network card) for transmitting data. Furthermore, the transmitting unit 24 may be implemented by hardware or by software such as a driver for operating the transmitting device.

[0076] The second server 3 may be a server that processes the payment of the amount settled using the payment method identified by the payment method identifier in the second payment processing unit 13 of the vending machine 1 to the business operator that provided the product for sale, for example, the business operator that installed the vending machine 1, in accordance with the result of the settlement using the payment method identifier in the second payment processing unit 13 of the vending machine 1. The second server 3 may also receive and store information regarding the settlement results and process payments related to them at predetermined timings. These processes are already publicly known, and a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0077] The terminal device 4 according to this embodiment is held by a user 6 who purchases an item for sale at the vending machine 1, and as shown in Figure 4, it comprises a touch panel 41, a communication unit 42, a reading unit 43, a first execution unit 44, a recording medium 45, and a second execution unit 46.

[0078] The touch panel 41 receives instructions and operations from the user 6. The touch panel 41 may also display the results of the operations. In addition, the terminal device 4 may be equipped with, for example, an input device such as a keyboard or mouse that accepts input, and a display device that displays images, instead of the touch panel 41.

[0079] The communication unit 42 performs wireless communication via the communication line 500. The communication unit 42 may, for example, communicate with the first server 2 which performs settlement processing related to the first settlement processing unit 12. The communication unit 42 may or may not include a wireless communication device for communication. Furthermore, the communication unit 42 may be implemented by hardware or by software such as a driver that drives the communication device.

[0080] The reading unit 43 reads a first identifier from the recording medium 121 of the vending machine 1. This reading of the first identifier may be performed, for example, by reading the first identifier stored in the recording medium 121 from the recording medium 121 using RFID. In this case, the reading unit 43 may read the first identifier from the recording medium 121 using, for example, an RFID reader / writer. The reading unit 43 may or may not include a device such as a reader / writer. Furthermore, the reading unit 43 may be implemented by hardware, or by software such as a driver that drives a device such as a reader / writer.

[0081] The first execution unit 44 performs the necessary processing for the vending machine 1 to perform payment processing by the first payment processing unit 12. For example, the first execution unit 44 may execute application software (hereinafter simply referred to as "application") related to the payment processing by the first payment processing unit 12. When this application is executed, the reading unit 43 may read the first identifier stored in the recording medium 121 of the vending machine 1, and the communication unit 42 may transmit the user identifier stored in the recording medium (not shown) of the terminal device 4 and the read first identifier to the first server 2. In addition, when payment completion information or error information is transmitted from the first server 2 to the terminal device 4, it may be received via the communication unit 42 and displayed on the touch panel 41 by the first execution unit 44.

[0082] The recording medium 45 stores the payment method identifier. The recording medium 45 may also store information such as the balance related to the payment method identified by the payment method identifier. The information such as the payment method identifier stored in the recording medium 45 may be read by the reception unit 131 of the vending machine 1. This reading may be done by RFID, as described above.

[0083] The second execution unit 46 performs the necessary processing for the vending machine 1 to perform payment processing by the second payment processing unit 13. The second execution unit 46 may, for example, control whether or not information stored in the recording medium 45 can be read. More specifically, the second execution unit 46 may, for example, allow the payment method identifier stored in the recording medium 45 to be read by the reception unit 131 in order for the second payment processing unit 13 to perform payment processing. Furthermore, it is preferable that the second execution unit 46 does not perform processing when the first execution unit 44 is performing processing. For this reason, the second execution unit 46 may, for example, prevent the reading of the payment method identifier from the recording medium 45 when the first execution unit 44 is performing processing. In this way, for example, when the first execution unit 44 is performing processing for the first payment processing unit 12 to perform payment processing, the second payment processing unit 13 will not perform payment processing.

[0084] Next, the operation of vending machine 1 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 5.

[0085] (Step S101) The selection receiving unit 11 determines whether it has received a selection of the items to be sold. If it has received a selection of the items to be sold, it proceeds to step S102; otherwise, it repeats the process in step S101 until it receives a selection of the items to be sold.

[0086] (Step S102) The first communication unit 124 of the first settlement processing unit 12 transmits to the first server 2 a sales target identifier that identifies the sales target for which the selection has been accepted, and a second identifier stored in the storage unit 122.

[0087] (Step S103) The first control unit 123 of the first settlement processing unit 12 determines whether the first identifier has been read from the recording medium 121. If the first identifier has been read, the process proceeds to step S104; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S108.

[0088] (Step S104) The first control unit 123 of the first settlement processing unit 12 controls the second settlement processing unit 13 so that it does not perform settlement processing. In this flowchart, when the process proceeds from step S103 to step S104, the processing from step S108 to step S112 is not executed, and therefore the settlement processing by the second settlement processing unit 13 is not performed.

[0089] (Step S105) The first communication unit 124 of the first settlement processing unit 12 determines whether it has received information from the first server 2. If it has received information, it proceeds to step S106; otherwise, it repeats the process in step S105 until it receives information. If a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the transmission of the sales target identifier and the second identifier, and no information has been received from the first server 2, it may be determined that a timeout has occurred and the process may return to step S101. The received information may also be passed to, for example, the provision unit 14. In this case, for example, the settlement processing by the first settlement processing unit 12 may be terminated after the received information has been passed to the provision unit 14.

[0090] (Step S106) The providing unit 14 determines whether the information received from the first server 2 is payment completion information. If payment completion information is received from the first server 2, the process proceeds to step S107. Otherwise, for example, if error information is received from the first server 2, the process returns to step S101. When returning to step S101, the providing unit 14 may output to the user 6 that the payment was not completed. This output may be, for example, displayed or spoken.

[0091] (Step S107) The supply unit 14 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.

[0092] (Step S108) The receiving unit 131 of the second settlement processing unit 13 determines whether it has received the payment method identifier. If it has received the payment method identifier, it proceeds to step S109; otherwise, it returns to step S103.

[0093] Furthermore, by repeatedly executing the processes in step S103 and step S108, the first and second settlement processing units 12 and 13 will sequentially and repeatedly determine whether or not to start the settlement process.

[0094] (Step S109) The second control unit 132 of the second settlement processing unit 13 controls the first settlement processing unit 12 so that it does not perform settlement processing. In this flowchart, when proceeding from step S108 to step S109, the processing from step S103 to step S106 is not executed, and therefore the first settlement processing unit 12 does not perform settlement processing.

[0095] (Step S110) The settlement unit 133 of the second settlement processing unit 13 uses the settlement method identifier received in step S108 to perform settlement for the sales item selected in step S101.

[0096] (Step S111) The settlement unit 133 determines whether the settlement process in step S110 has been completed. If the settlement process has been completed, the process proceeds to step S112; otherwise, it returns to step S101. If the process returns to step S101, for example, a message indicating that the settlement was not completed may be output to the user 6. This output may be provided, for example, by the provision unit 14. This output may also be provided, for example, by display or audio.

[0097] (Step S112) The settlement unit 133 transmits information regarding the settlement result to the second server 3 via the second communication unit 134. Then, the process proceeds to step S107. Note that the settlement processing by the second settlement processing unit 13 may be terminated after the information regarding the settlement result has been transmitted to the second server 3.

[0098] Note that while the flowchart in Figure 5 shows a case where information regarding the settlement result is transmitted each time the settlement process in the second settlement processing unit 13 is completed, this information regarding the settlement result may be transmitted all at once, for example. Also, the order of processing in the flowchart in Figure 5 is just an example, and the order of each step may be changed if the same result can be obtained. Furthermore, in the flowchart in Figure 5, the process may be terminated by power off or processing termination interrupt.

[0099] Next, the operation of the first server 2 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 6.

[0100] (Step S201) The receiving unit 21 determines whether it has received the sales target identifier and the second identifier from the vending machine 1. If it has received the sales target identifier and the second identifier, it proceeds to step S202; otherwise, it proceeds to step S203.

[0101] (Step S202) The receiving unit 21 stores the received sales target identifier and second identifier in the server storage unit 22. Then, the process returns to step S201.

[0102] (Step S203) The receiving unit 21 determines whether it has received the user identifier and the first identifier from the terminal device 4. If it has received the user identifier and the first identifier, it proceeds to step S204; otherwise, it returns to step S201. The received user identifier and the first identifier may be stored, for example, in the server storage unit 22.

[0103] (Step S204) The server settlement unit 23 determines whether there is settlement information associated with the user identifier received in step S203 by the first correspondence information. If such settlement information exists, the process proceeds to step S205; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S210.

[0104] (Step S205) The server settlement unit 23 identifies the second identifier that is associated with the first identifier received in step S203 by the second correspondence information.

[0105] (Step S206) The server settlement unit 23 identifies the pair of sales target identifier and second identifier that has been received up to that point and is stored in the server storage unit 22, the pair that includes the second identifier identified in step S205, and that was received the most recently, and identifies the sales target identifier included in that pair.

[0106] (Step S207) The server settlement unit 23 uses the settlement information associated with the user identifier received in step S203 by the first correspondence information to settle the sale item identified by the sale item identifier identified in step S206. In this settlement, the server settlement unit 23 may, for example, use the price associated with the identified sale item identifier by the sale item correspondence information.

[0107] (Step S208) The server settlement unit 23 determines whether the settlement in step S207 has been completed. If the settlement has been completed, it proceeds to step S209; otherwise, it proceeds to step S210.

[0108] (Step S209) The transmitting unit 24 transmits payment completion information to the vending machine 1 that transmitted the sales target identifier identified in step S206. The transmitting unit 24 may also transmit payment completion information to the terminal device 4 that transmitted the user identifier received in step S203. Then, the process returns to step S101.

[0109] (Step S210) The transmitting unit 24 transmits error information to the vending machine 1 that transmitted the sales target identifier identified in step S206. The transmitting unit 24 may also transmit error information to the terminal device 4 that transmitted the user identifier received in step S203. Then, the process returns to step S101.

[0110] Note that the order of processing in the flowchart in Figure 6 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 6, processing may be terminated by power off or processing termination interrupt.

[0111] Next, the operation of terminal device 4 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 7.

[0112] (Step S301) The first execution unit 44 determines whether to execute the processing in the terminal device 4 for which the first payment processing unit 12 of the vending machine 1 performs payment processing. If it decides to execute the processing in the terminal device 4 for which the first payment processing unit 12 performs payment processing, it proceeds to step S302; otherwise, it proceeds to step S304. The first execution unit 44 may, for example, decide to execute the processing in the terminal device 4 for which the first payment processing unit 12 performs payment processing if an application for executing the processing in the terminal device 4 for which the first payment processing unit 12 performs payment processing is launched by the user 6.

[0113] (Step S302) The first execution unit 44 controls the second execution unit 46 so that the processing in the terminal device 4 for settlement processing by the second settlement processing unit 13 is not executed. In this flowchart, when proceeding from step S301 to step S302, the processing in steps S306 and S307 is not executed, and therefore the processing by the second execution unit 46 is not performed.

[0114] (Step S303) The first execution unit 44 executes processing in the terminal device 4 for payment processing by the first payment processing unit 12. The first execution unit 44 may, for example, control the reading unit 43 to read the first identifier from the recording medium 121 when the user 6 brings the terminal device 4 close to the recording medium 121 of the vending machine 1. The first execution unit 44 may also perform processing to transmit the user identifier held in the terminal device 4 and the read first identifier to the first server 2. When the execution of processing in the terminal device 4 for payment processing by the first payment processing unit 12 is completed, the process returns to step S301. As an example, when the processing in step S303 is completed, the first execution unit 44 may enable the second execution unit 46 to execute processing in the terminal device 4 for payment processing by the second payment processing unit 13. Accordingly, the second execution unit 46 will be able to execute that processing.

[0115] (Step S304) The second execution unit 46 determines whether to execute the processing in the terminal device 4 for payment processing by the second payment processing unit 13 of the vending machine 1. If it decides to execute the processing in the terminal device 4 for payment processing by the second payment processing unit 13, it proceeds to step S305; otherwise, it returns to step S301. The second execution unit 46 may, for example, decide to execute the processing in the terminal device 4 for payment processing by the second payment processing unit 13 if the payment method identifier stored in the recording medium 45 is read by the reader / writer of the receiving unit 131 of the second payment processing unit 13.

[0116] (Step S305) The second execution unit 46 executes a process for the second settlement processing unit 13 to perform settlement processing. This process may be, for example, a process that allows the reader / writer of the receiving unit 131 to read the settlement method identifier stored in the recording medium 45. When the execution of the process for the second settlement processing unit 13 to perform settlement processing is completed, the process returns to step S301.

[0117] Note that the order of processing in the flowchart in Figure 7 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 7, processing may be terminated by power off or processing termination interrupt.

[0118] 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 8A, a plurality of second correspondence information shown in Figure 8B, and a plurality of sales target correspondence information shown in Figure 8C are each stored in the server storage unit 22. The first correspondence information shown in Figure 8A includes a user identifier and payment information associated with that user identifier. The second correspondence information shown in Figure 8B includes a first identifier and a second identifier associated with that first identifier. The sales target correspondence information shown in Figure 8C includes a sales target identifier and information about the sales target identified by that sales target identifier, name of the sales target and price. The sales target identifier also includes a vending machine identifier and a column identifier. This column identifier is assumed to be a column number. As an example, the first sales target correspondence information shown in Figure 8C shows that the name of the sales target identified by the vending machine identifier "V001" and column identifier "01" is "ABC Water," and the price of that sales target is "130 yen." Note that the sales target information does not need to include the name of the product being sold.

[0119] First, we will explain the specific processing when payment processing is performed by the first payment processing unit 12. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the processing flow for multiple devices in that process. Note that "vending machine 1" in Figure 9 refers to the configuration of vending machine 1 other than the first and second payment processing units 12 and 13. Also, in Figure 9, the hatched periods for the first and second payment processing units 12 and 13 indicate that payment processing is being performed. This payment processing is assumed to include a process of repeatedly deciding whether or not to start payment processing in sequence. These points are also assumed to be the same in Figure 10.

[0120] In a certain vending machine 1, suppose a user identified by 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 selection button for that product. Then, the selection receiving unit 11 of the vending machine 1 receives a column identifier "01" corresponding to Product ABC Water in response to the product selection by User U001, and passes the column identifier "01" to the first and second payment processing units 12 and 13, and the supply unit 14 (step S101).

[0121] Upon receiving the column identifier, the first communication unit 124 of the first settlement processing unit 12 reads the vending machine identifier "V001" of the vending machine 1 stored in the storage unit 122, and transmits the sales target identifier, which includes the vending machine identifier "V001" and the received column identifier "01", along with the second identifier "B001" stored in the storage unit 122, to the first server 2 (step S102).

[0122] The pair of a sales target identifier and a second identifier transmitted from the vending machine 1 is received by the receiving unit 21 of the first server 2 and stored in the server storage unit 22 (steps S201, S202). If a pair containing the second identifier to be stored is already stored in the server storage unit 22, the receiving unit 21 overwrites the stored pair with the received pair of sales target identifier and second identifier. In this way, for each second identifier, only the latest pair is stored in the server storage unit 22. The receiving unit 21 also stores the source address of the received pair of sales target identifier and second identifier in the server storage unit 22, associating it with the pair.

[0123] Upon receiving the column identifier, a loop process is initiated that sequentially and repeatedly determines whether to start settlement processing by the first and second settlement processing units 12 and 13 (steps S103, S108). The first and second settlement processing units 12 and 13 may sequentially and repeatedly determine whether to start settlement processing at short intervals, such as 0.1 seconds.

[0124] During this loop processing, suppose user U001 operates the touch panel 41 of the terminal device 4 that it is holding, thereby launching an application for the first settlement processing unit 12 to perform settlement processing. In response, the first execution unit 44 launches the application and controls the second execution unit 46 to prevent the processing from being executed (steps S301, S302). In response to the launch of the application, the first execution unit 44 sets the reading unit 43 to scan mode to read information from the RF tag. Also, in response to the control by the first execution unit 44, the second execution unit 46 sets the recording medium 45 so that the settlement method identifier cannot be read from the recording medium 45.

[0125] Subsequently, when user U001 holds the reading unit 43 of the terminal device 4 over the recording medium 121 of the vending machine 1, the reading unit 43 reads the first identifier "A001" stored in the recording medium 121 and passes it to the first execution unit 44. When the first control unit 123 of the first payment processing unit 12 of the vending machine 1 detects that the first identifier has been read from the recording medium 121, it controls the second payment processing unit 13 to not perform payment processing (steps S103, S104). In response to this control, the second payment processing unit 13 stops payment processing. Therefore, from this point onward, payment processing is performed only by the first payment processing unit 12, thus avoiding a situation where multiple payment processes are performed simultaneously.

[0126] When the first execution unit 44 of the terminal device 4 receives the first identifier from the reading unit 43, it reads the user identifier "U001" from the recording medium (not shown) and transmits the user identifier and the first identifier to the first server 2 (step S303). After this transmission, the first execution unit 44 releases the restriction on the second execution unit 46. In response to this release, the second execution unit 46 becomes able to execute processing. Note that if the terminal device 4 also receives payment completion information or error information from the first server 2, the restriction on the execution of processing by the second execution unit 46 may be released after receiving such information.

[0127] The pair of user identifier and first identifier transmitted from terminal device 4 is received by the receiving unit 21 of the first server 2 and passed to the server settlement unit 23 (step S203). Upon receiving the pair of user identifier and first identifier, the server settlement unit 23 searches the multiple first correspondence information shown in Figure 8A using the received user identifier "U001" as a search key, and reads the settlement information "P001" contained in the first correspondence information that matches. In this specific example, the fact that settlement information could be read means that settlement information corresponding to the received user identifier existed (step S204).

[0128] Furthermore, the server settlement unit 23 searches the multiple second correspondence information shown in Figure 8B using the received first identifier "A001" as a search key, and identifies the second identifier "B001" included in the second correspondence information that is found to be a hit (step S205). Subsequently, the server settlement unit 23 searches the one or more pairs of sales target identifiers and second identifiers stored in the server storage unit 22 using the identified second identifier "B001" as a search key, and identifies the sales target identifiers included in the pairs that are found to be a hit (step S206). The identified sales target identifiers include the vending machine identifier "V001" and the column identifier "01".

[0129] Subsequently, the server settlement unit 23 searches the multiple sales target information shown in Figure 8C using the identified sales target identifier, the vending machine identifier "V001" and the column identifier "01," as search keys, and reads the price "130 (yen)" included in the hit sales target information. Then, the server settlement unit 23 performs a settlement for that price "130 (yen)" using the read settlement information "P001" (step S207). In this specific example, it is assumed that this settlement has been completed (step S208). Then, the server settlement unit 23 transmits a message to the transmission unit 24 indicating that the settlement has been completed and the identified second identifier "B001."

[0130] Upon receiving confirmation that payment has been completed and the second identifier, the transmitting unit 24 reads the address of the vending machine 1 stored in the server storage unit 22 in association with the received second identifier, and transmits the payment completion information to that address (step S209). The transmitting unit 24 may also transmit the payment completion information to the terminal device 4 of user U001. In this case, the transmitting unit 24 may, for example, transmit the payment completion information to the source address of the user identifier and the first identifier.

[0131] Furthermore, if no payment information corresponding to the received user 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 (step S210). This error information may also be sent to the terminal device 4 of user U001.

[0132] The payment completion information transmitted to vending machine 1 is received by the first communication unit 124 in the first payment processing unit 12 of vending machine 1 and passed to the supply unit 14 (step S105). After this, the payment processing of the first payment processing unit 12 may also be terminated. Upon receiving the payment completion information, the supply unit 14 determines that the payment is complete and provides the product for sale with column identifier "01", which it had previously received from the selection receiving unit 11, i.e., the product ABC Water for sale, to user U001 (steps S106, S107). In this way, the product ABC Water for sale is dispensed from the dispensing opening, and user U001 can receive the product for sale.

[0133] Furthermore, if error information is received by the first communication unit 124 in the first payment processing unit 12 of the vending machine 1, the supply unit 14 will determine that the payment was not completed and will not provide the product to user U001 (steps S106, S107). The supply unit 14 may also output to user U001 that an error occurred during payment.

[0134] Furthermore, if payment completion information or error information is also transmitted to terminal device 4, this payment completion information or error information may be received, for example, by the communication unit 42 of terminal device 4 and displayed on the touch panel 41.

[0135] Next, we will explain the specific processing when the second settlement processing unit 13 performs settlement processing. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the flow of processing for multiple devices in that process.

[0136] In vending machine 1, suppose user U001 selects the product to be sold by pressing the selection button for ABC Water. Then, the selection reception unit 11 of vending machine 1 receives a column identifier "01" corresponding to the product to be sold, ABC Water, etc., according to the selection of the product to be sold, and passes the column identifier "01" to the first and second payment processing units 12 and 13, and the supply unit 14 (step S101).

[0137] Upon receiving the column identifier, the first communication unit 124 of the first settlement processing unit 12 reads the vending machine identifier "V001" of the vending machine 1 stored in the storage unit 122, and transmits the sales target identifier, which includes the vending machine identifier "V001" and the received column identifier "01", along with the second identifier "B001" stored in the storage unit 122, to the first server 2 (step S102).

[0138] The pair of a sales target identifier and a second identifier transmitted from the vending machine 1 is received by the receiving unit 21 of the first server 2 and stored in the server storage unit 22 (steps S201, S202). In addition, the address of the sender of the received pair of sales target identifier and second identifier is also stored in the server storage unit 22, associated with that pair. In this case, the first server 2 does not receive user identifiers, etc., from the terminal device 4, so the stored pair of sales target identifier and second identifier is not used for payment processing.

[0139] In response to the receipt of the column identifier, a loop process is initiated that sequentially and repeatedly determines whether to start the settlement process by the first and second settlement processing units 12 and 13 (steps S103, S108). During this loop process, suppose user U001 brings the recording medium 45 of the terminal device 4 that he is holding close to the receiving unit 131 of the second settlement processing unit 13 of the vending machine 1. Then, the second execution unit 46 of the terminal device 4 permits the reader / writer of the receiving unit 131 to read the settlement method identifier stored in the recording medium 45 (steps S304, S305). Accordingly, the reader / writer of the receiving unit 131 reads the settlement method identifier and balance from the recording medium 45, passes them to the settlement unit 133, and also informs the second control unit 132 that the settlement method identifier has been read (step S108). Upon receiving notification that the payment method identifier has been read, the second control unit 132 controls the first payment processing unit 12 to refrain from performing payment processing (step S109). In response to this control, the first payment processing unit 12 stops payment processing. Therefore, from this point onward, payment processing is performed only by the second payment processing unit 13, thus avoiding a situation where multiple payment processing operations are performed simultaneously.

[0140] The settlement unit 133 uses multiple pieces of information that associate column identifiers with prices to identify the price "130 (yen)" corresponding to the column identifier "01" received from the selection reception unit 11. Then, the settlement unit 133 uses the settlement method identifier and balance received from the reception unit 131 to make a settlement for the identified price "130 (yen)" (step S110). In this specific example, let's assume that this settlement has been completed (step S111). Then, the settlement unit 133 informs the provision unit 14 that the settlement has been completed and transmits information regarding the settlement result to the second server 3 via the second communication unit 134 (step S112). The information regarding the settlement result may include, for example, the accepted settlement method identifier, the amount of the sales item 5 provided to user U001, and a business identifier that identifies the business operator operating the vending machine 1. For example, if the payment is completed, the reader / writer of the reception unit 131 may write information such as the amount paid and the remaining balance after payment to the recording medium 45.

[0141] Information regarding the payment results transmitted from vending machine 1 is received and stored by the second server 3. Then, at a predetermined time, payments may be made to each business operator according to the information regarding the payment results. For example, the total amount of transmitted amounts may be calculated for each business operator, and that total amount may be paid to the business operator.

[0142] Upon receiving confirmation that payment has been completed, the supply unit 14 provides the product for sale with column identifier "01", which it had previously received from the selection receiving unit 11, i.e., the product ABC Water for sale, to user U001 (step S107). In this way, the product ABC Water for sale is discharged to the dispensing port, and user U001 can receive the product. If payment by the settlement unit 133 is not completed, the product for sale will not be provided to user U001 (step S111). In this case, for example, a message indicating that an error occurred during payment may be output to user U001.

[0143] As described above, with the vending machine 1 according to this embodiment, when the payment processing of the first payment processing unit 12 is started, the payment processing of the second payment processing unit 13 is not performed, and when the payment processing of the second payment processing unit 13 is started, the payment processing of the first payment processing unit 12 is not performed, thereby ensuring that only one of the multiple payment processing operations is performed. As a result, in a vending machine 1 capable of executing multiple payment processing operations, only one payment processing operation can be performed appropriately.

[0144] Furthermore, according to the first server 2 of this embodiment, by performing payment for the sales target identified by the latest set of sales target identifiers, which includes the second identifier linked to the first identifier received from the terminal device 4, among the sets of sales target identifiers and second identifiers received from the vending machine 1, it becomes possible to perform appropriate payment for the sales target 6 selected by user 6 at the vending machine 1.

[0145] Furthermore, according to the terminal device 4 of this embodiment, by preventing the second execution unit 46 from performing processing while the first execution unit 44 is performing processing, when the first settlement processing unit 12 is performing settlement processing, the terminal device 4 can prevent the processing necessary for the second settlement processing unit 13 to perform settlement processing from being performed. This prevents the second settlement processing unit from performing settlement processing when the user 6 is trying to have the first settlement processing unit perform settlement processing.

[0146] In this embodiment, the first control unit 123 has been described as controlling the second payment processing unit 13 not to perform payment processing when payment processing is initiated by the terminal device 4 reading the first identifier from the recording medium 121. However, this is not required. For example, the first control unit 123 may control the second payment processing unit 13 not to perform payment processing in response to the actions of user 6 who selects payment processing by the first payment processing unit 12. In this case, the selection of payment processing by the first payment processing unit 12 may be received by user 6 via an input device such as a button on the vending machine 1, via the terminal device 4, or by any other method. As an example, when the terminal device 4 reads the first identifier from the recording medium 121, user 6 may input via the application on the terminal device 4 that they select payment processing by the first payment processing unit 12, and the selection result may be transmitted from the terminal device 4 to the vending machine 1, received by the first communication unit 124, and passed to the first control unit 123. Furthermore, when the first identifier is read from the recording medium 121, it may, for example, occur before or after the reading.

[0147] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes a case in which the first payment processing unit 12 is controlled not to perform payment processing when the receiving unit 131 of the second payment processing unit 13 receives the payment method identifier, this is not required. For example, if the receiving unit 131 accepts the selection of the type of payment method before accepting the payment method identifier, the second control unit 132 may control the first payment processing unit 12 not to perform payment processing when the selection of the type of payment method is accepted by the receiving unit 131. In this case, the payment information accepted by the receiving unit 131 may include the selection of the type of payment method by the user 6. The user 6 may also select the type of payment method by pressing a button on the vending machine 1, for example. The receiving unit 131 may then accept the selection of the type of payment method by the user 6.

[0148] The type of payment method may be, for example, a type of electronic payment. The type of electronic payment may be, for example, a type of electronic money payment brand or a type of electronic money brand. The type of payment method may be, for example, a type specific to each business providing electronic payments, or it may include types related to the series of electronic payments (for example, transportation-related electronic money). After the selection of the type of payment method is received by the reception unit 131, for example, a payment method identifier corresponding to the selected type of payment method may be received, and payment processing using that payment method identifier may be performed as described above. In this way, if the second payment processing unit 13 of the vending machine 1 can perform payments using multiple types of payment methods, information regarding the payment result may be transmitted to the second server 3 corresponding to that type. In this case, the information processing system 100 may have two or more second servers 3.

[0149] Furthermore, although this embodiment mainly describes the case where the second settlement processing unit 13 has a second communication unit 134, this is not required. The second settlement processing unit 13 does not need to have a second communication unit 134 if it is not necessary to transmit information regarding the settlement result to the second server 3, or if communication with the second server 3 is not necessary in the settlement processing by the settlement unit 133. Also, if communication with the second server 3 is not necessary in the settlement processing of the second settlement processing unit 13, the information processing system 100 does not need to include a second server 3.

[0150] Furthermore, although this embodiment mainly describes the case in which the reception unit 131 reads the payment method identifier from a recording medium such as an IC card using RFID, this is not required. The reception unit 131 may, for example, receive the payment method identifier transmitted from the terminal device 4 via Bluetooth®, receive the payment method identifier transmitted via wireless LAN (IEEE802.11), receive the payment method identifier transmitted via IEEE802.15.4 such as ZigBee®, or receive the payment method identifier transmitted via other short-range wireless communication. The transmission via Bluetooth may, for example, be via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). In addition, the reception unit 131 may receive the payment method identifier by, for example, photographing and reading a code such as a two-dimensional code such as a QR code® or a barcode.

[0151] Furthermore, although this embodiment mainly describes the case where the vending machine 1 is equipped with first and second payment processing units 12 and 13, it is not required to be so. As described above, the vending machine 1 may be equipped with three or more payment processing units. When the vending machine 1 is equipped with multiple payment processing units, one or more of them may be similar to, for example, the first payment processing unit 12. When the vending machine 1 is equipped with two or more payment processing units similar to the first payment processing unit 12, the information processing system 100 may be equipped with two or more servers similar to the first server 2, corresponding to each of those two or more payment processing units. Also, when the vending machine 1 is equipped with multiple payment processing units, one or more of them may be similar to, for example, the second payment processing unit 13. When the vending machine 1 is equipped with two or more payment processing units similar to the second payment processing unit 13, the information processing system 100 may be equipped with two or more servers similar to the second server 3, corresponding to each of those two or more payment processing units. Furthermore, if the vending machine 1 is equipped with multiple payment processing units, one or more of these payment processing units may be different from, for example, the first and second payment processing units 12 and 13.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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 server settlement unit 23 of the first server 2 may perform settlement using the price indicated by the sales target identifier. In this case, for example, the server storage unit 22 does not need to store sales target correspondence information.

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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).

[0157] 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.

[0158] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if two or more components included in the vending machine 1, the first server 2, and the terminal device 4 have communication devices, input devices, etc., the two or more components may have a single physical device or they may have separate devices.

[0159] 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 a 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 causes the computer to execute the following steps: accepting the user's selection of a product to be sold; performing one of the first to N settlement processes for the sale of the selected product; and providing the selected product to the user when one of the first to N settlement processes has been performed, where N is an integer of 2 or more, and in the step of performing the settlement process, the program may repeatedly determine whether to start the first to N settlement processes, and if one of the first to N settlement processes is started, it may not perform any other settlement processes.

[0160] Furthermore, the software for realizing the first server 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 server storage unit that stores one or more correspondence pieces of information that associate a user identifier that identifies a user with payment information relating to the user to receive a pair of a sales target identifier that identifies a sales target selected by the vending machine and a second identifier that identifies the vending machine, transmitted from a vending machine; receive a pair of a user identifier that identifies a user and a first identifier that identifies the vending machine, which is linked to the second identifier, transmitted from a terminal device held by a user who has selected a sales target at the vending machine; when a pair of user identifiers and first identifiers is received, to perform a payment for the sales target identified by the sales target identifier included in the latest pair of received pairs of sales target identifiers and second identifiers, which includes the second identifier linked to the first identifier, using the payment information associated with the user identifier by correspondence information; and when a payment is made in the payment step, to transmit payment completion information to the vending machine corresponding to the payment.

[0161] Furthermore, the software for realizing the terminal device 4 in the above embodiment is the following program. In other words, this program is a program that causes a computer to execute processing on a terminal device held by a user who purchases an item for sale at a vending machine, and it may be a program that causes the computer to execute a first process necessary for the first settlement processing unit to perform settlement processing, and a second process necessary for the second settlement processing unit to perform settlement processing, and does not execute the process in the second process step when the processing in the first process step is being performed.

[0162] Furthermore, in the above program, steps such as receiving information, transmitting information, etc., 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 information or transmitting information.

[0163] 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.

[0164] Furthermore, the computer running this program may be single or multiple computers; that is, it may perform centralized processing or distributed processing.

[0165] 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]

[0166] 1 Vending machine 2. First Server 3. Second Server 4 Terminal devices 11 Selection Reception Section 12. First Payment Processing Unit 13. Second Payment Processing Unit 14 Providing Department 21 Receiving unit 22 Server Storage Unit 23 Server Payment Department 24 Transmitter 44 First Execution Unit 46 Second Executive Unit 121 Recording media 122 Storage section 123 First control unit 124 First Communications Department 131 Reception Department 132 Second control unit 133 Payment Department 134 Second Communications Department

Claims

1. A selection reception unit that accepts the user's selection of products to be sold, A first to Nth settlement processing unit performs settlement processing for the sale of the sale item selected by the selection receiving unit, The system includes a provisioning unit which provides the user with the sales target selected by the selection receiving unit when payment processing is performed by any of the first to N payment processing units, N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, A vending machine in which the first to Nth payment processing units repeatedly determine whether or not to start payment processing, and when any of the first to Nth payment processing units start payment processing, the other payment processing units do not perform payment processing.

2. N is 2, The first settlement processing unit, A recording medium in which a first identifier for identifying the vending machine is stored, A storage unit that stores a second identifier for identifying the vending machine, the second identifier being associated with the first identifier, When the first identifier is read from the recording medium by a terminal device held by the user, thereby initiating the payment process, the first control unit controls the second payment processing unit to not perform the payment process, The system includes a first communication unit that transmits a sales target identifier, which identifies a sales target whose selection has been accepted by the selection acceptance unit, and the second identifier, to a server that performs settlement processing related to the first settlement processing unit, and in response to such transmission, receives settlement completion information from the server indicating the completion of settlement for the sales target identified by the sales target identifier, The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the providing unit provides the user with the sales item selected by the selection receiving unit when payment completion information is received by the first communication unit.

3. The second settlement processing unit, A reception desk that handles payment-related information, When payment processing is initiated by receiving payment information from the reception unit, a second control unit controls the first payment processing unit to prevent it from performing payment processing, The system includes a settlement unit that uses the settlement information received by the reception unit to settle the sale for the item selected by the selection reception unit, The payment information includes a payment method identifier that identifies the payment method, transmitted by short-range wireless communication from a recording medium held by the user. The vending machine according to claim 2, wherein the supply unit provides the user with the sales items selected by the selection acceptance unit in response to payment by the settlement unit.

4. The vending machine according to claim 3, wherein the second control unit controls the first payment processing unit not to perform payment processing when a payment means identifier is received by the receiving unit.

5. The vending machine according to claim 3, wherein the reception unit reads a payment method identifier stored in a recording medium held by the user from the recording medium using RFID.

6. The payment information includes the user's selection of the type of payment method, The vending machine according to claim 3, wherein the second control unit controls the first payment processing unit not to perform payment processing when the reception unit receives a selection of the type of payment method.

7. The second settlement processing unit, The system further comprises a second communication unit that communicates with a second server that performs settlement processing related to the second settlement processing unit, The vending machine according to claim 3, wherein the settlement unit transmits information regarding the settlement result to the second server via the second communication unit.

8. A server storage unit that stores one or more correspondence pieces of information that associate a user identifier that identifies a user with payment information related to that user, A receiving unit that receives a pair transmitted from a vending machine, which consists of a sales target identifier that identifies the sales target selected by the vending machine and a second identifier that identifies the vending machine, and a receiving unit that receives a pair transmitted from a terminal device held by a user who selected a sales target at the vending machine, which consists of a user identifier that identifies the user and a first identifier that identifies the vending machine and is linked to the second identifier, When the receiving unit receives the user identifier and first identifier pair, the server settlement unit uses the settlement information associated with the user identifier by the correspondence information to settle the sale item identified by the sale item identifier included in the latest pair of the sale item identifier and second identifier pair received by the receiving unit, which includes the second identifier linked to the first identifier. A server comprising: a transmission unit that transmits payment completion information to a vending machine corresponding to the payment when payment is made by the server payment unit.

9. A terminal device held by a user who purchases an item for sale in a vending machine according to any one of claims 2 to 7, A first execution unit that performs the processing necessary for the settlement processing to be carried out by the first settlement processing unit, The system comprises a second execution unit that performs the necessary processing for the settlement processing to be carried out by the second settlement processing unit, A terminal device in which the second execution unit does not perform processing while the first execution unit is performing processing.

10. A method for providing a product for sale, which is processed using a selection receiving unit, first to N payment processing units that perform first to N payment processing, and a provisioning unit, The aforementioned selection receiving unit includes a step of receiving the user's selection of the product to be sold, The first to Nth settlement processing unit performs settlement processing for the sale of the selected item, The provisioning unit includes the step of providing the user with the selected sales item when the settlement process is performed by any of the first to N settlement processing units, N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, A method for providing products for sale, wherein in the step of performing the payment processing, it is repeatedly determined whether to start the first to Nth payment processing, and if any of the first to Nth payment processing is started, no other payment processing is performed.

11. A payment method processed using a server storage unit that stores one or more correspondence pieces of information that associate a user identifier that identifies a user with payment information related to that user, a receiving unit, a server payment unit, and a transmitting unit, The receiving unit receives a pair transmitted from the vending machine, which consists of a sales target identifier that identifies the sales target selected by the vending machine and a second identifier that identifies the vending machine. The receiving unit receives a set of a user identifier that identifies the user and a first identifier that identifies the vending machine, which is linked to a second identifier, transmitted from a terminal device held by a user who has selected a product to be sold in the vending machine. The server settlement unit, upon receiving the user identifier and first identifier pair, performs a settlement using the settlement information associated with the user identifier by the correspondence information, for the sales target identified by the sales target identifier included in the latest pair of the received sales target identifier and second identifier pair, which includes the second identifier linked to the first identifier. A payment 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.

12. On the computer, Steps to allow users to select the products to be sold, A step of performing one of the first to N settlement processes for the sale of the item for which the selection has been accepted, When any of the first to N payment processes described above is performed, the system is to perform the step of providing the user with the selected sales item. N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, A program that, in the step of performing the settlement process, repeatedly determines whether to start the first to Nth settlement processes, and if any of the first to Nth settlement processes are started, does not perform any other settlement processes.

13. A computer that can access a server storage unit that stores one or more correspondence pieces of information linking a user identifier that identifies a user with payment information related to that user, The steps include receiving a pair transmitted from a vending machine, which consists of a sales target identifier that identifies the sales target selected by the vending machine and a second identifier that identifies the vending machine, The steps include receiving a pair of a user identifier that identifies the user and a first identifier that identifies the vending machine, which is linked to a second identifier, transmitted from a terminal device held by a user who has selected a product to be sold in the vending machine, When the set of user identifier and first identifier is received, the payment is made using the payment information associated with the user identifier by the correspondence information, for the sales target identified by the sales target identifier included in the latest set of the received set of sales target identifier and second identifier, which includes the second identifier linked to the first identifier. 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.

14. A program for causing a computer to execute processing in a terminal device held by a user who purchases an item for sale in an automatic vending machine according to any one of claims 2 to 7, On the computer, The steps include: performing a first process necessary for the settlement process to be carried out by the first settlement processing unit; The steps include: executing a second process necessary for the settlement process to be carried out by the second settlement processing unit; A program that, while the process in the step of executing the first process is being performed, does not perform the process in the step of executing the second process.

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