Vending machines

Abstract

To provide a vending machine capable of minimizing the exclusive space of a locker. [Solution] A vending machine 11 is configured having a main body 18 and a front portion 19 that house a product 14 to be provided to a user, and another product 15 to be provided to the user and which is a different type from the product 14, a plurality of selection buttons 27 provided on the front portion 19 corresponding to the product 14 and the other product 15, respectively, a product removal opening 20 provided on the front portion 19, a plurality of delivery mechanisms provided on the main body 18 corresponding to the product 14 and the other product 15, respectively, and which send the product 14 and the other product 15 to the product removal opening 20, and a control device that, when any of the plurality of selection buttons 27 is operated, activates the delivery mechanism corresponding to the operated selection button 27.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vending machine that can provide a user with a product that is not contained within the vending machine in addition to the product contained within the vending machine. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of a vending machine that can provide users with products that are not contained within the vending machine in addition to the products contained within the vending machine is described in Patent Document 1. The vending machine described in Patent Document 1 includes a vending machine that sells one or more internal products, which are products, an attached product storehouse that is a storehouse that at least stores the one or more products and from which users can freely remove products, and a payment unit that performs internal payment processing related to payments for sales of the internal products and performs external payment processing related to payments for sales of external products that are products stored in the attached product storehouse. The attached product storehouse is a product storehouse separate from the vending machine and is located to the side of the vending machine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6831893 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The inventors of the present application recognized a problem in that the vending machine described in Patent Document 1 requires securing space to the side of the vending machine for arranging an accessory product storage unit.

[0005] To provide a vending machine that can sell products different from the products stored inside the vending machine and does not require a dedicated space to be provided around the vending machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This embodiment configures a vending machine having a main body that stores a product to be provided to a user and another product to be provided to the user and of a different type from the product, a plurality of selection buttons provided on the main body corresponding to the product and the other product, respectively, a product removal port provided on the main body, a plurality of delivery mechanisms provided on the main body corresponding to the product and the other product, respectively, and that send the product and the other product to the product removal port, and a control device that, when any of the plurality of selection buttons is operated, activates the delivery mechanism corresponding to the operated selection button. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The vending machine of this embodiment can provide the user with a product different from the product contained inside, and does not require a dedicated space around the vending machine. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system including a vending machine. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a vending machine. [Diagram 3] 13 is a flowchart showing an example in which a user acquires another product from a vending machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] (overview) In the present disclosure, an embodiment of a system including a vending machine is described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components are assigned the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 10 includes a vending machine 11, a user terminal 12, and a management computer 13. As shown in FIG. 2, the vending machine 11 has a configuration capable of selling a product 14 and another product 15 for a fee. In addition, the vending machine 11 has a configuration capable of providing the other product 15 free of charge. A user can obtain the product 14 and the other product 15 by operating the vending machine 11. In addition, the user can connect the user terminal 12 to the management computer 13 via a network 16. Next, the configuration and a usage example of the vending machine 11 will be described, and the configuration and an operation example of the user terminal 12 will be described.

[0010] (Vending Machine) The vending machine 11 is managed by a product seller or the like, and is placed at an installation location 17. The vending machine 11 has a box-shaped casing 18 and a front part 19 attached to the casing 18. The front part 19 is a door that is closed by a lock mechanism. Inside the casing 18, that is, in the column, a product insertion port, a rack, and a chute are provided. The product insertion port is connected to the rack, and the rack is connected to the chute. The chute is connected to a product removal port 20 provided in the front part 19. When the front part 19 is open, the product 14 and the other product 15 inserted from the product insertion port are transported to the rack by their own weight and stopped at a predetermined position. The product 14 sold by the vending machine 11 is a beverage, such as coffee, juice, black tea, green tea, carbonated beverage, sports drink, etc., tightly packed in a container. The container includes a plastic bottle, a can, etc.

[0011] In addition, the vending machine 11 contains a separate product 15, which is a container that contains an item of a different type from beverages. The item includes, for example, one or more of emergency food, preserved food, processed food, sample products, etc. The containers of the product 14 and the separate product 15 both have an outer peripheral shape, dimensions, etc., according to the shape, structure, dimensions, etc., of the path from the product insertion port to the product removal port 20. That is, the outer peripheral shape and dimensions of the containers are designed and the masses of the product 14 and the separate product 15 are set so that the product 14 and the separate product 15 do not get caught on the path from the product insertion port to the product removal port 20, do not stop at a position other than a predetermined position, and do not cause scratches or deformation on the container. The container used for the separate product 15 is, for example, a cylindrical body made of synthetic resin or metal, and has a structure that allows the user to manually open and close the container. Examples of the container used for the separate product 15 include a structure in which a cap is placed on the main body, and a structure in which the container is divided into two parts and connected by a screw mechanism.

[0012] The front surface 19 is provided with an electric light (product display section) 21, a coin slot 22, a bill slot 23, a reader 24, a return lever 25, a coin return slot 26, a product removal slot 20, etc. The electric light section 21 is a section that indicates the type of product 14 and other product 15 to the user, i.e., the purchaser.

[0013] The lighting unit 21 includes a dummy row 14A of the products 14, a dummy row 15A of the other products 15, a plurality of selection buttons 27, and the like. The dummy row 14A is configured by lining up a plurality of dummies of the products 14 in the horizontal direction. The dummy row 15A is configured by lining up a plurality of dummies of the other products 15 in the horizontal direction. The dummies are labels that imitate the actual products and the other products, and models of containers for the products and the other products. The plurality of selection buttons 27 are provided corresponding to the types of the products 14 and the other products 15 sold by the vending machine 11, respectively. In addition, a plurality of lamps 28 shown in FIG. 1 are provided on the front portion 19 at positions corresponding to the respective selection buttons 27.

[0014] 2, a two-dimensional code display unit 50 is provided at a predetermined position on the front surface 19, for example, on the illuminated unit 21. A two-dimensional code 29 is displayed on the two-dimensional code display unit 50. The two-dimensional code 29 may be, for example, a sticker attached to the illuminated unit 21. The two-dimensional code display unit 50 may also be configured as a display, and the two-dimensional code 29 may be photoelectrically displayed on the two-dimensional code display unit 50. The display constituting the two-dimensional code display unit 50 may include structures such as a liquid crystal display and an organic electroluminescence display.

[0015] The two-dimensional code 29 may be either a matrix code or a stack code, and may be, for example, a QR code (registered trademark). This two-dimensional code 29 corresponds to, for example, an account for logging in to the management computer 13, or a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of a website on the network 51 from which the management computer 13 provides the separate product 15 free of charge.

[0016] 1, the vending machine 11 includes a control device 30, a sending mechanism 31, a memory 32, and the like, in addition to the selection button 27, lamp 28, and reading device 24 described above. The control device 30 is configured with a processor having an input port, an output port, a central processing circuit, and the like. The control device 30 is communicatively connected to the reading device 24, the multiple selection buttons 27, the lamp 28, the sending mechanism 31, and the memory 32 via a bus 33. Furthermore, the vending machine 11 is connected to a power source 34, for example, a commercial power source, via a power cable. The configuration is such that power from the power source 34 is supplied to the vending machine 11.

[0017] The multiple delivery mechanisms 31 correspond to the multiple selection buttons 27, respectively, and are provided on the rack. The delivery mechanism 31 includes, for example, a step motor that is operated when power is supplied, and a star wheel that is connected to the step motor and delivers the product 14 or another product 15.

[0018] The reading device 24 photographs an object, reads information, converts the read information into an electrical signal, and outputs it. The reading device 24 includes, for example, a camera, a scanner, a barcode reader, etc. The object photographed by the reading device 24 includes, for example, a two-dimensional code, a barcode, a document, etc. The two-dimensional code includes, for example, a QR code, etc.

[0019] The control device 30 has a function to determine whether each selection button 27 has been operated, and a function to determine the type of product 14 and other product 15 corresponding to each selection button 27. Furthermore, the control device 30 has a function to control the operation and stop of the delivery mechanism 31 based on whether each selection button 27 has been operated. The control device 30 also stores information read by the reading device 24 in the memory 32. Furthermore, the control device 30 has a function to turn on the lamp 28 based on the information read by the reading device 24. If the two-dimensional code display unit 50 is a display, the control device 30 controls the two-dimensional code 29 displayed on the two-dimensional code display unit 50.

[0020] (User terminal) The user terminal 12 is a computer that is owned and operated by a user. The user terminal 12 includes, for example, a portable computer, specifically, a smartphone and a tablet computer. The user terminal 12 can be connected to the management computer 13 via a network 51. The network 51 includes wireless communication and wired communication, and is, for example, an internetwork. The user terminal 12 includes a main body (casing), a control device 35, a memory 36, an operation unit 37, a display unit 38, a reading device 39, a communication interface 40, and the like.

[0021] The control device 35 is a processor provided inside the main body and configured with an input port, an output port, a central processing unit (CPU (Central Processing Unit)), etc. The control device 35 is communicably connected to the memory 36, the operation unit 37, the display unit 38, the reading device 39, and the communication interface 40 via a bus 41. The control device 35 executes various processes, judgments, and controls by starting up non-transient applications stored in the memory 36.

[0022] The memory 36 is a non-volatile storage device, that is, a non-transient storage medium. The memory 36 stores non-transient applications, and information and data to be processed by the control device 35. The operation unit 37 is operated when inputting information, signals, etc. to the user terminal 12, when causing the user terminal 12 to execute various processes, when connecting the user terminal 12 to the network 51, etc.

[0023] The operation unit 37 is composed of, for example, operation buttons, operation tabs, a touch panel, etc. The display unit 38 is a display that is viewed by the user, and the display includes structures such as a liquid crystal display and an organic electroluminescence display. The display may be defined as a monitor. The display unit 38 displays various screens and information on websites on the network 51. The display unit 38 can also display operation buttons, operation tabs, etc. on the screen. In other words, the operation unit 37 and the display unit 38 may be integrated.

[0024] The reading device 39 is a device that photographs an object to obtain information, converts the obtained information into an electrical signal, and outputs the information. The reading device 39 is, for example, configured with a camera or a scanner. The reading device 39 may be either a structure in which it is directly provided on the main body, or a structure in which it is connected to the main body via a cable. The object photographed by the reading device 39 includes a two-dimensional code, a barcode, a document, etc. The information obtained by the reading device 39 is stored in the memory 36.

[0025] The communication interface 40 has a configuration for connecting the user terminal 12 to the network 51 by at least one of a wireless communication system and a wired communication system. The communication interface 40 is provided in the main body, and is composed of a communication circuit, a communication cable, an antenna, etc.

[0026] (Administrative computer) The management computer 13 is, for example, a computer operated by a product seller. The management computer 13 provides a website on a network 51. The management computer 13 includes a control device 42, a memory 43, a communication interface 44, and the like. The control device 42 is a processor configured with an input port, an output port, a central processing unit (CPU (Central Processing Unit)), and the like. The control device 42 is communicatively connected to the memory 43 and the communication interface 44 via a bus 45. The control device 42 executes various processes, judgments, and controls by activating non-transient applications stored in the memory 43.

[0027] Furthermore, the control device 42 functions as a website management unit 46 and a two-dimensional code providing unit 47 by activating an application. The website management unit 46 has a function of managing and operating a website provided on the network 51. The two-dimensional code providing unit 47 has a function of providing a free two-dimensional code to the user terminal 12 when the user terminal 12 is connected to the website. The free two-dimensional code is issued so that the vending machine 11 can provide another product 15 free of charge in the event of a disaster.

[0028] The memory 43 is a non-volatile storage device, i.e., a non-transitory storage medium, and stores non-transitory applications, information and data to be processed by the control device 42.

[0029] The communication interface 44 connects the management computer 13 to the network 51 by at least one of a wireless communication system and a wired communication system. The communication interface 44 is provided in the main body, and is composed of a communication circuit, a communication cable, an antenna, etc.

[0030] (Example of purchasing a product) An example of a user purchasing a product 14 or another product 15 from the vending machine 11 during normal times is as follows. Normal times means a situation other than a disaster. When the user inserts a coin into the coin slot 22 or a bill into the bill slot 23, the lamp 28 of the selection button 27 corresponding to the purchasable product 14 or the purchasable other product 15 is turned on.

[0031] When the user presses one of the selection buttons 27 with the lamp 28 lit, the control device 30 activates the delivery mechanism 31 corresponding to the pressed selection button 27. As a result, the product 14 or another product 15 selected by the user is transported to the product removal opening 20 and stops. The user can open the cover of the product removal opening 20 and remove the product 14 or the other product 15. When the user operates the return lever 25, the change is returned to the coin return opening 26.

[0032] When purchasing the product 14 or another product 15 using a cashless device other than cash, the selection button 27 is pressed first to turn on the lamp 28, and then the cashless device is brought close to the reading device 24, which then reads the cashless device, and the control device 30 activates the delivery mechanism 31. As a result, the product 14 or another product 15 is transported to the product removal port 20 and stops there. The cashless device may be any of the user terminal 12, a cashless card, a wristwatch-type device, and the like.

[0033] (In the event of a disaster) 3 shows an example in which a user obtains another product 15 for free from a vending machine 11 during a disaster. A disaster refers to a situation in which the functionality of transportation and distribution facilities is reduced due to a storm, heavy rain, heavy snow, flood, high tide, earthquake, tsunami, eruption, etc., making it difficult for a user to obtain supplies, particularly food items. In step S10, the user performs an operation to read the two-dimensional code 29 of the vending machine 11 with the reading device 39 of the user terminal 12.

[0034] Then, in step S11 following step S10, the control device 35 of the user terminal 12 connects the user terminal 12 to the management computer 13 via a website on the network 51. In step S12 following step S12, the management computer 13 provides a free two-dimensional code to the user terminal 12. Note that the management computer 13 may be configured to provide the free two-dimensional code to the user terminal 12 by having the user terminal 12 send a response to a questionnaire posted on the website. The questionnaire includes inquiries about the user's age, sex, food preferences, etc. In this way, the user terminal 12 can obtain the free two-dimensional code in step S12.

[0035] In step S13, the user displays the free two-dimensional code on the display unit 38 of the user terminal 12 and brings the display unit 38 close to the reading device 24 of the vending machine 11. In step S13, the reading device 24 reads the free two-dimensional code. In step S14, the control device 30 processes the free two-dimensional code and turns on the lamp 28 of the selection button 27 of the separate product 15.

[0036] In step S15, the user operates one of the selection buttons 27 for the other product 15. The control device 30 then activates the delivery mechanism 31 corresponding to the operated selection button 27. As a result, in step S16, the other product 15 is transported to the product removal opening 20. The user removes the other product 15 from the product removal opening 20, and the flowchart in Fig. 3 ends. The two-dimensional code 29 may be configured so that it can be used normally.

[0037] (Effects of this embodiment) The vending machine 11 can store the product 14 and the separate product 15 inside and sell them. Therefore, there is no need to secure a dedicated space around the vending machine 11 for selling the separate product 15. Also, the separate product 15 can be sold in place of the product 14 that is not selling well. Furthermore, the vending machine 11 can sell the separate product 15 that stores an item other than a beverage. Also, the vending machine 11 is provided with a two-dimensional code 29 that allows the separate product 15 to be obtained free of charge. Therefore, if the item stored in the container of the separate product 15 is a sample, the sales of the sample can be analyzed and confirmed, and can be used for marketing.

[0038] Furthermore, the vending machine 11 is provided with a two-dimensional code 29 that allows the user to obtain the separate product 15 free of charge in the event of a disaster. Therefore, if food is stored in the container of the separate product 15, the vending machine 11 can contribute to disaster relief. Furthermore, when the user answers a questionnaire, a free two-dimensional code may be provided from the management computer 13 to the user terminal 12. Therefore, the management computer 13 can recognize the attributes of the user from the results of the questionnaire responses, and can use this information in marketing the products sold by the vending machine 11. Furthermore, the separate product 15 may be sold at a higher price than the product 14.

[0039] (Other explanations) An example of the technical meaning of the matters disclosed in this embodiment is as follows. Vending machine 11 is an example of a vending machine. Casing 18 and front part 19 form the main body of the vending machine. Product 14 is an example of a product. Separate product 15 is an example of a separate product. Selection button 27 is an example of a selection button. Product removal opening 20 is an example of a product removal opening. Feed mechanism 31 is an example of a feed mechanism. Control device 30 is an example of a control device. Two-dimensional code display unit 50 is an example of a two-dimensional code display unit. Lamp 28 is an example of a lamp. Reading device 24 is an example of a reading device. [Industrial Applicability]

[0040] This embodiment can be used as a vending machine that can provide a product and other products to a user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 11...vending machine, 14...product, 15...other product, 18...casing, 19...front portion, 20...product removal port, 24...reading device, 27...selection button, 28...lamp, 30...control device, 31...discharge mechanism, 50...two-dimensional code display portion

Claims

1. A main body that accommodates a product to be provided to a user and another product to be provided to the user and different in type from the product; A plurality of selection buttons provided on the main body corresponding to the product and the different product, respectively; A product removal opening provided on the main body; a plurality of delivery mechanisms provided in the main body corresponding to the product and the other product, respectively, and configured to deliver the product and the other product to the product outlet; a control device that, when any one of the plurality of selection buttons is operated, activates the delivery mechanism corresponding to the operated selection button; A vending machine having

2. 2. The vending machine according to claim 1, The product is a beverage contained in a container, In the vending machine, the separate product is at least one of emergency food, preserved food, processed food, and sample products stored in a container.

3. 2. The vending machine according to claim 1, The main body is a vending machine having a two-dimensional code display unit that displays a two-dimensional code for providing the separate product to the user free of charge.

4. 2. The vending machine according to claim 1, The body includes: An operation button operated by a user to select the other product; a lamp provided corresponding to the operation button; A reading device that reads the free two-dimensional code that allows the user to obtain the separate product free of charge from a user terminal that the user operates; and The control device is configured to turn on the lamp of the selection button corresponding to the available additional product when the reading device reads the free two-dimensional code.

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