Locker with reservation function

Abstract

When a purchaser makes a reservation to purchase a product, only the purchaser can purchase this product. 【Solution means】A locker with a reservation function for selling products stored in a plurality of boxes includes a purchase reservation setting unit that sets a purchase reservation for the product, an input reception unit that receives a predetermined input from a purchaser who has made a purchase reservation for the product, and an opening / closing control unit that controls the opening and closing of a door provided in the box when the predetermined input is received.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology effective for a locker with a reservation function for selling products stored in a plurality of boxes.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, vending machines that sell various products are known. In such vending machines, there is a technology for a purchaser to reserve in advance a product that the purchaser intends to purchase. For example, in Patent Document 1, based on information about a user, an authentication process for authenticating the user is performed, and when the user is authenticated, control for unlocking the door of the vending machine is performed. Then, the vending machine control system identifies a product taken out from the storage after the door is unlocked, and when the identified product includes a reserved product, different information is output according to whether the authenticated user is the reserving person of the reserved product. A technology is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, even if a purchaser makes a purchase reservation for a product, since other purchasers are not prevented from purchasing this product, there are cases where the purchaser who made the purchase reservation may not necessarily be able to purchase the product. Therefore, there is a need for a technology that allows only the purchaser who reserved a product to purchase the corresponding product.

[0005] Therefore, the present inventor focused on a mechanism in which a purchaser makes a purchase reservation for a product and only the purchaser can purchase this product.

[0006] In view of such problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a locker with a reservation function that enables only the purchaser to purchase a product when the purchaser makes a purchase reservation for the product.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention is a locker with a reservation function for selling products stored in a plurality of boxes, a purchase reservation setting unit for setting a purchase reservation for the product, an input reception unit for receiving a predetermined input from a purchaser who has made a purchase reservation for the product, and an opening / closing control unit for controlling the opening and closing of a door provided on the box when the predetermined input is received. A locker with a reservation function is provided.

[0008] According to the present invention, when a purchaser who has made a purchase reservation for a product makes a predetermined input, the locker with a reservation function controls the opening and closing of a door provided on the box in which the product is stored. As a result, only the purchaser can purchase this product.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, only the purchaser can purchase the product for which a purchase reservation has been made.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the mode (hereinafter, embodiment) for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail. In the following drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same numbers or symbols throughout the description of the embodiment.

[0012] [Overview of the Unmanned Vending System 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the overview of the unmanned vending system 1. Based on FIG. 1, the components of the unmanned vending system 1 will be described. The unmanned vending system 1 is a system including at least a locker 10 with a reservation function that has a plurality of boxes and sells the products stored in each box to purchasers. In the present embodiment, the unmanned vending system 1 includes, in addition to the locker 10 with a reservation function, a purchaser terminal 3 used by a purchaser who purchases a product, and an administrator terminal 4 used by an administrator who manages and operates the locker 10 with a reservation function.

[0013] The purchaser terminal 3 is a terminal device used by a purchaser, and is, for example, a terminal device such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, a laptop computer, or a wearable terminal such as a smartwatch, smart glasses, or an HMD (Head Mounted Display). The purchaser makes a reservation for a product that he / she desires to purchase using the purchaser terminal 3.

[0014] The administrator terminal 4 is a terminal device used by an administrator, such as a terminal device like a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet terminal, personal computer, laptop computer, etc., or a wearable terminal like a smartwatch, smart glasses, HMD, etc. The administrator uses the administrator terminal 4 to manage the products sold by the locker 10 with a reservation function, manage sales, etc., and operate the locker 10 with a reservation function.

[0015] The locker 10 with a reservation function is a device (unattended vending machine, automatic vending machine) that has a plurality of boxes and sells the products stored in each box. In this embodiment, the products are, for example, flowers, processed foods, or fresh foods. The locker 10 with a reservation function may have a function of selling the stored products on the spot in the same way as a normal automatic vending machine.

[0016] The number of boxes and the layout of the boxes of the locker 10 with a reservation function can be freely changed (see Figure 2). Also, each box of the locker 10 with a reservation function is provided with a door respectively. The locker 10 with a reservation function controls the opening and closing of each door. The locker 10 with a reservation function controls the unlocking and locking of the key provided on the door as the opening and closing of the door. Further, the locker 10 with a reservation function may control the opening and closing of the door itself. Note that the opening and closing of the door itself may be performed by the purchaser.

[0017] As its functions, the locker 10 with a reservation function accepts purchase reservations for products, accepts predetermined inputs from purchasers (input of information regarding the products for which purchase reservations have been made, etc.), controls the opening and closing of the doors provided in each box, performs settlement when the purchaser purchases a product (cashless settlement, currency settlement, etc.), maintains the temperature in each box at an appropriate temperature suitable for the product through temperature management (freezing, refrigeration, normal temperature, etc.), notifies the administrator that a product has been purchased, notifies the administrator that a product has been taken out, outputs voice guidance when a product is purchased, and executes an alert or the like to the administrator when an abnormality occurs (when the purchaser forgets to take out a product, etc.).

[0018] Based on FIG. 2, the layout of the box of the locker 10 with a reservation function will be described. This figure is a diagram schematically showing a plurality of lockers 10 with a reservation function having different box layouts. In this figure, lockers 10a, 10b, and 10c with a reservation function having different box layouts are shown.

[0019] The locker 10a with a reservation function is composed of 8 boxes, which is a combination of 4 medium-sized boxes 11 and 4 small-sized boxes 12. The locker 10b with a reservation function is composed of 11 boxes, which is a combination of 1 large-sized box 13, 6 medium-sized boxes 11, and 4 small-sized boxes 12. The locker 10c with a reservation function is composed of 15 boxes, which is a combination of 2 large-sized boxes 13, 7 medium-sized boxes 11, and 6 small-sized boxes 12.

[0020] Note that the size, number, and layout of each box of the locker 10 with a reservation function are not particularly limited as described above. The lockers 10a, 10b, and 10c with a reservation function described above are merely examples.

[0021] Also, the locker 10 with a reservation function has an operation monitor 14. The installation position, size, etc. of this operation monitor 14 are not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. The locker 10 with a reservation function receives a predetermined input from a purchaser described later and outputs a predetermined screen via the operation monitor 14.

[0022] Regarding the outline of the processing steps when the unmanned vending system 1 sells products stored in a plurality of boxes, it will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0023] The administrator terminal 4 acquires reservation information of products (step S0). The purchaser terminal 3 receives from the purchaser an input of reservation information, which is information necessary for reserving a product that the purchaser desires to purchase, and transmits this reservation information to the administrator terminal 4. The administrator terminal 4 receives this reservation information and acquires the reservation information of the product.

[0024] The locker 10 with a reservation function sets a purchase reservation for the product (step S1). The administrator stores the product reserved by the purchaser in the box of the locker 10 with a reservation function. Based on the input from the administrator, the locker 10 with a reservation function sets each piece of information such as the box number, product name, price, quantity, reservation acceptance password, etc. of the box in which the product reserved by the purchaser is stored, as the purchase reservation for this product.

[0025] The locker 10 with a reservation function receives a predetermined input from the purchaser who has made a purchase reservation for the product (step S2). When the locker 10 with a reservation function detects that the purchaser attempts to purchase a product (detects the presence of the purchaser in front of itself, detects an input such as a tap on the operation monitor provided on itself, etc.), it displays a product selection screen. The locker 10 with a reservation function receives an input for the product that the purchaser attempts to purchase from among the list of products displayed on the product selection screen, and displays a reservation product purchase login screen. The locker 10 with a reservation function receives an input of the reservation acceptance password for the password input field displayed on the reservation product purchase login screen.

[0026] When the locker 10 with a reservation function receives a predetermined input, it controls the opening and closing of the door provided in the box (step S3). When the locker 10 with a reservation function receives an input of the correctly generated reservation acceptance password, it unlocks the key of the door provided in the box in which the selected product is stored and opens the door. When the purchaser takes out the product stored in this box and closes the door, the locker 10 with a reservation function locks the key of this door.

[0027] The above is the overview of the unmanned vending system 1. According to the unmanned vending system 1, only the purchaser can purchase the products reserved for purchase.

[0028] [Device Configuration] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the device configuration of the unmanned vending system 1. Based on FIG. 3, the device configuration of the unmanned vending system 1 will be described. The unmanned vending system 1 is composed of at least a locker 10 with a reservation function for selling products stored in a plurality of boxes. In this embodiment, the unmanned vending system 1 is composed of a locker 10 with a reservation function, a purchaser terminal 3, and an administrator terminal 4 in addition.

[0029] The unmanned vending system 1 is a system in which the locker 10 with a reservation function is connected to be capable of data communication with the purchaser terminal 3 and the administrator terminal 4 via a network 8 such as a public switched telephone network. Note that the unmanned vending system 1 does not necessarily have to be connected to be capable of data communication with the purchaser terminal 3 and / or the administrator terminal 4. However, the purchaser terminal 3 and the administrator terminal 4 are each connected to be capable of data communication.

[0030] Note that the unmanned vending system 1 may include other terminals and devices in addition to the purchaser terminal 3, the administrator terminal 4, and the locker 10 with a reservation function, and the number, type, and functions of the other terminals and devices can be designed as appropriate.

[0031] The purchaser terminal 3 is the above-described terminal device used by a purchaser who purchases the products sold by the locker 10 with a reservation function. The purchaser terminal 3 includes, as a terminal control unit, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc., and includes, as a communication unit, a device for enabling communication with other terminals and devices. In addition, the purchaser terminal 3 includes, as an input / output unit, various devices that execute reception of predetermined inputs and the like, input / output of various data, and the like.

[0032] The administrator terminal 4 is the above-described terminal device used by an administrator who manages and operates the locker 10 with a reservation function. The administrator terminal 4 includes, as a terminal control unit, a CPU, a GPU, a RAM, a ROM, etc., and includes, as a communication unit, a device for enabling communication with other terminals, devices, etc. In addition, the administrator terminal 4 includes, as an input / output unit, various devices that execute reception of predetermined inputs and the like, input / output of various data, and the like.

[0033] As described above, the locker 10 with a reservation function has a plurality of boxes and sells the products stored in each box. The locker 10 with a reservation function includes a computer inside that executes various processes, etc., and this computer executes the actual processes. In this specification, for the purpose of simplifying the description, the processes executed by the computer are described as being executed by the locker 10 with a reservation function itself. The locker 10 with a reservation function includes, as a control unit, a CPU, a GPU, a RAM, a ROM, etc., and includes, as a communication unit, a device for enabling communication with other terminals, devices, etc., a purchase notification unit for notifying the administrator that a product has been purchased by a purchaser, a removal notification unit for notifying the administrator that a product has been removed from a box, an alert unit for alerting the administrator when voice guidance continues to be output for a predetermined time, etc. The locker 10 with a reservation function includes, as a storage unit, a data storage unit using a hard disk, a semiconductor memory, a recording medium, a memory card, etc. The locker 10 with a reservation function includes, as a processing unit, various devices that execute various processes, a purchase reservation setting unit that sets a purchase reservation for a product, an input reception unit that receives a predetermined input from a purchaser who has made a purchase reservation for a product, an opening / closing control unit that controls the opening and closing of a door provided in a box when receiving a predetermined input, a settlement processing unit that performs settlement processing by cashless settlement or currency settlement, a temperature management unit that manages the temperature inside the box, a voice guidance output unit that outputs voice guidance until the door is closed after receiving a predetermined input, and the like. Further, the opening / closing control unit executes a function of opening the door again when the door is closed after the door is opened and before the product is taken out of the box.

[0034] In the locker 10 with a reservation function, by the control unit loading a predetermined program, in cooperation with the communication unit, an alert module, a purchase notification module, and a retrieval notification module are realized. Also, in the locker 10 with a reservation function, by the control unit loading a predetermined program, in cooperation with the storage unit, a storage module is realized. Also, in the locker 10 with a reservation function, by the control unit loading a predetermined program, in cooperation with the processing unit, an opening / closing control module, a purchase reservation setting module, a temperature management module, a screen output module, a settlement processing module, and a voice guidance output module are realized.

[0035] Hereinafter, each process executed by the unmanned vending system 1 will be described in combination with the processes executed by the above-described respective modules. In this specification, each module may execute its processing content as a function it has, or may execute it via a predetermined application.

[0036] [Purchase Reservation Reception Process Executed by Unmanned Vending System 1] Based on FIG. 4, the purchase reservation acceptance process executed by the unmanned vending system 1 will be described. This figure is a diagram showing the flowchart of the purchase reservation acceptance process executed by the purchaser terminal 3 and the administrator terminal 4. The purchase reservation acceptance process is the details of the reservation information acquisition process (step S0) in which the administrator terminal 4 acquires the reservation information of the product.

[0037] The purchaser terminal 3 receives the reservation information of the product (step S10). The reservation information is the information necessary when reserving a product, for example, product name, purchase quantity, seller name, sales location, shape image, budget. The purchaser terminal 3 receives the input of the reservation information from the purchaser via a predetermined UI (User Interface) such as a predetermined application or a predetermined website. At this time, the purchaser terminal 3 also receives the input of purchaser information (name, contact information (phone number, email address, etc.), SNS (Social Networking Service) account, etc.), which is information about the purchaser. As a predetermined UI, the purchaser terminal 3 displays, on its display unit or the like, for example, a list of pre-registered products for which the locker 10 with a reservation function is available for sale, or an order form in which the purchaser can input text, images, etc.

[0038] The purchaser terminal 3 receives the input of the reservation information from the purchaser with respect to the displayed UI. The reservation information received by the purchaser terminal 3 is, when displaying a list, the reservation information (product name, purchase quantity, seller name, sales location, etc.) pre-associated with the product selected by an input such as a tap, and when displaying an order form, the reservation information (shape image, type, budget, etc.) input by an input such as text or voice. Note that the UI displayed by the purchaser terminal 3 is not limited to the above-described example and can be designed as appropriate.

[0039] The purchaser terminal 3 outputs the reservation information to the administrator terminal 4 (step S11), and the administrator terminal 4 acquires this reservation information (step S12). The purchaser terminal 3 transmits reservation information to the administrator terminal 4, and the administrator terminal 4 receives this reservation information. At this time, purchaser information is linked to the reservation information transmitted by the purchaser terminal 3. For example, when the method by which the purchaser terminal 3 transmits reservation information is a predetermined application or a predetermined website, the input content may be transmitted. When it is an email, the reservation information may be transmitted to the email address of the administrator terminal 4. When it is an SNS, the reservation information may be transmitted via the message function provided by the SNS. In addition, alternatively, the purchaser may transmit the reservation information by verbally communicating the reservation information by phone or the like.

[0040] The administrator terminal 4 generates purchase information (step S13). The purchase information is information necessary for the purchaser to purchase the reserved product, and is, for example, a box number, a sales location, a product name, an amount, and a reservation acceptance password. Based on the product name, amount, sales location, etc. included in the acquired reservation information, the administrator terminal 4 generates purchase information, and among the currently empty boxes of the locker 10 with a reservation function, according to the size and number of the product, etc., it generates a box number pre-linked to an appropriate box as reservation information. Further, the administrator terminal 4 generates a reservation acceptance password to be input to the operation monitor 14 when the purchaser purchases the product using numbers of a predetermined number of digits or the like. The administrator terminal 4 generates these information and generates purchase information.

[0041] Note that instead of the administrator terminal 4 itself generating the purchase information, the administrator terminal 4 may receive the input of each information from the administrator and use the received each information as the purchase information.

[0042] The administrator terminal 4 outputs the purchase information to the purchaser terminal 3 (step S14), and the purchaser terminal 3 acquires this purchase information (step S15). The administrator terminal 4 transmits the purchase information to the purchaser terminal 3, and the purchaser terminal 3 receives this purchase information. The method by which the administrator terminal 4 outputs purchase information may be the same as the method used for outputting and acquiring reservation information in the processes of steps S11 and S12 described above.

[0043] The above is the purchase reservation acceptance process.

[0044] [Purchase Reservation Setting Process Executed by Unattended Vending System 1] Based on FIG. 5, the purchase reservation setting process executed by the unattended vending system 1 will be described. This figure is a diagram showing a flowchart of the purchase reservation setting process executed by the locker 10 with a reservation function. The purchase reservation setting process is the details of the purchase reservation setting process (step S1) for setting a purchase reservation for a product.

[0045] The locker 10 with a reservation function stores the product (step S20). The administrator stores the product reserved by the purchaser in the box of the locker 10 with a reservation function corresponding to the box number in the purchase information. After the administrator stores the product in the box, the opening / closing control module locks the door of this box.

[0046] The locker 10 with a reservation function sets a purchase reservation for the product (step S21). The locker 10 with a reservation function sets a purchase reservation for the product stored in the box. The locker 10 with a reservation function sets, as the purchase reservation for the product, each piece of information based on the purchase information such as the unlocking key setting for the door of the box in which the product is stored, the box number of the box in which the product is stored, the product name of this product, the amount, and the quantity, as the purchase reservation for the product.

[0047] The administrator inputs the purchase information into the locker 10 with a reservation function via the operation monitor 14, the administrator terminal 4, or the like. The purchase reservation setting module sets the reservation acceptance password in the purchase information as the unlocking key for the door of the box in which the product is stored. The purchase reservation setting module sets, as a purchase reservation for this product, the box number, product name, price, quantity, etc. based on the purchase information. In addition, the purchase reservation setting module changes the display mode of the product selection button displayed on the operation monitor 14 to a display mode indicating that the corresponding product has already been reserved (such as adding reserved text, changing the background color, etc.), and also reflects the setting of the product purchase reservation on the operation monitor 14.

[0048] If the storage temperature is included in the purchase information, the temperature management module manages the temperature inside the box to this storage temperature. For example, if the storage temperature of the product is refrigerated, the temperature management module manages the temperature inside the box to the refrigerated temperature. Needless to say, the temperature management module can manage the temperature inside the box even at other temperatures.

[0049] The above is the purchase reservation setting process.

[0050] [Sales process executed by the unmanned vending system 1] Based on FIG. 6, the sales process executed by the unmanned vending system 1 will be described. This figure is a diagram showing a flowchart of the sales process executed by the locker 10 with a reservation function. The sales process details the input reception process (step S2) that receives a predetermined input from a purchaser who has made a purchase reservation for a product, and the opening and closing control process (step S3) that controls the opening and closing of the door provided in the box when a predetermined input is received.

[0051] The locker 10 with a reservation function outputs a product selection screen (step S30). When the purchaser attempts to purchase the product reserved by the purchaser, the locker 10 with a reservation function outputs a product selection screen (see FIG. 7).

[0052] When the screen output module detects that the purchaser is in front of the locker 10 with a reservation function, or when it receives an input such as a tap on the operation monitor 14, etc., based on the purchaser's actions such as attempting to purchase a product, etc., it outputs a product selection screen to the operation monitor 14 and displays the product selection screen on the operation monitor 14.

[0053] Based on FIG. 7, the product selection screen will be described. This figure is a diagram schematically showing the product selection screen that the screen output module displays on the operation monitor 14. In this figure, a product selection screen 20 is shown. On the product selection screen 20, each box (each box labeled with letters from A to O) existing in the locker 10 with a reservation function is displayed. Each box displayed on the product selection screen 20 becomes a purchase button for the product stored in each box.

[0054] Box 21 is an empty box without a product and is labeled with the text "Sold Out". Also, box 22 is a reserved box where the product reserved by the purchaser exists and is labeled with the text "Reserved". This box 22 is not displayed based on whether the product that the purchaser is currently attempting to purchase was reserved by the purchaser or not, but is simply a box for which a product purchase reservation has been set through the purchase reservation setting process. In addition, in order to be able to visually distinguish each of the empty box, the reserved box, and the other boxes, each box may have a different background color.

[0055] The purchaser browses this product selection screen 20, taps the box corresponding to the product they reserved, and purchases the reserved product. At this time, the purchaser taps the same box number as the box number included in the purchase information. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the product reserved by the purchaser is stored in box 22, and the description will be based on the purchaser tapping box 22 on the product selection screen 20.

[0056] Returning to FIG. 6, the continuation of the sales process will be described. The locker 10 with a reservation function outputs a reservation product purchase login screen (step S31). When the locker 10 with a reservation function receives an input from a purchaser for the product selection screen 20, the locker 10 switches the screen displayed on the operation monitor 14 to the reservation product purchase login screen.

[0057] When the screen output module receives an input from a purchaser for the box displayed on the product selection screen 20, the screen output module outputs the reservation product purchase login screen to the operation monitor 14 and displays the reservation product purchase login screen on the operation monitor 14 (see FIG. 8).

[0058] Based on FIG. 8, the reservation product purchase login screen will be described. This figure is a diagram schematically showing the reservation product purchase login screen that the screen output module displays on the operation monitor 14. In this figure, the reservation product purchase login screen 30 is shown. On the reservation product purchase login screen 30, a password input field 31, a login icon 32, a numeric keypad 33, and a back icon 34 are displayed. The password input field 31 is a field where the reservation acceptance password in the purchase information is input. The login icon 32 is an icon for transitioning to the reservation product purchase screen after the reservation acceptance password is input. The numeric keypad 33 is a virtual keyboard for inputting the reservation acceptance password. The back icon 34 is an icon that a purchaser inputs when tapping an incorrect box.

[0059] The purchaser views this reservation product purchase login screen 30 and inputs the numbers of the reservation acceptance password of the product reserved by the purchaser into the password input field 31 using the numeric keypad 33. After the purchaser inputs the reservation acceptance password, the purchaser taps the login icon 32 to complete the input of the reservation acceptance password.

[0060] Here, when the purchaser inputs an incorrect reservation acceptance password in the password input field 31, the screen output module can be configured to output an error screen prompting that the reservation acceptance password is incorrect and to confirm the reservation acceptance password to the operation monitor 14, or it can be configured to output text prompting that the reservation acceptance password is incorrect and to confirm the reservation acceptance password within the reservation product purchase login screen 30. In this example, it will be described assuming that the purchaser has input the correct reservation acceptance password.

[0061] Here, a case will be described where the purchaser taps a box containing a product that the purchaser has not reserved on the product selection screen 20.

[0062] In this case, when the purchaser taps the back icon 34, the screen output module displays the product selection screen 20 on the operation monitor 14 again. Here, even when a predetermined time (such as 1 minute) has elapsed without the purchaser tapping the back icon 34, the screen output module displays the product selection screen 20 on the operation monitor 14 in the same manner as when the back icon 34 is tapped.

[0063] Returning to FIG. 6, the continuation of the sales process will be described. The locker 10 with a reservation function outputs a reservation product purchase screen (step S32). When the locker 10 with a reservation function receives an input from the purchaser for the reservation product purchase login screen 30 and the reservation acceptance password is correct, the screen displayed on the operation monitor 14 is switched to the reservation product purchase screen.

[0064] When the screen output module receives an input of the correct password in the password input field 31 displayed on the reservation product purchase login screen 30 from the purchaser and receives an input for the login icon 32, the screen output module outputs the reservation product purchase screen to the operation monitor 14 and displays the reservation product purchase screen on the operation monitor 14 (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

[0065] Based on FIGS. 9 and 10, the reserved product purchase screen will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing a first reserved product purchase screen displayed by the screen output module on the operation monitor 14. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a second reserved product purchase screen displayed by the screen output module on the operation monitor 14. In FIG. 9, a first reserved product purchase screen 40 is shown, and in FIG. 10, a second reserved product purchase screen 50 is shown. Hereinafter, the first reserved product purchase screen 40 will also be simply referred to as the reserved product purchase screen 40, and the second reserved product purchase screen 50 will also be simply referred to as the reserved product purchase screen 50.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 9, the first reserved product purchase screen will be described. On the reserved product purchase screen 40, precautions for product purchase and a purchase icon 41 are displayed. The precautions for product purchase are not particularly limited in content, but are matters that the purchaser should pay attention to when purchasing a product, such as preventing forgetting to pick up the product and preventing forgetting to close the door. The purchase icon 41 is an icon for transitioning to the reserved product purchase screen 50.

[0067] After viewing the precautions displayed on the reserved product purchase screen 40, the purchaser taps the purchase icon 41, grasps the precautions, and then purchases the reserved product.

[0068] When the screen output module receives an input for the purchase icon 41, the screen displayed on the operation monitor 14 is switched to the reserved product purchase screen 50. When the screen output module receives an input from the purchaser for the purchase icon 41 on the reserved product purchase screen 40, the reserved product purchase screen 50 is output to the operation monitor 14, and the reserved product purchase screen 50 is output to the operation monitor 14.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 10, the second reserved product purchase screen will be described. On the reserved product purchase screen 50, a product information column 51, a payment method selection column 52, and a cancellation icon 53 are displayed. The product information column 51 is a column where information about the product that the purchaser reserves and intends to purchase, such as the product name, box number, and price, is displayed. The payment method selection column 52 is a column where icons for the purchaser to select the payment method when purchasing a product are displayed. In the payment method selection column 52, icons associated with the payment methods corresponding to the locker 10 with a reservation function, such as a cash icon, an electronic money icon, a two-dimensional code icon, and a credit card icon, are displayed. The cancel icon 53 is an icon for the purchaser to cancel the purchase of the product.

[0070] When there is no mistake in the content displayed in the product information column 51, the purchaser selects the desired payment method from among the icons in the payment method selection column 52, taps the corresponding icon, and selects the payment method. The purchaser purchases the product according to the selected payment method.

[0071] When there is a mistake in the content displayed in the product information column 51, the purchaser taps the cancel icon 53 and cancels the purchase of the product.

[0072] Returning to FIG. 6, the continuation of the sales process will be described. The locker 10 with a reservation function executes the payment process for the reserved product (step S34). The locker 10 with a reservation function executes the payment process for the reserved product according to the payment method selected by the purchaser.

[0073] The payment processing module pays the amount of the product purchased by the purchaser by the payment method associated with the icon that received the selection. Note that since each payment method executed by the payment processing module may be a generally performed one, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0074] The locker 10 with a reservation function controls the opening and closing of the door (step S35). The locker 10 with a reservation function unlocks the key of the door provided on the box in which the purchased product is stored and opens the door when the product is purchased. The opening of the door may simply mean unlocking the key of the door, or may mean moving the door to a state where the stored product can be taken out. After the settlement is completed, the opening / closing control module unlocks the key of the door provided on the box in which the purchased product is stored. The opening / closing control module unlocks this door using the reservation acceptance password as the unlocking key. The opening / closing control module moves the door so that the purchaser can take out the stored product. The method by which the opening / closing control module moves the door is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0075] When the door is opened, the voice guidance output module outputs voice guidance prompting to take out the product from the box and close the door. The voice guidance may be, for example, something like "Please take out the product and close the door."

[0076] The purchaser takes out the purchased product from the box with the door opened and closes the door. Note that the door may be automatically closed when the reservation function-equipped locker 10 detects that the product has been taken out by a sensor or the like, instead of being closed by the purchaser.

[0077] When the door is closed, the opening / closing control module locks the key of the door. Here, when there is still a product in the box, the opening / closing control module does not lock the key of the door and opens the door again. At this time, in conjunction with the reopening of the door, the voice guidance output module may output voice guidance prompting to check if there is any product left in the box and take out all of them. The voice guidance may be, for example, something like "There may be some products left in the box. Please check the inside of the box." When there is no product left in the box and the opening / closing control module locks the key of the door, the voice guidance output module stops outputting voice guidance. Note that the voice guidance output module may stop the output of voice guidance when the door is closed, regardless of whether the product remains in the box.

[0078] If the door cannot be closed even after a predetermined time (such as 3 minutes) has elapsed, the voice guidance output module stops the output of voice guidance. At this time, the alert module alerts the administrator that the door of the box from which the product has been taken out is not closed. The method by which the alert module alerts the administrator is not particularly limited. For example, based on the purchase information of the product purchased by the purchaser, an email describing alert information such as the sales location of the locker 10 with a reservation function, the box number, and the date and time when it was detected that the door was not closed is sent to the administrator terminal 4. Based on this alert, the administrator will go to the sales location of the locker 10 with a reservation function and appropriately take measures such as closing the door.

[0079] Furthermore, the locker 10 with a reservation function can also be configured to notify the administrator that a product has been purchased and that a product has been taken out of the box, respectively. Each case will be described.

[0080] First, the case where the locker 10 with a reservation function notifies the administrator that a product has been purchased will be described. The purchase notification module notifies the administrator that the reserved product has been purchased by the purchaser upon completion of the payment for the product. The method by which the purchase notification module notifies the administrator that a product has been purchased is not particularly limited. For example, based on the purchase information of the product purchased by the purchaser, an email describing the box number, product name, amount, etc. is sent to the administrator terminal 4.

[0081] Next, the case where the locker 10 with a reservation function notifies the administrator that a product has been taken out will be described. The retrieval notification module notifies the administrator that the reserved product has been retrieved by the purchaser when the product is taken out of the box or the door key is locked. The method by which the retrieval notification module notifies the administrator that the product has been taken out is not particularly limited. For example, it may be to send an email addressed to the administrator terminal 4, describing the box number, product name, amount, etc. based on the purchase information of the product retrieved by the purchaser.

[0082] In addition, the locker 10 with a reservation function can also be configured to store the invoice data of the purchased product by itself. This case will be described. The memory module stores the invoice data for sales management and inventory management of the purchased product when the product is settled. Note that the locker 10 with a reservation function can also be configured to output this invoice data to the administrator terminal 4.

[0083] In addition, the locker 10 with a reservation function can change the amount of the product stored in the box via the operation monitor 14.

[0084] The above-described means and functions are realized by a computer (including a CPU, an information processing device, and various terminals) reading and executing a predetermined program. The program may be provided, for example, in a form provided from a computer via a network (SaaS: Software as a Service) or in a cloud service. Also, the program may be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. In this case, the computer reads the program from the recording medium and transfers and records it in an internal recording device or an external recording device and then executes it. Also, the program may be pre-recorded in a recording device (recording medium), and provided to the computer via a communication line from the recording device.

[0085] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Further, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0086] The first aspect disclosed in this embodiment is a locker with a reservation function for selling products stored in a plurality of boxes, a purchase reservation setting unit for setting a purchase reservation for the product, an input reception unit for receiving a predetermined input from a purchaser who has made a purchase reservation for the product, and an opening / closing control unit for controlling the opening and closing of a door provided in the box when the predetermined input is received. A locker with a reservation function is provided.

[0087] The second aspect disclosed in this embodiment is a settlement processing unit that performs settlement processing by cashless settlement or currency settlement, and provides the locker with a reservation function according to the first aspect, further comprising the same.

[0088] The third aspect disclosed in this embodiment is a temperature management unit for managing the temperature inside the box, and provides the locker with a reservation function according to the first aspect, further comprising the same.

[0089] The fourth aspect disclosed in this embodiment is that the product is a flower, processed food, or fresh food, and provides the locker with a reservation function according to the first aspect.

[0090] The fifth aspect disclosed in this embodiment is that the number and layout of the boxes can be freely changed, and provides the locker with a reservation function according to the first aspect.

[0091] The sixth aspect disclosed in this embodiment is a purchase notification unit for notifying an administrator that the product has been purchased by the purchaser, Provide a locker with a reservation function according to the first aspect further comprising

[0092] The seventh aspect disclosed in this embodiment is a take-out notification unit that notifies the administrator that the product has been taken out of the box Provide a locker with a reservation function according to the first aspect further comprising

[0093] The eighth aspect disclosed in this embodiment is that after the opening control unit opens the door, before the product is taken out of the box, when the door is closed again, the door is opened again Provide a locker with a reservation function according to the first aspect

[0094] The ninth aspect disclosed in this embodiment is a voice guidance output unit that outputs voice guidance until the door is closed after receiving the predetermined input Provide a locker with a reservation function according to the first aspect further comprising

[0095] The tenth aspect disclosed in this embodiment is an alert unit that alerts the administrator when the voice guidance continues to be output for a predetermined time Provide a locker with a reservation function according to the first aspect further comprising

Explanation of Signs

[0096] 1 Unattended vending system 3 Purchaser terminal 4 Administrator terminal 8 Network 10 Locker with reservation function 11 Box 12 Box 13 Box 14 Operation monitor 20 Product selection screen 21 Box 22 Box 30 Reservation product purchase login screen 31 Password input field 32 Login icon 33 Numeric Keypad 34 Return Icon 40 First Reserved Product Purchase Screen 41 Purchase Icon 50 Second Reserved Product Purchase Screen 51 Product Information Column 52 Payment Method Selection Column 53 Cancel Icon

Claims

1. A locker with a reservation function that sells products stored in multiple boxes, A purchase reservation setting unit for setting the product; an input receiving unit that receives a predetermined input from a purchaser who has made a purchase reservation for the product; an opening / closing control unit that controls opening / closing of a door provided in the box when the predetermined input is received; Lockers with reservation function.

2. A payment processing unit that performs payment processing by cashless payment or currency payment; The locker with reservation function according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. a temperature control unit for controlling the temperature inside the box; The locker with reservation function according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. The product is a flower, a processed food, or a fresh food. The locker with reservation function according to claim 1.

5. The number and layout of the boxes can be freely changed. The locker with reservation function according to claim 1.

6. a purchase notification unit that notifies an administrator that the product has been purchased by the purchaser; The locker with reservation function according to claim 1, further comprising:

7. a removal notification unit that notifies an administrator that the product has been removed from the box; The locker with reservation function according to claim 1, further comprising:

8. the opening / closing control unit opens the door again when the door is closed before the product is taken out of the box after the door is opened. The locker with reservation function according to claim 1.

9. a voice guidance output unit that outputs voice guidance after receiving the predetermined input until the door is closed; The locker with reservation function according to claim 1, further comprising:

10. an alert unit that alerts an administrator when the voice guidance continues to be output for a predetermined period of time; The locker with reservation function according to claim 9, further comprising:

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