Duty-free goods sales system, duty-free goods sales method, duty-free goods sales program, and server

Abstract

Reduce the human costs associated with selling duty-free goods. [Solution] A duty-free goods sales system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure verifies that the passport holder is eligible to purchase duty-free goods based on passport data, verifies that the user is the passport holder based on the facial photograph portion included in the passport data and the user's face portion included in the image data, and when it verifies that the passport holder is an applicant for purchasing duty-free goods based on first purchase application data extracted in accordance with application inquiry data from the purchase application data stored in a memory unit, it unlocks a box in a locker that stores duty-free goods associated with the first purchase application data.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tax-free goods sales system, a tax-free goods sales method, a tax-free goods sales program, and a server. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, some airports provide a service whereby duty-free goods purchased at airport-type downtown duty-free shops are handed over to a handover counter after passport control procedures are completed. An attendant is always present at the counter. The attendant asks visitors to the counter to present their passport, boarding pass, and exchange ticket, and after verifying these, hands over the goods to the visitor.

[0003] Patent Document 1 proposes a non-face-to-face product delivery system that enables delivery of products purchased or rented by a customer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-175358 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventional duty-free goods delivery services require an attendant to be stationed at the delivery counter during business hours. At airports with few passengers, the number of visitors is also small, so the total time that an attendant can interact with visitors is short, in other words, the idle time of an attendant is long. Therefore, even if such a service is provided at an airport with few passengers, it is not easy to make a profit.

[0006] The non-face-to-face product delivery system described in Patent Document 1 is not intended for the delivery of tax-free goods, and therefore cannot be immediately adapted for use in such delivery.

[0007] An objective of the present disclosure is to reduce the human costs associated with selling duty-free items. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A duty-free goods sales system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first storage means for storing purchase application data relating to duty-free goods in a purchase application storage unit, a second storage means for storing in a storage destination storage unit data identifying a box in a locker having a plurality of boxes in which duty-free goods associated with the purchase application data stored in the purchase application storage unit are stored, a first acquisition means for acquiring image data of a photograph of a user, a second acquisition means for acquiring passport data of a passport presented by the user, a third acquisition means for acquiring application inquiry data based on an applicant copy issued in response to an application to purchase duty-free goods, a first confirmation means for confirming whether or not the holder of the passport is eligible to purchase duty-free goods based on the passport data, and a second confirmation means for confirming whether or not the holder of the passport is eligible to purchase duty-free goods based on a face photo portion included in the passport data and a face portion of the user included in the image data. The system includes a first device having a first means which is a part of a plurality of means including a second confirmation means for confirming whether or not the user is a passport holder, a third confirmation means for extracting first purchase application data corresponding to the application inquiry data from the purchase application data stored in the purchase application memory unit and confirming whether or not the passport holder is an applicant for the purchase of tax-free goods, and an unlocking means for unlocking a box in the locker in which the first tax-free goods associated with the first purchase application data are stored when it is confirmed that the passport holder is qualified to purchase tax-free goods, the user is confirmed to be a passport holder, and the passport holder is confirmed to be an applicant for the purchase of tax-free goods, and a second device having a second means which is a part of the plurality of means and is different from the first means. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, the human costs associated with selling duty-free items can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1]1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a duty-free goods sales system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a duty-free goods sales device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 3 is a block diagram illustrating a data management unit of FIG. 2; [Figure 4] 3 is a block diagram illustrating a data acquisition unit in FIG. 2; [Diagram 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a locker in which duty-free goods sold by the duty-free goods sales system of the first embodiment are stored. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a locker in which duty-free goods sold by the duty-free goods sales system of the first embodiment are stored. FIG. [Figure 7] 3 is a diagram showing a data structure of a purchase application database configured in a purchase application storage unit of FIG. 2. [Figure 8] 3 is a diagram showing a data structure of a storage destination database configured in a storage destination storage unit in FIG. 2. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of an application acceptance process in the duty-free goods sales system of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart of a sales process of the duty-free goods sales system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of non-resident confirmation in the sales process of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of identity verification in the sales process of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of confirmation of purchase records in the sales process of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of unlocking the box in the sales process of FIG. [Figure 15] 4 is a flowchart of a replenishment process of the duty-free goods sales system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an EC server according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] 17 is a block diagram illustrating the data management unit of FIG. 16. [Figure 18]17 is a block diagram illustrating the data acquisition unit of FIG. 16. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of an application acceptance process in the duty-free goods sales system of the second embodiment. [Figure 20] 13 is a flowchart of a sales process of the duty-free goods sales system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 21] 13 is a flowchart of a replenishment process of the duty-free goods sales system according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings for explaining the embodiment, the same components are generally designated by the same reference numerals, and the repeated description will be omitted.

[0012] (1) First embodiment A first embodiment will be described.

[0013] (1-1) Duty-free sales system configuration A description will be given of the configuration of a duty-free goods sales system according to the first embodiment. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a duty-free goods sales system according to the first embodiment.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the duty-free goods sales system 1 includes a duty-free goods sales device 10, an EC (Electronic Commerce) server 30, and a terminal 50. The duty-free goods sales device 10 and the EC server 30 are connected via a network (for example, the Internet) NW. The EC server 30 and the terminal 50 are connected via the network NW.

[0015] The duty-free goods sales system 1 sells goods for everyday use (general goods, consumables) (hereinafter referred to as "duty-free goods") duty-free to non-residents of a target country (hereinafter referred to as "users").

[0016] The EC server 30 is, for example, a server computer. The terminal 50 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, or a personal computer.

[0017] (1-1-1) Duty-free goods sales device configuration The configuration of the duty-free goods sales device will be described. Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the duty-free goods sales device of the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the data management unit of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the data acquisition unit of Fig. 2.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the duty-free goods sales device 10 includes, as hardware, a storage device 11, a processor 12, an input / output interface 13, and a communication interface 14.

[0019] The storage device 11 is configured to store programs and data. The storage device 11 is, for example, a combination of a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), and a storage (for example, a flash memory or a hard disk).

[0020] The programs include, for example, the following programs: ·OS (Operating System) programs · Programs for applications that perform information processing (e.g., face recognition)

[0021] The data includes, for example, the following data: Databases referenced in information processing Data obtained by performing information processing (i.e., the results of performing information processing)

[0022] Specifically, the storage device 11 includes a purchase application storage unit 111 and a storage destination storage unit 112 . The storage device 11 may be connected to the duty-free goods sales device 10 via a network NW.

[0023] The processor 12 is configured to realize the functions of the duty-free goods vending apparatus 10 by executing the programs stored in the storage device 11. The processor 12 is an example of a computer.

[0024] Specifically, by executing a program, the processor 12 can function as a data management unit 120, a data acquisition unit 121, a non-resident verification unit 122, an identity verification unit 123, a purchase record verification unit 124, a locker control unit 125, a box status detection unit 126, a trigger event detection unit 127, a storage destination determination unit 128, and a storage destination presentation unit 129.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, the data management unit 120 includes a purchase application management unit 120a and a storage location management unit 120b.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 4, the data acquiring unit 121 includes an image acquiring unit 121a, a passport acquiring unit 121b, an application reference acquiring unit 121c, and an identifier acquiring unit 121d.

[0027] The input / output interface 13 is configured to obtain information from an input device connected to the duty-free goods vending apparatus 10 and to output information to an output device connected to the duty-free goods vending apparatus 10 . The input device is, for example, a camera, a passport scanner, a barcode reader, an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) reader, a sensor, a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel, or a combination thereof. The output device may be, for example, an electric lock, a display, a lamp, a speaker, or a door opening / closing mechanism.

[0028] The communication interface 14 is configured to control communication between the duty-free goods vending apparatus 10 and an external device such as the EC server 30. When the duty-free goods vending apparatus 10 is installed remotely from the input device and the output device, the input device and the output device may exchange information with the duty-free goods vending apparatus 10 via the communication interface 14 instead of the input / output interface 13.

[0029] (1-2) Overview of the embodiment An overview of the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a locker in which the duty-free goods sold by the duty-free goods sales system of the first embodiment are stored. Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a locker in which the duty-free goods sold by the duty-free goods sales system of the first embodiment are stored.

[0030] The user uses the terminal 50 to make a purchase application for the desired tax-free product to the EC server 30, for example, before departure (i.e., before leaving the country for the country of stay). However, if the user's stay period is long enough for the lead time from ordering the product to replenishing it, it is also possible to accept the purchase application after the user leaves the country.

[0031] When the EC server 30 accepts the purchase application, it issues an applicant copy to the user, arranges for the tax-free goods specified in the purchase application, and notifies the tax-free goods sales device 10 of the purchase application.

[0032] The duty-free goods specified in the purchase application are stored in a locker installed in the airport used by the user for departure by the delivery date and time specified in the purchase application.

[0033] 5, the locker 15 includes a plurality of boxes capable of storing tax-free goods. Each box includes a door 15a, a numbered tag 15b, and a lamp 15c.

[0034] Door 15a has an electric lock (referred to as a "door key"). The key of door 15a is locked or unlocked by locker control unit 125. Door 15a is permanently locked except for a predetermined unlocking timing in order to prevent misuse such as depositing luggage by a third party or the installation of dangerous objects. For example, door 15a can be temporarily unlocked when an operator stores tax-free goods, when handing over tax-free goods to a user, when an administrator collects tax-free goods that have not been handed over to a user, during locker maintenance, etc.

[0035] Here, the worker may be a delivery company of the duty-free goods, or a non-resident staff member who works at limited times, such as when replenishing duty-free goods.

[0036] Door 15a may be configured to open electrically in response to control of an opening / closing mechanism, or may be configured to open manually. In the former case, locker control unit 125 may electrically open door 15a after unlocking door 15a.

[0037] Door 15a may be configured to be electrically closed in response to control of an opening / closing mechanism, or may be configured to be manually closed. In the former case, locker control unit 125 may electrically close door 15a before locking door 15a.

[0038] The number tag 15b displays the box number assigned to distinguish each box. The number tag 15b is not essential. The number tag 15b may be any means (for example, a display, a lamp 15c) capable of presenting the box number or other information for distinguishing the box to the user.

[0039] The lamp 15c notifies the user, worker, or manager of the box status or other information, for example, by the lighting status or lighting pattern. The lighting manner of the lamp 15c, for example, the color, intensity, time, cycle, etc. of the lighting, are controlled by the locker control unit 125. The lamp 15c is not essential. The lamp 15c may be any means (for example, a speaker) capable of notifying a user, worker, or manager of some information.

[0040] When a user visits a locker, the duty-free goods sales device 10 performs non-resident verification (i.e., verification that the user is eligible to purchase), identity verification, and purchase record verification to determine whether or not the duty-free goods may be handed over to the user. When the duty-free goods sales device 10 determines that the duty-free goods specified based on the applicant copy presented by the user may be handed over to the user, it unlocks the box in the locker 15 in which the duty-free goods 15d are stored, as illustrated in Fig. 6. The handover is completed when the user removes the duty-free goods 15d from the box.

[0041] The payment of the purchase price of the duty-free goods may be made over the network as part of the purchase request or consecutively to the purchase request (prepayment), or may be made when the duty-free goods sales device 10 determines that the duty-free goods may be handed over to the user (on-site payment). When on-site payment is made, the locker control unit 125 keeps the box in which the duty-free goods are stored locked until the payment is normally completed.

[0042] In addition, the duty-free goods sales device 10 can execute various processes to satisfy the conditions for selling duty-free goods. For example, the duty-free goods sales device 10 may print a purchase record ticket and affix a tally seal, or may create purchase record information and provide it to a supervisory authority (e.g., the National Tax Agency). The creation and provision of the purchase record information may be performed by the EC server 30 or another computer not shown.

[0043] (1-3) Database The databases of the first embodiment will be described. The following databases are stored in the storage device 11.

[0044] (1-3-1) Purchase application database The purchase application database will now be described with reference to Fig. 7, which is a diagram showing the data structure of the purchase application database configured in the purchase application storage unit shown in Fig. 2.

[0045] The purchase application database is managed by the purchase application management unit 120a. As shown in Fig. 7, the purchase application database includes a "purchase application identifier" field, a "purchaser information" field, and a "storage period" field. Each field is associated with the other fields.

[0046] The “purchase application identifier” field stores a value that identifies a purchase application (“purchase application identifier”). The purchase application identifier may be included in the purchase application data received from the EC server 30.

[0047] The "Purchaser Information" field stores a value ("Purchaser Information") indicating information about the user who made the purchase request. The purchaser information may be included in the purchase request data received from the EC server 30. The "Purchaser Information" field may include subfields such as "Passport Number", "Last Name", "First Name", and "Nationality". Each subfield stores a value indicating the elements that make up the purchaser information. The elements that make up the purchaser information are defined to include elements of information that are written on a passport. This makes it possible to confirm whether the holder of the passport has made a purchase request that corresponds to the applicant copy.

[0048] The "storage period" field stores a value indicating the period (storage period) during which the duty-free goods that are the subject of a purchase application must be stored in the locker 15. The storage period may be included in the purchase application data received from the EC server 30. For example, the storage period may be the user's scheduled departure date, the day after the scheduled departure date, a specific time on the scheduled departure date (e.g., the departure time of the flight the user is scheduled to board, the closing time of the airport, etc.), a specific time on the day after the scheduled departure date (e.g., the opening time of the airport, etc.), etc. By collecting the duty-free goods whose storage period has expired from the box and replenishing them with new duty-free goods that are the subject of another purchase application, the finite number of boxes provided in the locker 15 can be operated efficiently.

[0049] (1-3-2) Storage database The storage destination database will now be described with reference to FIG. 8, which is a diagram showing the data structure of the storage destination database configured in the storage destination storage unit of FIG.

[0050] The storage destination database is managed by the storage destination management unit 120b. As shown in Fig. 8, the storage destination database includes a "purchase order identifier" field and a "storage box" field. Each field is associated with the other fields.

[0051] The "purchase order identifier" field stores a value that identifies a purchase order ("purchase order identifier"). The purchase order identifier can be acquired by the identifier acquisition unit 121d when the worker replenishes the box of the locker 15 with tax-free goods.

[0052] The "storage identifier" field stores a value ("storage identifier") that identifies the box in which the duty-free goods will be stored. The storage identifier can be determined by the storage determination unit 128 when the worker replenishes the duty-free goods in the box of the locker 15. Note that if the duty-free goods are stored across multiple boxes, multiple storage identifiers are associated with one purchase order identifier.

[0053] (1-4) Processing The process of the first embodiment will be described.

[0054] (1-4-1) Application acceptance process The application acceptance process of the first embodiment will be described below. Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram of the application acceptance process in the duty-free goods sales system of the first embodiment.

[0055] 9, the EC server 30 executes provision of tax-free product information (S130). For example, in response to an access (e.g., a get request) from the terminal 50 to a tax-free product sales site, the EC server 30 may transmit a Web page (e.g., HTML data) containing information on the tax-free products to the terminal 50 via the network NW.

[0056] 9, after providing the duty-free product information (S130), the terminal 50 executes a purchase application (S150). For example, the terminal 50 accepts at least some input from the user, such as the duty-free product the user wishes to purchase and its quantity, the receipt date (e.g., the date of departure) or receipt date and time (e.g., a specific time period on the date of departure), the receipt location (e.g., the airport used for departure), the date of entry, the return flight number, purchaser information (e.g., passport number, status of residence, telephone number, email address, surname, given name, nationality, date of birth, etc.), and consent at the time of purchase, and transmits the input to the EC server 30 via the network NW. Furthermore, the terminal 50 may perform a prepayment to the EC server 30 or a payment server not shown.

[0057] After the purchase application (S150), the EC server 30 executes the issuance of an applicant copy (S131). The applicant copy corresponds to a voucher, a voucher, a certificate, or the like for receiving the tax-free goods that the user has applied to purchase. The applicant copy may include a symbol string (character string, numeric string, symbol string, or a combination thereof), a barcode (one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode), or other code indicating a purchase application identifier that identifies the purchase application made by the user. The purchase application identifier may be determined by the EC server 30 after the purchase application (S150). The applicant copy is typically a text or image that can be displayed on the screen of a smartphone or other electronic device, but may also be a printed matter. The EC server 30 may transmit the applicant copy to the terminal 50 via the network NW.

[0058] After the purchase application (S150), the EC server 30 executes a notification of the purchase application (S132). For example, the EC server 30 transmits purchase application data to the duty-free goods sales apparatus 10 via the network NW. The purchase application data includes, for example, a purchase application identifier, purchaser information, and a storage period. The storage period can be determined by the EC server 30 based on, for example, the receipt date or receipt date and time acquired by the purchase application (S150).

[0059] The EC server 30 does not need to execute the purchase application notification (S132) every time a purchase application is received. For example, the EC server 30 may execute the purchase application notification (S132) collectively at the time of receiving the purchase application, or at a predetermined time interval (e.g., one day) based on the receipt date of the tax-free goods or the receipt date and time of the tax-free goods.

[0060] After the purchase request (S150), the EC server 30 makes arrangements for the tax-free item (S133). For example, the EC server 30 performs at least one of the following: · Place an order for duty-free goods from the server of a wholesaler or manufacturer that handles duty-free goods. · Instruct delivery companies to pick / pack tax-free items per purchase order. · Instruct delivery companies to deliver / replenish duty-free items.

[0061] The EC server 30 does not need to arrange for tax-free goods (S133) every time a purchase application is received. For example, when a purchase application is received, the EC server 30 may arrange for tax-free goods (S133) for all purchase applications at once for a predetermined time unit (e.g., one day) based on the date of receipt of the tax-free goods or the date and time of receipt of the tax-free goods.

[0062] 9, after notifying the purchase application (S132), the duty-free goods sales device 10 executes registration of the purchase application (S110). Specifically, the purchase application management unit 120a stores the purchase application data received from the EC server 30 in the purchase application storage unit 111. As a result, the purchase application data is registered in the purchase application database (FIG. 7).

[0063] The issuance of an applicant copy (S131), the notification of a purchase offer (S132), and the arrangement of duty-free goods (S133) may be performed in an order different from that shown in FIG. 9, or may be performed in parallel.

[0064] (1-4-2) Sales Processing The sales process of the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 10 is a flowchart of the sales process of the duty-free goods sales system of the first embodiment. Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram of non-resident confirmation in the sales process of Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram of identity confirmation in the sales process of Fig. 10. Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram of confirmation of purchase records in the sales process of Fig. 10. Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram of unlocking the box in the sales process of Fig. 10.

[0065] The sales process in FIG. 10 can be started, for example, when the user operates an input device installed near the locker 15 to make a predetermined input (for example, selecting "receive duty-free goods").

[0066] As shown in Fig. 10, the data acquisition unit 121 executes acquisition of each data (S111). Specifically, as shown in Fig. 12, the image acquisition unit 121a acquires image data IM1 of a user U1 from the camera 16. As shown in Figs. 11 to 13, the passport acquisition unit 121b acquires passport data PD1 obtained by reading a passport P1 presented by the user U1 from the passport scanner 17. The passport data PD1 may include read information of an entry seal (for example, a rubber stamp, a sticker, or a printed matter independent of the passport).

[0067] The application inquiry acquisition unit 121c acquires application inquiry data based on an applicant copy issued in response to a purchase application by a purchase applicant. The application inquiry data may include, for example, a purchase application identifier or other data related to the purchase application. As an example, the application inquiry data may include information on at least one of a receipt date, a receipt time, a receipt location, entrance (box) information, or a passport number. As shown in FIG. 13, if the applicant copy AC1 includes a barcode, the barcode reader 18 may read the barcode to generate the application inquiry data AID1. If the applicant copy includes a symbol string, the application inquiry data may be generated by an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) reader reading the symbol string or by a user inputting the symbol string into an input device.

[0068] After step S111, non-resident confirmation unit 122 executes non-resident confirmation (S112). As shown in Fig. 11, non-resident confirmation unit 122 confirms whether or not the holder of passport P1 is a non-resident based on passport data PD1.

[0069] Specifically, the non-resident confirmation unit 122 confirms whether the holder of passport P1 is a "foreigner" or a "domestic citizen" based on the "nationality" in the passport data PD1. The non-resident confirmation unit 122 then confirms whether the holder of passport P1 meets the conditions for a "foreigner" and a "non-resident" or whether the holder meets the conditions for a "domestic citizen" and a "non-resident" based on the "date of landing" and "status of residence" in the passport data PD1. The "date of landing" and "status of residence" can be identified based on the portion of the passport data PD1 that corresponds to, for example, an entry stamp.

[0070] After step S111, the identity verification unit 123 executes identity verification (S113). As shown in Fig. 12, the identity verification unit 123 verifies whether or not the user U1 is the holder of the passport P1 based on the face photo portion PD1a included in the passport data PD1 and the face portion IM1a of the user U1 included in the image data IM1. The identity verification unit 123 can perform identity verification using, for example, a known face authentication technology.

[0071] After step S111, the purchase record confirmation unit 124 executes confirmation of the purchase record (S114). Specifically, the purchase record confirmation unit 124 extracts the purchase application data corresponding to the application inquiry data acquired in step S111 from the purchase application data stored in the purchase application storage unit 111 (i.e., registered in the purchase application database (FIG. 7)). For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the purchase record confirmation unit 124 extracts the purchase application data corresponding to the application inquiry data AID1 from the purchase application data stored in the purchase application storage unit 111.

[0072] For example, the order inquiry data AID1 includes a purchase order identifier XXX and at least a part of the purchaser information UUU included in the purchase order data (e.g., passport number PN, etc.), and the passport data PD1 includes at least a part of the purchaser information UUU included in the purchase order data (e.g., passport number PN, last name SN, first name GN, etc.). The purchase record confirmation unit 124 verifies whether the holder of the passport P1 matches the purchaser identified by the purchase order identifier XXX included in the order inquiry data AID1 by comparing the purchaser information (e.g., passport number PN) included in the extracted purchase order data with the purchaser information (passport number PN) included in the passport data PD1 (purchase record confirmation). Furthermore, the purchase record confirmation unit 124 may compare at least one of the receipt date, receipt time, or receipt location of the extracted purchase order data with at least one of the receipt date, receipt time, or receipt location included in the order inquiry data AID1. If the comparison of these pieces of information fails, an error process is performed and the sales process in FIG. 10 may end.

[0073] The processing of steps S112 to S114 may be performed in an order different from that of Fig. 10, or may be performed in parallel. If it is confirmed in step S112 that the holder of passport P1 is not a non-resident, if it is confirmed in step S113 that user U1 is not the holder of passport P1, or if it is not possible to extract purchase application data corresponding to the application inquiry data AID1 and passport data PD1 in step S114, error processing is performed and the sales processing of Fig. 10 may end.

[0074] Regarding step S114, the purchase application data stored in the purchase application storage unit 111 may be invalidated at a predetermined time. The predetermined time may be the time when the storage period included in the purchase application data arrives, or the time when the tax-free goods associated with the purchase application data are collected from the box as a no-show. This prevents a situation in which, after the tax-free goods in the box are replaced, a user who has applied to purchase the old tax-free goods appears, the box is unlocked, and the new tax-free goods are mistakenly handed over. The invalidation of the purchase application data may be realized by the purchase application management unit 120a deleting the purchase application data from the purchase application storage unit 111, or by the purchase record confirmation unit 124 excluding the purchase application data from the extraction targets.

[0075] After steps S112 to S114, the locker control unit 125 executes unlocking of the box (S115). As shown in Fig. 14, the locker control unit 125 unlocks the box in which the duty-free item 15d associated with the purchase application data extracted in step S114 is stored among the lockers 15. The locker control unit 125 refers to the storage destination database (Fig. 8) configured in the storage destination memory unit 112 to identify the box in which the duty-free item 15d is stored.

[0076] If the duty-free goods associated with the purchase application data extracted in step S114 are stored in multiple boxes, in step S115 the locker control unit 125 unlocks these boxes and outputs a notification to the output device. This prevents the user from forgetting to take the goods. For example, the locker control unit 125 may output a warning message (e.g., "Box 001 and Box 002 will open") and an alarm sound from a speaker, or may display a warning screen on a display.

[0077] After step S115, the box state detection unit 126 executes detection of the box state (S116). Specifically, the box state detection unit 126 detects the state of the box unlocked in step S115. Here, the box state detection unit 126 can detect at least one of whether or not there is an item in each of the multiple boxes provided in the locker 15 and the open / closed state of each of the doors of the multiple boxes. For example, the box state detection unit 126 can detect whether or not there is an item in each box based on the output of a weight sensor provided in each box, and can detect the open / closed state of the door of each box based on the output of an open / close sensor provided in each box. Step S116 may be performed, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed after step S115.

[0078] After step S116, the locker control unit 125 executes locking of the box (S117). Specifically, when it is detected in step S116 that the box unlocked in step S115 is in a normal state, the locker control unit 125 locks the box. This makes it possible to prevent misuse, such as depositing luggage by a third party, and the installation of dangerous objects. Here, the normal state may be at least one of the following: there is no content in the box and the door of the box is in a closed state.

[0079] If it is detected in step S116 that the box is not in a normal state, the locker control unit 125 may execute, for example, the following exception processing. When it is detected in step S116 that the door of the box is open after a predetermined time has elapsed since step S115, the locker control unit 125 may cause an output device to output a notification. For example, the locker control unit 125 may output a message (e.g., "Please close the door of box 001") and an alarm sound from a speaker. This can notify the user that they forgot to close the door and urge them to close the door. After step S115, if it is detected in step S116 that there is no content in the box and that the door of the box is open, the locker control unit 125 may cause the output device to output a notification. For example, the locker control unit 125 may output a message (e.g., "Please close the door of box 001") and an alarm sound from a speaker. This can notify the user that they forgot to close the door and urge them to close the door. The locker control unit may output a notification to an output device when it is detected in step S116 that there is an item in the box after a predetermined time has elapsed since step S115. For example, the locker control unit 125 may output a message (e.g., "Please empty box 001") and an alarm sound from a speaker. This can inform the user or the administrator that the user has forgotten to pick up a duty-free item, or that a third party has placed a foreign object (luggage or dangerous goods), etc. After step S115, if it is detected in step S116 that the door of the box is closed and that the box contains an item, the locker control unit 125 may cause the output device to output a notification. For example, the locker control unit 125 may output a message (e.g., "Please empty box 001") and an alarm sound from a speaker. This allows the user or the administrator to be notified that the user has forgotten to pick up a duty-free item, or that a third party has placed a foreign object.

[0080] (1-4-3) Replenishment process The replenishment process of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 15, which is a flowchart of the replenishment process of the duty-free goods sales system of the first embodiment.

[0081] 15, the trigger event detection unit 127 executes detection of a trigger event (S120). Specifically, the trigger event detection unit 127 detects a trigger event in which an operator newly replenishes duty-free goods in the locker 15. The trigger event may be, for example, an operator operating an input device installed near the locker 15 to perform a predetermined input (for example, selecting "replenish duty-free goods").

[0082] After step S120, the locker control unit 125 executes unlocking of the boxes (S121). Specifically, the locker control unit 125 unlocks at least some of the multiple boxes provided in the locker 15. For example, the locker control unit 125 may unlock all the boxes, or may unlock a number of boxes corresponding to the quantity of the tax-free goods to be replenished. The locker control unit 125 may simultaneously unlock the boxes for storing multiple tax-free goods, allowing the worker to efficiently replenish the tax-free goods. In addition, the locker control unit 125 may only unlock the boxes that do not contain any contents, or may unlock the boxes that do not contain any contents and the boxes that contain the tax-free goods whose storage period has expired. The locker control unit 125 may unlock the boxes that contain the tax-free goods whose storage period has expired, allowing the worker to efficiently replenish the tax-free goods with new tax-free goods and collect the tax-free goods whose storage period has expired.

[0083] After step S121, the identifier acquisition unit 121d executes acquisition of an identifier (S122). Specifically, the identifier acquisition unit 121d acquires a purchase application identifier that identifies a purchase application for the tax-free goods to be newly replenished. For example, the purchase application identifier can be generated by reading a sticker attached to the package of the tax-free goods or a barcode or symbol string printed on the package with a barcode reader or an OCR reader, or by an operator inputting the symbol string into an input device.

[0084] It should be noted that if the purchase application identifier acquired in step S122 does not match any of the purchase application identifiers contained in the purchase application data stored in the purchase application memory unit 111, error processing may be performed and the replenishment processing in FIG. 15 may end.

[0085] After step S122, the storage destination determination unit 128 executes a determination of a storage destination (S123). Specifically, the storage destination determination unit 128 determines a box in which the newly replenished duty-free goods are to be stored. For example, the storage destination determination unit 128 selects a number of boxes required to store the duty-free goods from among boxes with no contents and boxes containing duty-free goods whose storage period has expired.

[0086] After step S123, storage destination management unit 120b executes storage destination registration (S124). Specifically, storage destination management unit 120b stores in storage destination memory unit 112 (i.e., registers in storage destination database (FIG. 8)) a storage destination identifier that identifies the storage destination (box) determined in step S123 in association with the purchase application identifier acquired in step S122.

[0087] After step S123, the storage destination presentation unit 129 executes presentation of the storage destination (S125). Specifically, the storage destination presentation unit 129 presents information indicating the storage destination determined in step S123 to the worker. For example, the storage destination presentation unit 129 may display a box number indicating the storage destination on a display, may output a message (e.g., "Please store in box no. 001") from a speaker, or may light up a lamp corresponding to the storage destination.

[0088] The processes in steps S124 and S125 may be executed in an order different from that shown in FIG. 15, or may be executed in parallel.

[0089] After step S125, the box status detection unit 126 detects the box status (S126). Specifically, the box status detection unit 126 detects the status of the box corresponding to the storage destination determined in step S123. Step S126 may be performed, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed after step S125.

[0090] After step S126, the locker control unit 125 executes locking of the box (S127). Specifically, when it is detected in step S126 that the box corresponding to the storage destination determined in step S123 is in a normal state, the locker control unit 125 locks the box. This makes it possible to prevent an operator from selecting the wrong storage destination, forgetting to replenish duty-free goods, and the like. The normal state here means that the newly replenished duty-free goods are stored in the correct box, and the locker control unit 125 is ready to lock the box. The normal state can be, for example, at least one of the following: the box contains an item, and the door is in a closed state.

[0091] If it is detected in step S126 that the box is not in a normal state, the locker control unit 125 may execute, for example, the following exception processing. When it is detected in step S126 that there is no content in the box after a predetermined time has elapsed since step S125, the locker control unit 125 may output a notification to an output device. For example, the locker control unit 125 may output a message (e.g., "Please store the duty-free goods in box 001") and an alarm sound from a speaker. This can inform the worker that the storage location is incorrect or that the duty-free goods have been forgotten to be replenished, and urge the worker to store the duty-free goods in the correct box. After step S125, if it is detected in step S126 that there is an item in the box and that the door of the box is open, the locker control unit 125 may cause an output device to output a notification. For example, the locker control unit 125 may output a message (e.g., "Please close the door of box 001") and an alarm sound from a speaker. This can notify the worker that the door was left open and urge him or her to close the door.

[0092] (1-5) Summary of the First Embodiment As described above, the duty-free goods sales device of the first embodiment confirms whether the holder of the passport presented by the user is the same as the user (identity confirmation), confirms whether the holder of the passport is a non-resident (non-resident confirmation), and confirms whether the holder of the passport is the same as the purchase applicant (purchase record confirmation). Then, when the identity confirmation, non-resident confirmation, and purchase record confirmation are all passed, the duty-free goods sales device unlocks the box in which the tax-free goods applied for purchase by the user are stored. Therefore, according to the duty-free goods sales device, the tax-free goods applied for purchase can be handed over to the user without having a staff member on-site. In other words, the personnel cost related to the sale of the tax-free goods can be reduced. Note that a part of what has been described as the processing of the duty-free goods sales device of the first embodiment may be performed by an EC server or another external device. For example, a duty-free goods sales system including a first device that executes a part of such processing and a second device that executes at least a part of the remaining part can be configured.

[0093] (2) Second embodiment A duty-free goods sales system according to a second embodiment of the present invention is different from the duty-free goods sales system according to the first embodiment in the division of functions between a duty-free goods sales device and an EC server.

[0094] (2-1) Duty-free sales system configuration The following describes the configuration of the duty-free goods sales system of the second embodiment. The configuration of the duty-free goods sales system of the second embodiment is as shown in FIG.

[0095] (2-1-1) Duty-free goods sales device configuration The configuration of the duty-free goods sales device will be described. The duty-free goods sales device 10 of the second embodiment may be the same as the duty-free goods sales device 10 of the first embodiment, or may differ in part of the hardware or functions.

[0096] (2-1-2) EC Server Configuration The configuration of the EC server will be described. Fig. 16 is a block diagram illustrating an EC server of the second embodiment. Fig. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a data management unit in Fig. 16. Fig. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a data acquisition unit in Fig. 16.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 16, the EC server 30 includes, as hardware, a storage device 31, a processor 32, an input / output interface 33, and a communication interface .

[0098] The storage device 31 is configured to store programs and data. The storage device 31 is, for example, a combination of a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), and a storage (for example, a flash memory or a hard disk).

[0099] The programs include, for example, the following programs: ·OS (Operating System) programs · Programs for applications that perform information processing (e.g., face recognition)

[0100] The data includes, for example, the following data: Databases referenced in information processing Data obtained by performing information processing (i.e., the results of performing information processing)

[0101] Specifically, the storage device 31 includes a purchase application storage unit 311 and a storage destination storage unit 312 . The storage device 31 may be connected to the EC server 30 via a network NW.

[0102] The processor 32 is configured to implement the functions of the EC server 30 by executing the programs stored in the storage device 31. The processor 32 is an example of a computer.

[0103] Specifically, by executing a program, the processor 32 can function as a data management unit 120, a data acquisition unit 321, a non-resident verification unit 322, an identity verification unit 323, a purchase record verification unit 324, a locker control unit 325, a box status detection unit 326, a trigger event detection unit 327, a storage destination determination unit 328, and a storage destination presentation unit 329.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 17, the data management section 320 includes a purchase application management section 320a and a storage location management section 320b.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 18, the data acquiring unit 321 includes an image acquiring unit 321a, a passport acquiring unit 321b, an application reference acquiring unit 321c, and an identifier acquiring unit 321d.

[0106] The input / output interface 33 is configured to obtain information from an input device connected to the EC server 30 and to output information to an output device connected to the EC server 30 . The input device is, for example, a camera, a passport scanner, a barcode reader, an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) reader, a sensor, a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel, or a combination thereof. The output device may be, for example, an electric lock, a display, a lamp, a speaker, or a door opening / closing mechanism.

[0107] The communication interface 34 is configured to control communication between the EC server 30 and an external device such as the duty-free goods vending device 10. When the EC server 30 is installed remotely from the input device and the output device, the input device and the output device may exchange information with the EC server 30 via the communication interface 34 instead of the input / output interface 33.

[0108] (2-2) Overview of the embodiment The outline of the second embodiment will be described.

[0109] When a user visits a locker, the duty-free goods sales device 10 acquires various data and transmits it to the EC server 30. The EC server 30 refers to the data acquired from the duty-free goods sales device 10 and performs non-resident verification, identity verification, and purchase record verification to determine whether or not the duty-free goods may be handed over to the user. When the EC server 30 determines that the duty-free goods specified based on the applicant copy presented by the user may be handed over to the user, it instructs the duty-free goods sales device 10 to unlock the box in the locker 15 in which the duty-free goods are stored. The handover is completed when the user removes the duty-free goods from the box.

[0110] (2-3) Database The databases of the second embodiment will now be described. The purchase application database and the storage destination database of the second embodiment are stored in the storage device 31 and managed by the data management unit 320.

[0111] (2-4) Processing The process of the second embodiment will be described.

[0112] (2-4-1) Application acceptance process The application acceptance process of the second embodiment will be described below. Fig. 19 is a sequence diagram of the application acceptance process in the duty-free goods sales system of the second embodiment.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 19, the EC server 30 provides tax-free product information (S130) in the same manner as in FIG.

[0114] After providing the tax-free product information (S130), the terminal 50 executes a purchase request (S150) in the same manner as in FIG.

[0115] After the purchase application (S150), the EC server 30 issues a copy for the applicant (S131) ​​in the same manner as in FIG.

[0116] After the purchase application (S150), the EC server 30 executes registration of the purchase application (S132A). Specifically, the purchase application management unit 320a stores the purchase application data in the purchase application storage unit 311. As a result, the purchase application data is registered in the purchase application database.

[0117] The EC server 30 does not need to register a purchase application (S132A) every time a purchase application is received. For example, when a purchase application is received, the EC server 30 may register the purchase application (S132A) in batches every predetermined time unit (e.g., one day) based on the receipt date of the tax-free goods or the receipt date and time of the tax-free goods.

[0118] After the purchase request (S150), the EC server 30 makes arrangements for the tax-free goods (S133) in the same manner as in FIG.

[0119] The issuance of an applicant copy (S131), the registration of a purchase order (S132A), and the arrangement of tax-free goods (S133) may be performed in an order different from that shown in FIG. 19, or may be performed in parallel.

[0120] (2-4-2) Sales Processing The sales process of the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 20, which is a flowchart showing the sales process of the duty-free goods sales system of the second embodiment.

[0121] The sales process in FIG. 20 can be started, for example, when the user operates an input device installed near the locker 15 to make a predetermined input (for example, selecting "receive duty-free goods").

[0122] As shown in Fig. 20, the data acquisition unit 321 executes acquisition of each data (S311). Specifically, the image acquisition unit 321a acquires image data IM1 of a photograph of the user U1 from the duty-free goods sales device 10. The passport acquisition unit 321b acquires passport data PD1 obtained by reading the passport P1 presented by the user U1 from the duty-free goods sales device 10. The application inquiry acquisition unit 321c acquires application inquiry data based on an applicant copy issued in response to a purchase application by the purchase applicant from the duty-free goods sales device 10.

[0123] After step S311, the non-resident confirmation unit 322 executes non-resident confirmation (S312). The non-resident confirmation unit 322 confirms whether or not the holder of the passport P1 is a non-resident based on the passport data PD1 acquired in step S311.

[0124] After step S311, the identity verification unit 323 executes identity verification (S313). The identity verification unit 323 verifies whether or not the user U1 is the holder of the passport P1 based on the face photo portion PD1a included in the passport data PD1 acquired in step S311 and the face portion IM1a of the user U1 included in the image data IM1 acquired in step S311.

[0125] After step S311, the purchase record confirmation unit 324 executes purchase record confirmation (S314). Specifically, the purchase record confirmation unit 324 extracts purchase application data corresponding to the application inquiry data acquired in step S311 from the purchase application data stored in the purchase application storage unit 311 (i.e., registered in the purchase application database). For example, the purchase record confirmation unit 324 extracts purchase application data corresponding to the application inquiry data AID1 from the purchase application data stored in the purchase application storage unit 311. Then, the purchase record confirmation unit 324 collates purchaser information (e.g., passport number PN) included in the extracted purchase application data with purchaser information (passport number PN) included in the passport data PD1 to confirm (purchase record confirmation) whether the holder of the passport P1 matches the purchaser identified by the purchase application identifier XXX included in the purchase inquiry data AID1. Furthermore, the purchase record confirmation unit 324 may compare at least one of the receipt date, receipt time, or receipt location of the extracted purchase application data with at least one of the receipt date, receipt time, or receipt location included in the application inquiry data AID1. If the comparison of this information fails, an error process is performed and the sales process in FIG. 20 may end.

[0126] The processing of steps S312 to S314 may be executed in an order different from that of Fig. 20, or may be executed in parallel. If it is confirmed in step S312 that the holder of passport P1 is not a non-resident, if it is confirmed in step S313 that user U1 is not the holder of passport P1, or if it is not possible to extract purchase application data corresponding to the application inquiry data AID1 and passport data PD1 in step S314, error processing is performed and the sales processing of Fig. 20 may end.

[0127] Regarding step S314, the purchase application data stored in the purchase application storage unit 311 may be invalidated at a predetermined time. The predetermined time may be the time when the storage period included in the purchase application data arrives, or the time when the tax-free goods associated with the purchase application data are collected from the box as a no-show. This prevents a situation in which, when the tax-free goods in the box are replaced and a user who has applied to purchase the old tax-free goods appears, the box is unlocked and the new tax-free goods are mistakenly handed over. The invalidation of the purchase application data may be realized by the purchase application management unit 320a deleting the purchase application data from the purchase application storage unit 311, or by the purchase record confirmation unit 324 excluding the purchase application data from the extraction target.

[0128] After steps S312 to S314, the locker control unit 325 executes unlocking of the box (S315). The locker control unit 325 instructs the duty-free goods sales device 10 to unlock the box in which the duty-free goods 15d associated with the purchase application data extracted in step S314 is stored among the lockers 15. As an example, the locker control unit 325 transmits only information for identifying the box to be unlocked (i.e., the box in which the duty-free goods 15d is stored) to the duty-free goods sales device 10. The locker control unit 325 refers to a storage destination database configured in the storage destination memory unit 312 to identify the box in which the duty-free goods 15d is stored.

[0129] If the duty-free goods associated with the purchase application data extracted in step S314 are stored in multiple boxes, in step S315, the locker control unit 325 unlocks these boxes and instructs the duty-free goods sales device 10 to output a notice to the output device of the duty-free goods sales device 10. This prevents the user from forgetting to take the goods. For example, the locker control unit 325 may output a message for attention (e.g., "Box 001 and Box 002 will open") and an alarm sound from the speaker of the duty-free goods sales device 10, or may display a screen for attention on the display of the duty-free goods sales device 10.

[0130] After step S315, the box state detection unit 326 executes detection of the box state (S316). Specifically, the box state detection unit 326 detects the state of the box unlocked in step S315 based on data reported from the duty-free goods sales device 10 (for example, the output of a weight sensor, the output of an open / close sensor, or a combination thereof). Here, the box state detection unit 326 can detect at least one of whether or not there is an article in each of the multiple boxes provided in the locker 15 and the open / close state of each of the doors of the multiple boxes. For example, the box state detection unit 326 can detect whether or not there is an article in each box based on the output of a weight sensor provided in each box, and can detect the open / close state of the door of each box based on the output of an open / close sensor provided in each box. Step S316 may be performed, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed after step S315.

[0131] After step S316, the locker control unit 325 executes locking of the box (S317). Specifically, when it is detected in step S316 that the box unlocked in step S315 is in a normal state, the locker control unit 325 instructs the duty-free goods vending device 10 to lock the box. This makes it possible to prevent misuse, such as depositing luggage by a third party, and the installation of dangerous objects. Here, the normal state may be at least one of the following: there is no content in the box and the door of the box is in a closed state.

[0132] If it is detected in step S316 that the box is not in a normal state, the locker control unit 325 may execute, for example, the following exception processing. When it is detected in step S316 that the door of the box is open after a predetermined time has elapsed since step S315, the locker control unit 325 may output a notification to the output device of the duty-free goods vending apparatus 10. For example, the locker control unit 325 may output a message (e.g., "Please close the door of box 001") and an alarm sound from the speaker of the duty-free goods vending apparatus 10. This can notify the user that the door was left open and urge the user to close the door. After step S315, when it is detected in step S316 that there is no content in the box and that the door of the box is open, the locker control unit 325 may cause the output device of the duty-free goods vending apparatus 10 to output a notification. For example, the locker control unit 325 may cause the speaker of the duty-free goods vending apparatus 10 to output a message (e.g., "Please close the door of box 001") and an alarm sound. This makes it possible to notify the user that the door has been left open and to urge the user to close the door. The locker control unit may output a notification to the output device of the duty-free goods vending apparatus 10 when it is detected in step S316 that there is an item in the box after a predetermined time has elapsed since step S315. For example, the locker control unit 325 may output a message (e.g., "Please empty box 001") and an alarm sound from the speaker of the duty-free goods vending apparatus 10. This makes it possible to inform the user or the administrator that the user has forgotten to pick up the duty-free goods, or that a third party has placed a foreign object (luggage or dangerous object), etc. After step S315, if it is detected in step S316 that the door of the box is closed and that the box contains an item, the locker control unit 325 may cause the output device of the duty-free goods vending apparatus 10 to output a notification. For example, the locker control unit 325 may cause the speaker of the duty-free goods vending apparatus 10 to output a message (e.g., "Please empty box 001") and an alarm sound. This makes it possible to inform the user or an administrator that the user has forgotten to pick up the duty-free goods, or that a third party has placed a foreign object.

[0133] (2-4-3) Replenishment process The replenishment process of the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 21, which is a flowchart of the replenishment process of the duty-free goods sales system of the second embodiment.

[0134] 21, the trigger event detection unit 327 executes detection of a trigger event (S320). Specifically, the trigger event detection unit 327 detects a trigger event in which an operator newly replenishes duty-free goods in the locker 15 based on data reported from the duty-free goods vending apparatus 10 (for example, the operation contents of an operator on an input device of the duty-free goods vending apparatus 10). The trigger event may be, for example, an operator operating an input device installed near the locker 15 to perform a predetermined input (for example, selecting "replenish duty-free goods").

[0135] After step S320, the locker control unit 325 executes unlocking of the boxes (S321). Specifically, the locker control unit 325 instructs the duty-free goods sales device 10 to unlock at least some of the multiple boxes provided in the locker 15. For example, the locker control unit 325 may instruct the duty-free goods sales device 10 to unlock all the boxes, or may instruct the duty-free goods sales device 10 to unlock the number of boxes corresponding to the quantity of the duty-free goods to be replenished. The locker control unit 325 may instruct the duty-free goods sales device 10 to simultaneously unlock the boxes for storing multiple duty-free goods, so that the worker can efficiently replenish the duty-free goods. In addition, the locker control unit 325 may instruct the duty-free goods sales device 10 to unlock only the boxes that do not contain any contents, or may instruct the duty-free goods sales device 10 to unlock the boxes that do not contain any contents and the boxes that contain the duty-free goods whose storage period has expired. The locker control unit 325 instructs the duty-free goods vending device 10 to unlock the box in which the duty-free goods whose storage period has expired are stored, so that the worker can efficiently replenish new duty-free goods and collect the duty-free goods whose storage period has expired.

[0136] After step S321, the identifier acquisition unit 321d executes acquisition of an identifier (S322). Specifically, the identifier acquisition unit 321d acquires a purchase application identifier for identifying a purchase application for the newly replenished tax-free goods from the tax-free goods sales device 10. For example, the tax-free goods sales device 10 can generate a purchase application identifier by reading a sticker attached to the packaging of the tax-free goods or a barcode or symbol string printed on the packaging with a barcode reader or an OCR reader, or by an operator inputting the symbol string to an input device. The tax-free goods sales device 10 transmits the generated purchase application identifier to the EC server 30.

[0137] In addition, if the purchase application identifier acquired in step S322 does not match the purchase application identifier contained in any of the purchase application data stored in the purchase application memory unit 311, error processing may be performed and the replenishment processing in Figure 21 may be terminated.

[0138] After step S322, the storage destination determination unit 328 executes a storage destination determination (S323). Specifically, the storage destination determination unit 328 determines a box in which the newly replenished duty-free goods are to be stored. For example, the storage destination determination unit 328 selects a number of boxes required to store the duty-free goods from among boxes with no contents and boxes containing duty-free goods whose storage period has expired.

[0139] After step S323, the storage destination management unit 320b executes the storage destination registration (S324). Specifically, the storage destination management unit 320b stores in the storage destination memory unit 312 (i.e., registers in the storage destination database) a storage destination identifier that identifies the storage destination (box) determined in step S323 in association with the purchase application identifier acquired in step S322.

[0140] After step S323, the storage destination presentation unit 329 executes presentation of the storage destination (S325). Specifically, the storage destination presentation unit 329 instructs the duty-free goods sales device 10 to present information indicating the storage destination determined in step S323 to the worker. For example, the storage destination presentation unit 329 may display a box number indicating the storage destination on the display of the duty-free goods sales device 10, may output a message (e.g., "Please store in box 001") from the speaker of the duty-free goods sales device 10, or may light up a lamp of the duty-free goods sales device 10 corresponding to the storage destination.

[0141] The processes in steps S324 and S325 may be executed in an order different from that shown in FIG. 21, or may be executed in parallel.

[0142] After step S325, the box status detection unit 326 detects the box status (S326). Specifically, the box status detection unit 326 detects the status of the box corresponding to the storage destination determined in step S323 based on data (e.g., the output of a weight sensor, the output of an open / close sensor, or a combination thereof) reported from the duty-free goods vending device 10. Step S326 may be performed, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed after step S325.

[0143] After step S326, the locker control unit 325 executes locking of the box (S327). Specifically, when it is detected in step S326 that the box corresponding to the storage destination determined in step S323 is in a normal state, the locker control unit 325 instructs the duty-free goods vending device 10 to lock the box. This makes it possible to prevent an operator from selecting the wrong storage destination, forgetting to replenish the duty-free goods, and the like. The normal state here means that the newly replenished duty-free goods are stored in the correct box, and the duty-free goods vending device 10 is ready to lock the box. The normal state can be, for example, at least one of the following: the box contains an item, and the door is in a closed state.

[0144] If it is detected in step S326 that the box is not in a normal state, the locker control unit 325 may execute, for example, the following exception handling. When it is detected in step S326 that there is no content in the box after a predetermined time has elapsed since step S325, the locker control unit 325 may output a notification to the output device of the duty-free goods vending apparatus 10. For example, the locker control unit 325 may output a message (e.g., "Please store the duty-free goods in box 001") and an alarm sound from the speaker of the duty-free goods vending apparatus 10. This can inform the worker that the storage location is incorrect or that the duty-free goods have been forgotten to be replenished, and urge the worker to store the duty-free goods in the correct box. After step S325, when it is detected in step S326 that there is an item in the box and that the door of the box is open, the locker control unit 325 may cause the output device of the duty-free goods vending apparatus 10 to output a notification. For example, the locker control unit 325 may cause a message (e.g., "Please close the door of box 001") and an alarm sound to be output from the speaker of the duty-free goods vending apparatus 10. This can notify the worker that the door was left open and urge the worker to close the door.

[0145] (2-5) Summary of the Second Embodiment As described above, the EC server of the second embodiment confirms whether the holder of the passport presented by the user is the same as the user (identity confirmation), confirms whether the holder of the passport is a non-resident (non-resident confirmation), and confirms whether the holder of the passport is the same as the purchase applicant (purchase record confirmation). Then, if the identity confirmation, non-resident confirmation, and purchase record confirmation are all passed, the EC server instructs the duty-free goods sales device 10 to unlock the box in which the tax-free goods that the user has applied to purchase are stored. Therefore, according to this EC server, the tax-free goods that the user has applied to purchase can be handed over to the user without having a staff member present. In other words, the personnel cost related to the sale of the tax-free goods can be reduced. Note that part of the processes described as the EC server of the second embodiment may be performed by the duty-free goods sales device or another external device. For example, a duty-free goods sales system including a first device that executes part of such processes and a second device that executes at least part of the remaining processes can be configured.

[0146] (3) Variations The EC server 30 (which may be the duty-free goods sales device 10, or another computer not shown) may automatically create an electronic purchase record ticket and automatically submit the created electronic purchase record ticket to a supervisory authority (e.g., the National Tax Agency). Specifically, the EC server 30 refers to a template of an electronic purchase record slip created in advance in response to a purchase order and creates a new electronic purchase record slip corresponding to the purchase order. As an example, the EC server 30 extracts the passport number and purchased product information included in the purchase order data, and writes them out in a copy of the template of the target electronic purchase record slip. Furthermore, the EC server 30 searches for an electronic purchase record slip corresponding to the purchase order, using the passport number included in the passport data PD1 or the application inquiry data AID1 obtained at the time of delivery of the tax-free goods as a key. The EC server 30 writes out the necessary information from the passport data PD1 on the target electronic purchase record slip, thereby completing the electronic purchase record slip. The EC server 30 submits the electronic purchase record slip online to the supervisory agency, triggered by detection of receipt of the tax-free goods.

[0147] The functional division in the duty-free goods sales system described in the first and second embodiments is merely an example. The duty-free goods sales device and the EC server may divide the functions in a manner different from that in the first and second embodiments, or the duty-free goods sales system may be realized by dividing the functions among the duty-free goods sales device, the EC server, and one or more other devices (i.e., three or more devices).

[0148] In the unlocking of the box in the first embodiment (S115) and the unlocking of the box in the second embodiment (S315), an example of automatically unlocking the box has been shown. However, instead of automatically unlocking the box, the user may be asked to input a password. In this case, the password may be notified to the user by some means. In response to the user inputting the correct password into the input device of the duty-free goods sales apparatus 10, the duty-free goods sales apparatus 10 unlocks the specified box.

[0149] In the first and second embodiments, examples have been described in which the replenishment process (FIGS. 15 and 21) executes the acquisition of identifiers (S122, S322), the determination of storage destinations (S123, S323), the registration of storage destinations (S124, S324), and the presentation of storage destinations (S125, S325). However, the EC server 30 may determine the storage destinations of the tax-free goods, for example, in the arrangement of tax-free goods (S133) of the application reception process (FIGS. 9 and 10), and notify the delivery company of the information of the determined storage destination together with the delivery instruction. The information of the storage destination of the tax-free goods may be attached to the packaging of the tax-free goods for the replenishment work by a worker, for example. Furthermore, in the unlocking of boxes (S121, S321) of the replenishment process (FIGS. 15 and 21), only the boxes corresponding to the storage destinations of the tax-free goods to be replenished are unlocked, thereby preventing the storage destination from being mistaken and theft of the stored tax-free goods.

[0150] Note that only non-residents are eligible to purchase tax-free goods. However, in the future, it is possible that non-residents may be eligible to purchase tax-free goods. In such a case, the non-resident confirmation unit 122 or the non-resident confirmation unit 322 may be omitted or modified to confirm requirements other than those of non-residents.

[0151] (4) Additional Notes The matters explained in the embodiment are additionally noted below.

[0152] (Appendix 1) a first storage means (120a, 320a) for storing purchase order data relating to tax-free goods in a purchase order storage unit (111, 311); a second storage means (120b, 320b) for storing in a storage destination storage unit (112, 312) data identifying a box in which a duty-free item associated with the purchase order data stored in the purchase order storage unit is stored among the lockers having a plurality of boxes; A first acquisition means (121a, 321a) for acquiring image data obtained by photographing a user; a second acquiring means (121b, 321b) for acquiring passport data of a passport presented by a user; a third acquiring means (121c, 321c) for acquiring application reference data based on an applicant copy issued in response to an application for purchase of a duty-free product; a first verification means (122, 322) for verifying whether the holder of the passport is eligible to purchase duty-free goods based on the passport data; A second confirmation means (123, 323) for confirming whether or not the user is a passport holder based on a face photograph portion included in the passport data and a face portion of the user included in the image data; a third confirmation means (124, 324) for extracting first purchase application data corresponding to the application inquiry data from among the purchase application data stored in the purchase application storage unit, and for confirming whether or not the holder of the passport is an applicant for purchase of duty-free goods; an unlocking means (125, 325) for unlocking a box in the locker in which a first duty-free item associated with the first purchase application data is stored when it is confirmed that the holder of the passport is qualified to purchase the duty-free item, the user is confirmed to be the holder of the passport, and the holder of the passport is confirmed to be an applicant for the purchase of the duty-free item; A duty-free goods sales system (1) comprising a first device (10) having a first means which is a part of a plurality of means including the above, and a second device (30) having a second means which is a part of the plurality of means and is different from the first means.

[0153] (Appendix 2) the first storage means, the second storage means, the first confirmation means, the second confirmation means, and the third confirmation means are provided as first means in a first device; The unlocking means is provided in a second device including a locker as a second means, In the process of unlocking the box, only data identifying the box in which the first duty-free item is stored is transmitted from the first device to the second device via the network. A duty-free goods sales system as described in Appendix 1.

[0154] (Appendix 3) the unlocking means unlocks the first box and the second box when the first duty-free item is stored in both the first box and the second box and causes the output device to output a notification; A duty-free sales system as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0155] (Appendix 4) The first device or the second device further includes a box status detection means (126, 326) for detecting the status of a plurality of boxes; the unlocking means causes the output device to output a notification when it is detected that the box in which the first duty-free item is stored has an item therein after the box is unlocked and when it is detected that the door of the box is in a closed state; A duty-free goods sales system according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3.

[0156] (Appendix 5) The purchase application data stored in the purchase application storage unit is invalidated at a predetermined time. A duty-free goods sales system according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 4.

[0157] (Appendix 6) The first device or the second device further includes an arrangement means for arranging for the duty-free goods in response to a purchase application for the duty-free goods. A duty-free goods sales system according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 5.

[0158] (Appendix 7) The arrangement means determines a storage destination for the duty-free goods and instructs a delivery company of the duty-free goods to store the determined storage destination. A duty-free goods sales system as described in Appendix 6.

[0159] (Appendix 8) The first device or the second device further includes an event detection means (127, 327) for detecting a trigger event that an operator newly replenishes the locker with duty-free goods; the unlocking means unlocks a box among the plurality of boxes corresponding to a storage destination of the duty-free goods to be newly replenished by the worker when a trigger event is detected; A duty-free goods sales system as described in Appendix 7.

[0160] (Appendix 9) The first device or the second device further includes an event detection means (127, 327) for detecting a trigger event that an operator newly replenishes the locker with duty-free goods; The unlocking means unlocks at least a portion of the plurality of boxes when a trigger event is detected. A duty-free goods sales system according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 6.

[0161] (Appendix 10) The first device or the second device an identifier acquiring means (121d, 321d) for acquiring an identifier for identifying a purchase order for the second tax-free item to be newly added; a storage destination determination means (128, 328) for determining a third box in which the second duty-free item is to be stored; A storage destination presenting means (129, 329) for presenting information indicating the third box to the worker; a locking means (125, 325) for locking the third box after storing the second duty-free goods; Further comprising: The second storage means stores data identifying the third box in the storage destination memory unit in association with the identifier. A duty-free goods sales system as described in Appendix 9.

[0162] (Appendix 11) Storing purchase order data relating to tax-free goods in a purchase order storage unit (111, 311) (S110, S132A); storing data for identifying a box in which a duty-free item associated with the purchase application data stored in the purchase application storage unit is stored among the lockers having a plurality of boxes in a storage destination storage unit (112, 312) (S124, S324); Acquiring image data of a user (S111, S311); Acquiring passport data of a passport presented by a user (S111, S311); Acquiring application reference data based on an applicant copy issued in response to an application for purchasing a duty-free item (S111, S311); Checking whether the passport holder is eligible to purchase duty-free goods based on the passport data (S112, S312); Confirming whether or not the user is a passport holder based on a face photograph portion included in the passport data and a face portion of the user included in the image data (S113, S313); Extracting first purchase application data corresponding to the application inquiry data from the purchase application data stored in the purchase application storage unit, and confirming whether the holder of the passport is an applicant for purchasing duty-free goods (S114, S314); When it is confirmed that the holder of the passport is qualified to purchase the duty-free item, the user is confirmed to be the holder of the passport, and the holder of the passport is confirmed to be an applicant for the purchase of the duty-free item, unlocking a box in the locker in which the first duty-free item associated with the first purchase application data is stored (S115, S315); A method for selling duty-free goods, comprising:

[0163] (Appendix 12) 1 or more computers A means (120a, 320a) for storing purchase order data relating to tax-free goods in a purchase order storage unit (111, 311); a means (120b, 320b) for storing in a storage destination memory unit (112, 312) data for identifying a box in which a duty-free item associated with the purchase order data stored in the purchase order memory unit is stored among a locker having a plurality of boxes; Means (121a, 321a) for acquiring image data of a user; Means (121b, 321b) for obtaining passport data of a passport presented by a user; A means (121c, 321c) for acquiring application reference data based on an application copy issued in response to an application for purchase of a duty-free item; means for verifying, based on passport data, whether the holder of the passport is eligible to purchase duty-free goods (122, 322); A means (123, 323) for confirming whether or not a user is a passport holder based on a face photograph portion included in the passport data and a face portion of the user included in the image data; a means (124, 324) for extracting first purchase order data corresponding to the purchase inquiry data from among the purchase order data stored in the purchase order storage unit, and for confirming whether the holder of the passport is an applicant for purchase of duty-free goods; a means (125, 325) for unlocking a box in the locker in which a first duty-free item associated with the first purchase application data is stored when it is confirmed that the holder of the passport is qualified to purchase the duty-free item, the user is confirmed to be the holder of the passport, and the holder of the passport is confirmed to be an applicant for the purchase of the duty-free item; A duty-free sales program that functions as a

[0164] (Appendix 13) a first storage means (320a) for storing purchase order data relating to tax-free goods in a purchase order storage unit (311); a second storage means (320b) for storing in the storage destination storage unit (312) data identifying a box in which a duty-free item associated with the purchase order data stored in the purchase order storage unit is stored among the lockers having a plurality of boxes; A first acquisition means (321a) for acquiring image data obtained by photographing a user; a second acquiring means (321b) for acquiring passport data of a passport presented by a user; a third acquiring means (321c) for acquiring application reference data based on an applicant copy issued in response to an application for purchase of a duty-free product; a first verification means (322) for verifying whether the holder of the passport is eligible to purchase duty-free goods based on the passport data; A second verification means (323) for verifying whether or not the user is a passport holder based on a face photograph portion included in the passport data and a face portion of the user included in the image data; a third confirmation means (324) for extracting the first purchase order data corresponding to the order inquiry data from among the purchase order data stored in the purchase order storage unit, and for confirming whether the holder of the passport is an applicant for the purchase of duty-free goods; and a locker control means (325) for instructing the duty-free goods sales device (10) to unlock a box in the locker in which a first duty-free goods associated with the first purchase application data is stored, when it is confirmed that the holder of the passport is qualified to purchase the duty-free goods, the user is the holder of the passport, and the holder of the passport is the applicant for the purchase of the duty-free goods; A server (30).

[0165] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Furthermore, the above embodiment can be improved or modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the above embodiment and the modified examples can be combined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0166] 1: Duty-free sales system 10: Duty-free goods sales device 11:Storage device 12: Processor 13: Input / Output Interface 14: Communication interface 15: Locker 15a: Door 15b: Number plate 15c: Lamp 15d: Duty free items 16: Camera 17: Passport scanner 18: Barcode reader 30:EC Server 50: Terminal 111: Purchase application storage unit 112: Storage destination memory section 120: Data Management Department 120a: Purchase application management department 120b:Storage destination management department 121: Data acquisition section 121a: Image acquisition unit 121b: Passport Acquisition Department 121c: Application inquiry acquisition section 121d: Identifier acquisition unit 122:Non-resident confirmation department 123: Identity Verification Department 124: Purchase record confirmation section 125: Locker control unit 126: Box status detection unit 127: Trigger event detector 128: Storage destination determination section 129: Storage destination presentation section 311: Purchase order storage unit 312: Storage destination memory section 320: Data Management Department 320a: Purchase Order Management Department 320b: Storage destination management department 321: Data Acquisition Department 321a: Image acquisition unit 321b: Passport Acquisition Department 321c: Application inquiry acquisition section 321d: Identifier acquisition unit 322:Non-resident confirmation department 323: Identity Verification Department 324: Purchase Record Verification Department 325: Locker control unit 326: Box status detection unit 327: Trigger event detection unit 328: Storage destination determination section 329: Storage destination presentation section

Claims

1. a first storage means for storing purchase order data relating to tax-free goods in a purchase order storage unit; a second storage means for storing in a storage destination storage unit data identifying a box in which the duty-free goods associated with the purchase application data stored in the purchase application storage unit are stored among a plurality of boxes in a locker; A first acquisition means for acquiring image data obtained by photographing a user; A second acquiring means for acquiring passport data of a passport presented by the user; a third acquiring means for acquiring application reference data based on an applicant copy issued in response to the application for purchase of the tax-free goods; a first verification means for verifying whether or not the holder of the passport is eligible to purchase the duty-free goods based on the passport data; a second confirmation means for confirming whether or not the user is the holder of the passport based on a face photograph portion included in the passport data and a face portion of the user included in the image data; a third confirmation means for extracting first purchase application data corresponding to the purchase inquiry data from among the purchase application data stored in the purchase application storage unit, and for confirming whether or not the holder of the passport is an applicant for the purchase of the duty-free product; and an unlocking means for unlocking a box in the locker in which a first tax-free product associated with the first purchase application data is stored when it is confirmed that the holder of the passport is qualified to purchase the tax-free product, the user is the holder of the passport, and the holder of the passport is the applicant for purchase of the tax-free product; and a second device having a second means which is part of the plurality of means and is different from the first means.

2. the first storage means, the second storage means, the first confirmation means, the second confirmation means, and the third confirmation means are provided in the first device as the first means; the unlocking means is provided in the second device including the locker as the second means, In the process of unlocking the box, only data for identifying the box in which the first duty-free item is stored is transmitted from the first device to the second device via a network. The duty-free goods sales system according to claim 1.

3. the unlocking means, when the first duty-free item is stored in the first box and the second box, unlocks the first box and the second box and causes an output device to output a notification; 3. A duty-free goods sales system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first device or the second device further includes a box status detection means for detecting a status of the plurality of boxes; the unlocking means causes an output device to output a notification when it is detected that the box in which the first duty-free goods are stored has an article contained therein after the box is unlocked and when it is detected that the door of the box is in a closed state; 4. A duty-free goods sales system according to claim 1.

5. The purchase order data stored in the purchase order storage unit is invalidated at a predetermined time.

5. A duty-free goods sales system according to claim 1.

6. The first device or the second device further includes an arrangement means for arranging for the tax-free goods in response to a purchase application for the tax-free goods.

6. A duty-free goods sales system according to claim 1.

7. The arrangement means determines a storage destination for the tax-free goods and instructs a delivery company of the tax-free goods to store the determined storage destination. The duty-free goods sales system according to claim 6.

8. The first device or the second device further includes an event detection means for detecting a trigger event that an operator newly replenishes the locker with tax-free goods; the unlocking means unlocks a box among the plurality of boxes corresponding to a storage destination of the duty-free goods newly replenished by the worker when the trigger event is detected. The duty-free goods sales system according to claim 7.

9. The first device or the second device further includes an event detection means for detecting a trigger event that an operator newly replenishes the locker with tax-free goods; the unlocking means unlocks at least a portion of the plurality of boxes when the trigger event is detected.

7. A duty-free goods sales system according to claim 1.

10. The first device or the second device an identifier acquiring means for acquiring an identifier for identifying a purchase order for the second tax-free item to be newly replenished; a storage destination determination means for determining a third box in which the second duty-free item is to be stored; a storage destination presenting means for presenting information indicating the third box to the worker; a locking means for locking the third box after storing the second duty-free goods; Further comprising: the second storage means stores data identifying the third box in the storage destination memory unit in association with the identifier; The duty-free goods sales system according to claim 9.

11. storing purchase order data relating to the tax-free product in a purchase order storage unit; storing, in a storage destination storage unit, data identifying a box in which the duty-free goods associated with the purchase application data stored in the purchase application storage unit are stored among a plurality of boxes in a locker; Obtaining image data of a user; obtaining passport data of a passport presented by the user; acquiring application reference data based on an applicant copy issued in response to the application for purchase of the duty-free goods; determining whether the holder of the passport is eligible to purchase the duty-free item based on the passport data; confirming whether or not the user is a holder of the passport based on a face photograph portion included in the passport data and a face portion of the user included in the image data; extracting first purchase application data corresponding to the purchase inquiry data from among the purchase application data stored in the purchase application storage unit, and verifying whether the holder of the passport is an applicant for the purchase of the duty-free product; unlocking a box in the locker in which a first duty-free item associated with the first purchase application data is stored when it is confirmed that the holder of the passport is qualified to purchase the duty-free item, that the user is the holder of the passport, and that the holder of the passport is an applicant for purchase of the duty-free item; A method for selling duty-free goods, comprising:

12. One or more computers A means for storing purchase order data relating to tax-free goods in a purchase order storage unit; a means for storing, in a storage destination storage unit, data for identifying a box in which the duty-free goods associated with the purchase application data stored in the purchase application storage unit are stored, among a locker having a plurality of boxes; A means for acquiring image data of a user; means for acquiring passport data of a passport presented by said user; A means for acquiring application reference data based on an applicant copy issued in response to the application for purchase of the tax-free goods; means for verifying whether the holder of the passport is eligible to purchase the duty-free goods based on the passport data; means for confirming whether or not the user is a holder of the passport based on a face photograph portion included in the passport data and a face portion of the user included in the image data; a means for extracting first purchase application data corresponding to the purchase inquiry data from among the purchase application data stored in the purchase application storage unit, and for confirming whether or not the holder of the passport is an applicant for purchase of the duty-free product; a means for unlocking a box in the locker in which a first tax-free product associated with the first purchase application data is stored when it is confirmed that the holder of the passport is qualified to purchase the tax-free product, the user is the holder of the passport, and the holder of the passport is the applicant for purchase of the tax-free product; A duty-free sales program that functions as a

13. a first storage means for storing purchase order data relating to tax-free goods in a purchase order storage unit; a second storage means for storing in a storage destination storage unit data identifying a box in which the duty-free goods associated with the purchase application data stored in the purchase application storage unit are stored among a plurality of boxes in a locker; A first acquisition means for acquiring image data obtained by photographing a user; A second acquiring means for acquiring passport data of a passport presented by the user; a third acquiring means for acquiring application reference data based on an applicant copy issued in response to the application for purchase of the tax-free goods; a first verification means for verifying whether or not the holder of the passport is eligible to purchase the duty-free goods based on the passport data; a second confirmation means for confirming whether or not the user is the holder of the passport based on a face photograph portion included in the passport data and a face portion of the user included in the image data; a third confirmation means for extracting first purchase application data corresponding to the purchase inquiry data from among the purchase application data stored in the purchase application storage unit, and confirming whether or not the holder of the passport is an applicant for the purchase of the duty-free product; and a locker control means for instructing a duty-free goods sales device to unlock a box in the locker in which a first duty-free goods associated with the first purchase application data is stored, when it is confirmed that the holder of the passport is qualified to purchase the duty-free goods, the user is the holder of the passport, and the holder of the passport is the applicant for purchase of the duty-free goods; A server comprising:

Images