Information processing device, method, and program

Abstract

To provide a technique for enabling a user to easily check whether or not the user can receive provision of an item.SOLUTION: A program causes a computer to function as means of: displaying a UI (User Interface) screen on a display part; determining whether or not provision of items to a user is restricted based on a provision history of items to the user; and when it is determined that the provision of the items to the user is restricted, invalidating a specific object that can be displayed on the UI screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, a method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, in toilets, technical ideas have been proposed to provide users with sanitary products. Patent document 1 discloses the technical idea that, when a user requests the provision of sanitary products, the sanitary products will be dispensed, provided that the time elapsed since the most recent provision exceeds a lower limit and the cumulative number of provisions during a specified period has not reached an upper limit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7174878 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technical idea of ​​Patent Document 1, the user cannot know whether or not the user will be provided with sanitary products until the user actually requests the provision of the sanitary products.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that enables a user to easily check whether or not an item can be provided. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A program of one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer to function as a means for displaying a UI (User Interface) screen on a display unit, a means for determining whether or not the provision of goods to a user is restricted based on a history of providing goods to the user, and a means for disabling specific objects that can be displayed on the UI screen when it is determined that the provision of goods to the user is restricted. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an item providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an article providing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a client device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a flow of provision of goods. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen displayed on a display of a client device. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a UI screen displayed on the display of the client device. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of one aspect of the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 4 is a diagram showing a data structure of a provision history database according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart of information processing according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] 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.

[0009] (1) Configuration of the product delivery system The configuration of the product provision system will be described below. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the product provision system of this embodiment.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the product provision system 1 includes an product provision device 5, a server 50, and a client device 70. The article providing device 5 and the server 50 are connected via a network (eg, the Internet or an intranet) NW. The article providing device 5 and the client device 70 are connected to each other, for example, by Bluetooth (registered trademark) or NFC (Near Field Communication). The article providing device 5 and the client device 70 may be connected to each other via a network NW. Alternatively, the article providing device 5 and the client device 70 may not be connected to each other. The server 50 and the client device 70 are connected via a network NW.

[0011] The article providing device 5 provides articles to a user in response to control from an external device (e.g., a server 50). The articles are typically sanitary products (e.g., sanitary napkins, panty liners, tampons, etc.) or other sanitary products (e.g., disposable diapers, urine pads, incontinence pads, masks, etc.), but may include various items without being limited thereto. The article providing device 5 may be installed, for example, in a private toilet (that is, a private room equipped with a toilet), a nursing room, and the like.

[0012] The server 50 responds to a request sent from an external device (for example, the item providing device 5 or the client device 70). The server 50 is an example of an information processing device. The server 50 is, for example, a server computer.

[0013] The client device 70 transmits a request to the server 50. The client device 70 is an example of an information processing device. The client device 70 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. A user of the client device 70 can create an account for a predetermined service (for example, an application or SaaS (Software as a Service)), and can receive an item from the item providing device 5 after creating the account.

[0014] (1-1) Configuration of the item provision device The configuration of the article providing device will be described below. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the article providing device of this embodiment.

[0015] 2, the article providing device 5 includes a controller 10, a transport unit 21, a sensor 22, and a display device 30. The controller 10 includes a storage device 11, a processor 12, an input / output interface 13, and a communication interface 14. The controller 10 is connected to the transport unit 21, the sensor 22, and the display device 30.

[0016] The article providing device 5 may include a configuration not shown in FIG. 2, such as a tag reader. The tag reader is typically an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader. However, the tag reader may include any hardware capable of acquiring identification information recorded on a medium in addition to or instead of an RFID reader. For example, the tag reader may include a communication device capable of receiving a wireless signal transmitted from a medium according to some short-range wireless communication method, or may include a code reader capable of reading (i.e., decoding) a code (e.g., QR code (registered trademark)) encoded by some algorithm.

[0017] 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).

[0018] The programs include, for example, the following programs: ·OS (Operating System) programs A program for an application that executes information processing (for example, a control program for the item providing device 5)

[0019] 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) Image data to be displayed on the display device 30 (e.g., advertising data, QR code (registered trademark))

[0020] The processor 12 is a computer that realizes the functions of the item providing device 5 by starting a program stored in the storage device 11. The processor 12 is, for example, at least one of the following. ·CPU(Central Processing Unit) ·GPU(Graphic Processing Unit) ·ASIC(Application Specific Integrated Circuit) ·FPGA(Field Programmable Array)

[0021] The input / output interface 13 is configured to acquire information (e.g., user instructions, sensing signals) from an input device connected to the item provision device 5, and to output information (e.g., images, control signals) to an output device connected to the item provision device 5.

[0022] The input device is, for example, a sensor 22, a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel, or a combination thereof.

[0023] The output device is, for example, the transport unit 21, the display device 30, a speaker, or a combination thereof.

[0024] The communication interface 14 is configured to control communication between the article providing device 5 and an external device (e.g., the server 50 or the client device 70). As an example, the communication interface 14 may include at least one of a Bluetooth or NFC interface, a wireless Local Area Network (LAN) interface, or a mobile communication interface.

[0025] The conveying unit 21 conveys the articles from a storage unit that stores the articles to an outlet through which a user can remove the articles. The conveying unit 21 includes a conveying means and a driving means.

[0026] The conveying means is operated by the driving force from the driving means and conveys the articles stored in the storage section to the discharge outlet in units of a predetermined number (for example, one item). The conveying means may be, for example, a slider, a roller conveyor, or a belt conveyor.

[0027] The driving means is, for example, a motor (one example is a stepping motor). The driving means operates or stops operating in response to a control signal from the controller 10 (processor 12). In other words, the controller 10 operates the driving means to transport the article to the discharge outlet and provide it to the user.

[0028] The sensor 22 includes one or more sensors. As an example, the sensor 22 may include a door sensor that senses the open / close state of a door of the outlet. Furthermore, the sensor 22 may include a remaining amount sensor that detects the remaining amount of articles in the storage section, a human presence sensor that detects the presence of a person around the article providing device 5, or a combination thereof.

[0029] The remaining amount sensor detects at least the presence or absence of an article in the storage unit. The remaining amount sensor may be configured to detect the remaining amount of an article in multiple stages (e.g., three stages of 0%, 30%, and 100%) or by number. As an example, the remaining amount sensor is an infrared sensor. The remaining amount sensor may be attached to the storage unit, or, if the storage unit is configured to be detachable, may be attached inside the main body housing of the article providing device 5.

[0030] The display device 30 is configured to display an image (still image or video). The display device 30 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or electronic paper. The display device 30 may be configured independently of the main body of the article providing device 5. The display device 30 and the article providing device 5 (controller 10) are connected by a means capable of transmitting an image signal, such as, for example, an HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) cable or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable.

[0031] The display device 30 may be installed on a wall in front of the user when using the toilet (e.g., sitting on the toilet) in a private room equipped with a toilet. On the other hand, the main body of the article provision device 5 may be installed on a wall in the back or side of the private room equipped with a toilet (e.g., above the toilet tank) when using the toilet. This allows the user to view advertisements or information displayed on the display unit of the display device 30 without moving their neck while sitting on the toilet, and since the main body of the article provision device 5, which has a storage unit that tends to be thick, is unlikely to be visible, the user is unlikely to feel a sense of oppression due to the presence of the article provision device 5 in the private room.

[0032] The controller 10 can display advertisements on the display unit of the display device 30. The advertisements may be displayed at all times, or may be displayed only while a person is detected by the human presence sensor. The goods, or other objects used to provide the goods, may be procured (purchased or manufactured) at least in part using revenue from advertising as a source of funds, and distributed to users free of charge. When the remaining amount sensor detects that there is no goods in the storage unit, the controller 10 may display a screen on the display unit of the display device 30 to inform the user that the goods are out of stock.

[0033] (1-2) Server configuration The configuration of the server will now be described with reference to Fig. 3, which is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server according to this embodiment.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the server 50 includes a storage device 51, a processor 52, an input / output interface 53, and a communication interface .

[0035] The storage device 51 is configured to store programs and data, and is, for example, a combination of a ROM, a RAM, and a storage (for example, a flash memory or a hard disk).

[0036] The programs include, for example, the following programs: -OS programs Application programs that perform information processing

[0037] The data includes, for example, the following data: Databases referenced in information processing Results of information processing

[0038] The processor 52 is a computer that realizes the functions of the server 50 by starting a program stored in the storage device 51. The processor 52 is, for example, at least one of the following: ·CPU GPU ·ASIC FPGA

[0039] The input / output interface 53 is configured to obtain information (eg, a user's instruction) from an input device connected to the server 50, and to output information (eg, an image) to an output device connected to the server 50. The input device is, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel, or a combination thereof. The output device is, for example, a display.

[0040] The communication interface 54 is configured to control communication between the server 50 and an external device (eg, the article providing device 5 or the client device 70).

[0041] (1-3) Client device configuration The configuration of the client device will now be described with reference to Fig. 4, which is a block diagram showing the configuration of the client device of this embodiment.

[0042] 4, the client device 70 includes a storage device 71, a processor 72, an input / output interface 73, and a communication interface 74. The client device 70 is connected to a display 81.

[0043] The storage device 71 is configured to store programs and data, and is, for example, a combination of ROM, RAM, and storage (for example, a flash memory or a hard disk).

[0044] The programs include, for example, the following programs: -OS programs · Programs for applications that process information (e.g. web browsers or health management applications)

[0045] The data includes, for example, the following data: Databases referenced in information processing Results of information processing Image data to be displayed on the display 81 (e.g., advertising data)

[0046] The processor 72 is a computer that realizes the functions of the client device 70 by running a program stored in the storage device 71. The processor 72 is, for example, at least one of the following: ·CPU GPU ·ASIC FPGA

[0047] The input / output interface 73 is configured to obtain information (eg, a user's instruction) from an input device connected to the client device 70, and to output information (eg, an image) to an output device connected to the client device 70. The input device is, for example, a camera, a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel, or a combination thereof. The output device is, for example, a display 81, a speaker, or a combination thereof.

[0048] The communication interface 74 is configured to control communication between the client device 70 and an external device (e.g., the article providing device 5 or the server 50). As an example, the communication interface 74 may include at least one of a Bluetooth or NFC interface, a wireless local area network (LAN) interface, or a mobile communication interface.

[0049] The display 81 is configured to display an image (still image or moving image). The display 81 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0050] (2) One aspect of the embodiment An embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a flow of providing an item. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen displayed on the display of a client device. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing another example of a UI screen displayed on the display of a client device. Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] For example, the user U10 causes the client device 70 to execute an application for receiving the provision of an item, or causes the client device 70 to access a SaaS web page for receiving the provision of an item. The client device 70 determines whether or not the provision of an item to the user U10 is restricted based on the history of provision of an item to the user U10.

[0052] 5, when it is determined that the provision of an article to the user U10 is not restricted, the client device 70 displays a UI (User Interface) screen on the display 81. For example, the client device 70 may display the UI screen of FIG. 6 on the display 81.

[0053] Although details of the UI screen in Fig. 6 will be described later, a user U10 who wishes to receive provision of an item performs an operation on the client device 70 to receive the provision of the item. For example, the user U10 selects (e.g., taps) the object J24. In response to the selection of the object J24, the client device 70, for example, starts up a camera (not shown) and displays the UI screen in Fig. 7 on the display 81. Details of the UI screen in Fig. 7 will be described later, but in response to a QR code identifying the item provision device 5 being read from an image captured by the camera, the client device 70 transmits a request for provision of the item to the server 50.

[0054] The supply request includes, for example, information capable of identifying the user U10 (for example, account information or login information) and information capable of identifying the item provision device 5 for which the provision of the item is being requested. The information capable of identifying the item provision device 5 can be acquired, for example, by reading a code associated with the item provision device 5. Such a code may be displayed on the display device 30, may be formed (for example, printed) on the housing of the item provision device 5, or may be formed on a label or the like affixed to the housing of the item provision device 5.

[0055] When the server 50 receives a provision request from the client device 70, it transmits a provision command to the controller 10. When the controller 10 receives the provision command from the server 50, it transmits a discharge command (a motor control signal, as an example) to the conveying unit 21. When the conveying unit 21 receives the discharge command from the controller 10, it discharges the item G11. This allows the user U10 to receive the provision of the item G11. In addition, the client device 70 updates the provision history of the item by adding history information regarding the provision of the item G11.

[0056] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, when it is determined that the provision of an item to the user U10 is restricted, the client device 70 invalidates some or all of the objects (for example, object J24 in FIG. 6, hereinafter referred to as "specific objects") that need to be operated to receive the provision of the item. Details of the invalidation will be described later. Then, the client device 70 displays, for example, the UI screen of FIG. 6 on the display 81. However, in this example, since the object J24 is invalidated, even if the user U10 selects the object J24, the client device 70 does not start the camera, unlike the above example, and does not transition to the UI screen of FIG. 7. As a result, the client device 70 does not transmit a provision request to the server 50.

[0057] In this way, in the item provision system 1 of the present embodiment, the behavior of the client device 70 with respect to a specific object differs depending on the determination result of whether the provision of an item to the user U10 is restricted or not. Therefore, the user U10 to whom the provision of an item is restricted can recognize that the user cannot receive the provision of an item even before entering, for example, a toilet stall in which the item provision device 5 is installed.

[0058] (3) Database The database of this embodiment will be described.

[0059] (3-1) Provision history database The provision history database of this embodiment will be described below. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the data structure of the provision history database of this embodiment.

[0060] The provision history database is stored in the storage device 71. Records representing provision history information are stored in the provision history database. The provision history information is information related to an event (hereinafter referred to as a "provision event") in which a user (account) who uses the client device 70 received provision of an article from the article provision system 1.

[0061] 9, the supply history database includes a "date and time" field and a "dispenser ID" field. Each field is associated with the other.

[0062] The “date and time” field stores date and time information. The date and time information is information about the date and time when the corresponding delivery event occurred, that is, the date and time when the user account received the delivery of the product from the product delivery system 1.

[0063] The "dispenser ID" field stores a dispenser ID. The dispenser ID is information for identifying the article providing device 5 that provided the article at the corresponding provision event. Note that, instead of the dispenser ID, information capable of identifying the location where the article providing device 5 that provided the article at the corresponding provision event was installed (e.g., geographical location information, facility name, etc.) may be stored.

[0064] In response to a request from the user, the client device 70 may display a screen based on the contents of the provision history database on the display 81. Furthermore, when the item is a sanitary product, the client device 70 may identify the user's menstrual day based on the contents of the provision history database (e.g., date and time information), and update information on the health condition of the user corresponding to the target account based on the identification result.

[0065] (4) Information processing The information processing of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0066] The process of Fig. 10 may be started in response to the execution of an application for receiving the provision of an article by the client device 70, or in response to the access of a web page of a SaaS for receiving the provision of an article by the client device 70. Moreover, the process of Fig. 10 may be repeatedly executed while the application is being executed or while the web page is being viewed.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 10, the client device 70 executes a status determination (S170). Specifically, the client device 70 refers to the supply history database (FIG. 9) to determine the supply status of the product for the user account.

[0068] As a first example of the status determination (S170), the client device 70 permits the provision of an item to a user account when the time elapsed since the latest item provision was implemented (i.e., the time elapsed since the latest provision event occurred) exceeds a first threshold value. The first threshold value is, for example, 2 hours, but is not limited to this.

[0069] As a second example of status determination (S170), the client device 70 permits the provision of an item to the user account when the remaining number of items that can be provided to the user account is equal to or greater than a second threshold value (for example, the number of units of the item to be provided (e.g., 1 unit)). The remaining number of items that can be provided may be reset to a predetermined number at a predetermined timing, or adjusted to increase. The predetermined timing may be, for example, a predetermined time on the first day of the month, or a predetermined time on the first day of a predetermined cycle set for each user account, but is not limited to this.

[0070] As a third example of status determination (S170), the client device 70 allows the provision of an item to a user account if the time elapsed since the most recent item provision exceeds a first threshold value and the remaining number of items that can be provided is equal to or greater than a second threshold value.

[0071] As a fourth example of the status determination (S170), the client device 70 prompts the user to take a specific action when the provision of an item to the user account is not permitted as a result of the determination process according to any of the above first to third examples or the determination process according to another algorithm. The specific action may be, for example, viewing an advertisement, answering a questionnaire, registering user information (optional items), charging (including payment of points), operating a predetermined object (for example, a button for agreeing to the service terms of use), or a combination of these. The client device 70 permits the provision of an item to the user account on the condition that the user has performed the specific action.

[0072] In order to identify the user account, the client device 70 may prompt the user to log in, and may execute the status determination (S170) after the user logs in.

[0073] In step S170, when it is determined that provision of the product to the user account is not permitted (that is, provision of the product to the user is restricted), the client device 70 invalidates the object (S171). Specifically, the client device 70 invalidates a specific object (for example, object J24 in FIG. 6).

[0074] As a first example of invalidating an object (S171), the client device 70 invalidates a response of the client device 70 to an operation on a specific object. For example, when a first object corresponding to a specific object is not invalidated, the client device 70 outputs a request for providing an item to the server 50 (an example of an external device) in response to the selection of the first object. On the other hand, when the first object is invalidated, the client device 70 does not output a request for providing an item to the server 50 even if the first object is selected. As another example, when a second object corresponding to a specific object is not disabled, the client device 70 activates a communication module or a camera in response to the selection of the second object. The communication module or the camera is used, for example, to obtain identification information of the article providing device 5 by, for example, wireless communication or code reading. On the other hand, when the second object is disabled, the client device 70 does not activate the communication module or the camera even if the second object is selected. As yet another example, when a third object corresponding to a specific object is not disabled, the client device 70, in response to the selection of the third object, displays information on the display 81 requesting the user to approve the authority to output a request for provision of an item to the server 50 (an example of an external device) or to activate a communication module or a camera. On the other hand, when the third object is disabled, the client device 70 does not display such information on the display 81 even if the third object is selected.

[0075] As a second example of disabling an object (S171), the client device 70 changes the display mode of a specific object. That is, when a specific object is disabled, the display mode of the specific object is set to a different mode from when the specific object is not disabled. Here, the display mode can be defined by at least one of the following settings, for example. Size, color, texture, optical effect, or shape -Whether animation is present and its type · Zoom in or out ratio For example, the client device 70 may gray out a particular object, or may increase the transparency of the particular object.

[0076] The third example of object invalidation (S171) is a combination of the above first and second examples.

[0077] As a fourth example of invalidating an object (S171), the client device 70 does not place the specific object on the UI screen. For example, in step S172 described later, the client device 70 displays a UI screen from which the specific object has been removed on the display 81, or displays a UI screen (not including the specific object) different from a case in which the specific object is not invalidated on the display 81 (i.e., replacing the UI screen).

[0078] If it is determined in step S170 that the provision of the product to the user account is permitted (i.e., the provision of the product to the user is not restricted), or after step S171, the client device 70 executes display of a UI screen (S172). Specifically, the client device 70 displays a UI screen on the display 81. Information required to display the UI screen may be stored in the storage device 71 when an application is installed or updated, or may be obtained each time from the server 50. As an example, the client device 70 displays the UI screen of FIG. 6 on the display 81.

[0079] The UI screen in FIG. 6 includes objects J20 to J26. The object J20 displays the remaining number of items that can be provided to the user. The client device 70 can calculate the remaining number of items that can be provided based on the provision history database (FIG. 9), an adjustment rule for the remaining number of items that can be provided, and current time information. The client device 70 may also calculate the remaining number of items that can be provided based on a history of a specific action that the user has taken to increase the remaining number of items that can be provided (for example, viewing an advertisement, answering a questionnaire, registering user information (optional items), charging (including paying points), operating a specific object (for example, a button for agreeing to the service terms of use), or a combination thereof). History information on the specific action may be stored as a database in the storage device 71, for example.

[0080] When a specific object is disabled, object J20 also functions as an object (notification object) that displays information indicating that the provision of an item to the user is restricted. That is, when the remaining number of items that can be provided displayed on object J20 is less than the number of units of the item that can be provided, the user can recognize that the provision of the item to the user is restricted. Here, when a specific object is disabled, the display mode of object J20 may be changed, or additional information (e.g., text, an image (which may include a video), or a combination of these) that explicitly indicates that the provision of the item to the user is restricted may be displayed.

[0081] The object J21 displays information indicating when the state in which provision of goods to a user is forcibly restricted will end, regardless of the remaining number of goods that can be provided to the user. In other words, when an interval is set to restrict continuous provision of goods, the object J21 displays the remaining time until the end of the interval. The start point of the interval is, for example, the time when the latest goods provision is performed (i.e., the occurrence of the latest provision event), but is not limited to this. Note that, when the remaining number of goods that can be provided to a user is below the number of units of goods to be provided and a predetermined timing for adjusting the remaining number of goods to be reset or increased does not arrive within the interval, the client device 70 may change the end point of the interval to the predetermined timing.

[0082] When a specific object is disabled, object J21 also functions as a notification object, similar to object J20. That is, when there is a remaining time displayed on object J21 (it has not reached 0), the user can recognize that the provision of an item to the user is restricted. Here, when a specific object is disabled, the display mode of object J21 may be changed, or additional information (e.g., text, an image (which may include a video), or a combination of these) that explicitly indicates that the provision of an item to the user is restricted may be displayed.

[0083] The object J22 receives a user instruction to display help on how to receive the item. When the object J22 is selected, the client device 70 displays the corresponding help information on the display 81.

[0084] The object J23 receives a user instruction to display help on how to increase the remaining number of items available to the user. When the object J23 is selected, the client device 70 displays the corresponding help information on the display 81.

[0085] The object J24 receives a user instruction to receive an item. The object J24 is an example of a specific object. When the object J24 is not disabled and is selected, the client device 70 activates the camera and displays the screen of FIG. 7 on the display 81. The response of the client device 70 to the operation on the object J24 is not limited to this example. For example, the client device 70 may start a communication module and obtain identification information of the item provision device 5 from the item provision device 5. Alternatively, the client device 70 may transmit a request for providing an item to the server 50, including identification information of the item provision device 5 that has already been obtained by some means, or may transmit the request for providing an item to the item provision device 5 instead of the server 50. As yet another example, the client device 70 may display a predetermined code (e.g., a QR code) on the display 81, so that the request for providing an item is read by the item provision device 5.

[0086] The object J25 accepts a user instruction to search for nearby item provision devices 5. When the object J25 is selected, the client device 70, for example, acquires location information of the client device 70 and transmits a search request including the location information to the server 50. The location information is acquired, for example, by using a GPS (Global Positioning System) module. The server 50 performs a search based on the acquired location information and transmits the search results to the client device 70. The client device 70 displays the search results on the display 81 in list format or map format.

[0087] The object J26 receives a user instruction to increase the remaining number of the item that can be provided to the user. When the object J26 is selected, the client device 70 displays on the display 81, for example, a UI screen for guiding, selecting, or performing a specific action to increase the remaining number of the item that can be provided.

[0088] After step S172, if a specific object (eg, object J24 in FIG. 6) is selected and the specific object is not invalidated, the client device 70 executes a provision request (S173). Specifically, the client device 70 generates a provision request and transmits it to the server 50. The provision request may include information capable of identifying a user account (e.g., an account ID) and information capable of identifying an article provision device 5 for which provision of an article is being requested (hereinafter referred to as a "target provision device") (e.g., identification information such as a dispenser ID). The dispenser ID may be obtained by photographing and reading (decoding) a code (e.g., an encoding result of the dispenser ID), or a symbol string designated by a user may be obtained as the dispenser ID. The code or the symbol string corresponding to the dispenser ID may be formed on the housing of the target provision device or on a label attached to the housing.

[0089] Here, the client device 70 may display the UI screen of Fig. 7 on the display 81 for photographing the code or symbol string. The UI screen of Fig. 7 includes an object J30. Furthermore, the UI screen of Fig. 7 also includes the same objects (objects J24 to J26) as the UI screen of Fig. 6, but these may be omitted.

[0090] Object J30 displays the camera's image capture screen. The user adjusts the position or orientation of client device 70 so that the entire code or symbol string is captured and in focus. If the code or symbol string is successfully read, client device 70 may generate a provision request.

[0091] Furthermore, the provision request may include location information of the client device 70. The validity of the provision request can be determined by comparing the location indicated by the location information with the installation location of the target provision device. If the provision request is invalid (for example, the distance between the client device 70 and the target provision device exceeds a threshold), the server 50 may reject the request.

[0092] The server 50 transmits a provision command to the target provision device in response to a provision request from the client device 70. The target provision device provides the item to the user by discharging the item from the discharge port in response to the discharge command from the server 50. Thereafter, the server 50 may receive a provision report including a provision result corresponding to the transmitted provision command from the target provision device. Then, when the item is normally provided, the server 50 may transmit a provision response to the client device 70 indicating that the item has been normally provided. On the other hand, when the item is not normally provided due to some reason (e.g., the item is out of stock or the target provision device is broken), the server 50 may transmit a provision response to the client device 70 indicating that the item has not been normally provided. The provision response indicating that the item has not been normally provided may include information regarding the reason why the item has not been normally provided, information regarding another item provision device 5 installed nearby, or a combination thereof, and the client device 70 may present such information to the user.

[0093] After step S173, the client device 70 executes updating of the provision history (S174). Specifically, the client device 70 stores new provision history information in the provision history database in response to, for example, the following triggers: The user inputs information indicating that the item was successfully removed (e.g., by pressing the Good button). A response is received from an external device (e.g., the server 50) indicating that the item has been successfully delivered.

[0094] On the condition that the provision history is updated (S174), a reward may be given to the user account. This can motivate the user to use the product provision system 1. The reward may be, for example, points that can be used to receive some service or to exchange for some other product.

[0095] On the other hand, after step S172, if a specific object is selected but the specific object was disabled in step S171, the behavior of the client device 70 may be one of the following. No response - Output of information (e.g., text, images (which may include videos), audio, or a combination thereof) informing the user that the provision of the product is restricted

[0096] (5) Summary As described above, the client device 70 of the present embodiment displays a UI screen on the display unit. The client device 70 determines whether or not the provision of goods to a user is restricted based on the history of provision of goods to the user, and when it is determined that the provision of goods to the user is restricted, disables a specific object that can be displayed on the UI screen. In this way, the behavior of the client device 70 regarding the specific object differs depending on the determination result of whether or not the provision of goods to the user is restricted. Therefore, a user to whom the provision of goods is restricted can recognize that he or she cannot receive the provision of goods even before entering, for example, a private room of a toilet in which the goods provision device 5 is installed.

[0097] When a specific object is not disabled, the client device 70 may output a request for provision of an item to an external device in response to the selection of the specific object. On the other hand, when a specific object is disabled, the client device 70 may not output a request for provision to an external device even if the specific object is selected. In this way, when a request for provision is not output to an external device even if the specific object is selected, the user can realize that the specific object is not functioning and recognize that the user is in a state in which the user cannot receive the provision of an item.

[0098] When a specific object is not disabled, the client device 70 may display predetermined information on the display unit in response to the selection of the specific object, and when a specific object is disabled, the client device 70 may not display the predetermined information even if the specific object is selected. In this way, when the specific object is selected but the predetermined information is not displayed, the user can realize that the specific object is not functioning and recognize that he or she is in a state where he or she cannot receive the provision of the item.

[0099] When a specific object is not disabled, the client device 70 may start the communication module or the camera in response to the selection of the specific object. On the other hand, when a specific object is disabled, the client device 70 may not start the communication module or the camera even if the specific object is selected. In this way, when the communication module or the camera does not start even if the specific object is selected, the user can realize that the specific object is not functioning and recognize that he or she is in a state where he or she cannot receive the provision of the item.

[0100] When a specific object is disabled, the client device 70 may display information on the display unit informing the user that the provision of the item to the user is restricted in response to the selection of the specific object. This allows the user to more reliably recognize that the user is in a state where the provision of the item is not available by perceiving such information.

[0101] The client device 70 may place a notification object on a UI screen (capable of displaying the specific object) that displays information indicating that the provision of the item to the user is restricted, at least when the specific object is disabled. This allows the user to recognize from the display of the notification object that he or she is in a state in which he or she cannot receive the provision of the item, even if he or she does not realize that the specific object is disabled.

[0102] The notification object may display the remaining number of the item that is permitted to be provided to the user, so that the user can recognize whether he / she is in a state where he / she cannot receive the provision of the item depending on whether the remaining number is sufficient or not.

[0103] When a specific object is disabled, the notification object may further display information indicating when the state in which the provision of the goods to the user is forcibly restricted will end regardless of the remaining number of goods permitted to be provided to the user, thereby enabling the user to recognize that he or she will not be able to receive the goods due to the remaining time.

[0104] When the specific object is disabled, the client device 70 may set the specific object to a display mode different from that when the specific object is not disabled. This allows the user to notice that the appearance of the specific object is different from usual, and to recognize that the user is in a state where he or she cannot receive the provision of the item.

[0105] When a specific object is invalidated, the client device 70 may gray out the specific object. This allows the user to notice that the specific object is grayed out and to recognize that the user is in a state where he or she cannot receive the item.

[0106] When a specific object is disabled, the client device 70 may not place the specific object on the UI screen. This allows the user to notice that the specific object is not displayed on the UI screen and recognize that the user is in a state where he or she cannot receive the item.

[0107] The client device 70 may determine whether provision of an article to the user is restricted without accessing an external device by referring to the history of provision of an article to the user stored in the storage device 71. This allows the user to receive the provision of an article while the provision history information suggesting the user's living range and health condition is kept in the client device 70.

[0108] (6) Other modifications The storage device 11 may be connected to the controller 10 via a network NW. The display device 30 may be integrated with the controller 10 or the main body of the article providing device 5. The storage device 51 may be connected to the server 50 via the network NW. The storage device 71 may be connected to the client device 70 via the network NW. The display 81 may be integrated with the client device 70.

[0109] In the above description, an example in which each step in each process is executed in a specific order has been shown, but the execution order of each step is not limited to the described example as long as there is no dependency. Also, each step of the above information processing can be executed by any of the item providing device 5, the server 50, and the client device 70. For example, a process described as being performed by any device may be executed by another device, and a process described as being performed by the interaction of multiple devices may be executed by a single device.

[0110] In the above description, it is assumed that a specific object is enabled on the UI screen (default setting), and an example has been shown in which the specific object is disabled when the object is disabled (S171). However, if it is not assumed that a specific object is enabled on the UI screen (for example, it is assumed that the object is disabled), and it is determined in step S170 that the provision of an item to a user account is permitted (i.e., the provision of an item to a user is not restricted), the client device 70 may enable the specific object and then display the UI screen (S170). As a first example, the client device 70 enables a response of the client device 70 to the operation of the specific object (for example, outputting a request to provide an item to the server 50, starting up a communication module or a camera, or presenting information requesting the user to approve the authority for these operations). As a second example, the client device 70 changes the display mode of the specific object to a display mode different from that when it was disabled. As a third example, the client device 70 places the specific object on the UI screen. A fourth example is a combination of multiple of the above first to third examples.

[0111] In the above description, an example of displaying an advertisement on the display device 30 has been described. The advertisement displayed on the display device 30 may be selected according to a user account. For example, the provision command transmitted from the server 50 to the item provision device 5 may include information used to select an advertisement (e.g., type information of the user account requesting the provision of an item) or information capable of identifying the advertisement to be displayed on the display device 30. This makes it possible to display an advertisement suitable for each user (e.g., one with high advertising effectiveness).

[0112] Displaying advertisements on the display device 30 is not essential. For example, goods may be provided to users as a benefit for company members or as a service for facility users. In this case, at least a part of the procurement cost of the goods may be covered by income from the operator of the company or facility (e.g., commercial facility). In addition, when it is not necessary to display advertisements, the goods providing device 5 may be configured not to include the display device 30.

[0113] It is not essential that the article providing device 5 is connected to a network. For example, the client device 70 may mediate the exchange of various data (e.g., advertisement data, detection results of a remaining amount sensor, article provision reports, etc.) between the article providing device 5 and the server 50. In this case, a reward may be given to a user account according to the type, size, or a combination thereof of the data mediated by the client device 70.

[0114] In the above description, an example has been shown in which the item providing device 5 provides one type of item. However, the item providing device 5 may be configured to be able to provide multiple types of items. In this case, the provision history information may be managed for each type of item.

[0115] Although an example in which the article provision system of the embodiment is implemented by a client / server type system has been described, the article provision system of the embodiment may also be implemented by a stand-alone type computer or a peer-to-peer type system.

[0116] 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]

[0117] 1: Product provision system 5: Goods provision device 10: Controller 11:Storage device 12: Processor 13: Input / Output Interface 14: Communication interface 21: Transport section 22: Sensor 30:Display device 50: Server 51 :Storage device 52: Processor 53: Input / Output Interface 54: Communication interface 70: Client device 71 :Storage device 72: Processor 73: Input / Output Interface 74: Communication interface 81: Display

Claims

1. Computer, A means for displaying a UI (User Interface) screen on a display unit; a means for determining whether provision of an article to a user is restricted based on a history of provision of articles to the user before the user performs an operation on the article provision device to receive an article from the article provision device; a means for invalidating a specific object that can be displayed on the UI screen when it is determined that the provision of an item to the user is restricted, before the user performs an operation to receive the item, by performing at least one of invalidating a response of the computer to the specific object that can be displayed on the UI screen, changing a display mode of the specific object, and not displaying the specific object on the UI screen; and a means for arranging, on the UI screen, a notification object for displaying information indicating that provision of an item to the user is restricted when at least the specific object is disabled; Functioning as a The notification object is a program capable of displaying the remaining number of an item authorized for provision to the user.

2. causing the computer to function as a means for outputting a request for provision of an item to an external device in response to selection of the specific object when the specific object is not disabled; the output means does not output the provision request to the external device when the specific object is disabled, even if the specific object is selected. The program according to claim 1.

3. causing the computer to function as a means for displaying predetermined information on the display unit in response to the selection of the specific object when the specific object is not disabled; the means for displaying the predetermined information on the display unit does not display the predetermined information even if the specific object is selected when the specific object is disabled. The program according to claim 1.

4. causing the computer to function as a means for activating a communication module or a camera in response to the selection of the specific object when the specific object is not disabled; the means for activating the communication module or the camera does not activate the communication module or the camera when the specific object is disabled, even if the specific object is selected; The program according to claim 1.

5. causing the computer to function as a means for displaying, on the display unit, information informing the user that provision of an article to the user is restricted in response to selection of the specific object when the specific object is disabled; 5. The program according to claim 1.

6. When the specific object is disabled, the notification object further displays information indicating when a state in which the provision of the goods to the user is forcibly restricted will end regardless of the remaining number of goods permitted to be provided to the user. The program according to claim 1.

7. causing the computer to function as a means for setting a display mode of the specific object when the specific object is disabled, which is different from a display mode of the specific object when the specific object is not disabled; 5. The program according to claim 1.

8. the setting means grays out the specific object when the specific object is disabled; The program according to claim 7.

9. causing the computer to function as a means for validating the specific object when it is determined that the provision of the item to the user is not restricted; 5. The program according to claim 1.

10. the means for displaying the UI screen on the display unit does not arrange the specific object on the UI screen when the specific object is disabled. The program according to claim 1.

11. the determining means determines whether or not provision of the product to the user is restricted by referring to a history of provision of the product to the user stored in a storage device of the computer, without accessing an external device; The program according to claim 1.

12. A means for displaying a UI (User Interface) screen on a display unit; a means for determining whether provision of an article to a user is restricted based on a history of provision of articles to the user before the user performs an operation on the article provision device to receive an article from the article provision device; a means for invalidating a specific object by performing at least one of invalidating a response of the computer to a specific object that can be displayed on the UI screen, changing a display mode of the specific object, and not displaying the specific object on the UI screen before the user performs an operation to receive the ejection of the item when it is determined that the provision of the item to the user is restricted; a means for arranging, on the UI screen, a notification object for displaying information indicating that provision of an item to the user is restricted when at least the specific object is disabled; Equipped with The information processing device, wherein the notification object is capable of displaying a remaining number of an item that is permitted to be provided to the user.

13. A computer having a processor, the processor comprising: a step of determining whether or not provision of an article to a user is restricted based on a history of provision of an article to the user before the user performs an operation on the article provision device to receive an article from the article provision device; displaying a UI (User Interface) screen on a display unit; when it is determined that the provision of an item to the user is restricted, before the user performs an operation to receive the ejection of the item, invalidating the specific object by performing at least one of invalidating a response of the computer to the specific object that can be displayed on the UI screen, changing a display mode of the specific object, and not displaying the specific object on the UI screen; placing, on the UI screen, a notification object that displays information indicating that provision of an item to the user is restricted when at least the specific object is disabled; Run The notification object may display a remaining quantity of an item authorized for provision to the user.

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