Article supply device, article supply system, and management device

Abstract

An article supply device, an article supply system, and a management device are provided that can meet the needs of consumers. [Solution] The item supply device includes a display unit that displays first identification information, a storage unit that stores items, a supply unit that supplies the items stored in the storage unit, a lock unit that locks the supply unit so that items cannot be supplied, a control unit that controls the locked state of the lock unit, and a return slot through which coins inserted into the item supply device are returned. The first identification information is displayed near the return slot. The control unit unlocks the lock unit on the condition that the first identification information and second identification information have been acquired.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an article supply device, an article supply system, and a management device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been an article supply device that obtains an article such as a capsule toy stored in a device main body by operating a handle or the like on the condition of paying a price (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such an article supply device, not only the form of supplying an article on the condition of paying a price, but also the number of consumers who desire the supply of articles in other forms is increasing.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an article supply device, an article supply system, and a management device capable of meeting the needs of consumers who desire the supply of articles in various forms.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an article supply device capable of supplying an article, including a display unit that displays first identification information, a storage unit that stores the article, a supply unit that supplies the article stored in the storage unit, a lock unit that locks the article so that it cannot be supplied from the supply unit, and a control unit that controls the locked state of the lock unit. The control unit is an article supply device that releases the lock of the supply unit on the condition that the first identification information has been acquired and the second identification information has been acquired.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is an article supply device capable of supplying articles, comprising a display unit and a plurality of supply units. The display unit includes a display portion for displaying first identification information. Each supply unit includes a storage portion for storing an article, a supply portion for supplying the article stored in the storage portion, a lock portion for locking the article so that it cannot be supplied from the supply portion, and a control portion for controlling the locked state of the lock portion. The control portion is an article providing device that unlocks the supply portion of one of the supply units on the condition that the first identification information has been acquired and the second identification information has been authenticated.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is an article supply system capable of supplying articles, comprising an article supply device and a terminal. The article supply device includes a display portion for displaying first identification information, a storage portion for storing an article, a supply portion for supplying the article stored in the storage portion, a lock portion for locking the article so that it cannot be supplied from the supply portion, and a control portion for controlling the locked state of the lock portion. The terminal includes a first acquisition portion capable of acquiring the first identification information and a second acquisition portion capable of acquiring the second identification information. The control portion of the article supply device is an article supply system that unlocks the supply portion on the condition that the first identification information has been acquired by the terminal and the second identification information has been acquired.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a management device for managing the supply of articles in an article supply device, comprising a first identification information acquisition portion for acquiring the first identification information displayed on the article supply device, an article supply device identification portion for identifying the article supply device based on the first identification information, a second identification information acquisition portion for acquiring second identification information different from the first identification information, an authentication portion for authenticating the second identification information, and a control portion for controlling the identified article supply device to a state in which articles can be supplied on the condition that the article supply device has been identified and the second identification information has been authenticated.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an article supply device, an article supply system, and a management device that can meet the demands of consumers.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] <Overview of the Embodiment of the Present Invention> The overview of the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0013] In this embodiment, not only the form of supplying articles on the condition of payment of a price, but also other forms, for example, supplying articles from an article supply device to a user who has obtained the right to acquire articles due to the user's act. In order to supply articles to the user, the user must acquire the right to acquire articles (article acquisition right) in some form.

[0014] A typical example of a user acquiring the article acquisition right is payment of a price, but in this embodiment, the user acquires the article acquisition right by other means. Other means include, for example, but are not limited to, purchase of other goods other than the articles to be supplied to the user, participation in the user's event, lottery by the user's application, etc. That is, it may be caused by any act of the user. Here, the article acquisition right acquired due to the user's act must be able to be authenticated in some form. A typical example is identification information for proving the article acquisition right. For example, identification information given when the user purchases a product other than the article, identification information given when the user participates in an event, identification information given when the user wins a lottery, etc.

[0015] On the one hand, an enterprise that supplies goods supplies goods to users who have the right to acquire the goods. However, it is desirable to supply the goods from the goods supply device to the user, rather than delivering them by mail or the like. This is because by having the user come to the location where the goods supply device is installed, the user can be made aware of the goods supply device, and furthermore, the user can be made aware that there are goods supply devices installed that supply a wide variety of goods. This is beneficial for the enterprise that supplies the goods and also provides an opportunity for the user to learn about a wide variety of goods.

[0016] However, there are many goods supply devices at the installation location of the goods supply device, and it is necessary to identify the goods supply device that supplies goods to the user from among them. To identify a single goods supply device, the identification information assigned to the goods supply device can be used.

[0017] However, users who do not have the right to acquire the goods may also visit the installation location of the goods supply device and use the goods supply device. Even if a single goods supply device that supplies goods to the user can be identified by the identification information assigned to the goods supply device, it is not always the case that the user has a legitimate right to acquire the goods. Only after authenticating and linking the identified goods supply device with the user's right to acquire the goods can goods be supplied from the goods supply device to a user who has a legitimate right to acquire the goods. Then, the important thing is to obtain the identification information of the goods supply device and the identification information for authenticating the user's right to acquire the goods at the installation location of the goods supply device.

[0018] Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention are configured as follows. For the sake of concretizing the explanation, an example of a collaboration plan between Company X and Company Y will be described, where the user's action is the purchase of goods from Company Y of the user, and by purchasing the goods, the user obtains the right to acquire the goods of Company X.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a goods supply system according to this embodiment. In FIG. 1, 1 is a goods supply device of Company X, 2 is the goods supplied by the goods supply device 1, 3 is the user's terminal, and 4 is the goods of Company Y.

[0020] The article supply device 1 is a device that supplies articles 2 to users. The article supply device 1 is installed indoors or outdoors, and usually, a plurality of article supply devices 1 that supply different articles are installed. Among these installed article supply devices 1, there is an article supply device 1 that supplies an article 2 that is the subject of collaboration between Company X and Company Y. On the article supply device 1 that supplies the article 2, first identification information 11 is displayed. This first identification information 11 includes unique identification information that can identify each article supply device 1. For example, the first identification information 11 is the manufacturing number of the article supply device 1 or the like. The first identification information 11 is preferably an information display body that can be read by the terminal 2 in consideration of user convenience. For example, the information display body is a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode (QR code: registered trademark) or the like.

[0021] The terminal 3 has a reader function for the information display body and a communication function with other devices. The terminal 3 is, for example, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a mobile phone, or the like.

[0022] The product 4 is a product supplied by Company Y to users. The type of product does not matter. Examples of products include books such as magazines, food products such as drinking water, stationery, and the like. In this embodiment, the product will be described as a magazine. When a user purchases a magazine (product 4), the user can obtain the right to acquire the article 2. On the magazine (product 4), second identification information 12 is displayed. This second identification information 12 is information for authenticating the user's right to acquire the article 2 in order to present (supply) the article 2 to the user who purchased the magazine (product 4). For example, the second identification information 12 is a unique serial code or the like that is different for each magazine.

[0023] In order for a user who has purchased a magazine (product 4) to acquire the article 2, the user needs to go to the installation location of the article supply device 1 and receive the supply of the article 2 from the article supply device 1.

[0024] In view of the above, at the location where a plurality of article supply devices 1 are installed, it is necessary to identify the article supply device 1 capable of supplying the article 2 and authenticate the user's right to acquire the article 2. Under such conditions, the article supply device 1 must be made capable of supplying the article 2 to the user.

[0025] Therefore, the present embodiment has the following features.

[0026] (1) Display the first identification information 11 for identifying the article supply device 1 capable of supplying the article 2 to the user on the article supply device 1, which serves as a trigger for the user to acquire the article to be presented.

[0027] (2) At the location where the article supply device 1 is installed, the user's terminal 3 acquires the first identification information 11 of the article supply device 1 to identify the article supply device 1 from which the user is attempting to receive the supply of the article 2.

[0028] (3) Acquire the second identification information 12 from the user and authenticate the user's right to acquire the article 2. If an expiration date is set for the second identification information 12, the expiration date is also authenticated.

[0029] (2) When the conditions of (2) and (3) are met, the terminal 3 releases the supply lock of the article supply device 1 with the first identification information 11 acquired, and enables the supply of the article from that article supply device 1 to the user.

[0030] Here, the order of (2) and (3) does not matter, but in order to supply the article 2 to a user with a legitimate right to acquire the article, it is necessary that the first identification information 11 and the second identification information 12 be linked. The following are the methods of linking.

[0031] · Include link information in the first identification information 11 that links to a means for acquiring the second identification information 12 (for example, an input screen for inputting the second identification information 12) in addition to the unique identification information of the article supply device 1. As a result, the first identification information 11 read by the terminal 3 can be passed to the means for authenticating the second identification information 12, and the first identification information 11 and the second identification information 12 can be linked.

[0032] · When the magazine (product 4) is an e-book, the terminal 3 can function as an e-book reader. In such a case, if the second identification information 12 is included in the e-book itself and a function for reading the first identification information 11 is provided, the first identification information 11 and the second identification information 12 can be linked.

[0033] (2) and (3) are the determination of conditions. As a typical example, a management device capable of communicating with the terminal 3 acquires the first identification information 11 and the second identification information 12, and determines whether the article supply device 1 can supply the article 2 based on the first identification information 11 (including the identification of the article supply device 1), and authenticates the second identification information 12. A method can be considered.

[0034] The unlocking of the article supply in the article supply device 1. However, the management device that has determined the first identification information 11 and authenticated the second identification information 12 transmits an unlocking signal to unlock the supply unit to the article supply device 1 specified by the first identification information 11. Then, the supply unit of the article supply device 1 that has received the unlocking signal unlocks the lock and enables the supply of the article 2 to the user. The management device may be on a network capable of communicating with the article supply device 1, or may be provided in the article supply device 1 itself. Also, when the article supply device 1 and the terminal 3 can communicate via Wifi or Bluetooth (Registered Trademark) etc., the terminal 3 may receive the completion information of the determination and authentication from the management device, and the terminal 3 may transmit an unlocking signal to the article supply device 1.

[0035] In this way, this embodiment can supply articles to the user according to various forms caused by the user's various actions, and can meet the needs of various consumers such as the user to whom the articles are supplied and enterprises that want to use the article supply device. Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be described.

[0036] <The First Embodiment of the Present Invention>

[0037] The first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The article supply system in the first embodiment is a system that realizes a beneficial collaboration (joint planning) for both Company X, which supplies articles to the user, and Company Y, which supplies products to the user.

[0038] As a collaboration plan, for example, there is a plan to present one article of Company X as a privilege when the user purchases a product of Company Y. Here, the collaboration between Company X and Company Y needs to be beneficial to both companies.

[0039] Company Y benefits from having many users purchase its products. Therefore, if the user feels attracted to the article of Company X and purchases the product of Company Y in order to obtain the article, as a result, many users will purchase its products, which is beneficial for Company Y.

[0040] On the other hand, Company X benefits from having the user know about other articles provided by Company X and further having the user purchase other articles. For this purpose, it is necessary to guide the user to the place where the article supply device that supplies a variety of articles is installed and let the user recognize that a variety of articles are being supplied. Therefore, the article presented to the user who has purchased the product of Company Y is preferably supplied to the user from the actually installed article supply device, rather than simply delivered to the user by mail or other methods. Therefore, the first embodiment is configured as follows. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the article supply system according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, components having the same configuration as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, the article supply device 1, the user terminal 2, and the management device 5 are connected to a communication network 6 and can communicate with each other. The communication network 6 means a communication path capable of data communication. That is, the communication network 6 includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for connection, a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark), and other communication networks such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet, and the communication method may be wired or wireless.

[0042] The article supply device 1 is a device that supplies an article 2 to be presented to a user who has purchased a magazine 4.

[0043] The terminal 3 is, for example, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a mobile phone, or the like. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a device configuration example of a smartphone which is an example of the terminal 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal 3 includes a display 31, a touch operation panel 32 integrally formed with the display 31, a built-in speaker 33, and a camera 34. In addition, the terminal 3 is provided with a control board, a built-in battery, a power button, a volume adjustment button, etc. (not shown). The control board is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU, a GPU, and a DSP, ASICs, various IC memories such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a wireless communication module for wireless communication with a mobile phone base station. In addition, the control board is equipped with a so-called I / F circuit (interface circuit) such as a driver circuit for the touch operation panel 32. Each of the elements mounted on these control boards is electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like so that data can be read and written and signals can be transmitted and received.

[0044] Magazine 4 is a product supplied (sold) by Company Y to users. Magazine 4 has a serial code described therein for authenticating the right (article acquisition right) of a user who purchases Magazine 4 to acquire Article 2 (present (supply) Article 2 to the user). This serial code is a unique serial code different for each copy of Magazine 4, etc. Such a serial code can be generated using a check digit, etc.

[0045] The management device 5 is a server system configured to include one or more server devices, storage devices, etc. The management device 5 performs processes such as identifying the article supply device 1 that supplies articles, authenticating the second identification information 12, and unlocking the article supply device 1.

[0046] Next, the configuration of each device will be described. FIG. 4 is a front view of an example of the article supply device 1, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example of the article supply device 1, and FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the article supply device 1.

[0047] The article supply device 1 is a device that supplies Article 2.

[0048] Article 2 is an article that is the subject of collaboration between Company X and Company Y. By purchasing Magazine 4 of Company Y, a user can obtain the article acquisition right (can obtain Article 2 for free) of Article 2 supplied by Company X. Article 2 includes, for example, those in which a toy, etc. is contained in a divisible spherical capsule, or those in which a toy and a capsule are integrated. Article 2 is not limited to only one type of article, and there may be multiple types of articles. In this case, the multiple types of articles are mixed and stored in the article storage unit 20 of the article supply device 1 described later as articles belonging to one series (type).

[0049] On the front of the article supply device 1, there are a display 13 that shows the content of the article 2, a coin insertion slot 14 for paying the price of the article 2, a handle 15 as an operation unit, an outlet 16 where the article 2 is supplied, and a coin return slot 17. By visually checking the display 13, the user can know that the article supply device 1 can supply the article 2 which is the object of the collaboration between Company X and Company Y.

[0050] On the front of the article supply device 1, the first identification information 11 (information display body: QR code) is displayed. The first identification information 11 includes at least a unique article supply device identification information (device ID) for identifying the article supply device 1 and a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) which is link information to the page for authenticating the second identification information 12 described in the magazine 4. In addition to the above, the first identification information 11 may also include other information, for example, location information for identifying the location where the article supply device 1 is installed, store name, information such as the price of the article, and management information necessary for managing the article supply device 1. Also, regarding the display method of the first identification information 11, in this example, the method of attaching and displaying a QR code as the information display body on the front of the article supply device 1 is adopted, but it is not limited to this. For example, when the article supply device 1 is equipped with a display unit such as a liquid crystal display, the information display body of the first identification information 11 may be displayed on that display unit. Furthermore, the position where the first identification information 11 is displayed is not limited to the front of the article supply device 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, it may be displayed at a position near the return slot 17 where the bottom surface of the return slot 17 can be clearly seen. In this example, a user having the right to obtain the article can obtain the article 2 for free. By displaying the first identification information 11 at such a position, when the coins accidentally inserted by the user are returned to the return slot 17, the user can easily notice the returned coins.

[0051] The article supply device 1 includes an article container 20, an article supply unit 21, a lock unit 22, an operation unit 23, a control unit 24, and a communication unit 25.

[0052] The article storage section 20 stores a large number of articles 2. The storage of articles is configured such that the article storage section 20 can be easily pulled forward and articles 2 can be easily stored by inserting the articles 2 from in front of the article supply device 1. At the lower part inside the article storage section 20, an article supply section 21 having a rotating disk with a hole large enough for one article 2 to pass through is installed.

[0053] The operation section 23 transmits the operation of the handle 15 to the rotating disk of the article supply section 21. The operation section 23 is locked by the locking section 22, and when the lock is released, the handle 15 can be rotated by the user's operation. As a mechanism for releasing the lock, for example, a lock release mechanism using a solenoid lock is used. In this case, the handle 15 is set in a non-rotatable state (locked state) using the solenoid lock, and the lock is released by energizing the solenoid to make the handle 15 rotatable. Note that the present invention is not limited to the lock release mechanism using a solenoid lock, and other lock release mechanisms may be used. When the locking section 22 is in the unlocked state and the handle 15 is rotated by a predetermined angle, the rotating disk rotates in conjunction, and when the hole of the rotating disk faces the drop port provided at the bottom of the article storage section 20, one article 2 is supplied from the drop port to the take-out port 16 through a passage communicating with the take-out port 16.

[0054] The control section 24 controls the locking and unlocking of the locking section 22. The unlocking of the locking section 22 by the control section 24 is performed by settlement with the cash inserted into the insertion port 14 or by a lock release signal controlled from the outside. Further, the control section 24 locks the locking section 22 after detecting the discharge of the article 2 to the take-out port 16 or after a predetermined time has elapsed after the lock is released. Furthermore, the control section 24 may lock the locking section 22 by a lock signal controlled from the outside.

[0055] The communication section 25 can communicate with the management device 5 via the communication network 6.

[0056] Next, the configuration of the terminal 3 will be described.

[0057] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the terminal 3. As shown in FIG. 7, the terminal 3 includes an operation input unit 301, a photographing unit 302, a processing unit 303, an image display unit 304, a sound output unit 305, a communication unit 306, and a storage unit 307.

[0058] The operation input unit 301 is for inputting various operations of the user, and outputs an operation input signal corresponding to the operation input to the processing unit 303. The functions of the operation input unit 301 can be realized not only by elements directly operated by the user's finger such as a touch operation pad, a home button, a button switch, a joystick, and a trackball, but also by elements for detecting motion and posture such as an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, an inclination sensor, and a geomagnetic sensor. In FIG. 3, the touch operation panel 32 corresponds to this.

[0059] The photographing unit 302 performs photographing processing of the information display body (QR code) of the first identification information 11, and outputs the photographed image to the processing unit 303. The photographing unit 302 includes a lens, an imaging element, and a controller for controlling these. In FIG. 3, the camera 34 corresponds to this.

[0060] The processing unit 303 comprehensively controls the operation of the terminal 3 based on programs and data stored in the storage unit 307, operation input signals from the operation input unit 301, and the like. The functions of the processing unit 303 can be realized by electronic components such as microprocessors such as a CPU and a GPU, an ASIC, and an IC memory. This processing unit 303 includes, as main functional units, an arithmetic unit 51, an image generation unit 52, a sound generation unit 53, and a communication control unit 54.

[0061] The arithmetic unit 51 outputs to the image generation unit 52, the sound generation unit 53, and the communication control unit 54. The arithmetic unit 51 includes an information display body acquisition unit 510, a serial code acquisition unit 511, and a supply information guide unit 512.

[0062] The information display body acquisition unit 510 reads the information display body of the article supply device 1 photographed by the photographing unit 302, and acquires the first identification information 11.

[0063] Based on the first identification information 11 obtained by the information display body acquisition unit 510, the serial code acquisition unit 511 transmits a request for requesting the transmission of an input screen of a serial code including the acquired device ID. In this embodiment, the transmission destination (link destination) of this request is the management device 5. Then, the input screen of the serial code is received and displayed on the image display unit 304 via the image generation unit 52. Also, the serial code input on the input screen of the serial code is transmitted to the management device 5.

[0064] The supply information guidance unit 512 causes the management device 5 to display, via the image generation unit 52, on the image display unit 304 the authentication result of the serial code, guidance regarding the supply of articles, and guidance of an error (supply impossible).

[0065] Note that the functions of the information display body acquisition unit 510, the serial code acquisition unit 511, and the supply information guidance unit 512 can be realized by a Web browser installed in the terminal 3, or can also be realized by a dedicated application.

[0066] Based on the processing result of the arithmetic unit 51, the image generation unit 52 generates one image per 1-frame time (for example, 1 / 60 second) and outputs the generated image signal to the image display unit 304. The function of the image generation unit 52 can be realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC or a video codec, a drawing frame IC memory such as a frame buffer, and an IC memory used for expanding texture data.

[0067] Based on the processing result of the arithmetic unit 51, the sound generation unit 53 generates sound signals such as effect sounds and various operation sounds and outputs them to the sound output unit 305. The function of the sound generation unit 53 can be realized by, for example, a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or a voice synthesis IC, and an audio codec capable of playing back voice files.

[0068] The communication control unit 54 performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with the management device 5 and the like.

[0069] The image display unit 304 displays a screen based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 52. The function of the image display unit 304 can be realized by a display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head-mounted display. In FIG. 2, the image display unit 304 corresponds to the display 31.

[0070] The sound output unit 305 is for outputting sound such as sound effects based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 53. In FIG. 2, the sound output unit 203 corresponds to the speaker 33.

[0071] The communication unit 306 connects to the communication line N to realize communication. The function of the communication unit 306 can be realized by, for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack of a wired communication cable, a control circuit, and the like.

[0072] In the storage unit 307, programs for operating the terminal 3 and realizing various functions of the terminal 3, data used during the execution of these programs, etc. are stored in advance or temporarily stored each time processing is performed. The storage unit 307 can be realized by, for example, an IC memory such as a RAM, a ROM, or a flash memory, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or a DVD, etc. Specifically, a system program and a control program are stored in the storage unit 307. The system program is a program for realizing the basic functions of the terminal 3 as a computer. The control program is a program for functioning as the arithmetic unit 51 (information display body acquisition unit 510, serial code acquisition unit 511, supply information guide unit 512) of the processing unit 31.

[0073] Next, the management device 5 will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the management device 5. The management device 5 includes a storage unit 61, a processing unit 62, and a communication unit 63.

[0074] The memory unit 61 is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as a RAM, a ROM, or a flash memory, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or a DVD, etc., and stores a system program and a function program. The system program is a program for realizing the basic functions of a computer. The function program is a program for causing the processing unit 62 to function as an article supply device determination unit 621, an acquisition right authentication unit 622, and a lock control unit 623, which will be described later. Also, article supply device data D1 and serial code data D2, which will be described later, are stored.

[0075] The article supply device data D1 stores the device ID of the article supply device 1 that can supply the article 2 that is the subject of the collaboration between company X and company Y, and the inventory quantity of the articles of the article supply device 1. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the article supply device data D1. As shown in FIG. 9, the article supply device data D1 stores the device ID of the article supply device 1 that can supply the article 2 that is the subject of the collaboration between company X and company Y, and the inventory quantity of the articles of the article supply device 1 with the device ID, in an associated manner.

[0076] The serial code data D2 stores the serial codes described in the magazine 4 sold by company Y. The serial codes are assigned different numbers for each magazine 4 and are non-overlapping code numbers. Such serial codes can be generated using a check digit or the like. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the serial code data D2. As shown in FIG. 10, the serial code data D2 stores a unique serial code and an authentication flag in an associated manner. As will be described later, the acquisition right authentication unit 622 authenticates the user's article acquisition right using the serial code, and when the supply of the article 2 from the article supply device 1 is completed, an authenticated flag indicating that the authentication has been completed is given to the field of the authentication flag of the serial code.

[0077] The processing unit 62 comprehensively controls the operation of the management device 5 based on the programs and data stored in the storage unit 61. The functions of the processing unit 62 can be realized by electronic components such as microprocessors such as CPUs and GPUs, ASICs, and IC memories. This processing unit 62 includes, as main functional units, an article supply device determination unit 621, an acquisition right authentication unit 622, and a lock control unit 623.

[0078] The article supply device determination unit 621 receives a request for the serial code input screen from the terminal 3, acquires the device ID included in the request, and determines whether the acquired device ID is included in the article supply device data D1. When the article supply device determination unit 621 determines that the device ID is included in the article supply device data D1, it checks the inventory quantity of the article supply device 1 with that device ID. If there is an inventory quantity, the article supply device determination unit 621 determines that the article supply device 1 with the device ID acquired by the user is an article supply device 1 that can supply article 2, which is the object of collaboration with magazine 4. Then, the article supply device determination unit 621 identifies the article supply device 1, which is the destination of the unlock signal. When the determination and identification are completed, the article supply device determination unit 621 transmits the serial code input screen to the terminal 3. On the other hand, when the device ID is not included in the article supply device data D1 or there is no inventory even if it is included in the article supply device data D1, the article supply device determination unit 621 transmits an error screen to the terminal 3, guiding that the supply of article 2 is impossible. In addition, a supply available period during which article 2 can be supplied from the article supply device 1 is predetermined. Even when a request for the serial code input screen from the terminal 3 is received after the expiration of the supply available period, an error screen guiding that the supply of article 2 is impossible is transmitted to the terminal 3.

[0079] The acquisition right authentication unit 622 compares the serial code entered on the input screen with the serial code in the serial code data D2. If the serial code entered on the input screen is included in the serial code data D2 and the authentication flag is not set for that serial code, the serial code entered on the input screen is authenticated, and it is assumed that the user's right to acquire the item is authenticated. Then, guidance information for guiding the supply of the item is transmitted to the user's terminal 3. Note that when an expiration date is set for the serial code, the acquisition right authentication unit 622 also performs authentication of the expiration date of the serial code entered on the input screen. On the other hand, when the acquisition right authentication unit 622 cannot authenticate the serial code (including the case where the expiration date has passed and authentication is not possible), an error screen notifying that the authentication of the serial code (right to acquire the item) could not be performed is transmitted to the terminal 3.

[0080] When the article supply device determination unit 621 determines that the article supply device 1 with the device ID can supply the article 2, and the acquisition right authentication unit 622 authenticates the right to acquire the article, the lock control unit 623 transmits an unlock signal to the article supply device 1 with the acquired device ID.

[0081] The operation of the article supply system according to this embodiment will be described.

[0082] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of the article supply system according to this embodiment, FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the management device 5 in this embodiment, and FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the article supply device 1 in this embodiment. Note that in the following description, the article supply device data D1 is as shown in FIG. 9, and the serial code data D2 is as shown in FIG. 10.

[0083] First, the overall flow of the article supply system will be described using the sequence diagram of FIG. 11.

[0084] The user goes to the place where the article supply device 1 capable of gratuitously supplying the article 2 targeted for the present in the magazine 4 is installed, and acquires the information display body of the first identification information 11 displayed on the article supply device 1. The acquisition of the information display body is performed using the photographing function of the photographing unit 302 of the terminal 3 according to the operation of the user (Step1). FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of photographing the information display body of the first identification information 11 of the article supply device 1 by the photographing unit 302 of the terminal 3. The user stands in front of the article supply device 1, operates the terminal 3 so that the information display body of the first identification information 11 is displayed on the display 31 of the terminal 3, and photographs the information display body.

[0085] The information acquisition unit 510 of the terminal 3 acquires the first identification information 11 from the photographed information display body of the first identification information 11. In this example, the acquired first identification information 11 includes the device ID of the article supply device 1 and is link destination information (for example, URL) to a means for authenticating the serial code 12 (Step2). In this example, it is assumed that the acquired device ID is "12560" and the link destination is set by the management device 5.

[0086] The serial code acquisition unit 511 of the terminal 3 transmits a request to request the transmission of the serial code input screen to the management device 5 based on the link destination including the device ID of the article supply device 1 (Step3).

[0087] The management device 5 receives the request from the terminal and performs a supply determination process (Step4). Details of the supply determination process will be described later.

[0088] When the terminal 3 receives the serial code input screen without receiving an error guidance screen from the management device 5, the serial code acquisition unit 511 of the terminal 3 displays the serial code input screen (Step5). FIG. 15 is an example of the serial code input screen displayed on the terminal 3. The user inputs the serial code into the displayed input screen (Step6). In this example, it is assumed that the user inputs the serial code "1VB3588" into the serial code input screen. Then, the serial code acquisition unit 511 transmits the serial code to the management device 5.

[0089] The management device 5 receives the serial code and performs a supply determination process (Step 4). When the management device 5 can authenticate the serial code, it transmits guidance information to the terminal 3. Also, when the article supply device 1 is identified and the serial code can be authenticated, the management device 5 transmits an unlock signal to the article supply device 1 (Step 4).

[0090] The supply information guidance unit 512 of the terminal 3 receives the guidance information from the management device 5 and displays the guidance information (Step 8). FIG. 16 is an example of the guidance information displayed on the terminal 3. In the guidance information of FIG. 16, it is guided that the serial code has been authenticated, to receive an article by operating the handle 15 of the article supply device 1, and that the handle 15 will be locked in one minute. The user operates the article supply device 1 according to the guidance information.

[0091] The article supply device 1 receives the unlock signal and performs a supply process (Step 9). Then, the article supply device 1 transmits a supply report to the management device 5. Note that the details of the supply process (Step 9) will be described later.

[0092] The acquisition right authentication unit 622 of the management device 5 receives the supply report. When the supply report is a report of successfully supplying an article, it assigns an authenticated flag indicating that authentication has been completed to the field of the authentication flag of the corresponding serial code in the serial code data D2, making it impossible to reuse the serial code (Step 10). Also, the inventory count of the article supply device 1 that transmitted the supply report is decremented by one. The above is the explanation of the overall operation.

[0093] Next, the supply determination process (Step 4) of the management device 5 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 12.

[0094] When the article supply device determination unit 621 of the management device 5 receives a request from the terminal 3 (Step 100), it acquires the device ID included in the request (Step 101). In this example, the acquired device ID is "12560".

[0095] The article supply device determination unit 621 determines the device ID by using the article supply device data D1 (Step 102). The determination of the device ID is to determine whether the acquired device ID is included in the article supply device data D1. If the acquired device ID is included in the article supply device data D1 (Step 103), it is determined that the article supply device 1 with the device ID acquired by the user is an article supply device 1 capable of supplying article 2, which is the object of collaboration with magazine 4, and the article supply device 1 that transmits an unlock signal is specified. On the other hand, if the acquired device ID is not included in the article supply device data D1 (Step 103), it is determined that the article supply device 1 with the device ID acquired by the user is not an article supply device 1 capable of supplying article 2, which is the object of collaboration with magazine 4, and error guidance information is transmitted to the terminal 3 (Step 110). FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the error guidance information of the article supply device. In this example, since the acquired device ID is "12560" and is included in the article supply device data D1, it is determined that the article supply device 1 with the acquired device ID "12560" is an article supply device 1 capable of supplying article 2, which is the object of collaboration with magazine 4.

[0096] Subsequently, the article supply device determination unit 621 checks the inventory of article 2 in the article supply device 1 with the acquired device ID (Step 104). When the inventory number of the acquired device ID in the article supply device data D1 is not "0", the article supply device determination unit 621 determines that the article supply device 1 with the acquired device ID can supply article 2, and specifies the article supply device 1 as the transmission destination of the unlock signal. Then, the article supply device determination unit 621 transmits the serial code input screen to the terminal 3 (Step 105). On the other hand, when the inventory number of the acquired device ID in the article supply device data D1 is "0", the article supply device determination unit 621 transmits error guidance information to the terminal 3 (Step 110). For example, error guidance information as shown in FIG. 19 is transmitted to the terminal 3. In this example, since the inventory number of the article supply device 1 with the acquired device ID "12560" in the article supply device data D1 is not "0", the serial code input screen is transmitted to the terminal 3 (Step 105).

[0097] Next, when the acquisition right authentication unit 622 receives the serial code input on the input screen (Step 106), it performs authentication processing on the acquired serial code (Step 107). In this example, the acquired serial code is "1VB3588", and the serial code "1VB3588" is the object to be authenticated.

[0098] The acquisition right authentication unit 622 compares the acquired serial code with the serial code in the serial code data D2. If the acquired serial code is included in the serial code data D2 and the authentication flag is not set for that serial code, the acquired serial code is authenticated, and it is determined that the user's acquisition right for the article 2 has been authenticated (Step 108). Incidentally, when an expiration date is set for the serial code, the acquisition right authentication unit 622 also performs authentication of the expiration date of the serial code input on the input screen. When the expiration date of the serial code is valid and the serial code is authenticated, the acquisition right authentication unit 622 transmits guidance information regarding article supply (Step 109).

[0099] On the other hand, the acquisition right authentication unit 622 compares the acquired serial code with the serial code in the serial code data D2. If the acquired serial code is not included in the serial code data D2, or even if the acquired serial code is included in the serial code data D2 but the authentication flag is set for that serial code, or if an expiration date is set for the serial code and the expiration date has passed, the acquired serial code is determined to be inappropriate and not authenticated. When the acquisition right authentication unit 622 cannot authenticate the serial code (including the case where the expiration date has passed and authentication is not possible), it transmits an error screen notifying that the authentication of the serial code (acquisition right for the article) could not be performed to the terminal 3 (Step 110). FIG. 20 is an example of an error screen notifying that the authentication of the serial code could not be performed.

[0100] In this example, the obtained serial code is "1VB3588", which is included in the serial code data D2 and has no authentication flag attached. Also, no expiration date is set for the serial code. Therefore, the acquisition right authentication unit 622 determines that the obtained serial code "1VB3588" is authenticated and the user's acquisition right for the article 2 is authenticated, and transmits guidance information regarding article supply.

[0101] When the article supply device determination unit 621 determines that the article supply device 1 with the device ID can supply the article 2 and the acquisition right authentication unit 622 authenticates the acquisition right for the article, the lock control unit 623 transmits an unlock signal to the article supply device 1 with the device ID specified by the article supply device determination unit 621 (Step 111). In this example, the lock control unit 623 transmits an unlock signal to the article supply device 1 with the device ID "12560". Thus, the description of the supply determination process (Step 4) of the management device 5 is completed.

[0102] Subsequently, the supply process (Step 9) of the article supply device 1 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 13. When the control unit 24 of the article supply device 1 receives the unlock signal (Step 200), it unlocks the lock of the lock unit 22 (Step 201).

[0103] The control unit 24 of the article supply device 1 determines whether to supply the article 2 (Step 202). First, the control unit 24 determines whether the handle 15 of the operation unit 23 has been operated (for example, rotated once) (Step 203). When the handle 15 is operated (for example, rotated once), one article 2 is supplied from the article supply unit 21 to the outlet 16 (Step 204). Then, the control unit 24 locks the lock unit 22 (Step 205).

[0104] On the other hand, when there is no operation of the steering wheel 15 (Step 203), the control unit 24 determines whether a predetermined time (for example, one minute) has elapsed since the unlocking (Step 207). When there is no operation of the steering wheel 15 (Step 203) and a predetermined time (for example, one minute) has elapsed since the unlocking (Step 207), the control unit 24 locks the locking unit 22 (Step 205).

[0105] Finally, when the article 2 is normally supplied, the control unit 24 issues a supply report indicating that the article 2 has been normally supplied, and when the article 2 is not supplied, the control unit 24 issues a supply report indicating that the article 2 has not been supplied (Step 206).

[0106] Note that this is the control from the unlocking to the locking of the locking unit 22. In the above example, an example was described in which the control unit 24 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the unlocking, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, the locking unit 22 is set to the locked state. This is just an example. For example, the lock control unit 623 of the management device 5 measures the time from the transmission of the unlocking signal, and if a supply report indicating that the article 2 has been normally supplied is not received before the predetermined time elapses, the control unit 24 may be configured to transmit a lock signal to the control unit 24 of the article supply device 1. In this case, when the control unit 24 receives the lock signal, the control unit 24 sets the locking unit 22 to the locked state. Thus, the description of the supply process (Step 9) of the article supply device 1 is completed.

[0107] Note that a supply period during which the article supply device 1 can supply the present article 2 is defined. When the article 2 is to be acquired thereafter, or when the location where the article supply device 1 is installed is remote from the user, upon the user's application, the article 2 may be delivered to the user without the user having to visit the article supply device 1, provided that the serial code is authenticated.

[0108] This embodiment serves as a trigger for the user to acquire the item to be presented, and displays the first identification information 11 for identifying the item supply device capable of supplying the item to the user on the item supply device 1. Therefore, the user goes to the location where the item supply device 1 displaying the first identification information 11 is installed. As a result, the user is guided to the installation location of the item supply device 1 and comes to know the item supply devices that supply other items. Also, the user can know that various items other than the supplied item are being supplied. Furthermore, this embodiment enables the authentication of the second identification information 11 described in the magazine 4 at the location where the first identification information 11 is acquired, taking into account the convenience of the user. On the other hand, for companies that provide products such as magazines, presenting items will also increase the user's willingness to purchase the company's products.

[0109] Therefore, this embodiment can realize a beneficial collaboration (joint planning) for both the user who is supplied with the item and the company that supplies the item to the user and the company that supplies the product to the user. As a result, this embodiment can meet the needs of various consumers, such as not only the user who is supplied with the item but also companies that want to use the item supply device.

[0110] In this embodiment, the act of the user who acquires the item acquisition right is described as the purchase of the magazine 4, and the second identification information 12 is described as an example of the serial code described in the magazine 4. However, it is obvious that it is not limited to this. For example, the act of the user who acquires the item acquisition right may be participation in an event, and the second identification information 12 may be a serial code given by participating in the event. Also, the act of the user who acquires the item acquisition right may be applying for a lottery, and the second identification information 12 may be a serial code given by winning the lottery.

[0111] <Second Embodiment> The second embodiment will be described. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the item supply device 1 of the second embodiment.

[0112] The second embodiment will describe the case where the article supply device 1 of the first embodiment functions as one unit, and one article supply device 1 is composed of a plurality of units 70 and one display unit 71.

[0113] The unit 70 is the same as the article supply device 1 described in the first embodiment. The differences from the article supply device 1 described in the first embodiment are as follows. · The unit 70 does not display (attach) the first identification information 11.

[0114] · The unit 70 is provided with a light-emitting element 72 such as an LED visible to the user. When the control unit 24 receives a lock release signal and releases the lock unit 22, the light-emitting element 72 is turned on to notify the user that the unit 70 is capable of supplying the article 2.

[0115] The display unit 71 is installed at the top of the plurality of units 70, and the first identification information 11 is displayed. Here, the first identification information 11 is not the device ID of each unit 70, but the device ID of one article supply device 1 (hereinafter referred to as a group ID) that groups the plurality of units 70. In addition, on the display unit 71, it is displayed that the unit 70 in which the light-emitting element 72 is lit among the plurality of units 70 is capable of supplying the article 2.

[0116] The configuration of the management device 5 is different from the configuration of the article supply device data D1 and the configuration of the article supply device determination unit 621.

[0117] The item supply device data D1 stores the device ID of unit 70 and the inventory quantity of item 2 in that unit 70. Similarly, these are associated with a group ID, which is the ID of a group formed by grouping multiple units 70. This group ID is the group ID included in the first identification information 11 displayed on the display unit 71. FIG. 18 shows an example of the item supply device data D1 of the second embodiment. In the example of FIG. 18, the device IDs of multiple units 70 are associated with one group ID "101". That is, the units 70 with the device IDs belonging to the group ID "101" constitute one item supply device 1.

[0118] The item supply device determination unit 621 receives a request for the serial code input screen from the terminal 3, obtains the group ID included in the request instead of the device ID, and determines whether the obtained group ID is included in the item supply device data D1. If the group ID is included in the item supply device data D1, among the device IDs belonging to the group ID obtained by the user, it identifies the unit 70 with the device ID having an inventory of item 2. The simplest way to identify the unit 70 with the device ID is to search for the inventory quantity in ascending order of the device ID among the device IDs belonging to the group ID, and identify the unit 70 with the device ID having an inventory as the unit 70 capable of supplying item 2. However, this is just an example, and other methods may also be used. For example, the unit 70 with the device ID may be identified so that the inventory quantities are uniform.

[0119] When the serial code is authenticated in the same way as in the first embodiment, the item supply device determination unit 621 sends an unlock signal to the unit 70 with the identified device ID. When the control unit 24 of the unit 70 that has received the unlock signal receives the unlock signal, it unlocks the lock of the lock unit 22. Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0120] In addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the second embodiment has the following effects.

[0121] · Since the management device 5 selects a unit 70 with available stock and unlocks it, after the acquisition of the user's first identification information, it is possible to prevent an error due to the lack of stock and avoid the acquisition of the first identification information by the user again, thereby enhancing the convenience for the user.

[0122] · The side managing the article supply device does not need to display or attach the first identification information to each unit 70, and only needs to display one piece of the first identification information on the display unit 71, so the burden on the side managing the article supply device is reduced. Note that the number of pieces of the first identification information displayed on the display unit 71 is not necessarily limited to only one, and may be plural as necessary.

[0123] The present invention has been described above by giving preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above embodiments, and can be variously modified and implemented within the scope of its technical idea.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0124] 1 Article supply device 2 Article 3 Terminal 4 Commodity 5 Management device 6 Communication network

Claims

1. An article supply device capable of supplying articles, a display unit that displays first identification information, a storage unit that stores articles, a supply unit that supplies the articles stored in the storage unit, a lock unit that locks the articles so that they cannot be supplied from the supply unit, a control unit that controls the locked state of the lock unit, comprising: the first identification information is displayed on the front surface of the article supply device, the control unit releases the lock of the lock unit on the condition that the first identification information has been acquired and the second identification information has been acquired, in the unlocked state of the lock unit of the lock unit, controls the lock unit to the locked state on the condition that the supply of the article has not been detected for a predetermined time, Article supply device.

2. further comprising an operation unit that operates to supply the article from the supply unit, the control unit controls the lock unit to the locked state on the condition that the operation unit has not been operated for a predetermined time in the unlocked state of the lock unit of the lock unit, The article supply device according to claim 1.

3. the control unit releases the lock of the lock unit on the condition that the article supply device has been identified by the acquired first identification information and the second identification information has been authenticated, The article supply device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. the control unit releases the lock of the lock unit on the condition that the first identification information and the second identification information are associated with each other, The article supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the first identification information includes identification information for identifying the article supply device, The article supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the first identification information includes access information to means for acquiring the second identification information, The article supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the first identification information is a readable information display body, The article supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the second identification information is displayed outside the article supply device, The article supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. An article supply system capable of supplying articles, comprising an article supply device and a terminal, the article supply device a display unit provided on the front surface of the article supply device and displaying first identification information, a storage unit that stores articles, a supply unit that supplies the articles stored in the storage unit, A locking unit that locks the article so that it cannot be supplied from the supply unit; A control unit that controls the locked state of the locking unit; Comprising; The terminal is; A first acquisition unit capable of acquiring the first identification information; A second acquisition unit capable of acquiring second identification information; Comprising; The control unit of the article supply device is; Based on the condition that the first identification information and the second identification information have been acquired by the terminal, the control unit releases the lock of the locking unit; In the unlocked state of the locking unit, the control unit controls the locking unit to the locked state on the condition that the supply of the article has not been detected for a predetermined time. Article supply system.

Images