Ticket vending machine

Abstract

To provide a ticket vending machine capable of saving customers time and trouble.SOLUTION: A ticket vending machine 1 includes a storage unit (such as RAM 45) that stores coupon information, acquisition means (mobile terminal processing unit 25) that acquires the coupon information, and control means (CPU 41) that, when the acquisition means acquires the coupon information, displays a screen (specific commodity display screens G2, G3 and G5, a commodity selection screen G4, a grouping commodity selection screen G6, a multiple commodities selection screen G7, and commodity selection screens G8 and G9) according to the coupon information (such as a specific commodity coupon, a grouping commodity coupon, a multiple commodities coupon, and a discount coupon). When topping (an option ingredient material) can be selected for commodities to which the coupon information is applied, a topping selection column G103 is additionally displayed on the screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a ticket vending machine. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, when customers use ticket vending machines, they often scan coupons used for product discounts and other purposes into the machine, but this process takes time and effort. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-132412 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and its object is to provide a ticket vending machine that can reduce the hassle for customers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention relates to a ticket vending machine that performs payment processing for products selected in response to customer operation, a selection means for displaying a product selection screen and selecting one or more products; How to obtain coupon information from code information and, and When the product selection screen is displayed by the selection means and a product is selected, the user operates the checkout button to move to the checkout screen and make a payment for the selected product; If the coupon information acquired by the acquisition means is coupon information related to a specific product and the product registration of the specific product is decided, Without moving to the product selection screen and without operating the checkout button, Move to the checkout screen for the specific product and settle the payment for the specific product. It is characterized by the following. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ticket vending machine 1 and the mobile terminal 100. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the system configuration of a ticket vending machine 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a mobile terminal 70. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a product master table. [Figure 5] 3 is an operational flow diagram showing an example of the operation of the ticket vending machine 1. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a coupon master table. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a product selection screen G1. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a topping selection and specific product display screen G10. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a specific product display screen G2. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a specific product display screen G3. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a product selection screen G4. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a specific product display screen G5. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a grouping product selection screen G6. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a multiple product selection screen G7. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a product selection screen G8. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a product selection screen G9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 is a perspective view of a ticket vending machine (vending machine, product sales data processing device) 1 and a mobile terminal 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The ticket vending machine 1 is installed, for example, in a restaurant so that customers can purchase meal tickets corresponding to products (cooked menu items). The mobile terminal 100 is a mobile terminal (for example, a smartphone) owned by a customer, and is used to input non-cash payment information into the ticket vending machine 1 and make payments by inputting desired application software, and is also used to display coupon information as code information such as a two-dimensional code.

[0008] As shown in Figure 1, a touch panel 11, which serves as an input key operation section, is installed on the upper front surface of the ticket vending machine 1. A screen is displayed on the touch panel 11 for customers to perform predetermined operations, including purchasing products. Customers can purchase meal tickets for their desired products by touching (pressing) with their finger the screen with product pictures, buttons, etc. displayed on the touch panel 11. In other words, the touch panel 11 is both a display means and an input means, and also a selection means for selecting the product to be issued.

[0009] An issuing slot 31 for issuing paper tickets (medium, hereinafter referred to as "meal tickets"), as described below, is provided at the bottom of the side of the touch panel 11 on the front of the ticket vending machine 1 (along the left side as viewed from the front). A non-cash payment processing unit 21 is provided above the issuing slot 31. The non-cash payment processing unit 21 processes all non-cash payments (such as electronic money and credit card payments) and includes a card processing unit 23 and a mobile terminal processing unit 25. The card processing unit 23 includes an IC card insertion unit 23a for inserting an IC card and processing payments, a contactless card reading unit 23b for waving a contactless card and processing payments, and a magnetic card insertion unit 23c for inserting a magnetic card and processing payments. The mobile terminal processing unit 25 is a payment means for reading various two-dimensional codes displayed on the touch panel 107 of the mobile terminal (medium) 100, as described below, and for processing non-cash payments. The mobile terminal processing unit 25 also serves as an acquisition means (coupon information acquisition means) for acquiring coupon information.

[0010] In addition, below the touch panel 11 on the front of the ticket vending machine 1, there are provided a banknote insertion slot 13, a banknote discharge slot 15, a coin insertion slot 17, a coin discharge slot 19, etc. Banknotes are inserted into the banknote insertion slot 13 when making a deposit, and banknotes that are used to pay out change or refunds are discharged from the banknote discharge slot 15. Coins are inserted into the coin insertion slot 17 when making a deposit, and coins that are used to pay out change are discharged from the coin discharge slot 19.

[0011] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the ticket vending machine 1. The system configuration of the ticket vending machine 1 shown in the diagram includes a CPU 41, flash memory 43, RAM 45, touch panel 11, communication unit 47, issuing unit (issuing means) 49, non-cash payment processing unit 21, banknote processing unit 51, and coin processing unit 53.

[0012] The CPU 41 is a control means that controls the overall processing operations of the ticket vending machine 1. The RAM 45 corresponds to the main memory device and is used as a working area when the CPU 41 executes calculations. The RAM 45 also has a temporary storage area that stores data such as the deposit amount for one deposit and the current balance. The RAM 45 stores the product master table and coupon master table described below.

[0013] The flash memory 43 corresponds to an auxiliary storage device, and stores not only the programs executed by the CPU 41 but also various setting data and the like used in the calculation processing by the CPU 41. Note that instead of the flash memory 43, other storage devices such as a hard disk may be used.

[0014] The touch panel 11 is a display means for displaying a predetermined screen under the control of the CPU 41. The CPU 41 also executes predetermined control processing based on operation signals output in response to operations performed on the touch panel 11. The touch panel 11 is also a selection means (operation means) for selecting a product to be issued. The communication unit 47 is a transmission / reception means for communicating with the outside world, and has the function of communicating with an external device (such as a management device) via a network or a dedicated line, for example. This communication may be wired or wireless.

[0015] The issuing unit 49 is configured with a mechanism that controls the issuance of meal tickets for products selected on the touch panel 11, prints necessary information about the selected products on the ticket paper, and ejects the printed meal ticket from the issuing port 31. In other words, the issuing unit 49 is an ejection means that ejects meal tickets. The meal tickets issued by this issuing unit 49 are partially cut in the width direction of the paper (leaving only the center and cutting both sides), which eliminates the need for a tray to receive the issued meal tickets.

[0016] The banknote processing unit 51 performs all processes related to banknotes. Specifically, as part of its banknote authentication process, the banknote processing unit 51 determines the type of banknote inserted through the banknote insertion slot 13. The banknote processing unit 51 also counts the number of banknotes of each denomination inserted through the banknote insertion slot 13. When returning change, the banknote processing unit 51 selects banknotes of the required denomination from among the banknotes stored in the banknote storage inside the ticket vending machine 1 and discharges the required number of banknotes to the banknote discharge slot 15.

[0017] The coin processing unit 53 performs all processes related to coins. Specifically, like the banknote processing unit 51, the coin processing unit 53 performs operations such as appraising coins, counting the number of coins by denomination, selecting coins of the required denomination from among the coins stored inside the ticket vending machine 1, and discharging them from the coin discharge port 19.

[0018] The mobile terminal 100 is a mobile terminal, such as a smartphone (multifunction phone), held by each customer who uses the ticket vending machine 1, and exchanges various types of information with the ticket vending machine 1. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the mobile terminal 70. As shown in the figure, the mobile terminal 100 is configured by connecting a CPU 101, a ROM 103, a RAM 105, a touch panel combined display unit (input and display unit) 107, and a communication unit 109 via a bus 111. The CPU 101 controls the operation of the mobile terminal 100 by executing a control program stored in the ROM 103. The ROM 103 stores various types of information, such as the control program and image data (image format information) to be displayed on the touch panel combined display unit 107. The RAM 105 temporarily stores various types of information. The touch panel combined display unit 107 is a device that combines a display device that displays various images, such as a liquid crystal panel, with a position input device, such as a touchpad, and displays information to a customer (mobile terminal holder) who operates the mobile terminal 100, and inputs information by pressing (tapping, dragging, flicking, etc.) the display on the screen. The communication unit 109 is a communication interface for communicating with various external devices, and communicates with external devices (such as a management device) via the above-mentioned network, for example.

[0019] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a product master table stored in the RAM 45 (or flash memory 43). As shown in the figure, the product master table contains various product information such as the product code (product identification information) of each product, the product name, and the price.

[0020] FIG. 6 shows an example of a coupon master table stored in RAM 45 (or flash memory 43). As shown in the figure, the coupon master table records data (coupon information) for each coupon, such as the coupon number (coupon code), coupon name, discount amount, discount rate, coupon type, one-slip usage limit, target product code, expiration date (start), and expiration date (end). Coupon type is used to classify the product being sold (main product) from services added to the product, with coupons for the product itself being assigned a "1" and other coupons being assigned a "2." The one-slip usage limit indicates the number of times a service can be received using the coupon. The target product code is the product that the coupon applies to, and may be one product or multiple products.

[0021] When using a coupon, for example, a two-dimensional code (coupon information) is displayed on the touch panel 107 of the mobile terminal 100, and the two-dimensional code is held up to the mobile terminal processing unit 25 of the ticket vending machine 1 to read and decipher its contents. The read coupon is then compared with the coupon master table stored (in RAM 45 or flash memory 43), and if a corresponding coupon is found, the ticket vending machine 1 processes differently depending on the type of coupon.

[0022] Next, an example of the operation of the ticket vending machine 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is an operational flow diagram showing an example of the operation of the ticket vending machine 1. As shown in the figure, the CPU 41 of the ticket vending machine 1 displays a normal product selection screen G1, such as that shown in FIG. 7, on its touch panel 11 (step 1-1). The product selection screen G1 shown in the figure displays a product display field G11 that displays various products and allows the user to select the product by pressing any of the product display areas, a selected product display field G13 that displays a list of selected products, an amount display field G15 that displays the deposit amount and total amount, and a checkout button G17 that instructs the user to checkout. The customer (operator) may select products without using coupons or may use various coupons, and each case will be explained separately below.

[0023] [When selecting a product without using a coupon] If the customer does not use a coupon and instead selects products directly using the normal product selection screen G1, the process proceeds from "N" in step 1-2 to step 1-11. Then, the customer selects one or more desired products by pressing the desired product display portion in the product display field G11 (step 1-11), and then presses the checkout button G17. This causes the selected products to be stored and registered in the product registration list in the RAM 45 of the ticket vending machine 1 (step 1-7). The process then proceeds to step 1-8, where the payment process is performed. A payment screen (not shown) is displayed, and the payment process is performed using this payment screen. Once the payment is complete, a piece of paper (in this example, a meal ticket) is issued.

[0024] For example, if the ticket vending machine 1 does not have a memory unit for storing the above-mentioned product registration list or the coupon information described below, and is configured to store the product registration list and coupon information in a management device installed on a separate system (ticket vending machine system) or in a server on a network, the above-mentioned product registration list and the coupon information described below are stored in these management devices or servers (the same applies to each of the following cases).

[0025] [When using a coupon for a specific product (Part 1)] Next, with the product selection screen G1 displayed (step 1-1), if a coupon is to be used, a two-dimensional code (coupon information) is displayed on the touch panel 107 of the mobile terminal 100, and the two-dimensional code is held up to the mobile terminal processing unit 25 of the ticket vending machine 1 to be read, and its contents are deciphered and stored (step 1-2). Of course, the coupon information read in may be a two-dimensional code printed on paper, or any other code such as a one-dimensional code. Input may also be performed using a scanner installed outside the mobile terminal processing unit 25, or by operating the screen displayed on the touch panel 11. In short, any configuration is acceptable as long as the ticket vending machine 1 is configured to input coupon information.

[0026] Next, in step 1-2, the CPU 41 of the ticket vending machine 1 checks what kind of service content the read coupon information provides by referring to the coupon master table.

[0027] If the service content of the confirmed coupon is a coupon for a specific product and also satisfies various other conditions such as the expiration date, the process proceeds to step 1-4 via "Y" in step 1-3. A coupon for a specific product here is a service that applies only to a specific product, such as a service that offers a specific product at a specific price. In this example, the coupon in question is a service that offers "Salt Ramen" at a special price of "600 yen" (a 100 yen discount).

[0028] In step 1-4, it is determined whether or not toppings (optional ingredients) can be selected for the product covered by the loaded coupon information, and if so, the process proceeds to step 1-5, where the topping selection and specific product display screen G10 shown in Figure 8 is displayed.

[0029] The topping selection and specific product display screen G10 shown in the figure displays the product name G21, product image G23, product content display field G24, amount display field G27 that displays the deposit amount and total amount, and a confirm button G29 that confirms the product selection and instructs payment. The product name G21 and product image G23 are collectively referred to as the product screen, and the product content display field G24 and amount display field G27 are collectively referred to as the registration content display screen.

[0030] Above the product name G21, the words "Product coupon applied" are displayed in the coupon application display field G101, indicating that a coupon has been applied. This allows the customer to be sure that a coupon has been applied to the transaction for this product.

[0031] Below the product image G23, a topping selection field (optional ingredient selection field) G103 is displayed. In this example, three topping selection buttons G103a, G103b, and G103c, "seasoned egg +100," "menma +80," and "nori +50," are displayed.

[0032] The product details display field G24 and price display field G27 each display the change due to coupon application field G105, 107. In this example, since the price of the product is changed by applying the coupon, the display shows the change from the purchase price before the coupon application to the purchase price after the coupon application, such as "¥700 ⇒ ¥600." This allows the customer (operator) to easily see how much the price has been reduced by the coupon.

[0033] As explained above, by displaying the topping selection and specific product display screen G10, the operator of the ticket vending machine 1 can easily be informed on a single screen that the product "Shio Ramen" is being purchased by applying a coupon, that the total amount has been changed by applying the coupon, and that toppings can be selected.

[0034] When selecting a topping, one or more of the three topping selection buttons G103a, G103b, G103c "Ajitama +100", "Bamboo shoots +80", and "Nori seaweed +50" are pressed to make a selection (order), and then the Confirm button G29 is pressed, whereas when not selecting a topping, the Confirm button G29 is simply pressed. Note that when a topping is selected, the contents of the selected topping are displayed in the product content display field G24, the total product price is changed in the price display field G27, and the price displays in the change content display fields G105 and G107 are also changed.

[0035] When the confirm button G29 is pressed as described above, the product and the selected toppings are registered in the product registration list (step 1-7).Then, the process proceeds to step 1-8, where the same payment process as above is carried out and a meal ticket is issued.

[0036] By using this topping selection and specific product display screen G10, customers can select toppings simply by reading the coupon, and if a topping is necessary, it can be selected, and if it is not necessary, product registration ends immediately, eliminating the need to select the product related to the coupon and making operation easier for customers.

[0037] In the above example, the coupon for a specific product was used to discount the price of the specific product. However, other coupons may also be used, such as coupons for providing an additional product (e.g., a plate of gyoza) that accompanies the specific product. In this case, the coupon content, such as "free plate of gyoza," is displayed in the coupon change display fields G105 and G107, which are displayed in the product content display field G24 and price display field G27, respectively, so that the coupon content can be easily recognized. In other words, this allows the customer (operator) to easily know that a product has been added using the coupon.

[0038] [When using a coupon for a specific product (Part 2)] On the other hand, if toppings cannot be selected for the product in step 1-4, the process proceeds to step 1-6 and the specific product display screen G2 shown in Figure 9 is displayed. The coupon for the specific product shown in this example is a service offering a "Stir-fried Pork Set Meal" at a special price of "600 yen" (80 yen discount). In the specific product display screen G2 shown in the same figure, parts that are the same as or equivalent to the topping selection and specific product display screen G10 shown in Figure 8 are given the same reference numerals. Note that matters other than those explained below are the same as the topping selection and specific product display screen G10.

[0039] The specific product display screen G2 shown in the figure differs from the topping selection and specific product display screen G10 in that a set contents display field G25 is provided instead of the product contents display field G24, and the topping selection field G103 that was displayed on the topping selection and specific product display screen G10 is not displayed. The set contents display field G25 is the same field as the product contents display field G24, and the set contents display field G25 may also be referred to as the product contents display field G25. By displaying this specific product display screen G2, the operator of the ticket machine 1 can easily be informed that the "Stir-fried Pork Set Meal" is being offered at a special price.

[0040] Then, when the confirm button G29 is pressed on the specific product display screen G2, the product is registered in the product registration list (step 1-7). Then, the process moves to step 1-8, where the same payment process as above is carried out and a meal ticket is issued.

[0041] By using this specific product display screen G2, product registration is completed immediately by simply reading the coupon, eliminating the need for operations such as selecting a product, making operation easier for customers. Also, by displaying the coupon application display field G101, the customer can be sure that a coupon has been applied to this transaction, and by displaying the change content display fields G105 and G107, the customer can be sure that the purchase amount has changed from the amount before the coupon was applied to the amount after the coupon was applied.

[0042] [When using a coupon for a specific product (Part 3)] Instead of the specific product display screen G2 shown in Fig. 9, a specific product display screen G3 as shown in Fig. 10 may be displayed. In the specific product display screen G3 shown in Fig. 10, the same or corresponding parts as those in the specific product display screen G2 shown in Fig. 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Note that matters other than those explained below are the same as those in the specific product display screen G2.

[0043] This specific product display screen G3 differs from the specific product display screen G2 in that it includes a product content selection field G31, allowing the user to change the size of the component products. The product content selection field G31 in this example allows the user to select the amount (size) of rice, one of the components of a set meal. It includes a text display field G311 indicating that the amount of rice can be selected, an image of rice G313, and selection buttons G315 for "large," "medium," and "small." Below each selection button G315, the price, which increases or decreases depending on the selection, is displayed. The user can select the desired amount of rice by pressing one of the selection buttons G315. The price display fields G25, G27, and G105 / G107 may also change depending on the type (price) of the pressed selection button G315.

[0044] After making the selection, the customer presses the confirm button G29 to register the product (step 1-7). Next, the process moves to step 1-8, where the same payment process as above is carried out and a meal ticket is issued.

[0045] In addition, in the case of a coupon that allows the user to display coupon information on the mobile terminal 100 in advance and select the amount (size) of rice, which is one of the components of a set meal, in advance, when the coupon is held up to the mobile terminal processing unit 25 of the ticket vending machine 1 to be read, the amount of rice can be selected and the set content display field G25 and price display field G27 can be displayed together on the registration content display screen.

[0046] By using this specific product display screen G3, not only can a specific product be selected by simply loading a coupon, but the details can also be easily changed. Also, by displaying the coupon application display field G101, the customer can be sure that a coupon has been applied to this transaction, and by displaying the change details display fields G105 and G107, the customer can be sure that the purchase amount has changed from the amount before the coupon was applied to the amount after the coupon was applied.

[0047] [When using a coupon for a specific product (Part 4)] The explanations in (1), (2), and (3) above show an example in which pressing the confirm button G29 on the topping selection and specific product display screen G10, the specific product display screen G2, or the specific product display screen G3 immediately transitions to the checkout screen of step 1-8. However, pressing the confirm button G29 may also display the regular product selection screen G4 shown in FIG. 11, which allows the user to continue selecting various other products. The product selection screen G4 is similar to the product selection screen G1 shown in FIG. 7, and therefore, the same or equivalent parts as those on the product selection screen G1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. On the product selection screen G4, the "Stir-fried Pork Set Meal," selected by pressing the confirm button G29, is displayed in the selected product display field G13, and the total amount is displayed in the price display field G15. Also, on this product selection screen G4, the words "Product coupon applied" are displayed at the top as a coupon application display field G101 to indicate that a coupon has been applied, and the selected product display field G13 and the price display field G15 each display fields G105 and G107 for displaying the changes due to the coupon application.

[0048] By using this product selection screen G4, not only can a specific product be selected by simply loading a coupon, but the customer can also continue to select other products. Also, by displaying the coupon application display field G101, the customer can be sure that a coupon has been applied to this transaction, and by displaying the change content display fields G105 and G107, the customer can be sure that the purchase price has changed from the price before the coupon was applied to the price after the coupon was applied.

[0049] [When using a coupon for a specific product (Part 5)] In the specific product display screens G2 and G3, the product (in this example, each component product of the set meal) is displayed in one product image G23, but in the case of a set product (in this example, a hamburger set), each component product of the set may be displayed independently as separate product images G231, G232, G233, as in the specific product display screen G5 shown in Fig. 12. In this specific product display screen G5, parts that are the same as or equivalent to those in the specific product display screen G2 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0050] Incidentally, when using a coupon for a specific product, if the coupon for a specific product is held up to the mobile terminal processing unit 25 of the ticket vending machine 1 to be read between the state in which the product selection screen G1 is displayed (step 1-1) and the settlement process (step 1-8) is performed, the screen that was open up until that point may be temporarily saved and the specific product display screen G2, etc. may be displayed. This allows the coupon information to be displayed smoothly and the product to be registered regardless of the screen display state.

[0051] As explained above in [When using coupons for specific products (Parts 1) to (Part 5)], if the coupon information is for a specific product, simply reading the coupon information allows the product to be registered. In other words, simply reading the coupon information allows product registration, making it easy and smooth to respond to the coupon information. Furthermore, by displaying the coupon application display field G101, the customer can be sure that a coupon has been applied to this transaction, and by displaying the change content display fields G105 and G107, the customer can be sure that the service content has changed from before the coupon was applied to after the coupon was applied.

[0052] [When using a coupon for grouped products] In step 1-2, if the service content of the read coupon information is a coupon for a free grouped product and other conditions such as the expiration date are also met, the process proceeds from "N" in step 1-3 to "Y" in step 1-9 and then to step 1-10, where the grouped product selection screen G6 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. The grouped product referred to here is a group of grouped products such as drinks and desserts. Therefore, a coupon for a grouped product refers to, for example, a free drink coupon (half-price coupon) or a free dessert coupon (half-price coupon), and in this example, "dessert" is the grouped product. In other words, the grouped product selection screen G6 is a screen that displays only products to which the grouped product coupon is applicable. A grouped product is not a product linked to another main product, but is a product that can be purchased individually.

[0053] The grouping product selection screen G6 shown in the figure displays a service content display field G61, a selectable product display field G63, a confirm button G65 for confirming the product selection and instructing payment, and a coupon application display field G101 indicating that a dessert coupon is applied, with the words "Dessert coupon applied." By displaying this grouping product selection screen G6, the operator of the ticket machine 1 can easily be informed that multiple products (desserts in this example) that are eligible for the service will be provided.

[0054] Then, on the grouping product selection screen G6, the user presses and selects the desired product in the selection product display field G63 (step 1-11), and then presses the decision button G65 to register the selected product in the product registration list (step 1-7).Then, the user moves to step 1-8, where the same settlement process as above is carried out and a meal ticket is issued (in this example, since it is a free dessert ticket, the settlement process is omitted and the meal ticket is issued directly. On the other hand, if it is, for example, a half-price ticket, the settlement process is carried out and a meal ticket is issued).

[0055] By using this grouping product selection screen G6, selectable products are displayed simply by loading the coupon, and products eligible for the service can be selected without any special operations. Also, the coupon application display field G101 is displayed, so the customer can be sure to recognize that a dessert coupon is applied to this transaction.

[0056] [When using a coupon for multiple products] In step 1-2, if the coupon information read in is applicable to multiple products and satisfies various other conditions, such as the expiration date, the process proceeds to step 1-13 via "N" in step 1-3 and "N" in step 1-9, followed by "Y" in step 1-12, and displays the multiple-product selection screen G7 shown in FIG. 14. The multiple-product coupon here refers to a service that can be applied to multiple specific products (such as products of the same type or products with the same component products). For example, this service refers to a service for a common ingredient (e.g., a large portion) for the multiple products, or a service for a specific component product (e.g., changing or adding a side dish). This service is an optional service (option) that can be attached to a main product that can be purchased separately, and is called additional information. In this example, the coupon information (additional information) is a service for "large portions of noodles" for "various ramen." In other words, the multiple-product selection screen G7 displays only products to which the multiple-product coupon applies.

[0057] The multiple product selection screen G7 shown in the figure displays a service content display field G71, a product display field G73 for selection, a confirmation button G75 for confirming the product selection and instructing payment, and a coupon application display field G101 indicating that a large noodle coupon is applied, such as the phrase "Large noodle coupon applied." By displaying this multiple product selection screen G7, the operator of the ticket machine 1 can easily be informed that multiple products to which the service can be applied (various types of ramen in this example) will be provided with "large noodles."

[0058] Then, on the multiple product selection screen G7, press and select the desired product in the product display field G73 for selection (step 1-11), and then press the decision button G75 to register it in the product registration list (step 1-7).Then, you will proceed to step 1-8, where the same payment process as above will be carried out and a meal ticket will be issued.

[0059] By using this multiple product selection screen G7, multiple products eligible for the service are displayed as selectable items simply by reading the coupon, without any special operations, and customers can easily select, pay, and issue tickets. Also, the coupon application display field G101 is displayed, so customers can be sure that the large noodle coupon is applied to this transaction.

[0060] [When using discounts or discount coupons] In step 1-2, if the service content of the coupon information read is a discount or value-added coupon and other conditions such as the expiration date are met, the process proceeds to step 1-15 via "N" in step 1-3, "N" in step 1-9, "N" in step 1-12, and "Y" in step 1-14, and displays the regular product selection screen (discount product selection screen) G8 shown in FIG. 15 or the regular product selection screen (value-added product selection screen) G9 shown in FIG. 16. A discount coupon here refers to a service that offers a discount of a predetermined discount rate on one or more selected products, and a value-added coupon here refers to a service that offers a predetermined discount on one or more selected products. In the product selection screens G8 and G9 shown in both figures, parts that are the same as or equivalent to those in the product selection screen G1 shown in FIG. 7 are designated by the same reference numerals. Items other than those described below are the same as those in the product selection screen G1 shown in FIG. 7.

[0061] The product selection screen G8 is a discount product selection screen, and displays a coupon discount content display field G81 at the top of the product selection screen G1, thereby making it possible to easily inform the operator of the ticket vending machine 1 that a discount service of a predetermined discount rate can be received on the total price of various products selected using this product selection screen G8. The product selection screen G9 is a discount product selection screen, and displays a coupon discount content display field G91 at the top of the product selection screen G1, thereby making it possible to easily inform the operator of the ticket vending machine 1 that a discount service of a predetermined discount amount can be received on the total price of various products selected using this product selection screen G9.

[0062] Then, on the product selection screen G8 or G9, one or more products are selected by operating the product display field G11, etc. (step 1-11). When product selection is complete, the checkout button G17 is pressed. This registers the selected products in the product registration list (step 1-7), the same payment process as above is carried out (step 1-8), and a meal ticket is issued.

[0063] [If a coupon that does not meet the coupon usage conditions is loaded] If the coupon information read into the ticket vending machine 1 does not meet the coupon usage conditions and cannot be used, for example, if the store is not a coupon-eligible store or the coupon expiration date has passed, the process proceeds from "N" in step 1-3, "N" in step 1-9, "N" in step 1-12, or "N" in step 1-14 to step 1-11, where product selection is performed using the product selection screen G1 displayed in step 1-1 (step 1-11). At this time, it is preferable to notify the customer that the coupon does not meet the coupon conditions, for example, by displaying a message on the product selection screen G1. The selected product is then registered in the product registration list (step 1-7), the same payment process as above is performed (step 1-8), and a meal ticket is issued.

[0064] As described above, according to the ticket vending machine 1, when the ticket vending machine 1 reads coupon information, it immediately displays a different screen (image) according to the coupon information and can proceed with processing according to each coupon information, thereby reducing the customer's workload and making it easy and smooth to respond to each coupon information.

[0065] <<Summary of the embodiment>> [Technical field] The present invention relates to a ticket vending machine. [Background technology] In recent years, when customers use ticket vending machines, they often use coupons used for discounts on products by having the scanner of the ticket vending machine read the coupons. However, in the past, to use a coupon, customers had to display a two-dimensional code on a mobile device such as a smartphone, hold the mobile device over the scanner on the ticket machine to have the code read, and then select and register the product to which the coupon was applied, select options and toppings, confirm the combination of product and options, and then go through several processes and screen transitions before finally proceeding to the payment process, which was time-consuming and laborious for customers. [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-132412 A

[0066] [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be solved by the invention] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and its object is to provide a ticket vending machine that can reduce the hassle for customers. [Means for solving the problem] The present invention is a ticket vending machine that processes payment for products selected in response to customer operation, and is equipped with an acquisition means for acquiring coupon information, and a control means that controls screen display in accordance with the type of coupon information acquired by the acquisition means when the coupon information is acquired by the acquisition means, and is characterized in that when registering a product in a product registration list, if optional ingredients can be selected for the product that is the subject of the coupon information, the control means displays options for optional ingredients on the screen that displays the product to be registered in accordance with the type of coupon information acquired by the acquisition means. The coupon information is information stored in advance for each coupon stored in the coupon master table, and includes various information such as the discount amount, discount rate, and expiration date. When coupon information is acquired, a different screen is displayed depending on the coupon information, so that it is possible to easily and smoothly respond to each coupon information. Furthermore, toppings can be selected simply by reading the coupon information, and if toppings are required, they can be selected, and if they are not required, product registration ends immediately, eliminating the need for operations such as selecting products, and allowing customers to easily and smoothly respond to (operate in response to) the coupon information.

[0067] In addition to the above features, the present invention is characterized in that the control means displays an image of the product to be registered in the product registration list together with information indicating that the coupon has been applied, depending on the type of coupon information acquired by the acquisition means. By simply reading coupon information, the product is registered, an image of the product is displayed, and information indicating that the coupon has been applied to the image is also displayed, so that not only can product registration be easily and smoothly performed, but also the customer can easily confirm the product to be registered and that the product is a coupon-applied product.

[0068] In addition to the above features, the present invention is characterized in that, when the type of coupon information acquired by the acquisition means is coupon information in which products are grouped, the control means displays on a product selection screen products that can be selected in response to customer operation. Coupon information in which products are grouped (grouped) refers to coupon information in which a predetermined type of product group is grouped, such as a drink coupon or a dessert coupon, and a desired product can be selected from within the group. This allows the customer to simply read the coupon information and display the product selection screen, allowing the customer to easily select the desired product from the grouped products.

[0069] In addition to the above features, the present invention is also characterized in that, when the type of coupon information acquired by the acquisition means is additional information, the control means displays the products that are the subject of the additional information on a product selection screen. Additional information refers to options that can only be added to a specific product (a product that can be purchased separately, a main product), such as a large portion of ramen, a large portion of rice with a set meal, or the addition or change of ancillary products (such as small side dishes). This allows customers to simply read the coupon information and the products that are the subject of the additional information (main products, such as various ramen and set meals) are displayed on the product selection screen, allowing them to easily select the products to which they want to apply the additional information.

[0070] In addition to the above features, the present invention is characterized in that the ticket vending machine has a memory unit that stores coupon information, and the control means compares the coupon information acquired by the acquisition means with the coupon information stored in the memory unit and controls the screen display according to the type of coupon information.

[0071] The functions of the ticket vending machine 1 may be realized by recording a program on a computer-readable recording medium and loading and executing the program on the ticket vending machine 1 as a computer system. Here, "loading and executing a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system" includes installing the program on a computer system. The term "computer system" includes hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. The term "computer system" may also include multiple computer devices connected via a network, including the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), or a dedicated line. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. The recording medium storing the program may be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM. The term "recording medium" also includes internal or external recording media accessible from a distribution server for distributing the program. The program code stored on the distribution server's recording medium may be different from the program code executable on a terminal device. In other words, the format in which the program is stored on the distribution server does not matter as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a form that is executable on the terminal device. The program may be divided into multiple parts, each of which may be downloaded at different times and then combined on the terminal device, or each of the divided programs may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a storage medium that stores a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that serves as a server or client when a program is transmitted over a network. The program may also be a program that realizes part of the above-described functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the above-described functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system.

[0072] Although the present invention has been described above as an embodiment, it is not limited to the above embodiment and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims and the technical concept described in the specification and drawings. Furthermore, any configuration not directly described in the specification and drawings is within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention as long as it achieves the functions and effects of the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings can be combined with each other as long as there is no contradiction in their purpose, configuration, etc. Furthermore, even a portion of the contents described above and shown in the drawings can be considered as independent embodiments, and the present invention is not limited to a single embodiment combining the above description and drawings. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1 Ticket machine 11 Touch panel 13 Bill input slot 15 Bill output slot 17 Coin input port 19 Coin output port 21 Non-cash payment processing section 23 Card processing section 23a IC card insertion section 23b Contactless card reading section 23c Magnetic card insertion section 25 Mobile terminal processing section 31 Issue port 41 CPU 43 Flash memory 45 RAM 47 Communications Department 49 Publishing Department (Means of Issuance) 51 Banknote processing unit 53 Coin processing unit 100 Mobile terminal 101 CPU 103 ROM 105 RAM 107 Touch panel combined display unit (input and display unit) 109 Communication unit 111 Bus G1 Product Selection Screen G11 Product display column G13 Selected product display column G15 Amount display field G17 Checkout button G2 Specific product display screen G21 Product name G23 Product image G25 Set contents display column G27 Amount display field G29 Confirm button G3 Specific product display screen G31 Product content selection field G313 Image G315 Selection button G4 Product selection screen G43 Product image G43-1,2,3 Product image G49 Confirm button G5 Specific product display screen G6 Grouping product selection screen (product selection screen) G61 Service content display field G63 Product selection display field G65 Confirm button G7 Multiple product selection screen (product selection screen) G71 Service content display field G73 Product selection display field G75 Confirm button G8 Product selection screen G81 Coupon discount details display field G9 Product selection screen G91 Coupon discount content display field G10 Topping selection and specific product display screen G24 Product details display field G101 Coupon application display field G103 Topping selection column (optional ingredients selection column) G103a, G103b, G103c Topping selection button G105 Change content display field G107 Change content display field

Claims

1. In a ticket vending machine that processes payment for products selected in response to customer operation, a selection means for displaying a product selection screen and selecting one or more products; An acquisition means for acquiring coupon information from code information; and When the product selection screen is displayed by the selection means and a product is selected, the user operates the checkout button to move to the checkout screen and make payment for the selected product. On the other hand, if the coupon information acquired by the acquisition means is coupon information related to a specific product and the product registration of the specific product is decided, the screen does not move to the product selection screen and does not require the operation of the checkout button, but moves directly to the checkout screen of the specific product and performs the checkout of the specific product. A ticket vending machine characterized by the

2. The acquisition means is capable of acquiring code information from an information terminal, and if the coupon information related to the code information acquired from the information terminal is coupon information related to a specific product having a plurality of constituent products, and if the coupon information specifies the product details of any of the constituent products that make up the specific product, the product registration of the specific product is determined with the product details of the constituent products specified.

2. The ticket vending machine according to claim 1.

3. A computer as a ticket vending machine that processes payment for products selected in response to customer operation, a selection means for displaying a product selection screen and selecting one or more products; A means for acquiring coupon information from code information; It functions as Furthermore, when the product selection screen is displayed by the selection means and a product is selected, the screen is switched to a checkout screen by operating an accounting button, and the selected product is checked out; On the other hand, if the coupon information acquired by the acquisition means is coupon information relating to a specific product and product registration of the specific product is decided, the screen does not move to the product selection screen and does not require the operation of the checkout button, but moves directly to the checkout screen of the specific product and performs the checkout of the specific product. A program characterized by:

Images