Vending machine linkage system and vending machine linkage method

Abstract

A vending machine linkage system and a vending machine linkage method for acquiring content data are provided. [Solution] In vending machine linkage system 1, when user terminal 10 downloads an app related to vending machine 12, association control unit 101 of server 11 associates the app ID of the app with the vending machine ID of the vending machine in a predetermined table, notification control unit 102 notifies the app of the app ID at a predetermined timing based on the app ID associated with the vending machine ID of a request that can be processed by the vending machine, addition control unit 103 adds points to the app ID in the table that processed the request when the vending machine that received the notification processes the request, determination control unit 104 determines whether the points for the app ID in the table exceed a predetermined threshold, and issuance control unit 105 issues predetermined content data to the app ID when the points for the app ID in the table exceed the threshold.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vending machine linkage system and a vending machine linkage method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is technology that provides services by linking vending machines and smartphones. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2017-151714 (Patent Document 1) discloses a point-granting program. This point-granting program comprises first to third steps, where the first step establishes communication with a vending machine that sells beverages to a mobile terminal. The second step receives from the vending machine points that are awarded in accordance with the purchase of a beverage, and the third step displays the points received from the vending machine on the mobile terminal. This is said to encourage users to purchase beverages from the vending machine.

[0003] Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2007-41747 (Patent Document 2) discloses a vending machine equipped with a non-contact medium, a communication means, a selection means, an operation storage means, and an arithmetic and control unit. Here, the non-contact medium stores personal information, and the communication means transmits and receives information. The selection means selects products and performs various operations, and the arithmetic and control unit stores the operation storage means and operations performed by the selection means. The arithmetic and control unit is connected to the operation storage means and the selection means, and when a customer uses the non-contact medium to purchase a product, the customer plays a pre-set game using the selection means, and points are added to the personal information if certain criteria are met. This allows for personal authentication and the provision of various services. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-151714 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-041747 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, there have been services that allow users to acquire content data (for example, digital data of music and images, specifically, game music and characters, etc.) linked to a specific location by visiting that location.

[0006] However, even if a person visits a specific local location only once to acquire content data, the economic value of the single visit itself is low, and the visit remains solely for the purpose of acquiring content data, and does not lead to local consumption or store usage in the local location.Furthermore, the above-mentioned services have the problem that consumption is limited to retail businesses in the local location, and the ripple effect on other industries is limited.

[0007] Furthermore, the acquisition of content data is limited to experiences via apps or the web when visiting a specific location, and is unlikely to directly lead to behavioral changes in the real world. Furthermore, without the value and experiences that can only be obtained locally, there is a problem that the contribution of content data to retail and tourism beyond the specific location is reduced. Furthermore, users who acquire content data find it difficult to exchange, buy, sell, or share content data with other users, making it difficult to form an economic sphere that utilizes content data. The technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 above cannot solve these problems.

[0008] Therefore, for example, if we could create a system that appropriately utilizes vending machines located in specific areas to acquire content data unique to that location, we could provide users with unprecedented added value and lead to local consumption and store use in that area.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a vending machine linkage system and a vending machine linkage method that link a user terminal with a vending machine and enable content data to be acquired through repeated visits. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The vending machine linkage system according to the present invention includes an association control unit, a notification control unit, an accrual control unit, a determination control unit, and an issuance control unit. When a user terminal downloads an app related to a vending machine, the association control unit associates the app ID of the app with the vending machine ID of the vending machine in a predetermined table. The notification control unit notifies the app of the app ID associated with the vending machine ID at a predetermined timing based on the app ID in the table associated with the vending machine ID. When the user terminal processes the request using the app of the app ID at the vending machine that received the notification, the accrual control unit adds points to the app ID in the table that processed the request. The determination control unit determines whether the points for the app ID in the table exceed a predetermined threshold. When the points for the app ID in the table exceed the threshold, the issuance control unit issues predetermined content data to the app ID.

[0011] The vending machine linkage method according to the present invention includes an association control step, a notification control step, an addition control step, a determination control step, and an issuance control step. Each step of the vending machine linkage method according to the present invention corresponds to each control unit of the vending machine linkage system according to the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, by linking a user terminal with a vending machine, it becomes possible to acquire content data by repeated visits. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1]1 is a schematic diagram and a functional block diagram of a vending machine linkage system according to the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the execution procedure of the vending machine cooperation method according to the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3A shows an example of a case where a user terminal reads a code from a vending machine, and FIG. 3B shows an example of a case where a server associates an application ID and a vending machine ID in a predetermined table. [Figure 4] FIG. 4A shows an example of a case where a server notifies an application on a user terminal of a request, and FIG. 4B shows an example of a case where a user confirms the notification and approaches the vending machine. [Figure 5] FIG. 5A shows an example of a case where the server adds points after the user processes a request at the vending machine, and FIG. 5B shows an example of a case where the server adds points after the user purchases a product at the vending machine. [Figure 6] FIG. 6A shows an example of a case where the server notifies the application on the user's terminal of a request and the user approaches the vending machine, and FIG. 6B shows an example of a case where the server adds points after the user processes the request at the vending machine. [Figure 7] FIG. 7A shows an example of a case where a vending machine displays a special character and a user acquires the special character, and FIG. 7B shows an example of a case where a user purchases and acquires the special character. [Figure 8] FIG. 8A shows an example of a case where a user transfers content data to another user, and FIG. 8B shows an example of a case where a server rewrites content data between application IDs in a table. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings to help understand the present invention. Note that the following embodiment is an example of the present invention and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, a vending system 1 according to the present invention includes a user terminal 10, a server 11, a vending machine 12, and a network 13.

[0016] Here, the user terminal 10 is, for example, a mobile terminal device (smartphone) with a touch panel, a tablet terminal device, a portable notebook computer, etc. The user terminal 10 includes a display unit (output unit) that displays a screen, a reception unit (input unit) that receives predetermined instructions input by a user's operation, a communication unit for short-range wireless communication and long-range wireless communication, a memory unit that stores data, a control unit that controls each unit, and an image capturing unit (camera unit) that captures an image of a subject. The communication unit of the user terminal 10 can perform long-range wireless communication with the server 11 via the network 13, and can perform long-range wireless communication or short-range wireless communication with a vending machine 12 that has a long-range wireless communication unit or a short-range wireless communication unit.

[0017] The server 11 is a commonly used computer or the like, and includes, for example, a communication unit for wireless and wired communication, a storage unit for storing data, and a control unit for controlling each unit. The server 11 transmits and receives data to and from the user terminal 10 and the vending machine 12 via the network 13. The number of servers constituting the server 11 may be one or more depending on the type of control unit. A back-end server for controlling data with the user terminal 10 may be disposed between the server 11 and the network 13 to facilitate data control and management. This server may function as an API (Application Programming Interface) between the server 11 and the user terminal 10, for example.

[0018] Furthermore, the vending machine 12 is a device that allows a user to insert coins or electronic money and select a predetermined key to purchase various items (goods) or services (services) corresponding to the key. In addition to the control unit of a typical vending machine, the vending machine 12 also includes a storage unit for storing data, a plurality of keys for selecting items or services to purchase, an input unit for inputting information, a display unit (output unit) for displaying information, a discharge port for dispensing items, and a control unit for controlling each unit. The vending machine 12 may also include a communication unit for long-distance wireless communication, short-distance wireless communication, or wired communication.

[0019] Furthermore, the network 13 is communicatively connected to each of the user terminal 10, the server 11, and the vending machine 12. The network 13 includes a LAN (Local Area Network) via a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) access point, a WAN (Wide Area Network) via a wireless base station, a third generation (3G) communication method, a fourth generation (4G) communication method such as LTE, a fifth generation (5G) or later communication method, Bluetooth (registered trademark), a specified low power wireless method, and other wireless communication networks.

[0020] Furthermore, the user terminal 10, the server 11, and the vending machine 12 each incorporate a CPU, ROM, RAM, HDD, SSD, etc. (not shown), and the CPU uses, for example, RAM as a work area to execute programs stored in the ROM, HDD, SSD, etc. Furthermore, each control unit, which will be described later, is realized by the CPU executing a program.

[0021] Next, the execution procedure of the vending machine cooperation method according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. First, in addition to providing general goods and services, the vending machine 12 displays specific content on the display unit to promote the acquisition (or purchase) of content data.

[0022] Here, there is no particular limitation on the display method of the display unit of the vending machine 12. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the display unit 12a of the vending machine 12 displays a normal character 12a1 (e.g., a cat character) and also displays campaigns and events related to acquiring characters evolved from the normal character 12a1 (promotional display). Here, there is no particular limitation on the type of normal character 12a1, and examples include protagonists, villains, companions, etc. from stories, games, science fiction, fantasy, modern dramas, etc., as well as characters from the region where the vending machine 12 is installed. Furthermore, the content data of the normal character 12a1 may be, for example, pre-stored in the memory of the vending machine 12, or the administrator of the vending machine 12 may periodically update the memory of the vending machine 12, or if the vending machine 12 is capable of long-distance wireless communication, the content data may be periodically received from the server 11 via the network 13. The display of campaigns and events may include campaigns of the beverage manufacturer, events, festivals, and tourist information for the area where the vending machine 12 is installed, as well as campaigns of other manufacturers. A message 12a2 is displayed on the display unit 12a of the vending machine 12, indicating that a specific app must be downloaded in order to obtain the normal character 12a1.

[0023] Now, when the display unit 12a of the vending machine 12 displays a normal character 12a1, a user carrying the user terminal 10 sees the character 12a1, becomes interested in it, and approaches the vending machine 12. Then, in response to the message 12a2 on the display unit 12a of the vending machine 12, the user determines whether or not to download a specific app (for example, a dedicated app for the vending machine 12) (FIG. 2: S101).

[0024] Here, if the user loses interest in the normal character 12a1 as a result of checking the message 12a2, the user will move away from the vending machine 12 and leave the area without downloading the specific app.

[0025] On the other hand, if the user becomes seriously interested in the normal character 12a1 as a result of checking the message 12a2, the user performs a predetermined operation to download a specific app from the vending machine 12 (FIG. 2: S101 YES).

[0026] Here, there is no particular limitation on the method by which a user downloads a specific app. For example, as shown in Fig. 3A, when a two-dimensional code 12a3 corresponding to the download destination of the specific app is displayed by operating the display unit 12a of the vending machine 12, the user uses the photographing unit C of the user terminal 10 to read the two-dimensional code 12a3 displayed on the display unit 12a of the vending machine 12 and access the download destination of the specific app.

[0027] Here, when the user terminal 10 accesses the server 11 corresponding to the download destination of the specific app, the association control unit 101 of the server 11 accepts the access from the user terminal 10, transmits data of the specific app that is pre-stored in a predetermined memory to the user terminal 10, and causes the user terminal 10 to download the specific app.

[0028] Here, while the user terminal 10 is downloading the specific app, the association control unit 101 displays a message 301 (for example, "Vending Machine APP Download") indicating that the specific app is being downloaded on the display unit 300 of the user terminal 10, as shown in Fig. 3B. This allows the user to recognize that the specific app is being downloaded.

[0029] Incidentally, in the above description, the user terminal 10 is configured to download a specific app by reading the two-dimensional code 12a3 on the display unit 12a, but this is not limiting and other methods may be used, such as an official app store, user registration on a specific website for the vending machine 12, or short-range wireless communication between the user terminal 10 and the vending machine 12. In this case, as will be described later, the vending machine ID of the vending machine 12 in which the user is interested is required. Therefore, for example, the user may input or specify information about the vending machine 12 or the area where the vending machine 12 is installed, and the server 11 may then specify the vending machine ID of the vending machine 12.

[0030] Now, when the association control unit 101 causes a specific application to be downloaded, it then issues an application ID (for example, "a01") for the application (FIG. 2: S102).

[0031] Here, there are no particular limitations on the method by which the association control unit 101 issues an application ID, for example, using a predetermined identification number issuing unit, the association control unit 101 issues an identification number capable of identifying the user terminal 10 as an application ID ("a01") in response to downloading an application to the user terminal 10. This makes it possible to generate an application ID capable of identifying the user terminal 10 in response to downloading the application, and to identify the user terminal 10.

[0032] Here, there are no particular limitations on the method of issuance by the identification number issuing unit, but for example, a sequential number method that issues an identification number corresponding to the order in which the apps were downloaded, a time method that issues an identification number corresponding to the time of download, a random number method using random numbers (random numbers) or strings, a UUID (universally unique identifier) ​​generation method, or a combination of these can be adopted.

[0033] Furthermore, the app ID may also serve as a terminal token that enables push notifications to the user terminal 10, or in addition to issuing an app ID, a terminal token may be issued for the user terminal 10 that has downloaded the app and the issued terminal token may be associated with the app ID. Here, the terminal token refers to identification information issued to uniquely identify an app running on a specific user terminal 10. The method of issuing the terminal token may be the same as the method of issuing the app ID, as described above.

[0034] When the association control unit 101 issues the application ID ("a01"), it associates the application ID with the vending machine ID (for example, "b01") of the vending machine 12 in a predetermined table (FIG. 2: S103).

[0035] Here, there are no particular limitations on the association method used by the association control unit 101, but for example, the association control unit 101 associates the vending machine ID ("b01") of the vending machine 12 that displays the two-dimensional code 12a3 with the download destination of the app, and when the user terminal 10 accesses the download destination of the app, it acquires the vending machine ID ("b01") that corresponds to the download destination. As a result, when the user terminal 10 downloads the app, the server 11 can automatically acquire and identify the vending machine ID ("b01") of the vending machine 12.

[0036] Furthermore, the vending machine ID may also serve as a vending machine token that enables push notifications to the vending machine 12, or in addition to issuing a vending machine ID, a vending machine token for a specific vending machine 12 may be issued and associated with the vending machine ID. Here, the vending machine token refers to identification information issued to uniquely identify a specific vending machine 12. The method for issuing a vending machine token may be the same as the method for issuing an app ID, as described above.

[0037] Alternatively, for example, the vending machine ID ("b01") of the vending machine 12 may be pre-embedded in the two-dimensional code 12a3 corresponding to the download destination of the app, and when the user terminal 10 accesses the server 11 via the two-dimensional code 12a3, the association control unit 101 may automatically acquire the vending machine ID ("b01") embedded in the two-dimensional code 12a3.

[0038] Next, the association control unit 101 refers to a table stored in advance in a predetermined memory. Here, as shown in FIG. 3B, this table 302 stores an application ID 303 ("APP ID"), a vending machine ID 304 ("Vending Machine ID"), points 305, and content data 306 (here, for example, "NFT") in association with each other. The association control unit 101 then stores the issued application ID ("a01") in association with the application ID 303 in the table 302, and also stores the acquired vending machine ID ("b01") in association with the vending machine ID 304 in the table 302. This makes it possible to associate the application ID of the application corresponding to the identification information of the user terminal 10 with the vending machine ID of the specific vending machine 12 to which the user terminal 10 has downloaded the application.

[0039] Now, once the association control unit 101 has completed the association, the notification control unit 102 of the server 11 notifies the app with app ID 303 of requests that can be processed by the vending machine 12 at a predetermined timing based on the app ID 303 associated with the vending machine ID 304 in the table 302 (Figure 2: S104).

[0040] Here, there is no particular limitation on the notification method of the notification control unit 102. For example, the notification control unit 102 generates a request ("Request") that can be processed by the vending machine 12 at a predetermined timing (for example, at a specific cycle such as every hour). Here, there is no particular limitation on the request. For example, the request may be a request to purchase a product or service from the vending machine 12 (for example, "I'm hungry") or a request for the user to walk around carrying the user terminal 10 (for example, "I want to take a walk"). The request is preferably related to an event or campaign for the normal character 12a1, for example. Furthermore, the request can be fulfilled (accomplished) by processing (operating) the vending machine 12 using the user terminal 10.

[0041] Next, the notification control unit 102 references the vending machine ID 304 in the table 302 and acquires the specific vending machine ID ("b01") of the referenced vending machine ID 304 and the specific app ID ("a01") of the app ID 303 associated with the vending machine ID ("b01"). If the app ID 303 associated with the vending machine ID 304 exists, this means that the user terminal 10 has downloaded the specific app. Therefore, a notification can be sent to the user terminal 10 that has downloaded the specific app. Then, as shown in FIG. 4A, the notification control unit 102 notifies the generated request to the app with the acquired app ID ("a01") via the network 13. When the app with the app ID ("a01") receives the request, for example, a badge 401 is displayed on the icon 400 of the display unit 300 of the user terminal 10 that has downloaded the app. In this case, since the number of unread messages is "1," the badge 401 displays "1." This allows the user to recognize that a notification has been sent to the app.

[0042] Meanwhile, the notification control unit 102 may notify the application of the application ID of the request, and may also notify the vending machine 12 of the vending machine ID associated with the application ID of the request. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the notification control unit 102 notifies the vending machine 12 of the acquired specific vending machine ID ("b01") of the generated request via the network 13. When the vending machine 12 of the specific vending machine ID ("b01") receives the request, for example, it displays a message 12a4 corresponding to the request on the character 12a1 on the display unit 12a of the vending machine 12. This makes it possible to notify an external user that a request has been notified to the specific vending machine 12.

[0043] Now, when the notification control unit 102 completes the notification, the user confirms that the badge 401 is present on the icon 400 of the application, and operates the icon 400 to check the content of the notification.

[0044] Here, the content of the notification is not particularly limited, but for example, as shown in FIG. 4B, the display unit 300 of the user terminal 10 displays a message 402 indicating a request that can be processed by the vending machine 12 ("Request") and information about the vending machine 12 ("Vending Machine "b01"). Here, the information about the vending machine 12 specifically displays the name and location of the vending machine 12 from which the user downloaded the app, as well as a processing method for fulfilling the request, etc. This allows the user to check the request of the vending machine 12 via the app.

[0045] Now, when the user confirms the request from the vending machine 12, as shown in FIG. 4B, the user visits the location of the vending machine 12 and approaches the vending machine 12. Here, the vending machine 12 displays a normal display (for example, display of character 12a1) on the display unit 12a, and the user of the user terminal 10 of the app that received the notification approaches the vending machine 12 and performs a specific operation. The specific operation refers to an operation in which the user inputs the app ID ("a01") of the app of the user terminal 10 into the vending machine 12. For example, the user may perform short-range wireless communication between the user terminal 10 and the vending machine 12 and input the app ID ("a01") of the app of the user terminal 10 into the vending machine 12.

[0046] Then, when the vending machine 12 receives input of the app ID ("a01") of the app from the user terminal 10, it transmits the input app ID to the server 11 via the network 13 and determines whether the input app ID matches the notification app ID of the app that notified the request. If the determination result shows that the acquired app ID does not match the notification app ID, the vending machine 12 does not receive processing of the request from the user terminal 10 and continues to display the normal display on the display unit 12a.

[0047] On the other hand, if the result of the determination is that the acquired application ID matches the notification application ID, the vending machine 12 accepts the processing of the request from the user terminal 10 and displays the character 12a1 and a message 12a4 corresponding to the request on the display unit 12a. This allows the user to confirm the request of the specific vending machine 12 via the application on the user terminal 10.

[0048] Here, the vending machine 12 authenticates the app ID of the app on the user terminal 10 and then displays the normal character 12a1 and the message 12a4 corresponding to the request. However, this is not limiting. For example, the vending machine 12 may switch from the normal display to the display of the message 12a4 corresponding to the request when it receives a notification from the server 11. As a result, since the vending machine 12 is a place where an unspecified number of users stop by, it is possible to have an unspecified number of users see the display of the message 12a4 corresponding to the request and become interested in the normal character 12a1 and the app of the vending machine 12. In this case, the vending machine 12 simply accepts and authenticates the app ID of the app on the user terminal 10 via a specific operation from the user terminal 10, as described above.

[0049] After the user confirms the request from the vending machine 12, the user uses the application of the application ID on the user terminal 10 to process the request at the vending machine 12 that received the notification (FIG. 2: S105).

[0050] Here, there is no particular limitation on the method of processing the request. For example, if the request is a first request to purchase a product or service from the vending machine 12, the user selects a specific product key on the vending machine 12, and purchases the product from the vending machine 12 by using the user terminal 10 to make an electronic payment or insert coins, as shown in FIG. 5A. In this way, the first request can be processed. Also, if the request is a second request in which the user walks around carrying the user terminal 10, the user brings the user terminal 10 close to the vending machine 12 (after the vending machine 12 authenticates the app ID of the app on the user terminal 10), then walks around carrying the user terminal 10, acquires a predetermined number of steps, and then brings the user terminal 10 close to the vending machine 12 again. In this way, the second request can be processed. Note that there is no particular limitation on the request as long as it can be processed through cooperation between the user terminal 10 and the vending machine 12.

[0051] Now, when the user uses the user terminal 10 to process the request at the vending machine 12 that received the notification, the addition control unit 103 of the server 11 then adds points to the application ID 303 in the table 302 that processed the request (Figure 2: S106).

[0052] Here, the method of addition by the addition control unit 103 is not particularly limited. For example, when the vending machine 12 receives a request for processing, the server 11 is notified via the network 13 that the request has been processed by the app on the user terminal 10, along with the app ID ("a01") of the app and the vending machine ID ("b01") of the vending machine 12. Upon receiving the notification, the addition control unit 103 of the server 11 references the app ID 303 and vending machine ID 304 in table 302, and references the points 305 in table 302 associated with the notified notification app ID ("a01") and notifying vending machine ID ("b01"). The addition control unit 103 then adds the points (e.g., "1") preset for the processed request to the points 305 in table 302. This allows the user to earn points by processing the request on the vending machine 12.

[0053] Here, there is no particular limitation on the points that are preset for a request, and they can be set appropriately depending on the type of request, the product being purchased, etc. For example, if the request includes the purchase of both a regular product and an expensive product, when the user purchases the expensive product from vending machine 12 as shown in FIG. 5B, the addition control unit 103 adds the high points (e.g., "2") set for the request for the expensive product to the points 305 in table 302 associated with the notified notification app ID ("a01") and the notifying vending machine ID ("b01") that received the notification. This allows the points that the user earns to be weighted depending on the type of request processed by the user, the product being purchased, etc.

[0054] Once the addition control unit 103 has completed the addition, the determination control unit 104 of the server 11 then determines whether the point 305 ("1") of the application ID 303 in the table 302 has exceeded a predetermined threshold (FIG. 2: S107).

[0055] Here, there is no particular limitation on the judgment method used by the judgment control unit 104, but for example, the judgment control unit 104 acquires a threshold value (e.g., "9") that is pre-stored in a predetermined memory, and judges whether the points 305 ("1") added earlier have exceeded the acquired threshold value.

[0056] If the result of the determination is that the point 305 ("1") does not exceed the threshold, the determination control unit 104 determines that the number of times the user has processed the request is insufficient (FIG. 2: S107 NO), and the process returns to S104, where the notification control unit 102 of the server 11 notifies the request at a predetermined timing (FIG. 2: S104). As a result, the server 11 can repeatedly notify the app of the user terminal 10, thereby encouraging the user to repeatedly visit the vending machine 12.

[0057] Here, when the user operates the user terminal 10, a message 600 is displayed indicating a request ("Request") that can be processed by the vending machine 12 and information about the vending machine 12 ("Vending Machine "b01"), as shown in FIG. 6A. Here, the second notification may have the same content as the first notification, or the content of the notification may be changed depending on the number of notifications.

[0058] Then, when the user confirms the request from the vending machine 12, the user visits the location of the vending machine 12 again and approaches the vending machine 12, as shown in FIG. 6A. The vending machine 12 authenticates the application ID of the application of the user terminal 10, as necessary. The vending machine 12 displays a normal character 12a1 and a message 12a4 corresponding to the request on the display unit 12a.

[0059] Furthermore, after the user confirms the request from the vending machine 12, the request is processed by the notified vending machine 12 using the application of the application ID on the user terminal 10, as shown in Fig. 6B (Fig. 2: S105).Then, the addition control unit 103 of the server 11 adds points to the application ID in the table 302 that processed the request (Fig. 2: S106).

[0060] Here, let us say that as a result of the user repeatedly processing the request, points 305 have already been added up to "9," as shown in Figure 6B. Then, the addition control unit 103 adds a predetermined point (for example, "1") to points 305 in table 302 associated with the notified notification app ID ("a01") and notification vending machine ID ("b01"), and as a result, points 305 become ("10").

[0061] In this case, if the result of the determination in S107 is that the point 305 ("10") exceeds the threshold, the determination control unit 104 determines that the number of times the user's request has been processed is sufficient (FIG. 2: S107 YES). Then, the determination control unit 104 notifies the issuance control unit 105 of the server 11 of this fact, and the issuance control unit 105, upon receiving the notification, issues predetermined content data to the application ID ("a01") (FIG. 2: S108).

[0062] Here, there are no particular limitations on the issuance method of the issuance control unit 105, but for example, when point 305 in table 302 exceeds a threshold, the issuance control unit 105 of the server 11 may issue the content data by obtaining content data stored in advance in a specified memory or another server via the network 13. Furthermore, as described below, if the content data is an NFT, the issuance control unit 105 may access, via the network 13, an NFT platform of a virtual currency exchange that can issue and buy / sell NFTs, and issue a specified NFT from the NFT platform, thereby issuing an NFT of the content data.

[0063] Furthermore, when issuing content data, the issuance control unit 105 may issue content data of a special character 12a5 that is different from the normal character 12a1. This allows a user to obtain content data of the rare special character 12a5 by processing a predetermined number of requests at the vending machine.

[0064] When the issuance control unit 105 issues the content data, it notifies the vending machine 12 via the network 13, and causes the display unit 12a of the vending machine 12 to display a special character 12a5 (for example, a large cat character) as the content data, as shown in Fig. 7A. The vending machine 12 also displays a message 12a6 corresponding to the acquisition of the special character 12a5.

[0065] Here, the type of special character 12a5 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a character with added value one level higher than the normal character 12a1. Specifically, if the normal character 12a1 is a protagonist, villain, or companion, the special character 12a5 may be an improved protagonist, an improved villain, or an improved companion. This allows users to repeatedly process requests from the vending machine 12 to display rare characters, thereby encouraging users to visit the vending machine 12. Furthermore, the content data is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, an NFT (non-fungible token). NFTs are based on blockchain technology and provide unique value and ownership to digital data. They are compatible with digital data that comes with unforgeable certificates of authenticity and ownership, and can be associated with digital art, game items, virtual land, and the like.

[0066] Now, there are no particular limitations on the method of acquiring content data, but for example, as shown in FIG. 7A, when a user uses the user terminal 10 to perform a predetermined operation on the vending machine 12, the vending machine 12 authenticates the app ID of the app on the user terminal 10 and sends content data of the special character 12a5 displayed on the display unit 12a (for example, the NFT "c01") to the app on the user terminal 10. Next, when the app on user terminal 10 receives the content data (NFT "c01"), it transmits the app's app ID ("a01"), the vending machine ID ("b01") of vending machine 12, and the content data (NFT "c01") to server 11 via network 13, and issuance control unit 105 of server 11 references app ID 303 and vending machine ID 304 in table 302 and associates the received content data (NFT "c01") with content data 306 associated with the received app ID ("a01") and vending machine ID ("b01"), and stores the associated content data. This allows the user to obtain the content data of special character 12a5 that they have raised in vending machine 12.

[0067] In particular, in the present invention, in order to obtain the special character 12a5, the user repeatedly visits the vending machine 12 based on notifications from the vending machine 12. As a result, the user's frequent visits can lead to local consumption and store usage in the area where the vending machine 12 is installed, which can lead to consumption in retail businesses in the area where the vending machine 12 is installed and a ripple effect on other industries.

[0068] Furthermore, in the present invention, obtaining content data requires confirmation of notifications via the app and a direct visit to the vending machine 12. This makes it easier to directly influence users' behavior in the real world, and it is possible to provide value and experiences that can only be obtained locally. It also increases the contribution of vending machines 12 to retail and tourism beyond the area where they are installed.

[0069] In the above description, the user acquires the content data of the special character 12a5 via the vending machine 12, but this is not limiting. For example, when the points 305 in the table 302 exceed a threshold, the issuance control unit 105 issues the content data and notifies the app in the user terminal 10 via the network 13 using the app's app ID ("a01"). When the user then launches the notified app, as shown in FIG. 7B, the display unit 300 of the user terminal 10 displays information 700 of the vending machine 12's app ("Vending Machine APP") and the special character 12a5 as digital data. Also, a selectable purchase key 701 for purchasing the special character 12a5 is displayed on the display unit 300 of the user terminal 10.

[0070] Therefore, when a user selects purchase key 701 and executes a predetermined purchase process (payment process) on user terminal 10, issuance control unit 105 acquires the app ID ("a01") of the app, the vending machine ID ("b01") of vending machine 12, and the content data (NFT "c01"), and as shown in FIG. 7B, references app ID 303 and vending machine ID 304 in table 302, and associates and stores the acquired content data (NFT "c01") with content data 306 associated with the acquired app ID ("a01") and vending machine ID ("b01"). Even in this configuration, the user can acquire the content data of special character 12a5 that he or she has raised in vending machine 12.

[0071] In the above description, the user is configured to purchase the special character 12a5 through the app, but this is not limiting. For example, the purchase process may be omitted and the server 11 may give the special character 12a5 as a gift. In this case, the issuance control unit 105 issues content data and associates the issued content data (NFT "c01") with the content data 306 associated with the app ID ("a01") and the vending machine ID ("b01"), and stores the associated data. The issuance control unit 105 also sends a message to the user terminal 10 indicating that the special character 12a5 has been given as a gift. This allows the user to receive special content data as a gift based on their repeated visits.

[0072] Here, the user may transfer (redistribute) the acquired content data to another user. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A , if a user who has acquired content data comes into contact with another user who has downloaded the app from the vending machine 12, as described above, and the other user becomes interested in the user's content data, the user and the other user start the app on their user terminals 10 and then perform short-range wireless communication or long-range wireless communication between the user's user terminal 10 and the other user's user terminal 10. The user then operates the app on the user terminal 10 to move the special character 12a5 displayed in the app information 800 ("Vending Machine APP") of the vending machine 12 to the app on the other user's user terminal 10 as a transfer of the content data. This allows the user to transfer the content data of the special character 12a5 to the other user.

[0073] Here, when a user transfers content data of a special character 12a5 to another user, for example, the user operates an app on the user terminal 10 to instruct the user terminal 10 to transfer the content data. The user terminal 10 then transmits the app ID ("a01") of the transferor, the content data of the transfer object ("c01" of the NFT), and the app ID (e.g., "a02") of the transferee to the server 11 via the network 13. As shown in FIG. 8B , the issuance control unit 105 of the server 11 writes the content data ("c01" of the NFT) corresponding to the user's app ID ("a01") to the content data 306 corresponding to the other user's app ID ("a02") in the table 302, and then erases the content data ("c01" of the NFT) corresponding to the user's app ID ("a01"). This allows for a content data transfer transaction between users while ensuring the uniqueness of the content data. At this time, monetary transactions or exchanges of points may occur from the user terminal 10 of the other user to whom the information is transferred to the user terminal 10 of the user who is the transferor.

[0074] Furthermore, in the present invention, a user who has acquired content data can easily exchange, buy, sell, or share the content data with other users, thereby forming an economic sphere that utilizes the content data.

[0075] In this way, in the present invention, the user terminal and the vending machine are linked, and content data can be acquired by repeated visits.

[0076] In the above description, only one threshold is set and one piece of content data for the corresponding special character 12a5 is acquired. However, this is not limiting. For example, multiple thresholds may be set in stages, allowing multiple types of content data for the corresponding special character 12a5 to be acquired in stages. For example, content data for a first special character may be set for a first threshold, and content data for a second special character that is rarer than the first special character may be set for a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold. This allows users to repeatedly visit the vending machine 12 and continuously process requests to acquire rarer content data, thereby increasing the number of visits. This makes it possible to revitalize local economies, promote behavioral change in the real world, revitalize retail and tourism, and promote the formation of economic spheres that utilize content data.

[0077] In the above description, the content data of the special character 12a5 is acquired regardless of the user's attributes. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the user may input their own attributes (gender, age, region, etc.) into the app, and the server 11 may associate the user attributes with the app ID, and the server 11 may change the normal character 12a1 or the special character 12a5 according to the user's attributes. For example, if the user's attributes are male, the special character 12a5 may be set to a popular male character, and if the user's attributes are female, the special character 12a5 may be set to a popular female character. If the user's attributes are young, the special character 12a5 may be set to a popular character for young people, and if the user's attributes are adult, the special character 12a5 may be set to a popular character for adults. If the user's attributes are urban, the special character 12a5 may be set to a popular urban character, and if the user's attributes are rural, the special character 12a5 may be set to a popular rural character. This makes it possible to provide content data suited to the user's attributes.

[0078] Furthermore, although the above describes the acquisition of content data at the vending machine 12 and the acquisition of content data through an app, for example, the acquisition of content data may be limited to the vending machine 12. This requires the user to visit the vending machine 12, and therefore it is possible to promote the distribution of content data starting from the vending machine 12, and further promote the revitalization of the local economy.

[0079] In the embodiment of the present invention, the vending machine linkage system 1 is configured to include each control unit, but it may also be configured to store a program that realizes each control unit on a storage medium and provide the storage medium. In this configuration, the program is read by a device, and the device realizes each control unit. In this case, the program itself read from the recording medium achieves the effects of the present invention. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide a method for storing the steps executed by each control unit on a hard disk. [Industrial Applicability]

[0080] As described above, the present invention is useful as a technology that can be applied to all fields related to vending machines, not just the areas where vending machines are installed, such as the locations and buildings where vending machines are installed, and is effective as a vending machine linkage system and vending machine linkage method that can link user terminals and vending machines and acquire content data. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1. Vending machine linkage system 10 User terminal 11 Server 12. Vending Machines 13 Network 101 Association control unit 102 Notification control section 103 Addition control unit 104 Judgment control unit 105 Issuance control unit

Claims

1. an association control unit that, when a user terminal downloads an app related only to a specific vending machine A, associates the app ID of the app with the vending machine ID of the specific vending machine A in a predetermined table; a notification control unit that notifies the app of the app ID of a request that can be processed at the location of the specific vending machine A at a predetermined timing based on the app ID associated with the vending machine ID in the table; an addition control unit that, when the user terminal processes the request at the location of the specific vending machine A using the app with the app ID, adds points to the app ID of the app that processed the request in the table; a determination control unit that determines whether the points of the application ID in the table exceed a predetermined threshold; an issuance control unit that issues predetermined content data to an application ID when the points of the application ID in the table exceed the threshold; A vending machine linkage system equipped with:

2. When the specific vending machine A receives input of an app ID of an app from the user terminal, it transmits the input app ID via a network to a server including the notification control unit, and the server determines whether the input app ID matches a notification app ID of the app to which the request was notified; If the result of the determination is that the input application ID does not match the notification application ID, the specific vending machine A does not accept processing of the request from the user terminal, If the result of the determination is that the input application ID matches the notification application ID, the specific vending machine A accepts processing of the request from the user terminal. The vending machine linkage system according to claim 1 .

3. The specific vending machine A displays a normal character on the display unit, the issuance control unit issues content data of a special character different from the normal character, and causes the display unit of the specific vending machine A to display the special character. The vending machine linkage system according to claim 1 .

4. an association control step of associating, when a user terminal downloads an app related only to a specific vending machine A, the app ID of the app and the vending machine ID of the specific vending machine A in a specific table in a specific server; a notification control step in the server notifying the app of the app ID of the app ID at a predetermined timing based on the app ID associated with the vending machine ID in the table, of a request that can be processed at the location of the specific vending machine A; an addition control step of adding points to the application ID of the application that processed the request in the table when the user terminal processes the request at the location of the specific vending machine A using the application having the application ID; a determination control step of determining, in the server, whether or not the points of the application ID in the table exceed a predetermined threshold; an issuance control step of issuing predetermined content data to the application ID in the server when the points of the application ID in the table exceed the threshold value; A vending machine linkage method comprising:

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