Item supply device and item supply system

Abstract

To notify the state of an article supply device.SOLUTION: The article supply device comprises a display unit that displays first identification information including an authentication entity for unlocking, a detection unit which is capable of detecting payment for the price of an article, a control unit that unlocks, a notification unit that notifies a user of the state of the article supply device, and a notification control unit that controls a first state in which authentication for unlocking is kept waiting, a second state in which payment for the price of an article it is kept waiting, a third state in which the lock is unlocked, and a fourth state in which operation of an operation unit is completed, so as to be notifiable in different forms of notification. The first state is notified by the notification unit on condition that the article supply device that supplies articles is specified by acquisition of first identification information, the second state is notified by the notification unit on condition that payment for the price is detected by the detection unit, the third state is notified by the notification unit on condition that authentication for unlocking is completed, and the fourth state is notified by the notification unit on condition that operation of the operation unit is detected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an article supply device and an article supply system. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there is an article supplying device that, when supplying capsule toy articles stored in the device main body, notifies a user of information about the article that is about to be dispensed immediately before the article is dispensed (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-268247 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is desirable to be notified of information about the product being dispensed, but of the status of the product supply device itself. The present invention provides a product supply device and a product supply system that are capable of notifying of the status of the product supply device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is an item supply device capable of supplying items, comprising: a storage section that stores items; a supply section that supplies the items stored in the storage section; an operation section that can be operated to supply the items from the supply section; a locking section that locks the operation section so that it cannot be operated; a control section that unlocks the locking section; and an alarm section that notifies in different alarm formats a first state in which the locking section is unlocked and a second state in which operation of the operation section is completed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an item supply device and an item supply system that are capable of notifying the status of the item supply device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of an article supplying device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the article supply device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the article supply device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a timeline diagram illustrating notification according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the article supply device of the first modification. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an article supplying system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view of the article supply device according to the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an example of an article supply device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an article supplying device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows an example of a terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the server 3 in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the item supply device data D1. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the serial code data D2. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the item supply device system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16]FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the article supply device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows an example of a photograph of an information display. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows an example of a serial code input screen displayed on the terminal. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows an example of guidance information displayed on the terminal. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a flow diagram for explaining the operation of the server. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of guidance information regarding an error in an item supply device. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is an example of an error screen informing users that the serial code could not be authenticated. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a timeline diagram illustrating notification according to the second embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a block diagram of an article supplying device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the article supply device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a timeline diagram illustrating notification according to the third embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a block diagram of an article supplying device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the item supply device system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the server according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] <Outline of the embodiment of the present invention> An outline of an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0009] In order for a user to receive a supply of goods from an item supply device, the user must operate the item supply device himself / herself. To prevent theft and erroneous operation, the item supply device is provided with a time period during which the user can operate it. Therefore, it is preferable that the item supply device notify the user of its own status so that the user can operate the item supply device without making a mistake in the timing of operation.

[0010] For example, if the article supply device is provided with a display screen such as a liquid crystal display, and the procedure and timing of article supply are displayed on the display screen, the user can be guided correctly in operation. However, since article supply devices are intended to be installed in large numbers in various locations, including outdoors, they are designed to have a simple structure and to keep costs down, taking into account the installation cost, installation location, and maintenance of the article supply device. Therefore, it is desirable to have an article supply device with a simple configuration that notifies the user of the status of the article supply device so that the user can operate it without making mistakes in the timing of operations.

[0011] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the configuration of an item supply device will be described as an example, which notifies an operation-ready state in which a user can operate the item supply device, and an operation-completed state in which the user has completed the operation.

[0012] 1 is a front view of an example of an article supply device 1 in an article supply device system according to the present embodiment. The article supply device 1 stores a plurality of articles and randomly supplies one of the stored articles to a user. The device is provided with an article storage section 12 for storing articles, a display 13 that displays the contents of the articles stored in the article storage section 12, a coin slot 14, a handle 15 as an operation section, an outlet 16 through which articles are supplied, a coin return slot 17, and an alarm section 18.

[0013] The article storage section 12 is configured so that articles can be easily stored by pulling the article storage section 12 toward you and inserting articles from the front of the article supply device 1. The same display 13 is used for each item supply device 1 that supplies the same item. When the item stored in the item storage section 12 is changed, the item information shown on the display 13 is also changed. The item information includes the product name of the item, explanatory information about the item, and an explanatory image of the item.

[0014] The notification unit 18 is composed of a light-emitting element such as an LED and a transparent member, and the light from the light-emitting element is visible through the transparent member. The type and number of light-emitting elements are not important, but in this embodiment, an example in which green light-emitting elements are arranged will be described. The notification unit 18 may also be a speaker that outputs sound.

[0015] Next, the configuration of each device will be described. 2 is a functional block diagram of the item supply device 1. The item supply device 1 includes an item storage unit 101, an item supply unit 102, a lock unit 103, an operation unit 104, a control unit 105, a notification control unit 107, and a cash acceptance unit 108.

[0016] 1 and stores a large number of articles. At the bottom of the article storage section 101, an article supply section 102 is installed, which includes a turntable with a hole large enough for one article to pass through. The locking unit 103 locks and unlocks the operation unit 104. When the locking unit 103 locks the operation unit 104, it notifies the notification control unit 107 that it has been locked. Similarly, when the locking unit 103 unlocks the operation unit 104, it notifies the notification control unit 107 that it has been unlocked.

[0017] The operating unit 104 transmits the operation of the handle 15 shown in FIG. 1 to the turntable of the article supply unit 102. The operating unit 104 is locked by the locking unit 103, and when the lock is released, the handle 15 becomes rotatable by the user's operation. An unlocking mechanism using a solenoid lock, for example, is used as the mechanism for unlocking the lock. In this case, the solenoid lock is used to place the handle 15 in an unrotatable state (locked state), and the lock is released by energizing the solenoid, making the handle 15 rotatable. Note that the unlocking mechanism is not limited to a solenoid locking mechanism, and other unlocking mechanisms may be used. When the locking unit 22 is in the unlocked state, rotating the handle 15 a predetermined angle rotates the turntable in conjunction with the operation. When the hole in the turntable faces the drop opening provided at the bottom of the article storage unit 101, one article is supplied from the drop opening to the outlet 16 through a passage communicating with the outlet 16.

[0018] The control unit 105 controls the locking and unlocking of the locking unit 103. The control unit 105 unlocks the locking unit 103 by payment using cash inserted into the insertion slot 14. The control unit 105 also locks the locking unit 103 after detecting that an item has been discharged into the removal slot 16, or after a predetermined time has elapsed since the locking was released. Furthermore, the control unit 105 may lock the locking unit 103 in response to a lock signal controlled externally.

[0019] The notification control unit 107 notifies the state of the article supply device 1 by controlling the speed at which the light-emitting elements of the notification unit 18 turn on, turn off, and blink. The patterns of turning on, turn off, and blinking of the light-emitting elements differ depending on the state of the article supply device 1. In this embodiment, the types of states of the article supply device 1 that are notified are an operable state (first state) and an operation-completed state (second state). Therefore, the notification control unit 107 controls the speed at which the light-emitting elements turn on, turn off, and blink so that the pattern of turning on, turn off, and blinking in the operable state (first state) is different from the pattern of turning on, turn off, and blinking in the operation-completed state (second state).

[0020] The operable state is a state in which the lock unit 103 is unlocked. When the lock unit 103 is unlocked, the item supply device 1 enters a state in which it waits for the user to operate the operation unit 104 (handle 15). The control unit 105 unlocks the lock unit 103 on the condition that the cash acceptance unit 108, which will be described later, detects that money equivalent to the price of the item has been inserted. In other words, the notification control unit 107 controls the device to notify the user of the operable state on the condition that the user has paid the price. In the operable state, the notification control unit 107 notifies the user by controlling the light-emitting element to blink at a predetermined interval.

[0021] The operation completion state is a state in which the user has completed operation of the operation unit 104, the lock unit 103 is locked, and the operation unit 104 cannot be operated. The notification control unit 107 controls the notification unit 18 to notify the operation completion state, provided that the lock unit 103 is locked. In the operation completion state, the notification control unit 107 controls the notification unit 18 to notify the light-emitting element by keeping it constantly lit. Note that, since a series of supply processes is completed after the operation unit 104 is operated, after the lock unit 103 is locked, the item supply device 1 is in a standby state waiting for the next supply process. Therefore, the operation completion state (second state) can also be said to be a standby state. Therefore, in the following explanation, the operation completion state will be described as a standby state (second state).

[0022] The cash acceptance unit 108 detects whether the amount of money inserted has reached the supply price of the item. When the cash acceptance unit 108 receives an unlock signal from the server 3 via the communication unit 106, it switches the function of the coin sorting unit (not shown), which sorts inserted coins, from an initial disabled state (off state) to an enabled state (on state). The path of coins inserted from the coin slot 14 passes through the internal coin sorting unit (not shown) and is divided into two paths: one leading to the return slot 17 and the other leading to a storage unit (not shown) where the coins are stored. When the coin sorting unit is disabled, the inserted coins pass directly through the coin sorting unit and are discharged from the return slot 17. When the coin sorting unit is enabled, the coin sorting unit sorts the coins, sending coins that can be used for payment to a storage unit (not shown) and discharging inappropriate coins from the return slot 17. The coin sorting unit also separates coins that can be used for payment by type. The cash accepting unit 108 counts the number of coins of each type sorted by the coin sorting unit using a sensor and obtains the amount of money inserted. When the amount of money inserted reaches the set price of the item, the cash accepting unit 108 sends an unlock signal to the control unit 105. The price (amount) of the item is set in the cash accepting unit 108 by the server 3 or manually.

[0023] Next, the operation of the item supply device 1 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a flow diagram of the notification process of the item supply device 1 in this embodiment. Figure 4 is a timeline for explaining the notification method controlled by the notification control unit 107. The notification control unit 107 controls the notification unit 18 to light up the light-emitting element in order to notify the standby state indicating that the supply is awaited (Step 20). At this time, the notification unit 18 is lit up as shown in FIG. 4(1). The cash accepting unit 108 determines whether the amount of money inserted reaches the price of the goods (Step 21). If the amount of money inserted reaches the price of the goods, it sends an unlock signal to the control unit 105 (Step 22). When the control unit 105 receives the unlock signal from the cash accepting unit 108, it unlocks the lock unit 103 (Step 23). Upon receiving the release notification from the lock unit 22, the notification control unit 107 controls the notification unit 18 to blink the light-emitting element in order to notify the user of an operable state (first state) indicating that the handle 15 can be operated (Step 24). At this time, the notification unit 18 is blinking as shown in FIG. 4(2).

[0024] The control unit 105 of the item supply device 1 determines whether the handle 15 of the operation unit 104 has been operated (e.g., rotated once) to determine whether an item should be supplied (Step 25). If the handle 15 has been operated (e.g., rotated once) (Step 25: Yes), one item is supplied from the item supply unit 102 to the outlet 16 (Step 26). Then, the control unit 105 locks the lock unit 103 (Step 27). On the other hand, if the handle 15 is not operated (Step 25: No), the control unit 105 determines whether a predetermined time (e.g., one minute) has passed since the lock was released (Step 29). If the handle 15 is not operated (Step 25: No) and the predetermined time (e.g., one minute) has passed since the lock was released (Step 29: Yes), the control unit 105 locks the lock unit 103 (Step 26).

[0025] Upon receiving the lock notification from the lock unit 103, the notification control unit 107 controls the notification unit 18 to light up the light-emitting element in order to notify the user of the operation completion state (standby state) (Step 28). At this time, the notification unit 18 is lit up as shown in FIG. 4(3).

[0026] As described above, the notification control unit 107 of the present invention notifies the state of the article supply device by lighting or blinking the light-emitting element, such as by controlling the light-emitting element of the notification unit 18 to blink to notify an operable state, and by controlling the notification unit 18 to light up to notify an operation completed state. This allows the user to know the timing to operate the article supply device 1. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from making operational mistakes when supplying articles. Furthermore, by using a light-emitting element as the notification unit, the structure of the article supply device can be simplified, which makes it easier to find an installation location and to maintain and manage the device.

[0027] <Variation 1> In the above embodiment, the explanation is given using a cash payment configuration, but electronic payment may also be used. 5 is a block diagram of the goods supply device 1 in this modification. The difference from the above embodiment is that an electronic payment unit 110 is provided instead of the cash acceptance unit . The electronic payment unit 110 confirms the payment through communication with an external electronic payment server. When the electronic payment unit 110 receives an unlock signal indicating the completion of payment from the electronic payment server, it notifies the control unit 105 of this. Even in the configuration of this modified example 1, the notification control unit 107 of the present invention notifies the state of the article supply device by lighting or blinking the light-emitting element, such as by controlling the notification unit 18 to blink to notify an operable state, and by controlling the notification unit 18 to light up to notify an operation completed state. This allows the user to know the timing to operate the article supply device 1. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from making operational mistakes when supplying articles.

[0028] <Variation 2> In the above embodiment, the notification unit 18 is configured to be provided independently on the front side of the article supply device 1. In the present modified example 2, an example will be described in which the notification unit 18 is integrated with components other than the notification unit 18. The product supply device 1 includes a supply price display unit that displays supply price information regarding the supply price of the product. For example, the supply price display section may be made of a transparent material, and the notification section 18 may be provided behind the supply price display section. In such a configuration, when the light-emitting element of the notification section 18 emits light, the light from the light-emitting element passes through the supply price display section, and its blinking state can be seen. Normally, when paying the price, the user must insert money equivalent to the price into the goods supply device 1, so they pay attention to the price displayed on the supply price display unit. If the notification is made in a location that the user will always pay attention to, as in this modified example, the user will be more likely to notice that the state of the goods supply device 1 has changed, and will be able to operate it at the correct time. It is also possible to provide a notification unit 18 near this supply price display unit.

[0029] <Second embodiment> In the above embodiment, the product supply device 1 has been described as an example of a configuration of a product supply device that notifies an operable state (first state) and an operation-completed state (second state). In the present embodiment, a configuration of a product supply device that notifies an operable state, an operation-completed state, and an authentication-waiting state (third state) will be described. Note that the same components as those in the above embodiment are assigned the same numbers, and detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0030] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an item supply device system according to this embodiment. The item supply system comprises an item supply device 1, a user terminal 2, and a server 3. The item supply device 1, terminal 2, and server 3 are connected to a communication network 4 and can communicate with each other. The communication network 4 refers to a communication path that allows data communication. In other words, the communication network 4 includes a LAN such as a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for connection or Ethernet (registered trademark), as well as communication networks such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet, and the communication method can be either wired or wireless.

[0031] The product supply device 1 supplies products to a user who has purchased a magazine 5. The magazine 5 is a product purchased by the user. The magazine 5 contains second identification information 19 (serial code) for authenticating the supply of the product. The second identification information 19 is a unique serial code or the like that is different for each magazine 5. Such a serial code can be generated using a check digit or the like. 7 is a front view of an example of an article supply device 1 in this embodiment. In addition to the configuration of the above embodiment, the article supply device 1 is provided with first identification information 11 (information display: QR code (registered trademark)). The first identification information 11 displayed on the front of the article supply device 1 includes at least unique article supply device identification information (device ID) that identifies the article supply device 1, and a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) that is link information to a page for authenticating the second identification information 19. In addition to the above, the first identification information 11 may also include other information, such as location information identifying the location where the item supply device 1 is installed, the store name, information such as the price of the item, and management information necessary for managing the item supply device 1. In addition, while the first identification information 11 is displayed by attaching a QR code as an information display to the front of the item supply device 1 in this example, this is not limited to this method. For example, if the item supply device 1 has a display unit such as a liquid crystal display, the information display unit for the first identification information 11 may be displayed on the display unit. Furthermore, the location where the first identification information 11 is displayed is not limited to the front of the item supply device 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 8 , the first identification information 11 may be displayed near the return slot 17 so that the bottom of the return slot 17 can be clearly seen. Displaying the first identification information 11 in such a position has the effect of making it easier for the user to notice the returned coin if a coin inserted by the user is returned to the return slot 17 by mistake. Furthermore, it is preferable that the display 13 be displayed in a different position from the first identification information 11, for example, on the front of the item storage unit 12.

[0032] 9 is a functional block diagram of the item supply device 1. The item supply device 1 includes a communication unit 106 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. The communication unit 106 is capable of communicating with the server 3 via the communication network 4. The communication unit 106 receives various control signals from the server 3.

[0033] When the control unit 105 receives an unlock signal transmitted when the authentication of the serial code, which is the second identification information 19, is completed in the server 3 described later, the control unit 105 unlocks the lock unit 103. The unlock signal is sent from the server 3 to the item supply device 1 identified by the first identification information displayed on the item supply device 1 by the terminal 2 described later.

[0034] The notification control unit 107 controls the notification unit 18 to notify the operation possible state (first state), the operation completed state (second state), and the authentication waiting state (third state) as the state of the item supply device 1. When the notification control unit 107 receives a notification of the execution of unlocking from the lock unit 103, it controls the notification unit 18 to notify the user of the operable state. Since receiving an unlock signal indicates that the serial code has been authenticated, it can be said that the notification control unit 107 controls the notification unit 18 to notify the user of the operable state on the condition that the serial code has been authenticated. When the locking unit 103 executes the locking, the notification control unit 107 controls the notification unit 18 to notify the completion of the operation. When the notification control unit 107 receives an authentication-in-progress signal from the server 3 via the communication unit 106, it controls the notification unit 18 to notify the authentication waiting state. In the authentication waiting state, the notification control unit 107 notifies the authentication waiting state by blinking the light-emitting element of the notification unit 18 at a predetermined interval, and notifies the authentication waiting state at a first blinking rate, and notifies the operable state at a second blinking rate. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the first blinking rate is slower than the second blinking rate, but it is sufficient that the first blinking rate and the second blinking rate are different.

[0035] The terminal 2 may be, for example, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, or a mobile phone. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a smartphone, which is an example of the terminal 2. As shown in FIG. 10, the terminal 2 includes a display 21, a touch operation panel 22 integral with the display 21, and a built-in speaker 23 and camera 24. The terminal 2 also includes a control board, a built-in battery, a power button, a volume control button, and the like, which are not shown. The control board is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU, GPU, and DSP, various IC memories such as an ASIC, VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a wireless communication module for wireless communication with a mobile phone base station. The control board is also equipped with a so-called I / F circuit (interface circuit), such as a driver circuit for the touch operation panel 32. These elements mounted on the control board are electrically connected to each other via a bus circuit or the like, enabling data reading and writing and signal transmission and reception.

[0036] Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of terminal 2. As shown in Fig. 11, terminal 2 includes an operation input unit 301, an image capturing unit 302, a processing unit 303, an image display unit 304, a sound output unit 305, a communication unit 306, and a storage unit 307.

[0037] The operation input unit 301 is used to input various operations by the user, and outputs an operation input signal corresponding to the operation input to the processing unit 303. The functions of the operation input unit 301 can be realized by, for example, elements that are directly operated by the user's fingers, such as a touch operation pad, a home button, a button switch, a joystick, or a trackball, as well as elements that detect movement or posture, such as an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a tilt sensor, or a geomagnetic sensor. In FIG. 10, this corresponds to the touch operation panel 22.

[0038] The photographing unit 302 photographs the information display (QR code) of the first identification information 11 and outputs the photographed image to the processing unit 303. The photographing unit 302 includes a lens, an image sensor, and a controller for controlling these. In FIG. 10, this corresponds to the camera 24.

[0039] The processing unit 303 comprehensively controls the operation of the terminal 2 based on programs and data stored in the memory unit 307, operation input signals from the operation input unit 301, etc. The functions of the processing unit 303 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, an IC memory, etc. The processing unit 303 includes a calculation unit 51, an image generation unit 52, a sound generation unit 53, and a communication control unit 54 as its main functional units.

[0040] The calculation unit 51 outputs to the image generation unit 52, the sound generation unit 53, and the communication control unit 54. The calculation unit 51 includes an information display acquisition unit 510, a serial code acquisition unit 511, and a supply information guidance unit 512. The information display object acquisition unit 510 reads the information display object of the article supply device 1 photographed by the photographing unit 302 and acquires the first identification information 11.

[0041] The serial code acquisition unit 511 transmits a request for transmission of a serial code input screen including the acquired device ID based on the first identification information 11 acquired by the information display acquisition unit 510. In this embodiment, the destination (link destination) of this request is the server 3. Then, the serial code input screen is received, and the serial code input screen is displayed on the image display unit 304 via the image generation unit 52. The serial code input on the serial code input screen is also transmitted to the server 3.

[0042] The supply information guide unit 512 of the server 3 displays the result of serial code authentication, information about the supply of goods, and information about errors (supply not possible) on the image display unit 304 via the image generation unit 52.

[0043] The functions of the information display acquisition unit 510, the serial code acquisition unit 511, and the supply information guidance unit 512 can be realized by a web browser installed on the terminal 2, or can also be realized by a dedicated application.

[0044] The image generation unit 52 generates one image per frame time (for example, 1 / 60 seconds) based on the processing result of the calculation unit 51, and outputs the generated image signal to the image display unit 304. The function of the image generation unit 52 can be realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), a video signal IC, a program such as a video codec, an IC memory for drawing frames such as a frame buffer, an IC memory used for expanding texture data, etc.

[0045] The sound generation unit 53 generates sound signals such as sound effects and various operation sounds based on the processing results of the calculation unit 51, and outputs them to the sound output unit 305. The function of the sound generation unit 53 can be realized by, for example, a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or a voice synthesis IC, or an audio codec capable of reproducing audio files. The communication control unit 54 performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with the server 3 and the like.

[0046] Image display unit 304 displays a screen based on the image signal input from image generation unit 52. The function of image display unit 304 can be realized by a display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head-mounted display. In FIG. 10, image display unit 304 corresponds to display 21.

[0047] The sound output unit 305 is for outputting sound effects and the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 53. In FIG.

[0048] The communication unit 306 realizes communication by connecting to the communication line N. The function of the communication unit 306 can be realized by, for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, or the like.

[0049] The storage unit 307 stores in advance or temporarily stores each time processing is performed programs for operating the terminal 2 and realizing various functions of the terminal 2, as well as data used during execution of these programs. The storage unit 307 can be realized by, for example, RAM, ROM, IC memory such as flash memory, magnetic disks such as hard disks, or optical disks such as CD-ROMs and DVDs. Specifically, the storage unit 307 stores a system program and a control program. The system program is a program for realizing the basic functions of the terminal 2 as a computer. The control program is a program for causing the processing unit 31 to function as the calculation unit 51 (information display acquisition unit 510, serial code acquisition unit 511, and supply information presentation unit 512).

[0050] The server 3 is a server system configured to include one or more server devices, storage devices, etc. The server 3 performs processes such as authentication processing. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server 3. The server 3 includes a storage unit 61, a processing unit 62, and a communication unit 63.

[0051] The storage unit 61 is realized by, for example, RAM, ROM, IC memory such as flash memory, magnetic disk such as hard disk, optical disk such as CD-ROM or DVD, etc., and stores system programs and function programs. The system programs are programs for realizing the basic functions of a computer. The function programs are programs for causing the processing unit 62 to function as an item supply device determination unit 621, a serial code authentication unit 622, and a lock control unit 623, which will be described later. Also stored are item supply device data D1 and serial code data D2, which will be described later.

[0052] The item supply device data D1 stores the device ID of the item supply device 1 and the number of items in stock at that item supply device 1. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the item supply device data D1. As shown in Fig. 13, the item supply device data D1 stores the device ID of the item supply device 1 and the number of items in stock at the item supply device 1 with that device ID in association with each other.

[0053] The serial code data D2 stores a serial code printed on the magazine 5. A unique serial code is assigned to each magazine 5, and the serial code is a unique code number. Such a serial code can be generated using a check digit or the like. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the serial code data D2. As shown in FIG. 14, the serial code data D2 stores a unique serial code associated with an authentication flag. As will be described later, when the serial code authentication unit 622 authenticates the user's right to acquire an item using the serial code and the item supply device 1 completes supplying the item, an authenticated flag indicating that authentication has been completed is assigned to the authentication flag field of the serial code.

[0054] The processing unit 62 performs overall control of the operation of the server 3 based on the programs and data stored in the memory unit 61. The functions of the processing unit 62 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, or an IC memory. The processing unit 62 includes, as its main functional units, an item supply device determination unit 621, a serial code authentication unit 622, and a lock control unit 623.

[0055] The item supply device determination unit 621 receives a serial code input screen request from terminal 2, acquires the device ID included in the request, and determines whether the acquired device ID is included in item supply device data D1. If the item supply device data D1 includes the device ID, the item supply device determination unit 621 checks the inventory of item supply devices 1 with that device ID, and if there is inventory, determines that the item supply device 1 with the device ID acquired by the user is an item supply device 1 that can supply items. Then, the item supply device determination unit 621 identifies the item supply device 1 to which the unlock signal is to be sent. Once the determination and identification are complete, the item supply device determination unit 621 sends a serial code input screen to terminal 2. Furthermore, the item supply device determination unit 621 sends an authentication in progress signal to the identified item supply device 1, indicating that serial code authentication processing has begun. On the other hand, if the item is not included in the item supply device data D1, or is included in the item supply device data D1 but is out of stock, the item supply device determination unit 621 sends an error screen to the terminal 2 informing that the item cannot be supplied. Note that a supply period during which the item can be supplied from the item supply device 1 is predetermined, and even if a request for a serial code input screen is received from the terminal 2 after the supply period has elapsed, the item supply device determination unit 621 sends an error screen to the terminal 2 informing that the item cannot be supplied.

[0056] The serial code authentication unit 622 compares the serial code entered on the input screen with the serial code in the serial code data D2, and if the serial code entered on the input screen is included in the serial code data D2 and the authentication flag is not set for that serial code, it determines that the serial code entered on the input screen has been authenticated. Then, it transmits guidance information informing the user about the supply of the item to the user's terminal 2. If an expiration date is set for the serial code, the serial code authentication unit 622 also authenticates the expiration date of the serial code entered on the input screen. On the other hand, if the serial code authentication unit 622 cannot authenticate the serial code (including the case where the expiration date has expired and authentication is not possible), it transmits an error screen to the terminal 2 informing the user that the serial code could not be authenticated.

[0057] When the item supply device determination unit 621 determines that the item supply device 1 with the device ID is capable of supplying items and the serial code authentication unit 622 authenticates the serial code, the lock control unit 623 sends an unlock signal to the item supply device 1 with the acquired device ID.

[0058] (operation) The operation of the item supply system of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 15 is a sequence diagram of the item supply system of this embodiment. Fig. 16 is a flowchart of the item supply device 1. First, the operation of the article supply device system will be described with reference to FIG.

[0059] The article supply device 1 executes a notification process (Step 1). Details of the notification process (Step 1) will be described later.

[0060] The user goes to the location where the goods supply device 1 is installed and acquires the information display of the first identification information 11 displayed on the goods supply device 1. The acquisition of the information display is performed using the photographing function of the photographing unit 302 of the terminal 2 in response to the user's operation (Step 2). FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of photographing the information display of the first identification information 11 of the goods supply device 1 by the photographing unit 302 of the terminal 2. The user stands in front of the goods supply device 1 and operates the terminal 2 so that the information display of the first identification information 11 is displayed on the display 31 of the terminal 2, and acquires an image of the information display.

[0061] The information acquisition unit 510 of the terminal 2 acquires the first identification information 11 from the information display of the photographed first identification information 11. In this example, the acquired first identification information 11 includes the device ID of the item supply device 1, and is link destination information (e.g., URL) to means for authenticating the serial code 12 (Step 3). In this example, it is assumed that the acquired device ID is "12560" and the link destination is set to the server 3.

[0062] The serial code acquisition unit 511 of the terminal 2 transmits a request to the server 3 for requesting transmission of a serial code input screen based on the link destination including the device ID of the item supply device 1 (Step 4).

[0063] The server 3 receives the request from the terminal 2 and performs authentication processing (Step 5). When the server 3 starts the authentication processing, it transmits an authentication in progress signal to the item supply device 1. Details of the authentication processing will be described later. When terminal 2 does not receive the error information screen from server 3 but receives the serial code input screen, the serial code acquisition unit 511 of terminal 2 displays the serial code input screen (Step 6). FIG. 18 is an example of the serial code input screen displayed on terminal 2. The user enters the serial code according to the input instructions written on the displayed input screen (Step 7). In this example, it is assumed that the user enters the serial code "1VB3588" into the serial code input screen. Then, the serial code acquisition unit 511 transmits the serial code to server 3 (Step 8).

[0064] The server 3 receives the serial code and performs authentication processing (Step 5). If the server 3 can authenticate the serial code, it transmits guidance information to the terminal 2. Furthermore, if the server 3 identifies the item supply device 1 and can authenticate the serial code, it transmits an unlock signal to the item supply device 1.

[0065] The supply information presentation unit 512 of the terminal 2 receives the guidance information from the server 3 and displays the guidance information (Step 9). Fig. 19 is an example of the guidance information displayed on the terminal 2. The guidance information in Fig. 19 informs the user that the serial code has been authenticated, that the user should operate the handle 15 of the item supply device 1 to receive the item, and that the handle 15 will lock in one minute. The user operates the item supply device 1 in accordance with the guidance information.

[0066] When the user operates the operation unit 104, the item supply device 1 transmits a supply report to the server 3.

[0067] The serial code authentication unit 622 of the server 3 receives the supply report, and if the supply report is a report that the item has been supplied successfully, adds an authenticated flag to the authentication flag field of the corresponding serial code in the serial code data D2, indicating that authentication has been completed, and makes the serial code unusable again (Step 10). Also, the inventory quantity of the item supply device 1 that sent the supply report is reduced by one. This concludes the description of the overall operation.

[0068] Next, the authentication process (Step 5) of the server 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the item supply device determination unit 621 of the server 3 receives a request from the terminal 2 (Step 100), it acquires the device ID included in the request (Step 101). In this example, the acquired device ID is "12560".

[0069] The item supply device determination unit 621 determines the device ID using the item supply device data D1 (Step 102). The device ID is determined by determining whether the acquired device ID is included in the item supply device data D1. If the acquired device ID is included in the item supply device data D1 (Step 103: Yes), it is determined that the item supply device 1 with the device ID acquired by the user is an item supply device 1 that can supply the item that is the subject of collaboration with the magazine 5. On the other hand, if the acquired device ID is not included in the item supply device data D1 (Step 103: No), it is determined that the item supply device 1 with the device ID acquired by the user is not an item supply device 1 that can supply the item that is the subject of collaboration with the magazine 5, and error guidance information is sent to the terminal 2 (Step 110). FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of error guidance information for an item supply device.

[0070] In this example, the acquired device ID is “12560” and is included in the item supply device data D1, so it is determined that the item supply device 1 with the acquired device ID “12560” is an item supply device 1 that can supply the item that is the subject of collaboration with magazine 4.

[0071] Next, the item supply device determination unit 621 checks whether the item supply device 1 with the acquired device ID has the item in stock (Step 104). If the inventory quantity for the acquired device ID in the item supply device data D1 is not "0", the item supply device determination unit 621 determines that the item supply device 1 with the acquired device ID can supply the item, and sends an authentication in progress signal to the item supply device 1 (Step 105). Then, the item supply device determination unit 621 sends a serial code input screen to the terminal 2 (Step 106). On the other hand, if the inventory quantity of the acquired device ID in the item supply device data D1 is “0” (Step 104: No), the item supply device determination unit 621 transmits error guidance information to the terminal 2 (Step 110). For example, error guidance information such as that shown in FIG. 21 is transmitted to the terminal 2.

[0072] In this example, the inventory quantity of the item supply device 1 with the device ID "12560" obtained from the item supply device data D1 is not "0" (Step 104: Yes), so a serial code input screen is sent to the terminal 2 (Step 106).

[0073] Next, when the serial code authentication unit 622 receives the serial code entered on the input screen (Step 107), it performs authentication processing for the acquired serial code (Step 108). In this example, the acquired serial code is "1VB3588", and the serial code "1VB3588" is the object to be authenticated.

[0074] The serial code authentication unit 622 compares the acquired serial code with the serial code in the serial code data D2, and if the acquired serial code is included in the serial code data D2 and the authenticated flag is not set for that serial code, it determines that the acquired serial code has been authenticated (Step 109). If an expiration date is set for the serial code, the serial code authentication unit 622 also authenticates the expiration date of the serial code entered on the input screen. If the expiration date of the serial code is valid and the serial code is authenticated, the serial code authentication unit 622 transmits guidance information regarding the supply of goods (Step 112).

[0075] On the other hand, the serial code authentication unit 622 compares the acquired serial code with the serial code in the serial code data D2, and determines that the acquired serial code is inappropriate and does not authenticate it if the acquired serial code is not included in the serial code data D2, or if the acquired serial code is included in the serial code data D2 but has an authenticated flag attached to it, or if an expiration date has been set for the serial code and the expiration date has expired. If the serial code authentication unit 622 cannot authenticate the serial code (including cases where the expiration date has expired and authentication is not possible), it sends an error screen to the terminal 2 informing the user that the serial code could not be authenticated (Step 112). Figure 22 is an example of an error screen informing the user that the serial code could not be authenticated. The error screen includes information explaining details of the error to the user, such as the cause of the error and the operation to be performed.

[0076] In this example, the acquired serial code is "1VB3588", which is included in the serial code data D2 and has no authenticated flag attached. Furthermore, no expiration date is set for the serial code. Therefore, the serial code authentication unit 622 determines that the acquired serial code "1VB3588" has been authenticated, and transmits guidance information regarding the supply of goods.

[0077] When the item supply device determination unit 621 determines that the item supply device 1 with the device ID is able to supply items and the serial code authentication unit 622 authenticates the serial code, the lock control unit 623 transmits an unlock signal to the item supply device 1 with the device ID identified by the item supply device determination unit 621 (Step 111). In this example, the lock control unit 623 transmits an unlock signal to the item supply device 1 with the device ID "12560". This concludes the explanation of the authentication process (Step 5) of the server 3.

[0078] Next, the notification process (Step 10) of the article supply device 1 will be described using the flowchart in FIG. 16, and the notification method controlled by the notification control unit 107 will be described using the timeline in FIG. The notification control unit 107 controls the notification unit 18 to notify the standby state (Step 200). At this time, the light emitting element of the notification unit 18 is lit as shown in FIG. 23(1). When the communication unit 106 receives the authentication-in-progress signal (Step 201: Yes), the notification control unit 107 controls the notification unit 18 to notify the authentication waiting state (Step 202). At this time, as shown in Fig. 23(2), the light-emitting element of the notification unit 18 blinks at a first blinking rate. When the communication unit 106 receives the unlock signal (Step 203: Yes), the control unit 105 unlocks the lock unit 22 (Step 204). Upon receiving the unlock notification from the lock unit 22, the notification control unit 107 controls the notification unit 18 to notify that the device is in an operable state (Step 205). At this time, the notification control unit 107 controls the light-emitting element of the notification unit 18 to blink at a second blinking rate, as shown in Fig. 23(3).

[0079] The control unit 105 of the item supply device 1 determines whether the handle 15 of the operation unit 104 has been operated (e.g., rotated once) to determine whether an item should be supplied (Step 206). If the handle 15 has been operated (e.g., rotated once) (Step 206: Yes), one item is supplied from the item supply unit 102 to the outlet 16 (Step 207). Then, the control unit 105 locks the lock unit 103 (Step 208). On the other hand, if the handle 15 is not operated (Step 206: No), the control unit 105 determines whether a predetermined time (e.g., one minute) has passed since the lock was released (Step 210). If the handle 15 is not operated (Step 206: No) and the predetermined time (e.g., one minute) has passed since the lock was released (Step 210: Yes), the control unit 105 locks the lock unit 103 (Step 208).

[0080] Upon receiving the lock notification from the lock unit 103, the notification control unit 107 controls the notification unit 18 to notify the standby state (Step 209). At this time, the notification control unit 107 turns on the light-emitting element of the notification unit 18 as shown in FIG. 23(3). Finally, the control unit 105 issues a supply report to the effect that the item has been supplied normally if the item has been supplied normally, and issues a supply report to the effect that the item has not been supplied if the item has not been supplied (Step 211).

[0081] In the above example, the control unit 105 controls the process from unlocking the lock unit 103 to locking it, and determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the lock unit 103 was unlocked, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, sets the lock unit 103 to a locked state. This is just one example, and the lock control unit 623 of the server 3 may be configured to measure time from the transmission of the unlock signal, and if a supply report indicating that the item has been supplied successfully is not received before the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 105 may send a lock signal to the control unit 105 of the item supply device 1. In this case, when the control unit 105 receives the lock signal, it sets the lock unit 103 to a locked state.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above example, the notification control unit 107 is notified of the locking and unlocking of the locking unit 103. However, the notification may be made by the control unit 105. This concludes the explanation of the notification process (Step 10) of the article supply device 1.

[0083] In the above embodiment, a configuration in which multiple item supply devices are provided has been described as an example, but a single item supply device may also be provided. In this case, the information included in the first identification information 11 is only link information to a page for authenticating the serial code. Therefore, the notification control unit 107 is configured to control the notification unit 18 to notify the authentication waiting state on the condition that the terminal 2 has acquired first identification information including link information to a page for authenticating the serial code.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the notification control unit 107 controls the notification unit 18 to notify the authentication waiting state at a first blinking rate and the operable state at a second blinking rate, but other notification methods may be used as long as the notification methods for the authentication waiting state and the operable state are different. For example, the authentication waiting state and the operable state may be notified by different notification methods using different colors of the blinking light-emitting elements.

[0085] In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the first identification information includes a device ID and a URL that is link information to a page for authenticating the identification information, but the first identification information may also include item identification information that identifies the item stored in item storage section 12. In this configuration, when terminal 2 acquires the item identification information, it transmits it to server 3, and server 3 displays the item information read out based on the item identification information on the display of terminal 2.

[0086] As described above, the notification control unit 107 of the present invention notifies the state of the item supply device, which changes depending on the progress of the operation procedure, using different notification formats consisting of lighting and blinking of light-emitting elements. This allows the user to understand that the operation procedure of the item supply device 1 is changing, and therefore knows the timing to perform the operation to receive the supply of items. This prevents the user from making mistakes in the operation procedure when supplying items. Furthermore, the present invention is configured to display information that must be notified to the user in detail, such as an input screen that prompts the user to input a serial code, guidance information that prompts the user to operate the article supply device 1, an error screen that notifies the user of the details of an error, etc. Therefore, even if the article supply device 1 is configured with a mechanical display unit such as a light-emitting element, it is possible to prevent the user from making mistakes in the operating procedures.

[0087] <Third embodiment> In the above embodiment, the notification control unit 107 performs control to notify the user of an operable state on the condition that the serial code has been authenticated. In this embodiment, the notification control unit 107 will be described taking as an example a configuration in which the notification control unit 107 notifies the user of an operable state on the condition that the serial code has been authenticated and then payment of the fee has been made. Note that the same components as those in the above embodiment are assigned the same numbers, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. FIG. 24 is a block diagram of the article supply device 1 in this embodiment. When the communication unit 106 receives the unlock signal, it notifies the cash acceptance unit 108.

[0088] Next, the operation of the item supply system of this embodiment will be described. Since the notification process of Step 10 differs from the operation of the above embodiment, the notification process of this embodiment will be described using the flow diagram of Figure 25. Note that in the notification process of this embodiment, Steps 212 to 214 are added between Steps 203 and 204 described using Figure 16, so a description of similar operations will be omitted.

[0089] The notification control unit 107 of the article supply device 1 controls the notification unit 18 to notify that the article supply device 1 is in a standby state (Step 200). At this time, the notification control unit 107 of the article supply device 1 turns on the light-emitting element as shown in FIG. 23(1). When the communication unit 106 receives the authentication-in-progress signal (Step 201: Yes), the notification control unit 107 controls the notification unit 18 to notify the authentication waiting state (Step 202). At this time, as shown in Fig. 23(2), the light-emitting element of the notification unit 18 blinks at a first blinking rate. When the communication unit 106 receives the unlock signal (Step 203: Yes), the cash acceptance unit 108 switches the function of the coin sorting unit from the initial disabled state (off state) to the enabled state (on state) (Step 212).

[0090] The cash accepting unit 108 determines whether the amount of money inserted reaches the price of the goods (Step 214). If the amount of money inserted reaches the price of the goods, it sends an unlock signal to the control unit 105 (Step 214). When the control unit 105 receives the unlock signal from the cash accepting unit 108, it unlocks the lock unit 103 (Step 204). At this time, as shown in FIG. 23(3), the light-emitting element of the notification unit 18 flashes at the second flashing rate. This concludes the description of the notification process (Step 10) of the article supply device 1 in this embodiment.

[0091] As described above, the notification control unit 107 of the present invention controls the notification of the state of the item supply device, which changes depending on the progress of the operation procedure, using different notification formats consisting of lighting and blinking of light-emitting elements. This allows the user to understand that the operation procedure of the item supply device 1 is changing, and therefore knows the timing to perform the operation to receive the supply of items. This prevents the user from making mistakes in the timing of operations when supplying items.

[0092] Furthermore, the present invention is configured to display information that must be notified to the user in detail, such as an input screen that prompts the user to input a serial code, guidance information that prompts the user to operate the article supply device 1, an error screen that notifies the user of the details of an error, etc. Therefore, even if the article supply device 1 is configured with a mechanical display unit such as a light-emitting element, it is possible to prevent the user from making mistakes in the timing of operations.

[0093] <Variation 3> A third modification of the present embodiment will now be described. In the above embodiment, the notification control unit 107 has been described as being configured to perform control to notify that the device is in an operable state on the condition that an unlocking signal has been received and that the insertion of money equivalent to the price of the item has been detected, but other configurations are also possible. For example, the notification control unit 107 may be configured to perform control to notify that the device is in a payment acceptance state on the condition that an unlocking signal has been received. The notification method in the third modification will be described with reference to the timeline diagram of FIG. The (1) standby state, (2) authentication waiting state, (3) operable state, and (4) standby state shown in Figure 26 are the same as those shown in Figure 23 described above. The difference from Figure 23 is that a payment acceptance state (fifth state) is located between the (2) authentication waiting state and the (3) operable state. Here, the notification of the payment acceptance state is described using a notification method in which the light-emitting element is turned off, but other notification methods may be used as long as they can be distinguished from the standby state, authentication waiting state, and operable state.

[0094] <Fourth embodiment> In the above embodiment, the information display of the first identification information element 11 was described as including link information to a page for authenticating the identification information and a device ID. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the link information to a page for authenticating the identification information and the device ID are configured in different information displays. Note that, although the present embodiment will be described using a configuration adapted to the first embodiment, it may also be adapted to the second embodiment.

[0095] 27 is a front view of the item supply device 1 of this embodiment. In this example, a method is adopted in which a QR code (two-dimensional code) is attached to the front of the item supply device 1 as link information to a page for authenticating the identification information, and a barcode (one-dimensional code) is attached to the front of the item supply device 1 as information display for the device ID information.

[0096] As described in the above embodiment, the display 13 of the item supply device 1 displays a description of the item, etc. In the present embodiment, the display 13 further displays (prints) first type of first identification information 111 (information display: QR code). The first type of first identification information 111 includes at least a URL, which is link information to a page for authenticating the second identification information 112 listed in the magazine 5. Note that the first type of first identification information 111 may also include information such as item identification information (item ID) and item price in addition to the above. The surface of the item supply device 1 displays (prints) second type of first identification information 112 (information display: barcode). The second type of first identification information 112 includes at least unique item supply device identification information (device ID) that identifies the item supply device 1. The first type of first identification information 111 and the second type of first identification information 112 are located at different positions, with the first type of first identification information 111 being located at a higher position than the second type of first identification information 112.

[0097] The overall flow of the item supply system of this embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. The article supply device 1 executes a notification process (Step 1).

[0098] The user acquires an information display of the first type of first identification information 111 displayed on the item supply device 1. The acquisition of the information display is performed using the photographing function of the photographing unit 302 of the terminal 2 in response to the user's operation (Step 201). The user operates the terminal 2 so that the information display of the first type of first identification information 111 is displayed on the display 13 of one of the multiple item supply devices 1 that can supply items, and photographs the information display.

[0099] The information acquisition unit 510 of the terminal 2 acquires the first type of first identification information 111 from the photographed information display of the first type of first identification information 111. In this example, the acquired first type of first identification information 111 is link destination information (e.g., URL) to means for authenticating the serial code 12 (Step 202). In this example, it is assumed that the link destination is set to the server 3.

[0100] The serial code acquisition unit 511 of the terminal 2 sends a request to the server 3, requesting transmission of a serial code input screen, based on the link destination (Step 203).

[0101] The server 3 receives the request from the terminal 2 and performs authentication processing (Step 204). Details of the authentication processing will be described later.

[0102] When the terminal 2 receives the input screen for the second type of first identification information 112 from the server 3, it displays the received input screen (Step 205). The user operates terminal 2 so that the information display of the second type of first identification information 112 of any one of multiple item supply devices 1 that can supply items (this may be an item supply device 1 different from the item supply device 1 on which the information display of the read first type of first identification information 111 is displayed), is displayed on the display 31 of terminal 2, and photographs the information display (Step 206).

[0103] The information acquisition unit 510 of the terminal 2 acquires the second type of first identification information 112 from the photographed information display of the second type of first identification information 112 (Step 207). In this example, the acquired second type of first identification information 112 is the device ID ("12560") of the item supply device 1. The information acquisition unit 510 transmits the device ID ("12560") to the server 3 based on the link destination (Step 211).

[0104] The server 3 receives the device ID from the terminal 2 and performs authentication processing (Step 204). The server 3 transmits an authentication in progress signal to the item supply device 1 identified from the device ID. A notification processing is performed (Step 10).

[0105] When terminal 2 receives the serial code input screen instead of the error notification screen from server 3, serial code acquisition unit 511 of terminal 2 displays the serial code input screen (Step 208). The user inputs the serial code on the displayed input screen (Step 209). In this example, it is assumed that the user inputs the serial code "1VB3588" on the serial code input screen. Then, serial code acquisition unit 511 transmits the serial code to server 3 (Step 210).

[0106] The server 3 receives the serial code and performs authentication processing (Step 204). Details of the authentication processing will be described later.

[0107] Upon receiving the guidance information, the supply information presentation unit 512 of the terminal 2 displays the guidance information (Step 009).

[0108] Next, the authentication process (Step 204) of the server 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0109] When the serial code authentication unit 622 of the server 3 receives a request from the terminal 2 (Step 400), it transmits an input screen for a device ID (second type of first identification information) (Step 401). The item supply device determination unit 621 receives the device ID entered on the input screen (Step 402). In this example, the received device ID is "12560". The item supply device determination unit 621 determines the device ID using the item supply device data D1 (Step 403). The device ID determination is made by determining whether the acquired device ID is included in the item supply device data D1. If the acquired device ID is included in the item supply device data D1 (Step 403: Yes), the inventory quantity of the item supply device 1 with that device ID is confirmed (Step 404). If there is inventory, it determines that the item supply device 1 with the device ID acquired by the user is an item supply device 1 that can supply items, and sends an authentication in progress signal to the item supply device 1 (Step 405). In this example, the acquired device ID is "12560" and is included in the item supply device data D1. On the other hand, if the acquired device ID is not included in the item supply device data D1 (Step 403: No), it is determined that the item supply device 1 with the device ID acquired by the user is not an item supply device 1 that can supply items, and error guidance information is sent to the terminal 3 (Step 412). Figure 21 is a diagram showing an example of error guidance information for an item supply device. Next, the serial code authentication unit 622 transmits the serial code input screen to the terminal 2 (Step 406). When the serial code authentication unit 622 receives the serial code entered on the input screen (Step 407), it performs authentication processing for the acquired serial code (Step 408). In this example, the acquired serial code is "1VB3588," and the serial code "1VB3588" is the object of authentication. The serial code authentication unit 622 compares the acquired serial code with the serial code in the serial code data D2, and if the acquired serial code is included in the serial code data D2 and the authenticated flag is not set for that serial code, it authenticates the acquired serial code and determines that the user's serial code has been authenticated (Step 409: Yes). Note that if an expiration date is set for the serial code, the serial code authentication unit 622 also authenticates the expiration date of the serial code entered on the input screen. If the serial code authentication unit 622 determines that the serial code's expiration date is valid and authenticates the serial code, the item supply device determination unit 621 transmits guidance information regarding item supply (Step 410). The item supply device determination unit 621 transmits a supply permission signal to the item supply device 1 with the device ID identified (Step 411). In this example, the supply control unit 623 transmits the supply permission signal to the item supply device 1 with the device ID "12560".

[0110] On the other hand, if the authentication fails (Step 409: No), error guidance information is sent to terminal 2 (Step 4112). For example, error guidance information such as that shown in FIG. This concludes the explanation of the authentication process (Step 204) of the server 3.

[0111] In addition to the effects of the above-described embodiment, this embodiment has the following effects. In this embodiment, first identification information of a first type that is common to all items and first identification information of a second type that is unique to the item supply device are used separately. By doing so, when changing the item stored in the storage section of the item supply device to another item, it is only necessary to change the first identification information of the first type displayed on the display 13 of the item supply device without changing the first identification information of the second type displayed on the item supply device, thereby reducing the workload on the operator of the system.

[0112] [Appendix 1] An article supply device capable of supplying articles, a storage section that stores an item; a supply unit that supplies the items stored in the storage unit; an operating unit operable to supply the article from the supply unit; a locking unit that locks the operation unit so that it cannot be operated; a control unit that unlocks the lock unit; a notification control unit that notifies, in different notification formats, a first state in which the lock unit is unlocked and a second state in which the operation unit has been completed; An article supply device comprising:

[0113] [Appendix 2] the control unit releases the lock under at least one of the conditions that payment of a price has been completed and that authentication for unlocking the lock unit has been completed. 10. The article supply device of claim 1.

[0114] [Appendix 3] a detection unit capable of detecting payment of the price of the item; the control unit releases the lock on the condition that the detection unit detects that payment for the item has been completed. 10. The article supply device according to claim 1 or 2.

[0115] [Appendix 4] a display unit that displays first identification information including an authentication destination for unlocking the lock unit, the notification control unit notifies the first state, the second state, and a third state in which authentication for unlocking the lock unit, which is performed by the authentication destination, is awaited in different notification formats. An article supply device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3.

[0116] [Appendix 5] the control unit releases the lock on the condition that an item supply device that supplies the item has been identified by acquiring the first identification information and authentication for releasing the lock unit has been completed. 5. The article supply device of claim 4.

[0117] [Appendix 6] the first identification information includes access information to a means for acquiring second identification information for unlocking the lock unit; Item supply device according to claim 4 or 5.

[0118] [Appendix 7] The second identification information is displayed on the outside of the item supply device. 10. The article supply device of claim 6.

[0119] [Appendix 8] the first identification information includes identification information that identifies the item supply device; An article supply device according to any one of Supplementary Note 4 to Supplementary Note 7.

[0120] [Appendix 9] The first identification information includes item identification information that identifies the item contained in the storage section. An article supply device according to any one of Supplementary Note 4 to Supplementary Note 8.

[0121] [Appendix 10] the notification control unit notifies the first state, the second state, the third state, and a fourth state in which the item supply device is waiting to supply the item in different notification formats. An article supply device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 9.

[0122] [Appendix 11] the notification control unit notifies in different forms, which are any combination of turning off the light-emitting unit, turning on the light-emitting unit, blinking the light-emitting unit, and blinking the light-emitting unit at different speeds; An article supply device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 10.

[0123] [Appendix 12] An item supply system capable of supplying items, a storage section that stores an item; a supply unit that supplies the items stored in the storage unit; an operating unit operable to supply the article from the supply unit; a locking unit that locks the operation unit so that it cannot be operated; a control unit that unlocks the lock unit; a notification control unit that notifies, in different notification formats, a first state in which the lock unit is unlocked and a second state in which the operation unit has been completed; An article supply system comprising:

[0124] Although the present invention has been described above by way of preferred embodiments, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified and implemented in various ways within the scope of its technical concept. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 1 Goods supply device 2. Terminal 3 Server

Claims

1. An article supply device capable of supplying articles, a storage section that stores an item; a supply unit that supplies the items stored in the storage unit; an operating unit operable to supply the article from the supply unit; a locking unit that locks the operation unit so that it cannot be operated; a detection unit capable of detecting payment of the price of the item; a control unit that unlocks the lock unit; a light-emitting portion that emits light; a supply price display unit that displays supply price information regarding the supply price of the item; a light emission control unit that controls a light emission pattern of the light emitting unit in accordance with at least a state of the lock unit; Equipped with The supply price display unit is partially formed of a transparent member that transmits light emitted from the light emitting unit, and the light emitting pattern is configured to be recognizable to a user. Goods supply device.

2. The light emitting patterns include a light emitting pattern indicating a state in which the locking unit is locked and a light emitting pattern indicating a state in which the locking unit is unlocked. The article supply device according to claim 1 .

3. The light emitting patterns include a light emitting pattern indicating a state in which the locking unit is locked, a light emitting pattern indicating a state in which authentication for unlocking the locking unit is awaiting, and a light emitting pattern indicating a state in which the locking unit is unlocked. The article supply device according to claim 1 .

4. The light emitting patterns include a light emitting pattern indicating a locked state of the locking unit, a light emitting pattern indicating a waiting state for authentication to unlock the locking unit, a light emitting pattern indicating a waiting state for payment of the price of the item, and a light emitting pattern indicating an unlocked state of the locking unit. The article supply device according to claim 1 .

5. A display unit that displays first identification information including an authentication destination for unlocking the lock unit, The light emission control unit controls the light emission of the light emitting unit with a first light emission pattern on the condition that the item supply device that supplies the item is identified by acquiring the first identification information, controls the light emission of the light emitting unit with a second light emission pattern on the condition that the detection unit detects payment of the price, controls the light emission of the light emitting unit with a third light emission pattern on the condition that authentication for unlocking the lock unit is completed, and controls the light emission of the light emitting unit with a fourth light emission pattern on the condition that operation of the operation unit is detected. The article supply device according to claim 1 .

6. the first identification information includes access information to a means for acquiring second identification information for unlocking the lock unit; The article supply device according to claim 5.

7. the second identification information is displayed on the outside of the item supply device; The article supply device according to claim 6.

8. The first identification information includes item identification information that identifies the item contained in the container. The article supply device according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

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