Product distribution system

Abstract

To provide a product distribution system capable of distributing a checkout bag to a user on the condition that requirements for product advertisement information distribution are satisfied.SOLUTION: In a product distribution system 10, a digital signage 13a, 13b outputs various types of multiple pieces of product information distributed from a server 11 to a touch display 18, and outputs a QR code to the touch display 18 while outputting the product information. The server 11, when a smartphone 14a, 14b reads the QR code output to the touch display 18 of the digital signage 13a, 13b, distributes product advertisement information to the smartphone, and transmits, to the digital signage 13a, 13b, a distribution command for a checkout bag stored in the digital signage 13a, 13b after distributing the product advertisement information to the smartphone 14a, 14b. The digital signage 13a, 13b puts out the checkout bag according to the distribution command.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a product distribution system for distributing predetermined products. [Background technology]

[0002] A digital signage for product search is disclosed that includes a product data storage unit that stores multiple product data sets, where product data is product images and attributes including search headings for those products, a table generation unit that generates a data table by arranging each product data set in a predetermined order for the search headings, a display unit that displays a product search screen that is composed at least of an index of search headings and images of each product, an operation detection unit that accepts operations on the display screen, and a display control unit that displays the index in the vertical middle of the screen and displays multiple product images arranged in the order of the data table in areas above and below the index (see Patent Document 1).When the operation detection unit accepts an operation on the displayed index, the display control unit updates the screen by displaying product images included in the data table on the screen in order starting from the index accepted by the operation detection unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-16093 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the digital signage for product search disclosed in Patent Document 1, the display control unit displays images of products contained in a data table on the screen in order starting from the index received by the operation detection unit. This allows users to use the index to display the image of the target product on the screen and confirm the product image, making it easy to find product information for the target product. However, the digital signage for product search does not distribute the stored products to users on the condition that product promotion information or service promotion information is delivered to the communication terminal. Therefore, users who possess communication terminals that meet the requirements for product promotion information delivery or service promotion information delivery cannot receive useful products from the digital signage for product search. Furthermore, because useful products are not distributed to users, users are not encouraged to view the product promotion information or service promotion information, and the advertising effect of the products and services cannot be fully enjoyed.

[0005] In addition, stores, department stores, supermarkets, shopping malls, shopping centers, and retail stores that sell designated products will provide plastic bags to customers at the cash register, either for a fee or free of charge. With However, preparing multiple shopping bags in advance and distributing them takes time and effort, which hinders the cashier's work of reading product barcodes and printing detailed slips, and it does not reduce the time customers spend waiting at the cash register.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a product distribution system that can distribute predetermined products beneficial to users, provided that the requirements for product promotion information distribution or service promotion information distribution are met, and that allows users who possess a communication terminal that meets the requirements for product promotion information distribution or service promotion information distribution to receive the products beneficial to the users. Another object of the present invention is to provide a product distribution system that can encourage users to view product promotion information or service promotion information, allowing them to fully enjoy the advertising effects of products and services. Another object of the present invention is to provide a product distribution system that allows workers to smoothly perform cash register operations and shortens the time users have to wait in line at the register. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is formed by a server that manages product information of a variety of products and service information of a variety of services, a product distribution device that is connected to the server via a predetermined communication means and has a display that outputs predetermined information, and that stores the predetermined products and distributes the stored products, and a variety of communication terminals that are carried by an unspecified number of users and can be connected to the server via the Internet, wherein the product distribution device has product / service information output means that outputs the various types of product information or the various types of service information distributed from the server to the display, and barcode output means that outputs a predetermined barcode to the display while the product / service information output means is outputting the product information or service information, and the server has product / service promotion information distribution means that, when the communication terminal reads the barcode output on the display of the product distribution device, distributes product promotion information of the predetermined products or service promotion information of the predetermined service to the communication terminal that read the barcode, and With and a product distribution command transmitting means for transmitting a command to the product distribution device, and when the product distribution device receives a product distribution command transmitted from the server by the product distribution command transmitting means, the product distribution device distributes the stored products. With The system is characterized by having a product distribution means for delivering products in accordance with instructions.

[0008] One example of the present invention includes a login means for logging in to a server using the server's address information stored in the barcode when the communication terminal reads the barcode output on the display of a product distribution device, and an address information transmission means for transmitting the address information of the communication terminal to the server when the communication terminal logs in to the server by the login means, a product / service promotion information distribution means for distributing product promotion information or service promotion information to the communication terminal that sent the address information via the Internet after the address information of the communication terminal is transmitted from the communication terminal to the server by the address information transmission means, and a product / service promotion information output means for outputting product promotion information for a specified product or service promotion information for a specified service distributed from the server by the product / service promotion information distribution means.

[0009] Another example of the present invention is a communication terminal that includes an output duration sending means for sending the output duration of the product promotion information or service promotion information to the server while the product / service promotion information output means is outputting the product promotion information or service promotion information delivered from the server, and a product distribution command sending means sends a distribution command for the product stored in the product distribution device to the product distribution device when the output duration sent from the communication terminal by the output duration sending means exceeds a set time.

[0010] In another example of the present invention, the server includes a distribution duration counting means for counting the distribution duration of the product / service advertisement information while the product / service advertisement information distribution means is distributing the product / service advertisement information to a predetermined communication terminal, With When the distribution duration counted by the distribution duration counting means exceeds a set time, the command transmitting means stops the distribution of the product stored in the product distribution device. With A command is transmitted to the product distribution device.

[0011] In another example of the present invention, the set time is set in the range of 5 to 15 seconds.

[0012] In another example of the present invention, the server includes a product receipt button output means that outputs a product receipt button for the product to be distributed to a display or communication terminal of the product distribution device after transmitting a product distribution command to the product distribution device by a product distribution command transmitting means, and when the product receipt button output to the display or communication terminal of the product distribution device is pressed, the product distribution means dispenses the stored product.

[0013] In another example of the present invention, a product distribution device includes a selection screen output means for outputting a selection screen that allows a user to select a specific product or service from a variety of products or services output on the display, and a barcode output means, when a specific product or service is selected from a variety of products or services output by the selection screen output means, outputs a barcode that stores identification information of the selected product or service to the display, and a product / service promotion information distribution means, when the barcode output by the barcode output means is read by a communication terminal, distributes to the communication terminal product promotion information for the product or service corresponding to the identification information of the product or service stored in the barcode read by the communication terminal.

[0014] In another example of the present invention, the product distribution device includes a product distribution end signal transmitting means for transmitting a product distribution end signal to a server when the product is dispensed by the product distribution means, and the server stops distributing the product from the product distribution device based on the product distribution end signal transmitted from the product distribution device by the product distribution end signal transmitting means. With The system includes a commodity distribution counting means for counting the commodity distributions, a commodity distribution cumulative number counting means for counting the commodity distribution cumulative number of the commodity counted by the commodity distribution counting means for each commodity distribution device, and a commodity distribution cumulative number outputting means for outputting the commodity distribution cumulative number counted by the commodity distribution cumulative number counting means in a state where it is divided for each commodity distribution device.

[0015] Another example of the present invention includes a cumulative distribution time counting means for counting the cumulative distribution time for each piece of product promotion information or each piece of service promotion information distributed when the server distributes product promotion information or service promotion information to a specified communication terminal using a product / service promotion information distribution means, and a cumulative distribution time output means for outputting the cumulative distribution time for each piece of product promotion information or each piece of service promotion information counted by the cumulative distribution time counting means.

[0016] In another example of the present invention, the product distributed from the product distribution device is one of a plastic shopping bag, a sanitary mask, and a disinfecting wipe. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the product distribution system of the present invention, when a communication terminal reads a barcode output on a display of a product distribution device, a server distributes product promotion information for a predetermined product or service promotion information for a predetermined service to the communication terminal that read the barcode, and after distributing the product promotion information or service promotion information to the communication terminal, distributes the product stored in the product distribution device. With A command is transmitted to the product distribution device, and when the product distribution device receives the product distribution command transmitted from the server, the stored product is distributed. With Since the product is provided in accordance with the command, a predetermined product beneficial to the user can be distributed to the user on the condition that the requirements for product promotion information distribution or service promotion information distribution from the server to the communication terminal are met, and a user who possesses a communication terminal that meets the requirements for product promotion information distribution or service promotion information distribution can receive the product beneficial to the user from the product distribution device. Because the product distribution system distributes beneficial products to users who possess communication terminals that meet the requirements for product promotion information distribution or service promotion information distribution, the distribution of products can encourage users to view the product promotion information or service promotion information, and the person who distributes the product promotion information or service promotion information can fully enjoy the advertising and sales promotion effects of the product or service.

[0018] When a communication terminal reads a barcode output on the display of a product distribution device, the communication terminal logs in to the server using the server address information stored in the barcode, the communication terminal that logged in to the server transmits the address information to the server, and after the communication terminal transmits the address information of the communication terminal to the server, product promotion information or service promotion information is distributed via the Internet to the communication terminal that transmitted the address information, and the communication terminal outputs the product promotion information for the specified product or service promotion information for the specified service distributed from the server.In this product distribution system, when a communication terminal reads a barcode, the communication terminal logs in to the server using the server address information stored in the barcode transmits its address information to the server, and the server distributes the product promotion information or service promotion information to the communication terminal that transmitted the address information, and the communication terminal outputs the product promotion information for the specified product or service promotion information for the specified service distributed from the server.Therefore, the product promotion information or service promotion information can be reliably distributed via the Internet to the specific communication terminal that read the barcode, and the product promotion information or service promotion information can be output (displayed) on the communication terminal, and useful specified products can be distributed to users who own communication terminals that meet the requirements for product promotion information distribution or service promotion information distribution. The product distribution system can encourage users to view product promotion information or service promotion information by distributing products, and since the product promotion information or service promotion information is output (displayed) on a communication terminal, those who distribute the product promotion information or service promotion information can fully enjoy the advertising and sales promotion effects of the product or service.

[0019] In a product distribution system in which, while product promotion information or service promotion information distributed from the server is being output, the communication terminal transmits the output duration of the product promotion information or service promotion information to the server, and if the output duration transmitted from the communication terminal exceeds a set time, the server transmits a distribution command for the product stored in the product distribution device to the product distribution device, the server transmits a distribution command to the product distribution device when the output duration of the product promotion information or service promotion information exceeds the set time, so that products can be distributed only when the user has viewed the product promotion information or service promotion information via the communication terminal for a specified time, and the user can reliably enjoy the advertising and sales promotion effects of the product or service by viewing the product promotion information or service promotion information for a specified time.

[0020] While product advertisement information or service advertisement information is being distributed to a predetermined communication terminal, the server counts the distribution duration of the product advertisement information or service advertisement information, and if the counted distribution duration exceeds a set time, the distribution of the product stored in the product distribution device is stopped. With In a product distribution system in which a server transmits a command to a product distribution device, the server transmits a distribution command to the product distribution device when the duration of distribution of product promotion information or service promotion information exceeds a set time, so that products can be distributed only when a user views the product promotion information or service promotion information for a predetermined time via a communication terminal, and the user can reliably enjoy the advertising and sales promotion effects of products and services by viewing the product promotion information or service promotion information for a predetermined time.

[0021] In a product distribution system in which the set time is set within the range of 5 to 15 seconds, the server sends a distribution command to the product distribution device when the output duration or distribution duration of product promotion information or service promotion information exceeds 5 to 15 seconds.Therefore, products can be distributed only when a user views product promotion information or service promotion information via a communication terminal for 5 to 15 seconds, and users can reliably enjoy the advertising and promotional effects of products and services by viewing product promotion information or service promotion information for a specified period of time.

[0022] After sending a product distribution command to the product distribution device, the server outputs a product reception button for the product to be distributed to the display or communication terminal of the product distribution device, and when the product reception button output on the display or communication terminal of the product distribution device is pressed, the product stored in the product distribution device is dispensed.The product distribution system allows users to receive products stored in the product distribution device by pressing the product reception button output on the display or communication terminal of the product distribution device, and users who possess a communication terminal that meets the requirements for product promotion information distribution or service promotion information distribution can receive products that are useful to them from the product distribution device.

[0023] A product distribution device outputs a selection screen for allowing a user to select a specific product or a specific service from among a variety of products or a variety of services displayed on the display, and when a specific product or a specific service is selected from the various products or a variety of services displayed on the display, outputs a barcode storing identification information of the selected product or service to the display, and when the output barcode is read by a communication terminal, distributes product promotion information of the product or service promotion information of the service corresponding to the identification information of the product or service stored in the barcode read by the communication terminal to the communication terminal. With The system allows a user carrying a communication terminal to select a specific product or service from a variety of multiple products or multiple services, and product promotion information for the product or service desired by the user is delivered to the communication terminal, and that product promotion information or service promotion information is output (displayed) on the communication terminal.This allows the product promotion information or service promotion information for the product or service desired by the user to be output (displayed) on the communication terminal, encouraging users to view the product promotion information or service promotion information, and allowing those delivering the product promotion information or service promotion information to fully enjoy the advertising and sales promotion effects of their products and services.

[0024] When the product distribution device dispenses the product, the product distribution device transmits a product distribution end signal to the server, and the server stops distributing the product from the product distribution device based on the product distribution end signal transmitted from the product distribution device. With The product distribution device counts the products distributed, counts the cumulative product distribution number of the counted products for each product distribution device, and outputs the counted cumulative product distribution number in a state where it is divided for each product distribution device. With By outputting the cumulative number of products distributed for each product distribution device, the system can grasp the cumulative number of products distributed by the product distribution device and consider measures to increase the number of products distributed from the product distribution device.

[0025] When product advertisement information or service advertisement information is distributed to a predetermined communication terminal, the server counts the total distribution time for each product advertisement information or each service advertisement information distributed, and outputs the total distribution time for each product advertisement information or each service advertisement information that has been counted. With By outputting the cumulative delivery time for each piece of product promotional information or each piece of service promotional information, the system can grasp the cumulative delivery time for each piece of product promotional information or each piece of service promotional information, and can consider measures to increase the cumulative delivery time for the product promotional information or service promotional information.

[0026] In a product distribution system in which the product distributed from the product distribution device is either a plastic bag, a sanitary mask, or a disinfecting wipe, if the product distributed from the product distribution device is a plastic bag, the user does not need to purchase a plastic bag or bring an eco-bag, thereby reducing the burden on the user and also reducing the burden on the store that provides the plastic bags. If, for example, the product distributed is a plastic bag, the product distribution system can eliminate the effort and time required to prepare multiple plastic bags in advance and distribute the bags, allowing workers to smoothly perform checkout operations and shortening the time users spend waiting at the register. If the product distributed from the product distribution device is a sanitary mask, the user can use the sanitary mask to prevent viral infection. If the product distributed from the product distribution device is a disinfecting wipe, the user can use the disinfecting wipe to disinfect the user's hands and belongings, thereby preventing viral infection.

[0027] In a product distribution system in which the product distribution device is a digital signage, when a communication terminal reads a barcode output on the display of the digital signage, a server distributes product promotion information for a predetermined product or service promotion information for a predetermined service to the communication terminal that read the barcode, and after distributing the product promotion information or service promotion information to the communication terminal, distributes the product (plastic shopping bags, sanitary masks, disinfecting wipes) stored on the digital signage. With A command is sent to the product distribution device, and when the digital signage receives the product distribution command sent from the server, it distributes the stored products (plastic bags, sanitary masks, disinfecting wipes). WithBecause the product is dispensed in accordance with the command, predetermined products beneficial to the user (plastic bags, sanitary masks, disinfecting wipes) can be distributed to the user on the condition that the requirements for product promotion information distribution or service promotion information distribution from the server to the communication terminal are met, and users who possess a communication terminal that meets the requirements for product promotion information distribution or service promotion information distribution can receive the product beneficial to the user (plastic bags, sanitary masks, disinfecting wipes) from the digital signage. Because the product distribution system distributes beneficial products (plastic bags, sanitary masks, disinfecting wipes) to users who possess a communication terminal that meets the requirements for product promotion information distribution or service promotion information distribution, the distribution of products (plastic bags, sanitary masks, disinfecting wipes) can encourage users to view the product promotion information or service promotion information, and the person distributing the product promotion information or service promotion information can fully enjoy the advertising and sales promotion effects of the product or service. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an example of a product distribution system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a digital signage (product distribution device) shown as an example. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a product information screen output (displayed) on a touch display of the digital signage. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a service information screen output (displayed) on a touch display of the digital signage. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a product promotion information screen output (displayed) on a touch panel of a smartphone. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a service promotion information screen output (displayed) on a touch panel of a smartphone. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a cumulative product distribution table of plastic bags created by the server. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a cumulative distribution time table of product promotion information and service promotion information created by a server. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen output (displayed) on a touch display of the digital signage. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a product promotion information screen output (displayed) on the touch panel of a smartphone. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The product distribution system according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings such as Fig. 1, which is a configuration diagram of a product distribution system 10 shown as an example. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of digital signages 13a and 13b (product distribution devices) shown as an example.

[0030] Figure 1 shows one server 11, two digital signages 13a and 13b (product distribution devices), and two smartphones 14a and 14b (communication terminals), but in reality, the product distribution system 10 is made up of a larger number of various servers (a specified number of servers), a larger number of various digital signages (product distribution devices), and a larger number of various smartphones (communication terminals) than shown.

[0031] The communication terminals (high-function portable communication terminals) include smartphones 14a and 14b, various types of tablets (an unspecified number of people) and various types of personal computers (an unspecified number of people), as well as all communication terminals (high-function portable communication terminals) that can be connected to the Internet 12 and that will be developed in the future. With It is also possible to use a device with a function (product delivery function) and a display.

[0032] Product distribution system 10 distributes a variety of product information or a variety of service information using the Internet 12 or a public line (predetermined communication means), distributes product promotion information for a predetermined product or service promotion information for a predetermined service using the Internet 12 or a public line (predetermined communication means), and distributes (provides) shopping bags 20 to an unspecified number of users. In addition to shopping bags, products distributed by product distribution system 10 include sanitary masks (disposable masks) and disinfecting wipes (wet wipes).

[0033] The product information is various information about a variety of products manufactured and sold by each management entity that uses the product distribution system 10, and the service information is various information about a variety of services provided by each management entity that uses the product distribution system 10. Management entities include all management entities such as private companies (joint stock companies, limited liability companies, limited liability companies, general partnership companies, limited partnership companies, general incorporated associations, general incorporated foundations), public interest incorporated associations, public interest incorporated foundations, and local governments (prefectures, cities, towns, villages, special wards, associations of local governments, property districts, and local development corporations).

[0034] The product distribution system 10 is formed from a server 11 that manages product information for a variety of products and service information for a variety of services, a variety of digital signages 13a, 13b (product distribution devices) connected to the server 11 via the Internet 12, and a variety of smartphones 14a, 14b (communication terminals) that can be connected to the server 11 via the Internet 12.

[0035] The server 11 is constructed in a cloud 15 (cloud computing). The server 11 is a virtual server that has a virtual CPU or virtual MPU (central processing unit), a virtual main memory, and a virtual cache memory (memory), and runs on an independent operating system (virtual OS), and has a large-capacity virtual storage area formed. The cloud 11 can be Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), or Software as a Service (SaaS).

[0036] The server 11 may be a physical server installed in a data center contracted by an administrator (management company) that manages the product distribution system 10. A physical server is a physical computer equipped with a central processing unit (CPU or MPU) and memory (main memory and cache memory), and has a built-in large-capacity hard disk. Although not shown, input devices such as a keyboard and mouse, and output devices such as a display and printer are connected to the server 11 via interfaces.

[0037] The large-capacity virtual storage area (or large-capacity hard disk) of the server 11 stores server identification information (server identification identifier) ​​that identifies it, digital signage identification information (digital signage identification identifier) ​​that identifies each of the digital signages 13a, 13b, management entity identification information (management entity identification identifier) ​​of the management entity that uses the product distribution system 10, and installation location identification information (installation location identification identifier) ​​that identifies the installation location where each of the digital signages 13a, 13b is installed. The server identification information (server identification identifier) ​​can be the IP address, MAC address, URL, email address, cookie information, or individual identification number of the server 11, or the server 11 can independently generate a unique identifier that identifies it, and the generated identifier can be used as the server identification information.

[0038] Any number sequence or character string may be used for the digital signage identification information (digital signage identification identifier), or the server 11 may independently generate a unique identifier for identifying each digital signage 13a, 13b, and the generated identifier may be used as the digital signage identification information. Any number sequence or character string may be used for the management entity identification information (management entity identification identifier), or the server 11 may independently generate a unique identifier for identifying each management entity, and the generated identifier may be used as the management entity identification information. Any number sequence or character string may be used for the installation location identification information (installation location identification identifier), or the server 11 may independently generate a unique identifier for identifying each installation location, and the generated identifier may be used as the installation location identification information.

[0039] Server 11 has DNS server function, database server function, web server function, mail server function, and document server function, and is divided into software for each server function. Server 11 can access any other server with no access restrictions using Internet 12 via various multiple DNS servers connected to Internet 12. Server 11 forms a network via Internet 12 with other servers in data centers located anywhere in the world.

[0040] The large-capacity virtual storage area (or large-capacity hard disk) of server 12 stores (stores) product information (including various images) regarding multiple different products manufactured and sold by each management entity using product distribution system 10, in a state associated with a product information identification identifier that identifies the product information and management entity identification information that identifies each management entity (product information storage means).The large-capacity virtual storage area (or large-capacity hard disk) of server 11 stores (stores) product promotion information (including various images) regarding multiple different products manufactured and sold by each management entity using product distribution system 10, in a state associated with a product promotion information identification identifier and product information identification identifier that identify the product promotion information, and management entity identification information that identifies each management entity (product promotion information storage means).

[0041] The large-capacity virtual storage area (or large-capacity hard disk) of the server 11 stores (stores) various types of service information (including various images) provided by each management entity using the product distribution system 10 in a state associated with a service information specifying identifier that identifies the service information and management entity specifying information that identifies each management entity (service information storage means).The large-capacity virtual storage area (or large-capacity hard disk) of the server 11 stores (stores) various types of service promotion information (including various images) provided by each management entity using the product distribution system 10 in a state associated with a service promotion information specifying identifier that identifies the service promotion information and the service information specifying identifier, and management entity specifying information that identifies each management entity (service promotion information storage means).

[0042] Product information and product promotion information are sent from the server of each management entity to the server 11 (cloud 15) on a regular or irregular basis. The product information and product promotion information include various information about the product, such as product description, product price, and product image, as well as various management entity information about the management entity that manufactures and sells the product (the name and address of the management entity, telephone number (TEL), overview of the management entity, UAL and link information for accessing the management entity's homepage, email address, etc.).

[0043] For example, if the management entity is a car manufacturer (private company), examples of such information include information on the various types of cars manufactured by the manufacturer and information on the dealerships that sell those cars. There are no particular limitations on the product information and product promotion information, and it includes all information, such as information directly related to the products as well as information indirectly related to the products. When product information or product promotion information is added, changed, or deleted, it is sent from the server of each management entity to server 11, and the product information and product promotion information stored in the large-capacity virtual storage area (or large-capacity hard disk) of server 11 is updated, and the latest product information and latest product promotion information are stored in the large-capacity virtual storage area (or large-capacity hard disk) of server 11.

[0044] Service information and service promotion information are sent from the server of each management entity to the server 11 (cloud 15) on a regular or irregular basis. The service information and service promotion information include various information about the service, such as a description of the service, the service price, and an image of the service, as well as various management entity information about the management entity that provides the service (the name and address of the management entity, telephone number (TEL), an overview of the management entity, UAL and link information for accessing the management entity's homepage, email address, etc.).

[0045] For example, if the management entity is a food service company (private enterprise) that operates a chain of restaurants that serve food and beverages, examples of such information include information on the various types of food and beverages offered by each of the chain's restaurants, as well as information on the chain restaurants that serve food and beverages. Furthermore, if the food service company is a local government, examples of such information include administrative service information provided by the local government. Examples of such administrative service information include nursing care service information on various nursing care services offered by the local government (public nursing care institutions), educational service information on various educational services offered by the local government (public educational institutions), health and medical service information on various health and medical services offered by the local government (public medical institutions), and disability and welfare service information on various disability and welfare services offered by the local government (public welfare institutions).

[0046] It should be noted that there are no particular limitations on the service information and service promotion information, and in addition to information directly related to the service, it includes all kinds of information such as information indirectly related to the service. Whenever the service information or service promotion information is added, changed or deleted, it is transmitted from the server of each management entity to server 11 and the service information and service promotion information stored in the large-capacity virtual storage area (or large-capacity hard disk) of server 11 is updated, and the latest service information and the latest service promotion information are stored in the large-capacity virtual storage area (or large-capacity hard disk) of server 11.

[0047] These digital signages 13a, 13b (product distribution devices) are installed in sales stores, department stores, supermarkets, shopping malls, shopping centers, retail showrooms, various local government agencies, etc. There are no particular limitations on where the digital signages 13a, 13b can be installed, and the digital signages 13a, 13b can be installed in any location. After being transported to each installation location, the digital signages 13a, 13b are detachably installed at the installation location. Multiple digital signages 13a, 13b are installed at the installation location.

[0048] After digital signage 13a, 13b is installed at each installation location, each digital signage 13a, 13b logs in to server 11 and transmits digital signage identification information, the name and address of the installation location (such as the name of the retail store, department store, supermarket, shopping mall, or shopping center), and the installation date and time to server 11. Server 11 stores (stores) each digital signage 13a, 13b and its installation location in a large-capacity virtual storage area in association with the digital signage identification information, the installation date and time, and the installation location identification information (digital signage / installation location storage means).

[0049] Digital signage 13a, 13b is connected to server 11 via the Internet 12 or a public line (predetermined communication means) and receives predetermined information from server 11. The communication means used is the Internet 12, but a public line can also be used. Digital signage 13a, 13b has a vertically long housing 16, a touch display 18 (display device) installed at the top of a front panel 17 of housing 16, a product removal opening 19 formed in the middle of front panel 17 of housing 16, a product storage space (not shown) formed inside housing 16, and an automatic product feeding mechanism (not shown).

[0050] The product storage space stores a plurality of folded plastic bags 20, a plurality of overlapping individually wrapped sanitary masks (disposable masks), or a plurality of overlapping individually wrapped disinfecting wipes (wet wipes). The automatic product feed mechanism includes a motor and a plurality of rollers, and transports the products (plastic bags 20, sanitary masks, disinfecting wipes) stored in the product storage space to the take-out opening 19 by rotating the rollers driven by the motor.

[0051] Text information, videos, and still images are displayed on the touch display 18. Although the touch display 18 is illustrated as the display device for the digital signage 13a and 13b, a standalone display, a multi-display, a 4K signage, a video projector, or an LED display can also be used as the display device.

[0052] A human sensor 21 is installed on the front panel 17 of the digital signage 13a, 13b to detect the presence of a user when the user is positioned in front of the digital signage 13a, 13b. Inside the housing 16 of the digital signage 13a, 13b, there are housed (built-in) a controller (not shown) that controls the text, video, and still image data to be output (displayed) on the touch display 18, a digital communication device (not shown) that receives various information (electronic data) from the server 11 via the Internet (predetermined communication means), and storage (not shown) that saves various information.

[0053] When a user is present (positioned) in front of the front panel 17 of the digital signages 13a and 13b, the human presence sensor 21 transmits a human detection signal to the controller of the digital signages 13a and 13b, and when a user is not present (positioned) in front of the front panel 17 of the digital signages 13a and 13b, the human presence sensor 21 transmits a non-human detection signal to the controller of the digital signages 13a and 13b.

[0054] The controllers of the digital signage 13a and 13b are physical computers that have a central processing unit (CPU or MPU) and memory (main memory and cache memory) and run on an independent operating system (OS), and are equipped with a video display control unit, a communication control unit, and a large-capacity storage area.The digital signage 13a and 13b can connect to specific websites on the Internet 12 via digital communication devices and receive various types of product information and various types of service information from the websites.

[0055] The large-capacity memory area of ​​the controllers of digital signage 13a, 13b stores (contains) address information of digital signage 13a, 13b (URL, official account, IP address, etc.), digital signage specific information (digital signage specific identifier) ​​that identifies digital signage 13a, 13b, individual digital signage information (installation location information, digital signage administrator information, model number, etc.), website URL, and address information of server 11 (URL, official account, IP address, etc.).

[0056] The large-capacity storage areas of the digital signages 13a and 13b store (contain) product information specifying identifiers for each piece of product information and service information specifying identifiers for each piece of service information to be output (displayed) on the touch display 18, as well as product promotion information specifying identifiers for each piece of product promotion information corresponding to the product information specifying identifiers and service promotion information specifying identifiers for each piece of service promotion information corresponding to the service information specifying identifiers. Furthermore, the large-capacity storage areas of the digital signages 13a and 13b store (contain) a read message for a QR code 23 (registered trademark) (barcode). An example of a read message for the QR code 23 is "Please read the QR code displayed on the screen."

[0057] The smartphones 14a and 14b each have a built-in physical control device (computer) that has a control mechanism formed by a central processing unit (CPU or MPU) and memory (main memory and cache memory), operates under an independent operating system (OS), and is equipped with a large-capacity hard disk. The main memory of the smartphones 14a and 14b stores (stores) a web browser and an email client that sends, receives, and manages email. The smartphones 14a and 14b are different models and are provided by different carriers (manufacturers).

[0058] The high-capacity hard disks of the smartphones 14a and 14b store (store) the smartphones' (14a and 14b) communication terminal identification information, the smartphones' (14a and 14b) address information (URL, official account, IP address, etc.), and personal information of the users who own (possess) the smartphones 14a and 14b. The communication terminal identification information can include the smartphones' (14a and 14b) IP addresses, MAC addresses, URLs, email addresses, cookie information, and individual identification numbers. The smartphones 14a and 14b can also generate their own unique identifiers to identify them, and use the generated identifiers as the communication terminal identification information. Personal information can include the user's ID number (username), password, the user's name (corporate name or individual name), address, telephone number, fax number, age, gender, email address, etc.

[0059] The smartphones 14a and 14b can connect to the Internet 12 using a web browser, and can access and log in to an unspecified number of other servers (physical servers and virtual servers) using the Internet 12, and can use various search engines on the Internet 12. The smartphones 14a and 14b can access and log in to the server 11 using the URL of the server 11, and can provide various types of information (text data and image data) to a plurality of other external servers including the server 11 using the Internet 12, and can receive various types of information from a plurality of other external servers including the server 11 using the Internet 12.

[0060] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a product information screen output (displayed) on the touch display 18 of the digital signages 13a and 13b, and Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a service information screen output (displayed) on the touch display 18 of the digital signages 13a and 13b. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a product promotion information screen output (displayed) on the touch panel 22 of the smartphones 14a and 14b, and Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a service promotion information screen output (displayed) on the touch panel 22 of the smartphones 14a and 14b.

[0061] Digital signage 13a, 13b installed at a predetermined installation location is connected to server 11 via Internet 12 (predetermined communication means) upon startup. When digital signage 13a, 13b is started, human presence sensor 21 is activated and starts sensing whether or not a user is present in front of front panel 17 of digital signage 13a, 13b.

[0062] When digital signage 13a, 13b is connected to server 11, server 11 distributes (transmits) predetermined product information (text information, video, still images) from among various types of product information stored in a large-capacity virtual storage area (or a large-capacity hard disk) to the communication control units of digital signage 13a, 13b via Internet 12 (predetermined communication means) (product information transmission means), and distributes (transmits) QR codes 23 to the communication control units of digital signage 13a, 13b (barcode transmission means). QR codes 23 store (represent) address information of server 11 (URL, official account, IP address, etc.) and also store (represent) a login signal to server 11.

[0063] The product information to be transmitted to the digital signages 13a and 13b can be arbitrarily set in the server 11. For example, there is a case where the product information is switched every time a predetermined time has elapsed, such as transmitting specific product information to the digital signages 13a and 13b, repeatedly outputting (displaying) the product information on the touch display 18 until a predetermined time has elapsed, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, transmitting new product information to the digital signages 13a and 13b, repeatedly outputting (displaying) the new product information on the touch display 18 until the predetermined time has elapsed, or there is a case where specific product information is transmitted to the digital signages 13a and 13b, outputting (displaying) the product information on the touch display 18 from start to finish, and then transmitting new product information to the digital signages 13a and 13b, and outputting (displaying) the new product information on the touch display 18 from start to finish.

[0064] Although QR Code 23 is used as the barcode, other two-dimensional barcodes (SP Code, VeriCode, MaxiCode, CP Code, DataMatrix, Code1, AztecCode, Super Code, Ultra Code, etc.) can also be used. One-dimensional barcodes such as JAN Code, EAN Code, UPC Code, ITF Code, CODE39, NW-7, and CODE128 can also be used as the barcode.

[0065] The communication control units of the digital signages 13a and 13b receive the product information and QR code 23 transmitted from the server 11. When the communication control unit receives the product information and QR code 23, the controllers of the digital signages 13a and 13b transfer the product information and QR code 23 from the communication control unit to the video display control unit. Note that the controllers of the digital signages 13a and 13b may store (store) the product information and QR code 23 received from the server 11 in a large-capacity storage area in some cases, or may not store (store) the product information and QR code 23 in a large-capacity storage area in some cases.

[0066] The video display control units of the digital signage 13a and 13b make adjustments to the product information (adjustments of image size, color, tone, output time, etc.) necessary for outputting (displaying) the product information on the touch display 18. After the video display control units make adjustments to the product information, the controllers of the digital signage 13a and 13b output (display) a product information screen showing the adjusted product information on the touch display 18, as shown in Fig. 3 (product / service information output means).

[0067] The controllers of the digital signage 13a, 13b output (display) the QR code 23 transmitted from the server 11 together with the product information on the touch display 18 (barcode output means). The QR code 23 continues to be output (displayed) on the touch display 18 while the product information is being output (displayed) on the touch display 18 by the product / service information output means. The product information screen in Figure 3 displays a product information display area 3a displaying predetermined product information (cars), and a barcode display area 3b displaying the QR code 23.

[0068] In addition, the product / service information output means may output (display) product information on the touch display 18 regardless of whether the human presence sensor 21 detects a user, or may output (display) product information on the touch display 18 only when the human presence sensor 21 detects a user and a human presence detection signal is sent from the human presence sensor 21 to the controller of the digital signage 13a, 13b.

[0069] In the case where product information is output (displayed) only when a human detection signal is sent from the human sensor 21 to the controller of the digital signages 13a and 13b, when the user moves away from the front of the front panel 17 of the digital signages 13a and 13b and the human sensor 21 sends a non-human detection signal to the controller of the digital signages 13a and 13b, the product information being output (displayed) on the touch displays 13a and 13b disappears from the touch displays 18.

[0070] Furthermore, when the digital signages 13a and 13b are connected to the server 11, the server 11 distributes (transmits) predetermined service information (text information, video, still images) from among the various types of service information stored in the large-capacity virtual storage area (or large-capacity hard disk) to the communication control units of the digital signages 13a and 13b via the Internet 12 (predetermined communication means) (service information transmission means), and also distributes (transmits) the QR code 21 to the communication control units of the digital signages 13a and 13b (barcode transmission means).

[0071] The service information to be transmitted to the digital signages 13a and 13b can be arbitrarily set in the server 11. For example, the service information may be switched every time a predetermined time elapses, such as transmitting specific service information to the digital signages 13a and 13b, repeatedly outputting (displaying) the service information on the touch display 18 until a predetermined time elapses, and after the predetermined time elapses, transmitting new service information to the digital signages 13a and 13b, repeatedly outputting (displaying) the new service information on the touch display 18 until the predetermined time elapses, or transmitting specific service information to the digital signages 13a and 13b, outputting (displaying) the service information on the touch display 18 from start to finish, and then transmitting new service information to the digital signages 13a and 13b, and outputting (displaying) the new service information on the touch display 18 from start to finish.

[0072] The communication control units of the digital signages 13a and 13b receive the service information and QR code 23 transmitted from the server 11. When the communication control unit receives the service information and QR code 23, the controllers of the digital signages 13a and 13b transfer the service information and QR code 23 from the communication control unit to the video display control unit. Note that the controllers of the digital signages 13a and 13b may store (store) the service information and QR code 23 received from the server 11 in a large-capacity storage area in some cases, or may not store (store) the service information and QR code 23 in a large-capacity storage area in some cases.

[0073] The video display control units of the digital signage 13a and 13b make adjustments to the service information (adjustments of image size, color, tone, output time, etc.) necessary for outputting (displaying) the service information on the touch display 18. After the video display control units make adjustments to the service information, the controllers of the digital signage 13a and 13b output (display) a service information screen showing the adjusted service information on the touch display 18, as shown in Fig. 4 (product and service information output means).

[0074] The controllers of the digital signage 13a, 13b output (display) the QR code 23 transmitted from the server 11 together with the service information on the touch display 18 (barcode output means). The QR code 23 continues to be output (displayed) on the touch display 18 while the service information is being output (displayed) on the touch display 18 by the product / service information output means. The service information screen in Fig. 3 displays a service information display area 4a displaying predetermined service information (government service), and a barcode display area 4b displaying the QR code 23.

[0075] In addition, the product / service information output means may continuously output (display) service information on the touch display 18 regardless of whether the human presence sensor 21 detects a user, or may output (display) service information on the touch display 18 only when the human presence sensor 21 detects a user and a human presence detection signal is sent from the human presence sensor 21 to the controller of the digital signage 13a, 13b.

[0076] In the case where service information is output (displayed) only when a human detection signal is sent from the human sensor 21 to the controller of the digital signage 13a, 13b, when the user moves away from the front of the front panel 17 of the digital signage 13a, 13b and the human sensor 21 sends a non-human detection signal to the controller of the digital signage 13a, 13b, the service information being output (displayed) on the touch display 18 disappears from the touch display 18.

[0077] When a customer (user) stands in front of the front panel 17 of the digital signage 13a, 13b while predetermined product information or predetermined service information is being output (displayed), a human detection signal is transmitted from the human sensor 21 to the controller of the digital signage 13a, 13b. The controller of the digital signage 13a, 13b that receives the human detection signal transmits an output command for reading a message of the QR code 23 to the communication control unit of the digital signage 13a, 13b.

[0078] Furthermore, in the case where predetermined product information or predetermined service information is output (displayed) only when the motion sensor 21 detects a user in front of the front panel 17 of the digital signage 13a, 13b (only when a motion detection signal is sent to the controller of the digital signage 13a, 13b), after the motion detection signal has been continuously sent for a predetermined time (for example, 5 to 10 seconds) to the controller, the controller sends an output command to the communication control unit to read the QR code 23. The controller of the digital signage 13a, 13b that has received the output command to read the message outputs (displays) the read message of the QR code 23 on the touch display 18 in accordance with the output command, while continuing to output (display) the product information or service information.

[0079] When a user who has seen the read message of the QR code 23 causes the smartphones 14a, 14b to read the QR code 23 in accordance with the read message, the control devices (computers) of the smartphones 14a, 14b read the address information (URL, official account, IP address, etc.) of the server 11 stored in the QR code 23, and logs in to the server 11 via the Internet 12 based on the address information of the server 11 in accordance with the login signal to the server 11 stored in the QR code 23 (login means). After logging in to the server 11, the control devices of the smartphones 14a, 14b transmit the address information (URL, official account, IP address, etc.) of the smartphones 14a, 14b to the server 11 (address information transmission means).

[0080] When the smartphones 14a, 14b log in to the server 11 (when the smartphones 14a, 14b (communication terminals) read the QR code 23 (barcode) output (displayed) on the touch display 18 (display) of the digital signage 13a, 13b (product distribution devices)), the server 11 uses the address information of the smartphones 14a, 14b to distribute product promotion information for a specified product to the smartphones 14a, 14b (communication terminals that read the barcode) via the Internet 12 (product / service promotion information distribution means).

[0081] When the control device of the smartphone 14a, 14b receives the product advertising information transmitted from the server 11 by the product / service advertising information distribution means, it outputs (displays) a product advertising information screen (product / service advertising information output means) showing the product advertising information on the touch panel (display) as shown in Fig. 5. The product advertising information screen in Fig. 5 displays a product advertising information display area 5a showing predetermined product advertising information (cars), a search button display area 5b showing various search buttons, and a close button 5c.

[0082] A user (possessor of the smartphone 14a, 14b) can view the promotion / advertisement of a specific product by visually checking the product promotion information output (displayed) on the touch panel 22 (display) of the smartphone 14a, 14b. Note that the touch display 18 of the digital signage 13a, 13b outputs (displays) the adjusted product information, or outputs (displays) the same product promotion information as the product promotion information output (displayed) on the touch panel 22 of the smartphone 14a, 14b.

[0083] Furthermore, when the smartphones 14a and 14b log in to the server 11 (when the smartphones 14a and 14b (communication terminals) read the QR code 23 (barcode) output (displayed) on the touch display 18 (display) of the digital signage 13a and 13b (product distribution devices)), the server 11 uses the address information of the smartphones 14a and 14b to distribute service promotion information for a specified service to the smartphones 14a and 14b (communication terminals that read the barcode) via the Internet 12 (product / service promotion information distribution means).

[0084] When the control device of the smartphone 14a, 14b receives the service advertising information transmitted from the server 11 by the product / service advertising information distribution means, it outputs (displays) a service advertising information screen (product / service advertising information output means) displaying the service advertising information on the touch panel 22 (display), as shown in Fig. 6. The service advertising information screen in Fig. 6 displays a service advertising information display area 6a displaying predetermined service advertising information (government services), a search button display area 6b displaying various search buttons, and a close button 6c.

[0085] A user (possessor of the smartphone 14a, 14b) can view the promotion / advertisement of a predetermined service by visually checking the service promotion information output (displayed) on the touch panel 22 (display) of the smartphone 14a, 14b. Note that the touch display 18 of the digital signage 13a, 13b outputs (displays) the adjusted service information, or outputs (displays) the same service promotion information as the service promotion information output (displayed) on the touch panel 22 of the smartphone 14a, 14b.

[0086] The server 11 counts (measures) the duration of distribution of the product or service advertising information (distribution duration counting means) while the product / service advertising information distribution means distributes the product or service advertising information to the smartphones 14a, 14b (predetermined communication terminals). The duration of distribution is the time from the time the product or service advertising information is distributed to the smartphones 14a, 14b to the time the smartphones 14a, 14b close (reject) the distribution of the product or service advertising information from the server.

[0087] After the server 11 distributes the product advertisement information or the service advertisement information to the smartphones 14a, 14b (communication terminals) by the product / service advertisement information distribution means, the server 11 compares the distribution duration counted by the distribution duration count means with a preset time, and if the distribution duration exceeds the set time, the server 11 distributes the shopping bags 20 (products) stored in the product storage spaces of the digital signages 13a, 13b (product distribution devices). With The command is transmitted to the controllers of the digital signage 13a and 13b (product distribution command transmission means).

[0088] Server 11 transmits a command to distribute plastic bags 20 to the controllers of digital signage 13a, 13b by product distribution command transmission means, and also transmits an output command for pressing a plastic bag reception button (product reception button) for the plastic bag 20 (product) to be distributed to the controllers of digital signage 13a, 13b or the control devices of smartphones 14a, 14b (product reception button output command transmission means). The set time to be compared with the distribution duration can be freely set by server 11, and can be set in the range of 5 to 15 seconds, for example.

[0089] Furthermore, the control device (computer) of the smartphones 14a, 14b (communication terminals) counts (measures) the output duration of the product or service advertising information while the product / service advertising information output means is outputting the product / service advertising information distributed from the server 11 (output duration counting means) and transmits the counted output duration to the server 11 (output duration transmitting means). The output duration is the time from when the product or service advertising information is output (displayed) on the touch panel 22 of the smartphones 14a, 14b to when the product or service advertising information disappears from the touch panel 22. The output duration transmitting means continuously transmits to the server 11 the time from when the product or service advertising information is output (displayed) on the touch panel 22 of the smartphones 14a, 14b.

[0090] When the server 11 receives the output duration continuously transmitted from the control device of the smartphone 14a, 14b by the output duration transmission means, the server 11 compares the received output duration with a preset time, and when the output duration exceeds the preset time, the server 11 notifies the distribution of the shopping bag 20 (product) stored in the product storage space of the digital signage 13a, 13b (product distribution device). With The command is transmitted to the controllers of the digital signage 13a and 13b (product distribution command transmission means).

[0091] Server 11 transmits a command to distribute plastic bags 20 to the controllers of digital signage 13a, 13b (product distribution devices) by product distribution command transmission means, and also transmits an output command for pressing a plastic bag reception button (product reception button) for the plastic bag 20 (product) to be distributed to the controllers of digital signage 13a, 13b or the control devices of smartphones 14a, 14b (product reception button output command transmission means). The set time to be compared with the output duration can be freely set by server 11, and can be set within the range of 5 to 15 seconds, for example.

[0092] The controller of digital signage 13a, 13b (product distribution device) receives a distribution command for plastic bags 20 (products) sent from server 11 by a product distribution command sending means, and when it receives an output command for the plastic bag reception button (product reception button) sent from server 11 by a product reception button output command sending means, it outputs (displays) the plastic bag reception button on touch display 18 of digital signage 13a, 13b (product reception button output means) and also outputs (displays) an operation message for the plastic bag reception button on touch display 18 of digital signage 13a, 13b.

[0093] Alternatively, when the control devices of smartphones 14a, 14b receive an output command for the plastic bag reception button (product reception button) transmitted from server 11 by the product reception button output command transmitting means, they output (display) the plastic bag reception button on touch panel 22 of smartphones 14a, 14b (product reception button output means), and also output (display) an operation message for the plastic bag reception button on touch panel 22 of smartphones 14a, 14b. An example of the operation message for the plastic bag reception button is "Please press the plastic bag reception button."

[0094] When a user clicks (presses) the shopping bag reception button (product reception button) output (displayed) on the touch display 18 of the digital signage 13a, 13b, or when a user taps (presses) the shopping bag reception button (product reception button) output (displayed) on the touch panel 22 of the smartphone 14a, 14b, the controller of the digital signage 13a, 13b With In accordance with the command, the plastic bags 20 stored in the product storage space are dispensed (product distribution means). In the product distribution means, the controllers of the digital signage 13a, 13b operate the automatic product feed mechanism, and the automatic product feed mechanism sends (dispenses) one of the plastic bags 20 (products) stored in the product storage space from the product storage space to the product removal opening 19. One of the plastic bags 20 is transported from the product storage space to the product removal opening 19 and is positioned at the product removal opening.

[0095] After the product is dispensed by the product distribution means, the controllers of the digital signage 13a, 13b send an output command for a message to remove the plastic bag (product) to the video display control unit. The video display control units of the digital signage 13a, 13b that have received the output command for the message to remove the plastic bag (product) continue to output (display) the message to remove the plastic bag 20 on the touch display 18 in accordance with the output command, while continuing to output (display) the product information or service information. An example of the message to remove the plastic bag (product) is "Please take the plastic bag at the product removal slot."

[0096] When the product distribution means dispenses the plastic bags 20 (products) (after sending one of the plastic bags 20 (products) from the product storage space to the product removal slot 19), the controllers of the digital signages 13a and 13b send a product removal end signal from the communication control unit to the server 11 (product removal end signal sending means). The customer (user) removes the plastic bag 20 located at the product removal slot 19 from the product removal slot 19.

[0097] In the product distribution system 10, when the smartphones 14a, 14b (communication terminals) read the QR code 23 (barcode) output on the touch display 18 of the digital signage 13a, 13b (product distribution device), the smartphones 14a, 14b log in to the server 11 using the address information of the server 11 stored (displayed) in the QR code 23 and transmit the address information to the server 11, and the server 11 distributes product promotion information for a predetermined product or service promotion information for a predetermined service to the smartphones 14a, 14b that transmitted the address information, and the smartphones 14a, 14b output the product promotion information or service promotion information distributed from the server 11, and when the distribution time of the product promotion information or service promotion information to the smartphones 14a, 14b exceeds a set time, or when the output duration of the product promotion information or service promotion information on the smartphones 14a, 14b exceeds a set time, the distribution of the shopping bag 20 (product) stored in the product storage space of the digital signage 13a, 13b is With The digital signage 13a, 13b transmits a command to distribute the shopping bags 20, and when the digital signage 13a, 13b receives the command to distribute the shopping bags 20 transmitted from the server 11, the digital signage 13a, 13b distributes the shopping bags 20 stored in the product storage space. With The product is placed at the product removal port 19 in accordance with the command, and a shopping bag 20 (a specified beneficial product) can be distributed to the user (user) on the condition that the requirements for product promotion information distribution or service promotion information distribution from the server 11 to the smartphone 14a, 14b are met, and a user who possesses a smartphone 14a, 14b that meets the requirements for product promotion information distribution or service promotion information distribution can receive a beneficial product (shopping bag 20) for the user from the digital signage 13a, 13b.

[0098] The product distribution system 10 distributes plastic bags 20 (predetermined useful products) to users who possess smartphones 14a, 14b (communication terminals) that meet the requirements for product promotional information distribution or service promotional information distribution. Therefore, by distributing the plastic bags 20, it is possible to encourage users to view the product promotional information or service promotional information, and by outputting (displaying) the product promotional information or service promotional information on the smartphones 14a, 14b, the person (management entity) distributing the product promotional information or service promotional information can reliably and fully enjoy the advertising and promotional effects of the product or service.

[0099] In the product distribution system 10, when the delivery time of product promotion information or service promotion information to the smartphone 14a, 14b exceeds a set time, or when the output duration of the product promotion information or service promotion information on the smartphone 14a, 14b exceeds a set time, a shopping bag 20 (product) is distributed to the user who possesses the smartphone 14a, 14b.Therefore, the product can be distributed only when the user has viewed the product promotion information or service promotion information via the smartphone 14a, 14b (communication terminal) for a specified time, and the advertising and promotional effects of the product or service can be reliably enjoyed by having the user view the product promotion information or service promotion information for a specified time.

[0100] The product distribution system 10 eliminates the time and effort required to prepare multiple shopping bags 20 in advance and distribute them, allowing workers to smoothly perform checkout operations and shortening the time users spend waiting at the register. The product distribution system 10 eliminates the need for users to purchase shopping bags 20 or bring their own eco-bags, reducing not only the burden on users but also the burden on stores that provide shopping bags 20. If the product distributed by the digital signage 13a, 13b (product distribution device) is a sanitary mask, the user can use the sanitary mask to prevent viral infection. If the product distributed by the digital signage 13a, 13b (product distribution device) is a disinfecting wipe, the user can use the disinfecting wipe to disinfect the user's hands and belongings, thereby preventing viral infection.

[0101] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a cumulative product distribution table for plastic bags 20 created by server 11, and Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a cumulative distribution time table for product promotion information and service promotion information created by server 11.

[0102] When a product distribution end signal is transmitted from each digital signage 13a, 13b by the product distribution end signal transmitting means, server 11 regards each transmission of the product distribution end signal as the distribution of one plastic bag 20, and counts (measures) each plastic bag 20 (product) distributed from each digital signage 13a, 13b for each digital signage 13a, 13b (product distribution counting means).Furthermore, server 11 counts (measures) the cumulative number of distributed plastic bags 20 (products) counted (measured) by the product distribution counting means for each digital signage 13a, 13b (cumulative product distribution counting means).

[0103] The server 11 stores (contains) in a large-capacity virtual memory area the distribution of one plastic bag 20 (product) for each digital signage 13a, 13b counted by the product distribution counting means and the distribution date and time in association with the digital signage identification information and installation location identification information (product distribution storage means). The server 11 stores (contains) in a large-capacity virtual memory area the cumulative number of distributions of plastic bags 20 (products) for each digital signage 13a, 13b (each product distribution device) counted by the cumulative product distribution counting means in association with the digital signage identification information and installation location identification information (cumulative product distribution storage means).

[0104] The cumulative product distribution storage means stores the cumulative number of distributed shopping bags 20 (products) for each digital signage 13 a, 13 b, dividing the cumulative number of distributed shopping bags 20 (products) for each digital signage 13 a, 13 b into predetermined periods. For example, the cumulative number of distributed shopping bags 20 (products) for each digital signage 13 a, 13 b is divided into weekly periods and stored, or the cumulative number of distributed shopping bags 20 (products) for each digital signage 13 a, 13 b is divided into monthly periods and stored.

[0105] When the server 11 distributes product promotion information or service promotion information to a predetermined smartphone 14a, 14b by the product / service promotion information distribution means, it counts (measures) the cumulative distribution time for each piece of product promotion information or each piece of service promotion information distributed (cumulative distribution time counting means).The server 11 stores (stores) the cumulative distribution time for each piece of product promotion information or each piece of service promotion information counted by the cumulative distribution time counting means and for each digital signage 13a, 13b (each product distribution device) in a large-capacity virtual storage area in association with digital signage identification information, installation location identification information, and management entity identification information (cumulative distribution time storage means).

[0106] The cumulative delivery time storage means stores the cumulative delivery time of each piece of product promotion information or each piece of service promotion information for each digital signage 13a, 13b by dividing it into predetermined periods. For example, the cumulative delivery time of each piece of product promotion information or each piece of service promotion information for each digital signage 13a, 13b is divided into weekly periods, or the cumulative delivery time of each piece of product promotion information or each piece of service promotion information for each digital signage 13a, 13b is divided into monthly periods.

[0107] The server 11 divides the cumulative number of distributed shopping bags 20 (products) counted by the cumulative product distribution counting means into units for each digital signage 13a, 13b (each product distribution device) and outputs (displays) the divided number by predetermined period (each distribution period) (cumulative product distribution output means). Alternatively, the server 11 divides the cumulative number of distributed shopping bags 20 (products) counted by the cumulative product distribution counting means into units for each installation location of the digital signage 13a, 13b and outputs (displays) the divided number by predetermined period (each distribution period) (cumulative product distribution output means).

[0108] The table of cumulative number of distribution of plastic bags 20 created by server 11 is output from an output device such as a display or printer connected to server 11. As shown in Fig. 7, the table of cumulative number of distribution of plastic bags 20 (products) displays the cumulative number of distribution of plastic bags 20 (products) for each digital signage 13a, 13b, as well as the cumulative number of distribution of plastic bags 20 (products) for each installation location.

[0109] 7 displays a cumulative product distribution number display area 7a that displays the cumulative number of plastic bags 20 (products) distributed for each digital signage 13a, 13b, an installation location display area 7b that displays the installation locations of digital signage 13a, 13b, and a distribution period display area 7c that displays the distribution period for plastic bags 20 for each digital signage 13a, 13b. By looking at the cumulative product distribution number table, the administrator (management company) that manages product distribution system 10 can know the cumulative number of plastic bags 20 distributed for each digital signage 13a, 13b and the cumulative number of plastic bags 20 distributed for each installation location.

[0110] Product distribution With System 10 outputs the cumulative number of plastic bags 20 (products) distributed for each digital signage 13a, 13b (for each product distribution device) and the cumulative number of plastic bags 20 (products) distributed for each installation location, making it possible to grasp the cumulative number of plastic bags 20 distributed by digital signage 13a, 13b, as well as the cumulative number of plastic bags 20 distributed at each installation location of digital signage 13a, 13b, and to consider measures to increase the number of plastic bags 20 distributed from each digital signage 13a, 13b and measures to increase the number of plastic bags 20 distributed at each installation location.

[0111] The server 11 outputs (displays) the cumulative distribution time of the product advertising information counted by the cumulative distribution time counting means in a state where the cumulative distribution time is divided for each piece of product advertising information and for each digital signage 13a, 13b (for each product distribution device) (cumulative distribution time output means), or outputs (displays) the cumulative distribution time of the service advertising information counted by the cumulative distribution time counting means in a state where the cumulative distribution time is divided for each piece of service advertising information and for each digital signage 13a, 13b (for each product distribution device) (cumulative distribution time output means).

[0112] The server 11 outputs (displays) the cumulative distribution time of the product promotion information counted by the cumulative distribution time counting means in a state where the cumulative distribution time is divided for each of the digital signages 13a, 13b, each piece of product promotion information, and each installation location (cumulative distribution time output means), or outputs (displays) the cumulative distribution time of the service promotion information counted by the cumulative distribution time counting means in a state where the cumulative distribution time is divided for each of the digital signages 13a, 13b, each piece of service promotion information, and each installation location (cumulative distribution time output means).

[0113] The server 11 outputs (displays) the cumulative distribution time of the product promotion information counted by the cumulative distribution time counting means in a state where the cumulative distribution time is divided for each of the digital signages 13a, 13b, each piece of product promotion information, and each management entity (cumulative distribution time output means), or outputs (displays) the cumulative distribution time of the service promotion information counted by the cumulative distribution time counting means in a state where the cumulative distribution time is divided for each of the digital signages 13a, 13b, each piece of service promotion information, and each management entity (cumulative distribution time output means).

[0114] The cumulative distribution time table of the product promotion information and service promotion information created by the server 11 is output from an output device such as a display or printer connected to the server 11. As shown in Fig. 8, the cumulative distribution time table displays the cumulative distribution time of the product promotion information and service promotion information for each of the digital signages 13a and 13b, as well as the cumulative distribution time of the product promotion information and service promotion information for each installation location.

[0115] The cumulative distribution time table in Figure 8 displays a cumulative product promotion information distribution time display area 8a that displays the cumulative distribution time of product promotion information for each digital signage 13a, 13b, a cumulative service promotion information distribution time display area 8b that displays the cumulative distribution time of service promotion information for each digital signage 13a, 13b, a distribution period display area 8c that displays the distribution period of plastic bags 20 for each digital signage 13a, 13b, and an installation location display area 8d that displays the installation locations of digital signages 13a, 13b.

[0116] By looking at the cumulative distribution time table, the administrator (management company) managing the product distribution system 10 can find out the cumulative distribution time for each piece of product promotional information and each piece of service promotional information for each digital signage 13a, 13b, and can find out the cumulative distribution time for each piece of product promotional information and each piece of service promotional information for each installation location, as well as the cumulative distribution time for each piece of product promotional information and each piece of service promotional information for each management entity.

[0117] Product distribution With The system 10 outputs the cumulative delivery time for each piece of product promotional information or each piece of service promotional information for each digital signage 13a, 13b, outputs the cumulative delivery time for each piece of product promotional information or each piece of service promotional information for each installation location, and outputs the cumulative delivery time for each piece of product promotional information or each piece of service promotional information for each management entity, thereby making it possible to grasp the cumulative delivery time for each piece of product promotional information or each piece of service promotional information for each digital signage 13a, 13b, and the cumulative delivery time for each piece of product promotional information or each piece of service promotional information for each installation location, and also to grasp the cumulative delivery time for each piece of product promotional information or each piece of service promotional information for each management entity, and to consider measures to increase the cumulative delivery time of the product promotional information or service promotional information.

[0118] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen output (displayed) on the touch display 18 of the digital signage 13a, 13b, and Fig. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a product promotion information screen output (displayed) on the touch panel 22 of the smartphones 14a, 14b. When a predetermined service is selected from the service information selection screen, services related to the selected service are output (displayed) on the touch panel 22 of the smartphones 14a, 14b.

[0119] When digital signage 13a, 13b is connected to server 11, server 11 delivers (transmits) predetermined product information (text information, video, still images) from among various types of multiple product information or predetermined service information (text information, video, still images) from among various types of multiple service information stored in a large-capacity virtual storage area (or large-capacity hard disk) to the communication control unit of the digital signage via Internet 12 (predetermined communication means) (product information transmission means, service information transmission means), and delivers (transmits) a selection screen that allows the user to select a predetermined product or a predetermined service from among various types of multiple product information or various types of multiple service information to the communication control unit of digital signage 13a, 13b (selection screen transmission means).

[0120] The controllers of the digital signage 13a, 13b output (display) product information or service information and a selection screen on the touch display 18 (product / service information output means). As shown in Fig. 9, the selection screen outputs (displays) a product selection area 9a that outputs (displays) a variety of products, a service selection area 9b that outputs (displays) a variety of services, a product promotion information display area 9c that displays predetermined product promotion information (cars), a selection button 9d, a clear button 9e, and a back button 9f. By scrolling the product selection area 9a or the service selection area 9b, a large number of products and services can be viewed.

[0121] The user selects (highlights) the product they wish to view from the products output (displayed) in the product selection area 9a, or selects (highlights) the service they wish to view from the services output (displayed) in the service selection area 9b, and then clicks the selection button 9d. Clicking the clear button 9e clears the product or service selected in the product selection area 9a or service selection area 9b, allowing the user to select a new product or service again. Clicking the back button 9f returns the user to the initial selection screen in Figure 9.

[0122] When a specific product or a specific service is selected and the selection button 9e is clicked, the controllers of the digital signages 13a and 13b transmit product identification information (product identification identifier) ​​of the selected product or service identification information (service identification identifier) ​​of the selected service to the server 11. Upon receiving the product identification information or service identification information, the server 11 distributes (transmits) to the communication control units of the digital signages 13a and 13b (barcode transmission means) a QR code 23 storing address information of the server 11, a login signal to the server 11, and the product information identification identifier of the selected product or the service information identification identifier of the selected service.

[0123] The controllers of the digital signage 13a, 13b output (display) the QR code 23 and the read message of the QR code 23 sent from the server 11 to the touch display 18 while outputting (displaying) product information or service information to the touch display 18 (barcode output means).

[0124] When the user causes the smartphones 14a, 14b to read the QR code 23, the control devices of the smartphones 14a, 14b read the address information of the server 11 and the product information specifying identifier or the service information specifying identifier stored in the QR code 23, and log in to the server 11 in accordance with the login signal (login means). After logging in to the server 11, the control devices of the smartphones 14a, 14b transmit the address information and the product information specifying identifier or the service information specifying identifier of the smartphones 14a, 14b to the server 11 (address information transmission means).

[0125] When the smartphones 14a, 14b log in to the server 11, the server 11 identifies the product information or service information corresponding to the product information specifying identifier or service information specifying identifier transmitted from the smartphones 14a, 14b, and extracts product promotion information or service promotion information corresponding to the product information or service information from a large-capacity virtual storage area (or a large-capacity hard disk). After that, the server 11 uses the address information of the smartphones 14a, 14b to distribute the product promotion information for a specific product or the service promotion information for a specific service to the smartphones 14a, 14b via the Internet 12 (product / service promotion information distribution means).

[0126] The control device of the smartphones 14a, 14b receives the product promotion information or service promotion information sent from the server 11 by the product / service promotion information distribution means, and outputs (displays) a product promotion information screen displaying the product promotion information (or a service promotion information screen displaying the service promotion information) on the touch panel 22 (display) as shown in Figure 10 (product / service promotion information output means).

[0127] 10 displays a selected product display area 10a displaying the specified product (bicycle), a product promotion information display area 10b displaying predetermined product promotion information (bicycle), a search button display area 10c displaying various search buttons, and a close button 10d. The user (the owner of the smartphone 14a, 14b) can view the promotion or advertisement for the selected product or service by visually checking the product promotion information or service promotion information output (displayed) on the touch panel 22 of the smartphone 14a, 14b.

[0128] The touch displays 18 of the digital signages 13a and 13b continue to output (display) the product information or service information, or output (display) the same product promotion information or service promotion information as that output (displayed) on the touch panels 22 of the smartphones 14a and 14b. With The steps up to this point are the same as those described in Figures 3 to 6. WithSince it is the same as that of the system 10, its description will be omitted.

[0129] Product distribution With In system 10, when a user (user) who owns smartphone 14a, 14b (communication terminal) selects a specific product or service from a variety of multiple products or multiple services, product promotion information or service promotion information for the product or service desired by the user is delivered to smartphone 14a, 14b, and that product promotion information or service promotion information is output (displayed) on touch panel 22 of smartphone 14a, 14b, so that the user can view the product promotion information for the product or service desired.

[0130] Product distribution With The system 10 can output (display) product promotion information for products or service promotion information for services desired by users on the touch panel 22 of the smartphones 14a, 14b (communication terminals), encouraging users to view the product promotion information or service promotion information, and allowing those distributing the product promotion information or service promotion information to fully enjoy the advertising and sales promotion effects of the products and services. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 10 Product distribution With system 11 Server 12. Internet 13a,b Digital signage (product distribution device) 14a,b Smartphone (communication device) 15. Cloud 16 Case 17 Front Panel 18 Touch display (display device) 19 Product removal port 20 Plastic Bags 21 Human Sensor 22 Touch Panel 23 QR Code

Claims

1. The system is formed from a server that manages product information of a variety of products and service information of a variety of services, a product distribution device that is connected to the server via a predetermined communication means, has a display that outputs predetermined information, and stores the predetermined products while distributing the stored products, and a variety of communication terminals that are carried by an unspecified number of users and can be connected to the server via the Internet, the product distribution device comprises a product / service information output means for outputting a variety of product information or a variety of service information distributed from the server to the display, and a barcode output means for outputting a predetermined barcode to the display while the product / service information output means is outputting the product information or the service information, a login means for logging in to the server using address information of the server stored in the barcode when the communication terminal reads the barcode output on the display of the product distribution device, and an address information transmission means for transmitting address information of the communication terminal to the server when the communication terminal logs in to the server by the login means, the server comprises a product / service advertisement information distribution means for distributing product advertisement information for a predetermined product or service advertisement information for a predetermined service via the Internet to the communication terminal that transmitted the address information after the address information of the communication terminal is transmitted from the communication terminal to the server by the address information transmission means, and a product distribution command transmission means for transmitting a distribution command for a product stored in the product distribution device to the product distribution device after the product advertisement information or service advertisement information has been distributed to the communication terminal by the product / service advertisement information distribution means, the communication terminal has a product / service advertisement information output means for outputting product advertisement information for a predetermined product or service advertisement information for a predetermined service distributed from the server by the product / service advertisement information distribution means, A product distribution system characterized in that the product distribution device has a product distribution means that, when it receives a product distribution command sent from the server by the product distribution command sending means, releases stored products in accordance with the distribution command.

2. A product distribution system as described in claim 1, wherein the communication terminal includes an output duration sending means for sending the output duration of the product promotion information or the service promotion information delivered from the server by the product / service promotion information output means to the server while the product / service promotion information is being output, and the product distribution command sending means sends a distribution command for the product stored in the product distribution device to the product distribution device when the output duration sent from the communication terminal by the output duration sending means exceeds a set time.

3. A product distribution system as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the server includes a distribution duration counting means for counting the duration of distribution of the product / service promotion information or the service promotion information while the product / service promotion information distribution means is distributing the product promotion information or the service promotion information to a specified communication terminal, and when the distribution duration counted by the distribution duration counting means exceeds a set time, the product distribution command sending means sends a distribution command for the product stored in the product distribution device to the product distribution device.

4. 4. The product distribution system according to claim 2, wherein the set time is set in the range of 5 to 15 seconds.

5. A product distribution system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the server includes a product receipt button output means that outputs a product receipt button for the product to be distributed to the display of the product distribution device or the communication terminal after sending a product distribution command to the product distribution device by the product distribution command sending means, and when the product receipt button output to the display of the product distribution device or the communication terminal is pressed, the product distribution means dispenses the stored product.

6. A product distribution system as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the product distribution device includes a selection screen output means for outputting a selection screen that allows the user to select a specific product or service from a variety of products or services output on the display, and when a specific product or service is selected from a variety of products or services output by the selection screen output means, the barcode output means outputs to the display the barcode that stores identification information of the selected product or service, and when the barcode output by the barcode output means is read by the communication terminal, the product / service promotion information distribution means distributes to the communication terminal product promotion information for the product or service corresponding to the identification information of the product or service stored in the barcode read by the communication terminal.

7. A product distribution system as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the product distribution device includes a product distribution end signal sending means for sending a product distribution end signal to the server when a product is dispensed by the product distribution means, and the server includes a product distribution counting means for counting the products distributed from the product distribution device based on the product distribution end signal sent from the product distribution device by the product distribution end signal sending means, a product distribution cumulative number counting means for counting the cumulative product distribution number of products counted by the product distribution counting means for each product distribution device, and a product distribution cumulative number output means for outputting the cumulative product distribution number counted by the product distribution cumulative number counting means in a state divided for each product distribution device.

8. A product distribution system as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a cumulative distribution time counting means for counting the cumulative distribution time for each piece of product promotion information or each piece of service promotion information distributed when the server distributes the product promotion information or the service promotion information to a specified communication terminal using the product / service promotion information distribution means, and a cumulative distribution time output means for outputting the cumulative distribution time for each piece of product promotion information or each piece of service promotion information counted by the cumulative distribution time counting means.

9. 9. The product distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the product distributed from the product distribution device is one of a shopping bag, a sanitary mask, and a disinfecting wipe.

10. 10. The product distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the product distribution device is a digital signage.

Images