Umbrella management system and umbrella management method
The umbrella management system uses IC tags and a reward mechanism to address the issue of unsold umbrella accumulation by incentivizing timely returns, enhancing collection efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GREEN UTILITY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2021-11-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-22
AI Technical Summary
Existing umbrella lending systems do not effectively manage and collect umbrellas sold at stations and convenience stores, leading to accumulation without notice.
An umbrella management system comprising an umbrella sales device, a collection device, and a server that uses IC tags for identification and rewards users for returning collected umbrellas within a predetermined period.
The system incentivizes users to return umbrellas, increasing collection rates by offering rewards for timely returns, thereby managing and recovering sold umbrellas efficiently.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to an umbrella management system and an umbrella management method.
Background Art
[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses an umbrella lending service system in which an umbrella prepared by a lender such as a convenience store is lent to a user. In this lending service system, the user pays a compensation fee when borrowing the umbrella, and the compensation fee is returned when the user returns the umbrella.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] By the way, vinyl umbrellas sold at stations, convenience stores, etc. are inexpensive, so they tend to be easily purchased when it suddenly starts to rain when going out. Therefore, it is easy for vinyl umbrellas to accumulate without being noticed. The lending service system of Patent Document 1 is for collecting the lent umbrellas, and not for collecting the umbrellas sold at stations, convenience stores, etc.
[0005] One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an umbrella management system and an umbrella management method capable of collecting the sold umbrellas.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] An umbrella management system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an umbrella sales device for storing umbrellas to be sold, an umbrella collection device for storing collected umbrellas, and a server, wherein the umbrella sales device has a retrieval control unit that controls the device so that an umbrella can be retrieved by a user requesting to purchase an umbrella, and a first transmission unit that transmits purchased umbrella identification information to the server for identifying the umbrella to be purchased by the user, the umbrella collection device has a second transmission unit that transmits collected umbrella identification information to the server for identifying the collected umbrella, and the server has a receiving unit that receives the purchased umbrella identification information, user identification information for identifying the user, and the collected umbrella identification information, respectively, and a reward granting unit that grants a reward to the user corresponding to the purchased umbrella identification information when the collected umbrella identification information received by the receiving unit matches the purchased umbrella identification information already received and stored by the receiving unit.
[0007] According to this embodiment, the umbrella sales device controls the system so that an umbrella can be retrieved by a user requesting to purchase an umbrella, and transmits the purchased umbrella identification information of the purchased umbrella to the server. The umbrella retrieval device transmits the retrieved umbrella identification information of the retrieved umbrella to the server. When the server finds that the received retrieved umbrella identification information matches the purchased umbrella identification information already received and stored, it is possible to award a reward to the user corresponding to the purchased umbrella identification information.
[0008] In the above embodiment, the umbrella sales device further includes a first reading unit that reads data from an IC tag corresponding to the user, and a first determination unit that determines whether or not an umbrella can be purchased based on the data read by the first reading unit. The retrieval control unit releases the lock so that the umbrella can be retrieved when the first determination unit determines that an umbrella can be purchased, and the first transmission unit transmits the user identification information to the server based on the data read by the first reading unit.
[0009] According to this embodiment, the umbrella vending machine reads data from an IC tag corresponding to a user requesting to purchase an umbrella, determines whether or not an umbrella can be purchased based on the read data, and if an umbrella can be purchased, unlocks the lock so that the umbrella can be taken out, and also transmits user identification information associated with the read data to the server.
[0010] In the above embodiment, the umbrella sales device may further include a second reading unit that reads data from an IC tag attached to an umbrella purchased by the user, and the first transmission unit may transmit the purchased umbrella identification information to the server based on the data read by the second reading unit.
[0011] According to this embodiment, the umbrella sales device can read data from an IC tag attached to an umbrella purchased by a user and transmit the purchased umbrella identification information associated with the read data to a server.
[0012] In the above embodiment, the umbrella retrieval device may further include a third reading unit that reads data from an IC tag attached to a retrieved umbrella, and the second transmission unit may transmit the retrieved umbrella identification information to the server based on the data read by the third reading unit.
[0013] According to this embodiment, the umbrella retrieval device can read the data from the IC tag attached to the retrieved umbrella and transmit the retrieved umbrella identification information associated with the read data to a server.
[0014] In the above embodiment, the server further includes a storage unit that stores umbrella management information relating to an umbrella for each umbrella identification piece of information used to identify an umbrella, and an update unit that updates the umbrella management information based on the purchased umbrella identification information and the user identification information received by the receiving unit, and the reward granting unit may grant a reward to the user if the collected umbrella identification information received by the receiving unit matches any of the purchased umbrella identification pieces of information included in the umbrella management information.
[0015] According to this embodiment, the server can update the umbrella management information stored for each umbrella identification information based on the received purchased umbrella identification information and user identification information, and can also grant a reward to the user if the received returned umbrella identification information matches any of the purchased umbrella identification information included in the umbrella management information.
[0016] In the above embodiment, the server further includes a second determination unit that determines whether the collected umbrella was collected within a predetermined period after it was sold, based on the collected umbrella identification information received by the receiving unit and the umbrella management information corresponding to the collected umbrella identification information, and the reward granting unit may grant a reward to the user if the second determination unit determines that the collected umbrella was collected within a predetermined period after it was sold.
[0017] According to this embodiment, the server can determine whether the collected umbrella was collected within a predetermined period after being sold, based on the received collected umbrella identification information and the umbrella management information corresponding to said collected umbrella identification information. If the collected umbrella was collected within the predetermined period, the server can provide a reward to the user.
[0018] Another aspect of the present invention relates to an umbrella management method, which is performed in an umbrella management system comprising an umbrella sales device for storing umbrellas to be sold, an umbrella collection device for storing collected umbrellas, and a server, wherein the umbrella sales device performs a retrieval control step of controlling the system so that an umbrella can be retrieved by a user requesting to purchase an umbrella, and a first transmission step of transmitting purchased umbrella identification information to the server for identifying the umbrella to be purchased by the user; the umbrella collection device performs a second transmission step of transmitting collected umbrella identification information to the server for identifying the collected umbrella; the server performs a receiving step of receiving the purchased umbrella identification information, user identification information for identifying the user, and the collected umbrella identification information, respectively, and a reward granting step of granting a reward to the user corresponding to the purchased umbrella identification information if the received collected umbrella identification information matches the purchased umbrella identification information already received and stored.
[0019] According to this embodiment, the umbrella sales device controls the system so that an umbrella can be retrieved by a user requesting to purchase an umbrella, and transmits the purchased umbrella identification information of the purchased umbrella to the server. The umbrella retrieval device transmits the retrieved umbrella identification information of the retrieved umbrella to the server. When the server finds that the received retrieved umbrella identification information matches the purchased umbrella identification information already received and stored, it is possible to award a reward to the user corresponding to the purchased umbrella identification information.
[0020] In the above embodiment, the umbrella sales device may further perform a first reading step of reading data from an IC tag corresponding to the user, and a first determination step of determining whether or not an umbrella can be purchased based on the data read in the first reading step, and the retrieval control step may release the lock so that the umbrella can be retrieved if it is determined in the first determination step that an umbrella can be purchased, and the first transmission step may transmit the user identification information to the server based on the data read in the first reading step.
[0021] According to this embodiment, the umbrella vending machine reads data from an IC tag corresponding to a user requesting to purchase an umbrella, determines whether or not an umbrella can be purchased based on the read data, and if an umbrella can be purchased, unlocks the lock so that the umbrella can be taken out, and also transmits user identification information associated with the read data to the server.
[0022] In the above embodiment, the umbrella sales device may further perform a second reading step in which it reads data from an IC tag attached to an umbrella purchased by the user, and the first transmission step may transmit the purchased umbrella identification information to the server based on the data read in the second reading step.
[0023] According to this embodiment, the umbrella sales device can read data from an IC tag attached to an umbrella purchased by a user and transmit the purchased umbrella identification information associated with the read data to a server.
[0024] In the above aspect, the umbrella recovery device may further execute a third reading step of reading data of an IC tag attached to the recovered umbrella, and the second transmission step may transmit the recovered umbrella identification information to the server based on the data read in the third reading step.
[0025] According to this aspect, the umbrella recovery device can read the data of the IC tag attached to the recovered umbrella and transmit the recovered umbrella identification information associated with the read data to the server.
Effect of the Invention
[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an umbrella management system and an umbrella management method capable of recovering sold umbrellas.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0027] [Figure 1] It is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an umbrella management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an umbrella management server. [Figure 3] It is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an umbrella management server. [Figure 4] It is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an umbrella vending device. [Figure 5] It is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an umbrella vending device. [Figure 6] It is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an umbrella recovery device. [Figure 7] It is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an umbrella recovery device. [Figure 8] It is a sequence chart illustrating a processing procedure when selling an umbrella in an umbrella management system according to an embodiment. <00001 Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.
[0029] [Overview of the Umbrella Management System] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an umbrella management system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the umbrella management system 1 according to this embodiment comprises an umbrella management server 2, one or more umbrella sales devices 3, and one or more umbrella collection devices 4. The umbrella sales devices 3 and umbrella collection devices 4 can be installed, for example, in a convenience store or the like.
[0030] The umbrella management server 2, umbrella sales device 3, and umbrella collection device 4 can communicate with each other via wired or wireless connections through the network N. The network N can be implemented, for example, by the Internet, and may include wireless LAN access points or mobile phone base stations.
[0031] The umbrella vending device 3 is a device for storing umbrellas to be sold. The umbrella vending device 3 has, for example, a roughly rectangular prism-shaped housing that stores multiple umbrellas inside. When the umbrella vending device 3 confirms that payment for the purchase is possible, it unlocks the retrieval opening provided in the housing, allowing one umbrella to be taken out from the housing. When a stored umbrella is taken out, the umbrella vending device 3 reads the umbrella's information from the IC tag attached to the umbrella and transmits it to the umbrella management server 2. Details of the umbrella vending device 3 will be described later.
[0032] The umbrella collection device 4 is a device having a housing for storing umbrellas to be collected after sale. When storing an umbrella to be collected, it reads information about the umbrella from the IC tag attached to the umbrella and transmits it to the umbrella management server 2. The umbrella collection device 4 has, for example, a housing that is roughly rectangular in shape, and stores the collected umbrellas inside the housing. Details of the umbrella collection device 4 will be described later.
[0033] The umbrella management server 2 receives information about umbrellas from both the umbrella sales device 3 and the umbrella collection device 4, and if an umbrella is collected within a predetermined period after sale, it awards a reward to the user who purchased the umbrella. Details of the umbrella management server 2 will be described later.
[0034] [Umbrella management server configuration] The configuration of the umbrella management server 2 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3.
[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the umbrella management server 2 has a physical configuration that includes, for example, a processor 210, a communication interface 220, and a storage device 230.
[0036] The processor 210 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and includes memory 211 such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The processor 210, for example, executes a program 231 stored in the storage device 230, thereby realizing the functions of a general information processing device as well as the functions of the umbrella management server 2 described later. The RAM is used as a work area when the CPU realizes each function, and temporarily holds data from the program 231 and database 232 that are executed, for example.
[0037] The communication interface 220 is a hardware module that connects to network N and communicates with other devices on network N.
[0038] The storage device 230 is, for example, a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk drive or semiconductor memory. The storage device 230 stores, for example, a program 231 and a database 232 that stores various data.
[0039] Examples of the various types of data stored in database 232 include umbrella management information 232a and reward management information 232b.
[0040] The umbrella management information 232a stores information about umbrellas and has data items such as umbrella ID, place of manufacture, date of manufacture, place of sale, price, date of purchase, user ID, date of return, place of return, umbrella status, etc.
[0041] The Umbrella ID field stores identification information to identify an umbrella. For example, the Umbrella ID may be a code combining the manufacturing location code, manufacturing date, and lot number. The Manufacturing Location field stores information to identify where the umbrella was manufactured. The Manufacturing Date field stores the date the umbrella was manufactured. The Sales Location field stores information to identify where the umbrella is sold. The Price field stores the price of the umbrella. The Purchase Date field stores the date the user purchased the umbrella. The User ID field stores identification information to identify the user who purchased the umbrella. The Collection Date field stores the date the umbrella was collected from the user. The Collection Location field stores information to identify where the umbrella was collected. The Umbrella Status field stores the status information of the umbrella. For example, the status information may include "Not for Sale," "Sold," "Collected," etc.
[0042] The reward management information 232b stores information about rewards granted by the umbrella management system 1 and includes data items such as a user ID item and a reward information item. The user ID item stores identification information for identifying the user. This user ID item is linked to the user ID item in the umbrella management information 232a. The reward information item stores information (including history) about the content of rewards granted to the user. Rewards include, for example, points, coupons, gift certificates, gift cards, and discount vouchers.
[0043] The data items and combinations of data items in the umbrella management information 232a and reward management information 232b described above are merely examples and can be modified as appropriate to suit the system being used.
[0044] As shown in Figure 3, the umbrella management server 2 has a functional configuration that includes, for example, a receiving unit 21, an updating unit 22, a determination unit 23, and a reward granting unit 24. The database 232 functions as a storage unit.
[0045] The receiving unit 21 receives information from the umbrella sales device 3, etc., including the umbrella ID (purchased umbrella identification information) of the umbrella purchased by the user and the user ID (user identification information) of that user. The information received from the umbrella sales device 3 may include the date of purchase of the umbrella, for example, the processing date when the user purchased the umbrella.
[0046] Furthermore, the receiving unit 21 receives information from the umbrella collection device 4, etc., including the umbrella ID (collected umbrella identification information) of the umbrella collected from the user and the user ID (user identification information) of that user. The information received from the umbrella collection device 4 may include, for example, the processing date when the umbrella was collected from the user, as the date of umbrella collection.
[0047] The update unit 22 updates the umbrella management information 232a based on the information received from the umbrella sales device 3, including the umbrella ID and user ID. Specifically, the update process can be performed as follows.
[0048] First, the update unit 22 refers to the database 232 based on the umbrella ID received from the umbrella sales device 3 and identifies the umbrella management information 232a corresponding to that umbrella ID. Next, the update unit 22 updates the identified umbrella management information 232a by storing the user ID received from the umbrella sales device 3 in the user ID field and the purchase date received from the umbrella sales device 3 in the purchase date field of the umbrella management information 232a.
[0049] The determination unit 23 determines whether the collected umbrella was collected within a predetermined period after being sold, based on the umbrella ID received from the umbrella collection device 4 and the umbrella management information 232a corresponding to the umbrella ID. Specifically, the determination process can be performed as follows.
[0050] First, the determination unit 23 refers to the database 232 based on the umbrella ID received from the umbrella retrieval device 4 and identifies the umbrella management information 232a corresponding to that umbrella ID. Next, the update unit 22 determines whether the retrieval date received from the umbrella retrieval device 4 falls within a predetermined period from the purchase date included in the identified umbrella management information 232a. The predetermined period can be arbitrarily set according to the operation.
[0051] The reward distribution unit 24, if the determination unit 23 determines that the collected umbrella was collected within a predetermined period after it was sold, distributes a reward to the user who purchased the umbrella.
[0052] The reward-granting unit 24 may also grant a reward to the user if the umbrella ID received from the umbrella retrieval device 4 matches any of the umbrella IDs included in the umbrella management information 232a. In this case, for example, the unit may refer to the database 232 based on the umbrella ID received from the umbrella retrieval device 4, and grant a reward to the user if the umbrella management information 232a corresponding to that umbrella ID can be identified.
[0053] [Configuration of the umbrella vending machine] The configuration of the umbrella sales device 3 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5.
[0054] As shown in Figure 4, the umbrella vending machine 3 comprises, in terms of physical configuration, a processor 310, a communication interface 320, a storage device 330, a reader 340, and a lock 350.
[0055] The processor 310 is, for example, a CPU and includes memory 311 such as ROM and RAM. The processor 310, for example, executes programs stored in the storage device 330, thereby realizing the functions of the umbrella sales device 3 described later, in addition to its functions as an information processing device. RAM is used as a work area when the CPU realizes each function, and temporarily holds, for example, programs and data to be executed.
[0056] The communication interface 320 is a hardware module that connects to network N and communicates with other devices on network N.
[0057] The storage device 330 is, for example, a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk drive or semiconductor memory. The storage device 330 can store, for example, programs and various types of data.
[0058] The reader 340 has the function of reading data from IC tags. IC tags, also known as RFID (Radio Frequency ID) tags or wireless tags, read data from the memory built into the IC tag and transmit it to the reader 340 in response to a request from the reader 340. IC tags are used, for example, embedded in terminals such as smartphones or cards, or attached to umbrellas.
[0059] The reader 340 can be equipped with multiple types of readers to match the IC tag standards adopted. In other words, if there are multiple IC tag standards to be used, the reader 340 can be equipped with a reader corresponding to each standard. Furthermore, a writer function may be added to the reader 340 to enable writing data to the IC tag's memory.
[0060] The reader 340 of this embodiment corresponds to, for example, the following functions (1) and (2).
[0061] (1) A function to read data for settling the price of the umbrella from a smartphone or other terminal held over the user's device, or from an IC tag embedded in a card, etc. (a card reader function that supports electronic money payment).
[0062] (2) A function (RFID reader function) that reads data about an umbrella from an IC tag attached to an umbrella when the umbrella purchased by the user is taken out of the umbrella vending machine 3.
[0063] The lock 350 is a lock for locking the dispensing opening to prevent umbrellas stored in the umbrella vending machine 3 from being removed. The lock 350 is controlled by the processor 310 to lock or unlock. The lock 350 is powered, for example, by a rechargeable battery. By using a rechargeable battery, the hassle of battery replacement can be eliminated.
[0064] As shown in Figure 5, the umbrella sales device 3 has, functionally speaking, a reading unit 31, a determination unit 32, a dispensing control unit 33, and a transmission unit 34.
[0065] The reading unit 31 is physically a reader 340 and reads data from IC tags. Specifically, the reading unit 31 (first reading unit) reads data from the IC tag corresponding to the user requesting the purchase of an umbrella. In this case, the data is for settling the payment for the umbrella. The reading unit 31 (second reading unit) also reads data from the IC tag attached to the umbrella purchased by the user. In this case, the data is related to the umbrella.
[0066] The determination unit 32 determines whether the user can purchase an umbrella based on the data for settling the purchase price of the umbrella, which has been read by the reading unit 31 (first reading unit). Specifically, if the user can pay for the purchase of the umbrella, the determination unit 32 determines that the user can purchase the umbrella.
[0067] As a method of payment for umbrella purchases, various options may be adopted, such as prepaid electronic money payments, credit card payments, or bank account payments. Alternatively, users may be required to register in advance, and payment may be made using the payment method specified by the user. This payment method could include, for example, payment at convenience stores.
[0068] The retrieval control unit 33 controls the system to allow the user to retrieve the umbrella when the determination unit 32 determines that the user is eligible to purchase the umbrella. Controlling the system to allow the umbrella to be retrieved includes, for example, releasing the lock state of the lock 350, but is not limited to this; any control that releases the state in which the umbrella is locked and cannot be retrieved is acceptable.
[0069] On the other hand, if the determination unit 32 determines that the user cannot purchase an umbrella, the retrieval control unit 33 does not control the system to allow the umbrella to be retrieved. In this case, the locked state of the lock 350 is maintained.
[0070] The determination of whether a user can purchase an umbrella, which is performed by the determination unit 32, may also be performed by the retrieval control unit 33. Alternatively, the umbrella management server 2 may have a function to determine whether a user can purchase an umbrella. In this case, the retrieval control unit 33 of the umbrella sales device 3 will execute processing according to the result determined by the umbrella management server 2.
[0071] The transmitting unit 34 (first transmitting unit) transmits information to the umbrella management server 2, for example, based on the data read by the reading unit 31, including the umbrella ID of the umbrella purchased by the user and the user ID of that user. The information transmitted to the umbrella management server 2 may include the date of purchase of the umbrella, for example, the processing date when the user purchased the umbrella.
[0072] Furthermore, the umbrella ID and user ID transmitted to the umbrella management server 2 are not limited to being read by the reader unit 31; for example, they may be entered by the user or vendor. Also, the data read by the reader unit 31 is not limited to IC tag data; for example, it may be barcode or two-dimensional code data.
[0073] [Configuration of the umbrella retrieval device] The configuration of the umbrella retrieval device 4 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7.
[0074] As shown in Figure 6, the umbrella retrieval device 4 comprises, in terms of physical configuration, a processor 410, a communication interface 420, a storage device 430, and a reader 440.
[0075] The processor 410 is, for example, a CPU and includes memory 411 such as ROM and RAM. The processor 410, for example, executes programs stored in the storage device 430, thereby realizing the functions of the umbrella retrieval device 4, which will be described later, in addition to its functions as an information processing device. The RAM is used as a work area when the CPU realizes each function, and temporarily holds, for example, programs and data that are executed.
[0076] The communication interface 420 is a hardware module that connects to network N and communicates with other devices on network N.
[0077] The storage device 430 is, for example, a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk drive or semiconductor memory. The storage device 430 can store, for example, programs and various types of data.
[0078] The reader 440 has the function of reading data from the IC tag. The IC tag was explained when describing the configuration of the umbrella sales device 3, so that explanation will be omitted here.
[0079] The reader 440 can be equipped with multiple types of readers to match the IC tag standards adopted. In other words, if there are multiple IC tag standards to be used, the reader 440 can be equipped with a reader corresponding to each standard. Furthermore, a writer function may be added to the reader 440 to enable writing data to the IC tag's memory.
[0080] In this embodiment, the reader 440 has the function of reading data related to an umbrella from an IC tag attached to the umbrella when the umbrella collected from the user is placed into the umbrella collection device 4. In addition, it may also have the function of reading data to identify the user from an IC tag embedded in a terminal such as a smartphone or a card held over the user's device.
[0081] As shown in Figure 7, the umbrella retrieval device 4 has, functionally speaking, a reading unit 41 and a transmitting unit 42.
[0082] The reading unit 41 (third reading unit) reads the data from the IC tag attached to the collected umbrella.
[0083] The transmission unit 42 (second transmission unit) transmits information including an umbrella ID (recovered umbrella identification information) that identifies the recovered umbrella, based on the data read by the reading unit 41, to the umbrella management server 2. The information transmitted to the umbrella management server 2 may include the date the umbrella was recovered, for example, the processing date when the umbrella was recovered from the user.
[0084] Furthermore, the umbrella ID transmitted to the umbrella management server 2 is not limited to being read by the reader unit 41; for example, it may be entered by the user or the collection company. Also, the data read by the reader unit 41 is not limited to IC tag data; for example, it may be barcode or two-dimensional code data.
[0085] [Processing Procedure in the Umbrella Management System] Referring to Figure 8, an example of the processing procedure for selling an umbrella in the umbrella management system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Note that the order of each processing step described below can be arbitrarily changed or executed in parallel, as long as it does not cause inconsistencies in the processing content. In addition, other steps can be added between each processing step. Furthermore, for convenience, a step described as one step can be divided into multiple steps and executed, and a step described as multiple steps for convenience can be executed as a single step.
[0086] First, the reading unit 31 of the umbrella sales device 3 reads the data from the IC tag corresponding to the user requesting to purchase an umbrella (step S101).
[0087] Next, the determination unit 32 of the umbrella sales device 3 determines whether the user can purchase an umbrella based on the data for settling the purchase price of the umbrella, which was read in step S101 (step S102). If this determination is NO (step S102; NO), the process returns to step S101.
[0088] If it is determined in step S102 that the user can purchase an umbrella (step S102; YES), the retrieval control unit 33 unlocks the lock 350 so that the umbrella can be retrieved (step S103).
[0089] Next, the reading unit 31 of the umbrella sales device 3 reads the data from the IC tag attached to the umbrella purchased by the user (step S104).
[0090] Next, the transmission unit 34 of the umbrella sales device 3 transmits information including the umbrella ID of the umbrella purchased by the user and the user ID of that user to the umbrella management server 2 (step S105).
[0091] Next, the update unit 22 of the umbrella management server 2 updates the umbrella management information 232a based on the information including the umbrella ID and user ID received from the umbrella sales device 3 (step S106). Then, this procedure ends.
[0092] Referring to Figure 9, an example of the processing procedure for collecting umbrellas in the umbrella management system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Note that the order of each processing step described below can be arbitrarily changed or executed in parallel, as long as it does not cause inconsistencies in the processing content. In addition, other steps can be added between each processing step. Furthermore, a step that is described as one step for convenience can be divided into multiple steps and executed, and a step that is described as multiple steps for convenience can be executed as a single step.
[0093] First, the reading unit 41 of the umbrella retrieval device 4 reads the data from the IC tag attached to the retrieved umbrella (step S201).
[0094] Next, the transmission unit 42 of the umbrella retrieval device 4 transmits information including an umbrella ID that identifies the retrieved umbrella to the umbrella management server 2 based on the data read in step S201 (step S202).
[0095] Next, the determination unit 23 of the umbrella management server 2 determines whether the collected umbrella was collected within a predetermined period after sale, based on the umbrella ID received from the umbrella collection device 4 and the umbrella management information 232a corresponding to the umbrella ID (step S203). If this determination is NO (step S203; NO), this procedure is terminated.
[0096] In step S203, if it is determined that the collected umbrella was collected within a predetermined period after it was sold (step S203; YES), the reward distribution unit 24 of the umbrella management server 2 distributes a reward to the user who purchased the umbrella (step S204). Then, this procedure ends.
[0097] [Effects of this embodiment] As described above, according to the umbrella management system 1 of this embodiment, the umbrella sales device 3 unlocks the lock 350 so that the umbrella can be taken out by a user requesting to purchase an umbrella, and transmits the umbrella identification ID of the purchased umbrella and the user ID of the user to the umbrella management server 2. The umbrella retrieval device 4 transmits the umbrella ID of the retrieved umbrella to the umbrella management server 2. If the umbrella management server 2 finds that the umbrella ID received from the umbrella retrieval device 4 matches an umbrella ID already received and stored from the umbrella sales device 3, and the retrieved umbrella has been retrieved within a predetermined period, it can award a reward to the user corresponding to that umbrella ID.
[0098] This makes it possible to incentivize users who purchase an umbrella to return it within a specified period. Therefore, it becomes possible to increase the opportunities to collect sold umbrellas.
[0099] [Differentiation] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit of the invention. For this reason, the above embodiments are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be interpreted restrictively.
[0100] For example, in the embodiment described above, a reward is given when the returned umbrella is returned within a predetermined period after purchase, but the conditions for giving a reward are not limited to this. For example, a reward may be given when the purchased umbrella is returned, regardless of the time elapsed until return, or a reward may be given when the umbrella is returned during a specific campaign period.
[0101] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the umbrella management server 2 receives information including the user ID from the umbrella sales device 3 and, but is not limited to this. For example, information including the user ID may be received from a payment application server (not shown). In this case, the user uses, for example, QR code (registered trademark) payment as a means of settling the price of the umbrella purchase. An example of the procedure for QR code payment is described below. First, the user launches a payment application installed on a user terminal such as a smartphone. Next, the user scans the QR code displayed on the surface of the umbrella sales device 3 with the user terminal. Subsequently, according to the user's instructions, a payment execution instruction is sent from the user terminal to the payment application server. Next, information including the user ID is sent from the payment application server to the umbrella management server 2.
[0102] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment described a procedure for selling and collecting umbrellas, the invention is not limited to this. For example, a procedure for recycling and selling the collected umbrellas may be added. In other words, the present invention may be incorporated into a scheme that repeatedly performs a series of steps: selling and collecting umbrellas, and then recycling and selling the collected umbrellas. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0103] 1…Umbrella management system, 2…Umbrella management server, 3…Umbrella sales device, 4…Umbrella collection device, 21…Receiving unit, 22…Update unit, 23…Determination unit, 24…Reward granting unit, 31…Reading unit, 32…Determination unit, 33…Retrieval control unit, 34…Transmission unit, 41…Reading unit, 42…Transmission unit, 210…Processor, 211…Memory, 220…Communication interface, 230…Storage device, 231…Program, 232…Database, 232a…Umbrella management information, 232b…Reward management information, 310…Processor, 311…Memory, 320…Communication interface, 330…Storage device, 340…Reader, 350…Lock, 410…Processor, 411…Memory, 420…Communication interface, 430…Storage device, 440…Reader
Claims
1. An umbrella management system comprising an umbrella vending machine that stores one or more umbrellas to be sold inside its casing, an umbrella collection machine that stores one or more collected umbrellas inside its casing, and a server, The aforementioned umbrella vending device A first reading unit reads first data for settling the purchase price of an umbrella from a first IC tag held by a user requesting the purchase of an umbrella, A first determination unit determines whether or not an umbrella can be purchased based on the first data read by the first reading unit, When the first determination unit determines that an umbrella can be purchased, the retrieval control unit controls the lock state of the lock that locks the retrieval opening for taking out one of the umbrellas stored inside the housing of the umbrella vending machine to an unlocked state that allows the umbrella to be taken out. A second reading unit reads second data related to an umbrella from a second IC tag attached to an umbrella purchased by the aforementioned user, A first transmission unit transmits to the server user identification information for identifying the user and purchased umbrella identification information for identifying the umbrella purchased by the user, based on the first data and the second data read by the first and second reading units, It has, The aforementioned umbrella retrieval device, A third reading unit reads third data about the umbrella from a third IC tag attached to the collected umbrella, A second transmission unit transmits to the server, based on the third data read by the third reading unit, information for identifying the recovered umbrellas. It has, The aforementioned server, A storage unit that stores umbrella management information related to each umbrella, for each umbrella identification information used to identify an umbrella, A receiving unit that receives the purchased umbrella identification information, the user identification information, and the returned umbrella identification information, respectively. An update unit updates the umbrella management information based on the purchased umbrella identification information and user identification information received by the receiving unit, A second determination unit determines whether the collected umbrella was collected within a predetermined period after sale, based on the collected umbrella identification information received by the receiving unit and the umbrella management information corresponding to the collected umbrella identification information. If the collected umbrella identification information received by the receiving unit matches the purchased umbrella identification information already received by the receiving unit and stored in the umbrella management information, and if the second determination unit determines that the collected umbrella was collected within a predetermined period after it was sold, the reward granting unit grants a reward to the user corresponding to the purchased umbrella identification information. Having, Umbrella management system.
2. A method to be performed in an umbrella management system comprising an umbrella vending machine that stores one or more umbrellas to be sold inside a casing, an umbrella collection machine that stores one or more collected umbrellas inside a casing, and a server, The aforementioned umbrella vending device A first reading step involves reading first data for settling the purchase price of an umbrella from a first IC tag held by a user requesting the purchase of an umbrella, A first determination step in which, based on the first data read in the first reading step, determines whether or not an umbrella can be purchased, If it is determined in the first determination step that an umbrella can be purchased, the removal control step controls the lock state of the lock that locks the opening for removing one of the umbrellas stored inside the housing of the umbrella vending machine to an unlocked state that allows the umbrella to be removed. A second reading step involves reading second data about an umbrella from a second IC tag attached to the umbrella purchased by the user, Based on the first data and the second data read in the first reading step and the second reading step, a first transmission step is performed to transmit user identification information for identifying the user and purchased umbrella identification information for identifying the umbrella purchased by the user to the server. The aforementioned umbrella retrieval device, A third reading step involves reading third data about the umbrella from a third IC tag attached to the collected umbrella, A second transmission step is performed in which, based on the third data read in the third reading step, a recovered umbrella identification information for identifying the recovered umbrella is sent to the server. The aforementioned server, A storage step in which umbrella management information related to an umbrella is stored for each umbrella identification information used to identify an umbrella, A receiving step that receives the purchased umbrella identification information, the user identification information, and the returned umbrella identification information, respectively. An update step to update the umbrella management information based on the received purchased umbrella identification information and user identification information, A second determination step, based on the received umbrella identification information and the umbrella management information corresponding to the umbrella identification information, determines whether the collected umbrella was collected within a predetermined period after it was sold. If the received umbrella identification information matches the purchased umbrella identification information already received and stored in the umbrella management information, and if the second determination step determines that the returned umbrella was returned within a predetermined period after it was sold, the system performs a reward granting step of granting a reward to the user corresponding to the purchased umbrella identification information. Umbrella management method.