Product storage, payment terminal, auxiliary product storage, and program

Abstract

To solve a problem in which previously there was no commodity storage that can unattendedly sell: commodities in a vending machine; and commodities in an additional commodity storage which is a commodity storage different from the vending machine.SOLUTION: A commodity storage comprises: a vending machine for selling one or more in-machine commodities; an additional commodity storage for storing at least one or more out-machine commodities that are different from the one or more in-machine commodities; and a settlement part that performs in-machine settlement processing related to a settlement for sales of the in-machine commodities and performs out-machine settlement processing related to a settlement for sales of the out-machine commodities. The commodity storage can be provided that is capable of unattendedly selling the commodities in the additional commodity storage, which is a commodity storage different from the vending machine, in addition to the commodities in the vending machine.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a commodity storage unit including a vending machine and an attached commodity storage unit.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there have been vending machines capable of selling commodities unattended (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). Also, various vending machines have existed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Non-Patent Documents

[0004]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the prior art, there has been no commodity storage unit capable of selling, unattended, commodities in an attached commodity storage unit, which is a commodity storage unit different from the vending machine, in addition to the commodities in the vending machine.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The first invention provides a product storage facility comprising: an automatic vending machine for selling one or more internal products; an auxiliary product storage facility for storing at least one or more products; and a settlement unit for performing internal settlement processing related to settlement for the sale of internal products and for performing external settlement processing related to settlement for the sale of products stored in the auxiliary product storage facility.

[0007] This configuration makes it possible to provide a product storage facility that can sell products not only from the vending machine itself, but also from an auxiliary product storage facility that is separate from the vending machine, without human intervention.

[0008] Furthermore, the goods warehouse of this second invention, in contrast to the first invention, comprises an internal settlement unit that performs internal settlement processing and an external settlement unit that performs external settlement processing, and the goods warehouse includes the same processing for both internal and external settlement processing.

[0009] With this configuration, both the products in the vending machine and the products in the attached product storage can be paid for using the same payment process.

[0010] Furthermore, the product storage of this third invention, in contrast to the second invention, is a product storage that comprises one or more indicators corresponding to internal products and one or more indicators corresponding to external products, an instruction receiving unit that receives instructions for the indicators, an internal settlement unit that performs internal settlement processing for the sale of internal products for the indicators received by the instruction receiving unit, and an external settlement unit that performs external settlement processing for the sale of external products for the indicators received by the instruction receiving unit.

[0011] With this configuration, users can purchase both items from the vending machine and items from the attached product storage area by directing the vending machine to the items it directs them to.

[0012] Furthermore, the product warehouse of this fourth invention, in contrast to the first invention, comprises an internal settlement unit that performs internal settlement processing and an external settlement unit that performs external settlement processing, and is a product warehouse in which internal settlement processing and external settlement processing are different processes.

[0013] With this configuration, products inside the vending machine and products inside the attached product storage can be settled using different payment processes.

[0014] Furthermore, the product storage of this fifth invention, in contrast to the fourth invention, is a payment terminal comprising an external payment unit which includes an external product identifier receiving means for receiving an external product identifier that identifies an external product, and an external payment processing means for performing payment processing for an external product corresponding to the external product identifier received by the external product identifier receiving means.

[0015] This configuration makes it possible to provide a payment terminal that processes payments for external products.

[0016] Furthermore, the payment terminal of the sixth invention is a payment terminal used for payment processing and installed in a goods warehouse for storing goods, and comprises a goods identifier receiving means for receiving an external goods identifier that identifies an external goods other than internal goods stored in a vending machine equipped in the goods warehouse, and a payment processing means for performing payment processing for the external goods corresponding to the external goods identifier received by the external goods identifier receiving means.

[0017] This configuration makes it possible to provide a payment terminal that processes payments for external products.

[0018] Furthermore, the payment terminal of the seventh invention, compared to the sixth invention, is a payment terminal in which the product identifier receiving means receives external product information including an external product identifier, and the payment processing means transmits the external product information.

[0019] This configuration allows for the transmission of information regarding the sale of external products.

[0020] Furthermore, the settlement terminal of the eighth invention, compared to the seventh invention, has a product identifier receiving means that also receives internal product information including an internal product identifier that identifies an internal product, and a settlement processing means that also transmits the internal product information received by the product identifier receiving means, and the destination for the external product information and the destination for the internal product information are different.

[0021] With such a configuration, when the sold product is an internal product or an external product, information regarding the sale can be notified to different destinations.

[0022] In addition, the settlement terminal of the ninth invention further includes a destination identifier storage unit that stores a destination identifier for specifying two or more destinations corresponding to an external product identifier or an internal product identifier with respect to the seventh or eighth invention. The settlement processing means is a settlement terminal that acquires a destination identifier corresponding to the external product identifier or the internal product identifier of the sold product and transmits the external product information or the internal product information to the destination specified by the destination identifier.

[0023] With such a configuration, information regarding the sale can be notified to different destinations according to the sold product. [[ID=十]]

[0024] In addition, the accessory product storage of the tenth invention is an accessory product storage that constitutes the product storage with respect to any one of the first to fifth inventions.

[0025] With such a configuration, external products can be arranged, and an accessory product storage used in pair with a vending machine can be provided.

Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to the product storage according to the present invention, in addition to the products in the vending machine, a product storage that can sell the products in an accessory product storage, which is a product storage different from the vending machine, without a person can be provided. <日付=

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] <000日付=000107>Conceptual diagram of the product sales system A in Embodiment 1 [Figure 2] Block diagram of the product sales system A [Figure 3] Diagram showing an example of the product storage [Figure 4] Diagram for explaining a specific operation example of the product sales system A [Figure 5]A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the vending machine 11. [Figure 6] A diagram illustrating a specific example of the operation of the product sales system A. [Figure 7] Conceptual diagram of product sales system B in Embodiment 2 [Figure 8] Block diagram of the product sales system B [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the payment terminal 33. [Figure 10] A diagram showing an example of the same product warehouse. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of the same product warehouse. [Figure 12] A diagram illustrating a specific example of the operation of the product sales system B. [Figure 13] Overview of the computer system in the above embodiment [Figure 14] Block diagram of the computer system [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] The embodiments of the product storage and other components will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that components with the same reference numerals in the embodiments perform similar operations, and therefore, further explanation may be omitted.

[0029] (Embodiment 1) In this embodiment, a product sales system including a product storage area comprising a vending machine, an attached product storage area, and a payment unit will be described. Note that the payment unit may be provided within the vending machine.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, we will describe a product sales system that includes a product storage unit equipped with a settlement unit that performs settlement processing for products inside the vending machine and products outside the attached product storage unit.

[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the payment processing for internal products (products inside the vending machine) and the payment processing for external products (products outside the vending machine) include the same processing, and a product sales system including a product warehouse that performs both processing will be described.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, both the payment processing for internal products and the payment processing for external products are carried out by instructions from a button on a vending machine, and a product sales system including a product warehouse capable of performing such processing will be described.

[0033] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of product sales system A in this embodiment. Product sales system A comprises one or more product storage units 1 and a server device 2. Product storage unit 1 comprises a vending machine 11 and an attached product storage unit 12. It goes without saying that the product storage unit 1 may function even without the server device 2.

[0034] The vending machine 11 is a device capable of selling products without human intervention. The products can be, for example, beverages, food, etc., but are not limited to these. Details of the vending machine 11 will be described later. The vending machine 11 is broadly defined as a device that can sell products without human intervention.

[0035] The auxiliary product storage unit 12 is a storage unit for one or more external products. The external product is the product stored in the auxiliary product storage unit 12. The external product is usually a different product from one or more internal products. However, the external product may be the same product as the internal product. For example, the internal product is a beverage sold in the vending machine 11 (e.g., mineral water), and the external product is the same beverage sold at room temperature (e.g., mineral water). The internal product is the product placed inside the vending machine 11. It is preferable that the auxiliary product storage unit 12 is a storage unit from which users can freely take out products. It is preferable that the auxiliary product storage unit 12 is a storage unit from which users can freely pick up products. It is preferable that the auxiliary product storage unit 12 is a storage unit that is not enclosed by walls. The auxiliary product storage unit 12 is, for example, a so-called rack. However, the auxiliary product storage unit 12 may be a storage unit in which external products are placed in a closed space enclosed by walls. When external products are placed in a closed space of the auxiliary product storage unit 12, it is preferable that the door constituting the closed space is not locked. Furthermore, the wall material is preferably transparent glass or resin, but an opaque material is also acceptable. It is also preferable that the auxiliary product storage unit 12 does not have a temperature control function. However, the auxiliary product storage unit 12 may have a temperature control function. The auxiliary product storage unit 12 may contain the same products as those inside the vending machine 11. However, it is preferable that the auxiliary product storage unit 12 contain at least one external product different from the internal products.

[0036] The location of the auxiliary product storage unit 12 is not specified. However, it is preferable that there are no other objects between the auxiliary product storage unit 12 and the vending machine 11. Furthermore, it is preferable that the auxiliary product storage unit 12 be located adjacent to the vending machine 11.

[0037] The size of the attached product storage unit 12 is not specified. However, it is preferable that the depth of the attached product storage unit 12 be the same as or approximately the same as the depth of the vending machine 11. It is preferable that the depth of the attached product storage unit 12 be smaller than the depth of the vending machine 11. For example, the depth of the attached product storage unit 12 is about 530 mm. The width of the attached product storage unit 12 is not specified. For example, it is preferable that the width of the attached product storage unit 12 be about 530 mm or smaller. It is preferable that the height of the attached product storage unit 12 be the same as the height of the vending machine 11 or lower than the height of the vending machine 11. For example, the height of the attached product storage unit 12 is between 1000 mm and 1800 mm.

[0038] The accessory storage unit 12 preferably has one or more shelves. External products can be placed on the shelves. The accessory storage unit 12 may also have a space in the lower area where other objects can be placed. These other objects may be, for example, a drink dispenser (see Figure 3). An example of a drink dispenser is shown as 14 in Figure 3. Other objects may also be, for example, a recycling box. These other objects may also be placed in the space above the accessory storage unit 12.

[0039] It is preferable that the vending machine 11 has functions similar to those of a known vending machine. It is also preferable that the vending machine 11 has a temperature control function. The temperature control function is one or more of the following functions: refrigeration, freezing, warming, etc.

[0040] Preferably, the internal products in the vending machine 11 are beverages, and the external products in the attached product storage 12 are food items (e.g., instant noodles, snacks, bento boxes, etc.) or non-food items (e.g., figurines, stationery, etc.). The vending machine 11 may also be a so-called dispenser, a cup vending machine, etc., and its type is not limited.

[0041] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the product sales system A in this embodiment. The product storage 1 that constitutes the product sales system A includes a vending machine 11 and an attached product storage 12.

[0042] The vending machine 11 includes two or more instruction targets 111, an instruction receiving unit 112, and a payment unit 113. The payment unit 113 includes an internal payment unit 1131 and an external payment unit 1132.

[0043] The server device 2 comprises a server storage unit 21, a server receiving unit 22, a server processing unit 23, and a server transmitting unit 24.

[0044] The vending machine 11 has the function of selling one or more internal products. The internal products are products placed inside the vending machine 11.

[0045] An object 111 is an object that corresponds to one or more products. It can also be said that an object 111 is an object that corresponds to the product to be purchased. An object 111 is, for example, a physical button displayed on the vending machine 11, or a button displayed on the screen of the vending machine 11. A physical button is, for example, 111 in Figure 1. The vending machine 11 here has one or more objects 111a that correspond to internal products, and one or more objects 111b that correspond to external products.

[0046] The instruction target 111 is associated with a product identifier and an amount (price). The product identifier and amount associated with the instruction target 111 are usually stored in a storage compartment (not shown) of the vending machine 11. The product identifier is, for example, an ID or name. The product identifier may also be the identifier of a button on the vending machine 11.

[0047] An instruction target 111 corresponding to an internal product will be referred to as an internal instruction target, as appropriate. Similarly, an instruction target 111 corresponding to an external product will be referred to as an external instruction target, as appropriate. An external instruction target may correspond to two or more external products. However, in such cases, the external instruction target corresponds to two or more external products of the same value. An external instruction target is associated with a pair of product identifiers and values ​​for one or more external products.

[0048] When a user purchasing a product instructs (for example, by pressing a button) one of the internal instruction targets 111, the internal product corresponding to that internal instruction target 111(a) is dispensed from the unillustrated compartment of the vending machine 11 and becomes available for retrieval from the product dispensing opening 114 (see Figure 1) of the vending machine 11. Needless to say, in order to purchase an internal product, the user may insert cash into the vending machine 11 or pay using an electronic money card. Furthermore, the process of purchasing an internal product may be implemented by using smartphone app payment, credit card, debit card, QR code (registered trademark) payment, or a configuration in which the user can pay at their seat and then go to the vending machine 11 and touch it to make a purchase. Since the processing of such a vending machine 11 is publicly known technology, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0049] Furthermore, when a user purchases an external product, and the external product stored in the attached product storage 12 is retrieved from the attached product storage 12, and the external instruction target 111(b) corresponding to that external product is instructed, the legitimate purchase of that external product is completed. Needless to say, when purchasing such an external product, the user may insert cash into the vending machine 11, or make a payment using a card such as an electronic money card or credit card. The order of the user's actions, such as instructing the external instruction target 111(b), retrieving the external product from the attached product storage 12, inserting cash, or holding an electronic money card, etc., over a reader (not shown) installed on the vending machine 11, does not matter. In addition, the process of purchasing an external product may be implemented by using smartphone app payment, credit card, debit card, QR code (registered trademark) payment, or a configuration in which the user can pay at their seat and then go to the vending machine 11 and touch it to make a purchase.

[0050] The instruction receiving unit 112 receives instructions for the instruction target 111. The instruction receiving unit 112 usually obtains a product identifier that identifies the product the user intends to purchase. The product identifier is either an internal product identifier or an external product identifier. An internal product identifier is an identifier for an internal product. An external product identifier is an identifier for an external product. The product identifier may be, for example, an ID or a name. The instruction receiving unit 112 may obtain two or more product identifiers. Such two or more product identifiers may include both internal and external product identifiers. In this case, settlement processing for the sale of two or more products corresponding to the two or more product identifiers may be performed at once. Furthermore, if the instruction receiving unit 112 obtains two or more product identifiers that include both internal and external product identifiers, processing for discounts may be performed. Processing for discounts is the process of obtaining a total amount less than the sum of the prices of the internal products identified by the internal product identifiers and the prices of the external products identified by the external product identifiers.

[0051] The instruction receiving unit 112 receives, for example, a press of a button that is the instruction target 111 of the vending machine 11.

[0052] In other words, "reception" here refers to actions such as pressing a button or receiving instructions from a device held by the user, and does not depend on how the user instructs the internal or external product they are purchasing.

[0053] The settlement unit 113 processes payments related to the sale of goods. The settlement unit 113 performs internal settlement processing related to the sale of internal goods. In addition, the settlement unit 113 performs external settlement processing related to the sale of external goods.

[0054] The internal settlement unit 1131 performs internal settlement processing for the sale of internal products to the instruction target 111 received by the instruction reception unit 112. For example, the internal settlement unit 1131 determines whether a legitimate settlement is possible for the internal products to the instruction target 111 received by the instruction reception unit 112, and if it determines that a legitimate settlement is possible, it outputs an instruction to retrieve the internal products to the instruction target 111 received by the instruction reception unit 112 from the storage area inside the vending machine 11. More specifically, the internal settlement unit 1131 determines, for example, whether cash corresponding to the price of the internal products has been inserted, whether the amount corresponding to the price of the internal products is stored on the electronic money card held over the user's tamper, or whether the amount corresponding to the price of the internal products can be debited from the user's cash card, and if it determines that a legitimate settlement is possible, it outputs an instruction to retrieve the internal products to the instruction target 111 received by the instruction reception unit 112 from the storage area inside the vending machine 11. Furthermore, the product dispensing mechanism (not shown) of the vending machine 11, upon receiving this instruction, performs a process to dispense the internal product for the instruction target 111 from the compartment where the internal product is located. Through this process of the product dispensing mechanism, the internal product is dispensed from the internal compartment (not shown) of the vending machine 11, and the internal product becomes available for dispensing from the product dispensing opening 114 (see Figure 1) of the vending machine 11. Furthermore, the internal settlement unit 1131 obtains the amount for the instruction target 111 received by the instruction receiving unit 112 from the vending machine 11, the server device 2, or an external device (not shown), and uses that amount to determine whether a legitimate settlement can be made.

[0055] Furthermore, the internal settlement unit 1131 transmits, for example, the internal product identifier of the internal product for the instruction target 111 to an external device. The external device is, for example, the server device 2, but it may be any other device.

[0056] The external settlement unit 1132 performs external settlement processing for the sale of external products to the instruction target 111 received by the instruction reception unit 112. The external settlement unit 1132, for example, determines whether a legitimate settlement is possible for the external products to the instruction target 111 received by the instruction reception unit 112, and if it determines that a legitimate settlement is possible, it transmits the external product identifier of the external products to the instruction target 111 to an external device. The external settlement unit 1132, for example, determines whether cash corresponding to the price of the external products has been inserted, whether the amount corresponding to the price of the external products is stored on the electronic money card held over the user's tamper, or whether the amount corresponding to the price of the external products can be debited from the user's cash card, and if it determines that a legitimate settlement is possible, it transmits the external product identifier of the external products to the instruction target 111 to an external device. The external device is, for example, the server device 2, but it may be any other device. The external settlement unit 1132 obtains the amount for the instruction target 111 received by the instruction reception unit 112 from the vending machine 11, the server device 2, or an external device (not shown), and uses that amount to determine whether or not a legitimate settlement can be made.

[0057] It is preferable for both the internal settlement unit 1131 and the external settlement unit 1132 to transmit product information, including the product identifier of the sold product, to the server device 2. The product information includes, for example, the product identifier and quantity. The product information may also include, for example, just the product identifier. The product information may also include, for example, the time of sale. The time is information obtained from a clock (not shown). The product information has, for example, a device identifier that identifies the product warehouse 1, the vending machine 11, or the attached product warehouse 12. The device identifier is stored, for example, in the vending machine 11. The device identifier may include, for example, an ID, the ID of the location where product warehouse 1 is installed, the address of the location where product warehouse 1 is installed, the company ID of the location where product warehouse 1 is installed, the name of the company of the location where product warehouse 1 is installed, etc.

[0058] The internal settlement unit 1131 performs the discharge process to dispense the internal products from the vending machine 11. On the other hand, the external settlement unit 1132 does not perform the discharge process to dispense the products from the vending machine 11. This is because the external products do not exist inside the vending machine 11, but are located in the attached product storage unit 12.

[0059] The server storage unit 21, which constitutes the server device 2, stores various types of information. These types of information include, for example, one or more product information items.

[0060] The server receiving unit 22 receives various types of information. For example, the server receiving unit 22 receives various types of information from the vending machine 11. These types of information include, for example, product information.

[0061] The server processing unit 23 performs various processes. These processes include, for example, storing information received by the server receiving unit 22 in the server storage unit 21. Other processes include, for example, processing the product information stored in the server storage unit 21. Processing the product information includes, for example, statistical processing. Statistical processing includes, for example, calculating total sales and sales profit.

[0062] The server transmission unit 24 transmits various types of information to an external device. This information may include, for example, product information.

[0063] The settlement unit 113, internal settlement unit 1131, external settlement unit 1132, and server processing unit 23 can be implemented using, for example, an MPU or memory. The processing procedures of the settlement unit 113, etc., are usually implemented in software, and this software is recorded on a recording medium such as ROM. However, it may also be implemented in hardware (dedicated circuitry).

[0064] The settlement unit 113, the internal settlement unit 1131, the external settlement unit 1132, and the server transmission unit 24 are implemented, for example, by wireless or wired communication means.

[0065] The server storage unit 21 is preferably made of a non-volatile recording medium, but it can also be made of a volatile recording medium.

[0066] The process by which information is stored in the server storage unit 21 is irrelevant. For example, information may be stored in the server storage unit 21 via a recording medium, information transmitted via a communication line or the like may be stored in the server storage unit 21, or information input via an input device may be stored in the server storage unit 21.

[0067] The server receiving unit 22 is usually implemented by wireless or wired communication means, but it may also be implemented by means of receiving broadcasts.

[0068] Next, an example of the operation of the vending machine 11, which constitutes the product sales system A, will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 5.

[0069] (Step S501) The instruction receiving unit 112 determines whether or not it has received an instruction from the user regarding the instruction target 111. If an instruction has been received, the unit proceeds to step S502; otherwise, it returns to step S501.

[0070] (Step S502) The settlement unit 113 obtains the product identifier for the instruction target 111.

[0071] (Step S503) The settlement unit 113 obtains the amount corresponding to the product identifier obtained in step S502 from a storage unit (not shown). Then, the settlement unit 113 uses this amount to determine whether payment is possible. If payment is possible, the process proceeds to step S504; otherwise, error processing is performed. Note that the processing in this step is based on publicly known technology. Note that in order for payment to be determined to be possible, for example, it is necessary that the vending machine 11 has cash equivalent to or greater than the amount in question inserted into it, or that it is a valid electronic money card and information on an electronic money card with an amount equivalent to or greater than the amount in question has been obtained.

[0072] (Step S504) The settlement unit 113 performs settlement processing. Settlement processing includes, for example, transferring the cash inserted by the user to a cash box (not shown) inside the vending machine 11, or settlement processing using an electronic money card or cash card. Since such settlement processing is publicly known technology, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0073] (Step S505) The settlement unit 113 determines whether the product identifier obtained in step S502 is an external product. If it is an external product, the process proceeds to step S507; if it is an internal product, the process proceeds to step S506. For example, a flag that identifies an external product is stored in conjunction with the external product identifier associated with an external product, and the settlement unit 113 determines whether this flag is stored in conjunction with the product identifier obtained in step S502.

[0074] (Step S506) The internal settlement unit 1131 performs the process of discharging the internal product identified by the product identifier obtained in step S502 from the interior of the vending machine 11 (not shown). Since this process is based on publicly known technology, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0075] (Step S507) The settlement unit 113 acquires product information including the product identifier obtained in step S502. The settlement unit 113 acquires, for example, a device identifier stored in a storage compartment (not shown) of the vending machine 11, and constructs product information including the device identifier and the product identifier.

[0076] (Step S508) The settlement unit 113 transmits the product information obtained in step S507 to the server device 2. The process returns to step S501.

[0077] (Step S509) The settlement unit 113 performs error processing. The process returns to step S501. Error processing includes, for example, outputting an error message and discharging the cash inserted into the cash dispenser (not shown) of the vending machine 11. The error message is stored, for example, in a storage unit (not shown) of the vending machine 11.

[0078] In the flowchart shown in Figure 5, processing is terminated by power-off or processing termination interrupts.

[0079] Next, the operation of the server device 2 will be described. The server receiving unit 22 of the server device 2 receives product information from the vending machine 11. Next, the server processing unit 23 stores the received product information in the server storage unit 21. The server processing unit 23 also performs predetermined statistical processing on one or more product information entries stored in the server storage unit 21 that include each device identifier, for example, and obtains the statistical processing results. Next, the server transmitting unit 24 transmits the statistical processing results to a device not shown.

[0080] The specific operation of product sales system A in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 4 and 6.

[0081] In this specific example, the internal product is a beverage. The external product is food items such as bread, snacks, and instant noodles.

[0082] Assume the user selects cup noodles from among several types of external products in the attached product compartment 12 and takes the cup noodles out of the attached product compartment 12 (see Figure 6(1)). Next, assume the user presses the instruction target 111(c) corresponding to the cup noodles on the vending machine 11 (see Figure 6(2)). Next, assume the user inserts cash or holds an electronic money card or credit card over the vending machine 11 to perform the payment action (see Figure 6(3)).

[0083] In response to the user's actions described above, the instruction receiving unit 112 of the vending machine 11 receives an instruction for the instruction target 111(c). Next, the payment unit 113 retrieves the product identifier for the instruction target 111(c) (for example, "Cup Noodles A") from a storage unit (not shown). Next, the payment unit 113 retrieves the amount (for example, "180 yen") that corresponds to the retrieved product identifier from a storage unit (not shown). Then, the payment unit 113 determines that payment is possible using the amount "180 yen" (for example, the user has inserted 180 yen or more in cash). Next, the payment unit 113 performs the payment processing described above.

[0084] Next, the settlement unit 113 determines that the acquired product identifier "Cup Noodles A" is an external product. Note that the determination that the acquired product identifier is an external product also includes the determination that the instruction target 111 corresponding to the external product has been specified.

[0085] Next, the payment unit 113 retrieves the device identifier "M1" stored in a storage compartment (not shown) of the vending machine 11, and constructs product information (for example, "M1, Cup Noodles A, 1 piece") that includes the device identifier "M1" and the product identifier "Cup Noodles A". The quantity "1 piece" is a default value and is stored in a storage compartment (not shown) beforehand, for example. It goes without saying that the default value could be "2" or other values ​​instead of "1".

[0086] Next, the settlement unit 113 transmits the product information acquired in step S507 to the server device 2.

[0087] Next, the server receiving unit 22 of the server device 2 receives product information "M1, Cup Noodles A, 1 piece" from the vending machine 11. Then, the server processing unit 23 stores the received product information in the server storage unit 21.

[0088] The server processing unit 23 performs predetermined statistical processing on one or more product information entries stored in the server storage unit 21 containing the device identifier, for each device identifier, and obtains the statistical processing results. Then, the server transmission unit 24 transmits the statistical processing results to a device (not shown).

[0089] Next, the user presses the instruction target 111(a) corresponding to the beverage they believe will go well with "Cup Noodles A" in order to purchase that beverage. Next, the user inserts cash or holds an electronic money card or credit card over the vending machine 11 to perform the payment action.

[0090] In response to the user's actions described above, the vending machine 11 dispenses a beverage corresponding to the instruction target 111(a).

[0091] In the above specific example, beverages from the vending machine 11 and snacks (for example, instant noodles, bread, etc.) placed in the attached product storage room 12 can be easily sold together without human intervention.

[0092] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a product storage facility that can sell products from an auxiliary product storage facility 12, which is different from the vending machine 11, in addition to the products in the vending machine 11, without human intervention.

[0093] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, both the products in the vending machine 11 and the products in the attached product storage 12 can be paid for using the same payment process.

[0094] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the user can purchase both the products in the vending machine 11 and the products in the attached product storage 12 by giving instructions to the vending machine 11 regarding the items it is instructing.

[0095] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, an accessory product storage unit 12 can be provided that can hold external products and is used together with the vending machine 11.

[0096] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, while an organization (for example, a company) that introduces the product warehouse 1 will need to bear the cost of electricity and other expenses for the vending machine 11, the overall cost burden is small.

[0097] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since not only the cash obtained from the sale of internal products but also the cash obtained from the sale of external products is stored in the vending machine 11, the risk of cash theft is reduced.

[0098] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the same person can replenish external products in the attached product storage 12 at the same time as replenishing internal products in the vending machine 11, thus preventing an increase in product replenishment costs.

[0099] The processing of the vending machine 11 in this embodiment may be implemented by software. This software may be distributed by software download or the like. Alternatively, this software may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed. This also applies to other embodiments in this specification. The software that implements the vending machine 11 in this embodiment is the following program. In other words, this program is a program that causes a computer to function as an instruction receiving unit that receives instructions for one or more instruction targets corresponding to internal products and one or more instruction targets corresponding to external products, an internal settlement unit that performs internal settlement processing for the sale of internal products to the instruction targets received by the instruction receiving unit, and an external settlement unit that performs external settlement processing for the sale of external products to the instruction targets received by the instruction receiving unit.

[0100] (Embodiment 2) The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the payment processing for the sale of external products is performed by the payment terminal. Another difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the vending machine does not need to have an object for instructing the purchase of external products.

[0101] In this embodiment, a product sales system including a vending machine, an attached product storage area, and a payment terminal will be described. The payment terminal is a payment terminal installed in the vending machine and is capable of processing payments for external products other than those sold in the vending machine.

[0102] In this embodiment, a product sales system including a payment terminal equipped with means for transmitting product information relating to purchased products will be described.

[0103] In this embodiment, we will describe a product sales system that includes payment terminals with different destinations for internal products (items inside a vending machine) and external products.

[0104] In this embodiment, a product sales system including a payment terminal is described, which manages destination information associated with both internal and external products of a vending machine.

[0105] Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram of the product sales system B in this embodiment. The product sales system B comprises one or more product warehouses 3 and one or more server devices 2. The product warehouse 3 comprises a vending machine 31, an attached product warehouse 12, and a payment terminal 33.

[0106] Figure 8 is a block diagram of the product sales system B in this embodiment. The vending machine 31, which constitutes the product warehouse 3 that makes up the product sales system B, includes an instruction target 111, an instruction receiving unit 112, and a payment unit 313. Note that the vending machine 31 may be the same as the vending machine 11. The payment unit 313 also includes an internal payment unit 1131.

[0107] The payment terminal 33 includes a destination identifier storage unit 331 and a payment unit 332. The payment unit 332 includes a product identifier receiving means 3321 and a payment processing means 3322.

[0108] The vending machine 31 is, for example, a well-known vending machine. The vending machine 31, for example, in response to the insertion of cash and the receipt of instructions for the instruction target 111, dispenses an internal product corresponding to the instruction target 111 from the compartment inside the vending machine 31. The vending machine 31, for example, in response to communication with an electronic money card and the receipt of instructions for the instruction target 111, dispenses an internal product corresponding to the instruction target 111 from the compartment inside the vending machine 31.

[0109] The destination identifier storage unit 331, which constitutes the payment terminal 33, stores destination identifiers corresponding to product identifiers. A destination identifier is information that identifies the destination of information such as product information. For example, a destination identifier may be the IP address, email address, or telephone number of the destination server device. The destination identifier storage unit 331 stores destination identifiers corresponding to external product identifiers or internal product identifiers, for example. There may be one or more corresponding product identifiers for a given destination identifier. Here, the correspondence may be direct or indirect.

[0110] The settlement unit 313 receives an external product identifier that identifies an external product and performs settlement processing for the external product corresponding to the external product identifier.

[0111] The product identifier receiving means 3321 receives an external product identifier. The method of receiving the external product identifier is not specified. The product identifier receiving means 3321 may be implemented as a code reader that reads a code displayed on an external product. The product identifier receiving means 3321 may also consist of a receiving module that receives an external product identifier. The external product identifier is information that identifies an external product other than the internal products stored in the vending machine 31 equipped in the product warehouse 3. The code is, for example, a two-dimensional code. The code is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark), a barcode, etc. However, it goes without saying that the code can be anything and is not specified.

[0112] The product identifier receiving means 3321 may also accept external product information, including an external product identifier. The external product information may include, for example, the quantity sold. The external product information may also include, for example, an equipment identifier. The external product information may consist only of the external product identifier.

[0113] The product identifier receiving means 3321 may also receive internal product information, including an internal product identifier that identifies an internal product. For example, the product identifier receiving means 3321 obtains a product identifier corresponding to the instructed instruction target 111 from the vending machine 31.

[0114] The payment processing means 3322 performs payment processing for the payment of external products corresponding to the external product identifier received by the external product identifier receiving means 3321. The payment processing can be any processing related to payment. For example, payment processing may include transmitting the sold product identifier, transmitting the amount and user identifier to the server device 2 or a payment server (not shown), writing the reduction information to the electronic money card, and transmitting the purchase amount and the ID of the electronic money card to the server device 2 or a payment server (not shown) to deduct the purchase amount. The user identifier is, for example, an identifier obtained from an electronic money card or credit card by a reader (not shown) installed in the vending machine 11.

[0115] The payment processing means 3322 transmits, for example, external product information. The payment processing means 3322 transmits, for example, the external product information to a payment server for deducting the purchase amount.

[0116] The payment processing means 3322 may also transmit the internal product information received by the product identifier receiving means 3321. In other words, the payment terminal 33 may perform the payment processing for the sale of internal products.

[0117] The payment processing means 3322 obtains a destination identifier corresponding to the external product identifier or internal product identifier of the sold product from the destination identifier storage unit 331, and transmits the external product information or internal product information to the destination specified by the destination identifier.

[0118] The destination identifier storage unit 331 is preferably a non-volatile recording medium, but it can also be implemented using a volatile recording medium.

[0119] The process by which information is stored in the destination identifier storage unit 331 is irrelevant. For example, information may be stored in the destination identifier storage unit 331 via a recording medium, information transmitted via a communication line or the like may be stored in the destination identifier storage unit 331, or information input via an input device may be stored in the destination identifier storage unit 331.

[0120] The settlement unit 313 and the settlement processing means 3322 can typically be implemented using an MPU, memory, etc. The processing procedures of the settlement unit 313, etc., are typically implemented in software, and this software is recorded on a recording medium such as ROM. However, they may also be implemented in hardware (dedicated circuitry).

[0121] The settlement unit 313 and the settlement processing means 3322 may be implemented by communication means.

[0122] The product identifier receiving means 3321 is implemented by, for example, a code reader, a communication means, etc.

[0123] Next, an example of the operation of the payment terminal 33, which constitutes the product sales system B, will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 9.

[0124] (Step S901) The product identifier receiving means 3321 determines whether or not it has received a product identifier. If a product identifier has been received, the process proceeds to step S902; if a product identifier has not been received, the process proceeds to step S911.

[0125] (Step S902) The payment processing means 3322 obtains the product identifier received in step S901.

[0126] (Step S903) The settlement processing means 3322 retrieves the amount corresponding to the product identifier obtained in step S902 from a storage unit (not shown). The settlement unit 113 then uses this amount to determine whether or not payment is possible. If payment is possible, the process proceeds to step S904; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S909. The settlement processing means 3322 may, for example, use the card information temporarily stored in step S912 (for example, the amount stored in an electronic money card) to determine whether or not payment is possible.

[0127] (Step S904) The settlement processing means 3322 determines whether the product identifier obtained in step S902 is an external product. If it is an external product, the process proceeds to step S906; if it is an internal product, the process proceeds to step S905. The settlement processing means 3322 determines whether it is an external product, for example, by checking whether there is a flag indicating an external product associated with the product identifier obtained in step S902 or the indicated target 111. The algorithm for the determination process here is not specified.

[0128] (Step S905) The payment processing means 3322 instructs the vending machine 31 to dispense the internal product identified by the product identifier obtained in step S902 from the interior of the vending machine 31 (not shown). In response to this instruction to the vending machine 31, the internal product is dispensed from the interior of the vending machine 31.

[0129] (Step S906) The payment processing means 3322 performs payment processing. Payment processing includes, for example, transferring the cash inserted by the user to a cash box (not shown) inside the vending machine 11, or payment processing using an electronic money card or cash card. Such payment processing is publicly known technology.

[0130] (Step S907) The payment processing means 3322 acquires product information including the product identifier obtained in step S902. The payment processing means 3322 acquires, for example, a device identifier stored in a storage compartment (not shown) of the payment terminal 33, and constructs product information including the device identifier and the product identifier.

[0131] (Step S908) The payment processing means 3322 obtains a destination identifier corresponding to the product identifier from the destination identifier storage unit 331. Then, the payment processing means 3322 transmits the product information obtained in step S907 to the server device 2 identified by the destination identifier. The process returns to step S901.

[0132] (Step S909) The settlement processing means 3322 determines whether a timeout has occurred. If a timeout has occurred, the process proceeds to step S910; otherwise, it returns to step S903.

[0133] (Step S910) The payment processing means 3322 performs error processing. The process returns to step S901. Error processing may include, for example, outputting an error message or discharging the cash inserted into the cash dispenser (not shown) of the vending machine 31.

[0134] (Step S911) The payment terminal 33 determines whether or not it has obtained information about the card (e.g., an electronic money card or a credit card). If it has obtained the information, it proceeds to step S912; otherwise, it returns to step S901.

[0135] (Step S912) The payment terminal 33 temporarily stores the card information acquired in step S911 in a storage unit (not shown) of the payment terminal 33. Return to step S901.

[0136] In the flowchart shown in Figure 9, processing is terminated by power-off or processing termination interrupts.

[0137] The specific operation of the product sales system B in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 10 and 11.

[0138] Figures 10 and 11 show an example of a product storage room 3. The vending machine 31 in product storage room 3 is a beverage vending machine. In addition, the auxiliary product storage room 12 contains several types of external products, such as snacks and instant noodles.

[0139] Now, let's assume the user has selected instant noodles from among several types of external products in the accessory storage compartment 12 and taken the instant noodles out of the accessory storage compartment 12. Next, the user touches a designated area of ​​the payment terminal 33 (in this case, for example, the LCD screen) (Step 1 in Figure 12). Then, the payment terminal 33 becomes ready to start operating.

[0140] Next, the user brings the code (in this case, a barcode) printed on the surface of the cup noodles close to the reader included in the payment terminal 33, allowing the reader to read the code (Step 2 in Figure 12). The product identifier receiving means 3321 of the payment terminal 33 then reads the code and obtains the product identifier corresponding to that code. The payment terminal 33 then outputs a payment method selection screen stored in a storage unit (not shown).

[0141] Next, the user selects a payment method (Step 3 in Figure 12). For example, let's say the user selects the menu item "Transportation".

[0142] Next, the user inserts the transportation electronic money card into the payment terminal 33. Then, the payment processing means 3322 retrieves the amount corresponding to the acquired product identifier from a storage unit (not shown).

[0143] Next, the user holds their electronic money card over the vending machine 11 and performs the action to make a payment. Then, the payment unit 113 determines that payment is possible using the amount. The payment processing means 3322 then performs the payment processing. The payment processing is, for example, a known payment processing using an electronic money card.

[0144] Next, the payment processing means 3322 determines that the product identifier obtained in step S902 is an external product.

[0145] Next, the payment processing means 3322 acquires product information including the acquired product identifier. The payment processing means 3322 acquires, for example, a device identifier stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the payment terminal 33, and constructs product information including the device identifier and the product identifier. Next, the payment processing means 3322 transmits the product information to the server device 2.

[0146] Next, the server receiving unit 22 of the server device 2 receives product information from the payment terminal 33. Then, the server processing unit 23 stores the received product information in the server storage unit 21.

[0147] The server processing unit 23 performs predetermined statistical processing on one or more product information entries stored in the server storage unit 21 containing the device identifier, for each device identifier, and obtains the statistical processing results. Then, the server transmission unit 24 transmits the statistical processing results to a device (not shown).

[0148] Next, the user presses the instruction target 111(a) corresponding to the beverage they believe will go well with the cup noodles they purchased. Then, the user inserts cash or holds an electronic money card or credit card over the vending machine 11 to make a payment.

[0149] In the above specific example, a product storage facility can be provided that allows for the easy, unmanned sale of beverages from the vending machine 31 and snacks (for example, instant noodles, bread, etc.) placed in the attached product storage facility 12 as a set.

[0150] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a product storage facility that can sell products from an auxiliary product storage facility 12, which is different from the vending machine 31, in addition to the products in the vending machine 31, without human intervention.

[0151] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the products in the vending machine 31 and the products in the attached product storage 12 can be settled using different settlement processes.

[0152] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a payment terminal can be provided that processes payments for external products. In addition, since the payment terminal does not require the vending machine 31 to handle external products, the vending machine 31 requires fewer improvements and modifications.

[0153] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, information regarding the sale of external products can be transmitted.

[0154] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, information regarding the sale can be sent to different recipients depending on whether the sold product is an internal product or an external product.

[0155] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, sales information can be sent to different recipients depending on the product sold.

[0156] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, external products can be placed inside, and an auxiliary product storage unit can be provided for use in conjunction with a vending machine.

[0157] The software that implements the payment terminal 33 in this embodiment is as follows. In other words, this program causes the computer to function as a product identifier receiving means that receives an external product identifier that identifies an external product other than the internal products stored in the vending machine equipped in the product warehouse, and as a payment processing means that performs payment processing for the external product corresponding to the external product identifier received by the external product identifier receiving means.

[0158] Figure 13 also shows the external appearance of a computer that executes the program described herein to realize the various embodiments of the vending machine, server device, and payment terminal described above. The embodiments described above can be realized with computer hardware and computer programs executed thereon. Figure 13 is an overview of this computer system 300, and Figure 14 is a block diagram of the system 300.

[0159] In Figure 13, the computer system 300 includes a computer 301 with a CD-ROM drive, a keyboard 302, a mouse 303, and a monitor 304.

[0160] In Figure 14, the computer 301 includes, in addition to the CD-ROM drive 3012, an MPU 3013, a bus 3014 connected to the CD-ROM drive 3012, a ROM 3015 for storing programs such as boot-up programs, a RAM 3016 connected to the MPU 3013 for temporarily storing application program instructions and providing temporary storage space, and a hard disk 3017 for storing application programs, system programs, and data. Although not shown here, the computer 301 may further include a network card for providing connectivity to a LAN.

[0161] The program that causes the computer system 300 to execute the functions of the vending machine, etc., as described above may be stored on CD-ROM 3101, inserted into CD-ROM drive 3012, and then transferred to hard disk 3017. Alternatively, the program may be transmitted to computer 301 via a network (not shown) and stored on hard disk 3017. The program is loaded into RAM 3016 during execution. The program may also be loaded directly from CD-ROM 3101 or the network.

[0162] The program does not necessarily have to include an operating system (OS) or third-party program that causes the computer 301 to execute the functions of the vending machine, etc., as described above. The program only needs to include the instruction portion that calls the appropriate function (module) in a controlled manner and obtains the desired result. How the computer system 300 operates is well known, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0163] In the above program, steps such as sending information and receiving information do not include hardware-based processing, such as processing performed by a modem or interface card in the transmission step (processing that can only be performed by hardware).

[0164] Furthermore, the computer running the above program may be a single computer or multiple computers. In other words, it may perform centralized processing or distributed processing.

[0165] Furthermore, it goes without saying that in each of the above embodiments, two or more communication means present in a single device may be physically implemented in a single medium.

[0166] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, each process may be implemented by centralized processing by a single device, or by distributed processing by multiple devices.

[0167] It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible, all of which are also included within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0168] As described above, the product storage facility according to the present invention has the effect of providing a product storage facility that can sell products not only from the vending machine but also from an auxiliary product storage facility that is separate from the vending machine, without human intervention, and is therefore useful as a product storage facility to be installed in a company. [Explanation of symbols]

[0169] 1, 3 Product warehouse 2 Server devices 11, 31 Vending machines 12. Accessory storage 21 Server storage section 22 Server receiving unit 23 Server Processing Unit 24 Server transmission section 33 Payment terminals 111 Target of instruction 112 Instruction Reception Department 113, 313, 332 Settlement Department 114 Product outlet 331 Destination identifier storage unit 1131 Internal Settlement Department 1132 External Settlement Department 3321 External product identifier receiving means 3321 Part Product Identifier Reception Method 3321 Product Identifier Reception Method 3322 Payment Processing Method

Claims

1. A method for selling goods in a goods sales system comprising a goods warehouse and a server device, The aforementioned product storage facility comprises a vending machine and an attached product storage facility, or a vending machine, an attached product storage facility, and a payment terminal. The aforementioned vending machine sells one or more internal products and includes two or more instruction targets and an instruction receiving unit that receives instructions from the user for the instruction targets. The aforementioned accessory storage unit is a storage unit that stores at least one or more external products, and allows users to freely retrieve the external products. The vending machine or payment terminal performs internal settlement processing for the sale of the internal product, and when the instruction receiving unit receives an instruction for the instruction target corresponding to the external product identifier, the external product stored in the auxiliary product storage and identified by the external product identifier performs external settlement processing for the sale of the external product; The vending machine or the payment terminal transmits product information to the server device, which includes a device identifier that identifies either the product storage, the vending machine, or the attached product storage, and a product identifier that identifies the product that was sold. The vending machine performs the following steps: it obtains a product identifier for the instruction target received by the instruction receiving unit, and if it is determined that the product identified by the product identifier is an internal product, it discharges the product identified by the product identifier from inside the vending machine; A method for selling goods, comprising the steps of: when the vending machine or the payment terminal completes the payment processing for the item to be instructed, notifying the user of the purchase of the goods.

2. The aforementioned vending machine has a temperature control function, The product sales method according to claim 1, wherein the attached product storage unit does not have a temperature control function.

3. The aforementioned accessory storage unit is The product sales method according to claim 1, wherein the product is stored in a closed space surrounded by walls.

4. The product sales method according to claim 3, wherein the door constituting the enclosed space in the attached product storage room is not locked.

5. The product sales method according to claim 1, wherein one or two of the processes of purchasing the internal product and purchasing the external product are performed at the user's terminal.

6. The product sales method according to claim 5, wherein the processing performed on the user's terminal is the processing of app payment.

7. The product sales method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the vending machine further transmits the internal product identifier of the internal product or the external product identifier of the external product.

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