Material supply device

Abstract

To provide an article supply apparatus capable of switching plural supply modes.SOLUTION: An article supply apparatus includes: a storage unit capable of storing an article; and an article supply control unit for controlling supply of the article. The article supply control unit switchably controls a first supply mode in which an article stored in the storage unit is artificially selected and supplied, and a second supply mode in which an article stored in the storage unit is randomly selected and supplied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an article supply device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a prize providing device that provides prizes by lottery, such as a lottery (for example, Patent Document 1). The prize providing device described in Patent Document 1 includes a payment input unit, a storage unit in which a plurality of prizes are displayed, a prize outlet from which a prize is taken out, a plurality of selection means arranged unrelated to the prize in appearance, a prize sending mechanism that sends the prize to the prize outlet, and a control device that controls from payment input to prize extraction. The control device makes the selection means selectable in the same number as the prizes in the storage unit, and randomly associates the selection means and the prizes one-to-one.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the supply of articles is not only for selecting articles provided by lottery such as a lottery, but there are various supply methods. Thus, an article supply device capable of switching between a plurality of supply forms by one article supply device has been desired. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an article supply device capable of switching between a plurality of supply forms.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is an article supply device comprising a storage section capable of accommodating articles, and an article supply control unit for controlling the supply of the articles, wherein the article supply control unit controls to switch between a first supply mode in which articles stored in the storage section are intentionally selected and supplied, and a second supply mode in which articles stored in the storage section are randomly selected and supplied. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an article supply device that can switch between multiple supply modes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the external appearance of the article supply device 1 in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing the internal structure of the main body 2 of the article supply device 1 shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the article supply device 1 in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of an item table, item selection screen data, and image data for presentation. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the article supply device 1 in this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the external appearance of the item supply device 1 in the item selection waiting state. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the external appearance of the item supply device 1 in the item selection state. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the external appearance of the article supply device 1 in the article supply state. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a block diagram of the article supply device 1 in a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the article supply device 1 in a modified example of this embodiment. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is an external view of the article supply device 1 when the article supply device 1 is in the article lottery state. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an external view of the article supply device 1 when the article supply device 1 is in the article lottery state. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the article supply device 1 in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an example of data stored in the storage unit 113. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the operation of the article supply device 1 in the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a view showing the appearance of the article supply device 1 in the article purchase state. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a view showing the appearance of the article supply device 1 in the article purchase state. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a view showing the appearance of the article supply device 1 in the article lottery state. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an example of the lottery result presentation image 1 displayed on the article supply device 1. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an example of the lottery result presentation image 2 displayed on the article supply device 1.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described. <First Embodiment> The first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a view showing the appearance of the article supply device 1 in the first embodiment. The article supply device 1 includes a main body 2, an operation display unit 3, a display unit 4 (black painted part), a supply port 5, a panel unit 6 including a bill insertion slot, a coin insertion slot and a return lever, and a coin return port 7.

[0010] The main body part 2 is a main body that supplies articles. The articles to be supplied are, for example, those in which toys or the like are stored in a dividable spherical capsule, so-called food toys, seals, and other articles.

[0011] The operation display part 3 is a touch panel including a display part (display) capable of displaying images. The display part (display) can display article information such as the article name and price of the articles that can be supplied, and images of various kinds of information. By the user touching (selecting) the area of the article information displayed on the operation display part 3, the article to be purchased can be selected. Further, the operation part 4 is configured such that the articles accommodated in the main body part 2 are not visible to the user (article purchaser), and is provided on the front surface of the article supply device 1.

[0012] The display part 4 is, for example, a large liquid crystal display. The display part 4 is composed of a display part 41 on the front surface of the main body part 2, a display part 42 on the left side surface of the main body part 2, and a display part 43 on the right side surface of the main body part 2. The display part 41 is disposed so as to cover a part excluding the operation display part 3, the supply port 5, the panel part 6 including the paper money insertion port, the coin insertion port, and the return lever, and the coin return port 7. Incidentally, it is preferable that the display part 41 occupies an area of 90% or more of the front surface area excluding the operation display part 3 and the supply port 5. Also, the display part 42 on the left side surface and the display part 43 on the right side surface are disposed so as to cover the left side surface and the right side surface of the main body 2. Incidentally, it is preferable that the display part 42 on the left side surface and the display part 43 on the right side surface occupy an area of 90% or more of the left side surface or the right side surface of the main body part 2. Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the display part 4 is provided on the front surface, the left side surface, and the right side surface of the main body part 2, but it may also be provided on the back surface and the upper surface of the main body part 2.

[0013] The supply port 5 is an opening for the user to receive the purchased article, and is formed at a position below the window part in the opening and closing door. The supply port 5 is always in a closed state by the article extraction door provided on the opening and closing door 20 described later, and can be opened by pushing the article extraction door inward and turning it.

[0014] Panel section 6 includes a banknote slot, a coin slot, and a return lever. The banknote slot is an opening for receiving banknotes, and the coin slot is an opening for receiving coins. The return lever is operated when returning the money. The coin return slot 7 is the part from which returned coins and change are dispensed.

[0015] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing the internal structure of the main body 2 of the article supply device 1 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the main body 2 is provided with an opening / closing door 20. The opening / closing door 20 opens and closes the front opening of the main body 2. The opening / closing door 20 is provided with an operation display unit 3, a supply port 5, a panel unit 6, a coin return port 7, and a display unit 41. The main body 2 is an open, rectangular article supply device, and an article storage compartment 21 with an insulated structure is arranged inside it. The article storage compartment 21 has multiple article racks 22 arranged vertically. These article racks 22 are each mounted between rack support side plates (not shown) erected on both sides of the article storage compartment 21, and are used to store articles.

[0016] The item rack 22 is constructed by arranging multiple storage columns (item placement sections) side by side. Each storage column in the item rack 22 is equipped with a column case. The column case is made of, for example, a resin material and is elongated with its longitudinal direction in the front-to-back direction. A spiral is provided in the column case. The spiral is formed by winding, for example, a metal rod in a spiral shape along the front-to-back direction (the direction in which the column case extends). The spiral is rotatable around its central axis by a motor (not shown). When the motor is driven, the spiral rotates, for example, clockwise around its central axis when viewed from the front. As the spiral rotates clockwise around its central axis when viewed from the front, it gradually discharges the items confined between each pitch towards the front, and also discharges the item confined between the foremost pitches towards the front from the item storage passage. In this way, a single storage column (item placement section) is configured to hold multiple items in a single row along its length, without the items touching each other. Furthermore, a missing item actuator is provided at the very front of the column case to detect items that are being held in place. This missing item actuator can detect the presence or absence of items being held in place. When the missing item actuator no longer detects any items being held in place, it means that all the items stored in that storage column have been removed. In other words, that storage column is missing.

[0017] In the front area of ​​the item rack 22, transport rails 23 are arranged on both sides in a pair, left and right configuration. Transport trays 24 are arranged between these transport rails 23 so as to be movable vertically by a transport mechanism (not shown). In other words, a transport passage 25 is formed between the transport rails 23 for the transport trays 24 to pass through. This transport passage 25 extends to the front of the machine room 26, and the transport passage 25 and the machine room 26 are separated by a partition insulation material. The transport tray 24 transports items from the storage column to the item retrieval area X near the supply port 5.

[0018] Furthermore, if the items require cooling, such as food, a cooling means may be provided within the item storage compartment 21. For example, the item storage compartment 21 is equipped with an evaporator 30 as a cooling means. The evaporator 30 forms a refrigeration cycle that circulates refrigerant with a compressor 31, a condenser 32, etc., located in the machine room 26. It cools the air inside the item storage compartment 21 by exchanging heat between the refrigerant passing through its own refrigerant passage (not shown) and the air passing around it.

[0019] The air cooled around the evaporator 30 is drawn into the ventilation passage 36 through the intake port 35 of the rear duct 34 installed at the rear of the item storage compartment 21 by the operation of the internal ventilation fan 33. After passing through this ventilation passage 36, the air is blown out from the outlet 37, thereby cooling the items stored in the item racks 22.

[0020] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the item supply device 1. As shown in Figure 3, the item supply device 1 comprises a cooling / heating device 100, a dispensing device 101, a coin mechanism 102, a bill validator 103, an operation display unit 3, a display unit 4, a sound output unit 8, a main control unit 104, and an item supply main control unit 105.

[0021] The refrigeration device 100 controls the refrigeration cycle described above under the control of the main unit control 104 so that the food reaches a specified temperature, for example, 10°C or below. The unloading device 101 transports the items unloaded from the storage column via the transport tray 24 from the storage column to the item unloading area X near the supply port 5.

[0022] The coin mechanism 102 organizes the number of each type of coin inserted and transmits this information to the goods supply control unit 105. It also dispenses the coins according to instructions from the goods supply control unit 105. The coin mechanism 102 also has a money identification function that identifies the authenticity and denomination of the coins.

[0023] The bill validator 103 organizes the number of banknotes inserted and transmits this information to the goods supply control unit 105. The bill validator 103 also dispenses banknotes according to instructions from the goods supply control unit 105. The bill validator 103 also has a money identification function that identifies the authenticity and denomination of the banknotes.

[0024] The main control unit 104 controls the cooling / heating device 100 and the unloading device 101 under the control of the main item supply control unit 105. The main control unit 104 also unloads items from the front end of the storage column in accordance with unloading commands transmitted from the main item supply control unit 105.

[0025] The operation display unit 3 is a touch panel. The display control unit 112 displays item information (item name, price, item image, etc.) of the items to be supplied on the touch panel's display (display unit), allowing the user to select the items to be supplied by touch operation. The operation display unit 3 outputs an operation input signal to the item supply main control unit 105 in response to the operation input. The operation input signal includes information that identifies the selected item. In addition, the display control unit 112 can also display images other than item information on the touch panel's display (display unit).

[0026] As described above, the display unit 4 consists of a display unit 41 on the front of the main unit 2, a display unit 42 on the left side of the main unit 2, and a display unit 43 on the right side of the main unit 2. Images are displayed on the display unit 4 under the control of the display control unit 112, which will be described later.

[0027] The sound output unit 8 is a speaker. The sound output unit 8 outputs sound for the images used for each of the effects described later.

[0028] The main item supply control unit 105 comprises an item supply control unit 111, a display control unit 112, and a storage unit 113.

[0029] The item supply control unit 111 uses the item table stored in the storage unit 113 to process the payment for the item selected by the operation display unit 3. The item supply control unit 111 also uses the item table stored in the storage unit 113 to identify the storage column on which the item selected by the operation unit 4 is placed, and notifies the main control unit 104 of the information regarding the storage column on which the item is to be supplied.

[0030] The item supply control unit 111 determines the state of the item supply device 1. The state of the item supply device 1 can be one of three states: item selection waiting state, item selection state, or item supply state. The item selection waiting state is when the item supply device 1 is operating but waiting for the user to select an item to purchase. The item selection available state is when, in the item selection waiting state, the user can select an item to purchase, provided they perform an operation (touch) on the operation display unit 3. The item supply state is when the purchased item is being supplied. The state transitions of the item supply device 1 from the item selection waiting state to the item selection state, then to the item supply state, and finally back to the item selection waiting state. The item supply control unit 111 notifies the display control unit 112 of the state of the item supply device 1.

[0031] The display control unit 112 receives notification of the status of the item supply device 1 from the item supply control unit 111 and controls the images to be displayed on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 according to the status of the item supply device 1. When the item supply device 1 is in item selection standby mode, the display control unit 112 displays a standby animation image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4. The standby animation image may be a still image or a moving image. The standby animation image is an integrated image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 and includes information about the item. For example, it may be an image related to a character associated with the item. A typical example of a standby animation image is an advertisement video. Note that the standby animation image does not necessarily have to be an image related to the item being supplied.

[0032] When the item supply device 1 is in an item selection state, the display control unit 112 displays an item selection screen on the operation display unit 3 and an item selection presentation image on the display unit 4. The item selection screen is a screen that includes each item information image, which contains information such as the name of each item to be supplied, an image of the item, and the price. The user can select the item they wish to purchase by selecting (touching) the item information image of the item they wish to purchase from among the item information images on the item selection screen displayed on the operation display unit 3. The item selection presentation image is a video that presents the selection of an item, and may include, for example, an explanation of the item selection screen or a presentation video that responds to touches on the item selection screen on the operation display unit 3. Note that the item selection screen is subject to user operation, but the item selection presentation image is not subject to user operation. Furthermore, it is preferable that at least one of the item selection screen and the item selection presentation image includes an image that emphasizes the location of the item selection screen in order to make it easier for the user to identify the operation display unit 3.

[0033] When the item supply device 1 is in the item supply state, the display control unit 112 displays an item supply animation image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4. The item supply animation image is an image that simulates the supply of items. Furthermore, when the opening / closing door 20 is open, the display control unit 112 stops displaying images on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4.

[0034] The memory unit 113 stores an item table, item selection screen data, and image data for presentation. Figure 4 shows an example of the item table, item selection screen data, and image data for presentation.

[0035] The item table is a table that associates the item to be supplied, its price, and the identification information of the storage column in which the item is placed. In the example in Figure 4, the price of item A is 500 yen, and the storage column in which item A is placed is storage column 1. The item selection screen data is the data displayed on the item selection screen in the operation display unit 3. The item selection screen includes item information images for each item to be supplied.

[0036] The image data for the performance includes standby performance images, item selection performance images, and item supply performance images. The standby performance images and item supply performance images are edited so that the images displayed on the operation display unit 3, display unit 41, display unit 42, and display unit 43 are related to each other. For example, the images displayed on the operation display unit 3, display unit 41, display unit 42, and display unit 43 form a series of images, creating a moving image (video) where patterns, text, etc., flow from the operation display unit 3 and display unit 41 to the display unit 42 and display unit 43.

[0037] The item selection presentation images are edited so that the images displayed on display units 41, 42, and 43 are related to each other. For example, the images displayed on display units 41, 42, and 43 form a series of images, creating a moving image (video) where patterns, text, etc., flow from display unit 41 to display unit 42 and then to display unit 43. Furthermore, each of the visual effects may be a three-dimensional image. Note that these are merely examples, and the images displayed on each display unit may be different.

[0038] Next, the operation of the article supply device 1 in this embodiment will be described. In this operation, article A is placed on the storage column (article placement section) of storage column ID "1", article B is placed on the storage column (article placement section) of storage column ID "2", article C is placed on the storage column (article placement section) of storage column ID "3", article D is placed on the storage column (article placement section) of storage column ID "4", article E is placed on the storage column (article placement section) of storage column ID "5", and article F is placed on the storage column (article placement section) of storage column ID "6".

[0039] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the article supply device 1 in this embodiment. The item supply control unit 111 determines the status of the item supply device 1. When the item supply device 1 is started, it is in an item selection standby state (Step 100). The item supply control unit 111 notifies the display control unit 112 of the status. The display control unit 112 reads a standby animation image from the storage unit 113 and displays the standby animation image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 101). Figure 6 shows the appearance of the item supply device 1 in the item selection standby state. As shown in Figure 6, the standby animation image is displayed on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4. The standby animation image is an integrated image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4, and is an advertisement for the "XYZ series," to which items A through F belong. It is a moving image (video) in which the words "On Sale" and "XYZ series" flow from the display unit 42 on the left side, through the display unit 41 on the front, and to the display unit 43. Audio is also output from the sound output unit 8 along with this video.

[0040] Next, the item supply control unit 111 determines whether the user has touched the operation display unit 3 (Step 102). When the user has touched the operation display unit 3, the item supply control unit 111 transitions the item supply device 1 from the item selection standby state to the item selection state and notifies the display control unit 112 (Step 103). The display control unit 112 reads the item selection screen and item selection animation images from the storage unit 113, displays the item selection screen on the operation display unit 3, and displays the item selection animation images on the display unit 4 (Step 104). Figure 7 shows the appearance of the item supply device 1 in the item selection state. As shown in Figure 7, the operation display unit 3 displays the item selection screen, which includes item information images for items A to F, and the display unit 4 displays the item selection animation images. Audio is also output from the sound output unit 8 along with these images. In addition, the item selection animation images include an image that highlights the position of the operation display unit 3 so that it is easy to see.

[0041] The user can select the item to purchase by touching (selecting) the item information image of the item they wish to purchase from the item information images of each item displayed on the operation display unit 3. The item supply control unit 111 determines whether or not the item information image has been touched (selected) by the user (Step 105). If the item information image is not touched (selected), the process returns to Step 100, and the item supply device 1 transitions from the item selection state to the item selection standby state.

[0042] If an item information image is touched (selected) (Step 105), the item supply control unit 111 uses the item table to identify the price of that item, performs the settlement process for that price (Step 106), and determines whether the settlement of the item's price has been completed (Step 107). If the settlement of the item's price has not been completed (Step 107), a refund process is performed (Step 114), and the process returns to Step 100, transitioning the item supply device 1 from the item selection state to the item selection waiting state.

[0043] Meanwhile, if payment is complete (Step 107), the item supply control unit 111 transitions the item supply device 1 from the item selection state to the item supply state (Step 108). The item supply control unit 111 notifies the display control unit 112. The display control unit 112 reads the item supply animation image from the storage unit 113 and displays the item supply animation image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 109). Figure 8 shows the appearance of the item supply device 1 in the item supply state. As shown in Figure 8, the item supply animation image is displayed on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4. The item supply animation image is an integrated image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4, and while the item is being supplied, an item supply animation image that indicates the supply of the item, such as "Supplying items" or "Thank you," is displayed. Audio is also output from the sound output unit 8 in conjunction with this video.

[0044] The item supply control unit 111 performs a process to identify the storage column (storage area) on which the selected item is placed (Step 110). For example, if item A is selected, according to the item table in the storage unit 113, the storage column on which item A is placed is the storage column with storage column ID "1". The item supply control unit 111 instructs the main unit control unit 104 to unload the item placed on this identified storage column. The main unit control unit 104 controls the spiral of the column case to discharge the item to be supplied from the storage column. The unloading device 101 controls the movement of the transport tray 24 and transports the item unloaded from the storage column to the item retrieval area X near the supply port 5 (Step 111).

[0045] After the items are unloaded, the item supply control unit 111 determines whether or not a shortage has been detected by the shortage actuator (Step 112). If no shortage is detected, the item supply control unit 111 returns to Step 100 and transitions the item supply device 1 from the item supply state to the item selection standby state.

[0046] Meanwhile, if a shortage is detected, the item supply control unit 111 instructs the display control unit 112 to hide the item information image of the item corresponding to the storage column where the shortage was detected on the item selection screen from the next time onward (Step 113). This prevents the purchasing user from mistakenly selecting a shortage item. Then, the item supply control unit 111 returns to Step 100 and transitions the item supply device 1 from the item supply state to the item selection standby state.

[0047] The item supply device 1 of this embodiment includes an operation display unit 3 and a display unit 4, and the images displayed on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 are changed according to the state of the item supply device 1. This allows the item supply device 1 to perform effective effects, such as advertising effects in the standby state of item supply and supply effects in the state of item supply. In particular, in this embodiment, the display unit 4 is provided on the front, left side, and right side of the main body 2, which are easily visible to the user, so that the entire item supply device 1 can display impressive images.

[0048] <Modification 1 of the first embodiment> A modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention will now be described. A modification of the first embodiment describes an example in which a lottery is held after the supply of articles in the first embodiment, and if a winner is selected, the same articles are supplied again.

[0049] Figure 9 is a block diagram of the article supply device 1 in modification 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, a lottery processing unit 114 has been added. After the articles are supplied, the lottery processing unit 114 conducts a lottery to determine the winners and losers. The lottery processing unit 114 then notifies the article supply control unit 111 of the lottery results.

[0050] Furthermore, after supplying the items, the item supply control unit 111 transitions the item supply device 1 from the item supply state to the item lottery state, notifies the display control unit 112 of the state, and gives a lottery processing unit 114 an instruction to conduct the lottery.

[0051] When the item lottery state is reached, the display control unit 112 displays a lottery animation image or a win / loss animation image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4. The lottery animation image or the win / loss animation image is stored in the storage unit 113.

[0052] Next, the operation of a modified version of the first embodiment will be described. Figure 10 is a flowchart of the operation of the article supply device 1 in the modified version of this embodiment. Note that the operation up to Step 111 is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0053] After the goods have been transported (Step 111), the goods supply control unit 111 transitions the goods supply device 1 from the goods supply state to the goods lottery state, notifies the display control unit 112 of the state, and gives a lottery instruction to the lottery processing unit 114 (Step 120).

[0054] The display control unit 112 reads the lottery animation image from the storage unit 113 and displays the lottery animation image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 121). The lottery processing unit 114 executes the lottery process and notifies the item supply control unit 111 and the display control unit 112 of the result (Step 122).

[0055] If the lottery result is a win, the display control unit 112 reads the winning animation image from the storage unit 113 and displays the winning animation image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 124). Then, the item supply control unit 111 performs a process to identify the storage column (storage area) on which the same item as the purchased item is placed (Step 125). For example, if item A is purchased, according to the item table in the storage unit 113, the storage column on which item A is placed is the storage column with storage column ID "1". The item supply control unit 111 instructs the main unit control unit 104 to unload the item placed on this identified storage column. The main unit control unit 104 controls the spiral of the column case to discharge the item to be supplied from the storage column. The unloading device 101 controls the movement of the transport tray 24 and transports the item unloaded from the storage column to the item retrieval area X near the supply opening 5 (Step 126).

[0056] Meanwhile, if the lottery result is a loss, the display control unit 112 reads the loss animation image from the storage unit 113 and displays the loss animation image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 127). Then, the process proceeds to Step 112.

[0057] Figures 11 and 12 are external views of the item supply device 1 when it is in the item lottery state. Figure 11 is an example of a lottery animation image when the lottery processing unit 114 is executing the lottery process, and Figure 12 is an example of a winning animation image when the result of the lottery by the lottery processing unit 114 is a win.

[0058] A modified version of the first embodiment offers users who purchase an item the opportunity to win an item through a lottery as a perk, thereby increasing the user's desire to purchase. Furthermore, the lottery is presented using the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4, allowing for an exciting and engaging presentation.

[0059] In the modified version of the first embodiment, an example was described in which, if the user wins the lottery, the user is supplied with the same item as the item they purchased. However, the supplied item does not have to be the same item; it may be a different item. For example, if the user wins, the lottery processing unit 114 may conduct a lottery to select a storage column and supply the item placed in the selected storage column. The lottery may select from items other than the purchased item (storage columns on which the purchased item is placed), or it may select from all items (storage columns on which items are placed). By using such a configuration, the appeal of purchasing items is enhanced, and it becomes possible to obtain an item different from the one purchased.

[0060] <Modification 2 of the first embodiment> The first embodiment described above illustrates an example where cash is used as payment, but other payment methods such as electronic payments and code payments such as QR codes are also possible. In the case of electronic payments or code payments, this can be achieved by providing a payment unit that can communicate with a payment server in the goods supply device 1.

[0061] For code-based payments, one method is to affix a payment code (e.g., a QR code) to any location on the front of the goods supply device 1 using a sticker or the like. Alternatively, the payment code (e.g., a QR code) may be displayed on either the operation display unit 3 or the display unit 4. If the payment code (e.g., a QR code) is displayed on either the operation display unit 3 or the display unit 4, even if a change in the payment code (e.g., a QR code) becomes necessary, it will not be necessary to replace the sticker or the like, making it easy to change the payment code (e.g., a QR code).

[0062] <Second Embodiment> A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described. In the second embodiment, the article supply device 1 can set multiple supply modes (patterns).

[0063] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the article supply device 1 in the second embodiment. The difference between the article supply device 1 of the second embodiment and the article supply device 1 of the first embodiment is that, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, it includes a supply mode setting unit 115 and an article selection processing unit 116.

[0064] The supply mode setting unit 115 is a unit that sets the supply mode (mode) of the item supply device 1, and there are two supply modes: a first supply mode and a second supply mode. The first supply mode is a mode in which the purchasing user can intentionally select the type of item to purchase, and is the item supply method of the item supply device 1 in the first embodiment described above. In contrast, the second supply mode is an item supply method in which, when the purchasing user selects to purchase an item, the item supply device 1 randomly selects one type of item from among multiple types of items that can be supplied, and supplies the selected item to the purchasing user. Here, the method of randomly selecting the item to supply is, for example, a method in which the item supply device 1 determines one type of item from among multiple types of items that can be supplied by lottery. The supply mode setting unit 115 is set to the second supply mode as the default (start setting), and the item supply user (item seller) can change the setting from the second supply mode to the first supply mode. The supply mode setting unit 115 is equipped with a small display and is configured to display the currently set supply mode on this display. By setting a password or similar, only authorized goods supply users (goods sellers) can change the supply mode setting using the supply mode setting unit 115.

[0065] When the second supply mode is set, the item lottery processing unit 116, upon the purchase decision of the item purchasing user, selects one type of item from among multiple types of available items by lottery after payment of the item's price. The lottery is performed using a predetermined random number or the like.

[0066] The item rack 22 stores multiple types of items. Each of these multiple types of items is assigned a rarity level. Each storage column that makes up the item rack 22 stores one type of item. The item lottery processing unit 116 selects one type of item from multiple types of items by lottery and notifies the item supply control unit 111 of the selected item.

[0067] The item supply control unit 111 identifies the storage column containing the notified item and removes one item from the storage column. The removal device 101 transports the item removed from the storage column to the item removal area X near the supply port 5 via the transport tray 24.

[0068] Furthermore, the memory unit 113 stores an item table and image data. Figure 14 shows an example of data stored in the memory unit 113. According to the example in Figure 14, an item table is stored that associates an item, its rarity (two levels), and the storage column ID on which the item is placed. In addition, the memory units stored include a standby animation image, an item purchase screen, an item purchase animation image, a lottery result animation image 1, a lottery result animation image 2, and an item supply animation image.

[0069] <Operation Description> Next, the operation of the article supply device 1 in the second embodiment will be described. Figure 15 is a flowchart of the operation of the item supply device 1 in the second embodiment. In the following operation, there are six types of items to be supplied, two of which are items with a higher rarity than the others (rarity 2).

[0070] The goods supply user selects the supply mode of the goods supply device 1 when it is first started up. The mode setting unit 114 sets the supply mode to the mode specified by the goods supply user (Step 200). Here, the default (initial setting) mode of the mode setting unit 114 is the second supply mode. The mode setting unit 114 determines the set supply mode (Step 201). If the set supply mode is the second supply mode, i.e., if the setting is not changed, the goods supply device 1 is operated in the second supply mode (Step 202). On the other hand, if the goods supply user (goods seller) changes the supply mode and the set supply mode is the first supply mode, the goods supply device 1 is operated in the first supply mode (Step 213). Then, it operates in the same manner as the first embodiment described above.

[0071] When the item supply device 1 is operated in the second supply mode, the state of the item supply device 1 is set to the item selection standby state (Step 203). In the following description, it is assumed that one type of item is placed in each storage column of the item supply device 1. The item supply control unit 111 notifies the display control unit 112 of the state. The display control unit 112 reads the standby animation image from the storage unit 113 and displays the standby animation image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 204). The standby animation image is the same as that shown in Figure 6 above.

[0072] Next, the item supply control unit 111 determines whether the user has touched the operation display unit 3 (Step 205). When the user has touched the operation display unit 3, the item supply control unit 111 transitions the item supply device 1 from the item selection standby state to the item purchase state and notifies the display control unit 112 (Step 206). The display control unit 112 reads the item purchase screen and item purchase animation image from the storage unit 113, displays the item purchase screen on the operation display unit 3, and displays the item purchase animation image on the display unit 4 (Step 207). Figures 16 and 17 show the appearance of the item supply device 1 in the item purchase state. As shown in Figure 16, the item purchase screen on the operation display unit 3 displays images of four of the six types of items that can be supplied, an image of "?" instead of the images of the two types of items with higher rarity, and an item purchase button displaying "500 yen", which is the common price for the six types of items. The display unit 4 also displays the item purchase animation image. When a user wishes to purchase an item, they select (touch) the item purchase button. When the user selects (touches) the item purchase button, the operation display unit 3 displays the item purchase screen, as shown in Figure 17. This screen allows the user to purchase the item by operating a handle after inserting payment, and the display unit 4 displays an image illustrating the item purchase. Audio is also output from the sound output unit 8 in conjunction with these images. The item purchase illustration also includes an image that highlights the location of the operation display unit 3 to make it easier to see.

[0073] When a user purchases an item, after entering the payment, they operate the item purchase screen displayed on the operation display unit 3 (Step 208). If the item purchase screen is not operated, a refund process is performed (Step 220), and the process returns to Step 203, transitioning the item supply device 1 from the item purchase state to the item selection waiting state.

[0074] If the item purchase screen is operated, the item supply control unit 111 processes the payment for the item (Step 209), and if the payment is completed (Step 210), it transitions the item supply device 1 from the item purchase state to the item lottery state (Step 211). The item supply control unit 111 notifies the display control unit 112 of the status.

[0075] The display control unit 112 reads the item lottery animation image from the storage unit 113 and displays the item lottery animation image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 212). Figure 18 shows the external appearance of the item supply device 1 in the item lottery state. As shown in Figure 18, the item lottery animation image is displayed on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4. The item lottery animation image is an integrated image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4, and while items are being supplied, the item lottery animation image is displayed to simulate the lottery, such as "Rare capsule won?", "Rare capsule lost?", and "Lottery in progress". Audio is also output from the sound output unit 8 in conjunction with this video.

[0076] The item lottery processing unit 116 executes a lottery process (Step 213). The item lottery processing unit 116 selects one type of item from multiple types of items that can be supplied by lottery. The item lottery processing unit 116 obtains the rarity of the selected item and determines whether the rarity is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (Step 214). The rarity of the item is obtained from the item table.

[0077] The item lottery processing unit 116 reads the lottery result presentation image 1 from the storage unit 113 and displays the lottery result presentation image 1 on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 if the rarity of the selected item is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (Step 214). Figure 19 is an example of the lottery result presentation image 1 displayed on the item supply device 1. The lottery result presentation image 1 in Figure 19 is the lottery result presentation image when the predetermined value is 2 and the rarity of the selected item is 2.

[0078] On the other hand, if the rarity of the selected item is less than a predetermined value (Step 214), the item lottery processing unit 116 reads the lottery result presentation image 2 from the storage unit 113 and displays the lottery result presentation image 2 on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 221). Figure 20 is an example of the lottery result presentation image 2 displayed on the item supply device 1. The lottery result presentation image 1 in Figure 20 is the lottery result presentation image when the predetermined value is 2 and the rarity of the selected item is 1.

[0079] The item lottery processing unit 116 notifies the item supply control unit 111 of the lottery result (information of the selected item). The item supply control unit 111 transitions the item supply device 1 from the item lottery state to the item supply state (Step 216). The item supply control unit 111 notifies the display control unit 112.

[0080] The display control unit 112 reads the item supply animation image from the storage unit 113 and displays the item supply animation image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 217). The item supply animation image is the same as that shown in Figure 8 above.

[0081] The item supply control unit 111 performs a process to identify the storage column (storage area) on which the selected item is placed (Step 218). For example, if item A is selected, according to the item table in the storage unit 113, the storage column on which item A is placed is the storage column with storage column ID "1". The item supply control unit 111 instructs the main unit control unit 104 to unload the item placed on this identified storage column. The main unit control unit 104 controls the spiral of the column case to discharge the item to be supplied from the storage column. The unloading device 101 controls the movement of the transport tray 24 to transport the item unloaded from the storage column to the item retrieval area X near the supply port 5 (Step 219). Then, the item supply control unit 111 returns to Step 203 and transitions the item supply device 1 from the item supply state to the item selection waiting state. Furthermore, if the item supply control unit 111 detects a shortage by the shortage actuator after the item has been unloaded, it sets a shortage flag in the item table so that the shortage item is not selected in the lottery, and the item lottery processing unit 116 performs the lottery process so that the shortage item is not selected. However, it is not necessary to hide the image of the shortage item from the image illustrating the supplied items, as shown in Figure 16.

[0082] The item supply device of the second embodiment can select between a first supply mode in which the purchasing user can intentionally select the type of item to purchase, and a second supply mode in which, when the purchasing user selects to purchase an item, the item supply device 1 randomly selects one type of item from among multiple types of items that can be supplied and supplies the selected item to the purchasing user. This makes it possible to accommodate a variety of sales (supply) formats.

[0083] <Modification 1 of the second embodiment> In the second embodiment described above, an example was explained in which one type of item is stored in each storage column constituting the item rack 22. However, multiple types of items may be randomly placed in a single storage column. The item selection processing unit 116 is configured to select one storage column by lottery. Even with this configuration, the type of item supplied will be random, so the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained. However, since the rarity of the supplied item will be unknown, a lottery result animation image will not be necessary.

[0084] <Modification 2 of the second embodiment> In the second embodiment described above, an example was explained in which a display unit 4 is provided surrounding the main body 2. However, in terms of switching the supply mode for supplying items, the display unit 4 is not an essential component, and the second embodiment can be applied even to an item supply device that does not have a display unit 4.

[0085] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above embodiments and can be modified and implemented in various ways within the scope of its technical concept.

[0086] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following: [Note 1] An article supply device, A storage compartment capable of accommodating articles, An article supply control unit that controls the supply of the aforementioned articles, Equipped with, The article supply control unit controls the system to switch between a first supply mode, in which articles stored in the storage unit are intentionally selected and supplied, and a second supply mode, in which articles stored in the storage unit are randomly selected and supplied. Goods supply device.

[0087] [Note 2] The article supply control unit controls the system to enable a lottery to randomly select one article from among the articles stored in the storage unit. The article supply device described in Appendix 1.

[0088] [Note 3] The first supply mode is a supply mode in which an article selected by the user is supplied, The second supply mode is a supply method in which a lottery is performed to randomly select one item from among the items stored in the storage unit, and the winning item is supplied. The article supply device described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0089] [Note 4] The article supply control unit sets a second supply mode when the article supply device is started. An article supply device as described in any of Appendix 1 to Appendix 3.

[0090] [Note 5] The storage section is configured to store the articles in an aligned state. An article supply device as described in any of Appendix 1 to Appendix 4.

[0091] [Note 6] The item supply control unit controls the supply of one item from among the multiple items stored at the front of the storage unit. The article supply device described in Appendix 5.

[0092] [Note 7] The aforementioned storage section includes a plurality of mounting sections on which articles can be placed, The aforementioned mounting section is configured so that the articles placed on it do not come into contact with each other. The article supply device described in Appendix 5 or Appendix 6.

[0093] [Note 8] The aforementioned mounting section is configured to hold multiple articles in a single row along its longitudinal direction. The article supply device described in Appendix 7.

[0094] [Note 9] The article supply control unit controls the system so that, in the first supply mode and the second supply mode, one of the multiple mounting units can be selected. An article supply device as described in any of the appendices 7 to 8.

[0095] [Note 10] The aforementioned mounting section is configured to allow different types of articles to be placed on each mounting section. Each mounting section is for the same or identical type of article to be placed on. The article supply device described in Appendix 7.

[0096] [Note 11] The article supply control unit, when setting the first supply mode, performs control to restrict the supply of missing articles, based on the detection of missing articles among those placed on the table. The article supply device described in Appendix 10.

[0097] [Note 12] The storage section is equipped with a display unit capable of displaying item information related to the items stored in the storage section, The display unit is provided in such a way that it makes the items stored in the storage unit invisible. An article supply device as described in any of Appendix 1 to Appendix 11.

[0098] [Note 13] The system includes a display control unit that displays an image of an article related to the article placed on the mounting unit on the display unit, The display control unit controls the number of item images displayed on the display unit to be less than or equal to the number of the display units described above when the second supply mode is in operation. An article supply device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 12.

[0099] [Note 14] The display control unit, When the first supply mode is in operation, if an item placed in the aforementioned storage unit becomes missing, the system controls the display unit so that the image of the missing item is not displayed. When the second supply mode is in operation, even if an item placed on the aforementioned storage unit is missing, the image of the missing item will be displayed on the display unit. The article supply device described in Appendix 13.

[0100] [Note 15] It further comprises a first operating section that can be operated by a first type of user, The article supply control unit controls the supply of articles on the condition that the first operating unit is operated and payment for the goods is settled. An article supply device as described in any of the appendices 1 through 14.

[0101] [Note 16] The first operating unit is a touch panel, and is configured to be operable with respect to the image of an item displayed on the touch panel. The article supply device described in Appendix 15.

[0102] [Note 17] It is equipped with a second operating section that can only be operated by a second type of user, The article supply control unit controls the first supply mode and the second supply mode to be switchable based on the operation of the second operation unit. An article supply device as described in any of the appendices 1 through 16.

[0103] [Note 18] It is equipped with a second operating section that can be operated by a second type of user, The article supply control unit controls the first supply mode and the second supply mode to be switchable based on the operation of the second operation unit. An article supply device as described in any of Appendix 1 to Appendix 17.

[0104] [Note 19] The article supply control unit controls the set supply mode so that it can present the set supply mode. The article supply device described in Appendix 18.

[0105] [Note 20] When the second supply mode is set, the article supply control unit supplies the articles stored in the storage unit, subject to payment of the same amount. An article supply device as described in any of Appendix 1 to Appendix 19. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 1 Goods supply device 2 Main body 3 Operation display section 4 Display 5 supply ports 6 Panel section 7. Coin return slot 8. Sound output section 100 Cooling equipment 101 Unloading device 102 Coin Mech 103 Bill Validator 104 Main Unit Control 105 Main Control Unit for Supplying Goods 111 Article Supply Control Unit 112 Display Control Unit 113 Storage section 114 Lottery Processing Unit 115 Supply mode setting unit 116 Item Lottery Processing Unit

Claims

1. An article supply device, A storage section including multiple mounting sections on which articles can be placed, A first operating unit that can be operated by a first type of user and A second operating unit that can only be operated by users of the second type, A supply mode setting unit that sets either a first supply mode in which an article stored in the storage unit is intentionally selected and supplied based on the operation of the first operating unit by the first type of user, or a second supply mode in which an article selected by lottery is supplied. An article supply control unit that controls the supply of articles stored in the storage unit, When the second supply mode is set, an item lottery processing unit selects one item by lottery from among multiple types of items stored in the storage unit, Equipped with, The article supply control unit controls the supply of the articles to be supplied, conditional on the operation of the first operation unit and the settlement of payment. The supply mode setting unit is configured to switch between the first supply mode and the second supply mode based on the operation of the second operation unit. Goods supply device.

2. The supply mode setting unit sets the second supply mode when the article supply device is started up. The article supply device according to claim 1.

3. The supply mode setting unit includes a display that shows the currently set supply mode. The article supply device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The item lottery processing unit notifies the item supply control unit of the information of the item selected as a lottery result, The article supply control unit controls the supply of the notified article from the storage unit where the article is stored. The article supply device according to claim 3.

Images