Ejection device, ejection method, and ejection program

Abstract

An ejection device (100) according to the present application is installed in a prescribed private stall in which a user uses a sanitary article, the ejection device (100) being characterized by comprising an accommodation unit (130) for accommodating a sanitary article to be used by the user, a presentation unit (180) for presenting the sanitary article that is accommodated by the accommodation unit (130) so that the sanitary article is visible from the outside of the ejection device (100), and an ejection unit (150) for ejecting the sanitary article that is accommodated by the accommodation unit (130) due to an operation performed on the ejection device (100) by the user.

Description

Discharge device, discharge method, and discharge program

[0001] The present invention relates to an ejection device, an ejection method, and an ejection program.

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, techniques relating to dispensing devices such as dispensers for dispensing sanitary products have been known.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-099636

[0004] However, with the above-mentioned conventional technology, it is not always possible to hygienically manage the sanitary product before the discharge device provides the sanitary product to the user.

[0005] The present application has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a method for hygienically managing sanitary products.

[0006] The discharge device according to the present application is a discharge device installed in a designated private room where a user uses sanitary products, and is characterized by comprising: a storage unit that stores the sanitary products used by the user; a presentation unit that presents the sanitary products stored in the storage unit so that they can be seen from outside the discharge device; and a discharge unit that discharges the sanitary products stored in the storage unit in response to an operation of the user on the discharge device.

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiment, sanitary products can be managed hygienically.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a discharge control process executed by a discharge device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a discharge device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a discharge device according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a discharge system according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a discharge device according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a management device according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a contract information storage unit according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a usage information storage unit according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a provided information storage unit according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a discharge control process executed by a discharge device according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a providing process executed by a management device according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a discharge device according to a modified example. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a discharge device according to a modified example. FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a discharge device according to a modified example. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a determination process executed by a management device according to a modified example. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cartridge information storage unit according to a modified example. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration.

[0009] At least the following matters will become clear from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Aspect 1 is a discharge device installed in a predetermined private room where a user uses sanitary products. Aspect 1 is characterized by comprising a storage unit that stores the sanitary products used by the user, a display unit that displays the sanitary products stored in the storage unit so that they can be seen from outside the discharge device, and a discharge unit that discharges the sanitary products stored in the storage unit in response to an operation of the discharge device by the user.

[0011] According to Aspect 1, for example, sanitary products to be used by a user are stored, the stored sanitary products are displayed visible from the outside of the discharge device, and the stored sanitary products are discharged by the user's operation of the discharge device. For example, the discharge device may have a window through which the sanitary products stored therein can be seen. In this case, the user can immediately check the condition of the sanitary products stored in the discharge device. In this way, Aspect 1 allows for hygienic management of sanitary products.

[0012] Aspect 2 is characterized in that, in Aspect 1, the container has a window that allows the user to visually check the sanitary products contained in the container.

[0013] According to aspect 2, for example, the discharge device has a window that allows the user to visually check the sanitary products contained in the discharge device, thereby allowing the user to check the management state of the sanitary products through the window.

[0014] Aspect 3 is characterized in that in aspect 1 or 2, the management status of the sanitary products stored in the storage section, which is the status of the sanitary products being managed within the storage section, is presented to the user through the window.

[0015] According to the third aspect, for example, the management status of the sanitary products stored in the discharge device is presented to the user through a window, thereby allowing the user to check the management status of the sanitary products.

[0016] Aspect 4 is characterized in that in any of Aspects 1 to 3, information indicating the management status of the sanitary products stored in the storage section is displayed.

[0017] According to Aspect 4, for example, if the discharge device has a display unit, the display unit displays information indicating the management status of the sanitary products. This allows the user to check the management status of the sanitary products.

[0018] Aspect 5 is characterized in that, in Aspect 4, information on the number of days from the date on which the sanitary products were refilled into the storage section to the present is displayed as the information indicating the management status.

[0019] According to aspect 5, for example, if the discharge device has a display unit, the display unit displays information on the number of days from the date the sanitary products were restocked to the present as information indicating the management status of the sanitary products. In this way, aspect 5 allows the user to recognize how many days have passed since the sanitary products were restocked.

[0020] Aspect 6 is characterized in that, in Aspect 4 or 5, information on the temperature or humidity inside the storage section is displayed as the information indicating the management state.

[0021] According to Aspect 6, for example, if the discharge device has a display unit, the display unit displays information about the temperature or humidity inside the discharge device as information indicating the management status of the sanitary products. This allows the user to recognize the environment in which the sanitary products are managed.

[0022] Aspect 7 is characterized in that, in Aspects 1 to 6, the sanitary products are individually packaged and stored, and the sanitary products are discharged individually.

[0023] According to Aspect 7, for example, individually packaged sanitary products are stored. Then, in Aspect 7, the sanitary products are discharged individually. This allows Aspect 7 to hygienically manage the sanitary products and maintain them in a sanitary state until the user uses them.

[0024] Aspect 8 is characterized in that, in Aspects 1 to 6, predetermined packages each containing a predetermined number of the sanitary products are stored, and the sanitary products stored in the predetermined packages are discharged individually.

[0025] According to Aspect 8, for example, a predetermined package containing a predetermined number of sanitary products is stored. Then, in Aspect 8, the sanitary products stored in the predetermined package are individually discharged. In this way, Aspect 8 can hygienically manage the sanitary products and maintain them in a sanitary state until the user uses them.

[0026] Aspect 9 is characterized in that, in Aspects 1 to 6, the sanitary products are contained in a cartridge-type package that can be attached to the discharge device and that discharges the sanitary products contained in the cartridge-type package individually.

[0027] According to Aspect 9, for example, a cartridge-type package containing a predetermined number of sanitary products has a window that allows a user to view the sanitary products contained in the cartridge-type package from the outside of the discharging device. Aspect 9 then discharges the sanitary products contained in the cartridge-type package individually. This allows Aspect 9 to hygienically manage the sanitary products and maintain them in a sanitary state until the user is ready to use them.

[0028] Aspect 10 is characterized in that, in Aspects 1 to 9, the device further comprises a disinfecting unit that disinfects the sanitary products stored in the storage unit, and the sanitary products disinfected by the disinfecting unit are discharged.

[0029] According to Aspect 10, for example, the sanitary products stored in the discharge device are disinfected by a predetermined operation by the user. Then, Aspect 10 discharges the disinfected sanitary products. In this way, Aspect 10 can manage the sanitary products hygienically. Furthermore, Aspect 10 allows the user to use sanitary sanitary products.

[0030] An example of a mode for carrying out a discharge device, a discharge method, and a discharge program (hereinafter referred to as an "embodiment") will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the discharge device, the discharge method, and the discharge program are not limited to this embodiment. Furthermore, the same components in the following embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0031] [Embodiment] [1. Example of output control process executed by discharge device] An example of a discharge control process executed by the discharge device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a discharge control process executed by the discharge device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0032] First, let us explain the premise. It is assumed that a user U1 visits a commercial facility F1. It is also assumed that the commercial facility F1 has a contract for a predetermined service that uses a discharge device 100 to provide sanitary products to the user U1. Here, the predetermined service related to the use of the discharge device 100 is provided by a business operator that manages the management device 200.

[0033] For example, the management device 200 stores in advance, as contract information related to a contract for a predetermined service regarding the use of the discharging device 100, identification information for identifying a facility such as a commercial facility with which the contract has been made, the number of discharging devices 100 under contract, and information regarding the installation locations of each discharging device 100. Furthermore, the management device 200 stores in advance, as contract information, information regarding the type of sanitary products to be stored in the discharging device 100, the number of sheets that can be stored, and the like.

[0034] The discharge device 100 is installed in each toilet stall located on each floor of the commercial facility F1. In the example of Fig. 1, a user U1 uses the toilet TO1. The discharge device 100 has a communication function.

[0035] In such a case, an example will be described in which a user U1 uses a discharge device 100 to use sanitary products. Next, an example will be described in which the management device 200 provides provision information to a replenishment company DE1 that replenishes sanitary products based on the number of sanitary products in stock. Note that the information processing steps described below may also include the actions of natural persons for convenience.

[0036] First, an example will be described in which a user U1 uses a sanitary product by utilizing the discharge device 100. In the example of Fig. 1, the user U1 uses the toilet TO1 and executes authentication processing using the terminal device 10 that the user U1 uses. In this case, it is assumed that the user U1 uses an application AP. For example, it is assumed that the user U1 has installed the application AP in advance on the terminal device 10.

[0037] Here, the application AP will be described. An operator that manages the management device 200 provides the application AP. Specifically, an application control server controls the application AP. For example, the application AP manages information related to the menstrual cycle of the user U1. The application AP also manages information related to the physical condition of the user U1. The application AP also manages user information such as the user's gender, age, etc. The application AP also enables the user U1 to use the sanitary products discharged from the discharge device 100. Note that the application AP allows any combination of the above-mentioned managed objects and functions as appropriate.

[0038] 1 , a user performs a predetermined operation (step S1). Specifically, the terminal device 10 executes authentication processing for using the discharge device 100 on the discharge device 100 in response to the user's operation on the application AP. For example, the terminal device 10 displays a two-dimensional code such as a QR (Quick Response) code (registered trademark) on the application AP. Then, the user holds the two-dimensional code over the discharge device 100 so that it can be read.

[0039] In this case, the discharge device 100 reads the two-dimensional code and receives an authentication request from the user U1 (step S2). For example, the discharge device 100 receives the authentication request from the user U1 together with identification information for identifying the two-dimensional code from the terminal device 10. For example, the identification information for identifying the two-dimensional code includes identification information for identifying the user U1.

[0040] Next, the management device 200 receives an authentication request for user U1 from the discharge device 100 (step S3). Then, the management device 200 authenticates user U1 (step S4). For example, it is assumed that identification information identifying user U1 is stored in a predetermined storage unit of the management device 200. In this case, the management device 200 compares the identification information identifying user U1 received from the discharge device 100 with the identification information identifying user U1 stored in a predetermined storage unit of the discharge device 100. Next, the management device 200 authenticates user U1 if the comparison is successful. Here, it is assumed that authentication of user U1 is successful.

[0041] Next, the management device 200 transmits the authentication result to the discharge device 100 (step S5). For example, the management device 200 transmits the authentication result, such as that authentication of the user U1 has been successful, to the discharge device 100. The management device 200 also transmits information related to an instruction to discharge sanitary products to the discharge device 100 together with the authentication result.

[0042] Then, the discharging device 100 discharges the sanitary products (step S6). For example, the discharging device 100 discharges the sanitary products based on information regarding an instruction to discharge the sanitary products. In this case, the sanitary products are assumed to be individually packaged. Note that, hereinafter, packages in which sanitary products are individually packaged may be referred to as "individually packaged."

[0043] Next, the user U1 uses the sanitary product discharged from the discharge device 100 (step S7). In this case, the user U1 opens the outer packaging of the sanitary product and uses the sanitary product.

[0044] The discharge device 100 will now be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. First, the configuration of the discharge device 100 will be described with reference to Figure 2. Next, the discharge mechanism of the discharge device 100 will be described with reference to Figure 3. In the example of Figures 2 and 3, it is assumed that the sanitary products are individually packaged.

[0045] First, the configuration of the discharging device 100 will be described using FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a discharging device according to an embodiment. In FIG. 2, the sanitary products SI1 housed inside the discharging device 100 are indicated by dotted lines. In the example of FIG. 2, a plurality of sanitary products SI1 are housed inside the discharging device 100. Two windows W1 are provided on the front surface of the discharging device 100. For example, the windows W1 are made of a transparent material such as glass or plastic. Note that, although the term "transparent" is used hereinafter, the transparency may be selected as appropriate as long as the sanitary products S11 inside the discharging device 100 can be seen from outside the discharging device 100.

[0046] The window W1 is placed in a position where the sanitary products SI1 housed inside the discharging device 100 can be seen from outside the discharging device 100. In the example of Fig. 2, all of the sanitary products SI1 housed inside the discharging device 100 are placed in positions where they can be seen from outside the discharging device 100. In the example of Fig. 2, the discharging device 100 has two tubular parts that house the sanitary products SI1. In this case, the sanitary products SI1 housed in each tubular part can be seen from each window W1.

[0047] The discharging device 100 also has a discharging unit 150 below the window W1. For example, the discharging unit 150 individually discharges the sanitary products SI1 housed in the discharging device 100. In the example of Fig. 2, the discharging unit 150 discharges the sanitary products SI1 housed in the discharging device 100, starting with the sanitary product SI1 located at the bottom.

[0048] Next, the discharge mechanism of the discharge device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a discharge device according to an embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the inside of the discharge device 100 from the side of the discharge device 100. In the example of FIG. 3, the discharge device 100 includes a storage unit 130 having a tubular portion for storing the sanitary product SI1. The discharge device 100 also includes a discharge mechanism EM1 below the storage unit 130. For example, the discharge mechanism EM1 is a mechanism for individually discharging the sanitary product SI1 stored in the discharge device 100. The discharge mechanism EM1 is included in the discharge unit 150 shown in FIG. 2.

[0049] 3, the discharge device 100 sends the sanitary products SI1 stored in the storage unit 130 one by one to the discharge mechanism EM1 (step S21). Then, the discharge device 100 discharges the sanitary products SI1 individually using the discharge mechanism EM1 (step S22). This allows the discharge device 100 to discharge the sanitary products SI1 one by one.

[0050] Next, an example in which the management device 200 provides provision information to the replenishment company DE1 based on the number of sanitary products in stock will be described with reference to Fig. 1. In the example of Fig. 1, the management device 200 acquires inventory information indicating the number of sanitary products in stock stored in the discharge devices 100 (step S8). For example, the management device 200 acquires inventory information from each discharge device 100 for a predetermined period (e.g., every day).

[0051] Next, the management device 200 provides provision information, which is information regarding the replenishing of sanitary products, to the replenishing provider DE1 (step S9). For example, the management device 200 estimates the number of sanitary products to be replenishing in the discharging device 100 based on the number of sanitary products in stock for each discharging device 100. Here, the number of sanitary products estimated by the management device 200 is the total number of sanitary products to be replenishing in each discharging device 100 for which inventory information has been obtained.

[0052] The management device 200 then provides, as the provided information, information regarding replenishment for replenishing the estimated number of sanitary products to the replenishment agent server 20 managed by the replenishment agent DE1. In this case, the management device 200 provides, as the replenishment information, information regarding an instruction to replenish the estimated number of sanitary products plus a predetermined number to the replenishment agent server 20.

[0053] The restocking agent DE1 then delivers the sanitary products to the commercial facility F1 (step S10). For example, the restocking agent DE1 delivers the sanitary products to the commercial facility F1 based on the provided information received by the restocking agent server 20. The restocking agent DE1 then restocks the sanitary products into each discharge device 100. In this case, the sanitary products are restocked one by one, each individually packaged.

[0054] Conventionally, technologies relating to dispensing devices such as dispensers that dispense sanitary products have been known. However, conventional technologies have not always been able to hygienically manage sanitary products before providing them to a user. Therefore, the dispensing device 100 stores sanitary products to be used by a user, presents the stored sanitary products visible from the outside of the dispensing device 100, and dispenses the stored sanitary products in response to the user's operation of the dispensing device 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the dispensing device 100 may have a window through which the stored sanitary products can be seen. In this case, the user can immediately check the state in which the sanitary products stored in the dispensing device 100 are being managed. This allows the dispensing device 100 to hygienically manage the sanitary products before providing them to the user.

[0055] Generally, sanitary products are not sold individually wrapped, but are often sold in multiple individually wrapped packages wrapped in outer packaging. Furthermore, when a user purchases sanitary products wrapped in outer packaging, the store where they are purchased wraps them in dark-colored bags such as black or brown so that the purchased item cannot be seen. This type of packaging is done to be considerate of the fact that the sanitary products are purchased in the presence of others, as well as to ensure the hygiene of the sanitary products worn on the skin. The same is true for vending machines; even in vending machines where sanitary products can be purchased, they are not sold individually wrapped, but wrapped in outer packaging. Therefore, when users purchase sanitary products while out and about, they can use sanitary products that are wrapped in outer packaging, ensuring hygiene.

[0056] On the other hand, when sanitary products are provided at a location where they can be replaced with user authentication, as in the present embodiment, there is little need to provide a large quantity of sanitary products to a user at once or to be considerate of providing them in the presence of others. Typically, only the amount of sanitary products that the user will immediately use is provided, so excessive packaging would hinder the user's use of the sanitary products. Therefore, the discharge device 100 allows the user to check the condition of the individually packaged sanitary products, which can be considered the condition of the sanitary products after opening the packaging, for sanitary products that are handled by the user themselves from opening the packaging that contains multiple sanitary products to using them. Furthermore, the discharge device 100 can manage the sanitary products hygienically. This allows the user to use the sanitary products with peace of mind. Furthermore, the discharge device 100 also allows the facility management company to check the managed condition of the sanitary products. This makes it easier for the facility management company to manage the sanitary products stored in the discharge device 100.

[0057] 2. Configuration of the Discharge System Next, the configuration of the discharge system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the discharge system 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the discharge system 1 includes a terminal device 10, a replenishment agent server 20, an application control server 30, a facility management agent server 40, a discharge device 100, and a management device 200. The terminal device 10, the replenishment agent server 20, the application control server 30, the facility management agent server 40, the discharge device 100, and the management device 200 are connected to each other via a network N so as to be able to communicate with each other via wired or wireless communication.

[0058] The discharge system 1 shown in Figure 4 may include multiple terminal devices 10, multiple replenishment agent servers 20, multiple application control servers 30, multiple facility management agent servers 40, multiple discharge devices 100, and multiple management devices 200.

[0059] The terminal device 10 is an information processing device used by a user to access content such as web content displayed in a browser or content for an application, etc. For example, the terminal device 10 is a desktop personal computer (PC), a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), etc.

[0060] The restocking agent server 20 is an information processing device managed by a restocking agent that restocks sanitary products for facilities, and is realized by, for example, a server device or a cloud system. For example, the restocking agent server 20 receives provided information provided by the management device 200. Then, the restocking agent restocks sanitary products for the facility in accordance with the provided information.

[0061] The application control server 30 is an information processing device that provides a function for controlling the application AP, and is realized by, for example, a server device or a cloud system, etc. For example, the application control server 30 manages information about the user's physiological status that is input on the application AP.

[0062] The facility management agent server 40 is an information processing device managed by a facility management agent that manages the facility, and is realized, for example, by a server device or a cloud system, etc. For example, the facility management agent server 40 provides various information to the management device 200.

[0063] The discharging device 100 is a device that can communicate with various devices and has a function of storing sanitary products inside the discharging device 100. For example, the discharging device 100 discharges the sanitary products stored inside the discharging device 100 to the outside. In this case, the inside of the discharging device 100 is realized using a door that can open and close the bottom of the tubular portion in which the sanitary products are stored, and a driving unit such as a motor for operating a mechanism (for example, a guide mechanism that guides the sanitary products to an outlet from which the sanitary products are discharged) that enables a predetermined number of sanitary products stored in the tubular portion to be removed when the door is opened.

[0064] The discharge device 100 is preferably installed in a location where sanitary products are used or changed. For example, if the discharge device 100 is installed in a toilet, the user can use or change the discharged sanitary products right there in the toilet without the opposite sex seeing the discharged sanitary products. The discharge device 100 may also be installed near the sink, on a wall, in a stall, or the like. The discharge device 100 may also be configured from a housing having a predetermined size. For example, the predetermined size is a size that allows the user to place small items owned by the user or a bag for storing the sanitary products used by the user. This allows the user to change the sanitary products without occupying their hands.

[0065] The management device 200 is an information processing device capable of communicating with various devices via a network N such as the Internet, and is realized, for example, by a server device or a cloud system. For example, the management device 200 is connected to various other devices via the network N so as to be able to communicate with them.

[0066] 3. Configuration of Discharge Device Next, the configuration of the discharge device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 shows an example of the configuration of the discharge device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the discharge device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a reading unit 120, a storage unit 130, a detection unit 140, a discharge unit 150, a memory unit 160, a display unit 170, a presentation unit 180, and a control unit 190.

[0067] (Regarding the Communication Unit 110) The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a network interface card (NIC), etc. The communication unit 110 is connected to a network N via a wired or wireless connection, and transmits and receives information to and from various other devices.

[0068] (Regarding the reading unit 120) The reading unit 120 is realized by, for example, a camera configured with an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) and an optical system. The reading unit 120 reads a predetermined code displayed on a display unit of the terminal device 10. For example, the reading unit 120 has a code reader for reading a predetermined code such as a one-dimensional code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code such as a QR code.

[0069] (Regarding the storage unit 130) The storage unit 130 stores one or more sanitary products. The storage unit 130 has a tubular portion that stores the sanitary products. The storage unit 130 may be separate from the discharge device 100, and may be, for example, a unit that can be separated from the discharge device 100 like a cartridge, and that can be inserted into and removed from a predetermined position in the discharge device 100.

[0070] (Regarding the detection unit 140) The detection unit 140 is realized by, for example, various sensors. The detection unit 140 detects the number of sanitary products stored in the storage unit 130. The detection unit 140 then stores information related to the detected number of sanitary products in the storage unit 160. For example, the detection unit 140 detects the number of sanitary products stored in the storage unit 130 using various sensors such as a weight sensor and a pressure sensor.

[0071] The detection unit 140 also estimates information regarding the number of days from the date on which the sanitary products were restocked in the storage unit 130 to the present. For example, assume that the storage unit 130 is restocked with sanitary products. In this case, the detection unit 140 detects the weight of the sanitary products stored in the storage unit 130. The detection unit 140 then calculates the number of days from the date on which the weight was detected to the present. In this way, the detection unit 140 estimates information regarding the number of days from the date on which the sanitary products were restocked in the storage unit 130 to the present. The detection unit 140 then stores the estimated number of days, which is information regarding the number of days from the date on which the sanitary products were restocked in the storage unit 130 to the present, in the storage unit 160.

[0072] Furthermore, the detection unit 140 detects the temperature, humidity, etc. inside the storage unit 130. Then, the detection unit 140 stores information related to the detected temperature, humidity, etc. in the storage unit 160. For example, the detection unit 140 detects the temperature and humidity inside the storage unit 130 using various sensors such as a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor.

[0073] (Regarding the Discharge Unit 150) The discharge unit 150 is realized, for example, by using a door that can open and close the bottom of the tubular part of the storage unit 130, and a drive unit such as a motor for operating a discharge mechanism that enables a predetermined number of sanitary products stored in the tubular part to be removed when the door is opened. The discharge unit 150 discharges the sanitary products stored in the storage unit 130 to the outside.

[0074] (Regarding the storage unit 160) The storage unit 160 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 160 stores an identifier for identifying the discharge device 100. The storage unit 160 also stores information regarding the number of sanitary products detected by the detection unit 140. The storage unit 160 also stores information regarding the number of days from the day the sanitary products were replenished in the storage unit 130 to the present. The storage unit 160 also stores information regarding the temperature, humidity, etc. detected by the detection unit 140.

[0075] (Regarding the display unit 170) The display unit 170 is realized using, for example, a liquid crystal or organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display panel. The display unit 170 displays various information. Specifically, the display unit 170 displays information indicating the management status of the sanitary products stored in the storage unit 130.

[0076] For example, the display unit 170 displays, as information indicating the management status, information regarding the number of days from the date on which the sanitary products were restocked in the storage unit 130 to the present. For example, the display unit 170 displays information regarding the number of days from the date on which the sanitary products were restocked in the storage unit 130 to the present, which is the number of days stored in the memory unit 160.

[0077] Furthermore, the display unit 170 displays information relating to the temperature or humidity inside the storage unit 130 as information indicating the management status. For example, the display unit 170 displays information relating to the temperature or humidity inside the storage unit 130, which is the temperature or humidity detected by the detection unit 140.

[0078] The display unit 170 may display, as information indicating the management status, information regarding the number of days since the date when the sanitary products were replenished in the storage unit 130 until the present, and information regarding the temperature or humidity inside the storage unit 130. In addition to the information indicating the management status, the display unit 170 may also display information regarding the sanitary products (type of sanitary product, product name and packaging, length, situations in which it is easy to use, color, etc.). The display unit 170 may also display information indicating that the sanitary products are genuine products.

[0079] (Regarding the Presentation Unit 180) The presentation unit 180 presents the sanitary products stored in the storage unit 130 so that they can be seen from outside the discharging device 100. For example, the presentation unit 180 has a window that allows the user to see the sanitary products stored in the storage unit 130. As a result, the presentation unit 180 presents the user, via the window, with the state in which the sanitary products stored in the storage unit 130 are being managed within the storage unit 130. For example, the window is made of a transparent material such as glass. The presentation unit 180 may also be a display or the like that displays moving images of the inside of the storage unit 130 captured by a camera (not shown) or the like. In this case, the moving images of the inside of the storage unit 130 are displayed on the display unit 170 by the display control unit 195 (described later), and the function of the presentation unit 180 may be realized by such a display.

[0080] (Regarding the control unit 190) The control unit 190 is a controller, and is realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) using RAM as a work area to execute various programs (an example of a discharge program) stored in a storage device inside the discharge device 100. The control unit 190 is also a controller, and is realized by, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0081] As shown in Fig. 5, the control unit 190 has an acquisition unit 191, a transmission unit 192, a reception unit 193, a discharge control unit 194, and a display control unit 195, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of the information processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 190 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 5, and may be other configurations as long as they perform the information processing described below. Furthermore, the connection relationships between the processing units of the control unit 190 are not limited to the connection relationships shown in Fig. 5, and may be other connection relationships.

[0082] (Regarding the Acquiring Unit 191) The acquiring unit 191 acquires various types of information. Specifically, the acquiring unit 191 acquires information indicated by a predetermined code read by the reading unit 120. For example, the acquiring unit 191 acquires identification information that identifies the two-dimensional code read by the reading unit 120. Then, the acquiring unit 191 stores the identification information that identifies the acquired two-dimensional code in the storage unit 160.

[0083] (Regarding the transmitting unit 192) The transmitting unit 192 transmits various types of information. Specifically, the transmitting unit 192 transmits information indicated by the predetermined code acquired by the acquiring unit 191 to the management device 200. For example, the transmitting unit 192 transmits identification information that identifies the two-dimensional code acquired by the acquiring unit 191 to the management device 200.

[0084] The transmitting unit 192 also transmits inventory information indicating the number of sanitary products stored in the storage unit 130 to the management device 200 .

[0085] Furthermore, when the discharge device 100 breaks down, the transmission unit 192 may transmit information regarding an alert indicating the breakdown to the facility management company server 40. Here, the breakdown includes a breakdown of the discharge device 100 itself and a breakdown in which the discharge device 100 cannot communicate with the management device 200. Note that when the discharge device 100 breaks down, the transmission unit 192 may further transmit information regarding an alert indicating the breakdown to the management device 200.

[0086] (Regarding the Receiving Unit 193) The receiving unit 193 receives various types of information. Specifically, the receiving unit 193 receives a user authentication request from the terminal device 10 based on the two-dimensional code read by the reading unit 120. For example, the receiving unit 193 receives the user authentication request from the terminal device 10 along with identification information that identifies the two-dimensional code.

[0087] The receiving unit 193 also receives an authentication result of the user from the management device 200. For example, the receiving unit 193 receives an authentication result indicating that the user has been successfully authenticated from the management device 200. The receiving unit 193 also receives information regarding an instruction to discharge sanitary products from the management device 200 along with the authentication result.

[0088] (Regarding the discharge control unit 194) The discharge control unit 194 controls the discharge unit 150. Specifically, the discharge control unit 194 controls the discharge unit 150 to discharge the sanitary products outside the storage unit 130. For example, when information regarding an instruction to discharge the sanitary products is received by the reception unit 193, the discharge control unit 194 discharges the sanitary products outside the storage unit 130 based on the information regarding the instruction to discharge the sanitary products.

[0089] (Regarding the display control unit 195) The display control unit 195 controls the display unit 170. Specifically, the display control unit 195 controls the display unit 170 to display various information. For example, the display control unit 195 controls the display unit 170 to display information relating to the number of days from the date on which the sanitary products were restocked in the storage unit 130 to the present, as information indicating the management status. For example, the display control unit 195 controls the display unit 170 to display information relating to the number of days from the date on which the sanitary products were restocked in the storage unit 130 to the present, which is the number of days stored in the storage unit 160.

[0090] Furthermore, the display control unit 195 controls the display unit 170 to display, as information indicating the management status, information related to the temperature or humidity inside the storage unit 130. For example, the display control unit 195 controls the display unit 170 to display information related to the temperature or humidity inside the storage unit 130, which is the temperature or humidity detected by the detection unit 140.

[0091] 4. Configuration of Management Device Next, the configuration of the management device 200 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 shows an example configuration of the management device 200 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the management device 200 includes a communication unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a control unit 230.

[0092] (Regarding the Communication Unit 210) The communication unit 210 is realized by, for example, a NIC, etc. The communication unit 210 is connected to a network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from various other devices.

[0093] (Regarding the storage unit 220) The storage unit 220 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 220 has a contract information storage unit 221, a usage information storage unit 222, and a provision information storage unit 223.

[0094] (Regarding the contract information storage unit 221) The contract information storage unit 221 stores contract information regarding the use of the discharge device 100, which is contract information concluded with a facility management company. FIG. 7 shows an example of the contract information storage unit 221 according to the embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the contract information storage unit 221 has items such as "contract ID" and "contract information". For example, the "contract information" has items such as "facility management company ID", "facility management company information", "discharge device ID", "installation location", "type of sanitary product", "number of sheets in stock", "usage status", and "failure status".

[0095] "Contract ID" is an identifier that identifies contract information. "Facility management company ID" is an identifier that identifies a facility management company that manages the facility associated with the "Contract ID". "Facility management company information" is information about the facility management company associated with the "Facility management company ID".

[0096] For example, the facility management company information includes information on the number of employees at the facility, information on the location of the facility, information on the contract for a predetermined service in which the discharge device 100 provides sanitary products, etc. Furthermore, the information on the contract for a predetermined service in which the discharge device 100 provides sanitary products includes information on the total number of contracted discharge devices 100, information on the contracted plan, etc.

[0097] The "discharge device ID" is an identifier for identifying the discharge device 100 associated with the "contract ID." Here, the discharge device 100 identified by the discharge device ID is the discharge device 100 installed in a specific private room.

[0098] The "installation location" is information about the installation location where the discharge device 100 associated with the "discharge device ID" is installed. For example, the installation location is information about the location of a toilet in a facility associated with the "facility management company ID." To give a more specific example, assume that the facility is a commercial facility. In this case, the installation location is a toilet on the second floor of the commercial facility, such as the fourth stall from the entrance of the toilet.

[0099] The "type of sanitary product" is information about the type of sanitary product stored in the discharge device 100 associated with the "discharge device ID." For example, the information about the type of sanitary product is information about types classified according to the shape and length of the sanitary product, product features (such as gentle on the skin, low environmental impact, day / night use, etc.), etc.

[0100] The information on the type of sanitary product may be information on types classified by absorption capacity, size, whether or not they have wings, whether or not they have fragrance, additional functions, etc. The information on the type of sanitary product may also be information on types classified by shape (for example, shapes such as tampons, napkins, shorts-type napkins, etc.). The information on the type of sanitary product may also be information on the degree of environmental impact of the sanitary product. For example, the information on the type of sanitary product may be information on types with a low environmental impact or types with a high environmental impact.

[0101] "Number of sheets in stock" is information regarding the number of sheets stored in the discharge device 100 associated with the "discharge device ID." "Usage status" is information regarding the usage status of the discharge device 100 associated with the "discharge device ID." For example, the usage status is information regarding whether or not the device is being used by a user. "Failure status" is information regarding a malfunction of the discharge device 100 associated with the "discharge device ID."

[0102] 7, for example, "A1" identified by the contract ID has a facility management company ID of "F1", facility management company information of "FI1", a discharge device ID of "D1", a setting location of "DP1", and a type of sanitary product of "DT1". Also, "A1" has an inventory quantity of "DI1", a usage status of "DU1", and a failure status of "DF1".

[0103] In the example shown in Figure 7, facility management company information, etc. is expressed using abstract codes such as "FI1", but the facility management company information, etc. may also be in the form of a file containing numerical values, information related to character strings, or the like.

[0104] In addition to the above-mentioned items of contract information, the contract information storage unit 221 may also store information related to the number of sanitary products stored in the discharging device 100. Here, the number of sanitary products stored is information related to the maximum number of sanitary products that can be stored in the discharging device 100. The contract information storage unit 221 may also store information related to the operating hours of the discharging device 100.

[0105] Among the information stored in the contract information storage unit 221, the "facility management company information," "discharge device ID," "installation location," and "type of sanitary product" are registered when the facility signs a contract for a predetermined service that uses the discharge device 100. Among the information stored in the contract information storage unit 221, the "stock quantity," "usage status," and "failure status" may be updated as appropriate based on information acquired by the management device 200.

[0106] (Regarding the usage information storage unit 222) The usage information storage unit 222 stores various information related to the user's use of the discharge device 100. Here, FIG. 8 shows an example of the usage information storage unit 222 according to the embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the usage information storage unit 222 has items such as "user ID" and "usage information." For example, the "usage information" has items such as "user information," "discharge device ID," "installation location," "latest usage date and time," and "number of sheets used."

[0107] The "user ID" is an identifier that identifies the user. The "user information" is user information of the user associated with the "user ID." For example, the user information includes information about the user's height, weight, menstruation start date, amount of menstrual blood, type of sanitary product used, etc.

[0108] The "discharge device ID" is an identifier for identifying the discharge device 100 used by the user associated with the "user ID." The "installation location" is information about the installation location associated with the "discharge device ID."

[0109] The "latest usage date and time" is information about the latest date and time when a user used the discharge device 100 associated with the "discharge device ID." The "number of sheets used" is information about the number of sanitary products that have been discharged from the discharge device 100 associated with the "discharge device ID."

[0110] For example, in Figure 8, "U1" identified by the user ID has user information "UI1", discharge device ID "D1", installation location "DP1", most recent usage date and time "UD1", and number of sheets used "UN1".

[0111] In the example shown in Figure 8, user information, etc. is expressed using abstract codes such as "UI1", but the user information, etc. may also be information regarding numbers, character strings, or the file format of a file containing user information, etc.

[0112] (Regarding the provided information storage unit 223) The provided information storage unit 223 stores information related to the refilling of sanitary products. Here, Fig. 9 shows an example of the provided information storage unit 223 according to the embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the provided information storage unit 223 has items such as "provided information ID" and "provided information".

[0113] The "provided information ID" is an identifier for identifying the provided information. The "provided information" is provided information associated with the "provided information ID." For example, the provided information includes information related to replenishing a predetermined number of sanitary products into each discharge device 100.

[0114] For example, in Fig. 9, "I1" identified by the provided information ID has provided information "IP1". Note that in the example shown in Fig. 9, the provided information etc. is expressed by an abstract code such as "IP1", but the provided information etc. may be information related to a numerical value, a character string, or the file format of a file including the provided information etc.

[0115] (Regarding the control unit 230) The control unit 230 is a controller, and is realized by, for example, a CPU, an MPU, or the like, executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the management device 200 using RAM as a work area. The control unit 230 is also a controller, and is realized by, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA.

[0116] As shown in Fig. 6, the control unit 230 has a reception unit 231, an authentication unit 232, an acquisition unit 233, a provision unit 234, and a determination unit 235, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of the information processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 230 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 6, and may be other configurations as long as they perform the information processing described below. Furthermore, the connection relationship between the processing units included in the control unit 230 is not limited to the connection relationship shown in Fig. 6, and may be other connection relationships.

[0117] (Regarding the Receiving Unit 231) The receiving unit 231 receives various requests. Specifically, the receiving unit 231 receives a request for authentication of a user. For example, the receiving unit 231 receives the user authentication request from the discharging device 100 along with identification information that identifies the two-dimensional code.

[0118] (Regarding the authentication unit 232) The authentication unit 232 authenticates a user who uses the discharge device 100. Specifically, the authentication unit 232 compares the identification information for identifying the user included in the identification information for identifying the two-dimensional code received by the reception unit 231 with the identification information for identifying the user stored in the storage unit 220. Then, if the comparison is successful, the authentication unit 232 authenticates the user.

[0119] (Regarding the Acquiring Unit 233) The acquiring unit 233 acquires various information. Specifically, the acquiring unit 233 acquires inventory information of the sanitary products stored in the discharging devices 100. For example, the acquiring unit 233 acquires inventory information from each discharging device 100 at predetermined intervals. Then, the acquiring unit 233 stores the acquired inventory information in the contract information storage unit 221.

[0120] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 233 acquires information relating to the weight of the sanitary products housed in the discharging device 100 from the discharging device 100. Then, the acquisition unit 233 stores the acquired information relating to the weight of the sanitary products in the storage unit 220.

[0121] (Regarding the providing unit 234) The providing unit 234 provides various information. Specifically, the providing unit 234 transmits the authentication result of the user to the discharging device 100. For example, the providing unit 234 transmits the authentication result, such as that the authentication of the user has been successful, to the discharging device 100. In addition, the providing unit 234 transmits information related to an instruction to discharge sanitary products to the discharging device 100 together with the authentication result.

[0122] Furthermore, the providing unit 234 provides provision information for providing sanitary products based on the number of sanitary products. For example, the providing unit 234 estimates the number of sanitary products to be replenished in the discharging device 100 based on the number of sanitary products used in each discharging device 100. Then, the providing unit 234 stores the estimated number of sanitary products as provision information in the provision information storage unit 223. Here, the number of sanitary products estimated by the providing unit 234 is the total number of sanitary products to be replenished in each discharging device 100 for which inventory information has been acquired.

[0123] Next, the providing unit 234 provides the provided information stored in the provided information storage unit 223 to the replenishment agent server 20. To give a more specific example, the providing unit 234 provides, as the provided information, information regarding replenishment for replenishing the estimated number of sanitary products to the replenishment agent server 20. In this case, the providing unit 234 provides, as the replenishment information, information regarding an instruction to replenish the estimated number of sanitary products plus a predetermined number to the replenishment agent server 20.

[0124] (Regarding the Determination Unit 235) The determination unit 235 determines whether or not the sanitary product is a genuine product. For example, the determination unit 235 determines whether or not the sanitary product is a genuine product based on information about the weight of the sanitary product acquired from the discharge device 100 by the acquisition unit 233.

[0125] For example, the determination unit 235 determines that the sanitary product is genuine based on information about the weight of the sanitary product. In such a case, the provision unit 234 provides information indicating that the sanitary product is genuine to the discharge device 100. Then, the display unit 170 of the discharge device 100 displays information indicating that the sanitary product is genuine.

[0126] On the other hand, the determination unit 235 determines that the sanitary product is not genuine based on the information about the weight of the sanitary product. In such a case, the provision unit 234 provides information indicating that the sanitary product is not genuine to the discharge device 100. Then, the display unit 170 of the discharge device 100 displays the information indicating that the sanitary product is not genuine.

[0127] 5. Processing Procedure (1) Next, the procedure of the discharge control process executed by the discharge device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the discharge control process executed by the discharge device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0128] 10, the reading unit 120 determines whether or not a predetermined code has been read (step S101). For example, if the reading unit 120 has not read the predetermined code (step S101; No), the reading unit 120 waits until the predetermined code is read.

[0129] On the other hand, if the reading unit 120 reads the predetermined code (Step S101; Yes), the receiving unit 193 receives the user authentication request (Step S102). Subsequently, the transmitting unit 192 transmits the user authentication request to the management device 200 (Step S103).

[0130] The accepting unit 193 then accepts the authentication result (step S104). Subsequently, the discharge control unit 194 controls the discharge unit 150 to discharge the sanitary product out of the storage unit 130. As a result, the discharge unit 150 discharges the sanitary product (step S105).

[0131] 6. Processing Procedure (2) Next, the procedure of the provision process executed by the management device 200 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the provision process executed by the management device 200 according to the embodiment.

[0132] 11, the acquisition unit 233 waits until inventory information is acquired (Step S201). For example, if the acquisition unit 233 has not acquired inventory information (Step S201; No), the acquisition unit 233 waits until inventory information is acquired.

[0133] On the other hand, when the acquisition unit 233 acquires the inventory information (step S201; Yes), the providing unit 234 provides the provision information based on the inventory information (step S202).

[0134] 7. Modifications The discharge device 100 or the management device 200 described above may be implemented in various different forms other than the above-described embodiment. Therefore, other embodiments of the discharge device 100 or the management device 200 will be described below.

[0135] 7-1. Facilities In the above embodiment, the facility is described as a commercial facility, but the present invention is not limited to this. The facility may be any facility. For example, the facility may be a facility occupied by a company, a facility occupied by a local government, a local organization, a sports organization, or a public facility.

[0136] 7-2. Predetermined Code In the above embodiment, an example in which the reading unit 120 reads a two-dimensional code has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the reading unit 120 may read a predetermined code such as a one-dimensional code such as a barcode in addition to a two-dimensional code.

[0137] [7-3. Acquisition Process] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the acquisition unit 233 acquires inventory information from the discharge device 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the acquisition unit 233 may acquire inventory information at predetermined intervals from the facility management company server 40 of the facility where the discharge device 100 is installed.

[0138] To give a more specific example, the acquisition unit 233 may acquire inventory information for a predetermined period, that is, every day, from the facility management company server 40 managed by the facility management company. At this time, the facility management company checks the inventory number of sanitary products stored in the discharge device 100 and inputs this inventory number to the facility management company server 40. Then, the facility management company server 40 may transmit inventory information indicating the inventory number to the management device 200.

[0139] As another example, the facility management company server 40 may acquire inventory information from the discharge device 100 at predetermined intervals. In this case, the facility management company server 40 may transmit the acquired inventory information to the management device 200.

[0140] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the authentication unit 232 executes the authentication process to authenticate the user, but the present invention is not limited to this. The discharge device 100 may execute the authentication process to authenticate the user.

[0141] For example, the discharge device 100 reads a two-dimensional code displayed on the application AP in response to a user's operation, and receives a user authentication request from the terminal device 10 along with identification information identifying the two-dimensional code. Then, the discharge device 100 authenticates the user. For example, the discharge device 100 compares the identification information identifying the two-dimensional code with identification information identifying the user that is pre-stored in the storage unit 160. Then, the discharge device 100 may authenticate the user if the comparison is successful. This allows the user to use the discharge device 100.

[0142] Furthermore, the providing unit 234 may transmit information related to the discharge instruction to the terminal device 10 along with the authentication process. Subsequently, the terminal device 10 may transmit information related to the discharge instruction to the discharge device 100. Note that when transmitting information related to the discharge instruction from the terminal device 10 to the discharge device 100, this may be achieved by using a method such as short-range communication between the terminal device 10 and the discharge device 100, or by displaying a two-dimensional code serving as information related to the discharge instruction on the display unit of the terminal device 10 and having the discharge device 100 read the two-dimensional code.

[0143] It is also assumed that the discharge device 100 and the terminal device 10 perform short-range communication. In this case, the discharge device 100 may transmit identification information identifying the device itself to the terminal device 10. Subsequently, the terminal device 10 may transmit identification information identifying the user and identification information identifying the discharge device 100 to the management device 200. Then, the authentication unit 232 may authenticate the discharge device 100 and the user. Specifically, the authentication unit 232 compares the received identification information identifying the discharge device 100 with the identification information identifying the discharge device 100 stored in the storage unit 220. Subsequently, the authentication unit 232 authenticates the discharge device 100 if the comparison is successful. Furthermore, the authentication unit 232 compares the received identification information identifying the user with the identification information identifying the user stored in the storage unit 220. Then, the authentication unit 232 authenticates the user if the comparison is successful. For example, it is assumed that the authentication of the discharge device 100 and the user is successful.

[0144] Next, the providing unit 234 transmits the authentication result to the discharging device 100. For example, the providing unit 234 transmits the authentication result, such as that the authentication of the discharging device 100 and the user has been successful, to the discharging device 100. The providing unit 234 may also transmit information regarding an instruction to discharge sanitary products to the discharging device 100 together with the authentication result.

[0145] In addition to the above example, the providing unit 234 may transmit an authentication result to the terminal device 10. For example, the providing unit 234 transmits an authentication result to the terminal device 10, such as that the authentication of the discharge device 100 and the user has been successful. The providing unit 234 may also transmit information related to an instruction to discharge sanitary products to the terminal device 10 together with the authentication result. Subsequently, the terminal device 10 may transmit the authentication result and information related to the discharge instruction to the discharge device 100 via short-range communication.

[0146] The discharge device 100 may also transmit information regarding the discharge results (success or failure of discharge, the type of discharged absorbent article, etc.) to the management device 200. The discharge device 100 may also transmit information regarding the discharge results to the terminal device 10, and the terminal device 10 may then transmit information regarding the discharge results to the management device 200.

[0147] Furthermore, device information including identification information for identifying the discharge device 100 and user information including identification information for identifying the user may be transmitted from either the terminal device 10 or the discharge device 100 so that the management device 200 can perform authentication processing. For example, the terminal device 10 transmits a discharge request including user information to the management device 200, and the discharge device 100 transmits a discharge request including device information to the management device 200, so that the management device 200 can perform authentication in response to requests from both devices rather than just one device, thereby improving the reliability of authentication.

[0148] The information included in the discharge request transmitted by the terminal device 10 and the discharge device 100 may include either device information or user information, or may include both device information and user information. In this way, as long as the management device 200 that executes the authentication process can receive the device information and user information, any combination of device information and user information may be transmitted.

[0149] [7-5. Sterilization Unit] In the above embodiment, the storage unit 130 stores sanitary products, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the discharge device 100 may further include a sterilization unit that sterilizes the sanitary products stored in the storage unit 130.

[0150] For example, the disinfecting unit disinfects the sanitary products stored in the storage unit 130 in response to a predetermined operation by the user. Then, the discharging unit 150 may discharge the sanitary products disinfected by the disinfecting unit.

[0151] The disinfection unit will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a discharge device 100 according to a modified example. In the example of Fig. 12, the discharge device 100 has a disinfection unit L1. Here, the disinfection unit shown in Fig. 12 is drawn with dotted lines. For example, the disinfection unit is a black light for disinfection or the like.

[0152] In the example of FIG. 12 , the storage unit 130 stores sanitary products. Here, the sanitary products are individually packaged. Also, in the example of FIG. 12 , the presentation unit 180 has a window W2. Furthermore, the sanitary products stored in the storage unit 130 can be seen through the window W2. In this case, the disinfection state of the sanitary products can be seen. For example, assume that a user performs an authentication process as a predetermined operation when using the discharge device 100, and the user authentication is successful. In this case, the disinfection unit disinfects the surface of the package in which the sanitary products are individually packaged. Then, the discharge unit 150 discharges the sanitary products disinfected by the disinfection unit. In this way, the disinfection unit can assist in hygienic management of sanitary products. Furthermore, the disinfection unit allows the user to use sanitary sanitary products.

[0153] In the above-described modified example, the disinfection unit disinfects the surface of the package in which the sanitary products are individually packaged. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the disinfection unit may also disinfect the inside of the individually packaged sanitary products. In a more specific example, the disinfection unit may be a disinfecting black light. In this case, the disinfection unit may disinfect the inside of the individually packaged sanitary products by irradiating ultraviolet light with an ultraviolet intensity equal to or greater than a predetermined value. This allows the disinfection unit to assist in hygienically managing the sanitary products.

[0154] The discharge device 100 may also have a switch for operating the disinfection unit. For example, the discharge device 100 may have a switch for operating the disinfection unit on the exterior of the device itself. In this case, the user may disinfect the sanitary product by pressing the switch as a predetermined operation.

[0155] The disinfection unit may be configured to disinfect in response to a user's operation or may be configured to disinfect constantly. For example, the disinfection unit may be configured to irradiate the disinfecting black light constantly regardless of whether the user operates the unit, or at predetermined intervals or whenever there is a change in the sanitary products in the storage unit, such as when the sanitary products are refilled or discharged, or the user may be able to disinfect at any time.

[0156] 7-6. Packaging Body In the above embodiment, the storage unit 130 stores sanitary products, but this is not limiting. For example, the storage unit 130 may store a predetermined packaging body containing a predetermined number of sanitary products. The discharge unit 150 may then discharge the sanitary products stored in the predetermined packaging body individually.

[0157] An example in which a refilling agent refills a predetermined package B1 into the discharging device 100 will be described using Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a discharging device 100 according to a modified example. In the example of Fig. 13, the predetermined package B1 is a package that contains a predetermined number of individually packaged sanitary products SI1. Here, the predetermined package B1 is made of a transparent material such as plastic.

[0158] In the example of Fig. 13, the refilling agent first opens the bottom side of the predetermined package B1. Next, the refilling agent opens the top surface T1 of the discharging device 100. Then, the refilling agent refills the predetermined package B1 from the top side of the discharging device 100 (step S31). This allows the storage unit 130 to store the predetermined package B1. In this way, the discharging device 100 can store the predetermined package B1 as is.

[0159] 3, the discharge device 100 sends out the sanitary products SI1 stored in the storage unit 130 one by one to the discharge mechanism EM1. Then, the discharge device 100 discharges the sanitary products SI1 individually using the discharge mechanism EM1.

[0160] In this way, since there is no need for the refiller to open the predetermined package B1 and transfer the sanitary products one by one, the sanitary products can be hygienically managed until the user uses them. Furthermore, the discharge device 100 can hygienically manage the sanitary products regardless of the degree of sealing of the individual packages of the sanitary products or the material of the individual packages. As a result, the discharge device 100 can maintain the sanitary products in a sanitary state until the user uses them.

[0161] [7-7. Cartridge-type packaging] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the storage unit 130 stores sanitary products, but this is not limiting. For example, the storage unit 130 may be a cartridge-type packaging that stores a predetermined number of sanitary products and has a window that allows the user to view the sanitary products stored in the cartridge-type packaging from the outside of the discharging device 100. The discharging unit 150 may then individually discharge the sanitary products stored in the cartridge-type packaging.

[0162] An example in which a refilling agent refills the discharging device 100 with a cartridge-type package CA1 will be described using Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a discharging device 100 according to a modified example. In the example of Fig. 14, the storage unit 130 is a cartridge-type package CA1. Specifically, the storage unit 130 is a cartridge-type package CA1 that is separate from the discharging device 100 and is separable from the discharging device 100. Furthermore, the storage unit 130 allows the cartridge-type package CA1 to be inserted into and removed from a predetermined position in the discharging device 100.

[0163] In the example of Fig. 14, the cartridge-type packaging CA1 is a packaging that contains a predetermined number of individually packaged sanitary products SI1. Here, the cartridge-type packaging CA1 is made of a rigid material such as plastic. As in the example of Fig. 14, when the cartridge is directly attached to the discharging device 100, the replenisher can complete the replenishment without touching the sanitary products inside the cartridge, and therefore the sanitary products can be managed hygienically until they are provided to the user.

[0164] Although not shown in FIG. 14 , the cartridge-type packaging CA1 may have a window that allows the user to visually view the sanitary products contained therein. For example, each cartridge-type packaging CA1 may have one window. The cartridge-type packaging CA1 may be foldable. The cartridge-type packaging CA1 may be made of a material with a transparency that allows the interior of the packaging to be seen. For example, the cartridge-type packaging CA1 may be made of transparent plastic. This can achieve the same effect as the window described above. A camera may be provided within the cartridge-type packaging CA1, and by attaching the cartridge-type packaging CA1 to the discharge device 100, the camera within the packaging CA1 and the discharge device 100 are electrically connected, the camera within the packaging CA1 is activated, and the image from the camera may be displayed on the display unit 170 of the discharge device 100. These functions and configurations that allow the interior of the packaging to be seen function as the aforementioned presentation unit 180.

[0165] In the example of Fig. 14, the refilling agent first opens the bottom side of the cartridge-type packaging CA1. Next, the refilling agent attaches the cartridge-type packaging CA1 from the top side of the discharging device 100 (step S41). In this way, the cartridge-type packaging CA1 can be attached to the discharging device 100 as is. Here, when the bottom side is removed and then the cartridge-type packaging CA1 is attached, as shown in Fig. 14, the bottom side faces downward, which may cause the sanitary products inside the packaging CA1 to fall out. Therefore, a protrusion made of a flexible material such as rubber may be provided on the bottom of the packaging CA1, and an attachment guide provided on the discharging device 100 of Fig. 14 may push the protrusion into the packaging CA1, thereby preventing the sanitary products from falling out when the packaging CA1 is attached.

[0166] Furthermore, the cover on the bottom of the package CA1 may be a sliding cover instead of a hinged door as shown in Figure 14, and the sliding cover may be removed after the package CA1 is attached to the discharge device 100. These configurations are particularly suitable for a mechanism in which sanitary products are discharged by dropping them into the discharge unit 150 of the discharge device 100. The cartridge-type storage unit CA1 may be installed not only on the top of the discharge device 100, but also on the side or bottom of the discharge device. In this case, it is preferable to configure a mechanism in the storage unit CA1 that sends the sanitary products in the storage unit CA1 to the discharge unit 150 of the discharge device 100.

[0167] 3, the discharge device 100 sends out the sanitary products SI1 contained in the cartridge-type packaging body CA1 one by one to the discharge mechanism EM1. Then, the discharge device 100 discharges the sanitary products SI1 individually using the discharge mechanism EM1.

[0168] In this way, there is no need for refillers to open the packaging in which the sanitary products are packed and transfer the sanitary products one by one, so the sanitary products can be managed hygienically until the user uses them.In addition, it is easy for refillers to replenish the sanitary products.

[0169] For example, in convenience stores and the like, restrooms are often open to the public. In such cases, the restroom manager may be unfamiliar with handling sanitary products, which may result in insufficient hygienic management of sanitary products. Furthermore, when restrooms are used by an unspecified number of people, such as in convenience stores, there is a risk that other users may not be able to properly manage the sanitary products. In such publicly accessible restrooms, a structure that prevents or makes it difficult for users to touch the sanitary products when replacing them, such as a cartridge-type package, is preferable. This configuration can ensure that the sanitary products are not touched by other users as much as possible until the user uses them. Therefore, the discharge device 100 can maintain the sanitary products in a sanitary state until the user uses them.

[0170] Next, an example of providing a cartridge-type package will be described with reference to Fig. 15. This is a diagram showing an example of a determination process executed by the management device 200 according to a modified example. The premise is the same as in Fig. 1, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0171] The cartridge-type packaging is provided by a refilling company DE1. The cartridge-type packaging has a chip or the like. For example, the chip stores identification information for identifying the cartridge-type packaging. Hereinafter, the cartridge-type packaging may be referred to as a cartridge.

[0172] 15 , the receiving unit 231 of the management device 200 receives a cartridge provision request from the facility management company server 40 (step S51). For example, the receiving unit 231 receives, as the provision request, information on the number of cartridges corresponding to the number of discharge devices 100 that can accommodate the cartridges from the facility management company server 40.

[0173] Next, the replenishing agent server 20 receives a request to provide a cartridge from the management device 200 (step S52). Then, the receiving unit 231 receives cartridge information, which is information related to the cartridge, from the replenishing agent server 20 (step S53). For example, the receiving unit 231 receives, as cartridge information, the ID of a discharge device 100 to which the cartridge can be attached, the installation location of the discharge device 100, the type of sanitary product accommodated in the discharge device 100, the number of sanitary products accommodated in the discharge device 100, the cartridge status, etc.

[0174] Next, the refilling company DE1 delivers the cartridge to the commercial facility F1 (step S54). Then, the facility management company installs the cartridge (step S55). For example, the facility management company attaches the cartridge to the discharge device 100 installed in the toilet TO1.

[0175] Next, the acquisition unit 233 acquires cartridge information of the attached cartridge from the discharge device 100 (step S56). For example, the acquisition unit 233 acquires identification information for identifying the cartridge from the cartridge. To explain this in more detail, the acquisition unit 233 acquires the identification information for identifying the cartridge from a chip included in the cartridge at the same time as the cartridge is attached or after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0176] Then, the determination unit 235 checks the cartridge (step S57). For example, it is assumed that identification information for identifying the cartridge is stored in the storage unit 220. In this case, the determination unit 235 compares the identification information for identifying the cartridge acquired from the discharge device 100 with the identification information for identifying the cartridge stored in the storage unit 220. Next, if the comparison is successful, the determination unit 235 determines that the cartridge inquiry has been successful. Here, it is assumed that the cartridge inquiry has been successful.

[0177] The identification information for identifying the cartridge may be obtained, for example, by the discharge device 100 reading a one-dimensional code or numbers attached to the cartridge using a camera, etc. Alternatively, the identification information may be obtained by another device (for example, a terminal device of a facility manager, etc.), in which case the identification information obtained by the other device may be transmitted to the management device 200, and the determination unit 235 of the management device 200 may verify the identification information.

[0178] Next, the providing unit 234 transmits the inquiry result to the discharging device 100 (step S58). For example, the providing unit 234 transmits to the discharging device 100 an inquiry result indicating that the inquiry about the cartridge was successful.

[0179] Then, the ejection device 100 displays the inquiry result (step S59). For example, the ejection device 100 displays the inquiry result that the cartridge inquiry was successful. Note that, if the ejection device 100 has a lamp or the like, the inquiry result may be displayed by turning on the lamp. Furthermore, the inquiry result may be displayed on the application AP.

[0180] Next, an example of collecting empty cartridges will be described with reference to FIG. 15. In the example of FIG. 15, a facility management company collects empty cartridges from the discharging device 100 (step S60). Next, a refilling company DE1 collects the empty cartridges (step S61). Then, the refilling company DE1 refills the empty cartridges with sanitary products. In this case, the refilling company DE1 resets the chips in the cartridges. This allows the cartridges to be reused.

[0181] In this way, the discharge device 100 can ensure that the sanitary condition of the sanitary products is maintained until the user uses them. Generally, sanitary products are worn by the user, and if inferior products are used, the user may suffer from skin irritation, leakage of menstrual blood, or other harm. Furthermore, if the individual packaging of the sanitary products is changed and the contents are replaced with inferior products, it may be impossible to check the contents from the outside of the package. Therefore, it is considered that it will give the user peace of mind to be able to confirm that the sanitary products contained in the package are genuine. In this way, the discharge device 100 can provide sanitary and genuine sanitary products to the user using a cartridge-type package.

[0182] If the facility is a convenience store, the convenience store's logistics center may collect empty cartridges instead of the refilling company DE1. In this case, the logistics center operator may refill the empty cartridges with sanitary products and deliver the reused cartridges to the convenience store. Alternatively, the refilling company DE1 may collect the empty cartridges, refill the cartridges with sanitary products, and deliver the reused cartridges to the convenience store's logistics center. In this case, the logistics center operator may deliver the reused cartridges to the convenience store.

[0183] In the above case, the management device 200 may further include a cartridge information storage unit 224. The cartridge information storage unit 224 stores various information related to the cartridge-type packaging body. FIG. 16 shows an example of the cartridge information storage unit 224 according to a modified example. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the cartridge information storage unit 224 has items such as "cartridge ID" and "cartridge information." For example, the "cartridge information" has items such as "discharge device ID," "installation location," "type of sanitary product," "number of sanitary products," and "cartridge status."

[0184] "Cartridge ID" is an identifier for identifying the cartridge. For example, the cartridge ID is information relating to an identifier assigned to a chip or the like possessed by the cartridge. "Discharge device ID" is an identifier for identifying the discharge device 100 in which the cartridge-type packaging body associated with the "cartridge ID" is installed. "Installation location" is information relating to the installation location associated with the "discharge device ID."

[0185] "Type of sanitary product" is information about the type of sanitary product stored in the discharge device 100 associated with the "discharge device ID." "Number of sanitary products" is information about the number of sanitary products stored in the discharge device 100 associated with the "discharge device ID."

[0186] "Cartridge status" is information relating to the status of the cartridge installed in the discharge device 100 associated with the "discharge device ID." For example, the status of the cartridge is information indicating whether it is new or installed. To give a more specific example, the status of the cartridge is stored as new before it is attached to the discharge device 100. Then, when a cartridge is attached to the discharge device 100, if the determination unit 235 determines that the cartridge inquiry was successful, the status of the cartridge is updated to installed.

[0187] For example, in FIG. 16, "C1" identified by the cartridge ID has a discharge device ID of "D1", an installation location of "DP1", a type of sanitary product of "CT1", a number of sanitary products of "CN1", and a cartridge state of "CS1".

[0188] In the example shown in Figure 16, the installation location, etc. is expressed using an abstract code such as "DP1", but the installation location, etc. may also be a numerical value, information regarding a character string, or the file format of a file containing the installation location, etc.

[0189] 7-8. Replenishment of Sanitary Products In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a replenishing agent replenishing sanitary products into each discharging device 100, but this is not limiting. For example, a facility management agent may replenishing sanitary products into each discharging device 100. In this case, the facility management agent receives the sanitary products delivered by the replenishing agent. Note that the replenishing agent may be a manufacturer that provides sanitary products, or may be a facility management agent.

[0190] [7-9. Discharge Device] In the above embodiment, an example in which the discharge device 100 is provided with two windows has been described, but this is not limiting. For example, the number of windows may be one. Also, the number of windows may be three or more. In this way, the number of windows provided in the discharge device 100 may be any number.

[0191] In the above embodiment, the storage unit 130 has two tubular portions for storing sanitary products, but this is not limiting. For example, the number of tubular portions may be one. Also, the number of tubular portions may be three or more. In this way, the number of tubular portions included in the storage unit 130 may be any number.

[0192] The discharge device 100 may further include components such as an alarm unit and an alarm control unit. For example, the alarm unit outputs an alarm to the outside. For example, the alarm unit may be realized using an alarm, a speaker, or the like. The alarm unit may also be realized using an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp, for example. In this case, the alarm unit may output an alarm using light (using a flashing LED or the like to present information based on the location, color, flashing pattern, etc. of the LED lamp).

[0193] The alarm control unit controls the alarm unit to output an alarm when the acceleration detected by the detection unit 140 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In this case, the detection unit 140 detects an external force acting on the discharge device 100. For example, the detection unit 140 may include sensors such as an acceleration sensor, a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor, a vibration sensor, and a load sensor. In this case, the detection unit 140 may detect acceleration acting on the discharge device 100. In this manner, the detection unit 140 may detect an external force acting on the discharge device 100. Next, when the acceleration detected by the detection unit 140 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the alarm control unit infers that a user is attempting to steal the discharge device 100 and outputs an audible alarm from the alarm unit. Note that information related to the sound, such as the audible alarm, is pre-stored in the storage unit 160 of the discharge device 100.

[0194] In this way, the detection unit 140 can detect theft of the discharge device 100. Furthermore, the alarm control unit outputs an audible alarm from the alarm unit when the acceleration is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, thereby preventing the discharge device 100 from being stolen.

[0195] In addition, the alarm control unit may send a notification to the terminal device 10 used by the security officer guarding the facility where the discharge device 100 is installed, indicating that the discharge device 100 is about to be stolen or destroyed.

[0196] Furthermore, the discharging device 100 may further include the configuration of the determination unit 235 included in the management device 200. In this case, the discharging device 100 may determine whether the sanitary product is a genuine product. Note that if the discharging device 100 has a configuration equivalent to the determination unit 235, the management device 200 does not need to include the determination unit 235.

[0197] Specifically, the discharge device 100 may determine whether the sanitary product is genuine based on information about the weight of the sanitary product.

[0198] For example, the discharge device 100 detects the weight of the sanitary product. Then, the discharge device 100 determines that the sanitary product is genuine based on information about the weight of the sanitary product. The discharge device 100 may then display information indicating that the sanitary product is genuine.

[0199] On the other hand, the discharge device 100 determines that the sanitary product is not a genuine product based on information about the weight of the sanitary product. Then, the discharge device 100 may display information indicating that the sanitary product is not a genuine product.

[0200] The discharging device 100 may also operate without a power supply. For example, the discharging device 100 may mechanically discharge sanitary products when the power supply is stopped due to a disaster or the like. The discharging device 100 may also mechanically manage the number of sanitary products. The display unit 170 may also display that there are no sanitary products left by pressing a mechanical switch when the number of sanitary products decreases by a certain number.

[0201] Furthermore, a master card capable of authenticating a user may be used in the event of a disaster, etc. For example, when the power supply is cut off due to a disaster, etc., the discharging device 100 may discharge sanitary products by having the reading unit 120 read the master card. In this case, the discharging device 100 may output a predetermined sound, or may not output a predetermined sound.

[0202] Furthermore, when the discharging device 100 has a plurality of discharging units 150, the discharging device 100 may be configured to discharge the sanitary products refilled in the storage unit 130 in order from the oldest to the newest. For example, the discharging device 100 may detect the refill date and time of the storage unit 130 (for example, by installing a weight sensor in the storage unit 130 and determining that the storage unit 130 has been refilled based on an increase in weight, or by arranging an optical sensor or the like at the top of the storage unit 130 and determining that the storage unit 130 has been refilled when the optical sensor detects the sanitary products after not having detected them), and when the discharging device 100 receives a discharge instruction, it may operate the discharging unit 150 corresponding to the storage unit 130 with the oldest detected refill date and time to discharge the sanitary products. This prevents sanitary products from being left undischarged after being refilled.

[0203] Furthermore, it is preferable that the outlet provided in the discharge unit 150 be closed with a door or shutter that can be opened and closed except when discharging sanitary products. In particular, since the discharge device 100 is often installed in places where sanitation management is difficult, such as toilets, there is a high risk of insects and contamination. Therefore, by closing (more preferably sealing) the outlet through which the sanitary products are discharged with a shutter or the like, it is possible to prevent insects from entering through the outlet and to prevent contamination of the sanitary products in the storage unit 130, thereby enabling more hygienic management of the sanitary products.

[0204] [7-10. Application AP] Furthermore, the application AP may also be used to realize functions such as sanitary product discharge management. Specifically, the application control server 30 may execute a user authentication process. For example, in response to a user operation, the application control server 30 receives a user authentication request from the terminal device 10 along with identification information that identifies the two-dimensional code displayed on the application AP.

[0205] Next, the application control server 30 authenticates the user. For example, the application control server 30 compares the identification information identifying the two-dimensional code with the identification information identifying the user stored in a predetermined storage unit of the application control server 30. Then, the application control server 30 may authenticate the user if the comparison is successful. This allows the user to use the discharge device 100.

[0206] The application AP may record information regarding the number of sanitary products used each time the discharge device 100 is used. In this case, the application control server 30 may store information regarding the number of sanitary products used in a predetermined storage unit.

[0207] [7-11. Display of Sanitary Product Information] Furthermore, the manufacturer, material, etc. may be printed on each sanitary product. In this case, the sanitary products on which the manufacturer, material, etc. are printed may be packaged only with a packaging sheet. Furthermore, the manufacturer, material, etc. may be printed on the packaging body that packages the sanitary products or on the exterior of a cartridge-type packaging body. Furthermore, the manufacturer, material, etc. may be printed on the exterior of the discharge device 100, or a printed sticker or the like may be attached.

[0208] [7-12. Contract Information] Furthermore, when a facility operator signs a contract for a predetermined service, the facility operator may select a discharge device 100 suitable for the facility from among discharge devices 100 that are equipped with cartridge-type packaging bodies, discharge devices 100 that house predetermined packaging bodies, and the like. In such a case, the operator managing the management device 200 delivers a discharge device 100 suitable for the facility to the facility. For example, when the facility operator selects a discharge device 100 that is equipped with a cartridge-type packaging body, the operator managing the management device 200 may deliver the cartridge-type packaging body and the discharge device 100 that houses the cartridge-type packaging body. Furthermore, when the facility operator selects a discharge device 100 that houses predetermined packaging bodies, the operator managing the management device 200 may deliver the predetermined packaging body and the discharge device 100 that houses the predetermined packaging body.

[0209] Furthermore, when signing up for a specific service, facility operators may select a discharge device 100 according to the type of sanitary product. Generally, it may be difficult for one discharge device to discharge all types of sanitary products. For example, the state of the packaging, the size of the sanitary product, the material of the sanitary product, and the like vary depending on the type of sanitary product, so it may not be possible to discharge all types of sanitary products with one discharge device. For this reason, facility operators need to select a discharge device 100 according to the type of sanitary product that may be used in the facility. In this way, facility operators can appropriately select a discharge device 100 according to the facility.

[0210] [7-13. Other] Of the above processes, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically may be performed manually. Furthermore, all or part of the processes described as being performed manually may be performed automatically using known methods. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings may be changed as desired unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information shown.

[0211] Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are functional concepts and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown. Furthermore, all or part of each component may be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0212] Furthermore, the above-described processes may be executed in any suitable combination within a range that does not cause inconsistency.

[0213] Furthermore, the above-mentioned "section, module, unit" can be read as "means" or "circuit," etc. For example, an exhaust section can be read as an exhaust means or an exhaust circuit.

[0214] 8. Hardware Configuration The terminal device 10, the replenishment agent server 20, the application control server 30, the facility management agent server 40, the discharge device 100, and the management device 200 according to the above-described embodiments are realized, for example, by a computer 1000 configured as shown in Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration. The computer 1000 is connected to an output device 1010 and an input device 1020, and is connected to a calculation device 1030, a cache 1040, a memory 1050, an output IF (Interface) 1060, an input IF 1070, and a network IF 1080 via a bus 1090.

[0215] The arithmetic device 1030 operates based on programs stored in the cache 1040 and memory 1050, programs read from the input device 1020, and the like, and executes various processes. The cache 1040 is a cache such as a RAM that temporarily stores data used by the arithmetic device 1030 for various calculations. The memory 1050 is a storage device in which data used by the arithmetic device 1030 for various calculations and various databases are registered, and is a memory realized by a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, or the like.

[0216] The output IF 1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to an output device 1010 that outputs various types of information, such as a monitor or a printer, and may be realized by a connector conforming to a standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), or HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface). On the other hand, the input IF 1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020, such as a mouse, keyboard, scanner, etc., and is realized by, for example, a USB.

[0217] For example, the input device 1020 may be realized by a device that reads information from an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disc), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory, etc. The input device 1020 may also be realized by an external storage medium such as a USB memory.

[0218] The network IF 1080 has a function of receiving data from other devices via the network N and sending it to the arithmetic device 1030, and also a function of transmitting data generated by the arithmetic device 1030 to other devices via the network N.

[0219] Here, the arithmetic unit 1030 controls the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 via the output IF 1060 and the input IF 1070. For example, the arithmetic unit 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or the memory 1050 onto the cache 1040 and executes the loaded program. For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the ejection device 100, the arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 executes the program loaded onto the cache 1040 to realize the function of the control unit 190.

[0220] Although the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples, and the embodiments of the present application can be embodied in other forms that include the aspects described in the Disclosure of the Invention section and various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0221] N Network 1 Discharge system 10 Terminal device 20 Replenishment agent server 30 Application control server 40 Facility management agent server 100 Discharge device 110 Communication unit 120 Reading unit 130 Storage unit 140 Detection unit 150 Discharge unit 160 Memory unit 170 Display unit 180 Presentation unit 190 Control unit 191 Acquisition unit 192 Transmission unit 193 Reception unit 194 Discharge control unit 195 Display control unit 200 Management device 210 Communication unit 220 Memory unit 221 Contract information storage unit 222 Usage information storage unit 223 Provided information storage unit 224 Cartridge information storage unit 230 Control unit 231 Reception unit 232 Authentication unit 233 Acquisition unit 234 Provide unit 235 Determination unit

Claims

1. A discharge device that is installed in a specified private room where a user uses sanitary products, comprising: a storage unit that stores the sanitary products used by the user; a presentation unit that presents the sanitary products stored in the storage unit so that they can be seen from outside the discharge device; and a discharge unit that discharges the sanitary products stored in the storage unit in response to an operation of the discharge device by the user.

2. The discharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that the presenting section has a window that allows the user to visually recognize the sanitary product stored in the storage section.

3. The discharge device according to claim 2, characterized in that the presentation unit presents to the user through the window the state in which the sanitary products stored in the storage unit are being managed within the storage unit.

4. The discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a display unit that displays information indicating the management status of the sanitary products stored in the storage unit.

5. The discharge device according to claim 4, characterized in that the display unit displays information regarding the number of days from the date when the sanitary product was refilled into the storage unit to the present as information indicating the management status.

6. The discharge device according to claim 4, characterized in that the display unit displays information relating to the temperature or humidity inside the storage unit as information indicating the management state.

7. The discharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage section stores the sanitary products which are individually packaged, and the discharge section discharges the sanitary products individually.

8. The discharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage section stores a specified package containing a specified number of the sanitary products, and the discharge section individually discharges the sanitary products stored in the specified package.

9. The discharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage unit is a cartridge-type packaging body capable of storing a predetermined number of the sanitary products and being attachable to the discharge device, and the discharge unit individually discharges the sanitary products stored in the cartridge-type packaging body.

10. The discharge device according to claim 1, further comprising a disinfection section that disinfects the sanitary products contained in the storage section, and the discharge section discharges the sanitary products disinfected by the disinfection section.

11. A discharging method performed by a discharge device installed in a specified private room where a user uses sanitary products, comprising: a storing step of storing the sanitary products used by the user; a presenting step of presenting the sanitary products stored in the storing step so that they can be seen from outside the discharge device; and a discharging step of discharging the sanitary products stored in the storing step by the user operating the discharge device.

12. An ejection program that causes a computer to execute the following steps: a storage step for storing sanitary products used by a user; a presentation step for presenting the sanitary products stored by the storage step so that they are visible from outside a discharge device installed in a specified private room where the user uses the sanitary products; and a discharge step for discharging the sanitary products stored by the storage step through the user's operation of the discharge device.

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