Commodity selling system, locker device, commodity selling method, and commodity selling program
The product sales system with automated product identification and inventory management addresses inconsistencies in vending machines by associating storage units with product information, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/JP2025/025300
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-07-17
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-22
AI Technical Summary
Existing vending machines struggle with inconsistencies between restocked products in storage compartments and displayed menu items due to manual labor inefficiencies in updating product information.
A product sales system with a locker device that includes a product identification information acquisition unit, a product storage selection unit, and a management unit to associate storage units with product information, ensuring consistent display and inventory management.
Efficiently prevents discrepancies between stored products and displayed menu items by automating the update of product information, reducing manual labor and ensuring accurate inventory management.
Smart Images

Figure JP2025025300_22012026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Merchandise sales system, locker device, merchandise sales method and merchandise sales program
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a product sales system, a locker device, a product sales method, and a product sales program that can display products stored in multiple storage units on a menu screen and sell them.
[0002] In recent years, vending machines have become known that store products such as food in multiple storage compartments (hereinafter referred to as "lockers") and sell the products stored in the lockers. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vending machine that can sell products stored in multiple lockers, which includes a locking mechanism that locks the doors of each locker in a closed state, and which issues instructions to the locking mechanism to open or close the locking state, and which manages the sales status of the products stored in each locker based on the locking state of the locking mechanism.
[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-163393
[0004] However, although the device in Patent Document 1 can manage the restocking of products in empty lockers by issuing an open / close command to the locking mechanism, it cannot manage what products have been restocked in empty lockers by using only the open / close command.
[0005] This can lead to discrepancies between the products restocked in the empty lockers and the products displayed on the menu screen for product selection. While it is possible to input product replenishment information indicating which products have been restocked in the empty lockers of the vending machine and change the menu screen, this requires manual labor and is inefficient.
[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the prior art, including the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to provide a product sales system, locker device, product sales method, and product sales program that can efficiently prevent inconsistencies between products stored in multiple storage sections and the menu screen for selecting those products.
[0007] The product sales system according to the present disclosure is a product sales system that includes a plurality of storage units for locking and storing products to be sold, unlocks a designated storage unit in which a product selected by a customer is stored, and sells the product, and includes a product identification information acquisition unit that acquires product identification information including information about the product, a product storage selection unit that selects a storage unit from the plurality of storage units to replenish the product, a determination unit that determines whether the product has been stored in the storage unit selected by the product storage selection unit, and a management unit that associates the storage unit selected by the product storage selection unit with the product identification information based on the determination result of the determination unit and the product identification information, and manages the product storage information.
[0008] In the above configuration, the store may further include a display control unit that controls the display of display information that accepts a selection operation of a product or a storage unit by a customer on a predetermined display unit based on the product storage information.
[0009] The above configuration may further comprise a display information generating unit that generates the display information for selection, which receives a selection operation by a customer to select a product or a storage unit, based on the product storage information.
[0010] In the aforementioned configuration, the commodity identification information acquisition unit may acquire the commodity identification information including an image of the commodity.
[0011] The product sales system disclosed herein is a product sales system having a product identification information output device that outputs product identification information related to products purchased by customers, and a locker device that has a plurality of storage units for locking and storing products to be sold, and that, upon receiving the product identification information from the product identification information output device, unlocks the storage unit in which the product identified by the product identification information is stored, allowing the product to be removed. The locker device has a product storage selection unit that selects the storage unit to replenish the product from the plurality of storage units, a storage determination unit that determines that the product has been stored in the storage unit selected by the product storage selection unit, and an output means that outputs product storage information to the product identification information output device, which associates the storage unit selected by the product storage selection unit with the product identification information, based on the storage determination of the storage determination unit and the product identification information.
[0012] In the above configuration, the product identification information output device may be a ticket issuing machine that issues a medium on which the product identification information of the product purchased by the customer is recorded, or a mobile terminal that transmits the product identification information of the product purchased by the customer.
[0013] In the above configuration, the product identification information output device may control the display of display information that accepts the customer's selection of a product or storage section on a predetermined display unit based on the product storage information received from the locker device.
[0014] The locker device of the present disclosure is a locker device that has a plurality of storage units in which products to be sold are locked and stored, and unlocks a specified storage unit in which a product selected by a customer is stored to sell the product, and is equipped with a product identification information acquisition unit that acquires product identification information including information about the product, a product storage selection unit that selects a storage unit from the plurality of storage units to replenish the product with, a determination unit that determines that the product has been stored in the storage unit selected by the product storage selection unit, and a management unit that associates the storage unit selected by the product storage selection unit with the product identification information based on the determination result of the determination unit and the product identification information and manages the product storage information.
[0015] The product sales method disclosed herein is a product sales method in a product sales system that has a plurality of storage units for locking and storing products to be sold, and unlocks a specified storage unit in which a product selected by a customer is stored to sell the product, and includes a product identification information acquisition step of acquiring product identification information including information about the product, a product storage selection step of selecting a storage unit from the plurality of storage units to replenish the product, a determination step of determining that the product has been stored in the storage unit selected by the product storage selection step, and a management step of associating the storage unit selected by the product storage selection step with the product identification information and managing the product storage information based on the determination result of the determination step and the product identification information.
[0016] The product sales program disclosed herein is a product sales program for a locker device that has a plurality of storage units for locking and storing products to be sold, and unlocks a specified storage unit in which a product selected by a customer is stored to sell the product, and is characterized in that it causes a computer to execute a product identification information acquisition procedure that acquires product identification information including information about the product, a product storage selection procedure that selects a storage unit from the plurality of storage units to replenish the product, a determination procedure that determines whether the product has been stored in the storage unit selected by the product storage selection procedure, and a management procedure that associates the storage unit selected by the product storage selection procedure with the product identification information and manages it as product storage information based on the determination result of the determination procedure and the product identification information.
[0017] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to efficiently prevent inconsistencies between products stored in multiple storage sections of a vending machine and the menu screen on which the products are selected.
[0018] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of a merchandise sales system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a locker device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of mode data, replenishment method data, and locker number data shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a ticket vending machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of stored merchandise data shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example (part 1) of a display when selling a merchandise according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example (part 2) of a display when selling a merchandise according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example (part 1) of a display when replenishing merchandise according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example (part 2) of a display when replenishing merchandise according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart (part 1) showing a processing procedure related to merchandise replenishment according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart (part 2) showing a processing procedure related to merchandise replenishment according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of a merchandise sales system according to a first modification. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of a merchandise sales system according to a second modification. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of a merchandise sales system according to Modification 3. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of a merchandise sales system according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example (part 1) of a display when selling a merchandise according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example (part 2) of a display when selling a merchandise according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of a merchandise sales system according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of an overview of a merchandise sales system according to Embodiment 4. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of an overview of a merchandise sales system according to Embodiment 4.
[0019] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, a product sales system, a locker device, a product sales method, and a product sales program according to a first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0020] <Outline of Merchandise Sales System According to Embodiment 1> An outline of the merchandise sales system according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the outline of the merchandise sales system according to Embodiment 1. The merchandise sales system according to Embodiment 1 includes a locker device 10 having a plurality of lockers for storing merchandise such as boxed lunches, and a ticket vending machine 20 from which a customer selects a product to purchase.
[0021] As shown in Figure 1(a), in this product sales system, when replenishing products, the locker number to be replenishing is specified on the display operation unit 11 of the locker device 10 (S1). Then, the QR code (registered trademark) attached to the product is read by the code reader 12 (S2). Product information such as the product name and price is encoded in this QR code (registered trademark).
[0022] As shown in Figure 1(b), when a product is restocked in a designated locker (S3), information including the product information and the locker number (hereinafter referred to as "product storage information") is notified to the ticket vending machine 20 (S4). The ticket vending machine 20 updates the menu screen using the received product storage information (S5). For example, the menu screen displays the product information for the restocked product, "B Lunch Fried Chicken, 550 yen."
[0023] In this way, in the product sales system of this embodiment 1, when replenishing products in the locker device, the product code containing the product information is read, and once the locker device is replenishing with products, the product storage information is notified to the ticket vending machine, and the ticket vending machine updates the menu screen.This effectively prevents inconsistencies between the products stored in the multiple storage sections of the vending machine and the menu screen on which the products are selected.
[0024] <Configuration of Locker Device 10> The configuration of the locker device 10 shown in Fig. 1 will be described. Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the locker device 10 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the locker device 10 has a display operation unit 11, a code reader 12, a storage unit 13, a communication unit 14, a memory unit 15, and a control unit 16.
[0025] The display operation unit 11 is an input / output device such as a touch panel display. The code reader 12 is an input device that reads QR codes (registered trademark). The storage unit 13 is made up of multiple lockers, and products are stored in each locker. The communication unit 14 is an interface unit for data communication with the ticket vending machine 20.
[0026] The storage unit 15 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or nonvolatile memory, and stores mode data 15a, replenishment method data 15b, and locker number data 15c.
[0027] The mode data 15a indicates the mode of the locker device 10. The modes of the locker device 10 include a sales mode and a replenishment mode. The replenishment method data 15b indicates the replenishment method of the products. The locker number data 15c indicates the locker number currently being designated.
[0028] The control unit 16 is a control unit that performs overall control of the locker device 10, and includes a mode control unit 16a, a product replenishment control unit 16b, a locker selection unit 16c, a product information acquisition unit 16d, a storage confirmation unit 16e, an unlocking control unit 16f, a door opening / closing processing unit 16g, a locking control unit 16h, and a sales control unit 16i. In practice, by loading and executing these programs into a CPU (Central Processing Unit), the mode control unit 16a, the product replenishment control unit 16b, the locker selection unit 16c, the product information acquisition unit 16d, the storage confirmation unit 16e, the unlocking control unit 16f, the door opening / closing processing unit 16g, the locking control unit 16h, and the sales control unit 16i execute their respective corresponding processes.
[0029] The mode control unit 16a is a processing unit that controls the mode of the locker device 10. When the mode data 15a is in the "sales mode," if the mode control unit 16a receives an employee QR code (registered trademark) from the code reader 12, the mode control unit 16a transitions the mode of the locker device 10 to the replenishment mode and updates the mode data 15a to the "replenishment mode."
[0030] When the mode control unit 16a receives an employee QR code (registered trademark) from the code reader 12 while the mode data 15a is in the "replenishment mode," it transitions the mode of the locker device 10 to the sales mode and updates the mode data 15a to the "sales mode."
[0031] The product replenishment control unit 16b is a processing unit that controls product replenishment. When the mode control unit 16a switches the locker device 10 to replenishment mode, the product replenishment control unit 16b displays a replenishment method selection screen on the display operation unit 11. The replenishment methods displayed are "individual set," "single row set," and "full set." When a replenishment method is selected on the replenishment method selection screen, the selected replenishment method is stored in the replenishment method data 15b.
[0032] When the locker number data 15c is updated by the locker selection unit 16c, the product replenishment control unit 16b displays a product information reading screen on the display operation unit 11.
[0033] When the product replenishment control unit 16b receives a product replenishment completion notification from the locker selection unit 16c or the storage confirmation unit 16e, it clears the replenishment method data 15b and the locker number data 15c to zero and displays a set completion screen on the display operation unit 11. Then, when the "Confirm" button is accepted on the set completion screen, it displays a replenishment method selection screen.
[0034] The locker selection unit 16c is a processing unit that selects a locker to replenish with products. If "individual set" is selected on the replenishment method selection screen, the locker selection unit 16c displays an individual set selection screen. Then, if a locker number is accepted on the individual set selection screen, the locker selection unit 16c stores the locker number in the locker number data 15c.
[0035] If "single row set" is selected on the replenishment method selection screen, the locker selection unit 16c displays the single row set selection screen. Then, if the row number to replenish products is accepted on the single row set selection screen, the locker selection unit 16c specifies the lowest locker number in this row. For example, if row C is accepted, the locker selection unit 16c specifies "C1". The specified locker number is then stored in the locker number data 15c.
[0036] If "Set all" is selected on the replenishment method selection screen, the locker selection unit 16c designates the locker number as "A1" and stores it in the locker number data 15c.
[0037] When the locker selection unit 16c receives a locker designation instruction from the storage confirmation unit 16e, it performs the following process. If the replenishment method data 15b is "set in one row," and the locker number data 15c is the last locker number in the designated row, it passes a product replenishment completion notification to the product replenishment control unit 16b. If it is not the last locker number, it updates the locker number data 15c by changing the current locker number to the next locker number. For example, if the current locker number is "C3," it stores the next locker number, "C4," in the locker number data 15c. If the replenishment method data 15b is "set all," and the locker number data 15c is the last locker number in the locker device 10, it passes a product replenishment completion notification to the product replenishment control unit 16b. If it is not the last locker number, it updates the locker number data 15c by changing the current locker number to the next locker number.
[0038] The product information acquisition unit 16d is a processing unit that acquires information about a product. When the product information acquisition unit 16d reads a QR code (registered trademark) attached to a product using the code reader 12 while the product information reading screen is displayed, the product information acquisition unit 16d displays product storage information including the read data and the locker number specified by the locker number data 15c on the product information confirmation screen.
[0039] The storage confirmation unit 16e is a processing unit that confirms the replenishment of products in the lockers. When the storage confirmation unit 16e receives a "Confirm" button on the product information confirmation screen, it displays a product set confirmation screen to prompt the user to replenish the specified locker with products, and passes an unlock instruction to the unlock control unit 16f.
[0040] When the storage confirmation unit 16e receives a closing completion notification from the door opening / closing processing unit 16g, it displays a "Setting Complete" button in a state where it can accept it on the product setting confirmation screen. Then, when the "Setting Complete" button is accepted, it passes a locking instruction to the locking control unit 16h.
[0041] When the storage confirmation unit 16e receives a locking completion notification from the locking control unit 16h, it notifies the ticket vending machine 20 of the product storage information. If the replenishment method data 15b is "individual set", it passes the product replenishment completion notification to the product replenishment control unit 16b. If the replenishment method data 15b is "single row set" or "all set", it passes a locker designation instruction to the locker selection unit 16c.
[0042] The unlocking control unit 16f is a processing unit that unlocks the door of a specified locker. When the unlocking control unit 16f receives an unlocking instruction from the storage confirmation unit 16e or the sales control unit 16i, the unlocking control unit 16f unlocks the door of the locker stored in the locker number data 15c.
[0043] The door opening / closing processing unit 16g is a processing unit that performs processing to confirm whether the door of the specified locker is open or closed. When the door of a locker unlocked by the unlocking control unit 16f is opened and then closed, the door opening / closing processing unit 16g performs the following processing. If the mode data 15a is the "replenishment mode", it passes a closing completion notification to the storage confirmation unit 16e. If the mode data 15a is the "sales mode", it passes a closing completion notification to the sales control unit 16i.
[0044] The locking control unit 16h is a processing unit that locks the door of a specified locker. When the locking control unit 16h receives a locking instruction from the storage confirmation unit 16e, the locking control unit 16h locks the door of the locker stored in the locker number data 15c and passes a locking completion notification to the storage confirmation unit 16e.
[0045] When the locking control unit 16h receives a locking instruction from the sales control unit 16i, it locks the door of the locker stored in the locker number data 15c and sends a locking completion notification to the sales control unit 16i.
[0046] The sales control unit 16i is a processing unit that controls the sale of products. When the mode data 15a is in the "sale mode", the sales control unit 16i displays on the display operation unit 11 that the product is on sale.
[0047] When the sales control unit 16i receives the locker number from the ticket vending machine 20, it stores the locker number in the locker number data 15c and passes an unlock instruction to the unlock control unit 16f.
[0048] When the sales control unit 16i receives a closing completion notification from the door opening / closing processing unit 16g, it passes a locking instruction to the locking control unit 16h. When the sales control unit 16i receives a locking completion notification from the locking control unit 16h, it notifies the ticket vending machine 20 of sales completion information including the locker number of the locker number data 15c. Then, it clears the locker number data 15c to zero.
[0049] Next, an example of data stored in the storage unit 15 of the locker device 10 shown in Fig. 2 will be described. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the mode data 15a, the replenishment method data 15b, and the locker number data 15c shown in Fig. 2.
[0050] The mode data 15a shown in Fig. 3(a) indicates that the mode classification of the locker device 10 is "Refill mode." The refill method data 15b shown in Fig. 3(b) indicates that the refill method is "Individual Set." The locker number data 15c shown in Fig. 3(c) indicates that the designated locker number is "C3."
[0051] <Configuration of ticket vending machine 20> The configuration of the ticket vending machine 20 shown in Fig. 1 will be described. Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the ticket vending machine 20 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the ticket vending machine 20 has a display operation unit 21, a receipt issuing unit 22, a currency accepting unit 23, a communication unit 24, a memory unit 25, and a control unit 26.
[0052] The display operation unit 21 is an input / output device such as a touch panel display. The receipt issuing unit 22 is an output device that issues receipts on which information about the products purchased by the customer is printed. The currency accepting unit 23 is a device that accepts currency used to purchase products. The communication unit 24 is an interface unit for data communication with the locker device 10.
[0053] The storage unit 25 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or nonvolatile memory, and stores stored product data 25a. The stored product data 25a is data that indicates information about products stored in the ticket vending machine 20.
[0054] The control unit 26 is a control unit that performs overall control of the ticket vending machine 20, and includes a stored product management unit 26a, a sales product display unit 26b, a sales control unit 26c, and a receipt issuance processing unit 26d. In practice, by loading and executing these programs into the CPU, the stored product management unit 26a, the sales product display unit 26b, the sales control unit 26c, and the receipt issuance processing unit 26d will execute the processes corresponding to them.
[0055] The stored product management unit 26a is a processing unit that manages the stored product data 25a. When the stored product management unit 26a receives product storage information from the locker device 10, the stored product management unit 26a stores the product storage information in the stored product data 25a.
[0056] When the stored product management unit 26a receives sales completion information from the locker device 10, it identifies the data relating to the locker number included in the sales completion information from the stored product data 25a and updates the inventory quantity of the identified data to "0".
[0057] The sales product display unit 26b is a processing unit that displays a menu of products being sold. The sales product display unit 26b displays the contents stored in the stored product data 25a as a product menu on the display operation unit 21. The sales product display unit 26b updates and displays the product menu each time the stored product data 25a is updated.
[0058] The sales control unit 26c is a processing unit that controls the sale of products. The sales control unit 26c accepts a product selection from the display operation unit 21, and performs a settlement process when it accepts currency from the currency acceptance unit 23. If change is required at that time, the necessary currency is returned as change from a currency return unit (not shown). The sales control unit 26c then identifies the selected product from the stored product data 25a, passes the identified data to the receipt issuance processing unit 26d, and notifies the locker device 10 of the corresponding locker number.
[0059] The receipt printing processor 26d prints receipts with information about the sold products. The receipt printing processor 26d prints the product data received from the sales control unit 26c onto a receipt, which is then issued by the receipt printing unit 22.
[0060] Next, an example of data stored in the storage unit 25 of the ticket vending machine 20 shown in Fig. 4 will be described. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the stored commodity data 25a shown in Fig. 4.
[0061] The stored product data 25a shown in Figure 5 associates the following with the frontage matrix "(1, 3)": locker number "C1", vendor name "ABC Foods", menu name "Nori bento", menu description "healthy, low in calories", expiration date "202408012000", image "abc001.jpg", price "450" yen, and inventory quantity "1".
[0062] The stored product data 25a associates the following with the frontage matrix "(2, 3)": locker number "C2", vendor name "DEF Foods", menu name "A Lunch Fried Chicken", menu description "Standard Lunch", expiration date "-", image "def011.jpg", price "500" yen, and stock quantity "0".
[0063] The stored product data 25a associates the following with the frontage matrix "(3,3)": locker number "C3", vendor name "DEF Foods", menu name "B Lunch Fried Chicken", menu description "Standard Lunch Large Portion", expiration date "202408012100", image "def012.jpg", price "600" yen, and stock quantity "1".
[0064] <Example of Display at Product Sale According to First Embodiment> A description will be given of an example of display at product sale according to the first embodiment. Figures 6 and 7 are diagrams showing an example of display at product sale according to the first embodiment.
[0065] When a customer selects a product on the ticket vending machine 20, the customer selects the product from the menu list screen or the entrance list screen. The customer can select which screen to display by tapping a tab displayed on the menu screen.
[0066] As shown in Figure 6(a), when a customer taps the "Select from Menu" tab, a menu list screen is displayed. On this menu list screen, products are displayed by type. For example, "Lunch A ¥500," "Lunch B ¥550," "Lunch C ¥600," "Lunch D ¥650," "Lunch E ¥700," and "Lunch F ¥750" are displayed.
[0067] When a product is selected on the menu list screen, the ticket vending machine 20 displays the selected product details and price. For example, the selected content is displayed as "Lunch B x 1 550 yen" and the total price is displayed as "550 yen."
[0068] Once the product selection is confirmed and payment is completed, the ticket vending machine 20 displays a message urging the customer to remove the product. For example, as shown in Figure 6(b), the ticket vending machine 20 displays messages such as "Thank you for your patronage" and "Please close the door after receiving your product," as well as the locker number where the product is stored.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 7(a), when a customer taps the "Select by door width" tab, a door width list screen is displayed. This door width list screen displays the products sold at each locker. The displayed product information includes the product image, locker number, and price. For example, "A1 500 yen," "B1 550 yen," "C1 600 yen," and "D1 650 yen" are displayed in correspondence with each product image.
[0070] When a product is selected on the entrance list screen, the ticket vending machine 20 displays the selected locker number and the price. For example, the selection is displayed as "B2 550 yen" and the total price is displayed as "550 yen."
[0071] Once the product selection is confirmed and payment is completed, the ticket vending machine 20 displays a message urging the customer to remove the product. For example, as shown in Figure 7(b), the ticket vending machine 20 displays messages such as "Thank you for your purchase" and "Please close the door after receiving the product," as well as the locker number where the product is stored.
[0072] <Example of Display When Replenishing Products According to First Embodiment> A description will be given of an example of a display when replenishing products according to the first embodiment. Figures 8 and 9 are diagrams showing an example of a display when replenishing products according to the first embodiment.
[0073] As shown in Figure 8(a), when the locker device 10 transitions to replenishment mode, a replenishment method selection screen is displayed on the display operation unit 11. Specifically, the following buttons are displayed: "Set all" to replenish all lockers, "Set one row" to replenish only one selected row, and "Set individual" to replenish only one locker.
[0074] If, for example, "Individual Set" is selected on the replenishment method selection screen, the individual set selection screen will be displayed as shown in Figure 8(b). Specifically, all locker numbers will be displayed together with the message "Please select the locker you want to set."
[0075] When a locker number is selected on the individual set selection screen, a product information reading screen is displayed as shown in Figure 8(c). Specifically, a message is displayed saying "Please scan the QR code of the product."
[0076] If a product's QR code (registered trademark) is read while the product information reading screen is displayed, a product information confirmation screen containing the read product information is displayed, as shown in Figure 9(a). Specifically, the selected locker number and product information are displayed. For example, Figure 9(a) shows a state in which the locker number is "C3" and the product information is "Vendor name: DEF Foods, Menu name: B Lunch Fried Chicken, Menu description: Standard Lunch Large Portion, Use-by date: 202408012100, Image: def012.jpg, Price: 600, Quantity in stock: 1."
[0077] If the "Confirm" button is selected while the product information confirmation screen is displayed, a product setting confirmation screen will be displayed, as shown in Figure 9(b). Specifically, it will say, "Please set the product and then press the 'Setting Complete' button."
[0078] If the "Setting Complete" button is selected while the product setting confirmation screen is displayed, the setting completion screen will be displayed as shown in Figure 9(c). Specifically, it will say "Ticket machine menu information has been updated. Product setting has been completed. Please make sure all doors are securely closed."
[0079] <Processing Procedure for Product Replenishment According to First Embodiment> A processing procedure for product replenishment according to the first embodiment will be described below. Figures 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure for product replenishment according to the first embodiment.
[0080] 10, when the locker device 10 receives an employee QR code (registered trademark) from the code reader 12, the mode of the locker device 10 is switched to a replenishment mode (step S101; Yes) and a replenishment method selection screen is displayed (step S102). If the mode of the locker device 10 has not been switched to the replenishment mode (step S101; No), the process returns to step S101.
[0081] If "Individual Set" is selected on the replenishment method selection screen (Step S103; Yes), the locker device 10 displays the individual set selection screen. If the locker number for replenishing the product is accepted (Step S104; Yes), the locker device 10 stores this locker number in the locker number data 15c and proceeds to Step S108. If the locker number has not been accepted (Step S104; No), the process returns to Step S104.
[0082] If "Single Row Set" is selected on the replenishment method selection screen (Step S103; No, Step S105; Yes), the locker device 10 displays the single row set selection screen. Then, if the row number for replenishing products is accepted (Step S106; Yes), the locker device 10 designates the lowest locker number in this row (Step S107), stores this in the locker number data 15c, and proceeds to Step S108. If the row number has not been accepted (Step S106; No), the process returns to Step S106.
[0083] If "Set all" is selected on the replenishment method selection screen (Step S105; No), the locker device 10 designates the locker number as "A1" (Step S107), stores it in the locker number data 15c, and proceeds to Step S108.
[0084] In step S107, if a locker number has already been specified in the locker number data 15c, the locker device 10 newly specifies the number next to this number (step S107). For example, if the previously specified number is "C3," the locker device 10 newly specifies "C4" and stores it in the locker number data 15c.
[0085] The locker device 10 displays a product information reading screen, and if the QR code (registered trademark) attached to the product is read by the code reader 12 (step S108; Yes), the locker device 10 displays the read product information and product storage information including the specified locker number (step S109).If the QR code (registered trademark) attached to the product has not been read (step S108; No), the process returns to step S108.
[0086] If the locker device 10 receives the "confirm" operation (step S110; Yes), it performs the product replenishment process (step S111). If the locker device 10 does not receive the confirmation operation (step S110; No), it returns to step S110.
[0087] In the product replenishment process, as shown in Fig. 11, the locker device 10 displays a product set confirmation screen (step S201) and unlocks the designated locker (step S202). If the designated locker was opened to replenish products and then closed (step S203; Yes), the locker device 10 displays a "Setting Complete" button in an acceptable state. If the designated locker was opened to replenish products but has not been closed since (step S203; No), the process returns to step S203.
[0088] If the "Setting Complete" operation is accepted (Step S204; Yes), the locker device 10 locks the designated locker (Step S205). If the "Setting Complete" operation is not accepted (Step S204; No), the process returns to Step S204.
[0089] The locker device 10 notifies the ticket vending machine 20 of the product storage information including the product information and the designated locker number (step S206), and proceeds to step S112 in FIG.
[0090] If the replenishing method is "individual set" (step S112; Yes), the locker device 10 clears the locker number data 15c to zero and proceeds to step S114. If the replenishing method is "all set" or "single row set" (step S112; No), if all of the target lockers have been set (step S113; Yes), the locker device 10 clears the locker number data 15c to zero and proceeds to step S114. If the setting has not been completed (step S113; No), the process returns to step S107.
[0091] After displaying the set completion screen, the locker device 10 displays a replenishment method selection screen (step S114), and if the employee QR code (registered trademark) has not been received from the code reader 12 and the locker device 10 has not switched to sales mode (step S115; No), the process returns to step S103.
[0092] If the employee QR code (registered trademark) is received from the code reader 12 and the locker device 10 is switched to the sales mode (step S115; Yes), the process ends.
[0093] <Example of Hardware Configuration According to First Embodiment> The following describes the correspondence between the locker device 10 of the product sales system according to the first embodiment and the main hardware configuration of a computer. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration according to the first embodiment.
[0094] Generally, a computer has a configuration in which a CPU 81, a ROM 82, a RAM 83, a nonvolatile memory 84, etc. are connected via a bus 85. A hard disk drive may be provided instead of the nonvolatile memory 84. For the sake of convenience of explanation, only the basic hardware configuration is shown in FIG.
[0095] The ROM 82 or non-volatile memory 84 stores programs required to start the operating system (hereinafter simply referred to as "OS"), and the CPU 81 reads and executes the OS program from the ROM 82 or non-volatile memory 84 when the power is turned on.
[0096] On the other hand, various application programs executed on the OS are stored in non-volatile memory 84, and the CPU 81 executes the application programs while using RAM 83 as the main memory, thereby executing processes corresponding to the applications.
[0097] The merchandise sales program for the locker device 10 of the merchandise sales system according to the first embodiment is stored in the non-volatile memory 84 or the like, like other application programs, and the CPU 81 loads and executes the program. In the case of the locker device 10 of the merchandise sales system according to the first embodiment, a merchandise sales program including routines corresponding to the mode control unit 16a, merchandise replenishment control unit 16b, locker selection unit 16c, merchandise information acquisition unit 16d, storage confirmation unit 16e, unlocking control unit 16f, door opening / closing processing unit 16g, locking control unit 16h, and sales control unit 16i shown in FIG. 2 is stored in the non-volatile memory 84 or the like. When the merchandise sales program is loaded and executed by the CPU 81, a merchandise sales process corresponding to the mode control unit 16a, merchandise replenishment control unit 16b, locker selection unit 16c, merchandise information acquisition unit 16d, storage confirmation unit 16e, unlocking control unit 16f, door opening / closing processing unit 16g, locking control unit 16h, and sales control unit 16i is generated.
[0098] As described above, in the product sales system of this embodiment 1, when replenishing products in a locker device, the product code encoding the product information is read, and once the locker device is replenishing with products, the product storage information is notified to the ticket vending machine, and the ticket vending machine updates the menu screen. This effectively prevents inconsistencies between the products stored in the multiple storage compartments of the vending machine and the menu screen on which the products are selected.
[0099] In the first embodiment described above, when replenishing products in a locker device, if the replenishing method is "all set" or "single row set," all lockers to be replenished are replenished, but the replenishing method is not limited to this. It is also possible to configure the replenishing to target only lockers that do not contain products.
[0100] In the first embodiment described above, when replenishing products in a locker device, if the replenishing method is "all set" or "single row set," all lockers to be replenished are replenished. However, the replenishing method is not limited to this. It is also possible to determine whether or not to replenish products in a locker to be replenished based on the condition of the products stored therein. For example, new products may be replenished if the expiration date of the product is approaching or has expired, or if a certain period of time has passed since the product was replenished. Furthermore, it is also possible to set the conditions for replenishment.
[0101] In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the locker device and the ticket vending machine are separate devices, but the device configuration is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the locker device and the ticket vending machine as an integrated device that includes their functions.
[0102] In the first embodiment described above, a configuration was described in which a QR code (registered trademark) encoding product information is read when replenishing products in a locker device, but the method of reading product information is not limited to this. A barcode encoding product information can also be read. Furthermore, a camera can be used to capture an image of a product with a sticker affixed to it, on which product information such as the product name, price, and expiration date is printed, and the captured image can be used for recognizing the product information.
[0103] [Variation 1] In the above-described first embodiment, when replenishing a locker device with merchandise, the locker number to which the merchandise is to be replenishing is specified, and then the merchandise code in which the merchandise information is coded is read, and the merchandise is replenishing in the locker device. However, the system configuration is not limited to this.
[0104] When replenishing merchandise in a locker device, the system can be configured so that after reading a merchandise code in which merchandise information is coded, the locker number is designated to replenishing the merchandise.
[0105] In this first variant, a product sales system will be described in which, when replenishing a locker device with merchandise, a product code encoding the merchandise information is read, and then the locker number is specified to replenishing the merchandise.
[0106] <Outline of Product Sales System According to Modification 1> An outline of the product sales system according to Modification 1 will be described below. Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the outline of the product sales system according to Modification 1.
[0107] 13, in this product sales system, when replenishing products, the QR code (registered trademark) attached to the product is read by the code reader 12 of the locker device 100 (S11), and then the locker number to be replenished is designated on the display operation unit 11 (S12).Then, the product is replenished in the designated locker (S13).
[0108] Thereafter, the locker device 100 notifies the ticket vending machine 20 of the product storage information, and the menu screen of the ticket vending machine 20 is updated.
[0109] As described above, in the product sales system of this variant 1, when replenishing products in a locker device, the product code encoding the product information is read, and then the locker number is specified to replenishing the products. This effectively prevents inconsistencies between the products stored in the multiple storage compartments of the vending machine and the menu screen on which the products are selected.
[0110] In the above-mentioned first modification, when replenishing a locker device with products, the locker device is configured to read a product code encoding product information and then specify a locker number to replenish the products, but the system configuration is not limited to this. When replenishing the same product, it may be configured so that multiple locker numbers can be specified for each reading of the product code.
[0111] [Variation 2] In the above-described first embodiment, when replenishing a locker device with merchandise, the locker number to which the merchandise is to be replenishing is specified, and then the merchandise code in which the merchandise information is coded is read, and the merchandise is replenishing in the locker device. However, the system configuration is not limited to this.
[0112] When replenishing merchandise in a locker device, the locker number to be replenishing the merchandise is designated, and then the merchandise is replenishing in the designated locker, and the merchandise code in which the merchandise information is coded is read by a code reader in the locker.
[0113] In this second variant, we will explain a product sales system in which, when replenishing products in a locker device, the locker number to which the products are to be replenishing is specified, the products are then replenishing in the specified locker, and the product code in which the product information is coded can be read using a code reader inside the locker.
[0114] <Outline of Product Sales System According to Modification 2> An outline of the product sales system according to Modification 2 will be described below. Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the outline of the product sales system according to Modification 2.
[0115] 14, in this product sales system, when replenishing products, the locker number to be replenishing is designated on the display operation unit 11 of the locker device 200 (S21). The products are replenishing in the designated locker (S22), and the QR code (registered trademark) attached to the product is read by the code reader 210 installed in the locker (S23).
[0116] Thereafter, the locker device 200 notifies the ticket vending machine 20 of the product storage information, and the menu screen of the ticket vending machine 20 is updated.
[0117] As described above, in the product sales system of this variant example 2, when replenishing products in a locker device, the locker number to be replenishing the products is specified, the products are then replenishing in the specified locker, and the product code in which the product information is coded is read by a code reader inside the locker.This effectively prevents inconsistencies between the products stored in the multiple storage compartments of the vending machine and the menu screen on which the products are selected.
[0118] In the above-described second modification, a configuration was described in which a code reader inside the locker reads product codes encoding product information when replenishing products in the locker device, but the system configuration is not limited to this. It is also possible to configure the system so that a camera installed inside the locker captures an image of the stored products and recognizes the product information from the captured image. For example, information such as the product name and price is printed on the products, and this information may be recognized from the image.
[0119] [Variation 3] In the above-described first embodiment, when replenishing a locker device with merchandise, the locker device specifies the locker number to which the merchandise is to be replenished, reads the merchandise code in which the merchandise information is encoded, and then replenishing the merchandise in the locker device. However, the system configuration is not limited to this.
[0120] When replenishing merchandise in a locker device, the locker number to be replenishing the merchandise can be designated on an employee terminal carried by the employee, and after reading the merchandise code in which the merchandise information is coded, the merchandise storage information can be notified to the locker device, and the merchandise can be replenished.
[0121] In this third variant, we will explain a product sales system in which, when replenishing products in a locker device, an employee can specify the locker number to be replenishing the products on an employee terminal carried by the employee, read the product code in which the product information is encoded, and then notify the locker device of the product storage information to replenishing the products.
[0122] <Outline of Product Sales System According to Modification 3> An outline of the product sales system according to Modification 3 will be described below. Fig. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the outline of the product sales system according to Modification 3.
[0123] As shown in FIG. 15, in this product sales system, the number of the locker to which the product is to be restocked is designated on the employee terminal 310 (S31), and the QR code (registered trademark) attached to the product is read (S32).
[0124] The employee terminal 310 notifies the locker device 300 of the product storage information (S33), and the product is replenished in the designated locker (S34).
[0125] As described above, in the product sales system of this variant example 3, when replenishing products in a locker device, the employee uses an employee terminal to specify the locker number to be replenishing the products, reads the product code in which the product information is encoded, and then notifies the locker device of the product storage information and replenishing the products.This effectively prevents inconsistencies between the products stored in the multiple storage compartments of the vending machine and the menu screen on which the products are selected.
[0126] In the above-described third variation, when replenishing products in a locker device, the employee uses an employee terminal to specify the locker number to be replenishing the products, reads the product code in which the product information is coded, and then notifies the locker device of the product storage information to replenishing the products. However, the system configuration is not limited to this. When replenishing products in a locker device, the ticket vending machine can also be configured to specify the locker number to be replenishing the products, reads the product code in which the product information is coded, and then notifies the locker device of the product storage information to replenishing the products.
[0127] In the above-described third variation, when replenishing products in a locker device, an employee uses an employee terminal to specify the locker number to be replenished, read the product code containing the coded product information, and then notify the locker device of the product storage information to replenishing the products. However, the system configuration is not limited to this. It is also possible to configure the employee terminal to specify the locker number to be replenished, read the product code containing the coded product information, notify the server device of the product storage information, and then notify the locker device of the product storage information. In this way, by having the server device collect product storage information related to locker devices installed in different locations, the status of products in each locker device can be centrally managed.
[0128] In the above-described third variation, when replenishing a locker device with merchandise, an employee uses an employee terminal to specify the locker number to be replenishing the merchandise, reads the merchandise code containing the merchandise information, and then notifies the locker device of the merchandise storage information to replenishing the merchandise. However, the system configuration is not limited to this. When a customer purchases a merchandise, the customer can select the merchandise on their mobile terminal, notify the ticket vending machine of this merchandise information, and then process the merchandise based on the received merchandise information. The menu screen displayed on the mobile terminal for selecting a merchandise may be a menu list screen or a frontage list screen, similar to the ticket vending machine. The screen to be displayed can be selected by tapping a tab displayed on the menu screen.
[0129] [Embodiment 2] In the above-described embodiment 1, when replenishing a locker device with merchandise, the locker device specifies the locker number to which the merchandise is to be replenished, reads the merchandise code in which the merchandise information is coded, and then replenishing the merchandise in the locker device. However, the system configuration is not limited to this.
[0130] The lights in the lockers that have the product in stock are turned on and the lights in the lockers that do not have the product in stock are turned off, and when selling a product, the product can be sold from the top locker containing the same product.
[0131] In this second embodiment, a product sales system is described in which the lights in lockers that contain products are turned on and the lights in lockers that do not contain products are turned off, and when a product is sold, it can be sold from the top locker containing the same product.
[0132] <Outline of Product Sales System According to Second Embodiment> An outline of the product sales system according to the second embodiment will be described below. Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the outline of the product sales system according to the second embodiment.
[0133] 16, in this product sales system, only the lockers that have the product in stock have their interior lights on (S41). For example, if each row of locker devices 400 sells the same menu item, and there are two items in stock for menu B, only lockers "B6" and "B7" that have the item in stock will be lit.
[0134] If the customer selects Menu B (S42), the top locker (e.g., locker "B6") that has inventory among the multiple lockers for Menu B is unlocked (S43). At this time, the location of the locker to receive the product is displayed, and the light of the unlocked locker flashes blue. This prevents the customer from receiving the wrong product.
[0135] <Example of Display at Product Sale According to Second Embodiment> A description will be given of an example of display at product sale according to the second embodiment. Figures 17 and 18 are diagrams showing an example of display at product sale according to the second embodiment.
[0136] When a customer selects a product on a ticket vending machine (not shown), the customer selects the product from the menu list screen or the entrance list screen. The screen to be displayed can be selected by tapping a tab displayed on the menu screen.
[0137] As shown in Figure 17(a), when a customer taps the "Select from Menu" tab, a menu list screen is displayed. On this menu list screen, products are displayed by type. For example, "Lunch A ¥500," "Lunch B ¥550," "Lunch C ¥600," "Lunch D ¥650," "Lunch E ¥700," and "Lunch F ¥750" are displayed.
[0138] When a product is selected on the menu list screen, the selected product details and price are displayed. For example, the selected content is displayed as "Lunch B x 1 ¥550" and the total price is displayed as "¥550."
[0139] Once the product selection is confirmed and payment is completed, a message prompting the customer to remove the product will be displayed. For example, as shown in Figure 17(b), messages such as "Thank you for using our service" and "Please close the door after receiving the product" will be displayed, along with the locker number where the product is stored.
[0140] As shown in FIG. 18(a), when a customer taps the "Select by Frontage" tab, a frontage list screen is displayed. On this frontage list screen, the top locker of the product on sale is highlighted, and the other lockers are grayed out. The displayed product information is the product image, locker number, and price. For example, "A3 500 yen," "B2 550 yen," "C5 600 yen," and "D4 650 yen" are displayed corresponding to the highlighted product image.
[0141] When a product is selected on the entry list screen, the selected locker number and price are displayed. For example, the selection is displayed as "B2 ¥550" and the total price is displayed as "¥550."
[0142] It is also possible to highlight all lockers instead of only the top locker as items on sale. In this case, the item in the top locker will be sold for the selected item.
[0143] Once the product selection is confirmed and payment is completed, a message prompting the customer to remove the product will be displayed. For example, as shown in Figure 18(b), messages such as "Thank you for using our service" and "Please close the door after receiving the product" will be displayed, along with the locker number where the product is stored.
[0144] As described above, in the product sales system according to the second embodiment, the lights in lockers that contain stock of the product are turned on and the lights in lockers that do not contain stock are turned off, and when a product is sold, it can be sold from the top locker of the same product. This allows customers who are far away to visually see which products are selling the best (the most popular).
[0145] [Embodiment 3] In the above-described embodiment 1, when replenishing a locker device with merchandise, the locker device specifies the locker number to which the merchandise is to be replenished, reads the merchandise code in which the merchandise information is coded, and then replenishing the merchandise in the locker device. However, the system configuration is not limited to this.
[0146] When replenishing products in a locker device, the system may be configured so that replenishing is carried out in a locker adjacent to a locker that contains the same type of product as the product being replenished.
[0147] In this third embodiment, a product sales system will be described that, when replenishing products in a locker device, can replenishing products in a locker adjacent to a locker that stores the same type of product as the product to be replenished.
[0148] <Outline of Product Sales System According to Third Embodiment> An outline of the product sales system according to the third embodiment will be described below. Fig. 19 is an explanatory diagram of the outline of the product sales system according to the third embodiment.
[0149] 19(a), when replenishing products in the locker device 500, the product sales system displays a message to suggest replenishing the products in a locker adjacent to a locker that stores the same type of product as the product being replenished. For example, if apples are to be replenished, a message is displayed to suggest replenishing the products in a locker adjacent to the locker that already stores apples.
[0150] As shown in FIG. 19(b), when replenishing mangoes or fruit assortments, a message is displayed to replenish the mangoes or fruit assortments in the locker next to the locker containing the mangoes or fruit assortments.
[0151] As described above, in the product sales system of this embodiment 3, when replenishing products in a locker device, the products can be replenishing in a locker adjacent to a locker that contains products of the same type as the product being replenished.
[0152] In the third embodiment described above, when replenishing a locker device with products, the locker adjacent to the locker storing the same type of product as the product to be replenished is replenished, but the system configuration is not limited to this. When replenishing a locker device with products, the locker device may be configured to replenishing the products to a locker located in the same column or row as the locker storing the same type of product as the product to be replenished.
[0153] In the above embodiment 3, a configuration was described in which fruit was the target product to be replenished in the locker device, but the system configuration is not limited to this and can also be configured to target bento boxes or other products.
[0154] In the above embodiment 3, the configuration for replenishing a room temperature locker device was described, but the system configuration is not limited to this and can also be configured to be applicable when various room temperature, refrigerated, and frozen lockers are mixed.
[0155] [Embodiment 4] In the above-described embodiment 1, when replenishing a locker device with merchandise, the locker device specifies the locker number to which the merchandise is to be replenished, reads the merchandise code in which the merchandise information is coded, and then replenishing the merchandise in the locker device. However, the system configuration is not limited to this.
[0156] The locker device may be configured to change the sales price or discontinue sales depending on the expiration date of the product currently on sale. In this fourth embodiment, a product sales system is described that can change the sales price or discontinue sales depending on the expiration date of the product currently on sale in the locker device.
[0157] <Outline of Product Sales System According to Fourth Embodiment> An outline of the product sales system according to the fourth embodiment will be described below. Figures 20 and 21 are explanatory diagrams showing the outline of the product sales system according to the fourth embodiment.
[0158] As shown in Figure 20, in this product sales system, the locker device 600 reads the QR code (registered trademark) that encodes the product information of the stored product using the code reader 210 inside the locker (S51), and notifies the ticket vending machine 620 of this as product storage information (S52).
[0159] When the expiration date included in the product storage information is approaching, the ticket vending machine 620 displays a discount menu. For example, the price of the B lunch fried chicken product is displayed as "half price."
[0160] As shown in FIG. 21, the locker device 600 reads the QR code (registered trademark) of the stored product with the code reader 210 inside the locker (S61), and notifies the ticket vending machine 620 of this as product storage information (S62).
[0161] If the expiration date included in the product storage information has passed, the ticket vending machine 620 displays "End of Sale." For example, the ticket vending machine 620 displays "End of Sale" for the B Lunch Fried Chicken product.
[0162] As described above, in the product sales system according to the fourth embodiment, the sales price can be changed or sales can be terminated depending on the expiration date of the product being sold in the locker device.
[0163] Note that the configurations illustrated in the above embodiments are merely functional schematics and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the distribution and integration of each device is not limited to the illustrated configuration, and all or part of the devices can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.
Claims
1. A merchandise sales system having a plurality of storage units for locking and storing merchandise to be sold, which unlocks a specified storage unit in which a merchandise selected by a customer is stored and sells the merchandise, comprising: a merchandise identification information acquisition unit that acquires merchandise identification information including information about the merchandise; a merchandise storage selection unit that selects a storage unit from the plurality of storage units to replenish the merchandise with; a determination unit that determines whether the merchandise has been stored in the storage unit selected by the merchandise storage selection unit; and a management unit that associates the storage unit selected by the merchandise storage selection unit with the merchandise identification information and manages it as merchandise storage information based on the determination result of the determination unit and the merchandise identification information.
2. The product sales system according to claim 1, further comprising a display control unit that controls the display of display information on a predetermined display unit that accepts product or storage unit selection operations by customers based on the product storage information.
3. A product sales system as described in claim 2, further comprising a display information generation unit that generates the display information for selection, which accepts product or storage unit selection operations by customers, based on the product storage information.
4. A product sales system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the product identification information acquisition unit acquires the product identification information including an image of the product.
5. A merchandise sales system having a merchandise identification information output device that outputs merchandise identification information related to merchandise purchased by a customer, and a locker device that has a plurality of storage units for locking and storing merchandise to be sold, and that, upon receiving the merchandise identification information from the merchandise identification information output device, unlocks the storage unit in which the merchandise identified by the merchandise identification information is stored, allowing the merchandise to be removed, wherein the locker device comprises: a merchandise storage selection unit that selects the storage unit to replenish the merchandise from the plurality of storage units; a storage determination unit that determines that the merchandise has been stored in the storage unit selected by the merchandise storage selection unit; and output means that, based on the storage determination of the storage determination unit and the merchandise identification information, outputs merchandise storage information to the merchandise identification information output device, which associates the storage unit selected by the merchandise storage selection unit with the merchandise identification information.
6. The product sales system described in claim 5, characterized in that the product identification information output device is a ticket issuing machine that issues a medium on which the product identification information of the product purchased by the customer is recorded, or a mobile terminal that transmits the product identification information of the product purchased by the customer.
7. The product sales system described in claim 5, characterized in that the product identification information output device controls the display of display information on a specified display unit that accepts the customer's selection of a product or storage unit based on the product storage information received from the locker device.
8. A locker device having a plurality of storage sections for locking and storing merchandise for sale, which unlocks a specified storage section in which a merchandise selected by a customer is stored and sells the merchandise, comprising: a merchandise identification information acquisition section for acquiring merchandise identification information including information about the merchandise; a merchandise storage selection section for selecting a storage section from the plurality of storage sections to replenish the merchandise with; a determination section for determining whether the merchandise has been stored in the storage section selected by the merchandise storage selection section; and a management section for managing the merchandise storage information by associating the storage section selected by the merchandise storage selection section with the merchandise identification information based on the determination result of the determination section and the merchandise identification information.
9. A merchandise sales method in a merchandise sales system having a plurality of storage units for locking and storing merchandise to be sold, which unlocks a predetermined storage unit in which a merchandise selected by a customer is stored and sells the merchandise, comprising: a merchandise identification information acquisition step for acquiring merchandise identification information including information about the merchandise; a merchandise storage selection step for selecting a storage unit from the plurality of storage units to which the merchandise will be replenished; a determination step for determining that the merchandise has been stored in the storage unit selected by the merchandise storage selection step; and a management step for associating the storage unit selected by the merchandise storage selection step with the merchandise identification information and managing the information as merchandise storage information based on the determination result of the determination step and the merchandise identification information.
10. A product sales program for a locker device that has a plurality of storage units for locking and storing products for sale, unlocking a specified storage unit in which a product selected by a customer is stored, and selling the product, the product sales program causing a computer to execute the following steps: a product identification information acquisition step for acquiring product identification information including information about the product; a product storage selection step for selecting a storage unit from the plurality of storage units to replenish the product; a determination step for determining that the product has been stored in the storage unit selected by the product storage selection step; and a management step for associating the storage unit selected by the product storage selection step with the product identification information and managing the information as product storage information based on the determination result of the determination step and the product identification information.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Shopping pickup system and locker
JP1996161612A
Vending machine
JP2018163393A