JP2002109618A - Vending machine and merchandise sales system thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To sell a merchandise through communication between a vending machine and a portable terminal unit. SOLUTION: A cellular phone 3 incorporates a short distance radio communication part 4, similar to a short distance radio communication part 2 to conduct two-way communication with the vending machine 1. When a user moves by walking on a bicycle or a car, while carrying the cellular phone 3 with him and the cellular phone 3 approaches the vending machine 1 up to a specific distance (about 10 meters), the short-distance radio communication part 4 of the cellular phone 3 receives information related to the merchandise from the short distance radio communication part 2 of the vending machine 1. At this time, the cellular phone 3 displays information related to the merchandise in a display part 6 and draws user's attention for confirming the information in the display part 6 (by sound, vibration, etc.). Then, a radio communication control part 4 of the cellular phone 3 sends information for demanding sale of desired merchandise to the short distance radio communication part 2 of the vending machine 1, in accordance with user's cellular phone 3 operation.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vending machine suitable for purchasing a product using a portable terminal and a system for selling the product.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A technique for purchasing a vending machine product using a portable telephone is disclosed in, for example, JP-A-8-87655. A mobile phone used in this technology is equipped with an IC card, and this IC card stores in advance the bank information of the user (bank identification number, account number, etc.). First, a user operates a mobile phone to transmit a purchase request signal to a vending machine. The vending machine pays out the product corresponding to the purchase request information and transmits the price information of the product to the mobile phone. The mobile phone stores the price information of the product in association with the bank information. Thereafter, the user connects the mobile phone to the bank through a communication line (such as a telephone line). House bank is IC
Based on the information on the card, the required amount of money is withdrawn from the user's account, and the payment is made by transferring it to an account of a business office or the like.

A technique for transmitting control information to a vending machine is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-161599. This technology transmits control information from outside the vending machine body using a portable computer having a wireless communication function such as optical communication.

Further, a technology for processing a complaint against a vending machine is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-128607. The vending machine used for this technology has a wired or wireless communication system (for example, PHS) for communication-connecting the vending machine and the manager, and the user sends a complaint to the manager via the wireless communication system. I do.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION However, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
No. 7655, the user must connect the mobile phone to the bank via a communication line when performing the settlement process. Accordingly, the settlement process depends on the transmission from the user, and there is a problem that the time required for the settlement bank to prolong the settlement process is prolonged and the user side has to bear the communication cost.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8-161599, a routeman must go to an installation location of an individual vending machine under the jurisdiction of a business office and operate a portable computer. There is a problem that the time required to change the control operation of each vending machine is prolonged.

Furthermore, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-128607, since each vending machine must have a dedicated wired or wireless communication system for complaint processing, the cost of the vending machine itself increases. was there.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a merchandise selling system for a vending machine, wherein the first wireless communication means for transmitting information about the merchandise to the portable terminal when the distance from the portable terminal of the user is less than a specified distance; A vending machine provided with control means for controlling product sales in accordance with the reception content of the first wireless communication means; and
Display means for receiving and displaying information about the product,
And a second wireless communication unit that transmits information for requesting the vending machine to sell a desired product based on the display content of the display unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a merchandise selling system for a vending machine, wherein the information on the merchandise is advertising information.

[0011] A product sales system for a vending machine according to claim 3 is dependent on claim 1, wherein the information on the product is questionnaire information, and the first wireless communication means responds to the questionnaire information. The information for discount sale of goods is transmitted to the user's portable terminal.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a merchandise selling system for a vending machine according to the first aspect, wherein the information on the merchandise is information for requesting a password required when a user purchases a merchandise at a discount. , The control unit is configured such that the first wireless communication unit receives a valid password,
Make products sold at a discount.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vending machine merchandise selling system according to the fourth aspect, wherein the password is obtained by a user from a specific site on the Internet.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a merchandise selling system for a vending machine according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the portable terminal stores at least account information of a financial institution used by a user in advance. And the vending machine has storage means for storing the account information and the price information when the product was sold in association with each other.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vending machine product sales system according to the sixth aspect, wherein the storage medium is detachably connected to the portable terminal externally and has a built-in memory capable of rewriting information. It is an IC card.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a merchandise selling system for a vending machine according to the sixth or seventh aspect, wherein the vending machine transmits the account information and the amount information stored in the storage means via a communication line. Sending to a financial institution, said financial institution,
Based on the account information and the amount information, the required amount is deducted from the user's account and transferred to an account of a business office or the like that manages the vending machine.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is directed to a merchandise selling system for a vending machine according to the eighth aspect, wherein the storage means stores in advance account information of the business office or the like, and the vending machine stores the account information of the business office or the like. Is transmitted to the financial institution together with the user's account information and amount information.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a merchandise selling system for a vending machine according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the portable terminal has storage means for previously storing value information for purchasing the merchandise. The vending machine has rewriting means for rewriting the value information of the storage means to information obtained by subtracting the price information of the product every time the product is sold.

An article selling system for a vending machine according to an eleventh aspect is according to the tenth aspect, wherein the storage means is a nonvolatile memory in which the information is rewritable while being built in the portable terminal.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vending machine merchandise vending system according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the vending machine is installed in a range not more than the specific distance from the vending machine. A management terminal for the business office or the like including a third wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving information to and from the first wireless communication means.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vending machine product sales system according to the twelfth aspect, wherein the management terminal is connected to the vending machine via a communication line when the vending machine is installed within a range of the specific distance or more. Send and receive information to and from vending machines.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vending machine merchandise selling system according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, wherein the management terminal transmits at least information on merchandise and control information on an operation of the vending machine to the vending machine. And the vending machine transmits at least sales information and failure information to the management terminal.

According to a fifteenth aspect, the first wireless communication means for transmitting information about a product to the portable terminal when the distance from the portable terminal of the user becomes equal to or less than a specific distance, and the content received by the first wireless communication means. Control means for controlling product sales according to the vending machine, wherein when the vending machine and the specified distance or less, receiving means for receiving and displaying information about the product, Transmitting and receiving information to and from the portable terminal including second wireless communication means for transmitting information for requesting the vending machine to sell a desired product based on the display content of the display means. .

A vending machine according to claim 16 is dependent on claim 15, and the information on the product is advertisement information. A vending machine according to claim 17 is dependent on claim 15, and the information on the product is And questionnaire information, wherein the first wireless communication means transmits information for discount-selling a product to the portable terminal of a user who has answered the questionnaire information.

The vending machine according to claim 18 is dependent on claim 15, wherein the information on the product is information for requesting a password required when a user purchases a discount on the product, and The first wireless communication means receives a valid password and causes the commodity to be sold at a discount.

A vending machine according to claim 19 is dependent on claim 18, wherein the password is obtained by a user from a specific site on the Internet.

A vending machine according to a twentieth aspect is according to any one of the fifteenth to nineteenth aspects, wherein the portable terminal has at least a storage medium in which account information of a financial institution used by the user is stored in advance. The vending machine has storage means for storing the account information and the price information when the product is sold in association with each other.

A vending machine according to a twenty-first aspect is dependent on the twentieth aspect, wherein the storage medium is an IC card which is detachably connected to the portable terminal and has a built-in memory capable of rewriting information. .

A vending machine according to claim 22 is dependent on claim 20 or 21, wherein the vending machine transmits the account information and the amount information stored in the storage means to the financial institution via a communication line. Then, the financial institution debits the required amount from the user's account based on the account information and the amount information and transfers the required amount to an account of a business office or the like that manages the vending machine.

A vending machine according to a twenty-third aspect is dependent on the twenty-second aspect, wherein the storage means previously stores account information of the business office or the like, and the vending machine stores the account information of the business office or the like. The information is transmitted to the financial institution together with the user's account information and amount information.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the vending machine according to any one of the fifteenth to nineteenth aspects, wherein the portable terminal has storage means for storing in advance value information for purchasing a product. The apparatus has rewriting means for rewriting the value information of the storage means to information obtained by subtracting the price information of the product every time the product is sold.

A vending machine according to a twenty-fifth aspect is according to the twenty-fourth aspect, wherein the storage means is a non-volatile memory in which the information is rewritable while being built in the portable terminal.

A vending machine according to claim 26 is dependent on any one of claims 15 to 25, and when the vending machine is installed in a range not more than the specific distance from the vending machine, the first vending machine of the vending machine is provided. A management terminal for the business office or the like, comprising a third wireless communication unit for transmitting and receiving information to and from the wireless communication unit.

A vending machine according to claim 27 is dependent on claim 26, wherein when the vending machine is installed within a range that is equal to or more than the specific distance from the vending machine, the management terminal communicates with the vending machine via a communication line. Send and receive information between

A vending machine according to claim 28 is dependent on claim 26 or 27, wherein the management terminal transmits at least information on goods and control information on operation of the vending machine to the vending machine, The vending machine transmits at least sales information and failure information to the management terminal.

As described above, since a vending machine transmits information on a product to a portable terminal when the vending machine is within a specific distance range from the portable terminal, many vending device owners are willing to purchase the product. , The number of products sold can be increased. In particular, vending machines offer discount sales of products if the user answers the questionnaire information or if the user has obtained a password from a specific site on the Internet, so the number of product sales will increase steadily. it can. Further, since the settlement processing is performed between the vending machine and the financial institution, the time required for the settlement processing can be shortened, and the user can be prevented from bearing communication costs. Further, the management terminal transmits information on products, control information, and the like to the vending machine, and receives sales information, failure information, and the like from the vending machine, so that the routeman goes to the installation location of each vending machine. This eliminates the hassle of operating a portable computer and shortens the time required to change the specifications of individual vending machines.

[0037]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The details of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a product sales system for a vending machine according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a plurality of vending machines 1 have a built-in short-range wireless communication unit 2 (first wireless communication means) for performing bidirectional communication with a portable terminal and a management terminal, which will be described later.
Set up within the jurisdiction of the sales office. This short-range wireless communication unit 2
Bluetooth, IEEE,
Although there are E802.11, HomeRF, and the like, in the embodiment of the present invention, it is assumed that Bluetooth is used. Bluetooth is a 2.4 GHz frequency band ISM (Industry Science Me).
digital), various devices such as mobile devices existing in a specific distance range of about 10 m are connected one-to-one or plural-to-one, and information of 1 Mbps is provided by two-way communication.

The mobile phone 3 (portable terminal) has a short-range wireless communication unit 2 for performing bidirectional communication with a plurality of vending machines 1.
And a built-in short-range wireless communication unit 4 (second wireless communication means). In addition, the mobile phone 3 detachably holds an IC card 5 in which account information of a financial institution handled by the user is stored in advance. The user moves on foot, by bicycle, by car, etc. while carrying the mobile phone 3, and the vending machine 1 and the mobile phone 3
When the vehicle approaches a specific distance (about 10 m), the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3 transmits information about the product from the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1 (advertisement information of recommended products,
Questionnaire information). At this time, the mobile phone 3
Displays information about the product on the display unit 6,
Attention to the user for confirming the information on the display unit 6 (sound,
(Vibration, etc.). Thereafter, the wireless communication control unit 4 of the mobile phone 3 transmits information for requesting sale of a desired product to the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1 according to the operation of the mobile phone 3 by the user.

The financial institution 7 receives the user's account information and the product purchase price information from the vending machine 1 on a monthly (or weekly, daily, etc.) basis and debits the required amount from the user's account. Things. When the user purchases a desired product, the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1
The account information stored in the IC card 5 is received from the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of. The vending machine 1 stores the account information and the amount information in association with each other.

The management terminal 8 has a built-in short-range wireless communication unit 9 (third wireless communication unit) similar to the short-range wireless communication unit 2 for performing bidirectional communication with a plurality of vending machines 1. Installed in sales offices or stores. Vending machine 1 and management terminal 8
Is within a specific distance range (about 10 m), the short-range wireless communication unit 9 of the management terminal 8 receives the sales information and the failure information from the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1, and The information on the product and the control information on the operation of the vending machine 1 can be transmitted to the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1.

A plurality of vending machines 1, a mobile phone 3, a financial institution 7, and a management terminal 8 are connected to a communication line 10. In particular, when the installation distance between the vending machine 1 and the management terminal 8 is longer than a specific distance (about 10 m), the vending machine 1 transmits the sales information and the failure information to the management terminal via the communication line 10, The management terminal 8 is connected to the vending machine 1 via the communication line 10.
And the control information on the operation of the vending machine 1 is transmitted. The mobile phone 3 is connected to a communication line 10.
A site on the Internet 11 can be accessed via.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the vending machine shown in FIG. 1, and is assumed to sell, for example, canned beverages.

In FIG. 2, a front door 101 is opened and closed using a left side end of the vending machine 1 as a support shaft. When setting a column, refilling a canned beverage, or the like, the front door 101 is unlocked and opened to perform normal sales. When performing, it is locked and closed. The panel 102 is a transparent resin plate, and is for confirming a plurality of types of canned beverage samples 103 displayed inside. That is, the user can select a canned beverage to purchase by looking over a plurality of types of canned beverage samples 103 through the panel 102. The coin slot 104 is a portion where a user inserts coins, and the inserted coins are supplied to a coin mechanism inside the vending machine. The bill insertion slot 105 is
This is the part where the user inserts the bill, and the inserted bill is supplied to the building bar inside the vending machine. The display unit 106 displays the inserted coin amount, the inserted bill amount, and the like. The commodity selection button 107 has a built-in selling lamp and a sold-out lamp, and is provided on the panel 102 corresponding to each canned beverage sample 103. Available lamps are
When the user inserts a coin or inserts a bill into which at least one canned beverage can be purchased, the one corresponding to the canned beverage is turned on only when the canned beverage is stored in the column inside the vending machine. When a predetermined column inside the vending machine is emptied, the sold-out lamp always lights up corresponding to the canned beverage. When the merchandise selection button 107 with the available lamp is turned on, the canned beverage corresponding to the canned beverage sample 103 is carried out to the commodity outlet 108. The return lever 109 is for returning inserted coins from the return port 110 or returning change from the inserted coins or inserted bills after subtracting the purchase price of canned beverages from the return port 110.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the operation of the vending machine shown in FIG.

In FIG. 3, a main control unit 201 supervises the control of a vending machine.
It comprises a microcomputer having a built-in U203, a RAM 204, and a peripheral circuit called the short-range wireless communication section 2 described above. More specifically, the ROM 202 stores in advance program data for controlling the short-range wireless communication unit 2 and program data for integrally controlling a plurality of slave control units described below. The CPU 203 executes the RO
In accordance with the result of decoding the program data read from the M202, the short-range wireless communication unit 2 is controlled and the plurality of slave control units are totally controlled. RAM 204
Is the calculation result by the CPU 203, the short-range wireless communication unit 2
And writing or reading of various transmission / reception data and various data from a plurality of slave control units. In terms of hardware, the ROM 202 is a mask ROM for burning and fixing data in a manufacturing process, and an EPR capable of repeatedly writing and reading data by erasing the data with ultraviolet rays.
A non-volatile memory such as an OM or an EEPROM (including a flash memory) that can repeatedly write and read data by electrically erasing data. CPU
Reference numeral 203 includes a program counter for designating an execution address of the ROM 202, an instruction decoder for decoding contents read from the ROM 202, an arithmetic and logic unit for performing a logical operation, an accumulator for temporarily storing arithmetic data, and the like. The RAM 204 is a volatile memory such as an SRAM.

Coin processing control unit 205, bill processing control unit 2
06, the customer service control unit 207, the sales control unit 208, and the communication control unit 209 correspond to a plurality of sub-control units, and have the same ROM, CPU, and R as the main control unit 201 in terms of hardware.
Built-in AM. The coin mechanism 210 includes a change-of-change sensor for detecting change of change, receives coins inserted from the coin insertion port 104, and returns change from the return port 110 as necessary. The coin processing control unit 205 controls the coin mechanism 210 to determine the denomination and true / false of the inserted coin, calculate the number of coins, store surplus coins in a safe, pay out change, and the like. Building Bar 211
Like the coin mechanism 210, the system is provided with a bill-out sensor for detecting a bill-out, receiving bills inserted from the bill insertion slot 105 and returning the bills from the bill insertion slot 105 as necessary. The bill processing control unit 206 includes
The controller 11 controls the denomination of the inserted banknotes such as denomination and true / false, calculates the number of denominations, and pays out bills. The coin processing control unit 205 and the bill processing control unit 206 execute processing operations each time coin insertion and bill insertion are performed. The coin mechanism 210 and the bill burrs 211
Instead, a card reader (not shown) for inserting a prepaid card or a postpaid card may be provided so that merchandise can be sold. Customer Service Department 212
Is a display unit 106 and a plurality of types of canned beverage samples 103
, And a lamp indicating that the product is on sale, that the sale is canceled, or that the change is out of stock. The customer service control unit 207 controls the customer service unit 212. In other words, the customer service control unit 207 turns on a lamp indicating that the product is on sale, discontinues sales, or runs out of change, or turns on a sellable lamp or a sold out lamp for each drink sold, according to the customer service instruction regarding canned beverage sales from the main control unit 201. And further detects which of the plurality of product selection buttons 107 has been pressed, and outputs a detection signal at this time to the main control unit 201.
Or send it to The sales mechanism 213 carries out the canned beverage desired by the user to the product outlet 108. The sales control unit 208 controls the sales mechanism 213 to carry out a desired product of the user to the product outlet 108 in accordance with a sales instruction from the main control unit 201 in response to the detection signal from the customer service control unit 207. The communication control unit 209 includes:
It transmits and receives data to and from the financial institution 7 or the management terminal 8 via the communication line 10.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the operation of the portable telephone shown in FIG.

In FIG. 4, the ROM 301 stores program data for controlling the communication operation of the portable telephone 3 and the communication operation of the short-range wireless communication section 4 in advance. The ROM 301 is a mask ROM, an EPROM,
It is a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM. CPU 302
Controls the various operations of the mobile phone 3 in accordance with the result of decoding the program data from the ROM 301.
The RAM 303 is for writing or reading the result of calculation by the CPU 302, transmission / reception data of the short-range wireless communication unit 4, and the like. The RAM 303 is an SRAM
Volatile memory. The numeric keypad 304 is used by the user to input the telephone number of the destination or the URL of the Internet. The radio wave transmission / reception unit 305 transmits information to the other party via the antenna 306 and receives information from the other party via the antenna 306. The display unit 6 displays transmission information or reception information. The value storage unit 307 stores value information (for example, information corresponding to 1000 yen) for purchasing a product in advance. Note that the value storage unit 307
It is a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM in which data can be rewritten. The card connection unit 308 is connected to the external IC card 5
Is connected to the mobile phone 3 and the IC card 5
The interface between the two. The IC card 5 includes a storage unit 309 that stores at least account information of the financial institution 7 handled by the user, and a control unit 310 that controls writing and reading of information to and from the storage unit 309.
And the built-in. Now, when rewriting the value information in the value storage unit 307 (for example, when adding information equivalent to 1000 yen), the following communication may be performed. First, the user connects the mobile phone 3 to a homepage on the Internet 11 established by the financial institution 7 and, according to the guidance, an IC.
The account information stored in the card 5 is transmitted, and the rewriting of the value information is requested. The financial institution 7 reduces the requested amount from the user's account, converts the amount into value information, and transmits the value information to the mobile phone 3. At the same time, the financial institution 7 transfers the requested amount to an account of a business office or the like. The mobile phone 3 rewrites the value information in the value storage unit 307 with the received new value information.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the management terminal of FIG. In FIG. 5, a storage unit 401 stores information on a product (for example, advertisement information), control information on the operation of a vending machine, sales information on a vending machine, failure information on a vending machine, and the like for each vending machine 1. Is stored in the table. The communication control unit 402 controls the communication line 10
And vice versa for transmitting and receiving data between the vending machine 1 and the financial institution 7. The control unit 403 includes the storage unit 40
1 and the read / write operation and the communication control unit 402
And the communication operation of the short-range communication control unit 9 is controlled. First Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which a user purchases a product will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.
This will be described with reference to the guide screen of FIG. It is assumed that the user carries the mobile phone 3 including the short-range wireless communication unit 4 and travels on foot, by bicycle, by car, or the like.

First, the main controller 201 determines whether or not the distance between the vending machine 1 and the mobile phone 3 is within a specific distance range (about 10 m) (A1). When the main control unit 201 determines that the distance between the vending machine 1 and the mobile phone 3 has approached a specific distance range (A1: YES), the ROM 20.
2 and the advertisement information on the product shown in FIG. 7A is read out and transmitted from the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1 to the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3. The mobile phone 3
While displaying the advertisement information on the product on the display unit 6,
The fact of the incoming call is notified to the user by means (not shown) such as sound and vibration (A2). After that, the user checks the display screen of FIG. 7A and presses either the numeric key 304 of “1” for purchasing the product or “2” for not purchasing the product. 201 determines which numeric key 304 of “1” or “2” has been pressed (A
3). For example, when the user presses the numeric key 304 of “1”, the mobile phone 3 transmits the “1” information from the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3 to the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1.
Send to When the main control unit 201 determines that the user purchases a product by receiving the “1” information (A3: YES), the main control unit 201 reads the information on the payment method in FIG. Vending machine 1
Is transmitted from the short-range wireless communication unit 2 to the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3. The mobile phone 3 displays information on the payment method on the display unit 6 (A4). Thereafter, the user checks the display screen of FIG. 7B and presses any one of the ten keys 304 of the IC card “1”, the value information “2”, and the cash “3”. The unit 201 is “1”,
It is determined which numeric key 304 of "2" or "3" has been pressed (A5). For example, when the user presses the numeric keypad 304 of “1”, the mobile phone 3 transmits “1” information from the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3 to the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1. . The main control unit 201
Upon receiving the “1” information, if the user determines that the purchase price of the product is to be paid by the IC card 5 (A5:
YES), the confirmation information on the payment method in FIG. 7C is read from the ROM 202, and transmitted from the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1 to the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3. The mobile phone 3 displays confirmation information on the payment method on the display unit 6 (A6). After that, the user
The user confirms the display screen of (c) and presses any one of the numeric keys 304 of “1” or “2”. Therefore, the main control unit 201 determines which numeric key of “1” or “2”. 30
It is determined whether 4 has been pressed (A7). For example, when the user presses the numeric keypad 304 of “1”, the mobile phone 3
Transmits “1” information from the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3 to the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1. When the main control unit 201 receives the “1” information and determines that the user has confirmed that the purchase price of the merchandise has been paid by the IC card 5 (A7: YES), the main control unit 201 determines whether or not the financial institution 7 handled by the user. The information requesting the account information is transmitted from the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1 to the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3. The mobile phone 3 reads the account information from the storage unit 309 of the IC card 5 and
Is transmitted from the short-range wireless communication unit 4 to the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1 (A8). When the main control unit 201 determines that the account information has been received (A9: YES), the RA
After the account information is written in the account information storage area of M204, the selection information on the product of FIG. 7D is read from the ROM 202, and the short-range wireless communication of the mobile phone 3 is performed from the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1. Transmit to section 4.
The mobile phone 3 displays the selection information on the product on the display unit 6 (A10). Thereafter, the user checks the display screen of FIG. 7D and presses any one of the ten keys 304 of cola “1”, orange “2”, tea “3”. The control unit 201 includes “1”, “2”,
It is determined which numeric key 304 of "3"... Has been pressed (A11). For example, when the user presses the numeric keypad 304 of “1”, the mobile phone 3 transmits “1” information from the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3 to the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1. . The main control unit 201
If it is determined that the user wants to purchase a cola by receiving the “1” information (A11: YES), the sales control unit 208 is controlled to control the sales mechanism 213.
Pays out a canned drink of cola from (A12). Main control unit 2
01 writes the merchandise sales amount information at this time in the amount information storage area of the RAM 204 in association with the account information in the account information storage area (A13). After that, the main control unit 20
1 controls the communication control unit 209 to communicatively connect the vending machine 1 and the financial institution 7 via the communication line 10. The main controller 201 reads account information and merchandise sales amount information for each user from the RAM 204 and transmits the information to the financial institution 7. The financial institution 7 debits the required amount from the user's account based on the account information and the merchandise sales amount information, transfers the required amount to an account of a business office or the like that manages the vending machine 1, and ends the settlement process. still,
The timing of transmitting the account information and the merchandise sales amount information from the vending machine 1 to the financial institution 7 is monthly, weekly, daily, or the like (A14).

Returning to step A5, the main control unit 201
Does not receive the “1” information, and the user
If it is determined that payment is to be made by means other than C card 5 (A5: N
O) Then, the main control unit 201 determines that the remaining “2” and “3”
It is determined which one of the ten keys 304 has been pressed (A15). For example, the numeric keypad 304 whose user is “2”
When is pressed, the mobile phone 3 transmits the “2” information to the mobile phone 3
Is transmitted from the short-range wireless communication unit 4 to the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1. Upon receiving the “2” information, the main control unit 201 determines that the user pays for the merchandise using the value information in the value storage unit 307 (A1).
5: YES), read the confirmation information on the payment method in FIG. 7E from the ROM 202, and transmit the information from the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1 to the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3. The mobile phone 3 displays confirmation information on the payment method on the display unit 6 (A16). After that, the user checks the display screen of FIG.
Since any numeric key 304 of "2" is pressed, the main control unit 201 determines which numeric key 304 of "1" or "2" is pressed (A17). For example, when the user presses the numeric keypad 304 of “1”,
The mobile phone 3 transmits “1” information from the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3 to the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1. Upon receiving the “1” information, the main control unit 201 determines that the user has confirmed that the purchase price of the product has been paid by the value information of the value storage unit 307 (A1).
7: YES), the information requesting the value information in the value storage unit 307 is transmitted from the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1 to the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3. The mobile phone 3
The value information is read from the value storage unit 307, and transmitted from the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3 to the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1 (A18). Main control unit 201
Determines that the value information has been received (A19: Y
ES), after writing the value information in the value information storage area of the RAM 204, read out the selection information on the product of FIG. 7D from the ROM 202, and read from the near field communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1 to the vicinity of the mobile phone 3. Distance wireless communication unit 4
Send to The mobile phone 3 displays the selection information on the product on the display unit 6 (A20). After that, the user
The user confirms the display screen of (d) and presses any one of the ten keys 304 of cola “1”, orange “2”, tea “3”,... ,
It is determined which numeric key 304 of "2", "3",... Has been pressed (A21). For example, when the user presses the numeric key 304 of “2”, the mobile phone 3
The “2” information is transmitted from the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3 to the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1. Main control unit 2
01 determines that the user wants to purchase orange juice by receiving the “2” information (A2
1: YES), the sales control unit 208 is controlled to pay out canned orange juice beverage from the sales organization 213 (A22). The main control unit 201 reads out the value information (for example, 1000 yen) from the value information storage area of the RAM 204 and reduces the product sales amount (for example, 120 yen),
The balance information at this time is transmitted from the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1 to the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3. The mobile phone 3 stores the balance information as new value information in the value storage unit 307 (A23).

Returning to step A15, the main control unit 20
If No. 1 does not receive both the “1” information and the “2” information, and determines that the user pays the product purchase amount in cash (A1
5: NO), read the confirmation information on the payment method in FIG. 7F from the ROM 202, and read from the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1 to the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3.
Send to The mobile phone 3 displays confirmation information on the payment method on the display unit 6 (A24). After that, the user
Confirm the display screen of FIG.
Since any numeric key 304 of "2" is pressed, the main control unit 201 determines which numeric key 304 of "1" or "2" is pressed (A25). For example, when the user presses the numeric keypad 304 of “1”,
The mobile phone 3 transmits “1” information from the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3 to the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1. Upon receiving the “1” information, the main control unit 201 determines that the user has confirmed that the purchase price of the product has been paid by cash (A25: YES). It is determined whether or not money that can be sold has been taken in (A26). The main control unit 201 determines whether the coin processing control unit 205 detects insertion of a coin into the coin mechanism 210 or the bill processing control unit 206 determines that the bill
When it is determined that money has been taken in by detecting the insertion of the bill into the banknote 1 (A26: YES), the ROM 20
2 (d) is read out and transmitted from the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1 to the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3. The mobile phone 3
Display selection information on the product on the display unit 6 (A2
7). After that, the user checks the display screen of FIG. 7D, and displays cola “1”, orange “2”, tea “3”,.
Press any one of the ten keys 304,
The main control unit 201 determines which one of the ten keys 304 of “1”, “2”, “3”,... Has been pressed (A2
8). For example, when the user presses the “3” numeric keypad 304, the mobile phone 3 transmits “3” information from the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3 to the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1.
Send to When the main control unit 201 determines that the user wants to purchase tea by receiving the “3” information (A28: YES), the main control unit 201 controls the sales control unit 208 to allow the sales mechanism 213 to supply the tea can. Dispense the beverage (A29).

Although the vending machine 1 has a commodity selection button 107, the commodity can be purchased by short-range wireless communication between the vending machine 1 and the mobile phone 3.
May be omitted. Thereby, the manufacturing cost of the vending machine 1 can be reduced. [Second Embodiment] Hereinafter, a second embodiment in which a user purchases a product will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
This will be described with reference to the guide screen of FIG. It is assumed that the user carries the mobile phone 3 including the short-range wireless communication unit 4 and travels on foot, by bicycle, by car, or the like.

First, the main controller 201 determines whether or not the distance between the vending machine 1 and the mobile phone 3 is within a specific distance range (about 10 m) (B1). The main control unit 201 determines that the distance between the vending machine 1 and the mobile phone 3 is within a specific distance range (10
m) (B1: YE
S), while reading out the advertisement information related to the product in FIG. The mobile phone 3 displays the advertisement information on the product on the display unit 6 and notifies the user of the fact of the incoming call by means such as sound and vibration (not shown) (B2). Thereafter, after checking the advertisement screen of FIG. 9A, the user answers “1” to answer the questionnaire or “2” does not answer the questionnaire.
Press any one of the ten keys 304,
The main control unit 201 determines which numeric key 304 of “1” or “2” has been pressed (B3). For example, when the user presses the numeric keypad 304 of “1”, the mobile phone 3 transmits “1” information from the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3 to the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1. . When the main control unit 201 determines that the user answers the questionnaire by receiving the “1” information (B3: YES), the main control unit 201 reads the questionnaire information from the ROM 202 and performs the short-range wireless communication of the vending machine 1. Part 2
From the mobile phone 3 to the short-range wireless communication unit 4. The mobile phone 3 displays the questionnaire information on the display unit 6 and transmits answer information to the questionnaire from the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3 to the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1 (B4). When determining that the response information to the questionnaire has been received (B5: YES), the main control unit 201 sets R
9B is read from the OM 202 and transmitted from the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1 to the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3. The mobile phone 3 displays information related to product purchase on the display unit 6 (B6). After that, the user checks the display screen of FIG. 9B and presses any one of the ten keys 304 of “1” for purchasing a product or “2” not purchasing a product. The CPU 201 determines which numeric key 304 of "1" or "2" has been pressed (B7).
For example, when the user presses the numeric keypad 304 of “1”, the mobile phone 3 transmits “1” information from the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3 to the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1. . When the main control unit 201 determines that the user purchases a product by receiving the “1” information (B7: YES), the main control unit 201 executes the same processing as in step A4 and subsequent steps in FIG. Although the processing after step 4 in FIG. 6 does not consider discount sales, it is sufficient to replace the merchandise sales amount at this time with a discount amount (for example, 5% discount).

A short-range wireless communication unit similar to the vending machine 1 may be provided in a register device installed in a store such as a supermarket. As a result, the customer can purchase goods at a discount by transmitting answer information to the questionnaire from the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3 to the short-range wireless communication unit of the register device. Third Embodiment Hereinafter, a third embodiment in which a user purchases a product will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 10 and the guidance screen in FIG. In addition, the user carries the mobile phone 3 having the short-range wireless communication unit 4 and walks,
Assume that you are traveling by bicycle, car, etc. Also, canned beverage manufacturers conduct a questionnaire on products on a website on the Internet, and when a user accesses the website from the mobile phone 3 and answers the questionnaire, a password for selling discounted canned beverages is available. Shall be issued. Further, the can beverage manufacturing company transmits the issued password to the vending machine 1 via the communication line 10, and the vending machine 1 writes the issued password in the RAM 204.

First, the main controller 201 determines whether or not the distance between the vending machine 1 and the mobile phone 3 is within a specific distance range (about 10 m) (C1). The main control unit 201 determines that the distance between the vending machine 1 and the mobile phone 3 is within a specific distance range (10
m) (C1: YE
S), the information for confirming the presence / absence of the password shown in FIG. 11A is read from the ROM 202 and transmitted from the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1 to the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3. The mobile phone 3 displays information for confirming the presence or absence of a password on the display unit 6 and informs the user of the fact of the incoming call by means of sound or vibration (not shown) (C).
2). After that, the user checks the display screen of FIG. 11A and presses either the numeric keypad 304 of “1” having a password or “2” having no password. The control unit 201 determines which numeric key 304 of “1” or “2” has been pressed (C3). For example, the numeric keypad 30 whose user is “1”
When the user presses 4, the mobile phone 3 transmits “1” information from the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3 to the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1. When the main control unit 201 determines that the user has the password by receiving the “1” information (C3: YES), the main control unit 201 reads the information requesting the password shown in FIG. , From the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1 to the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3. Mobile phone 3
Displays information requesting a password on the display unit 6 (C4). Thereafter, the user checks the display screen of FIG. 11B and presses the same numeric key 304 as the password, so that the main control unit 201 refers to the issued password in the RAM 204 and It is determined whether the same numeric key 304 has been pressed (C
5). The mobile phone 3 transmits information while the user holds down the numeric keypad 304 from the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3 to the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1. When the main control unit 201 determines that this information matches the issued password and is valid (C5: YES), the
11, the information on the commodity discount purchase in FIG. 11C is read, and transmitted from the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1 to the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3. The mobile phone 3 displays information on the product discount purchase on the display unit 6 (C6). After that, the user checks the display screen of FIG. 11C and presses any one of the ten keys 304 of “1” for purchasing the product or “2” not purchasing the product. 201 determines which numeric key 304 of “1” or “2” has been pressed (C
7). For example, when the user presses the numeric key 304 of “1”, the mobile phone 3 transmits the “1” information from the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3 to the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1.
Send to When the main control unit 201 determines that the user purchases a product by receiving the “1” information (C7: YES), the main control unit 201 deletes only the previously issued password from the RAM 204 (C8). After that, the main control unit 2
01 executes the same processing as in step A4 and subsequent steps in FIG. Although the processing after step 4 in FIG. 6 does not consider discount sales, it is sufficient to replace the merchandise sales amount at this time with a discount amount (for example, 5% discount).

Returning to the previous step C3, the main control unit 201
Determines that the user does not have a password by receiving the “2” information (C3: N
O), while reading out the information related to the unpurchased merchandise purchase shown in FIG. 11D from the ROM 202, and transmitting the information from the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1 to the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3. The mobile phone 3 displays information on the product purchase on the display unit 6 (C9). After that, the user
After confirming the display screen of 1 (d), the numeric keypad 304 of either “1” for purchasing a product or “2” not purchasing a product
Is pressed, the main control unit 201 sets “1”
Alternatively, it is determined which numeric key 304 of "2" has been pressed (C10). For example, when the user presses the numeric keypad 304 of “1”, the mobile phone 3 transmits “1” information from the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3 to the short-range wireless communication unit 2 of the vending machine 1. . The main control unit 201
When it is determined that the user purchases a product by receiving the “1” information (C10: YES), the same processing as that in step A4 and subsequent steps in FIG. 6 is executed.

It is to be noted that a register device installed in a store such as a supermarket may be provided with a short-range wireless communication unit similar to the vending machine 1. Thus, the customer can purchase the merchandise at a discount by transmitting the password from the short-range wireless communication unit 4 of the mobile phone 3 to the short-range wireless communication unit of the register device.

[0061]

According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. (1) When the vending machine is within a specific distance range from the mobile terminal, the vending machine transmits information on the product to the mobile terminal.
Many mobile terminal owners can be motivated to purchase products and increase the number of products sold. In particular, vending machines offer discount sales of products if the user answers the questionnaire information or if the user has obtained a password from a specific site on the Internet, so the number of product sales will increase steadily. it can. (2) Since the settlement process is performed between the vending machine and the financial institution, the time required for the settlement process can be reduced, and the user can be prevented from paying the communication cost. (3) The management terminal transmits information on products, control information, and the like to the vending machine, and receives sales information, failure information, and the like from the vending machine. The troublesome work of visiting and operating the portable computer can be omitted, and the time required for changing the control operation of each vending machine can be reduced. (4) The seller or manufacturer of the product can expect an increase in the number of products sold, and can use the answer information to the questionnaire (age, gender, opinions on the product, etc.) as important information when developing a new product. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a product sales system of a vending machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the vending machine of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining an operation of the vending machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining an operation of the mobile phone in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the management terminal of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a guide screen for explaining the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a guide screen for explaining the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a guide screen for explaining a third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 vending machine 2 short-range wireless communication unit 3 mobile phone 4 short-range wireless communication unit 5 IC card 6 display unit 7 financial institution 8 management terminal 9 short-range wireless communication unit 10 communication line 11 Internet 201 main control unit 208 sales control unit 209 Communication control unit 402 Communication control unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 17/60 506 G06F 17/60 506 510 510 H04Q 7/38 H04B 7/26 109M 109R F Term (Reference) 3E044 AA01 AA03 BA10 CB02 DA06 DC01 DE01 DE03 EB01 5B049 BB49 CC00 CC09 DD01 EE21 FF04 FF08 GG02 GG03 GG06 5K067 AA21 AA29 AA44 BB04 CC10 DD57 EE02 EE10 EE16 EE35 FF04 H23 FF18 FF18 H23

Claims (28)

[Claims] 1. A first wireless communication means for transmitting information on a product to a portable terminal when the distance from a portable terminal of a user becomes equal to or less than a specific distance, and a reception content of the first wireless communication means. A vending machine having control means for controlling product sales; a display means for receiving and displaying information on the product when the vending machine and the specific distance are shorter than the specified distance; and a display on the display means And a second wireless communication means for transmitting information for requesting the vending machine to sell a desired product on the basis of the contents. The portable terminal comprising: a product of the vending machine. Sales system. 2. The merchandise selling system for a vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the information on the merchandise is advertisement information. 3. The information on the product is questionnaire information, and the first wireless communication unit transmits information for discounting the product to the portable terminal of a user who has answered the questionnaire information. 2. A merchandise selling system for a vending machine according to claim 1, wherein 4. The information on the product is information for requesting a password required when a user purchases the product at a discount, and the control unit controls the first wireless communication unit to enter a valid password. The merchandise sales system for a vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the merchandise is sold at a discount by receiving the merchandise. 5. The merchandise selling system for a vending machine according to claim 4, wherein said password is obtained by a user from a specific site on the Internet. 6. The portable terminal has a storage medium in which at least account information of a financial institution used by a user is stored in advance, and the vending machine stores the account information and money amount information when a product is sold. The merchandise selling system for a vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising storage means for storing the information in association with each other. 7. The vending machine according to claim 6, wherein the storage medium is an IC card which is detachably connected to the portable terminal and has a built-in information rewritable memory. Product sales system. 8. The vending machine transmits account information and amount information stored in the storage means to the financial institution via a communication line, and the financial institution transmits the account information and the amount information based on the account information and the amount information. 8. The vending machine merchandise selling system according to claim 6, wherein the required amount of money is deducted from the user's account and is transferred to an account of a business office or the like that manages the vending machine. 9. The storage means stores account information of the business office or the like in advance, and the vending machine stores the account information of the business office or the like in the financial institution together with the user's account information and amount information. 9. The merchandise selling system for a vending machine according to claim 8, wherein the merchandise is transmitted. 10. The portable terminal has storage means for storing in advance value information for purchasing a product, and the vending machine stores the value information in the storage means every time a product is sold. 6. A merchandise selling system for a vending machine according to claim 1, further comprising rewriting means for rewriting the amount information of the vending machine to information obtained by subtracting the amount information. 11. The merchandise selling system for a vending machine according to claim 10, wherein said storage means is a nonvolatile memory which is built in said portable terminal and is rewritable. 12. A third wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving information between the vending machine and the first wireless communication means of the vending machine when the vending machine is installed within a range of the specific distance or less. 12. The vending machine product sales system according to claim 1, further comprising a management terminal for the sales office or the like. 13. The vending machine, wherein the management terminal transmits / receives information to / from the vending machine via a communication line when the vending machine is installed within a range of the specific distance or more. 12. A vending machine product sales system according to item 12. 14. The management terminal transmits at least information on a product and control information on the operation of a vending machine to the vending machine, and the vending machine transmits at least the sales information and the failure information to the vending machine. 14. The vending machine merchandise sales system according to claim 12, wherein the vending machine transmits the data to a management terminal. 15. A first wireless communication means for transmitting information on a product to the portable terminal when the distance from the portable terminal of the user becomes equal to or less than a specific distance, and according to a reception content of the first wireless communication means. Control means for controlling product sales, comprising: a display means for receiving and displaying information about the product when the distance from the vending machine is equal to or less than the specific distance; and the display means. Transmitting and receiving information for requesting the vending machine to sell a desired product based on the display content of the vending machine. And vending machine. 16. The vending machine according to claim 15, wherein the information on the product is advertisement information. 17. The information on the product is questionnaire information, and the first wireless communication unit transmits information for discounting the product to the portable terminal of a user who has answered the questionnaire information. The vending machine according to claim 15, wherein the vending machine is used. 18. The information on the product is information for requesting a password required when a user purchases the product at a discount, and the control unit sets the first wireless communication unit to use a valid password. 16. The vending machine according to claim 15, wherein the vending machine receives the discounted product. 19. The vending machine according to claim 18, wherein the password is obtained by a user from a specific site on the Internet. 20. The portable terminal has a storage medium in which at least account information of a financial institution used by a user is stored in advance, and the vending machine stores the account information and money amount information when a product is sold. The vending machine according to any one of claims 15 to 19, further comprising storage means for storing the vending machine in association with the vending machine. 21. The vending machine according to claim 20, wherein the storage medium is an IC card which is detachably connected to the portable terminal and has a built-in memory capable of rewriting information. 22. The vending machine transmits account information and amount information stored in the storage means to the financial institution via a communication line, and the financial institution transmits the account information and the amount information based on the account information and the amount information. 22. The vending machine according to claim 20, wherein the required amount of money is deducted from the user's account, and is transferred to an account of a business office or the like that manages the vending machine. 23. The storage means stores account information of the business office or the like in advance, and the vending machine stores the account information of the business office or the like in the financial institution together with the user's account information and amount information. 23. A transmission method according to claim 22.
The vending machine described. 24. The portable terminal has storage means for storing in advance value information for purchasing a product, and the vending machine stores the value information in the storage means every time a product is sold. The vending machine according to any one of claims 15 to 19, further comprising rewriting means for rewriting the amount information of (a) to (b). 25. The vending machine according to claim 24, wherein said storage means is a nonvolatile memory in which said information is rewritable while being built in said portable terminal. 26. A third wireless communication means for transmitting / receiving information between the vending machine and the first wireless communication means of the vending machine when the vending machine is installed in a range not more than the specific distance. The vending machine according to any one of claims 15 to 25, further comprising a management terminal for the sales office or the like. 27. The management terminal according to claim 27, wherein the management terminal transmits and receives information to and from the vending machine via a communication line when the vending machine is installed in a range that is equal to or longer than the specific distance. 26. The vending machine according to item 26. 28. The management terminal transmits at least information on a product and control information on the operation of a vending machine to the vending machine, and the vending machine transmits at least the sales information and the failure information to the vending machine. 28. The vending machine according to claim 26, wherein the vending machine transmits the vending machine to a management terminal.