JP2002163707A - Vending machine and article-vending system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vending machine and an article-vending system which can promote sales of articles without causing article sellers nor consumers much troubleor time nor requiring much cost. SOLUTION: This system has an identification information input part 8 for inputting consumer identification information D2 specifying consumers 13a, 13b and so on, of articles, a memory 20 wherein article sales information D3 on articles that the consumers 13a, 13b, and so on, buy is stored, while being related to the consumer identification information D2, and sales information output parts 21 and 18, which transfer sales information D composed of the article sales information D3 and consumer identification information D2 to a server 10.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a vending machine and a merchandise sales system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, in order to promote the sale of goods, prizes and the like are given to the goods as services. Also, products are sold with service tickets such as coupons and stickers so that points can be collected by purchasing the products. Consumers collect these service tickets and affix them to postcards for application, and mail them to the merchandise seller, or paste them on a backing sheet and present them to retailers. A replacement has been made.

[0003]

However, when a consumer purchases a product, the consumer can either peel off the small service ticket from the product and keep it in a safe place, or put it on an application postcard or backing sheet one by one. It was troublesome to wear. For this reason, especially when a large number of service tickets are collected so that the right to apply for one service can be obtained, the user does not want to collect service tickets unless there is a service he likes very much. That is, it is not possible to sufficiently promote the sale of a product by simply attaching a service ticket, a sticker, or the like to the product as in the related art.

[0004] In addition, consumers may collect a number of service tickets in order to receive a desired service.
The greater the number of service tickets that must be collected, the more often the service tickets that have been collected are lost, and in some cases, the application cannot be applied. Furthermore, if service tickets are collected over a long period of time, consumers may forget the application period and end the application period when they want to apply, and the collected service tickets may be wasted. Was.

[0005] Conversely, for example, when a large number of people are throwing away the containers of products together with service tickets, such as an application sticker attached to a can of drinking water sold by a vending machine, Some people collected and discarded application stickers and applied, and in some cases, lacked fairness. Furthermore, the cost involved in attaching a service ticket to each product or collecting service tickets collected by consumers has not been negligible.

Further, it is desirable that the merchandise seller use the vending machine more efficiently to promote the consumption of the merchandise, and a worker periodically patrols each vending machine to obtain a sufficient number of merchandise. Filling has been done. However, depending on the installation location of the vending machine, the sales amount of the product varies, so that when the consumer wishes only by periodically replenishing the product, the desired product may be sold out. In addition, shortening the interval between product fillings by workers in a dark manner is not preferable because it causes a reduction in work efficiency.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and promotes the sale of merchandise without requiring both merchandise sellers and consumers to take a lot of trouble and cost. The aim is to provide a vending machine and a merchandise sales system that can.

[0008]

According to the present invention, means for achieving the above object are constituted as follows. That is, the vending machine of the present invention relates to an identification information input unit for inputting consumer identification information for specifying a consumer of a product, and associates the product sales information of the product purchased by the consumer with the consumer identification information. And a sales information output unit for transferring sales information including at least the merchandise sales information and the consumer identification information stored in the memory to the merchandise seller.

Therefore, when the consumer inputs the consumer identification information, the vending machine stores the merchandise sales information in association with the consumer identification information and transfers this to the merchandise seller. Can accurately grasp which consumer has purchased what product and how much, and can collect points according to the purchased product for each consumer. In addition, merchandise sellers can provide consumers with services (exchanges for premiums and discount tickets, invitation tickets to events, etc.) when points collected during the application period can be exchanged for services. Notify that there is.

[0010] In addition, the merchandise seller can simultaneously conduct a taste survey of merchandise sales by summing up the sales information, and can promote sales. In other words, replenishing the products preferred by consumers to each vending machine at appropriate intervals eliminates the need for the vending machine to be sold out, and eliminates the need for workers to circulate unnecessarily and frequently. Improvement can be achieved. Since the vending machine of the present invention has a simple structure, its manufacturing cost can be reduced, and this can be easily spread.

In the case where the consumer identification information is contact information such as a telephone number and a mail address, and the identification information input unit has a keyboard, the consumer needs to remember a number such as a new ID number. Rather, it is extremely easy to enter the unique contact information that everyone has.
In addition, the merchandise seller can easily provide the consumer with guidance such as a free gift exchange notice. When the contact information is a telephone number, a numeric keypad is sufficient for the keyboard, and the arrangement of the keys can be the same as that of a mobile phone or a touch-tone phone.

When the sales information output section has a function of transferring the sales information stored in the memory to the server on the merchandise seller side at predetermined time intervals via the communication means, Can regularly collect each sales information, and can conduct a more accurate survey of product sales preferences.

The sales information output unit monitors the information amount of the sales information stored in the memory, and when the amount of the sales information reaches a predetermined ratio with respect to the capacity, the sales information is transmitted to the merchandise seller via the communication means. When the server has a function of transferring sales information, it is possible not only to efficiently collect sales information, but also to eliminate congestion in communication lines. Further, when the capacity is the product holding capacity of the vending machine, it is also possible to notify the product seller of an approximate time when the product runs out by outputting the sales information.

If the sales information output section has a function of transferring sales information to a communication device having a data storage function of the worker when the worker refills the product, The sales information can be collected along with the filling operation, and the cost for outputting the information can be minimized. Further, it is also possible for the worker to confirm the work content.

[0015] The counting of the merchandise sales information is started from the time when both the cash input into the vending machine and the input of the consumer identification information are performed, and the time when the remaining cash is exhausted or the change return lever is operated. In the case of having a function of terminating the counting of the merchandise sales information, the counting of the merchandise sales information can be performed more accurately, and only the merchandise purchased by each consumer can be reliably counted.

In the commodity sales system of the present invention, the commodity seller determines the service attached to the commodity, and stores the consumer identification information for identifying the consumer inputted before and after the cash input into the commodity sales information of the purchased commodity. A server is provided on the merchandise seller side for storing in a memory in each vending machine in association with, and summing up, at least, merchandise sales information and sales information including consumer identification information stored in the memory for each consumer, According to the sales information compiled by the server, each consumer is provided with a service appropriate to the purchased product.

[0017] By using the product sales system, information on the products purchased by the consumer can be totaled in the server, the product seller can conduct a preference survey of the product, and the consumer can match the purchased product. Service is available.

The consumer identification information is contact information such as a telephone number and a mail address, and there is a service that can be provided to each consumer based on merchandise sales information for each consumer compiled by the server. When it is determined, the product seller notifies the corresponding consumer of the provision of the service using the contact information, confirms the detailed consumer identification information such as the destination of the service, and sends it to the server. In addition, when the consumer registers the desired service to the destination, the consumer does not need to store new consumer identification information because a special ID number is not required. Also, merchandise sellers can easily contact consumers.

[0019] Each of the vending machines may have a function of transferring sales information stored in a memory to the server via communication means at predetermined time intervals.

Each of the vending machines monitors the amount of sales information stored in the memory, and when the amount of the sales information reaches a predetermined ratio with respect to the storable capacity, the merchandise seller via the communication means. It is also possible to have a function of transferring sales information to the server on the side.

Each of the vending machines may have a function of transferring sales information to a communication device having a data storage function of the worker when the worker refills the product.

In the case where the sales information has identification information of a vending machine and the server has a function of counting sales information for each vending machine, the actual sales information is used. As a result, the consumer's consumption status at each vending machine can be grasped, so that a more accurate taste survey can be conducted, and each vending machine can be replenished with an appropriate number of products at an appropriate time. The product can be promoted.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a vending machine 1 which is an example of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a product vending system 2 using the vending machine 1. .
In FIG. 1, 3 is a product display and display section, 4 is a cash input section,
5 is a cash return section, 6 is a display section for displaying product advertisements, etc.
Reference numeral 7 denotes a product outlet. 8 is an identification information input unit for identifying a consumer, and 9 is an explanatory note.

Reference numeral 3a is a commodity purchase button, 4a is a bill insertion slot, 4b is a coin insertion slot, 5a is a change return lever (hereinafter referred to as a change lever), and 5b is a change takeout port.

In FIG. 2, reference numerals 1A, 1B and 1C denote the vending machines 1, which are arranged at different locations. 10 is a server (main computer) on the merchandise seller side, and 11 is a server for each vending machine 1 (1A, 1A,
1B, 1C), 12 is a modem (for example, a terminal adapter or a router) for connecting the server 10 to the telephone network 11, 13a, 13b
... is a consumer, 14 is a worker, 15 is a handy terminal as an example of a communication device having a data storage function used by the worker 14, and 16 is a port for connecting this handy terminal to the server 10.

Although the description herein assumes that the server 10 is a single server, the present invention does not limit the number of servers 10. That is, a plurality of servers 10 may be connected by some network. The telephone network 11 is a wired telephone network 11a.
Or a wireless telephone line network 11b such as a mobile phone (including PHS). In addition to the data connection directly, the data communication may be connected via a network such as the Internet.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing a main part of each vending machine 1. A control unit 17 controls the vending machine 1, a CPU 18 performs a central operation of the control, and
Reference numeral 9 denotes a non-volatile recording medium on which a control program P executed by the CPU 18 is recorded, reference numeral 20 denotes a recording medium (memory) for storing data such as sales information D, and reference numeral 21 connects the control unit 17 to the telephone network 11. Modem circuits 22, 23, and 24 for modulating and transmitting the sales information D and the like are interfaces for connecting the handy terminal 15, the identification information input section 8, and the display section 6, respectively.

Reference numeral 8a denotes a keyboard (numeric keypad) for inputting a telephone number which is an example of consumer identification information.
b is a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal display unit) for confirming the input contents. 8c is a cancel key, 8d
Is a clear key, and 8e is a continuation button having a backlight. In this example, a telephone number (ordinary line and mobile phone line) is input as an example of the consumer identification information. Therefore, the numeric keypad 8 is illustrated as an example of the keyboard. Is not limited.

For example, when the mail address of the electronic mail is used as the consumer identification information, it is better to provide an English character keyboard rather than a numeric keypad. Similarly, the display unit is not limited to the liquid crystal display panel 8b, but is a 7-segment element L.
Various modifications such as ED are possible.

The memory 20 is a D-RAM or S-RAM.
Such a volatile memory may be used, but a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory is preferable in consideration of safety. By using a storage medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a memory chip, or a memory card, the sales information D recorded in the memory 20 can be easily taken out.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the program P executed by the CPU 18. Next, the vending machine 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
Will be described. It should be noted that the contents of the processing shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are provided for simply explaining the present invention, and do not limit the present invention.

In FIG. 4, when the vending machine 1 of the present invention starts to operate, the display section 6 displays, for example, "Let's earn points by phone number! Please enter your phone number" to consume. .. Are urged to input telephone numbers. (Step S ₁ )

By blinking the backlight built in the numeric keypad 8a, the consumers 13a, 13b
.. Can easily find the numeric keypad 8a.
(Step S ₂ ) Note that a description 9 for operating the vending machine 1 is attached below the numeric keypad 8a so that the consumers 13a, 13b,. The meaning of the input can be understood, and the operation can be performed reliably.

[0034] Step S ₃ is determining whether there is an input from the ten keys 8a, Step S ₄ is a step of determining whether there has been turned cash from the cash-on part 4. These steps S ₃ and S ₄ are the first
The loop L ₁ is formed of, I continue to wait for a key input or the input of cash.

When there is a key input, a telephone number input operation is performed, and this is input as consumer identification information.
(Step S ₅ ) At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the telephone number being input is displayed on a small display section 8b provided in association with the numeric keypad 8a. That is, only the consumers 13a, 13b... Themselves can confirm the input telephone number.

[0036] It should be noted that, in the operation of the step S _5,
It is possible to delete an incorrectly input number by using the clear key 8d shown in FIG. 3, or to abandon the input by using the cancel key 8c. Further, although it is not described in FIG. 4, when the input of the consumer identification information is abandoned, the process returns to the first loop L _1.

When the input of the telephone number is completed, the illumination of the numeric keypad 8a is turned off and the process proceeds to the next step (step S ₆ ).

[0038] step is step S ₇ to determine whether or not there has been input of cash from the cash-on part 4, step S
₈ is a step of counting the elapse of 20 seconds. These steps S ₇ and S ₈ form a _second loop L ₂ ,
Wait for 20 seconds for cash. And this 2
If cash is inserted during 0 seconds, the process proceeds to the step indicated by reference numeral A in FIG.

On the other hand, if cash is not inserted in 20 seconds, for example, "Thank you" is displayed and the process returns to the start. (Step S ₉ ) That is, the process ends.

[0040] In the loop L _1, when there is a previously cash-on, for example, "input amount is ○○ circle. Please enter the phone number" consumer displays a message saying that it has turned Displays the total amount and prompts for a phone number. (Step S ₁₀₎

[0041] Then, step S ₁₁ is the step of determining whether there is an input from the ten keys 8a, Step S ₁₂ is a step of determining whether a manipulation of the change lever 5a is further step S ₁₃ is the purchase button 3a This is a step of determining whether or not the button has been pressed.
These steps S ₁₁ to S ₁₃ forms a third loop L _3, a key input, the operation of the change lever 5a, waits that there is either a purchase.

[0042] when there is a purchase of goods in the loop L _3, it is determined whether or not the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the product price becomes 0, balance returns to the processing of not 0, the loop L _3. (Step S ₁₄₎

On the other hand, when the balance becomes 0, for example, "Thank you" is displayed, and the process returns to the start. (Step S ₁₅ ) That is, the process ends.

The loop L_ThreeFrom the numeric keypad 8a
If there is a key input of step S_Five, S₆When
Similarly, a step of performing a telephone number input operation (step
S ₁₆) And turning off the numeric keypad
Tep S₁₇) To perform the steps indicated by reference symbol A in FIG.
Transfer processing to the top.

[0045] It should be noted that, even during the operation of the step S _16,
Although not described in detail in FIG. 4, if the input of the consumer identification information is abandoned on the way, the processing is performed in a third loop L _3.
Must be returned to

[0046] When there is an operation of the change lever 5a in the loop L ₃ performs the change of the discharge operation jumps to the step S ₁₅ (step S _18). Incidentally, it is also possible to loop by loop L ₃ is automatically terminated when the predetermined time (e.g. one minute) has continued. In this case, as in the case where there operations change lever 5a it is desirable to perform the process of step S _18.

In FIG. 5, the first process starting from the jump indicated by the symbol A is the start of counting. (Step S ₁₉ ) That is, in this example, the product purchased by the consumer using the temporary data (not shown) for counting the purchased product from the time when both the input of the consumer identification information and the insertion of cash are performed. Start counting purchase information.

In the state in which the counting of the merchandise sales information based on the temporary data has started, for example, "The input amount is XX yen. Please purchase the merchandise" is displayed. (Step S ₂₀₎
That is, the consumer can purchase the product while checking the amount of money (or balance).

[0049] Then, it is determined whether there is an operation of the change lever 5a in step S _21, it is determined whether or not there is product purchase in step S _22. The processing of these steps S _20, S _21, S ₂₂ constitute the fourth loop L _4. Incidentally, it is also possible to loop by loop L ₄ are automatically terminated when the predetermined time (e.g. one minute) has continued. In this case, it is desirable to jump to step S ₂₃ to be described later.

[0050] In the processing of step S _21, when detecting the operation of the change lever 5a, performs processing for discharging change. (Step S ₂₃₎

Further, the consumer's merchandise sales information is confirmed using the temporary data, and it is determined whether or not the consumer has purchased the merchandise. (Step S ₂₄₎ and, if the consumer is already purchased a product, jumps to step S ₃₁ which will be described later.

On the other hand, if the consumer has not purchased the product, the counting operation of the product sales information based on the temporary data is terminated. (Step S ₂₅₎

Then, for example, "Thank you" is displayed, and the process returns to the start. (Step S ₂₆₎ In other words, the process ends.

[0054] Further, in the process of the step S _22,
In the state when it is determined that there is a purchase of a product which is obtained by subtracting the price of the commodity, it is determined whether or not the balance is zero, if the balance is not 0 to jump to the step S _20,
Back to the fourth loop L _4. (Step S ₂₇₎

On the other hand, step S₂₇By processing in
If it is determined that the balance is 0, for example,
To continue purchasing, press the continue button. "
Is displayed, and the continuation button 8e (see FIG. 3) is turned on.
Display. (Step S ₂₈)

[0056] followed, step S ₂₉ is a step of determining whether or not the continue button 8e is pressed, step S
Reference numeral ₃₀ denotes a step of measuring the passage of 10 seconds. That, is by these steps S _29, S ₃₀ is the loop L ₅ of the fifth form, continue button 8e only a period of 10 seconds is programmed to wait for the pressed.

[0057] Further, continuing button 8e is pressed in the step S _29, it jumps to the step S _20,
It can be returned to the process loop L ₄ of the fourth. The cash input is performed as needed, and the value of the displayed amount is updated with the cash input.

[0058] When the fifth loop L ₅ in 10 seconds period of continuation button 8c is determined that not pressed, it ends the counting operation of the product sales information the by temporary data in the next step S _31.

Then, for example, "Thank you. The purchase amount was XX yen and the points were △△ points" is displayed, and the consumers 13a, 13b...

Further, the counted temporary data of the merchandise sales information is added to the sales information D stored in the memory 20 in association with the consumer identification information. Thereafter, the temporary data is deleted, and the process returns to the start. (Step _S33 )

As described above by way of example, the vending machine 1 of the present invention uses the consumer identification information when the consumer purchases the product by inputting the consumer identification information. Can be stored in the memory 20 in association with the product, so that the consumer can easily accumulate service points of the product.

That is, when a consumer desires to provide a service, the vending machine inputs the consumer identification information such as his / her telephone number before and after the purchase of the commodity before and after the cash input. It is configured to count points that match the number of points.

FIG. 6 shows sales accumulated by vending machines.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information data D. In FIG. 6, D
₁Is the location information indicating the place where the vending machine 1 is installed.
Information, D _TwoIs the consumer identification information, D_ThreeIndicates product sales information
ing. Also, Da is the time information of each product sold, Db
Is the type information of the sold product, Dc is the sales quantity information, Dd
Is sales amount information, and De is point information.

Note that this example is an easy-to-understand example for explanation, and does not limit the present invention. For example, the position information D ₁ not only address shown, may be a serial number or a latitude and longitude information attached to each vending machine. Further, the consumer identification information may be not only the telephone numbers N ₁ , N _2, ... But also the mail address A ₁ , and the consumer ₁ who has not entered the consumer identification information.
.. May be provided with data B indicating no input.

Similarly, it is needless to say that the time information Da can be changed to only the date or the time, and the type information Db can be changed to a product code instead of a product name. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 6 merchandise sales information time information Da contained in the D _3, sales amount information Dd, or omitted point information De, positional information D ₁ also may be modified in various ways such as including is there.

Now, considering the example shown in FIG. 6, a consumer 13a with a telephone number of 06-6123-4567 purchased two bottles of beer and two bottles of juice at noon on November 1 at 12:30. You can see that. Also, it can be seen that this consumer 13a purchased a different beer and the same juice from last week at approximately the same time one week later. Further, it can be seen that the number of points collected by the consumer 13a during this period is 6.5 points.

The above-mentioned sales information D is stored in the memory 20 in the control unit 17, and is stored in each of the consumers 13a, 13b.
Keep a record of the products purchased. And the amount of the sales information D is, for example, 80 to 80 of the storage capacity of the memory 20.
At 90%, the CPU 18 shown in FIG. 3 transfers the sales information D to the server 10 via the modem 21 and clears the memory 20. Alternatively, when the sales number reaches 80 to 90% of the total capacity of the commodities that can be replenished to the vending machine 1 (that is, when the remaining commodities become 20 to 10%), the server 10 stores the sales information. D may be transferred.

That is, in the case of the above example, the modem 21 and the CPU 18 executing the information output program monitor the information amount of the sales information D stored in the memory 20 and
When this becomes a predetermined ratio to the capacity, it functions as a sales information output unit having a function of transferring the sales information D to the server 10 on the merchandise seller side via the communication means.

As described in the present embodiment, by making the transmission timing of the sales information D related to the capacity, it is possible to prevent the memory 20 from becoming unable to remember the sales information D. In addition, the transmission of the sales information D is associated with the decrease in the number of remaining commodities, and the merchandise seller can replenish the vending machines 1 with commodities at appropriate times.

The transfer of the sales information D may be performed at a stage where the worker goes around each vending machine 1 and replenishes the goods. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, when each worker 14 performs a filling operation of a product, the sales information D filled in the memory 20 is connected to the handy terminal 15 by connecting the handheld terminal 15 on hand to the control unit 17. 15, the memory 20 may be cleared. And each handy terminal 1
The sales information D stored in 5 is transferred to the server 10 via the connection port 16.

In this case, an interface 22 for transferring the sales information D to the handy terminal 15 and a program for outputting the sales information D stored in the memory 20 to the handy terminal 15 when a worker refills the product are executed. CPU 18 functions as a sales information output unit. In this case, the cost for collecting the sales information D stored in the memory 20 can be minimized.

When the sales information D is collected by the handy terminal 15, the state of the memory 20 can be cleared at the time of refilling the product, so that the remaining amount of the product in each vending machine 1 can be managed accurately. Confirmation of work contents by worker 14 (confirmation of replenishment number and collection amount of each product)
Can be performed on the server 10 side.

When the collection of the sales information D is performed simultaneously with the product filling operation by the operator, the sales information D may be collected together with the memory 20. That is, by using a removable recording medium (a recording medium such as a nonvolatile memory, a floppy disk, or an MO) as the memory 20, the sales information D can be collected by exchanging the memory 20. Can be. That is, even if the volume of the sales information D is large,
The time required for the collection can be shortened as much as possible.

Further, the collection of the sales information D may be performed at predetermined time intervals. That is, the CPU 18 measures a predetermined time from a clock circuit (not shown) or the like, and the server 1
The sales information D may be transferred via the modem circuit 21 in a specific time zone designated from 0. in this case,
The CPU 18 and the modem circuit 21 constitute a sales information output unit.

In any case, the merchandise sales system 2
By using the server, the merchandise seller can use the server 10 to collect the sales information D on the merchandise sold by each vending machine 1 at low cost, and can use this for sales promotion. For example, the sales information D received from each vending machine 1 can be totaled for each product, and the sales can be estimated. In addition, each vending machine 1A,
1B, 1C ... Analyzed for each customer 13a, 13
b ... can be analyzed.

Further, by preparing a sales plan using the result of the preference survey, it is possible to arrange products more effectively and promote the sales.

The server 10 totals the sales information D for each of the consumers 13a, 13b..., So that the points collected by each of the consumers 13a, 13b. When the points can be exchanged for some kind of service, the consumer is notified that the service can be provided by using the consumer identification information.

For example, when a telephone number is used as the consumer identification information D ₂ , the telephone number is called and, for example, “the customer's service point has become XX point. The product can be exchanged for the product of △ 」”, and you can select the product and accept the shipping address. If the email address is used similarly as the consumer identification information D ₂ can perform reception mailing address and select items to send substantially the same message as the that email address. The destination of the product once received is the consumer identification information D ₂
And registered in the server 10.

That is, the consumers 13a, 13b... Can accumulate points automatically without collecting service tickets and stickers as in the related art, and can receive desired services at the time of receiving information on various services. Can be obtained from merchandise sellers. Also, each of the consumers 13a, 13b... Does not need to manage a troublesome service point recruitment period,
All of these can be left to the server 10.

In the above-described example, an example is shown in which a keyboard such as a numeric keypad 8a is used as an example of the identification information input unit.
It is not limited to a. For example, it is conceivable to provide an infrared receiving unit for receiving a mobile phone number using an infrared signal output from a mobile phone as an identification information input unit. In this case, the consumers 13a, 13b,... Do not need to input the consumer identification information using the keyboard 8a, which is convenient, and can reduce the risk of the telephone number being known to a third party.

Further, it is possible to provide a circuit for modulating an electromagnetic wave emitted from a portable telephone into information such as a telephone number which can identify a consumer as an identification information input section. In this case, the consumer identification information can be transferred to the vending machine 1 without using a special mobile phone.

The line 11 connecting each vending machine 1 to the server 10 is not limited to the wired telephone line network 11a, but may be a portable telephone line network 11b including a PHS. When the wired telephone line network 11a is used, a telephone line on the side of the vending machine installer can be borrowed or a new line can be provided to transfer the sales information D.

When borrowing the telephone line of the vending machine installer as the line, it is necessary for the vending machine installer and the merchandise seller to make a contract regarding the use of the telephone line 11a. On the other hand, when a new communication line is provided, the initial cost is high and installation work is required, but the line can be fully utilized. Furthermore, when a mobile phone line is used, the initial cost can be kept low, but a predetermined cost must be paid every month.

Therefore, the merchandise sales system of the present invention does not limit the type of the line, and can connect to the server 10 using an arbitrary line as needed. Also, without using the telephone network 11, the worker 1
It is also possible to carry out only the collection of the sales information D by the method 4, and in this case, it is possible to substantially eliminate the cost for communication of the sales information D.

[0085]

As described in detail above, by using the vending machine and the merchandise sales system of the present invention, the sales information of the merchandise purchased by each consumer can be totaled, and the consumers can add The appropriate service can be received from the product seller. The merchandise seller can total the sales status of each merchandise and use this information for sales promotion.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a vending machine of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a product sales system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the vending machine.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of a control program of the vending machine.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the flowchart.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of sales information stored in the vending machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Vending machine, 2 ... Merchandise sales system, 8 ... Identification information input part, 8a ... Numeric keypad (keyboard), 10 ... Server, 13a, 13b ... Consumer, 14 ... Worker, 20 ... Memory, D ... Sales information , D ₂ ... consumer identification information, D ₃ ... product sales information.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G07F 9/00 G07F 9/00 C

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A vending machine for automatically selling a product provided by a product seller, comprising: an identification information input unit for inputting consumer identification information for identifying a consumer of the product; A memory for storing merchandise sales information of purchased merchandise in association with consumer identification information, and sales for transferring at least sales information including the merchandise sales information and the consumer identification information stored in the memory to the merchandise seller side A vending machine having an information output unit. 2. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the consumer identification information is contact information such as a telephone number and a mail address, and the identification information input unit has a keyboard. 3. The sales information output unit has a function of transferring sales information stored in a memory to a server of a merchandise seller via a communication unit at predetermined time intervals. Vending machine described in. 4. The sales information output unit monitors the amount of sales information stored in the memory, and when the amount of sales information reaches a predetermined ratio with respect to the capacity, the sales person via the communication means. The vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which has a function of transferring sales information to a server on the side. 5. The sales information output unit according to claim 1, further comprising a function of transferring sales information to a communication device having a data storage function of the worker when the worker replenishes the product. Vending machine described in Crab. 6. The counting of merchandise sales information is started when both cash input to the vending machine and input of consumer identification information are performed, and when the remaining cash is exhausted or the change return lever is operated. The vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a function of terminating the counting of the merchandise sales information at a point in time. 7. A merchandise sales system that sells merchandise provided by a merchandise seller using a vending machine, wherein the merchandise seller determines a service attached to the merchandise, and the consumer inputs before and after cash input. Is stored in the memory of each vending machine in association with the product sales information of the purchased product, and the sales information comprising at least the product sales information and the consumer identification information stored in the memory is A server is installed on the merchandise seller side to count for each consumer,
A merchandise sales system characterized by providing services appropriate to the purchased merchandise to each consumer according to the sales information compiled by the server. 8. A service that can be provided to each consumer based on contact information such as a telephone number and an e-mail address, and based on merchandise sales information for each consumer compiled by the server. When it is determined that there is
The product seller notifies the corresponding consumer of the provision of the service using the contact information, confirms the detailed consumer identification information such as the destination of the service, registers the information in the server, and registers the consumer in the server. 8. The merchandise sales system according to claim 7, wherein a desired service is sent to the destination. 9. The product according to claim 7, wherein each of the vending machines has a function of transferring sales information stored in a memory to the server via communication means at predetermined time intervals. Sales system. 10. Each of the vending machines monitors the amount of sales information stored in a memory, and when the amount of sales information reaches a predetermined ratio with respect to the storable capacity, the product via a communication means. The product sales system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising a function of transferring sales information to a server on the seller side. 11. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein each of the vending machines has a function of transferring sales information to a communication device having a data storage function of the worker when the worker refills the product. Product sales system described in Crab. 12. The server according to claim 7, wherein the sales information includes identification information of a vending machine, and the server has a function of summing up sales information of the merchandise for each vending machine.
A merchandise sales system according to any one of claims 11 to 13.