JP2005352791A - Automatic vending machine system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a ticket issuing system enhancing sales efficiency by shortening time of a user from arrival in front of an objective automatic vending machine or the like till reception of a ticket or the like. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of automatic vending machines 10 are precedently classified for each belonging service area, and an identification ID is issued for each service area. In use intention registration, a service area classification is an essential designation item, and when the use intention registration is carried out, a management station server 20 sends a barcode corresponding to the use intention registration only to each automatic vending machine 10 issued with the identification ID of the designated service area. Since the automatic vending machine 10 functions so as to carry out issuing for use settlement when a result of collating a barcode read by a barcode reader part matches with the barcode sent from the management station server 20, it is not followed by communication of inquiry or the like to the server 20, and the ticket issuing system substantially shortening the time of the user till reception of the ticket or the like can be realized. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

The present invention relates to a vending machine system, and in particular, performs transactions efficiently when a consumer places an order that combines necessary items for various service items on the service provider side. It relates to a vending machine system.
The vending machine in the present invention refers to all devices having an automatic settlement processing function. In addition to a device that provides a certain product as a product such as a so-called vending machine or an automatic ticket vending machine, an automatic An apparatus that directly provides a service as a product such as an exit payment machine is also included.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an automatic ticket vending machine has been widely used as a device that performs a settlement process for a commercial transaction with a consumer without the intervention of a provider and issues a ticket to the consumer as a proof of transaction processing. Scenes often seen include ticketing tickets at railway stations, ticketing tickets or entrance tickets at facilities such as amusement parks, and ticketing tickets at restaurants.
In recent years, automatic ticket vending machines have been brought online and have been installed in offices where operation and maintenance staff are stationed via telephone lines, dedicated lines, mobile communication lines, or communication lines such as the Internet. Centralized management has been done. As a result, it is possible to grasp the alarm information and the deposit / receipt information of each automatic ticket vending machine connected online, so that the replenishment timing of consumables and the recovery and replenishment timing of safe money can be efficiently performed.

On the other hand, in recent years, a use form of a computer having mobility such as mobile computing has become widespread. The term “computer” as used herein generally refers to various portable information terminals (PDA; called Personal Digital Assistant), but also includes PHS and mobile phones that can be used on the Internet. In a small information terminal such as a PDA, PHS, or mobile phone, each device includes a control unit composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., a communication interface unit that communicates with the outside, and a liquid crystal display. The screen display unit and main functional units such as a microphone / speaker or a button or an input / output unit such as a touch type are housed in a small casing suitable for carrying. Hereinafter, PDA, PHS, mobile phone and the like are collectively referred to as a mobile terminal.
There has also been proposed a system for providing additional services and improving convenience by exchanging information with a vending machine or vending machine using such a portable terminal.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-063631 discloses a product purchase system that can purchase products from a vending machine by using a mobile terminal without using money (curing or banknotes).
This product purchase system will be briefly described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the above-described product purchase system, in which the server 100, the terminal 200, and the vending machine 300 are coupled via a communication path (communication network) not shown. First, the terminal 200 obtains the ID (position information) of the vending machine 300 [S101], and transmits the ID of the vending machine 300 and the ID of the terminal 200 to the server 100 [S102]. An inquiry is made to the state (information such as stocks and quantities in stock) 300 [S104], and the vending machine 300 answers this [S105]. The server 100 transmits response information from the vending machine 300 to the terminal 200 [S106], and purchase information generated by operating the terminal 200 is sent to the server 100 [S111]. The server 100 issues a product discharge command to the vending machine 300 according to the purchase information [S113]. Thereby, the user who possesses the terminal 200 can obtain the product. Subsequently, the results are sent from the vending machine 300 to the server 100 [S116], and the results are also sent from the server 100 to the terminal 200 [S120].
As for the method of collecting the charges, billing is performed at regular intervals, or when the terminal 200 is a mobile phone, it is collected together with the call charge, or credit settlement is performed.

Thus, if it settles later based on the purchase result, goods can be purchased from a vending machine without using money (hardening and a bill). And if it replaces with the above-mentioned vending machine 300 and an automatic ticket vending machine is arrange | positioned, it will receive a ticket from an automatic ticket vending machine without using money (hardening and a banknote), and can enjoy predetermined service.
JP 2002-063631 A

However, the conventional product purchase system described above has the following problems. In other words, it is assumed that it is a normal usage form that the user performs a series of communication procedures (S101 to S120) after coming to the target vending machine or the like, but for communication via a server. Since it takes a long time, it takes a long time for the user to obtain the product. In addition, when there are many options for products and services provided by vending machines and ticket vending machines (for example, menu diversity at the cafeteria, attractions at amusement parks, route diversity at railways, purchase quantity, adults)・ For user identification such as dwarf / elderly, application of fee discount, etc.), users need time from time to time to decide the best choice they want, from among many options. The number of times of input (for example, pressing a button) for an item also increases.
For this reason, at the time of congestion, a long line was formed by the user in front of the vending machine and the sales efficiency was low.

Therefore, for example, if the user registers in advance the usage schedule from the mobile terminal to the server and the server distributes the usage schedule registration to all the vending machines, the user can input a button operation, etc. Time can be shortened, and there is no time lag due to communication between the server and the vending machine.
However, if the number of vending machines managed by the server increases, the use schedule information (schedule verification information) stored in the vending machine becomes enormous, and the use schedule information (scheduled after use is confirmed) (planned) There is a problem that the procedure of deleting (invalidating) the verification information) becomes complicated and the system becomes enlarged.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and shortens the time from when a user comes to the target vending machine or the like until he / she obtains the product etc., and sells it. The purpose is to provide a vending machine system with improved efficiency.

  In order to solve the above problems, the invention of claim 1 of the vending machine system according to the present invention comprises a plurality of vending machines and a management station server device connected to the plurality of vending machines via a communication network. The management station server device includes a communication means capable of online access from a mobile terminal owned by a user, and a user registration means for registering user information. And a means for providing a “product selection information” for the user to select a product item to the mobile terminal, and a “scheduled use information” by associating the “product information selected by the user” with the “user information” Schedule management means for registering and managing as, and schedule information issuing means for generating schedule information corresponding to “information of the product selected by the user” and transmitting it to the mobile terminal of the user, vending machine In the vending machine system that receives the schedule information from the mobile terminal and sells the product scheduled by the user, the plurality of vending machines are divided into groups in advance, and an identification ID is assigned to each group, and belongs to each group Each vending machine is registered with an identification ID assigned to the group, and the window means provides “group selection information” for selecting a group together with “product selection information”. In addition to “information about the product selected by the user”, the management means associates “information about the group selected by the user” with “user information” and uses it as schedule information. The schedule matching information generated by associating the “product information selected by the user” with the “user information” is passed to the vending machine belonging to the group selected by the user. The vending machine registers the schedule verification information received from the management station server device, receives the schedule information from the mobile terminal owned by the user, and matches it with the schedule verification information. Then, the merchandise is sold, the schedule collation information is invalidated and the management station server apparatus is notified that the sale has been completed.

  According to a second aspect of the vending machine system of the present invention, in the vending machine system according to the first aspect, the management station server device receives a notification that the vending machine has already been sold. And the other vending machines in the group to which the vending machine belongs are notified to invalidate the corresponding schedule matching information, and the vending machine that receives the notification invalidates the corresponding schedule matching information. It is characterized by doing.

  According to a third aspect of the vending machine system of the present invention, in the vending machine system according to the first or second aspect, the schedule information is converted into a barcode format. The vending machine includes a bar code reader, reads bar code information displayed on display means of the portable terminal, and reads schedule information from the bar code information.

  According to a fourth aspect of the vending machine system of the present invention, in the vending machine system according to any one of the first to third aspects, information on a group desired by the user in the user registration means is provided. The window means provides the group selection information to the user's mobile terminal as an initial value of the group registered in the user registration means.

  According to a fifth aspect of the vending machine system according to the present invention, in the vending machine system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the utilization schedule information generated by the utilization schedule registration includes utilization. When the number of times is defined and the management station server device receives a notification from the vending machine that it has been sold, the schedule management means updates the management status of the number of times of use of the sold schedule information. When there is no remaining number of times, only the vending machine assigned the identification ID of the group to which the vending machine that issued the notification belongs is notified to invalidate the schedule matching information corresponding to the scheduled use information. It is characterized by doing.

  According to a sixth aspect of the vending machine system according to the present invention, in the vending machine system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the utilization schedule information generated by the utilization schedule registration is used as the utilization schedule information. A time limit is defined, and the management station server device updates the management status of the usage schedule information whose usage time limit has been reached by the schedule management means, and each group ID of the usage schedule information is given. Only the vending machine is notified to invalidate the schedule collation information corresponding to the use schedule information.

  According to a seventh aspect of the vending machine system according to the present invention, in the vending machine system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the management station server device is configured to provide a cash prior to use schedule registration. Alternatively, when a payment option of either prepaid or credit is presented online, and cash or prepaid is selected, the management station server device will use it without performing user registration and user authentication. When the registration is accepted and the schedule information generated based on the use schedule information is issued to the portable terminal, and the credit is selected, the management station server device performs the user registration or the user authentication. The use schedule registration is received after being performed, and the schedule information generated based on the use schedule information is issued to the mobile terminal.

  According to an eighth aspect of the vending machine system of the present invention, in the vending machine system according to the seventh aspect, the management station server device includes the window means, the user registration means, and the use. In addition to the person authentication means and the schedule management means, a payment processing means for performing a payment procedure related to credit payment is further provided.

  The invention of claim 9 of the vending machine system according to the present invention is the vending machine system according to claim 8, wherein the vending machine has a matching result based on the read schedule information and If the payment method is cash or prepaid schedule information issued and issued, the billing amount based on the usage schedule information is displayed and the user pays cash or prepaid to the vending machine. Sometimes when a ticket for confirmation of use is executed, and when the result of verification based on the read schedule information is the same and the credit information is selected and issued to the payment means, the use is confirmed immediately. It is characterized by the fact that the ticketing is executed.

The vending machine system (ticket issuing system) according to the present invention divides a plurality of vending machines (automatic ticket vending machines) in advance (divides each beneficiary area) and assigns an identification ID to each group (receiving area). Assigned, the group designation (receipt location designation) is set as an indispensable designation item at the time of use schedule registration, and the management station server device identifies the specified group (receipt location) ID when the use schedule registration is made. Only the vending machines (automatic ticket vending machines) to which the is assigned are sent the schedule verification information corresponding to the use schedule registration, and the vending machine (automatic vending machine) receives it from the user's mobile terminal (barcode When the result of matching the reservation information (barcode) (read by the reader) and the reservation matching information sent from the management station server matches (matches) the product Since it functions to perform service (ticketing for confirmation of use), it does not involve inquiries to the server, so products (tickets) must come after the user has reached the target vending machine (vending machine). It is possible to realize a vending machine system (ticketing system) that significantly shortens the time required to obtain the above.
In addition, since the vending machine system (ticket issuing system) of the present invention can also cope with credit settlement, provision of goods from the vending machine (automatic vending machine) without using money (cured or banknote) ( Issue of tickets).

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on the illustrated embodiment.
As a specific application example of the vending machine system of the present invention, a ticket issuing system using a vending machine will be described.
FIG. 1 is a system outline diagram showing a first embodiment of a ticket issuing system according to the present invention.
In the ticket issuing system shown in this example, a plurality of automatic ticket vending machines 10 arranged in various places and a server 20 arranged in a management station are communicatively coupled via a communication line network 1, A mobile terminal 30 possessed by the user X is communicatively coupled to the server 20 via the communication network 1.
The communication line network 1 includes a transmission medium such as a telephone line, a dedicated line, a mobile communication line, and the Internet. Here, transmission equipment such as an exchange, a radio base station, or a router is not shown. ing. Further, here, a mobile phone is illustrated as an example of an image as the mobile terminal 30, but as described above, at least a control unit, a communication interface unit, a screen display unit, an input / output unit, such as PHS and PDA. A small information terminal configured by storing the main functional units in a small casing suitable for carrying can be used as the portable terminal 30.

The plurality of automatic ticket vending machines 10 are allocated to each divided group. Here, service receiving areas A, B, and C are provided as three service receiving areas, and each of the automatic ticket vending machines 10A is provided for each section. ₁ , 10A ₂ , 10A ₃ , automatic ticket vending machines 10B ₁ , 10B ₂ , 10B ₃ , and automatic ticket vending machines 10C ₁ , 10C ₂ , 10C ₃ belong to each other.
Service enjoyment districts may be based on geographical divisions such as prefectures and cities, for example, by railway, by main line, branch line, or station, or by restaurant chain by store For large-scale facilities such as amusement parks, classify each entrance / exit, such as the south and north exits, and provide several stages according to the size of the scale to provide a hierarchical classification layer Can be considered. In any case, it is desirable that the system provider can appropriately assign the category, and it is desirable to perform the category that is easy for the user to understand.
Hereinafter, the case where a restaurant chain is divided and assigned for each store as service enjoyment districts A, B, and C will be described by way of example.

  In addition, the server 20 is installed and operated as a management station as an installation location, for example, in a cafeteria chain headquarters. As the configuration of the server 20, the following functions are realized by using one or a plurality of computers and programs. That is, the server 20 includes a Web window function, a user registration function, a user authentication function, a schedule management function, and a payment processing function, and a database that stores various types of information handled by these functions. Has been built.

Each function of the server 20 will be described.
The Web window function is a function for providing contents accessible on a network typified by the Internet. Characters, graphics, images, and audio created in a document language format such as XML, SGML, or HTML. It has a guide page using etc. That is, it is desirable that the mobile terminal 30 possessed by the user X is equipped with a Web browser program or the like for browsing the guide page in such a document language format. For example, the mobile terminal 30 is a mobile phone. If there is, it is a function that provides a Web window that can be accessed using an i-mode (registered trademark) compatible terminal of NTT Docomo.
The user registration function is a function that manages a prior registration procedure for a user who wants to use a service that requires security such as credit settlement, which will be described later, by accessing the Web window function. The user registered by this means that the server 20 stores some personal information such as name, address, contact information (mobile phone number, fixed phone number, e-mail address, etc.), gender, age, card number (account number). In the server 20, personal information is registered (recorded) and filed in the database for each user record. At this time, the user name and password (password) are set, and the server 20 stores the user name and password in association with the user record and transmits the same user name and password from the server 20 side to the registered user side. To do.

The user authentication function prompts the user name and password to be entered when there is an access by a user who has been registered by the user registration function, and whether or not the entered user name and password are valid. This is a function that verifies the user and confirms the user. That is, after receiving the conformance pass of the authentication, the use of the system is permitted as the person corresponding to the user record registered in advance.
In order to enhance the security of this authentication function, confirmation of the sender information using a unique identification code (manufacturing number, telephone number, MAC address, etc.) possessed by the portable terminal 30, and digital using encryption Authentication techniques may be combined.
The schedule management function is a summary of the orders selected by the user from the various items (corresponding to the product selection information) arranged in the options such as the menu guided to the Web window function (the product information selected by the user). This function controls information (hereinafter referred to as usage schedule information), and when a user registers a usage schedule, the schedule management function displays a barcode (scheduled information in the schedule information) associated with the usage schedule information. Corresponding) is generated and issued to the user, and is managed while being stored in the server 20. That is, here, the schedule management function is provided with a schedule information issuing function.
As the bar code, a DENSO WAVE QR code (registered trademark), a JAN code, and other two-dimensional bar codes that have already been widely used may be used, or other codes may be used. A bar code display method with information in the vertical direction, which can describe a large information capacity with a high density display in a small space, and at the same time uses a two-dimensional bar code with data error detection and correction functions Is preferred. In addition, a set of two-dimensional barcodes described in several still image frames is displayed as a set, and the barcode of the dimension expansion method (semi-moving video) that increases the capacity by switching the frames in a certain time is displayed. It may be used. Needless to say, when a barcode of the dimension extension method (semi-moving image) is used, it is not suitable for carrying and presenting the barcode by copying (printing) it on a medium such as paper.

The payment processing function is a function that manages credit payment or payment in a timed contract payment form in which billing is performed at regular intervals. For example, in the case of credit payment, the card number ( (Account number) is also processed together with an external financial institution server (not shown) to inquire about the validity of the card or account.
Although not shown, the server 20 has a clock function for measuring managed time information (year, month, day, hour, minute, second, day of the week). Have.

Next, an automatic ticket vending machine used in the ticket issuing system according to the present invention will be described in detail.
FIG. 2 is an external view (customer service) showing an example of an automatic ticket vending machine used in the ticket issuing system of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an internal configuration example of the automatic ticket vending machine.
An automatic ticket vending machine 10 shown in this example includes a money delivery unit 11a, an operation unit 12 configured by menu buttons, a display unit 13 configured by a liquid crystal display, and a barcode reading unit configured by a CCD camera, a sensor, and the like. 14 and the ticketing opening 15a are provided on the customer service surface (user interface). Inside the automatic ticket vending machine 10, the money handling section 11b coupled to the money delivery section 11a and the ticketing opening 15a are coupled. The printing unit 15b is composed of a printer and paper, a storage unit 16, a communication interface unit 17, a control unit 18 that comprehensively controls the automatic ticket vending machine 10, and a verification unit 19.
In addition, it is also preferable that the operation unit 12 and the display unit 13 are integrated by using a touch panel display so as to achieve a small space.

The money delivery unit 11a includes a banknote entry / exit for inserting / ejecting banknotes and prepaid cards, a curing input / exit, a change payment outlet, a return lever, and an input amount display unit. A handling unit, a prepaid card handling unit, and a safe are provided, and money is exchanged with a user through the cooperation of the money delivery unit 11a and the money handling unit 11b.
The communication interface unit 17 is connected to the communication line network 1 by wireless or wired communication, and communicates with the server 20 of the management station via the communication line network 1.
The storage unit 16 accumulates various types of information. In particular, information that is important in the present invention includes an identification ID corresponding to the service receiving area to which the automatic ticket vending machine belongs and use schedule information described later. Stores the barcode based on it.
The collation unit 19 collates information based on the barcode read by the barcode reading unit 14 with information based on the barcode stored in the storage unit 16 and determines whether or not they match.

Next, the operation of the ticket issuing system according to the present invention will be described using a mutual sequence diagram of the automatic ticket vending machine 10, the server 20, and the portable terminal 30.
FIG. 4 is a mutual sequence diagram illustrating a procedure example when a payment form using cash or a prepaid card is selected. In this example procedure, a scenario in which user registration and user authentication are not required is shown.
First, the user X operates the mobile terminal 30 to perform communication, and accesses the Web window means of the server 20 via the communication line network 1. At this time, guidance is presented from the Web window means of the server 20, and the guidance screen is displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal 30.
This guide screen includes, for example, a guide page for guiding the use schedule registration in addition to a description of the description of the restaurant chain organization itself providing the service and a description of the ticket issuing system. The use schedule registration includes at least “selection of payment method” (for example, cash, prepaid, or credit) and “selection for enjoyment district” (for example, store A, store B, or store C). Items are presented.
Here, when the user X designates the payment method designation “cash” and the enjoyment district designation “store A”, the server 20 side presents “use item selection”. In this “use item selection”, hierarchical subdivision is made so that various orders for menus and other options can be specified. For example, large classification (set meal / single item), middle classification (seasoning) / Sorting), small classification (topping), each quantity, etc. are provided with expanded order flexibility. The user X is selected from such selection items.
In this way, the use schedule information “designated cash settlement”, “designated enjoyment area”, and “use item selection designation” is sent from the portable terminal 30 to the server 20, thereby registering the use schedule. (Step 1)
It is also important here to define valid usage restrictions such as “use count specification” and / or “use time limit specification” at the time of use schedule registration.

When the use schedule registration is made, the server 20 generates a bar code from the received use schedule information according to a predetermined procedure and stores it in the database, and transmits the generated bar code to the mobile terminal 30. Issue a barcode. (Step 2)
The mobile terminal 30 stores the issued barcode.

In addition, the server 20 distributes the issued barcode to the automatic ticket vending machine 10 belonging to the receiving area designated in the “designation for receiving district” of the barcode. (Step 3)
The automatic ticket vending machine 10 stores the distributed barcode.
Instead of distributing the barcode, the use schedule information itself corresponding to the barcode may be distributed.
As a specific example, here, it is assumed that each of the stores A to C is classified as the enjoyment district, and an identification ID for each store is stored in the automatic ticket vending machine. In this case, since the identification ID of the store A is stored in the automatic ticket vending machines 10A _{1 to} 10A ₃ , the server 20 distributes the barcode only to the automatic ticket vending machines 10A _{1 to} 10A ₃ .
That is, in the use schedule registration, the user X has foretold the use of the cash settlement at the store A, so only the automatic ticket vending machines belonging to the store A have to wait for the store visit.

Next, the user X carries the portable terminal 30 and goes to the store A. Then, in any _{one of} the automatic ticket vending machines 10A _{1 to} 10A ₃ , the mobile terminal 30 that reads the issued barcode and puts it into a display state is presented to the automatic ticket vending machine. (Step 4)
Here, as presented in the vending machine 10A _1, ticket machines 10A ₁ performs reading by a bar-code reading section 14 of the bar code, matching the collation with the bar code stored in the storage unit 16 Performed in part 19. If there is no match with the barcode read in this verification (non-coincidence), the user X is informed that the barcode is invalid, and the menu is displayed after the conventional normal procedure, that is, after the insertion of cash. Tickets are issued according to the procedure for purchasing food tickets by operating buttons.
On the other hand, when the read barcode matches, the usage item specified in the usage schedule information of the barcode is set, and a message indicating that the barcode is valid is displayed to the user X and a request should be made. Display charges.
Thereafter, in response to the user X paying the fee by inserting cash or a prepaid card, the vending machine 10 performs a settlement process by the money delivery unit 11a and the money handling unit 11b, and a printing unit. At 15b, a ticket is printed for the designated use item, and a use confirmation ticket is issued from the ticketing opening 15a. (Step 5)
Thus, the user X can receive the issued ticket.

Further, in the automatic ticket vending machine 10 </ b> A ₁ , a notification (use confirmation notification) that the ticket is issued is transmitted from the communication interface unit 17 to the server 20 through the communication network 1. (Step 6)
In response to this, in the server 20, the schedule management function updates the barcode management history for the barcode that has been sold (the use has been confirmed). In this update process, the server 20, in light of the use restriction (number of times or time limit) of the barcode, if there is no remaining use, 10A belonging to the enjoyment area designated in the “designate enjoyment area” of the barcode. sending a command to delete the bar code information for all ₁ 10 a _3. (Step 7)
On the other hand, if there is a remaining usage, it will prepare for the next usage without issuing a deletion command.
The automatic ticket vending machines 10 </ b> A _{1 to} 10 </ b> A ₃ that have received the barcode deletion command delete the barcode information from the storage unit 16. In the case where a history of used barcodes (no remaining usage) is left in the automatic ticket vending machine for a certain period, the barcode information is not erased from the storage unit 16, for example, an invalidation flag is attached. It is possible to prevent double sales etc. by disabling it in the form of and handling it in the same way as deleting it.

Next, FIG. 5 is a mutual sequence diagram illustrating an example of a procedure related to pre-user registration performed when a payment form by credit is selected.
That is, the user X accesses the server 20 using the mobile terminal 30 and is presented with guidance from the server 20 side, and is guided by the guidance to the items of “selection of settlement method” and “selection for enjoyment district”. to arrive.
Here, when the user X designates the payment method designation “credit” and the enjoyment district designation “store A”, a request for user registration and an authentication procedure request are made from the server 20 side. Here, assuming that the user registration is unregistered, the process proceeds to user registration. In response to this request, the user X inputs various personal information and transmits the user information to the server 20.
The user registration function of the server 20 stores the received user information, sets a user name and password, issues them to the mobile terminal 30 side, and stores them in association with the user information. In addition, the payment processing function performs verification processing for the card number (account number) entered at the time of user registration in cooperation with the processing of the user registration function, and if it is determined to be valid, the user Registration is to be accepted.
The issued user name and password are stored in the mobile terminal 30 as authentication information, or the user X is recorded in a part other than the mobile terminal 30.
In this way, user registration is completed.

FIG. 6 shows a case where access is again made after user registration.
FIG. 6 is a mutual sequence diagram illustrating an example of a procedure related to user authentication login performed when a credit payment method is selected.
That is, when the user X accesses the server 20 using the mobile terminal 30 and is presented with guidance from the server 20 side and is guided by the guidance to reach the item “authentication procedure”, the user X issues in advance. The authentication information including the user name and the password is input and transmitted to the server 20. The server 20 authenticates the received authentication information (determines the consistency with the issued one), and if this is a negative determination, the user authentication function issues an authentication rejection notification and prompts the mobile terminal 30 to re-input Etc. On the other hand, if it is determined that the authentication is permitted, the server 20 calls the user record corresponding to the user name and password from the database, and uses the user X as the person of the user record to give guidance after login to the mobile terminal 30 side. To present. Then, it becomes possible to receive a ticket issuing service by credit settlement as shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a mutual sequence diagram illustrating an example of a procedure when a payment mode by credit is selected following the procedure illustrated in FIG. 6.
In this example, in the state where the guidance presentation after passing the authentication procedure is made from the server 20, from the mobile terminal 30, for example, the designation “credit” of the settlement method and the designation “store A” for the receiving district, Use schedule including contents (selecting (beef bowl + large serving) x 2 pieces + (mini salad + Japanese-style dressing) + (miso soup) x 2 pieces) (corresponding to product information selected by the user) The information is assembled and transmitted to the server 20 as “3 times” designation of the number of times of use. (Step 1)
In addition, when assembling the usage schedule information, the server 20 displays various displays so that the user X can grasp the total charge per time, and incorporates discounts and various benefits. Is preferred.

The server 20 registers the use schedule information, and at the same time, generates a barcode by a predetermined process based on the use schedule information, and stores the barcode in the database together with the user information. The generated barcode is also transmitted to the mobile terminal 30 to issue a barcode. (Step 2)
The portable terminal 30 stores the issued barcode.
In addition, the server 20 distributes the issued barcode to the automatic ticket vending machine 10 belonging to the receiving area designated in the “designation for receiving district” of the barcode. (Step 3)
Here, since “Store A” is designated, a bar code is supplied to the automatic ticket vending machines 10A _{1 to} 10A _3. Each of the automatic ticket vending machines 10 stores the distributed bar code.

Next, the user X carries the portable terminal 30 and goes to the store A. Then, in any _{one of} the automatic ticket vending machines 10A _{1 to} 10A ₃ , the mobile terminal 30 that reads the issued barcode and puts it into a display state is presented to the automatic ticket vending machine. (Step 4)
Here, as presented in the vending machine 10A _1, ticket machines 10A ₁ performs reading by a bar-code reading section 14 of the bar code, matching the collation with the bar code stored in the storage unit 16 Performed in part 19. If there is no match to the barcode read in this verification (non-coincidence), the user X is informed that the barcode is invalid, and the menu is displayed after the conventional normal procedure, that is, after the cash is inserted. Tickets are issued according to the procedure for purchasing food tickets by operating buttons.
On the other hand, when the read barcodes match, the usage item specified in the usage schedule information of the barcode is set, and the fact that the barcode is valid is displayed to the user X.

And since it is a bar code designated for credit settlement, the automatic ticket vending machine issues a ticket for a use item designated in the use schedule information of the bar code without waiting for cash input. (Step 5)
Thus, the user X can receive the issued ticket.
Vending machine 1010A ₁ subjected to ticketing, notification is sold, i.e., transmits notification of the performed ticketing Barcode utilized (available notice of determination) to the server 20. (Step 6)
Receiving this, the server 20 updates the barcode management history by the schedule management function and performs the procedure of the credit settlement process by the settlement processing function. In addition, a report on the usage details based on the result of the settlement process is transmitted from the server 20 to the mobile terminal 30. This report may be performed by mail transmission.
The update of the barcode management history is performed by subtracting the first usage from the designation of “3 times”, and the remaining usage is updated as “2”.

That is, the server 20 determines whether or not there is a remaining usage, and if there is no remaining usage, the server 20 issues bar code information (to the automatic ticket vending machine 10 belonging to the receiving district designated in the used barcode). It operates to issue a command to delete (corresponding to the scheduled matching information). (Step 6)
On the other hand, if there is a remaining use, the bar code management history of the server 20 is held for the next use, and the bar code held in the automatic ticket vending machine 10 is also maintained.

As described above, in the ticket issuing system shown as an example of the vending machine system according to the present invention, the bar code is displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal 30 of the user X and presented to the vending machine 10. Since the automatic ticket vending machine 10 can perform the processing in its own machine without communicating with the outside of the server 20 etc. from the time it is made until the automatic ticket vending machine 10 issues the ticket, The waiting time required can be shortened.
In addition, the user X can assemble a desired order carefully at his / her own pace by registering the use schedule in advance before using the automatic ticket vending machine 10. Therefore, the time required for operating the selection button in front of the automatic ticket vending machine 10 can also be reduced.
In addition, in the above-mentioned example, when registering information as a use schedule, it is assumed that there is a possibility of “may be used for future use”, and “scheduled” to operate without a promise to use. However, by pinpointing a certain time, place, etc., if there is a risk on the provider side, such as securing time, securing seats, or procuring materials, it will be used as a “use reservation” in the future. Of course, it is possible to operate in a state where the use of the service is promised, in which case it is desirable to impose a penalty penalty by incorporating a partial advance payment system.

  Further, in the system shown in the conventional example, the user designates individual IDs (position information and unique numbers) of the vending machine etc. from the portable terminal, but there are many similar vending machines. In the case where they are arranged side by side, the user needs to pay attention to the association between the target vending machine and the ID of the vending machine to be transmitted to the server, and the association is shifted. There was a possibility that another vending machine unintentionally discharged the product, and the user might not be able to get the product, but may also be charged for the purchase results. According to the ticket issuing system of the invention, since a large unit (a plurality of automatic ticket vending machine groups) is designated as a service receiving place, there are cases where a large number of similar automatic ticket vending machines are arranged side by side. Even enjoy the service If classification is the same, it is possible to obtain a degree of freedom may be used either vending machines. Moreover, enlargement of the system can be avoided.

  In the embodiment of the present invention described above, an example in which an independent automatic ticket vending machine 10 is arranged for each service receiving district and each automatic ticket vending machine 10 directly communicates with the server 20 has been shown. The implementation of the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a LAN (Local Area Network) is provided for each service receiving area and each automatic ticket vending machine 10 is connected, and a master-slave relationship ( Alternatively, the communication between the server 20 and the server 20 is represented by the main (parent) automatic ticket vending machine 10 and the main (parent) automatic ticket vending machine 10 is subordinate ( The child ticket vending machine 10 may be managed and brokered. According to this, it is possible to reduce the communication amount between the server 20 and the service receiving district.

  Furthermore, if each automatic ticket vending machine 10 belonging to the same service enjoyment district can share and manage information mutually, for example, the automatic ticket vending machine 10 in which a failure has occurred is temporarily stopped and repaired. If the power is turned on after the initialization, the information is provided from the other automatic ticket vending machines 10 in the same service enjoyment district, so that the latest information can be set and restored. That is, since the server 20 does not necessarily have to add and reset the automatic ticket vending machine 10 one by one, the burden of adding the automatic ticket vending machine 10 can be reduced.

Further, terms described in the claims will be described. The “group” described in the claims corresponds to the service receiving place described in the specification, and the “product” is a general term for goods or services provided by the vending machine, and “use schedule information”. "" Refers to information registered in the management station server device by the use schedule registration, and "schedule information" is information generated from the use schedule information by the management station server device and is intended for the user (mobile terminal). The “use verification information” refers to information generated from the use schedule information by the management station server device and distributed to the vending machine.
In other words, the “use schedule information”, “schedule information”, and “use verification information” may be composed of completely the same content, or may be composed of only a predetermined part of the common content. There may be.

1 is a system outline diagram showing a first embodiment of a ticket issuing system according to the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is the external appearance schematic (customer-facing surface) which shows an example of the automatic ticket vending machine used for the ticket issuing system which concerns on this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the example of an internal structure of the automatic ticket vending machine shown in FIG. It is a mutual sequence figure which shows the example of a procedure in case the payment form using a cash or a prepaid card is selected. It is a mutual sequence figure which shows the example of a procedure of the prior user registration performed when the payment form by credit is selected. It is a mutual sequence figure which shows the example of a procedure of the user authentication login performed when the payment form by credit is selected. FIG. 7 is a mutual sequence diagram illustrating an example of a procedure when a credit payment method is selected, following FIG. 6. It is a block diagram of the goods purchase system which shows the example of the conventional system.

Explanation of symbols

1 Communication network

10 ... ticket machines _10A 1 10 A ₃ ... ticket machines _10B 1 _{~10B 3} ··· vending machine _10C 1 _{~10C 3} ··· ticket machines 11a ... money transfer part 11b · · · Money handling unit 12 ··· operation unit 13 ··· display unit 14 ··· bar code reading unit 15a ··· ticket issuing port 15b ··· print unit 16 ··· storage unit 17 ··· communication interface unit 18 ... Control unit 19 ... Verification unit 20 ... Server 30 ... Mobile terminal 100 ... Server 200 ... Mobile terminal 300 ... Vending machine

Claims (9)

A vending machine system comprising a plurality of vending machines and a management station server device connected to the plurality of vending machines via a communication network,
The management station server device
A means of communication that allows online access from a mobile device owned by the user;
User registration means for registering user information;
A window means for providing the mobile device with product selection information for the user to select a product item;
A schedule management means for registering and managing information on products selected by the user as usage schedule information in association with the user information;
Schedule information issuing means for generating schedule information corresponding to the information of the product selected by the user and transmitting it to the mobile terminal of the user;
In the vending machine system in which the vending machine receives the schedule information from the mobile terminal and sells the product scheduled by the user,
The plurality of vending machines are divided into groups in advance, and an identification ID is assigned to each group, and each vending machine belonging to each group is registered with an identification ID assigned to the group,
The window means provides group selection information for selecting a group together with product selection information,
The schedule management means associates the information of the group selected by the user with the information of the user in addition to the information of the product selected by the user, and uses it as the schedule information.
The management station server device transmits schedule collation information generated by associating product information selected by a user with user information to a vending machine belonging to the group selected by the user via a communication network. Is what
The vending machine registers the schedule matching information received from the management station server device, receives the schedule information from the mobile terminal owned by the user, sells the product when it matches the schedule matching information, A vending machine system that invalidates the schedule verification information and notifies the management station server device that it has been sold.   Upon receiving notification from the vending machine that the vending machine has been sold, the management station server device invalidates the corresponding schedule matching information for other vending machines in the group to which the vending machine belongs. The vending machine system according to claim 1, wherein the vending machine that has received the notification invalidates the corresponding schedule matching information.   The schedule information is converted into a barcode format, and the vending machine includes a barcode reader, reads the barcode information displayed on the display means of the portable terminal, and schedules from the barcode information. 3. The vending machine system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein information is read out.   Information on the group desired by the user is registered in advance in the user registration means, and the window means provides group selection information to the user's mobile terminal as the initial value of the group registered in the user registration means. The vending machine system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The usage schedule information generated by the usage schedule registration defines the number of usages,
The management station server device
When there is a notification from the vending machine that the sale has been completed, the schedule management means updates the management status of the number of times of use of the sale schedule information, and when the remaining number has run out, the notification is given. 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein only the vending machine to which the identification ID of the group to which the vending machine belongs is notified to invalidate the schedule matching information corresponding to the use schedule information. The vending machine system described in Crab. In the use schedule information generated by the use schedule registration, a use deadline is defined,
The management station server device
The schedule management means updates the management status of the usage schedule information whose usage deadline has passed, and schedule verification corresponding to the usage schedule information only for each vending machine to which the identification ID of the group of the usage schedule information is assigned 5. The vending machine system according to claim 1, wherein notification is made to invalidate the information. Prior to the use schedule registration, the management station server device presents options of payment means of cash, prepaid, or credit online,
When cash or prepaid is selected, the management station server device accepts use schedule registration without performing user registration and user authentication, and generates schedule information generated based on the use schedule information in the mobile terminal. Issued against
On the other hand, when credit is selected, the management station server device accepts the use schedule registration after performing user registration or user authentication, and sends the schedule information generated based on the use schedule information to the mobile terminal. 7. The vending machine system according to claim 1, wherein the vending machine system is issued to the vending machine.   In addition to the window means, the user registration means, the user authentication means, and the schedule management means, the management station server device further includes a payment processing means for performing a payment procedure related to credit payment. The vending machine system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The vending machine is
If the result of collation based on the read schedule information is the same and the payment means is the schedule information issued with cash or prepaid selected, the billing amount based on the usage schedule information is displayed and the automatic When a cash or prepaid payment is made by the user to the vending machine, a ticket for confirming the use is executed,
On the other hand, if the result of collation based on the read schedule information is the same and the credit information is selected and issued to the payment means, it is determined that the use confirmation ticket is issued immediately. 9. The vending machine system according to claim 8, wherein

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