JP2008090472A - Vending system of contact lens - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vending system by which a user can get a contact lens while using it safely without being tied to a schedule. <P>SOLUTION: This system comprises; a recording medium 1 for users which stores lens information such as strength of a contact lens, an estimated usable period for one, validity period information of lens information, and user's purchasing history information; and a vending machine 2. The vending machine 2 is provided with; a data processing part 5; and a commodity selection and execution means 7 which selects and discharges the contact lens based on instructions from the data processing part 5. The data processing part 5 is provided with; a function to read information which the recording medium 1 for user stores; a function to compute the number N which can be sold based on read lens information, validity period information and purchase history information; a function to permit the sale of lenses within the number N which can be sold; and a function which records the vending history on a recording medium for users as user's purchase history information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a regular exchange type contact lens sales system in which a new lens is exchanged after a certain period of time.

When purchasing contact lenses, it is necessary to consult an ophthalmologist and purchase them according to the instructions. Specifically, after receiving an examination by an ophthalmologist, a contact lens is purchased according to an instruction form at a contact store attached to the ophthalmic clinic. Furthermore, in order to use the contact lens more safely, it is preferable to receive a medical examination regularly.
JP 2004-077865 A

  However, contact lens dealers attached to ophthalmic clinics are usually open only during the doctor's office hours, and users are unable to purchase contact lenses immediately when needed. It was.

  On the other hand, a regular exchange type contact lens that is exchanged with a new lens after a certain period of use is widely used. The periodic exchange type is, for example, a daily exchange, an exchange every week, every two weeks, etc., and is easy to keep clean. When using regular replacement type contact lenses that are disposable in such a short period of time, it is necessary to purchase them frequently in a short period of time. Not being able to do so was inconvenient for the user.

For this reason, contact lenses are purchased on the Internet or the like which can be purchased without a doctor's instructions, and as a result, there is a tendency that regular medical examinations are not received. In this way, if you continue to buy the same product for a long time without undergoing regular checkups, the contact lens may become incompatible with your eyes or cause eye disorders or other problems. However, there was also a problem that the symptoms worsened with a delay in noticing.
The object of the present invention is to provide a contact lens that can be easily obtained when the user needs it, without being bound by the time required for the ophthalmologist, while receiving the necessary medical examination and using the contact lens safely. It is to provide a lens sales system.

  A first invention is a recording medium for a user such as an IC card storing lens information such as the frequency of a contact lens, the usable period of one lens, effective period information of the lens information, and user purchase history information; The vending machine comprises a data processing unit and a product selection execution means for selecting and discharging a contact lens based on a command from the data processing unit. The data processing unit of the machine has a function of reading the information stored in the user recording medium, a function of calculating the number N that can be sold based on the read lens information, effective period information, and purchase history information, A function for permitting the product selection execution means to sell within the range of the available number N and the sales history when the contact lens is sold. Having the characteristics as purchase history information of Za in that a function for recording the user for the recording medium.

The usable period of one lens is a period of use for a regular exchange type contact lens. For example, in the case of a one-day exchange type, one day is the usable period.
The valid period information of the lens information is information that can specify the registration date and the valid period of the lens information.

  The second invention comprises a user recording medium such as an IC card storing a user ID, and a contact lens vending machine, the vending machine comprising a data processing unit and a data storage unit connected thereto. Product selection executing means for selecting and discharging a contact lens based on a command from the data processing unit, lens information such as the frequency of each user's contact lens, the usable period of one lens, and the like Each of the validity period information of the information and the purchase history information of the user is associated with the user ID, stored in either the user recording medium or the data storage unit of the vending machine, and the data processing unit of the vending machine Includes a function for specifying a user ID stored in the user recording medium, and the user recording medium or data storage. Is based on the lens information corresponding to the user ID, the lens information validity period information and the user purchase history information, and the identified lens information, validity period information and purchase history information. The function for calculating the number N that can be sold, the function for allowing the product selection execution means to sell within the range of the number N that can be sold, and the sales history of the contact lens when the contact lens is sold. It is characterized in that it has a function of storing at least one of the user recording medium and the data storage unit as history information.

  3rd invention presupposes the said 2nd invention, lens information, such as the frequency of each user's contact lens, the usable period of one lens, the effective period information of this lens information, and a user's purchase history information It is characterized in that each is associated with a user ID and stored in the data storage unit of the vending machine.

  A fourth invention comprises a user recording medium such as an IC card storing a user ID, a contact lens vending machine, and a data storage device separated from the vending machine. , A data processing unit, and a product selection executing means for selecting and discharging a contact lens based on a command from the data processing unit, and a lens such as the frequency of each user's contact lens and the usable period of one lens. Information, effective period information of the lens information, and user purchase history information are associated with the user ID and stored in either the user recording medium or the data storage device, and the data processing unit of the vending machine. Includes a function for specifying a user ID stored in the user recording medium, and the user recording medium or data recording. A function for identifying lens information corresponding to the user ID, lens information validity period information and user purchase history information from information stored in the apparatus, and the identified lens information, lens information validity period information and user Based on the purchase history information, a function for calculating the saleable number N, a function for allowing the product selection execution means to sell within the range of the saleable number N, and when a contact lens is sold, It is characterized in that it has a function of storing a sales history as user purchase history information in at least one of the user recording medium and the data storage device.

5th invention presupposes the said 4th invention, lens information, such as the frequency of each said user's contact lens, the usable period of one lens, the effective period information of this lens information, and user purchase history information Each of these is associated with a user ID and is stored in a data storage device separate from the vending machine.
6th invention presupposes the said 1st-5th invention, The said data processing part specifies the total effective period which is the full length of the effective period of lens information from the said effective period information, and this all effective A function for calculating the maximum number N1 of contact lenses required during the entire effective period based on the period and the usable period of the lens, and an actual effective period that is the length from the present time to the expiration date of the data From the user purchase history information, a function for calculating the necessary number N2, which is the number of contact lenses required within the actual effective period, based on the actual effective period and the lens usable period A function for specifying the number N3 of purchased contact lenses according to the lens information, a function for calculating the difference by subtracting the number N3 already purchased from the maximum sales number N1, and the calculation result ( It has a feature in that a function of the salable number N the smaller one 1-N3) and by comparing the said necessary number N2.

According to the first to sixth inventions, the vending machine can identify the lens information corresponding to the content of the instruction issued upon receiving a medical examination in ophthalmology from the information stored in the user recording medium, Contact lenses according to the lens information can be purchased from a vending machine. That is, the user can purchase a contact lens suitable for him / her whenever he / she needs it, regardless of the ophthalmologist's consultation time.
In addition, an expiration date is set for the lens information so that the contact lens cannot be purchased unless it is within the expiration date. If the user is renewed, a user who wants to purchase contact lenses from a vending machine will have to be examined every expiration date.

Since the lens information created by the examination is registered in any of the user recording medium, the data storage unit, and the data storage device, it is not necessary to receive an examination at every purchase if it is within the validity period of the information. If it is within the effective period, you can easily obtain contact lenses with a vending machine. Thus, if it becomes possible to purchase contact lenses with a vending machine, it is not so burdensome for the user to receive a medical examination only when the information expires.
Therefore, users can get noticed quickly and can use the contact lens safely even if the contact lens goes wrong or the contact lens becomes unsuitable or has an eye disease. .

  In particular, in the first invention, since the data processing unit of the vending machine stores all the information necessary for calculating the number available for sale in the user recording medium, a large amount of data is stored on the vending machine side. The load can be reduced. In addition, since all data necessary for the data processing unit to calculate the number of items that can be sold is recorded on the user recording medium, any vending machine with the same function can be installed anywhere, Contact lenses can be sold based on information on user recording media. In other words, users can purchase contact lenses anytime, wherever vending machines are installed.

According to the second and third inventions, since the necessary information can be stored in the data storage unit of the vending machine, the recording capacity of the user recording medium is sufficient.
Further, if purchase history data for each user is stored in the data storage unit of the vending machine, the data can be taken out and the ophthalmologist can grasp the user's use of contact lenses.

According to the fourth and fifth inventions, the vending machine does not need to be provided with a storage unit for storing information necessary for calculating the number that can be sold, and the configuration of the vending machine can be simplified. .
Further, as in the fifth aspect, all the information associated with the user ID is stored in a data storage device separate from the vending machine, and a plurality of vending machines are installed in the data storage device. If the connection is made, an appropriate contact lens can be purchased from the vending machine using the user recording medium in which only the user ID is recorded. In particular, if the data storage device and the vending machine are connected by means of communication means, the installation area of the vending machine can be widened, which not only makes the user more convenient, but also the sales side collects the sales information. It can also be managed.

  According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the number of sales that can be sold is calculated based on the number of contact lenses required within the effective period of the lens information, and the sales volume is limited. It is safe without using contact lenses.

The first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 includes a user card 1 which is a user recording medium of the present invention carried by a contact lens user, and a contact lens vending machine 2.
A contact lens sold in this system is a so-called disposable lens that is a regular exchange type.

  The user card 1 is an IC card. In addition to the card ID, the user card 1 stores lens information, information expiration date information, and purchase history information. The lens information is information necessary for specifying a contact lens for the user, and includes the power of the lens and a usable period of one lens. In addition, the lens information is information about the contact lens, such as the curve and size of the lens. The usable period of one lens is a period of use for a regular exchange type contact lens. For example, in the case of the 1 day exchange type, 1 day, in the 1 week exchange type, 1 week is taken. It is a usable period.

Further, the effective period of the effective period information is a period during which the user can purchase the contact lens specified by the lens information by the user card 1 from the vending machine 2, in other words, the lens information without the user's examination. This is a period during which the contact lens specified in (1) may be purchased. This period is specified by the ophthalmologist who examined the user.
Furthermore, the purchase history information is history information that a user has purchased a contact lens corresponding to the lens information, but is information that can specify the number of already purchased purchases of the specific contact lens within the effective period. is there.

Such lens information, validity period information and purchase history information are information (see FIG. 2) specified based on the ophthalmologist's examination results and the user's wishes, and are described above by the dedicated terminal of the ophthalmic clinic at the time of the examination. It is recorded on the user card 1. Here, the number of already purchased items is recorded as the purchase history information. And at the time of a medical examination, the said effective period information and purchase history information are updated.
The interchangeable type shown in FIG. 2 is a period in which one lens can be used without being replaced, and is the period in which the lens can be used.

On the other hand, the vending machine 2 includes a card reader / writer 3 for reading information from the user card 1 and writing necessary data into the user card 1 and an operation button for the user to input a desired purchase quantity. A data input unit 4 connected to the data processing unit 5, a data processing unit 5 connected thereto, a display unit 6 for displaying the number of items sold, an amount of money, and the like, and a storage unit (not shown) based on a command from the data processing unit 5 Product selection execution means 7 for selecting and discharging contact lenses to be sold. The product selection execution means 7 has the same configuration as that provided in a vending machine that sells ordinary products.
In addition, the vending machine 2 is also provided with a mechanism for paying for the merchandise price by cash, credit card, or the like in the same manner as a normal vending machine.

  The data processing unit 5 sells a specific contact lens according to the desired number of purchases input by the user and the information read from the user card 1, but even if the valid period has passed, the user performs a medical examination. The sales volume is limited so that contact lenses can not be used forever without receiving them. In other words, more contact lenses than necessary are purchased within the effective period so that they cannot be used forever after the effective period. Therefore, the data processing unit 5 calculates the number that can be sold by the following procedure, and sells a specific contact lens within the range.

Next, the procedure by which the data processing unit 5 of the vending machine 2 calculates the number that can be sold will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, the period is indicated by line segments S1 and S2, and the number of lenses is indicated by N1 to N3.
First, when a user who wants to purchase a contact lens causes his / her user card 1 to be read by the reader / writer 3 of the vending machine 2, the data processing unit 5 reads information as shown in FIG. For example, from the effective period information from January 1 to December 31, the total effective period S1 (= 365 days) that is the total length of this period is specified. When the total effective period S1 is specified, the number of lenses required within this period S1 is calculated as the maximum sales number N1. Specifically, the maximum number of sales N1 is obtained by dividing the number of days in the period S1 by the usable period of the lens, for example, one day. The maximum sales number N1 is the maximum number that can be sold within the effective period, and is the number that is required when the contact lens is used every day within the effective period and replaced according to the standard.

In addition, the data processing unit 5 calculates the number of days of the actual effective period S2 from the current time, for example, September 1 to December 31, which is the expiration date, and the number of contact lenses required within this period S2 N2 is calculated.
Further, the already purchased number N3 is identified from the user purchase history information stored in the user card 1, and the difference (N1-N3) is calculated by subtracting the already purchased number N3 from the maximum sold number N1. The reason why such a calculation is performed is that, if N3 contact lenses have already been purchased before the present time, the already purchased portion is not sold in duplicate.

Then, the calculation result (N1-N3) and the required number N2 are compared, and the smaller one is set as the sellable number N.
That is, when the required number N2 in the period S2 from the current time point to the expiration date is smaller than the above calculation result (N1-N3), the smaller required number N2 is set as the sellable number N. When the calculation result (N1-N3) is smaller than the required number N2, (N1-N3) is set as the sellable number N.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the difference (N1−N3) between the maximum sales number N1 and the already purchased number N3 is smaller than the required number N2, the purchased number N3 that the user has already purchased is calculated. Since it is considered that the portion used before the present time is also included, even if the required number in the actual effective period S2 is N2, the number N that can be sold (N1-N3) smaller than the required number N2 is N It is said.

The data processing unit 5 inputs a command signal to the merchandise selection execution means 7 so as to sell the contact lens with the available number N calculated in the above procedure as the upper limit. Specifically, when a desired purchase quantity is inputted by the user from the data input unit 4 of the vending machine 2, the desired quantity is compared with the above-mentioned sellable quantity N, and the desired quantity is less than the available quantity N. In this case, a desired number of contact lenses are sold by the product selection execution means 7. If the desired number exceeds the number N that can be sold, the display unit 6 displays that it cannot be sold.
Alternatively, when the sellable quantity N is calculated, it may be displayed on the display unit 6 and the user may be prompted to input the desired purchase quantity within that quantity.

  As described above, in the sales system of this embodiment, the available sales quantity is calculated in consideration of the user's already purchased quantity and the effective period, and the actual sales quantity is limited. It is impossible to continue to use contact lenses without receiving medical examination even after the expiration of the validity period. Therefore, the contact lens can be used safely and the convenience of the user is improved by the vending machine.

In this embodiment, the user card 1 stores all the information necessary for calculating the number N that can be sold. However, the purchase history information for each user is automatically sold separately from the user card 1. If the information is also stored in the machine and the information can be taken out by the ophthalmologist, the ophthalmologist can grasp the usage status of the user's contact lens.
Further, the vending machine 2 may be a vending machine dedicated to the clinic adjacent to a clinic that examines the user and inputs lens information and the like to the user card 1. In that case, the information on the user card 1 may be read only by a specific vending machine 2.
However, the user card 1 issued by a plurality of clinics using this system may be used in common.
Further, the procedure for calculating the sellable quantity N is not limited to the above example. Any calculation procedure can be used as long as the number of items that can be sold can be limited using the purchase history information of the user and the expiration date so that it will not be used forever even if the expiration date expires. .
Further, the purchase history information may include not only the number of already purchased items but also the date of purchase.

In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the vending machine 2 includes a data storage unit 8. The data storage unit 8 stores lens information, valid period information, and purchase history information for each user in association with the user ID as shown in FIG.
These data are stored in the data storage unit 8 according to the examination of the ophthalmologist. For example, data is input to the data storage unit 8 from a computer used by an ophthalmologist.

On the other hand, only the user ID is stored in the user card 1. Other configurations and functions are the same as those in the first embodiment.
When the user purchases the contact lens, when the user ID is read from the user card 1, the data processing unit 5 of the vending machine 2 stores the data storage unit 8 based on the input user ID. Information corresponding to the user ID is identified from the stored information.

After specifying the lens information, expiration date information, and purchase history information of a specific user, the data processing unit 5 calculates the number N of contact lenses that can be sold based on the information. The procedure for calculating the computer sellable number N is the same as that in the first embodiment.
In the sales system of the second embodiment, contact lenses are sold with the maximum number N that can be sold as in the first embodiment. The purchase history information updated after the sale is stored in the data processing unit 5 of the vending machine.

  In the second embodiment, all the information necessary for calculating the available number N is stored in the data storage unit 8 of the vending machine 2, but any one of these pieces of information is stored in the user card. 1 may be stored, and the rest may be stored in the data storage unit 8, or the same information may be stored in both. When the number of vending machines 2 increases or the installation range becomes wide, it takes time to register data, so it is advantageous to record a lot of information on the user card 1. Since information of a plurality of users can be registered in the storage unit 8, there is an advantage that information can be collectively managed.

In the third embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of vending machines are connected to the user information management server 9 via the communication network N. In the user information management server 9, as in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5, lens information, expiration date, and purchase history information are stored in association with the user ID. The user information management server 9 is a data storage device that is separate from the vending machine of the present invention.
The vending machine 2 has the same configuration as that of the vending machine 2 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and the user ID is stored in the user card 1.

The data processing unit 5 of the vending machine 2 has a function of accessing the user information management server 9 and acquiring information stored in the user information management server 9. The same as in the first embodiment.
That is, in the third embodiment, the data processing unit 5 specifies and acquires information corresponding to the user ID read from the user card 1 from the user information management server 9, and specifies the specified effective period information and purchase history information. Based on the above, the number N that can be sold is calculated. The data processing unit 5 calculates the available number N in the same procedure as in the above embodiment, and sells the contact lens with the available number N as an upper limit. The purchase history information updated after the sale is stored in the user information management server 9 in association with the user ID.

In this third embodiment, all the information necessary for calculating the above-mentioned number N that can be sold is stored in the user information management server 9. In addition to being able to manage, it is easy to connect a large number of vending machines 2 that do not have a data storage unit to expand the sales area.
However, any part of the information stored in the user information management server 9 may be stored in the user card 1 and the rest may be stored in the user information management server 9, or the same information may be stored in both. You may make it memorize.

  In the first to third embodiments, the user card 1 made of an IC card is used as the user recording medium of the present invention. However, the user card is not limited to the IC card, and the user recording medium is a card. Not limited to. In particular, when only the user ID is stored, it is not necessary to update the data, so it is not necessary to use a writable medium. Any method can be used as long as only the user ID can be stored and read. May be.

It is a system configuration figure of a 1st embodiment. It is an example of the information memorize | stored in the user card. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of the calculation procedure of the number which can be sold. It is a system configuration figure of a 2nd embodiment. It is an example of the information which the vending machine has memorized. It is a system configuration figure of a 3rd embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 User Card 2 Vending Machine 3 Reader / Writer 5 Data Processing Unit 7 Product Selection Execution Unit 8 Data Storage Unit 9 User Information Management Server

Claims (6)

  Recording media for users such as IC cards that store lens information such as the frequency of contact lenses and the usable period of one lens, the valid period information of this lens information and user purchase history information, and contact lens vending machines The vending machine includes a data processing unit, and a product selection execution unit that selects and discharges contact lenses based on a command from the data processing unit, and the data processing unit of the vending machine includes: A function for reading the information stored in the user recording medium, a function for calculating the available number N based on the read lens information, validity period information and purchase history information, and the product selection executing means. , The function that permits sales within the range of the number N that can be sold, and when selling contact lenses, the sales history is purchased by the user. Contact lens sales system having a function of recording the user for recording medium as gravel information.   It consists of a user recording medium such as an IC card storing a user ID and a contact lens vending machine. The vending machine includes a data processing unit, a data storage unit connected to the data processing unit, and the data processing unit. Product selection execution means for selecting and discharging the contact lens based on the command of the lens, the lens information such as the frequency of each user's contact lens, the usable period of one lens, the validity period information of this lens information, and Each of the purchase history information of the user is associated with a user ID and stored in either the user recording medium or the data storage unit of the vending machine, and the data processing unit of the vending machine stores the user record A function for specifying the user ID stored in the medium, and the user recording medium or data storage unit Based on the lens information corresponding to the user ID, the lens information valid period information and the purchase history information of the user from the information, and the number that can be sold based on the identified lens information, valid period information and purchase history information A function for calculating N, a function for permitting the product selection execution means to sell within the range of the number N that can be sold, and when a contact lens is sold, the sales history is used as user purchase history information for the user. A contact lens sales system having a function of storing data in at least one of a recording medium and the data storage unit.   Vending machine data by associating the lens information such as the frequency of each user's contact lens, the usable period of one lens, the effective period information of the lens information, and the purchase history information of the user with the user ID. The contact lens sales system according to claim 2, which is stored in a storage unit.   It consists of a user recording medium such as an IC card storing a user ID, a contact lens vending machine, and a data storage device separated from the vending machine. The vending machine includes a data processing unit, Commodity selection execution means for selecting and discharging a contact lens based on a command from the data processing unit, lens information such as the frequency of each user's contact lens, the usable period of one lens, and the lens information Each of the validity period information and the user purchase history information is associated with a user ID and stored in either the user recording medium or the data storage device, and the data processing unit of the vending machine stores the user recording A function for specifying the user ID stored in the medium, and the user recording medium or data storage device A function for specifying lens information corresponding to the user ID, lens information validity period information and user purchase history information, and the specified lens information, lens information validity period information and user purchase history information. Based on this, the function for calculating the number N that can be sold, the function for allowing the product selection execution means to sell the product within the range of the number N that can be sold, and the sales history of the contact lens when the contact lens is sold. A contact lens sales system comprising a function of storing at least one of the user recording medium and the data storage device as purchase history information.   Each of the user's contact lens power, lens information such as the usable period of one lens, effective period information of this lens information and user purchase history information are associated with a user ID, and the vending machine The contact lens sales system according to claim 4, wherein is stored in a separate data storage device.   The data processing unit is required during the entire effective period based on the function that specifies the total effective period that is the total length of the effective period of the lens information from the effective period information and the total effective period and the usable period of the lens. A function for calculating the maximum sales number N1, which is the number of contact lenses, a function for specifying an actual effective period that is the length from the current time to the data expiration date, and an actual effective period and a lens usable period. A function of calculating a required number N2 which is the number of contact lenses required within the actual effective period based on the function, and a function of specifying the number N3 of already purchased contact lenses according to the lens information from the user purchase history information; The function of subtracting the already purchased number N3 from the maximum sold number N1 and calculating the difference is not compared with the calculation result (N1-N3) and the required number N2. Contact lens sales system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and a function of the salable number N towards or smaller.

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