JP2020149102A - Vending machine system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a vending machine system capable of processing appropriate settlement for a vending machine user in the event of a failure in ejecting a commodity.SOLUTION: A vending machine system 100 is configured to perform refund processing of a sales amount of a commodity to a user of a vending machine 10 on a settlement server 30 connected to a vending machine 10 via a network 40 in the event that a commodity ejection unit 12b of the vending machine 10 fails to eject the commodity successfully.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a vending machine system, and more particularly to a vending machine system in which a vending machine user makes a payment in a virtual currency to a mobile terminal or an IC card of a product sold in the vending machine.

Conventionally, there is known a vending machine system in which a product sold in a vending machine is settled by a virtual currency on an IC card of a user of the vending machine (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses a vending machine system including a vending machine and a vending machine management server. The vending machine management server is configured to manage the data acquired from the vending machine. The vending machine described in Patent Document 1 includes an electronic payment program and a memory for storing logs. The electronic payment program is configured to enable electronic payment using a non-contact IC card. The non-contact IC card stores card ID, value information (electronic money), and the like. The log storage memory is configured to record electronic payment information in association with a card ID. In addition, the log storage memory is configured to store the product export hold data when the electronic payment is interrupted due to a communication error or the like and the product export unit suspends the export of the product to the product outlet. ..

The vending machine described in Patent Document 1 includes an unsettled program and a resale program. The payment unfinished program is configured to register the carry-out hold data in association with the card ID at the start of the electronic payment and delete the carry-out hold data when the electronic payment is completed. That is, when the delivery of the product is suspended, the electronic payment is not completed, and the export suspension data remains stored in the log storage memory. Further, the payment incomplete program is configured to determine that the past electronic payment has not been completed when the carry-out pending data associated with the card ID is held at the start of the electronic payment. The resale program is the value stored in the non-contact IC card when the payment incomplete judgment program determines that the past electronic payment has not been completed (when it is considered that the delivery of the product has been suspended in the past). It is configured to compare the information (electronic money) with the electronic payment information stored in the log storage memory to settle the past electronic payment. As a result, in the vending machine system described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to perform proper settlement when a failure occurs in the middle of transaction processing using a non-contact IC card.

JP-A-2007-52657

However, in the vending machine system described in Patent Document 1, when the electronic payment is interrupted due to a communication error or the like and the product unloading is suspended by the product unloading unit, the product unloading hold data is stored and the electronic payment is performed. At the start, it is determined that the past electronic payment has not been completed. Therefore, in the vending machine system described in Patent Document 1, although the product is carried out by the product carrying-out unit, an abnormality occurs during the carrying-out of the product (for example, a mechanical abnormality of the vending machine or automatic operation due to a power failure). If the product does not reach the product outlet due to the suspension of the vending machine, etc.), it is considered that the product carry-out hold data is not stored. Therefore, in the vending machine system as described in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that it is not possible to properly settle the vending machine user when an abnormality in carrying out the product occurs.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is to properly settle a vending machine user when an abnormality in carrying out a product occurs. It is to provide a vending machine system that is possible.

In order to achieve the above object, the vending machine system according to one aspect of the present invention is connected to the vending machine that sells the product via a network, and is sold in the vending machine. The product is equipped with a payment server that makes payments to the mobile terminal or IC card of the user of the vending machine using virtual currency, and the vending machine puts the product at the product outlet for the user to take out the product. If the merchandise unloading section, including the merchandise unloading section, does not unload the merchandise normally, refund processing of the merchandise sales amount to the user or money equivalent to the merchandise sales amount It is configured to carry out compensation processing that grants economic benefits other than. The compensation process for granting an economic profit other than money equivalent to the sales amount of the product includes, for example, the granting of points, the distribution of the product purchase ticket, and the like.

As described above, the vending machine system according to one aspect of the present invention is settled by being connected to the vending machine via a network when the goods are not normally carried out by the goods carrying out unit of the vending machine. On the server, it is configured to perform refund processing of the sales amount of the product to the user of the vending machine or compensation processing of giving a non-monetary economic benefit equivalent to the sales amount of the product as compensation. As a result, when the product is not normally carried out by the product carrying out unit (when an abnormality occurs in carrying out the product), the vending machine is refunded or compensated for the user of the vending machine. It is possible to carry out proper settlement for the users of. In addition, compared to the case where the vending machine is settled to the user by returning cash, charging the IC card, etc. by performing refund processing or compensation processing on the payment server, the vending machine Since the work load on the user is suppressed, the convenience of the user of the vending machine can be improved.

In the vending machine system according to the above one aspect, preferably, the vending machine controls the operation of the product unloading unit, and also setstles with a control unit that acquires information on whether or not the product has been unloaded normally. Further including a communication unit connected to the server via the network, the control unit performs refund processing or refund processing to the payment server via the communication unit when the product is not normally carried out by the product delivery unit. It is configured to control notifying that the compensation process is performed or notifying that the goods have not been carried out normally. With this configuration, the vending machine can notify the payment server that it is necessary to perform refund processing or compensation processing for the vending machine user, so that the product delivery department can normally carry out the product. If this is not done, refund processing or compensation processing for the vending machine user can be reliably performed on the payment server.

In the configuration of notifying the settlement server to perform refund processing or compensation processing when the product is not normally carried out by the above-mentioned product carrying out unit, or notifying that the product is not carried out normally. Preferably, the vending machine normally carries out the goods by the goods carrying out unit based on whether or not the operation of the goods carrying out unit is normally performed or whether or not the goods are carried out to the goods outlet. The control unit is configured to acquire information on whether or not the product has been normally carried out from the detection unit, including a detection unit that detects whether or not the product has been damaged. With this configuration, the control unit can easily obtain information on whether or not the product has been normally carried out.

In the configuration of notifying the settlement server to perform refund processing or compensation processing when the product is not normally carried out by the above-mentioned product carrying out unit, or notifying that the product is not carried out normally. Preferably, if the payment server cannot be notified to perform the refund process, the payment server is notified to perform the refund process via the user's mobile terminal. With this configuration, even if communication between the vending machine and the payment server is not possible due to a communication failure or the like, it is possible to notify the payment server to perform refund processing using the user's mobile terminal. ..

In this case, preferably, the vending machine further includes a display unit that displays an information code for performing refund processing, and if the control unit cannot notify the payment server to perform refund processing, the payment server is notified of the product. Control is performed to notify the user via the display unit or the user's mobile terminal that the carry-out has not been performed normally, and an information code readable by the user's mobile terminal is displayed on the display unit. It is configured to control the operation. With this configuration, it is possible to easily notify the user via the display unit or the user's mobile terminal that the payment server cannot be notified to perform the refund process. Further, since the user can be made to read the information code displayed on the display unit by the mobile terminal, it is possible to easily notify the payment server to perform the refund process via the mobile terminal.

In the configuration of notifying the settlement server to perform refund processing or compensation processing when the product is not normally carried out by the above-mentioned product carrying out unit, or notifying that the product is not carried out normally. Preferably, the control unit is configured to control notifying the payment server to perform the refund process again at a predetermined timing set in advance when the payment server cannot be notified to perform the refund process. There is. With this configuration, even if communication between the vending machine and the payment server is not possible due to a communication failure, etc., the payment server will be notified again to ensure that the payment server is refunded. You can notify. Also, unlike the case of notifying the payment server to perform refund processing via the user's mobile terminal, the work of the user operating the mobile terminal to notify the payment server to perform refund processing is performed. It becomes unnecessary.

In this case, preferably, the vending machine further includes a display unit that displays an information code used for payment by virtual currency, and if the control unit cannot notify the payment server to perform refund processing, the product is sent to the payment server. The payment server was notified again via the display unit or the user's mobile terminal that the payment was not carried out normally and that the payment server was notified to perform the refund process again at a preset predetermined timing. It is configured to control notifying the user. With this configuration, the payment server was not successfully carried out, the payment server could not be notified to perform refund processing, and at a predetermined timing set in advance, again. It is possible to easily notify the user via the display unit or the user's mobile terminal to notify the payment server to perform the refund process.

In the configuration of notifying the settlement server to perform refund processing or compensation processing when the product is not normally carried out by the above-mentioned product carrying out unit, or notifying that the product is not carried out normally. Preferably, the payment server is configured to perform refund processing or compensation processing based on the notification from the vending machine. With this configuration, the payment server can appropriately perform refund processing or compensation processing based on the content of the notification from the vending machine.

In the vending machine system according to the above one aspect, preferably, when the refund processing or the compensation processing is performed on the payment server, the user's mobile terminal is notified that the refund processing or the compensation processing has been performed. It is configured to do so. With this configuration, the user can easily confirm whether or not the refund process or the compensation process has been performed by notifying the mobile terminal.

According to the present invention, as described above, when an abnormality in carrying out a product occurs, it is possible to perform appropriate settlement for the user of the vending machine.

It is a block diagram which showed the structure of the vending machine system by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which showed the vending machine of the vending machine system by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which showed the smartphone of the vending machine system by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which showed the sequence control of the sale of the product in the vending machine system by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which showed the continuation of the sequence control of the sales flow of FIG. It is a block diagram which showed the structure of the vending machine system by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which showed the sequence control of the sale of the product in the vending machine system by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which showed the structure of the vending machine system according to 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which showed the sequence control of the sale of the product in the vending machine system by the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which showed the sequence control of the sale of the product in the vending machine system by the 1st modification of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which showed the sequence control of the sale of the product in the vending machine system by the 2nd modification of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which showed the sequence control of the sale of the product in the vending machine system by the 3rd modification of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which showed the sequence control of the sale of the product in the vending machine system by the 4th modification of 1st Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
(Vending machine system configuration)
The configuration of the vending machine system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vending machine system 100 includes a vending machine 10, a smartphone 20, and a payment server 30. The vending machine 10, the smartphone 20, and the payment server 30 are connected to each other via the network 40. The vending machine system 100 is a system that sells products by using payment in virtual currency. The smartphone 20 is an example of a "mobile terminal" within the scope of claims.

The vending machine 10 is a device for selling products such as beverages. The vending machine 10 includes a master box 11, a sales mechanism 12, a multi-communication module 13, and an interactive display 14. The master box 11 is an example of a "control unit" in the claims. Further, the multi-communication module 13 is an example of a "communication unit" within the scope of claims. Further, the interactive display 14 is an example of a "display unit" within the scope of claims.

The master box 11 is configured to control the operation of the sales mechanism 12 and the multi-communication module 13. The master box 11 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like.

The sales mechanism 12 includes a product selection unit 12a and a product delivery unit 12b.

As shown in FIG. 2, the product selection unit 12a is provided with a product selection button 12c for the user of the vending machine 10 to select a product of the vending machine 10. The vending machine 10 is configured so that when a product is selected by pressing the product selection button 12c, control for selling the product is started. The details of the control for selling the product will be described later.

The product unloading unit 12b (see FIG. 1) selects the product selected by the user (user) of the vending machine 10 from the product storage unit (not shown) in which the product is stored, to the user of the vending machine 10. Is configured to be carried out to the product outlet 12d for taking out the product. The product unloading unit 12b is configured to be controlled by the master box 11 after the settlement in the virtual currency is completed.

The multi-communication module 13 is a multifunctional terminal used when making a payment using virtual currency. The multi-communication module 13 is connected to the payment server 30 via the network 40. The multi-communication module 13 is configured to communicate with the payment server 30 when making a payment in virtual currency based on an instruction from the master box 11. The terminal of the multi-communication module 13 and the terminal of the master box 11 are connected by a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable.

Based on the instruction from the multi-communication module 13, the interactive display 14 includes a message to the user (user) of the vending machine 10, a QR code (registered trademark) 50 (registered trademark) 50 (see FIG. 2) used for payment by virtual currency, and the like. Is configured to be displayable. The QR code 50 is an example of an "information code" in the claims.

The smartphone 20 includes a QR code reading unit 21, a storage unit 22, a control unit 23, and a display unit 24.

The QR code reading unit 21 is composed of a camera generally included in the smartphone 20. The QR code reading unit 21 can read (recognize) the QR code 50 (see FIG. 2) displayed on the interactive display 14 of the vending machine 10 by the mode of capturing (scanning) a moving image or a still image. It is configured in.

The storage unit 22 stores QR payment application software for purchasing a product using the QR code 50 (see FIG. 2). The QR payment application software has been downloaded in advance by the user of the vending machine 10. The smartphone 20 is configured to activate the QR code reading unit 21 by performing a predetermined operation in the QR payment application software.

The control unit 23 is configured to control the operation of each configuration of the smartphone 20. The control unit 23 includes, for example, a CPU.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the QR code 50 is read by the QR code reading unit 21 (see FIG. 1), the control unit 23 (see FIG. 1) displays the read QR code 50 on the display unit 24. It is configured. Further, the control unit 23 is configured to display a PIN input screen (not shown) for inputting a PIN (Personal Identification Number) used for user authentication on the display unit 24. The QR code 50 includes information such as price information and product information.

As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 23 is a communication unit for making a payment (payment) in virtual currency by inputting a PIN on the PIN input screen by the user of the vending machine 10. It is configured to send a payment instruction (payment instruction) to the payment server 30 via (not shown). The payment instruction transmitted to the payment server 30 includes information (price information, product information, etc.) included in the QR code 50, user information authenticated by the user by PIN input, and the like.

The payment server 30 is a server for making a payment in virtual currency to the smartphone 20 of the user (user) of the vending machine system 100 for the products sold in the vending machine 10. Information about the credit card of the user (user) of the vending machine system 100 is registered in advance in the payment server 30 by the user (user) of the vending machine system 100. The payment server 30 is configured to make a payment in virtual currency to a user of the vending machine system 100 based on a payment instruction transmitted from the smartphone 20. In the vending machine system 100, the payment by the virtual currency performed on the payment server is performed as the payment to the credit card registered in advance.

With the above configuration, the vending machine system 100 can sell products using payment by virtual currency.

Here, the vending machine system 100 of the first embodiment is a product for a user (user) of the vending machine 10 on the payment server 30 when the product is not normally carried out by the product unloading unit 12b. It is configured to process the refund of the sales amount of.

Specifically, the sales mechanism 12 detects whether or not the product unloading unit 12b has normally carried out the product based on whether or not the product unloading unit 12b has normally operated. Including part 12e. Further, the master box 11 is configured to acquire information on whether or not the product has been normally carried out from the product carry-out abnormality detection unit 12e. Further, the master box 11 is configured to control the payment server 30 to be notified to perform refund processing via the multi-communication module 13 when the product is not normally carried out by the product carrying out unit 12b. Has been done. Further, the payment server 30 is configured to perform refund processing based on the notification from the vending machine 10. The product carry-out abnormality detection unit 12e is an example of a “detection unit” within the scope of the claims.

(Sequence control of product sales)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, sequence control of product sales in the vending machine system 100 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the user of the vending machine 10 presses the product selection button 12c (see FIG. 2), the master box 11 blinks the product selection button 12c and the product selection unit 12a (see FIG. 2). (See FIG. 2) displays the price of the selected product. Then, the master box 11 transmits the product selection data of the product selected by the user (user) of the vending machine 10 to the multi-communication module 13.

When the multi-communication module 13 receives the product selection data from the master box 11, the multi-communication module 13 displays a screen (QR brand selection screen) for selecting the QR brand, which is the payment brand by the QR code 50 (see FIG. 2), on the interactive display 14. Instruct to display. The interactive display 14 displays the QR brand selection screen based on the instruction from the multi-communication module 13. The interactive display 14 is in a standby state (for example, a screen for guidance on using the vending machine 10) before receiving an instruction from the multi-communication module 13 (the vending machine 10 is on standby). Is displayed.

When the user (user) of the vending machine 10 selects the QR brand on the QR brand selection screen displayed on the interactive display 14, the interactive display 14 transmits the QR brand selection information to the multi-communication module 13. When the multi-communication module 13 receives the QR brand selection information from the interactive display 14, it transmits (places an order) to the payment server 30 that virtual payment is to be performed.

When the multi-communication module 13 receives the QR brand selection information from the interactive display 14, it transmits to the master box 11 that the payment status is being executed, and is communicating with the payment server 30 on the interactive display 14. Instruct to display a message ("Communicating"). The interactive display 14 displays "communication in progress" based on the instruction from the multi-communication module 13.

When the payment server 30 receives an order from the multi-communication module 13 (vending machine 10), the payment server 30 returns to the multi-communication module 13 that the order has been answered. Upon receiving from the payment server 30 that the order has been answered, the multi-communication module 13 instructs the interactive display 14 to display the QR code 50 (see FIG. 2). The interactive display 14 displays the QR code 50 (see FIG. 2) based on the instruction from the multi-communication module 13.

The user of the vending machine 10 launches the payment software (QR payment application software) of the smartphone 20, and the QR code displayed on the interactive display 14 by the QR code reader 21 (see FIG. 1). When 50 (see FIG. 2) is read, the smartphone 20 causes the interactive display 14 to display the PIN input screen. When the user (user) of the vending machine 10 inputs a PIN on the PIN input screen, the smartphone 20 sends a payment instruction (payment instruction) to the payment server 30. When the payment server 30 receives the payment instruction from the smartphone 20, it returns to the smartphone 20 that the payment instruction is successful.

After receiving the fact that the order has been answered from the payment server 30, the multi-communication module 13 transmits to the payment server 30 that the payment status is confirmed at predetermined intervals. When the payment server 30 receives a payment status confirmation from the multi-communication module 13 until the payment process is completed, the payment server 30 returns to the multi-communication module 13 that payment is awaited. As shown in FIG. 5, after the payment processing is completed by the payment server 30, when the payment status is confirmed from the multi-communication module 13, the payment server 30 indicates that the payment to the multi-communication module 13 is successful. Reply.

Upon receiving from the payment server 30 that the payment was successful, the multi-communication module 13 transmits to the master box 11 that the payment result was successful (settlement result (success)). When the master box 11 receives from the multi-communication module 13 that the payment result is successful (settlement result (success)), the master box 11 lights the product selection button 12c (see FIG. 2) and the product selection unit 12a (see FIG. 2). Displays the amount of the product for which payment has been completed. Further, the master box 11 controls the product unloading unit 12b (see FIG. 1) to unload the product to the product outlet 12d (see FIG. 2).

Upon receiving from the payment server 30 that the payment has been successful, the multi-communication module 13 instructs the interactive display 14 to indicate that the product is being carried out (“carrying out”). The interactive display 14 displays "carrying out" based on the instruction from the multi-communication module 13.

Here, if an abnormality occurs during the product unloading by the product unloading unit 12b (see FIG. 1), the product unloading abnormality detection unit 12e (see FIG. 1) normally unloads the product by the product unloading unit 12b. It is detected that there was no product (there was an abnormality in the product export by the product export unit 12b). The master box 11 acquires from the product unloading abnormality detection unit 12e that there is an abnormality in the product unloading by the product unloading unit 12b (information on the product unloading abnormality).

When the master box 11 acquires the product unloading abnormality information, the master box 11 transmits (notifies) the product unloading abnormality information to the multi-communication module 13. When the multi-communication module 13 receives the information on the product unloading abnormality from the master box 11, it instructs the interactive display 14 to display the fact that the product unloading abnormality (“delivery abnormality”). The interactive display 14 displays the “delivery abnormality” based on the instruction from the multi-communication module 13.

When the multi-communication module 13 receives the product delivery abnormality information from the master box 11, it transmits a refund request in virtual currency to the payment server 30. The payment server 30 performs refund processing in virtual currency based on the refund request from the multi-communication module 13. When the refund process using the virtual currency is completed, the payment server 30 returns to the multi-communication module 13 that the refund process using the virtual currency is completed (refund status (success)).

When the multi-communication module 13 receives the refund status (success) from the payment server 30, it instructs the interactive display 14 to display the refund status (success) (“refund success”). The interactive display 14 displays "refund successful" based on the instruction from the multi-communication module 13.

When the multi-communication module 13 receives the refund status (success) from the payment server 30, it transmits to the master box 11 that the refund process is successful (refund result (success)). When the master box 11 receives the refund result (success) from the multi-communication module 13, the master box 11 instructs the interactive display 14 to indicate that the sale will end (“end of sale”), and also displays a product selection button. Turn off 12c (see FIG. 2). The interactive display 14 displays "end of sale" based on the instruction from the multi-communication module 13.

When the refund process using the virtual currency is completed, the payment server 30 sends an e-mail to the smartphone 20 to the effect that the refund was successful. That is, in the first embodiment, when the refund process is performed on the payment server 30, the user's smartphone 20 is notified that the refund process has been performed.

(Effect of the first embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

In the first embodiment, as described above, when the vending machine system 100 is not normally carried out by the product carrying-out unit 12b of the vending machine 10, the vending machine 10 and the network 40 are used. The payment server 30 to be connected is configured to refund the sales amount of the product to the user of the vending machine 10. As a result, when the product is not normally carried out by the product carrying out unit 12b (when an abnormality in carrying out the product occurs), the vending machine 10 is refunded to the user of the vending machine 10. It is possible to carry out proper settlement for the users of. In addition, as compared with the case where the vending machine 10 is settled to the user by returning cash, charging the IC card, etc. by performing refund processing on the payment server 30, the vending machine 10 Since the work load on the user is suppressed, the convenience of the user of the vending machine 10 can be improved.

Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the vending machine 10 has a master box 11 that controls the operation of the product unloading unit 12b and acquires information on whether or not the product has been unloaded normally. , The payment server 30 and the multi-communication module 13 connected via the network 40 are included. Then, when the product unloading unit 12b does not normally unload the product, the master box 11 is controlled to notify the payment server 30 to perform the refund process via the multi-communication module 13. Constitute. As a result, the vending machine 10 can notify the payment server 30 that it is necessary to perform refund processing for the user of the vending machine 10, so that the product unloading unit 12b does not normally carry out the product. In that case, the refund process for the user of the vending machine 10 can be reliably performed on the payment server 30.

Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the product unloading unit 12b normally unloads the product from the vending machine 10 based on whether or not the product unloading unit 12b operates normally. It is configured to include a product carry-out abnormality detection unit 12e that detects whether or not the product has been removed. Then, the master box 11 is configured to acquire information on whether or not the product has been normally carried out from the product carry-out abnormality detection unit 12e. As a result, the master box 11 can easily acquire information on whether or not the goods have been carried out normally.

Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the payment server 30 is configured to perform refund processing based on the notification from the vending machine 10. As a result, the payment server 30 can appropriately perform the refund process based on the content of the notification from the vending machine 10.

Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, when the vending machine system 100 is refunded on the payment server 30, the user's smartphone 20 is informed that the refund has been processed. Configure to notify. As a result, the user can easily confirm whether or not the refund process has been performed by notifying the smartphone 20.

[Second Embodiment]
A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. In this second embodiment, when the payment server 230 cannot be notified to perform the refund process, the payment server 230 is notified to perform the refund process via the smartphone 220 of the user of the vending machine 210. It is configured in. In the figure, the same reference numerals are given to the parts having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment.

(Vending machine system configuration)
The configuration of the vending machine system 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, the vending machine system 200 includes a vending machine 210, a smartphone 220, and a payment server 230.

The vending machine 210 includes a master box 211, a multi-communication module 213, and an interactive display 214. The master box 211 is an example of a "control unit" in the claims. Further, the multi-communication module 213 is an example of the "communication unit" in the claims. Further, the interactive display 214 is an example of the "display unit" in the claims.

The smartphone 220 includes a QR code reading unit 221. The QR code reading unit 221 is configured to be able to read (recognize) the QR code 250 for performing refund processing in addition to the QR code 50 displayed on the interactive display 214 of the vending machine 210. The QR code 250 is an example of an "information code" in the claims.

Here, in the second embodiment, when the payment server 230 cannot be notified to perform the refund process, the payment server 230 is notified to perform the refund process via the smartphone 220 of the user of the vending machine 210. It is configured to do.

Specifically, the interactive display 214 is configured to be able to display a QR code 250 for performing refund processing. Further, when the master box 211 cannot notify the payment server 230 to perform the refund process, the master box 211 notifies the user via the interactive display 214 that the product has not been normally carried out to the payment server 230. In addition to controlling, the interactive display 214 is configured to display a QR code 250 that can be read by the user's smartphone 220.

(Sequence control of product sales)
Next, with reference to FIG. 7, sequence control of product sales in the vending machine system 200 will be described. Note that FIG. 7 shows the sequence after the event in which the master box 211 acquires the information on the product delivery abnormality.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the multi-communication module 213 receives the product delivery abnormality information from the master box 211, the multi-communication module 213 transmits a refund request in virtual currency to the payment server 230. Here, if the refund request cannot be sent to the payment server 230 due to a communication failure or the like, the fact that a "communication error" has occurred is returned to the multi-communication module 213. Upon receiving the "communication error", the multi-communication module 213 instructs the interactive display 214 to display the QR code 250 for refund (see FIG. 6). The interactive display 214 displays the QR code 250 based on the instruction from the multi-communication module 213.

When the user (user) of the vending machine 210 reads the QR code 250 (see FIG. 6) displayed on the interactive display 214 by the QR code reading unit 221 (see FIG. 6), the smartphone 220 displays the interactive display 214. Display the PIN input screen. When the user (user) of the vending machine 210 inputs a PIN on the PIN input screen, the smartphone 220 sends a refund instruction (refund instruction) to the payment server 230. When the payment server 230 receives the refund instruction from the smartphone 220, the payment server 230 returns to the smartphone 220 that the refund instruction was successful.

The payment server 230 performs refund processing in virtual currency based on the refund instruction from the smartphone 220. When the payment server 230 completes the refund process, the payment server 230 notifies the multi-communication module 213 that the refund process using virtual currency has been completed (refund status (success)), and the refund is successful to the smartphone 220. Send an email to that effect.

The other configurations of the vending machine system 200 according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Effect of the second embodiment)
In the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

In the second embodiment, as described above, when the vending machine system 200 cannot notify the payment server 230 to perform refund processing, the payment server 230 is refunded via the user's smartphone 220. It is configured to notify so. As a result, even when communication cannot be performed between the vending machine 210 and the payment server 230 due to a communication failure or the like, the user's smartphone 220 can be used to notify the payment server 230 to perform refund processing.

Further, in the second embodiment, as described above, the vending machine 210 is configured to include an interactive display 214 displaying a QR code 250 for performing refund processing. Then, when the master box 211 cannot notify the payment server 230 to perform refund processing, the user is notified via the interactive display 214 that the goods have not been normally carried out to the payment server 230. In addition to the control, the interactive display 214 is configured to be controlled to display a QR code 250 that can be read by the user's mobile terminal. As a result, the user can be easily notified via the interactive display 214 that the payment server 230 cannot be notified to perform the refund process. Further, since the user can be made to read the QR code 250 displayed on the interactive display 214 by the smartphone 220, it is possible to easily notify the payment server 230 to perform the refund process via the smartphone 220. Can be done.

The other effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[Third Embodiment]
A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. In the third embodiment, when the payment server 30 cannot be notified to perform the refund process, the payment server 30 is notified to perform the refund process again at a predetermined timing set in advance. It is configured. In the figure, the same reference numerals are given to the parts having the same configurations as those in the first and second embodiments.

(Vending machine system configuration)
The configuration of the vending machine system 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8, the vending machine system 300 includes a vending machine 310.

The vending machine 310 includes a master box 311 and a multi-communication module 313 and an interactive display 314. The master box 311 is an example of a "control unit" in the claims. Further, the multi-communication module 313 is an example of the "communication unit" in the claims. Further, the interactive display 314 is an example of the "display unit" in the claims.

Similar to the interactive display 14 of the vending machine system 100 according to the first embodiment, the interactive display 314 is a message to a user (user) of the vending machine 310, a virtual currency, based on an instruction from the multi-communication module 313. The QR code 50 (see FIG. 2) and the like used for the settlement by the above can be displayed.

Here, in the third embodiment, if the master box 311 cannot notify the payment server 30 to perform refund processing, the master box 311 notifies the payment server 30 to perform refund processing again at a predetermined timing set in advance. It is configured to control the server. In addition, when the master box 311 cannot notify the payment server 30 to perform refund processing, the goods have not been normally carried out to the payment server 30, and at a predetermined timing set in advance, the master box 311 again. It is configured to control notifying the user via the interactive display 314 to notify the payment server 30 to perform the refund process. In the vending machine system 300, the timing of notifying the payment server 30 to perform refund processing is set at a predetermined time every day (for example, 0:00 every day).

(Sequence control of product sales)
Next, the sequence control of product sales in the vending machine system 300 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 9 shows the sequence after the event in which the master box 311 acquires the information on the product delivery abnormality.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the multi-communication module 313 receives the "communication error", the interactive display 314 cannot be notified to the payment server 30 to perform the refund process ("non-refundable") and at a later date. Instruct the payment server 30 to display a notification to notify the payment processing (“refund at a later date”). The interactive display 314 displays "non-refundable" and "refund at a later date" based on the instruction from the multi-communication module 313.

When the multi-communication module 313 receives the "communication error", it transmits to the master box 311 that the refund process has failed (refund result (failure)). When the master box 311 receives the refund result (failure) from the multi-communication module 313, the master box 311 instructs the interactive display 314 to indicate that the sale will end (“end of sale”), and also displays a product selection button. Turn off 12c (see FIG. 2). The interactive display 314 displays "end of sale" based on the instruction from the multi-communication module 313.

At a later date (at a predetermined timing set in advance), the multi-communication module 313 transmits a refund request in virtual currency to the payment server 30. The payment server 30 performs refund processing in virtual currency based on the refund request from the multi-communication module 313. When the refund process using the virtual currency is completed, the payment server 30 returns to the multi-communication module 313 that the refund process using the virtual currency is completed (refund status (success)), and refunds to the smartphone 20. Send an email to the effect that was successful. Further, when the multi-communication module 313 receives the refund status (success) from the payment server 30, it transmits to the master box 311 that the refund process is successful (refund result (success)).

The other configurations of the vending machine system 300 according to the third embodiment are the same as those of the first and second embodiments.

(Effect of Third Embodiment)
In the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

In the third embodiment, as described above, when the master box 311 cannot be notified to the payment server 30 to perform refund processing, the payment server 30 is to perform refund processing again at a predetermined timing set in advance. It is configured to control notifying the server. As a result, even if communication cannot be performed between the vending machine 310 and the payment server 30 due to a communication failure or the like, by controlling the payment server 30 to be notified again, the payment server 30 can be reliably refunded. You can notify. Further, unlike the case of notifying the payment server 30 to perform refund processing via the user's smartphone 20 (vending machine system 200 of the second embodiment), the payment server 30 is requested to perform refund processing. The work of the user operating the smartphone 20 for notifying is not required.

Further, in the third embodiment, as described above, the vending machine 310 is configured to include an interactive display 314 that displays a QR code 50 used for payment by virtual currency. Then, when the master box 311 cannot be notified to the payment server 30 to perform refund processing, the goods have not been normally carried out to the payment server 30, and at a predetermined timing set in advance, again. It is configured to control notifying the user of the payment server 30 to perform the refund process via the interactive display 314. As a result, the payment server 30 was not normally carried out, the payment server 30 could not be notified to perform the refund process, and the payment server was again set at a predetermined timing. The user can be easily notified via the interactive display 314 that the 30 is notified to perform the refund process.

The other effects of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first and second embodiments.

[Modification example]
The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the description of the above embodiment but by the scope of claims, and further includes all modifications (modifications) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

For example, in the third embodiment described above, an example is shown in which a predetermined timing for notifying the payment server 30 to perform refund processing is set to a predetermined time every day, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a predetermined timing for notifying the payment server to perform refund processing may be set every few minutes, every few hours, every few days, every few weeks, etc., or before the next sale of the product ( For example, it may be set at the time of selling the next product (for example, at the time of payment processing by virtual settlement), etc. (before selecting the QR brand).

Further, in the first to third embodiments, when the vending machine system 100 (200, 300) is refunded on the payment server 30, the user knows that the refund has been processed. Although an example configured to notify the smartphone 20 (220) of the above is shown, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the vending machine system may be configured so that when the refund process is performed on the payment server, the user's smartphone is not notified that the refund process has been performed. In this case, for example, the user of the vending machine system can confirm that the refund process has been performed on the payment server by accessing the payment history updated on the payment server.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, after receiving the fact that the multi-communication module 13 (213, 313) has responded to the order from the payment server 30 (230), the payment server 30 (230) is set at predetermined intervals. ) Is configured to send a confirmation of the payment status, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the multi-communication module may be configured not to send a confirmation of payment status to the payment server 30 after receiving a response to the order from the payment server. In that case, the multi-communication module may be configured to wait until the payment result (the payment is successful) is received from the payment server.

Further, in the second embodiment, when the vending machine system 200 cannot notify the payment server 230 to perform refund processing, the interactive display 214 indicates that the product was not normally delivered to the payment server 230. Although an example configured to notify the user via the above is shown, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, when the vending machine system cannot notify the payment server to perform refund processing, the user can notify the payment server that the product has not been normally carried out by e-mail or the like via a smartphone. May be configured to notify.

Further, in the second embodiment, the smartphone 220 sends a refund instruction to the payment server 230, and the payment server 230 returns to the smartphone 220 that the refund instruction was successful. Although the example configured as described above is shown, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the vending machine system cannot send a refund instruction to the payment server due to a communication failure or the like, and the payment server cannot reply to the martphone that the refund instruction has been successful. The vending machine may be configured to be controlled to end the sale of the product. For example, if the multi-communication module does not receive a refund status (success) within a preset predetermined time after instructing the interactive display to display the QR code for refund. , The vending machine may be configured to control the end of sale of the product.

Further, in the third embodiment, when the vending machine system 300 cannot notify the payment server 30 to perform refund processing, the product was not normally carried out to the payment server 30, and the product is set in advance. An example is shown in which the user is notified via the interactive display 314 that the payment server 30 is notified to perform the refund process again at the predetermined timing. Not limited to. In the present invention, when the vending machine system cannot notify the payment server to perform refund processing, the goods have not been normally carried out to the payment server, and at a predetermined timing set in advance, the product is again delivered. , Notifying the payment server to perform refund processing may be configured to notify the user by e-mail or the like via a smartphone.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, the vending machine 10 (210, 310) is carried out by the product unloading unit 12b based on whether or not the operation of the product unloading unit 12b is normally performed. Although an example is shown in which the product carry-out abnormality detection unit 12e for detecting whether or not the product has been normally carried out is provided, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the vending machine is provided with a detection unit (sensor) that detects whether or not the product has been normally carried out by the product carrying out unit based on whether or not the product has been carried out to the product outlet. It may be configured as.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, an example in which the terminal of the multi-communication module 13 (213, 313) and the terminal of the master box 11 (211 and 311) are connected by a USB cable is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the connection between the terminal master box and the terminal master box of the multi-communication module may be connected by a cable other than a USB cable such as a LAN cable (wired connection), Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like. It may be configured to connect by wireless communication using.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, an example in which the "mobile terminal" of the present invention is configured by the smartphone 20 (220) is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the "mobile terminal" may be configured by a terminal other than a smartphone, such as an information terminal that does not have a call function.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, an example in which the "information code" of the present invention is configured by the QR code 50 (250) is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the "information code" may be composed of an information code other than the QR code such as a micro QR code, DataMatrix (registered trademark), and PDF417.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, the vending machine system 100 (200, 300) is set so that the payment by the virtual currency performed on the payment server is performed as the payment to the credit card registered in advance. Although the constructed example is shown, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the vending machine system may be configured such that payment by virtual currency performed on a payment server is performed as payment to a payment means other than a credit card such as a bank account registered in advance.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, the vending machine system 100 (200, 300) is configured so that the PIN is used for user authentication, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the vending machine system may be configured so that, for example, a password set by the user is used for user authentication.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, an example in which the "payment server" of the present invention is configured as one server is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the "payment server" may be configured to include a plurality of servers. For example, payment to a vending machine that communicates such as ordering, payment status confirmation, etc. between a smartphone payment server that communicates with a smartphone such as payment instructions and a vending machine (multi-communication module). The server that provides the service, including the server for payment of the smartphone, and the server that provides the payment service for the vending machine may be configured to communicate with each other. In that case, the payment server for the smartphone may be configured to be provided for each QR brand.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, the vending machine system 100 (200, 300) is used for the products sold in the vending machine 10 (210, 310), and the vending machine system 100 (200, 300) is used. ) Is configured to make a payment to the smartphone 20 (220) of the user (user) in virtual currency, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, as in the fourth modification (see FIG. 13) described later, the vending machine system is transferred to the IC card of the user (user) of the vending machine system for the products sold in the vending machine. It may be configured to settle in the virtual currency of.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, if the vending machine system 100 (200, 300) does not normally carry out the product by the product unloading unit 12b, the payment server 30 is refunded. However, the present invention is not limited to this, although an example configured to notify is shown. In the present invention, as in the first to fourth modifications (see FIGS. 10 to 13) described later, when the product unloading unit does not normally carry out the vending machine system, the payment server is used. It may be configured to notify that the goods have not been carried out normally. In this case, the payment server may be configured to perform refund processing based on the notification that the goods have not been carried out normally. Further, when notifying that the product has not been carried out normally, a check code for checking that the notified information is legitimate data may be added.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, when the vending machine system 100 (200, 300) is not normally carried out by the product carrying out unit 12b, the vending machine system 100 (200, 300) is placed on the payment server 30 (230). Although an example is shown in which the vending machine 10 (210, 310) is configured to refund the sales amount of the product to the user, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, as in the first to fourth modified examples shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, when the vending machine system is not normally carried out by the product carrying out unit, the vending machine is automatically operated on the payment server. It may be configured to perform compensation processing (granting points, distribution of product purchase tickets, etc.) in which economic benefits other than money equivalent to the sales amount of the product to the user of the vending machine are given as compensation.

As shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, in the vending machine systems 400 (500, 600, 700) of the first to fourth modified examples, an example in which a power failure occurs during the product unloading by the product unloading unit is shown. There is. Due to a power outage, the product unloading section stops the product unloading halfway (the product unloading is abnormal). Then, when the product returns to the normal state (energized state) from the power failure, the vending machine transmits the delivery result by the product delivery unit to the payment server. The export result includes information such as the export request time, the export request product, the number of exports, normal / abnormal, and the check code (to check that the data is legitimate). When the vending machine notifies the delivery result of the product delivery unit, the payment server determines that the product is not normally delivered (abnormal) based on the information contained in the delivery result. , It is configured to give points corresponding to the amount of goods that could not be carried out. In addition, the payment server is configured to notify the smartphone that points have been awarded. The granting of points is an example of "compensation processing" in the scope of claims.

The first to fourth modifications shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 show examples in which the product selection and settlement flows are different from each other. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, in the vending machine system 400 of the first modification, when the user selects a purchased product, the vending machine displays the QR code. Then, the user reads the QR code with the smartphone and sends a payment (clearing) request to the payment server. The settlement server performs settlement (clearing) based on the settlement (clearing) request, and also sends an instruction to carry out the product to the vending machine. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, in the vending machine system 500 of the second modification, the user selects the purchased product and the user displays the QR code on the display unit of the smartphone to display the vending machine. Have a QR code reader (not shown) read the QR. When the vending machine reads the QR, it sends a payment (clearing) request to the payment server. Based on the settlement (clearing) request, the settlement server performs settlement (clearing) and sends a notification (OK) that the product may be carried out to the vending machine. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, in the vending machine system 600 of the third modification, the user selects a product with a smartphone and sends a purchase request for the product to the payment server. The payment server makes a payment (clearing) based on the purchase request, and also sends an instruction to carry out the product to the vending machine. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, in the vending machine system 700 of the fourth modification, when the user selects a purchased product and holds the IC card over the reading unit (not shown) of the vending machine, the payment server A settlement (clearing) request is sent to. Based on the settlement (clearing) request, the settlement server performs settlement (clearing) and sends a notification (OK) that the product may be carried out to the vending machine.

10, 210, 310 Vending machines 11, 211, 311 Master box (control unit)
12b Product unloading unit 12d Product outlet 12e Product unloading abnormality detection unit (detection unit)
13, 213, 313 Multi-communication module (communication unit)
14, 214, 314 Interactive display (display unit)
20, 220 Smartphones (mobile terminals)
30, 230 Payment server 40 Network 50, 250 QR code (information code)
100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 vending machine system

Claims (9)

Vending machines that sell products and
A payment server that is connected to the vending machine via a network and that makes a payment in virtual currency to the mobile terminal or IC card of the user of the vending machine for the product sold in the vending machine. And with
The vending machine includes a product carry-out unit for carrying out the product to a product outlet for the user to take out the product.
When the product is not normally carried out by the product carry-out unit, the payment process for refunding the sales amount of the product to the user or money other than the money corresponding to the sales amount of the product is performed on the payment server. A vending machine system that is configured to perform compensatory processing that grants economic benefits as compensation. The vending machine
A control unit that controls the operation of the product unloading unit and acquires information on whether or not the product unloading has been performed normally.
A communication unit connected to the payment server via a network,
Including
When the product delivery unit does not normally carry out the product, the control unit notifies the payment server via the communication unit to perform the refund process or the compensation process. Alternatively, the vending machine system according to claim 1, which is configured to control notifying that the product has not been carried out normally. In the vending machine, the product is carried out by the product carrying out unit based on whether or not the operation of the product carrying out unit is normally performed or whether or not the product is carried out to the product outlet. Including a detector that detects whether or not it was performed normally,
The vending machine system according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is configured to acquire information on whether or not the product has been normally carried out from the detection unit. If the vending machine cannot notify the payment server to perform the refund processing, the vending machine is configured to notify the payment server to perform the refund processing via the user's mobile terminal. The vending machine system according to claim 2 or 3. The vending machine further includes a display unit that displays an information code for performing the refund process.
When the control unit cannot notify the payment server to perform the refund process, the control unit notifies the payment server that the product has not been normally carried out via the display unit or the user's mobile terminal. The fourth aspect of the present invention is configured to control the notification to the user and to display the information code readable by the user's mobile terminal on the display unit. Vending machine system. When the control unit cannot notify the payment server to perform the refund processing, the control unit is configured to perform control to notify the payment server to perform the refund processing again at a predetermined timing set in advance. The vending machine system according to claim 2 or 3. The vending machine further includes a display unit that displays an information code used for payment in the virtual currency.
When the control unit cannot notify the payment server to perform the refund process, the product was not normally delivered to the payment server, and at a predetermined timing set in advance, the control unit again again. The sixth aspect of claim 6 is configured to control notifying the payment server of the refund processing to the user via the display unit or the mobile terminal of the user. The vending machine system described. The vending machine system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the payment server is configured to perform the refund processing or the compensation processing based on the notification from the vending machine. When the refund process or the compensation process is performed on the payment server, it is configured to notify the user's mobile terminal that the refund process or the compensation process has been performed. The vending machine system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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