JP2021073632A - Article providing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an article providing apparatus that presents a storage status of an article to a consumer so that predetermined articles can be provided without problems.SOLUTION: The article providing apparatus includes a providing unit 10 and a guide unit 20. The providing unit 10 includes an article storage unit 12 for storing an article AR and an article providing unit 13 for providing the article stored in the article storage unit 12. The guide unit 20 includes a storage status managing unit 25 for managing a storage status of the article AR stored in the article storage unit 12 and an information presentation unit 22 for presenting article storage information on the basis of a management signal from the storage status managing unit 25.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to an article providing device capable of providing an article in response to a demand of a consumer.

Later, Patent Document 1 discloses a device capable of providing an article such as a capsule contained in a case to an outlet by rotating a handle after inserting a coin and operating a providing mechanism by rotating the handle. ..

Since the number of articles that can be stored in the case of the device is finite, it is desirable that the consumer himself looks into the case and confirms the storage status of the articles in advance to see if the articles can be provided. If the article contained in the case is shaded or the case is translucent, the above-mentioned prior confirmation cannot be sufficiently performed, and as a result, there is a concern that the intended provision of the article may be hindered.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 09-326081

An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide an article providing device capable of presenting an article accommodating state to a consumer so that the intended article can be provided without any trouble.

The article providing device according to the present invention is an article providing device capable of providing an article according to a request of a consumer, and has the same lateral dimension and vertical dimension as a plurality of providing units and the providing unit. The providing unit includes one guide unit, and the providing unit is an article accommodating portion for accommodating an article, and the article accommodating portion capable of accommodating an article from the front and the article accommodating portion. The guide unit includes an article providing unit for providing the stored articles, and the guide unit includes an accommodation status management unit for managing the accommodation status of the articles accommodated in the article accommodating unit, and the accommodation status management. The information presenting unit is provided with an information presenting unit for presenting article accommodation information based on the management signal from the unit, and the information presenting unit includes an image display unit and is the first when the management signal is related to the provisionability. While the image is displayed on the image display unit as the article accommodating information, the image display unit displays a second image different from the first image as the article accommodating information when the management signal is related to the inability to provide. The first image and the second image displayed on the image display unit have a layout corresponding to the arrangement position of the providing unit, and the first image is the providing unit. It also serves as a selection button.

According to the article providing device according to the present invention, it is possible to present the accommodating state of the article to the consumer and provide the desired article without any trouble.

FIG. 1A is a front view of the providing unit according to the present invention, FIG. 1B is a side view of the providing unit, and FIG. 1C is a block diagram of a control system of the providing unit. FIG. 2A is a front view of the guide unit according to the present invention, FIG. 2B is a side view of the guide unit, and FIG. 2C is a block diagram of a control system of the guide unit. FIG. 3 is a front view of an article providing device (one construction example) constructed by combining the providing unit shown in FIG. 1 and the guide unit shown in FIG. 4 (A) to 4 (D) are operation explanatory views of the article providing device shown in FIG. 5 (A) and 5 (B) are operation explanatory views of the article providing device shown in FIG. 6 (A) and 6 (B) are operation explanatory views of the article providing device shown in FIG. 7 (A) to 7 (D) are operation explanatory views of the article providing device shown in FIG. 8 (A) and 8 (B) are operation explanatory views of the article providing device shown in FIG. 9 (A) and 9 (B) are operation explanatory views of the article providing device shown in FIG. 10 (A) to 10 (C) are front views of an article providing device (another construction example) having a different arrangement form from the article providing device (one construction example) shown in FIG.

The article providing device according to the present invention is constructed by combining a plurality of or one providing unit 10 (see FIG. 1) and one guide unit 20 (see FIG. 2) (FIGS. 3 and 10). (See), a device that provides goods in response to consumer demand.

First, the configuration and control system of the providing unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the providing unit 10 is provided with an article accommodating portion 12 at the upper part of the housing 11, and has an article providing portion 13 under the article accommodating portion 13 and is operated on the front surface. It is provided with a rotatable handle 14 as a part.

The article accommodating section 12 accommodates a large number of article ARs, for example, toys or the like stored in a separable spherical capsule. The article storage unit 12 may be transparent, translucent, or opaque, and a printed matter (not shown) such as an advertisement corresponding to the stored article AR is placed on the front surface of the article storage unit 12, preferably inside the front surface. A printed matter mounting portion 12a that can be mounted is provided. Further, by unlocking the article accommodating portion 12 and pulling out the article accommodating portion 12 toward the front, the article AR can be accommodated in the article accommodating portion 12.

The article providing unit 13 has a rotating plate with a providing hole and a gear mechanism for rotating the rotating plate based on the rotation operation of the handle 14, as in the case disclosed in Patent Document 1. By rotating 14 by a predetermined angle, one of the article ARs housed in the article accommodating portion 12 can be provided to the outlet 11a through the provision hole of the rotating plate.

In the present invention, since it is necessary to change the article providing unit 13 from the unprovable state to the available state based on the settlement completion signal from the settlement management unit 26 described later, the article providing unit 13 is contacted. A mechanism for switching states, for example, a mechanism that makes the rotating plate or handle 14 non-rotatable by a locking mechanism using a solenoid and releases the lock by energizing the solenoid to make the rotating plate or handle 14 rotatable. A providing control unit (not shown) is added. By providing a payment reception unit that accepts payment (payment in coins), the handle 14 or the rotating plate is unlocked and the handle 14 or the rotating plate is rotated on condition that the payment reception unit accepts the payment. The plate may be configured to be rotatable. Further, the guidance unit 20 may have a configuration in which only the payment settlement unit is provided, a configuration in which only the payment reception unit is provided, or a configuration in which both the payment settlement unit and the payment reception unit are provided.

As shown in FIG. 1 (C), the providing unit 10 shown in FIGS. 1 (A) and 1 (B) is used as a control system from the control unit 16 in addition to the control unit 16 having a microcomputer configuration. Visually observe the article providing unit 13 capable of switching the state based on the signal and the providing unit 10 (providing unit 10 selected according to the demand of the consumer) to be provided based on the signal from the control unit 16. A light emitting unit 15 using an LED or the like for clearly indicating the sound, a sounding unit 27 such as a speaker for audibly indicating, and a photoelectric device for detecting the presence or absence of the article AR housed in the article accommodating unit 12. It includes a provided detection sensor 17 using a switch or the like, and a communication interface 18 used for communication with the guidance unit 20.

Next, the configuration and control system of the guide unit 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 2 (A) and 2 (B), the guide unit 20 is provided with an image display unit (touch panel type color display) 22 as an information presentation unit on the upper front surface of the housing 21, and below the image display unit (touch panel type color display) 22. The electronic money reading / writing unit 23a and the two-dimensional code display unit 23b and the two-dimensional code reading unit 23c as the payment settlement unit are provided. The horizontal dimension and the vertical dimension of the guide unit 20 are the same as or substantially the same as the horizontal dimension and the vertical dimension of the provided unit 10 described above. The payment settlement unit may include at least one of the electronic money reading / writing unit 23a, the two-dimensional code display unit 23b, and the two-dimensional code reading unit 23c. Further, the above-mentioned payment reception unit may be provided together with the payment settlement unit or in place of the payment settlement unit.

The electronic money reading / writing unit 23a is used when paying the price related to the provision of the goods AR by electronic money settlement, and the consumer can use the electronic money reading / writing unit 23a to use an electronic money card, an electronic money compatible smartphone, or the like. The payment is settled in the settlement management unit 26 described later by being brought close to or in contact with each other.

The two-dimensional code display unit 23b is for paying the price related to the provision of the article AR by the reading payment of the two-dimensional code payment, and the two-dimensional code displayed on the two-dimensional code display unit 23b is displayed. When the consumer reads it with a smartphone or the like, the payment is settled in the settlement management unit 26 described later.

The two-dimensional code reading unit 23c is for paying the price related to the provision of the article AR by the code payment of the two-dimensional code payment, and the two-dimensional code displayed on the smartphone or the like of the consumer is 2D. Settlement is performed by the settlement management unit 26 described later by having the dimension code reading unit 23c read it.

As shown in FIG. 2 (C), the guide unit 20 shown in FIGS. 2 (A) and 2 (B) is used as a control system from the control unit 24 in addition to the control unit 24 having a microcomputer configuration. The above-mentioned image display unit 22 that displays an image or the like for operation guidance based on a signal, the above-mentioned electronic money reading / writing unit 23a, a two-dimensional code display unit 23b and a two-dimensional code reading unit 23c, and an article accommodating the providing unit 10. Payment by the accommodation status management unit 25 for managing the remaining number of articles AR stored in the unit 12, the electronic money reading / writing unit 23a, the two-dimensional code display unit 23b, and the two-dimensional code reading unit 23c described above. A payment management unit 26 that manages (including electronic money withdrawal management, 2D code display, 2D code reading, etc.) and a speaker for outputting sound and the like in addition to display on the image display unit 22. Communication used for communication between the sounding unit 27 such as, etc., the storage unit 28 that stores the screen and image displayed on the image display unit 22, and the sound, sound effect, etc. output in conjunction with the display, and the providing unit 10. It has an interface 29.

Next, the configuration of the article providing device (one construction example) constructed by combining the providing unit 10 and the guide unit 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

The article providing device shown in FIG. 3 is constructed by combining five providing units 10 and one guide unit 20, and three providing units 10 are arranged in the lower row and two in the upper row. The providing unit 10 and one guide unit 20 are arranged side by side, and the guide unit 20 has an arrangement form sandwiched between the providing units 10. As described above, since the providing unit 10 and the guide unit 20 have the same or substantially the same horizontal and vertical dimensions, the front view contour of the article providing device is rectangular.

The article providing device shown in FIG. 3 may be constructed on the floor surface, but considering the carry-in and movement of the article providing device, it is constructed on a pedestal with wheels to connect the units to each other with an appropriate connecting device. It is preferred to use and connect, or if the pedestal has a rear wall, connect each unit to the rear wall. After construction, the communication interface 18 of each provision unit 10 and the communication interface 29 of the guidance unit 20 are connected by a dedicated cable, and a sticker or the like for indicating the respective arrangement numbers 1 to 5 is attached to the front surface of each provision unit 10. wear.

When the article providing device shown in FIG. 3 is installed in a store or in a store, before and after the installation, an article AR, for example, a toy or the like is stored in an article accommodating portion 12 of each providing unit 10. Is accommodated by system. Incidentally, the "system" here means the category to which the article AR belongs, and for example, when the article AR is related to a character appearing in a specific animation, the specific animation corresponds to the "system". Further, after the article AR is accommodated in the article accommodating portion 12 of each providing unit 10, the printed matter (not shown) corresponding to the accommodated article AR is attached to the printed matter mounting portion 12a of each article accommodating unit 12. ..

Further, when the article AR is first accommodated in the article accommodating unit 12 of each providing unit 10, information such as the number of accommodating items and the article AR is input to the guide unit 20 for each providing unit 10. As this input method, (1) a dedicated terminal (not shown) is connected to the communication interface 29 of the guide unit 10, and the article AR housed in the article accommodating portion 12 of each providing unit 10 by the dedicated terminal (not shown). For example, 50 pieces are input as the number of items, and the information of the article AR is input and stored in the accommodation status management unit 25, or (2) an input board (not shown) is provided on the rear surface of the guide unit 10 and the input is performed. A method of inputting, for example, 50 articles AR accommodated in the article accommodating unit 12 of each providing unit 10 by a board (not shown), inputting information on the article AR, and storing the information in the accommodating status management unit 25, etc. Can be adopted as appropriate. The methods (1) and (2) can also be used when the article AR is replenished to the article accommodating portion 12 of each providing unit 10 after installing the article providing device shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of the article providing device shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 9 together with the effects.

When the article providing device shown in FIG. 3 is activated, the standby screen S1 shown in FIG. 4 (B) is displayed on the image display unit (touch panel type color display) 22 of the guide unit 20 (FIG. 4 (A). Step ST1). In addition to the message "touch the screen" indicating the operation procedure, the standby screen S1 may include texts and images (still images and moving images) for introducing the article providing device and the contained article AR. .. Incidentally, while the standby screen S1 is being displayed, the sounding unit 27 may output the voice, sound effect, or the like corresponding to the message, the text, or the image.

When the standby screen S1 is touched by the consumer, the storage status of the goods AR housed in the goods storage unit 12 of each providing unit 10 is checked based on the management signal from the storage status management unit 25 (FIG. FIG. 4 (A) Steps ST2 to ST3).

According to the check, when all the article accommodating units 12 of the five providing units 10 have the article AR, the management signal is related to "all can be provided". In this case, in addition to the article selection screen S2 shown in FIG. 4C, that is, the message "touch the desired article" indicating the operation procedure, the image display unit 22 of the guide unit 20 indicates that the article can be provided. Five color images (which may include text for introducing articles) Ia1 to Ia5 as one image are displayed together with arrangement numbers 1 to 5 in a layout corresponding to the arrangement positions of the five provision units 10. (Step ST4 in FIG. 4 (A)). Incidentally, while the article selection screen S2 is being displayed, the voice, sound effect, or the like corresponding to the message may be output from the sounding unit 27.

On the other hand, according to the check, when there is no article AR in a part of the article accommodating portion 12 of the five providing units 10, the management signal is related to "partially cannot be provided". For example, when there is no article AR in the article accommodating unit 12 of the third providing unit 10, the image display unit 22 of the guide unit 20 shows the article selection screen S2 shown in FIG. 4D, that is, the operation procedure. In addition to the message "touch the desired item", one monochrome image Ia3'as a second image indicating that it cannot be provided, and four color images Ia1, Ia2, Ia4 and four color images as a first image indicating that it can be provided. Ia5 is displayed together with the arrangement numbers 1 to 5 in a layout corresponding to the arrangement positions of the five providing units 10 (step ST4 in FIG. 4A). A monochrome version of the color image Ia3 can be preferably used for the monochrome image Ia3', but a dedicated monochrome image indicating that it cannot be provided may be used. Incidentally, while the article selection screen S2 is being displayed, the voice, sound effect, or the like corresponding to the message may be output from the sounding unit 27.

That is, in the article selection screen S2 shown in FIGS. 4 (C) and 4 (D), among the five images corresponding to the provision unit displayed on the article selection screen S2, as the first image showing the availability of the article. By using a color image and a monochrome image as a second image indicating the inability to provide, it is possible to accurately present the article accommodation information (whether or not it can be provided) of the five providing units 10 to the consumer. Further, since the five images corresponding to the providing units are laid out in a layout corresponding to the arrangement positions of the five providing units 10 and are displayed together with the arrangement numbers 1 to 5, the article accommodation information of the five providing units 10 ( Whether or not it can be provided) can be accurately presented to the consumer. When the article AR that is not supposed to be accommodated in the article accommodating unit 12, information about the article AR, for example, image information is not prepared (the provision of the article AR is not permitted), so that the article AR is not permitted. Information cannot be input to the guidance unit 20. In this case, the image corresponding to the providing unit in which the article AR is housed is a black-and-white image as the second image indicating that the article AR cannot be provided, and the article AR is not provided by the providing unit in which the article AR is housed. It may be controlled as possible. That is, it may be controlled so that only the article AR for which provision is permitted can be provided from the article providing device.

In the case of the article selection screen S2 shown in FIG. 4 (C), the article selection by the consumer (selection of the providing unit accommodating the article desired by the consumer) is five color images Ia1 to Ia5 (articles). By touching any one of the selection buttons (also used as a selection button), and in the case of the article selection screen S2 shown in FIG. 4 (D), four color images Ia1, Ia2, Ia4 and Ia5 (article selection button) It is performed by touching any one of (also used as), but it is determined after the article selection screen S2 shown in FIG. 4 (C) or FIG. 4 (D) is displayed on the image display unit 22 of the guide unit 20. When there is no article selection within the time, for example, within 30 seconds, the process returns to step ST1 and the standby screen S1 described above is displayed on the image display unit 22 of the guide unit 20 (steps ST5 to ST6 in FIG. 5A). The light emitting unit 15 of the providing unit 10 in which the corresponding article AR is housed may be blinked or lit according to the selection of the article by the consumer.

When the article is selected within the predetermined time, the image display unit 22 of the guide unit 20 displays the article determination screen S3 shown in FIG. 5 (B), that is, for example, FIG. 4 (C) or FIG. 4 (D). When there is an article selection by touching the color image Ia1 on the article selection screen S2 shown in the above, in addition to the message "touch the decision if this article is okay", a color image related to the selected article AR An enlarged image of Ia1 (with an arrangement number) and a color or monochrome image Id as a third image representing the determination are displayed (step ST7 in FIG. 5A). Incidentally, while the article determination screen S3 is being displayed, a voice, a sound effect, or the like corresponding to the message may be output from the sounding unit 27.

In the case of the article determination screen S3 shown in FIG. 5B, the article determination by the consumer is performed by touching the third image Id (also used as the article provision determination button), but the image of the guide unit 20 When there is no article determination within a predetermined time, for example, within 30 seconds after the article determination screen S3 shown in FIG. 5B is displayed on the display unit 22, the process returns to step ST1 and the image display unit 22 of the guide unit 20 is described above. Standby screen S1 is displayed (steps ST8 to ST9 in FIG. 6A).

When the article is determined within the predetermined time, the image display unit 22 of the guidance unit 20 displays the payment selection screen S4 shown in FIG. 6B, that is, the message "touch the payment method" indicating the operation procedure. In addition, a color or monochrome image Im1 as a fourth image representing electronic money payment, a color or monochrome image Im2 as a fifth image representing two-dimensional code payment 1 (read payment), and a two-dimensional code payment 2 A color or monochrome image Im3 as the sixth image representing (code payment) is displayed (step ST10 in FIG. 6A). Incidentally, while the payment selection screen S4 is being displayed, the voice, sound effect, or the like corresponding to the message may be output from the sounding unit 27.

The payment selection by the consumer is performed by touching any one of the fourth image to the sixth image Im1 to Im3 (also used as the payment method selection button) of the payment selection screen S4 shown in FIG. 6 (B). However, if there is no payment selection within a predetermined time, for example, within 30 seconds after the payment selection screen S4 shown in FIG. 6B is displayed on the image display unit 22 of the guidance unit 20, the process returns to step ST1 and the guidance unit 20 The standby screen S1 described above is displayed on the image display unit 22 of the above (steps ST11 to ST12 in FIG. 7A).

When the payment is selected within the predetermined time, the payment explanation screens S5 and S6 shown in FIGS. 7 (B) to 7 (D) are displayed on the image display unit 22 of the guidance unit 20 according to the selected payment method. Or S7 is displayed. That is, as shown in FIG. 7B, the payment explanation screen S5 when the electronic money payment is selected includes a color or monochrome image Ip1 as a seventh image representing the electronic money reading / writing unit 23a. In addition to the message "Please bring the electronic money closer to ..." indicating the procedure, a color or monochrome image It as the tenth image indicating the remaining time until the settlement is completed is displayed (step ST13 in FIG. 7 (A)). ). Incidentally, while the payment explanation screen S5 is being displayed, a voice, a sound effect, or the like corresponding to the message may be output from the sounding unit 27.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7C, the payment explanation screen S6 when the two-dimensional code payment 1 (read payment) is selected is displayed in color as an eighth image representing the two-dimensional code display unit 23b. In addition to the monochrome image Ip2 and the message "Please read the two-dimensional code displayed in ..." indicating the operation procedure, the color or monochrome image It as the tenth image indicating the remaining time until payment is completed is displayed. (Step ST13 in FIG. 7A). Incidentally, while the payment explanation screen S6 is being displayed, a voice, a sound effect, or the like corresponding to the message may be output from the sounding unit 27.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7D, the payment explanation screen S7 when the two-dimensional code payment 2 (code payment) is selected is displayed in color as a ninth image representing the two-dimensional code reading unit 23c. In addition to the monochrome image Ip3 and the message "Please bring the 2D code closer to ..." indicating the operation procedure, the color or monochrome image It as the 10th image indicating the remaining time until the payment is completed is displayed ( Step ST13 (A) of FIG. 7 (A). By the way, while the payment explanation screen S7 is being displayed, a voice, a sound effect, or the like corresponding to the message may be output from the sounding unit 27.

That is, on the payment selection screen S4 shown in FIG. 6 (B), the consumer can select one of the three types of cashless payment methods, and FIGS. 7 (B) to 7 (D). Since the payment method selected by the consumer is explained on the payment explanation screens S5 to S7 shown in the above, the consumer can select the desired payment method and can smoothly perform the desired cashless payment. In addition to cashless payment, a coin payment method may be selected.

The payment by the consumer is performed in accordance with the payment explanation screens S5 to S7 shown in FIGS. 7 (B) to 7 (D), and the payment is settled in FIGS. 7 (B) to 7 (D). When the payment is not completed within a predetermined time after the explanation screens S5 to S7 are displayed, for example, within 30 seconds, the process returns to step ST1 and the standby screen S1 described above is displayed on the image display unit 22 of the guidance unit 20 (FIG. 8 (A) steps ST14 to ST15).

When the payment is completed within the predetermined time (based on the payment completion signal from the payment management unit 26), the operation explanation screen S8 shown in FIG. 8B is displayed on the image display unit 22 of the guidance unit 20, that is, For example, when the article is determined by touching the third image Id on the article determination screen S3 shown in FIG. 5 (B), the color image Ia1 relating to the determined article AR and the message "this article" indicating the operation procedure are displayed. In addition to "Turn the No. 1 handle that houses the image", a color or monochrome image It as the tenth image indicating the remaining time until the operation is completed is displayed (step ST16 in FIG. 8A). ). Incidentally, while the operation explanation screen S8 is being displayed, a voice, a sound effect, or the like corresponding to the message may be output from the sounding unit 27.

Further, when the price settlement is completed within the predetermined time, for example, on the article determination screen S3 shown in FIG. 5 (B), the article is determined by touching the third image Id, and the above-mentioned price settlement is completed. At that time, a control signal for changing the article providing unit 13 of the first providing unit 10 in which the corresponding article AR is housed from the unprovidable state to the available state is transmitted from the control unit 24 of the guide unit 20 to the providing unit. It is sent to the control unit 16 of No. 10 (step ST17 in FIG. 8A). As a result, the article providing unit 13 of the first providing unit 10 changes from the unprovidable state to the available state by the operation of the providing control unit (not shown). Further, as the state changes, the light emitting unit 15 of the first providing unit 10 in which the corresponding article AR is housed blinks or lights up (step not shown).

In the case of the operation explanation screen S8 shown in FIG. 8B, the operation of providing goods by the consumer is performed by turning the handle 14 of the first providing unit 10, but the image display unit 22 of the guide unit 20 is used. When the article is not provided within a predetermined time after the operation explanation screen S8 shown in FIG. 8 (B) is displayed, for example, within 30 seconds (when the article offer is not detected by the offer detection sensor 17), the light emitting unit 15 is set. The lights are turned off and the process returns to step ST1, and the standby screen S1 described above is displayed on the image display unit 22 of the guidance unit 20 (steps ST18 to ST19 in FIG. 9A).

When the goods are provided within the predetermined time, it is determined whether or not the lottery for the free provision associated with the provision of the goods is performed, and when the lottery has not been performed yet, the lottery for the free provision is performed and the lottery is performed. When the player is elected, the process proceeds to step ST16 and the operation explanation screen S8 is provided free of charge (steps ST20 to ST22 in FIG. 9). By the way, the lottery in step ST21 is a lottery using random numbers.

Further, when the article is provided within the predetermined time and when the article is provided by the free provision, each stored in the accommodation status management unit 25 based on the detection signal of the provision detection sensor 17. The number of articles provided is subtracted from the corresponding remaining number of stored items in the remaining number of stored units 10, and the remaining number of stored items after the subtraction is stored in the storage status management unit 25 (step ST23 in FIG. 9A).

Further, when it is determined in step ST20 that the lottery has been completed, the provision completion screen S9 shown in FIG. 9B is displayed on the image display unit 22 of the guidance unit 20 (step ST24 in FIG. 9A). .. In addition to the message "Thank you" indicating the completion of provision, the provision completion screen S9 may include texts and images (still images and moving images) for introducing the article providing device and the contained article AR. .. Incidentally, while the provision completion screen S9 is being displayed, the sounding unit 27 may output the voice, sound effect, or the like corresponding to the message, the text, or the image.

After the provision completion screen S9 is displayed, the process returns to step ST1 when a predetermined time, for example, 30 seconds has elapsed from the start of the display, and the standby screen S1 described above is displayed on the image display unit 22 of the guidance unit 20 (FIG. 9). Step ST24 of (A).

Next, another construction example having a different arrangement form from the article providing device shown in FIG. 3 will be described.

FIG. 3 shows an article providing device constructed by combining five providing units 10 and one guide unit 20 in two upper and lower stages, but the number of providing units 10 in the upper stage is three or more, and the lower stage. The number of the provided units 10 may be four or more. Further, the same number of providing units 10 as the lower three providing units 10 shown in FIG. 3 may be further stacked on the upper stage to construct an upper and lower three-stage article providing device. In this case, the upper stage may be constructed. The number of the providing units 10 in the lower stage may be 4 or more, the number of the providing units 10 in the middle stage may be 3 or more, and the number of the providing units 10 in the lower stage may be 4 or more.

Further, FIG. 3 shows an article providing device in which the guide unit 20 is sandwiched between the providing units 10, but when the number of providing units 10 is small or the installation space is small, FIG. As shown in 10 (A), the guide unit 20 is located at the upper end, and as shown in FIGS. 10 (B) and 10 (C), the guide unit 20 is located at the end of a row. You may adopt the arrangement form which does.

Next, a modified example of the operation or the like described using the article providing device shown in FIG. 3 will be described.

In the above description, a message in Japanese is displayed on each screen S1 to S9, but a message in another language such as English, Chinese, or Korean may also be displayed. Further, an image that also serves as a language selection button for selecting Japanese and a language other than Japanese is displayed on the standby screen S1, and is displayed on subsequent screens S2 to 9 based on the touch of the language selection button. You may switch the message and the text and the voice output corresponding to them.

Further, in the above description, when the article is not provided within a predetermined time, for example, within 30 seconds after the operation explanation screen S8 shown in FIG. 8B is displayed on the image display unit 22 of the guide unit 20 (provided detection). Although the flow of returning to step ST1 (steps ST14 to ST15) is shown when the sensor 17 does not detect the provision of goods, it is also possible to perform refund processing without returning to step ST1. In this case, as a refund process, a return selection screen (message "touch the return method", etc.) similar to the payment selection screen S4 shown in FIG. 6B is displayed on the image display unit 22 to display the return method. After making the selection, the same return explanation screen as the payment explanation screens S5, S6 or S7 shown in FIGS. 7 (B) to 7 (D) is displayed on the image display unit 22, and the consumer is requested to perform the refund operation. It is good.

Further, in the above description, each screen S2 to S9 displayed following the standby screen S1 does not display an image that also serves as a back button for returning to the previous screen, but the image is displayed on each screen. It may be displayed in S2 to S9 so that the screen can be returned to the previous screen based on the touch of the back button.

Further, in the above description, the payment selection screen S4 shown in FIG. 6B in step ST10, that is, the screen on which the consumer can select one of the three types of cashless payment methods, is displayed on the image display unit of the guidance unit 20. Although the one to be displayed on 22 is shown, one or two of electronic money payment, two-dimensional code payment 1 (read payment) and two-dimensional code payment 2 (code payment) are displayed on the payment selection screen S4. In this way, the payment explanation screen (one or two of S5, S6 and S7) that can be used in step ST13 may be displayed on the image display unit 22 of the guide unit 20. In this case, in order to avoid misunderstanding by the consumer, one of the payment settlement unit that cannot be used from the guidance unit 20, that is, the electronic money reading / writing unit 23a, the two-dimensional code display unit 23b, and the two-dimensional code reading unit 23c. Alternatively, two may be excluded.

In addition, among the three types of cashless payment methods and coin payment methods, the selectable provision unit 10 is different depending on the selected payment method (goods can be provided according to the payment method). (Structure in which the provided unit 10 is determined) may be used. Specifically, for example, when electronic money payment is selected, goods can be provided only from the first providing unit, and when payment by coins is selected, a second different from the first providing unit. If you select a configuration that allows you to provide goods only from the providing unit of, or if you select electronic money payment, you can provide goods only from the first providing unit, and if you select two-dimensional code payment, the first It is a configuration that enables the provision of goods only from the second provision unit, which is different from the provision unit of the above.

Further, an article constructed by combining a plurality of providing units 10 (for example, a first providing unit, a second providing unit, a third providing unit, and a fourth providing unit) and one guide unit 20. In the providing device, for example, in the first to third providing units, the article may be provided from the fourth providing unit only to the consumer who has received the article. In this case, the provision of goods from the fourth providing unit may be paid or free of charge. Here, the consumer who has selected the cashless payment method as the payment method is recognized as the customer who received the goods provided by the predetermined providing unit because the payment method may include the customer's information. On the other hand, for a consumer who chooses to pay in coins, it is not possible to recognize that he / she is the consumer who received the goods provided in the predetermined providing unit. Therefore, in this case, the consumer is indicated. It is conceivable to receive the goods after recognizing the card containing the information.

Further, since the article providing device can be installed at any location, for example, when it is installed at the first to fourth locations, for example, from the article providing device installed at the first to third locations. The configuration may be such that only the consumer who has received the goods can be provided with the goods from the goods providing device installed at the fourth location. In this case, the provision of goods from the goods providing device installed at the fourth location may be paid or free of charge. Here, the consumer who has selected the cashless payment method as the payment method is a consumer who has received the goods provided by the predetermined goods providing device because the payment method may include the customer's information. On the other hand, the consumer who chooses to pay with coins cannot be recognized as the consumer who received the goods provided by the predetermined goods providing device. Therefore, in this case, the consumer It is conceivable to receive the goods after recognizing the card or the like containing the information indicating the above.

10 ... providing unit, 12 ... article accommodating unit, AR ... article, 13 ... article providing unit, 14 ... handle (operation unit), 15 ... light emitting unit, 16 ... control unit, 20 ... guide unit, 22 ... image display unit ( Information presentation unit) 23a ... electronic money reading / writing unit, 23b ... two-dimensional code display unit, 23c ... two-dimensional code reading unit, 24 ... control unit, 25 ... accommodation status management unit, 26 ... payment management unit, 27 ... sounding unit, 28 ... storage unit, S1 ... standby screen, S2 ... article selection screen, Ia1 to Ia5 ... first image, Ia3'... second image, S3 ... article determination screen, Id ... third image, S4 ... payment selection screen, Im1 ~ Im3 ... 4th image ~ 6th image, S5 ~ S6 ... Payment explanation screen, Ip1 ~ Ip3 ... 7th image ~ 9th image, It ... 10th image, S8 ... Operation explanation screen, S9 ... Provision completion screen.

Claims (18)

It is an article providing device that can provide articles according to the demands of consumers.
A plurality of providing units and one guide unit having the same horizontal and vertical dimensions as the provided unit are provided.
The providing unit is an article accommodating unit for accommodating an article, and is for providing an article accommodating portion capable of accommodating an article from the front and an article accommodated in the article accommodating portion. Equipped with an article supply department
The guidance unit has a storage status management unit for managing the storage status of articles stored in the article storage unit, and information for presenting article storage information based on a management signal from the storage status management unit. Equipped with a presentation section
The information presenting unit includes an image display unit, and when the management signal can be provided, the first image is displayed on the image display unit as the article accommodation information, but the management signal cannot be provided. The first image and the first image displayed on the image display unit are configured to display a second image different from the first image on the image display unit as the article accommodation information in the case of the above. The two images have a layout corresponding to the arrangement position of the providing unit, and the first image also serves as a selection button for the providing unit.
Goods provision device. The guidance unit includes a payment reception unit that accepts payment for the provision of the goods, and a payment reception unit.
On condition that the price is received by the price receiving unit, the product providing unit is further provided with a providing control unit for changing the article providing unit from the unprovidable state to the availableable state.
The article providing device according to claim 1. The guidance unit includes a payment settlement unit for paying a price related to the provision of the goods, a payment management unit that manages payment payments by the payment management unit, and the goods based on a payment completion signal from the payment management unit. Further provided with a provision control unit for changing the provision unit from the unprovidable state to the available state.
The article providing device according to claim 1 or 2. The providing unit further includes an operation unit for operating the article providing unit to provide the article when the article providing unit changes from the unprovable state to the available state.
The article providing device according to claim 2 or 3. The operation unit is a rotatable handle.
The article providing device according to claim 4. The guide unit further includes a selection unit for selecting any of the plurality of provided units.
The provision control unit changes the article provision unit of the provision unit selected by the selection unit from the unprovidable state to the available state, on condition that the reception unit accepts the price.
The article providing device according to claim 2. The guide unit further includes a selection unit for selecting any of the plurality of provided units.
The provision control unit changes the article providing unit of the providing unit selected by the selection unit from the unprovidable state to the availableable state on condition that the payment is settled by the price settlement unit.
The article providing device according to claim 3. The guide unit has an arrangement form sandwiched between the providing units.
The article providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The guide unit has an arrangement form located at the end.
The article providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The image display unit is a touch panel type color display.
The first image is a color image including an image related to the article.
The second image is a monochrome image of the first image.
The article providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The information presenting unit is configured to display an enlarged image of the first image on the image display unit when the first image is selected.
The article providing device according to claim 10. The information presenting unit is configured to display a third image for determining the provision of goods on the image display unit when the first image is selected.
The third image also serves as an article provision decision button.
The article providing device according to claim 10 or 11. The price settlement unit of the guidance unit is an electronic money settlement unit, and is
The electronic money settlement unit has an electronic money reading / writing unit.
The article providing device according to claim 3. The price settlement unit of the guidance unit is a two-dimensional code settlement unit, and is
The two-dimensional code settlement unit has a two-dimensional code reading unit.
The article providing device according to claim 3. The guidance unit further includes a free-of-charge lottery unit that performs a free-of-charge lottery based on the provision of the goods.
The article providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14. The providing unit is provided with a printed matter mounting portion on which a printed matter containing information relating to the article housed in the article accommodating portion can be mounted.
The article providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 15. The providing unit is provided with at least one of a light emitting unit that emits light and a sounding unit that emits sound in the process until the provision of the article is completed.
The article providing device according to claim 6 or 7. At least one of the light emission from the light emitting unit and the sound from the sounding unit is made from the providing unit selected by the selection unit.
The article providing device according to claim 17.

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