JP2021077148A - Commodity storage and sales method - Google Patents

Abstract

To solve a problem in which there was no commodity storage that can unattendedly sell: commodities in a vending machine; and commodities in an additional commodity storage which is a commodity storage different from the vending machine.SOLUTION: A commodity storage comprises: a vending machine for selling one or more in-machine commodities; an additional commodity storage for storing at least one or more out-machine commodities that are different from the one or more in-machine commodities; and a settlement part that performs in-machine settlement processing related to settlement for sales of the in-machine commodities and performs out-machine settlement processing related to settlement for sales of the out-machine commodities. The commodity storage can be provided that is capable of unattendedly selling the commodities in the additional commodity storage, which is a commodity storage different from the vending machine, in addition to the commodities in the vending machine.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a merchandise store having a vending machine and an accessory merchandise store.

Conventionally, there have been vending machines that can sell products unattended (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). In addition, various vending machines existed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-37019 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-215851

"SUNTORY", [online], [Searched on October 26, 1st year of Reiwa], Internet [URL: https://www.suntoryfoods.co.jp/jihanki/kaobure.html]

However, in the prior art, in addition to the products in the vending machine, there is no merchandise store that can sell the products in the accessory storehouse, which is a storehouse different from the vending machine, unattended. ..

The merchandise storehouse of the first invention includes a vending machine that sells one or more internal merchandise, an accessory merchandise store that stores at least one or more merchandise, and an internal settlement process related to settlement for the sale of the internal merchandise. It is a merchandise store that includes a settlement unit that performs and performs external settlement processing related to settlement for the sale of products stored in the attached merchandise store.

With such a configuration, in addition to the products in the vending machine, it is possible to provide a product storage that can sell the products in the accessory storage, which is a storage different from the vending machine, unattended.

Further, in the merchandise store of the second invention, with respect to the first invention, the settlement unit includes an internal settlement unit that performs internal settlement processing and an external settlement unit that performs external settlement processing, and the internal settlement processing. And external settlement processing are merchandise stores that include the same processing.

With such a configuration, both the products in the vending machine and the products in the accessory store can be settled by the same payment processing.

Further, in the merchandise store of the third invention, with respect to the second invention, the vending machine has one or more referents corresponding to the internal goods and one or more referents corresponding to the external goods. However, it is further equipped with an instruction reception unit that receives instructions for the referent, the internal settlement department performs internal payment processing for the sale of internal products to the referent received by the referent, and the external settlement department is the instruction reception unit. It is a storehouse that performs external payment processing for the sale of external products to the received referent.

With such a configuration, the user can purchase both the product in the vending machine and the product in the accessory storage by instructing the referent of the vending machine.

Further, in the merchandise store of the fourth invention, with respect to the first invention, the settlement unit includes an internal settlement unit that performs internal settlement processing and an external settlement unit that performs external settlement processing, and the internal settlement processing. It is a merchandise storehouse that is a process different from the external settlement process.

With such a configuration, the products in the vending machine and the products in the accessory storage can be settled by different payment processes.

Further, in the merchandise store of the fifth invention, for the fourth invention, the external settlement unit has received the external product identifier receiving means for receiving the external product identifier for identifying the external product, and the external product identifier receiving means has received it. It is a payment terminal provided with an external payment processing means for performing payment processing for payment of an external product corresponding to an external product identifier.

With such a configuration, it is possible to provide a payment terminal that performs payment processing for an external product.

Further, the payment terminal of the sixth invention is a payment terminal used for payment processing and installed in a product storage for storing products, and is stored in a vending machine provided in the product storage. A product identifier receiving means that accepts an external product identifier that identifies an external product that is a product other than the internal product, and a payment process that performs payment processing for the settlement of the external product corresponding to the external product identifier received by the external product identifier receiving means. It is a payment terminal provided with a processing means.

With such a configuration, it is possible to provide a payment terminal that performs payment processing for an external product.

Further, in the payment terminal of the seventh invention, with respect to the sixth invention, the product identifier receiving means receives the external product information including the external product identifier, and the payment processing means is the payment terminal for transmitting the external product information. Is.

With such a configuration, information regarding the sale of external products can be transmitted.

Further, in the payment terminal of the eighth invention, with respect to the seventh invention, the product identifier receiving means also accepts the internal product information including the internal product identifier that identifies the internal product, and the payment processing means is a department product. It is a payment terminal that also transmits the internal product information received by the identifier receiving means, and the destination of the external product information and the destination of the internal product information are different.

With such a configuration, it is possible to notify different destinations of sales-related information depending on whether the sold product is an internal product or an external product.

Further, the payment terminal of the ninth invention has a destination identifier that stores a destination identifier that specifies two or more destinations corresponding to the external product identifier or the internal product identifier for the seventh or eighth invention. The storage unit is further provided, and the payment processing means acquires the external product identifier or the destination identifier corresponding to the internal product identifier of the sold product, and the external product information or the internal product is sent to the destination specified by the destination identifier. It is a payment terminal that sends product information.

With such a configuration, information on sales can be notified to different destinations depending on the products sold.

Further, the ancillary merchandise of the tenth invention is an ancillary merchandise that constitutes a merchandise for any one of the first to fifth inventions.

With such a configuration, external products can be arranged, and an accessory storehouse used in combination with a vending machine can be provided.

According to the merchandise store according to the present invention, in addition to the products in the vending machine, it is possible to provide a merchandise store in which products in the accessory storehouse, which is a storehouse different from the vending machine, can be sold unattended.

Conceptual diagram of the product sales system A in the first embodiment Block diagram of the product sales system A Diagram showing an example of the same merchandise store The figure for demonstrating the specific operation example of the product sales system A A flowchart for explaining an operation example of the vending machine 11. The figure for demonstrating the specific operation example of the product sales system A Conceptual diagram of the product sales system B in the second embodiment Block diagram of the product sales system B A flowchart for explaining an operation example of the payment terminal 33. Diagram showing an example of the same merchandise store Diagram showing an example of the same merchandise store The figure for demonstrating the specific operation example of the product sales system B Overview of the computer system according to the above embodiment Block diagram of the computer system

Hereinafter, embodiments of the merchandise storage and the like will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, since the components with the same reference numerals perform the same operation in the embodiment, the description may be omitted again.

(Embodiment 1)
In the present embodiment, a product sales system including a vending machine, an accessory product store, and a product store including a payment unit will be described. The payment unit may be provided by a vending machine.

Further, in the present embodiment, a product sales system including a product storage including a payment unit for performing payment processing for internal products in the vending machine and external products in the accessory product storage will be described.

Further, in the present embodiment, the payment processing of the internal product which is a product in the vending machine and the payment processing of the external product which is a product outside the vending machine include the same processing, and both of the processing are performed. The product sales system including the product storage to be performed will be described.

Further, in the present embodiment, the payment processing of the internal product and the payment processing of the external product are both advanced by the instruction of the button of the vending machine, and the product sales system including the product storage capable of the processing will be described.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of the product sales system A according to the present embodiment. The product sales system A includes one or more product storages 1 and a server device 2. The merchandise store 1 includes a vending machine 11 and an accessory storehouse 12. Needless to say, the server device 2 does not exist, and the product storage 1 may function.

The vending machine 11 is a device capable of selling products unattended. The product is, for example, a beverage, a food, or the like, but it does not matter. Details of the vending machine 11 will be described later. The vending machine 11 is widely understood as long as it can sell products unattended.

The attached product storage 12 is a storage for storing one or more external products. The external product is a product stored in the accessory storage 12. The external product is usually a product different from one or more internal products. However, the external product may be the same product as the internal product. For example, the internal product is a beverage sold at the vending machine 11 (for example, mineral water), and the external product is the same beverage (for example, mineral water) sold at room temperature. The internal product is a product arranged in the vending machine 11. It is preferable that the accessory storage 12 is a storage in which the user can freely take out the products. It is preferable that the accessory storage 12 is a storage in which the user can freely pick up the product. It is preferable that the accessory storage 12 is a storage that is not surrounded by a wall. The accessory storage 12 is, for example, a so-called rack. However, the accessory storage 12 may be a storage in which external products are arranged in a closed space surrounded by a wall. When an external product is arranged in the closed space of the accessory storage 12, it is preferable that the door constituting the closed space is not locked. The wall material is preferably transparent glass, resin, or the like, but may be an opaque material. Further, it is preferable that the accessory storage 12 does not have a temperature control function. However, the accessory storage 12 may have a temperature control function. In addition, the same product as the internal product in the vending machine 11 may be arranged in the attached product storage 12. However, it is preferable that one external product different from the internal product is arranged in the accessory storage 12.

The installation location of the attached merchandise storage 12 does not matter. However, it is preferable that no other object exists between the accessory storage 12 and the vending machine 11. Further, it is preferable that the accessory storage 12 is arranged at a position adjacent to the vending machine 11.

The size of the accessory storage 12 does not matter. However, it is preferable that the depth of the accessory storage 12 is the same as or substantially the same as the depth of the vending machine 11. It is more preferable that the depth of the accessory storage 12 is smaller than the depth of the vending machine 11 and larger. The depth of the accessory storage 12 is, for example, about 530 mm. The width of the accessory storage 12 does not matter. It is preferable that the width of the accessory storage 12 is smaller than, for example, about 530 mm or about 530 mm. It is preferable that the height of the accessory storage 12 is equal to or lower than the height of the vending machine 11. The height of the accessory storage 12 is, for example, 1000 mm or more and 1800 mm or less.

It is preferable that the accessory storage 12 has one or more shelves. External products can be placed on the shelves. Further, the lower region of the accessory storage 12 may have a space in which other objects can be arranged. Another object is, for example, a drink server (see FIG. 3). An example of the drink server is 14 in FIG. Another object is, for example, a recycling box. The other object may be arranged in the space above the accessory storage 12.

It is preferable that the vending machine 11 has the same function as a known vending machine. It is preferable that the vending machine 11 has a temperature control function. The temperature control function is, for example, one or more functions of a refrigerating function, a freezing function, a heat retaining function, and the like.

The internal product in the vending machine 11 is, for example, a beverage, and the external product in the accessory storage 12 is, for example, food (for example, instant noodles, snacks, lunch boxes, etc.), non-food items (for example, figures, etc.). It is preferable that it is a stationery, etc.). Further, the vending machine 11 may be a so-called dispenser, a vending machine for selling cups, or the like, and the type thereof does not matter.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the product sales system A according to the present embodiment. The merchandise store 1 constituting the merchandise sales system A includes a vending machine 11 and an accessory merchandise store 12.

The vending machine 11 includes two or more referents 111, an instruction receiving unit 112, and a settlement unit 113. The settlement unit 113 includes an internal settlement unit 1131 and an external settlement unit 1132.

The server device 2 includes a server storage unit 21, a server reception unit 22, a server processing unit 23, and a server transmission unit 24.

The vending machine 11 has a function of selling one or more internal products. The internal product is a product arranged in the vending machine 11.

The referent 111 is a referent corresponding to one or more products. It can be said that the referent 111 is an object corresponding to the product to be purchased. The referent 111 is, for example, a physical button displayed on the vending machine 11 or a button on the screen displayed on the vending machine 11. The entity button is, for example, 111 in FIG. The vending machine 11 here has one or more referents 111a corresponding to internal products and one or more referents 111b corresponding to external products.

The referent 111 corresponds to a product identifier and an amount (price). The product identifier and the amount of money corresponding to the referent 111 are usually stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the vending machine 11. The product identifier is, for example, an ID, a name, or the like. The product identifier may be the identifier of the button of the vending machine 11.

The referent 111 corresponding to the internal product is appropriately referred to as an internal referent. Further, the referent 111 corresponding to the external product is appropriately referred to as an external referent. The external referent may correspond to two or more external products. However, in such a case, the external referent corresponds to two or more external products of the same amount. The external referent corresponds to one or more product identifiers and price pairs of external products.

When any of the internal referents 111 is instructed (for example, pressing a button) by the user who purchases the product, the internal product corresponding to the internal referent 111 (a) is stored in the vending machine 11 (not shown). It is discharged from the inside and can be taken out from the product outlet 114 (see FIG. 1) of the vending machine 11. Needless to say, in order to purchase an internal product, the user inserts cash into the vending machine 11 or makes a payment using an electronic money card. In addition, the processing of purchasing internal products can be done by using an app for smartphones, etc., making payments using credit cards, debit cards, QR codes (registered trademarks), making payments at your own seat, and then going to the vending machine 11 and touching them to purchase. It may be realized by a possible configuration or the like. Further, since the processing of the vending machine 11 is a known technique, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Further, when the user who purchases the product takes out the external product arranged in the accessory storage 12 from the accessory storage 12 and instructs the external referent 111 (b) corresponding to the external product, the external product The legitimate purchase of is completed. Needless to say, when purchasing such an external product, the user inserts cash into the vending machine 11 or makes a payment using a card such as an electronic money card or a credit card. No. In addition, a user who gives an instruction to the external referent 111 (b), takes out an external product from the accessory store 12, inserts cash, or holds an electronic money card or the like over a reader (not shown) installed in the vending machine 11. The order of actions does not matter. In addition, the process of purchasing external products can be done by using an app for smartphones, etc., making payments using credit cards, debit cards, QR codes (registered trademarks), making payments at your own seat, and then going to the vending machine 11 and touching them to purchase. It may be realized by a possible configuration or the like.

The instruction receiving unit 112 receives an instruction to the referent 111. The instruction receiving unit 112 usually acquires a product identifier that identifies a product to be purchased by the user. The product identifier is an internal product identifier or an external product identifier. The internal product identifier is an identifier of the internal product. The external product identifier is an identifier of an external product. The product identifier is, for example, an ID, a name, or the like.
The instruction receiving unit 112 may acquire two or more product identifiers. The two or more product identifiers may include an internal product identifier and an external product identifier. In such a case, payment processing for selling two or more products corresponding to two or more product identifiers may be performed at one time. Further, when the instruction receiving unit 112 acquires two or more product identifiers including the internal product identifier and the external product identifier, the processing for discounting may be performed. The process for discount is a process of acquiring a total amount less than the sum of the price of the internal product identified by the internal product identifier and the price of the external product identified by the external product identifier.

The instruction receiving unit 112 receives, for example, the pressing of the button which is the referent 111 of the vending machine 11.

That is, the acceptance here is, for example, pressing a button, receiving an instruction from a terminal held by the user, and the like, and the method of instructing the internal product or the external product purchased by the user does not matter.

The settlement unit 113 performs processing related to settlement for the sale of the product. The settlement unit 113 performs an internal settlement process related to settlement for the sale of the internal product. In addition, the settlement unit 113 performs external settlement processing related to settlement for the sale of the external product.

The internal settlement unit 1131 performs an internal settlement process for the sale of the internal product to the referent 111 received by the instruction reception unit 112. The internal settlement unit 1131 determines, for example, whether or not a legitimate settlement of the internal product for the referent 111 received by the instruction reception unit 112 is possible, and when it is determined that the settlement can be legitimately performed, the instruction reception unit 112 accepts the instruction target 111. The instruction for taking out the internal product for the referent 111 from the inside of the vending machine 11 is output. More specifically, the internal settlement unit 1131 stores, for example, whether or not cash corresponding to the price of the internal product has been inserted, or the amount of money corresponding to the price of the internal product is stored in the electronic money card held by the user. The instruction target received by the instruction receiving unit 112 when it is determined whether or not the item has been paid or whether or not the amount corresponding to the price of the internal product can be withdrawn from the user's cash card and it is determined that the payment can be made properly. An instruction for taking out the internal product from the inside of the vending machine 11 for 111 is output. The product discharge mechanism (not shown) of the vending machine 11 that has received this instruction performs a process of discharging the internal product from the inside of the refrigerator in which the internal product for the referent 111 is arranged. By the processing of this product discharge mechanism, the internal product is discharged from the inside of the vending machine 11 (not shown), and the internal product can be taken out from the product outlet 114 (see FIG. 1) of the vending machine 11. Whether the internal settlement unit 1131 can obtain the amount of the referent 111 received by the instruction reception unit 112 from the vending machine 11, the server device 2, or an external device (not shown) and use the amount to make a proper settlement. Judge whether or not.

Further, the internal settlement unit 1131 transmits, for example, the internal product identifier of the internal product for the referent 111 to the external device. The external device is, for example, the server device 2, but other devices may also be used.

The external settlement unit 1132 performs an external settlement process for selling an external product to the referent 111 received by the instruction receiving unit 112. The external settlement unit 1132 determines, for example, whether or not legitimate settlement of the external product for the referent 111 received by the referent reception unit 112 is possible, and when it is determined that the legitimate settlement can be made, the external product for the referent 111. Sends the external product identifier of the product to an external device. The external payment unit 1132, for example, the external payment unit 1132 is an electronic money card in which, for example, whether or not cash corresponding to the price of the external product has been inserted, or an amount corresponding to the price of the external product is held by the user. When it is judged whether or not the amount of money corresponding to the price of the external product can be withdrawn from the user's cash card and it is judged that the payment can be made properly, the external product for the instruction target 111 Send the external product identifier to an external device. The external device is, for example, the server device 2, but other devices may also be used. Whether the external settlement unit 1132 can obtain the amount of the referent 111 received by the instruction reception unit 112 from the vending machine 11, the server device 2, or an external device (not shown) and use the amount to make a proper settlement. Judge whether or not.

It is preferable that both the internal settlement unit 1131 and the external settlement unit 1132 transmit the product information including the product identifier of the sold product to the server device 2. The product information includes, for example, a product identifier and a quantity. The product information may be, for example, only the product identifier. The product information may include, for example, the time of sale. The time is information acquired from a clock (not shown). The product information has, for example, a device identifier that identifies the product storage 1, the vending machine 11, or the accessory product storage 12. The device identifier is stored in, for example, the vending machine 11. The device identifier includes, for example, an ID, an ID of the place where the product storage 1 is installed, an address of the place where the product storage 1 is installed, a company ID of the place where the product storage 1 is installed, and the product storage 1. It is the company name of the place where it is done.

The internal settlement unit 1131 performs an discharge process for discharging the internal products in the vending machine 11 from the vending machine 11. On the other hand, the external settlement unit 1132 does not perform the discharge process for discharging the products in the vending machine 11 from the vending machine 11. This is because the external product does not exist in the vending machine 11 but exists in the accessory storage 12.

Various types of information are stored in the server storage unit 21 that constitutes the server device 2. The various types of information are, for example, one or more product information.

The server receiving unit 22 receives various types of information. The server receiving unit 22 receives, for example, various types of information from the vending machine 11. Various types of information are, for example, product information.

The server processing unit 23 performs various processes. The various processes are, for example, a process of accumulating the information received by the server receiving unit 22 in the server storage unit 21. The various processes are, for example, processes for the product information stored in the server storage unit 21. The processing for product information is, for example, statistical processing. Statistical processing includes, for example, calculation of total sales amount, calculation of sales profit, and the like.

The server transmission unit 24 transmits various types of information to an external device. Various types of information are, for example, product information.

The settlement unit 113, the internal settlement unit 1131, the external settlement unit 1132, and the server processing unit 23 can be realized from, for example, an MPU, a memory, or the like. The processing procedure of the payment unit 113 or the like is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded in a recording medium such as ROM. However, it may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

The payment unit 113, the internal payment unit 1131, the external payment unit 1132, and the server transmission unit 24 are realized by, for example, wireless or wired communication means.

The server storage unit 21 is preferably a non-volatile recording medium, but can also be realized by a volatile recording medium.

The process of storing information in the server storage unit 21 does not matter. For example, the information may be stored in the server storage unit 21 via the recording medium, or the information transmitted via the communication line or the like may be stored in the server storage unit 21. Alternatively, the information input via the input device may be stored in the server storage unit 21.

The server receiving unit 22 is usually realized by a wireless or wired communication means, but may be realized by a means for receiving a broadcast.

Next, an operation example of the vending machine 11 constituting the product sales system A will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Step S501) The instruction receiving unit 112 determines whether or not an instruction to the referent 111 has been received from the user. If the instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to step S502, and if the instruction is not accepted, the process returns to step S501.

(Step S502) The settlement unit 113 acquires the product identifier for the referent 111.

(Step S503) The settlement unit 113 acquires an amount paired with the product identifier acquired in step S502 from a storage unit (not shown). Then, the settlement unit 113 uses the amount of money to determine whether or not settlement is possible. If payment is possible, the process proceeds to step S504, and if payment is not possible, error processing is performed. The process in this step is a known technique. In order to determine that payment is possible, for example, the vending machine 11 must have cash in an amount equal to or greater than the relevant amount, or the vending machine 11 is a legitimate electronic money card and the amount equal to or greater than the relevant amount is required. It is necessary to acquire the information of the stored electronic money card.

(Step S504) The settlement unit 113 performs settlement processing. The settlement process is, for example, a process of moving the cash inserted by the user to a cash vending machine (not shown) in the vending machine 11, or a settlement process using an electronic money card, a cash card, or the like. Since such payment processing is a known technique, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

(Step S505) The settlement unit 113 determines whether or not the product identifier acquired in step S502 is an external product. If it is an external product, it goes to step S507, and if it is an internal product, it goes to step S506. For example, a flag for identifying an external product is stored in a pair with an external product identifier corresponding to the external product, and the settlement unit 113 stores the flag in a pair with the product identifier acquired in step S502. Determine if it is.

(Step S506) The internal settlement unit 1131 performs a process of discharging the internal product identified by the product identifier acquired in step S502 from the inside of the vending machine 11 (not shown). Since such processing is a known technique, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

(Step S507) The settlement unit 113 acquires the product information including the product identifier acquired in step S502. The settlement unit 113 acquires, for example, a device identifier stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the vending machine 11, and constitutes product information including the device identifier and the product identifier.

(Step S508) The settlement unit 113 transmits the product information acquired in step S507 to the server device 2. Return to step S501.

(Step S509) The settlement unit 113 performs error processing. Return to step S501. The error processing includes, for example, a process of outputting an error message, a process of discharging cash inserted into a cash discharge port (not shown) of the vending machine 11, and the like. The error message is stored in, for example, a storage unit (not shown) of the vending machine 11.

In the flowchart of FIG. 5, the process ends when the power is turned off or an interrupt for the end of the process occurs.

Next, the operation of the server device 2 will be described. The server receiving unit 22 of the server device 2 receives the product information from the vending machine 11. Next, the server processing unit 23 stores the received product information in the server storage unit 21. Further, for example, the server processing unit 23 performs predetermined statistical processing on one or more product information stored in the server storage unit 21 including the device identifier for each device identifier, and obtains statistics. Get the processing result. Next, the server transmission unit 24 transmits the statistical processing result to a device (not shown).

Hereinafter, the specific operation of the product sales system A in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6.

In this specific example, the internal product is a beverage. External products are foods such as bread, snacks, and cup noodles.

It is assumed that the user selects cup noodles from a plurality of types of external products in the accessory store 12 and takes out the cup noodles from the accessory store 12 (see FIG. 6 (1)). Next, it is assumed that the user presses the referent 111 (c) corresponding to the cup noodles of the vending machine 11 (see FIG. 6 (2)). Next, it is assumed that the user inserts cash or holds a card such as an electronic money card or a credit card over the vending machine 11 to perform an operation for payment. (See FIG. 6 (3)).

In response to the above user behavior, the instruction receiving unit 112 of the vending machine 11 receives an instruction to the referent 111 (c). Next, the settlement unit 113 acquires a product identifier (for example, “cup noodle A”) for the referent 111 (c) from a storage unit (not shown). Next, the settlement unit 113 acquires an amount (for example, “180 yen”) paired with the acquired product identifier from a storage unit (not shown). Then, the settlement unit 113 determines that settlement is possible using the amount of money "180 yen" (for example, the user has inserted cash of 180 yen or more). Next, the settlement unit 113 performs the above-mentioned settlement processing.

Next, the settlement unit 113 determines that the acquired product identifier "cup noodle A" is an external product. The determination that the acquired product identifier is an external product includes the determination that the referent 111 corresponding to the external product has been instructed.

Next, the settlement unit 113 acquires the device identifier "M1" stored in the storage unit (not shown) of the vending machine 11, and the product information including the device identifier "M1" and the product identifier "cup noodle A". (For example, "M1, cup noodle A, 1 piece"). The quantity "1 piece" is a default value, and is stored in a storage unit (not shown in advance), for example. Needless to say, the default value may be "2" or the like instead of "1".

Next, the settlement unit 113 transmits the product information acquired in step S507 to the server device 2.

Next, the server receiving unit 22 of the server device 2 receives the product information "M1, cup noodles A, 1 piece" from the vending machine 11. Next, the server processing unit 23 stores the received product information in the server storage unit 21.

The server processing unit 23 performs predetermined statistical processing on one or more product information stored in the server storage unit 21 including the device identifier for each device identifier, and statistics are obtained. Get the processing result. Then, for example, the server transmission unit 24 transmits the statistical processing result to a device (not shown).

Next, it is assumed that the user presses the referent 111 (a) corresponding to the beverage in order to purchase the beverage considered to be suitable for the "cup noodle A". Next, it is assumed that the user inserts cash or holds a card such as an electronic money card or a credit card over the vending machine 11 to perform an operation for payment.

In response to the above user behavior, the vending machine 11 discharges the beverage corresponding to the referent 111 (a) from the vending machine 11.

In the above specific example, the beverage in the vending machine 11 and the light meal (for example, cup noodles, bread, etc.) arranged in the accessory storage 12 can be easily sold as a set unattended.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the products in the vending machine 11, it is possible to provide a product storage capable of unmanned sales of products in the accessory storage 12 different from the vending machine 11.

Further, according to the present embodiment, both the product in the vending machine 11 and the product in the accessory storage 12 can be settled by the same settlement process.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the user can purchase both the product in the vending machine 11 and the product in the accessory storage 12 by instructing the referent of the vending machine 11.

Further, according to the present embodiment, an external product can be arranged, and an accessory product storage 12 used together with the vending machine 11 can be provided.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the organization (for example, a company) that introduces the merchandise store 1 needs to bear the electricity bill of the vending machine 11, but the cost burden is small as a whole.

Further, according to the present embodiment, not only the cash obtained by selling the internal product but also the cash obtained by selling the external product is stored in the vending machine 11, so that the risk of cash theft is small. ..

Further, according to the present embodiment, the same person can replenish the external products in the accessory storage 12 at the same timing as the replenishment of the internal products to the vending machine 11, and the product replenishment cost increases. Absent.

The processing of the vending machine 11 and the like in this embodiment may be realized by software. Then, this software may be distributed by software download or the like. Further, this software may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and disseminated. This also applies to other embodiments herein. The software that realizes the vending machine 11 in this embodiment is the following program. That is, in this program, the computer has an instruction receiving unit that receives instructions for one or more referents corresponding to internal products and one or more referents corresponding to external products, and an internal to the referents received by the referents. It is a program for functioning as an internal settlement unit that performs internal settlement processing for product sales and an external settlement unit that performs external payment processing for sales of external products to the referent received by the referent.

(Embodiment 2)
The difference between the present embodiment and the first embodiment is that the payment terminal performs the payment processing for the sale of the external product. Further, the difference between the present embodiment and the first embodiment is that the vending machine does not have to have a referent for purchasing an external product.

In the present embodiment, a product sales system including a vending machine, an accessory storage, and a payment terminal will be described. The payment terminal is a payment terminal installed in a vending machine, and is a terminal capable of making payments for external products that are products other than the products in the vending machine.

In the present embodiment, a product sales system including a payment terminal provided with means for transmitting product information regarding purchased products will be described.

In the present embodiment, a product sales system including a payment terminal whose destination is different between an internal product which is a product in a vending machine and an external product will be described.

In the present embodiment, a product sales system including a payment terminal in which destination information is managed in association with each of the internal product and the external product of the vending machine will be described.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of the product sales system B according to the present embodiment. The merchandise sales system B includes one or more merchandise stores 3 and one or more server devices 2. The product storage 3 includes a vending machine 31, an accessory product storage 12, and a payment terminal 33.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the product sales system B according to the present embodiment. The vending machine 31 constituting the product storage 3 constituting the product sales system B includes a referent 111, an instruction receiving unit 112, and a settlement unit 313. The vending machine 31 may be the same as the vending machine 11. In addition, the settlement unit 313 includes an internal settlement unit 1131.

The payment terminal 33 includes a destination identifier storage unit 331 and a payment unit 332. The settlement unit 332 includes a product identifier receiving means 3321 and a settlement processing means 3322.

The vending machine 31 is, for example, a known vending machine. The vending machine 31 discharges the internal product corresponding to the referent 111 from the inside of the vending machine 31 in response to the insertion of cash and the reception of the instruction to the referent 111, for example. The vending machine 31 discharges the internal product corresponding to the referent 111 from the inside of the vending machine 31 in response to communication with the electronic money card and acceptance of the instruction to the referent 111, for example.

The destination identifier storage unit 331 that constitutes the payment terminal 33 stores the destination identifier corresponding to the product identifier. The destination identifier is information that identifies the destination of information such as product information. The destination identifier is, for example, the IP address, e-mail address, telephone number, or the like of the server device of the destination. The destination identifier storage unit 331 stores, for example, a destination identifier corresponding to an external product identifier or an internal product identifier. The number of product identifiers corresponding to one destination identifier may be one, but may be two or more. Here, the response may be a direct response or an indirect response.

The settlement unit 313 receives the external product identifier that identifies the external product, and performs the settlement process for the settlement of the external product corresponding to the external product identifier.

The product identifier receiving means 3321 accepts an external product identifier. The method of accepting external product identifiers does not matter. The product identifier receiving means 3321 may be realized by a code reader that reads a code displayed on an external product. The product identifier receiving means 3321 may be composed of a receiving module that receives an external product identifier. The external product identifier is information for identifying an external product that is a product other than the internal product stored in the vending machine 31 included in the product storage 3. The code is, for example, a two-dimensional code. The code is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark), a barcode, or the like. However, it goes without saying that the code can be anything.

The product identifier receiving means 3321 may receive external product information including the external product identifier. The external merchandise information includes, for example, the quantity sold. The external product information includes, for example, a device identifier. The external product information may be only the external product identifier.

The product identifier receiving means 3321 may also accept internal product information including an internal product identifier that identifies the internal product. The product identifier receiving means 3321 acquires, for example, a product identifier corresponding to the instructed referent 111 from the vending machine 31.

The payment processing means 3322 performs payment processing for payment of the external product corresponding to the external product identifier received by the external product identifier receiving means 3321. The payment process may be any process related to payment. The payment process is, for example, to send the sold product identifier, send the amount of money or the user identifier to the server device 2 or the payment server (not shown), write the reduction information to the electronic money card, and withdraw the purchase amount. The purchase amount and the ID of the electronic money card are transmitted to the server device 2 or the payment server (not shown). The user identifier is, for example, an identifier obtained from an electronic money card or a credit card by a reader (not shown) installed in the vending machine 11.

The payment processing means 3322 transmits, for example, external product information. The payment processing means 3322 transmits, for example, external product information to a payment server for withdrawing the purchase amount.

The payment processing means 3322 may also transmit the internal product information received by the department product identifier receiving means 3321. That is, the payment terminal 33 may perform the payment processing for the sale of the internal product.

The payment processing means 3322 acquires the external product identifier of the sold product or the destination identifier corresponding to the internal product identifier from the destination identifier storage unit 331, and external product information is sent to the destination specified by the destination identifier. Or send internal product information.

The destination identifier storage unit 331 is preferably a non-volatile recording medium, but can also be realized by a volatile recording medium.

The process in which the information is stored in the destination identifier storage unit 331 does not matter. For example, the information may be stored in the destination identifier storage unit 331 via the recording medium, and the information transmitted via the communication line or the like may be stored in the destination identifier storage unit 331. Alternatively, the information input via the input device may be stored in the destination identifier storage unit 331.

The settlement unit 313 and the settlement processing means 3322 can usually be realized from an MPU, a memory, or the like. The processing procedure of the payment unit 313 or the like is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded in a recording medium such as ROM. However, it may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

The settlement unit 313 and the settlement processing means 3322 may be realized by communication means.

The product identifier receiving means 3321 is realized by, for example, a code reader, a communication means, or the like.

Next, an operation example of the payment terminal 33 constituting the product sales system B will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Step S901) The product identifier receiving means 3321 determines whether or not the product identifier has been received. If the product identifier is accepted, the process goes to step S902, and if the product identifier is not accepted, the process goes to step S911.

(Step S902) The payment processing means 3322 acquires the product identifier received in step S901.

(Step S903) The payment processing means 3322 acquires an amount paired with the product identifier acquired in step S902 from a storage unit (not shown). Then, the settlement unit 113 uses the amount of money to determine whether or not settlement is possible. If payment is possible, the process goes to step S904, and if payment is not possible, the process goes to step S909. The payment processing means 3322 determines whether or not payment is possible by using, for example, the card information temporarily stored in step S912 (for example, the amount of money stored in the electronic money card).

(Step S904) The payment processing means 3322 determines whether or not the product identifier acquired in step S902 is an external product. If it is an external product, it goes to step S906, and if it is an internal product, it goes to step S905. In addition, the settlement processing means 3322 determines whether or not it is an external product, for example, depending on whether or not there is a product identifier acquired in step S902 or a flag indicating an external product corresponding to the instructed referent 111. to decide. In addition, the algorithm of the judgment processing here does not matter.

(Step S905) The payment processing means 3322 instructs the vending machine 31 to discharge the internal product identified by the product identifier acquired in step S902 from the inside of the vending machine 31 (not shown). In addition, according to the instruction to the vending machine 31, the internal product is discharged from the inside of the vending machine 31.

(Step S906) The payment processing means 3322 performs payment processing. The settlement process is, for example, a process of moving the cash inserted by the user to a cash vending machine (not shown) in the vending machine 11, or a settlement process using an electronic money card, a cash card, or the like. It should be noted that such payment processing is a known technique.

(Step S907) The payment processing means 3322 acquires the product information including the product identifier acquired in step S902. The payment processing means 3322 acquires, for example, a device identifier stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the payment terminal 33, and constitutes product information including the device identifier and the product identifier.

(Step S908) The payment processing means 3322 acquires a destination identifier corresponding to the product identifier from the destination identifier storage unit 331. Then, the payment processing means 3322 transmits the product information acquired in step S907 to the server device 2 identified by the destination identifier. Return to step S901.

(Step S909) The payment processing means 3322 determines whether or not a time-out has occurred. If it is timed out, it goes to step S910, and if it is not timed out, it returns to step S903.

(Step S910) The payment processing means 3322 performs error processing. Return to step S901. The error processing includes, for example, a process of outputting an error message, a process of discharging cash inserted into a cash discharge port (not shown) of the vending machine 31, and the like.

(Step S911) The payment terminal 33 determines whether or not the information of the card (for example, an electronic money card or a credit card) has been acquired. If the information is acquired, the process goes to step S912, and if the information is not acquired, the process returns to step S901.

(Step S912) The payment terminal 33 temporarily stores the card information acquired in step S911 in a storage unit (not shown) of the payment terminal 33. Return to step S901.

In the flowchart of FIG. 9, the process ends when the power is turned off or an interrupt for the end of the process occurs.

Hereinafter, the specific operation of the product sales system B in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

10 and 11 are examples of the merchandise store 3. The vending machine 31 of the merchandise store 3 is a beverage vending machine here. In addition, a plurality of types of external products such as snacks and cup noodles are arranged in the accessory storage 12.

Now, it is assumed that the user selects cup noodles from a plurality of types of external products in the accessory store 12 and takes out the cup noodles from the accessory store 12. Next, the user touches a predetermined area (here, for example, a liquid crystal screen) of the payment terminal 33 (step 1 in FIG. 12). Then, the operation of the payment terminal 33 can be started.

Next, the user brings the code (here, the barcode) printed on the surface of the cup noodles closer to the reader included in the payment terminal 33, and causes the reader to read the code (step 2 in FIG. 12). Then, the product identifier receiving means 3321 of the payment terminal 33 reads the code and acquires the product identifier corresponding to the code. Then, the payment terminal 33 outputs a payment method selection screen stored in a storage unit (not shown).

Next, the user selects a payment method (step 3 in FIG. 12). Here, for example, it is assumed that the user has instructed the menu item "traffic".

Next, the user causes the payment terminal 33 to read the transportation electronic money card. Next, the settlement processing means 3322 acquires the amount of money paired with the acquired product identifier from a storage unit (not shown).

Next, it is assumed that the user holds the electronic money card over the vending machine 11 and performs an operation for payment. Next, it is assumed that the settlement unit 113 determines that settlement is possible using the amount. Then, the payment processing means 3322 performs the payment processing. The payment process is, for example, a known payment process using an electronic money card.

Next, the payment processing means 3322 determines that the product identifier acquired in step S902 is an external product.

Next, the payment processing means 3322 acquires the product information including the acquired product identifier. The payment processing means 3322 acquires, for example, a device identifier stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the payment terminal 33, and constitutes product information including the device identifier and the product identifier. Next, the payment processing means 3322 transmits the product information to the server device 2.

Next, the server receiving unit 22 of the server device 2 receives the product information from the payment terminal 33. Next, the server processing unit 23 stores the received product information in the server storage unit 21.

The server processing unit 23 performs predetermined statistical processing on one or more product information stored in the server storage unit 21 including the device identifier for each device identifier, and statistics are obtained. Get the processing result. Then, for example, the server transmission unit 24 transmits the statistical processing result to a device (not shown).

Next, it is assumed that the user presses the referent 111 (a) corresponding to the beverage in order to purchase the beverage that is considered to match the purchased cup noodles. Next, it is assumed that the user inserts cash or holds a card such as an electronic money card or a credit card over the vending machine 11 to perform an operation for payment.

In the above specific example, it is possible to provide a merchandise store in which a beverage in the vending machine 31 and a light meal (for example, cup noodles, bread, etc.) arranged in the accessory merchandise store 12 can be easily sold unattended as a set.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the products in the vending machine 31, it is possible to provide a product storage capable of unmanned sales of products in the accessory storage 12 different from the vending machine 31.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the product in the vending machine 31 and the product in the accessory storage 12 can be settled by different payment processes.

Further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a payment terminal that performs payment processing for an external product. Further, it is not necessary for the vending machine 31 to handle the external product by the payment terminal, and the vending machine 31 can be improved or changed less.

Further, according to the present embodiment, information regarding the sale of external products can be transmitted.

Further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to notify different destinations of information on sales depending on whether the sold product is an internal product or an external product.

Further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to notify different destinations of information on sales depending on the products sold.

Further, according to the present embodiment, an external product can be arranged, and an accessory storehouse used in combination with the vending machine can be provided.

The software that realizes the payment terminal 33 in this embodiment is the following program. That is, this program uses the computer as a product identifier receiving means for receiving an external product identifier that identifies an external product that is a product other than the internal product stored in the vending machine provided in the product storage, and the external product. This is a program for functioning as a payment processing means for performing payment processing for payment of an external product corresponding to the external product identifier received by the identifier receiving means.

In addition, FIG. 13 shows the appearance of a computer that executes the program described in the present specification to realize the vending machine, the server device, and the payment terminal of the various embodiments described above. The embodiments described above may be implemented in computer hardware and computer programs running on it. FIG. 13 is an overview view of the computer system 300, and FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the system 300.

In FIG. 13, the computer system 300 includes a computer 301 including a CD-ROM drive, a keyboard 302, a mouse 303, and a monitor 304.

In FIG. 14, in addition to the CD-ROM drive 3012, the computer 301 is connected to the MPU 3013, the bus 3014 connected to the CD-ROM drive 3012, the ROM 3015 for storing a program such as a bootup program, and the MPU 3013. It includes a RAM 3016 that is connected to temporarily store application program instructions and provide a temporary storage space, and a hard disk 3017 for storing application programs, system programs, and data. Although not shown here, the computer 301 may further include a network card that provides a connection to the LAN.

The program for causing the computer system 300 to execute the functions of the vending machine and the like according to the above-described embodiment may be stored in the CD-ROM 3101, inserted into the CD-ROM drive 3012, and further transferred to the hard disk 3017. Alternatively, the program may be transmitted to the computer 301 via a network (not shown) and stored on the hard disk 3017. The program is loaded into RAM 3016 at run time. The program may be loaded directly from the CD-ROM3101 or network.

The program does not necessarily include an operating system (OS) that causes the computer 301 to execute functions such as the vending machine of the above-described embodiment, or a third-party program or the like. The program need only include a portion of the instruction that calls the appropriate function (module) in a controlled manner to obtain the desired result. It is well known how the computer system 300 works, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the above program, in the step of transmitting information and the step of receiving information, processing performed by hardware, for example, processing performed by a modem or interface card in the transmission step (performed only by hardware). Processing) is not included.

Further, the number of computers that execute the above program may be singular or plural. That is, centralized processing may be performed, or distributed processing may be performed.

Further, it goes without saying that in each of the above embodiments, the two or more communication means existing in one device may be physically realized by one medium.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, each process may be realized by centralized processing by a single device, or may be realized by distributed processing by a plurality of devices.

It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention.

As described above, the merchandise store according to the present invention includes a merchandise store in which, in addition to the products in the vending machine, products in the accessory storehouse, which is a merchandise store different from the vending machine, can be sold unattended. It has the effect of being able to provide it, and is useful as a merchandise store installed in companies.

1, 3 merchandise store 2 server equipment 11, 31 vending machine 12 attached merchandise store 21 server storage unit 22 server receiving unit 23 server processing unit 24 server transmitting unit 33 payment terminal 111 instruction target 112 instruction receiving unit 113, 313, 332 payment Department 114 Product outlet 331 Destination identifier storage unit 1131 Internal payment unit 1132 External payment unit 3321 External product identifier receiving means 3321 Department Product identifier receiving means 3321 Product identifier receiving means 3322 Payment processing means

The settlement unit 332 receives the external product identifier that identifies the external product, and performs the payment processing for the settlement of the external product corresponding to the external product identifier.

Claims (12)

Vending machines that sell one or more internal products that are products,
An accessory storehouse that stores at least one or more items,
A merchandise store that includes an internal settlement process for settlement of sales of the internal merchandise and an external settlement process for settlement of the sale of merchandise stored in the ancillary merchandise store. The settlement unit
The internal payment unit that performs the internal payment processing and
It is equipped with an external payment unit that performs the external payment processing.
The merchandise store according to claim 1, wherein the internal settlement process and the external settlement process include the same process. The vending machine
It includes one or more referents corresponding to the internal product and one or more referents corresponding to the external product.
Further provided with an instruction receiving unit for receiving instructions for the referent,
The internal settlement unit
Performs internal settlement processing for the sale of internal products to the referent received by the referent.
The external payment unit
The merchandise store according to claim 2, wherein an external settlement process is performed for the sale of an external product to the referent received by the referent. The settlement unit
The internal payment unit that performs the internal payment processing and
It is equipped with an external payment unit that performs the external payment processing.
The merchandise store according to claim 1, which is a process different from the internal settlement process and the external settlement process. The external payment unit
An external product identifier receiving means that accepts an external product identifier that identifies the external product,
The merchandise store according to claim 4, further comprising an external settlement processing means for performing settlement processing for settlement of an external product corresponding to the external product identifier received by the external product identifier receiving means. It is a payment terminal that is used for payment processing and is installed in the product storage that stores products.
A product identifier receiving means that accepts an external product identifier that identifies an external product that is a product other than the internal product stored in the vending machine provided in the product storage.
A payment terminal including a payment processing means for performing payment processing for payment of an external product corresponding to the external product identifier received by the external product identifier receiving means. The product identifier receiving means is
Accepts external product information including the external product identifier,
The payment processing means
The payment terminal according to claim 6, which transmits the external product information. The product identifier receiving means is
It also accepts internal product information that includes an internal product identifier that identifies the internal product.
The payment processing means
The internal product information received by the internal product identifier receiving means is also transmitted,
The payment terminal according to claim 7, wherein the destination of the external product information and the destination of the internal product information are different. It further includes a destination identifier storage unit that stores a destination identifier that identifies two or more destinations corresponding to the external product identifier or the internal product identifier.
The payment processing means
Claim 7 or claim 7 or which acquires the destination identifier corresponding to the external product identifier or the internal product identifier of the sold product and transmits the external product information or the internal product information to the destination specified by the destination identifier. The payment terminal according to claim 8. An accessory storehouse constituting the storehouse according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Computer,
An instruction reception unit that receives instructions for one or more referents corresponding to internal products and one or more referents corresponding to external products.
An internal settlement unit that performs internal settlement processing for the sale of internal products to the referent received by the instruction reception unit,
A program for functioning as an external payment unit that performs external payment processing for the sale of external products to the referent received by the instruction reception unit. An instruction receiving step for receiving instructions for one or more referents corresponding to internal products placed in a vending machine and one or more referents corresponding to external products placed in an accessory storehouse.
An internal settlement step that performs internal settlement processing for the sale of internal products to the referent received in the instruction acceptance step, and an internal settlement step.
A sales method including an external settlement step for performing an external settlement process for selling an external product to an instruction target received in the instruction acceptance step.

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