JP2021099636A - Providing apparatus, management apparatus, providing system, providing method, and providing program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a providing apparatus, a management apparatus, a providing system, a providing method, and a providing program for providing an absorbent article in a situation where a customer does not have the absorbent article when going out and needs the absorbent article.SOLUTION: A providing apparatus 10 in a providing system 1 comprises: a discharge unit 104 that is capable of discharging absorbent articles to outside from a storage unit 103 for accommodating at least one absorbent article; an acquisition unit 111 that acquires user information for identifying a user; and a providing control unit 112 that causes the discharge unit 104 to discharge at least one absorbent article according to the determination of whether to provide the absorbent article based on the user information when the acquisition unit 111 acquires the user information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present application relates to a providing device, a management device, a providing system, a providing method, and a providing program.

In vending machines that provide absorbent articles, there is known a technique for providing a vending machine that allows an individual to correctly select from various absorbent articles having different characteristics (see, for example, Patent Document 1). With this technique, at least 2 based on information about the consumer's body size, menstrual cycle, product preference, bleeding volume, panty size, or product thickness and product length applied. Select one women's hygiene product from different types of women's hygiene products and provide consumers with information about the selected women's hygiene products.

JP-A-2002-177105

By the way, since consumers do not always carry absorbent articles with them when they go out, they may need absorbent articles at unexpected timings. However, Patent Document 1 described above merely provides information on an absorbent article suitable for consumers. For this reason, consumers have longed for a technology that allows them to enjoy absorbent articles in situations where they do not have them when they go out and need them.

The present application has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present application is to provide an absorbent article in a situation where the consumer does not have the absorbent article when going out and needs the absorbent article. To do.

The providing device according to the present application is a providing device capable of providing an absorbent article, a providing device capable of providing an absorbent article, and the absorbent article from a storage unit accommodating at least one of the absorbent articles. Provided with an discharge unit capable of discharging to the outside, an acquisition unit for acquiring user information that identifies a user, and an absorbent article based on the user information when the acquisition unit acquires the user information. The discharge unit is provided with a control unit that discharges at least one of the absorbent articles according to the determination of whether or not to do so.

The management device according to the present application receives user information that identifies a user from a communication unit capable of communicating with each of a plurality of providing devices that provide absorbent articles, and from any one of the plurality of providing devices. In this case, it is determined whether to provide the absorbent article based on the user information to the providing device that has transmitted the user information, and the user information is transmitted according to the determined determination result. The providing device includes a control unit for discharging at least one of the absorbent articles.

The providing system according to the present application is a providing system including a plurality of providing devices capable of providing absorbable articles and a management device for managing each of the plurality of providing devices, and the providing device is at least said absorbable. A discharge unit capable of discharging the absorbent article to the outside from a storage unit accommodating one article, an acquisition unit for acquiring user information for identifying a user, and a case where the acquisition unit acquires the user information. A first control unit that causes the discharge unit to discharge at least one absorbable article according to the determination by the management device as to whether to provide the absorbable article based on the user information. When the management device receives the user information from any one of the plurality of providing devices, the management device determines whether to provide the absorbent article based on the user information, and according to the determined determination result. The providing device that has transmitted the user information is provided with a second control unit that discharges at least one of the absorbent articles.

According to one aspect of the embodiment, the absorbent article can be provided in a situation where the consumer does not have the absorbent article when going out and needs the absorbent article.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a flow of providing absorbent articles in the providing system according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the provision system 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a user information database. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the device information database. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of the providing method executed by the providing device. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of the management method executed by the management device. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of the flow of providing the absorbent article in the providing system according to the second modification of the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the provision system according to the second modification of the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of the flow of providing the absorbent article in the providing system according to the modified example 4 of the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the provision system according to the modified example 4 of the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the provision system according to the modified example 6 of the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration.

The description of this specification and the accompanying drawings will clarify at least the following matters.

Acquiring user information that identifies a user as a providing device capable of providing an absorbent article and capable of discharging the absorbent article to the outside from an accommodating portion accommodating at least one absorbent article. And when the acquisition unit acquires the user information, at least one of the absorbable articles is provided in the discharge unit according to the determination of whether to provide the absorbable article based on the user information. A providing device including a control unit for discharging.

According to such a providing device, when the user information is acquired, at least one absorbent article is discharged according to the determination of whether to provide the absorbent article based on the user information, so that the consumer goes out. Absorbent articles can sometimes be provided in situations where they do not have the absorbent articles and need them.

Further, the above-mentioned providing device further includes a communication unit that transmits the user information acquired by the acquisition unit to the management device, and the control unit is the use that the management device determines based on the user information. Depending on the determination result of whether to provide the absorbent article to a person, the discharging unit is made to discharge at least one absorbent article.

According to such a providing device, the absorbent article can be provided in a situation where the consumer does not have the absorbent article when going out and needs the absorbent article.

Further, the above-mentioned providing device further includes an output unit capable of outputting information, and the control unit has elapsed a predetermined time since the last time the absorbent article was provided to the user determined by the management device. Depending on the determination result, the output unit is made to output the information that the absorbent article cannot be provided.

According to such a providing device, since the control unit outputs information to the output unit that the absorbent article cannot be provided, it is intuitively understood that the consumer cannot receive the absorbent article. can do.

Further, in the above-mentioned providing device, the control unit responds to a determination result of reaching the number of times that the absorbent article can be provided to the user determined by the management device within a predetermined period. , Information indicating that the provision of the absorbent article has reached a predetermined number of times within the predetermined period is output to the output unit.

According to such a providing device, since the control unit outputs information to the output unit that the absorbent article cannot be provided, it is intuitively understood that the consumer cannot receive the absorbent article. can do.

Further, the above-mentioned providing device further includes a first detecting unit for detecting the number of stocks of the absorbent articles accommodated by the accommodating unit, and the control unit is a facility in which the management device and the providing device are arranged. The stock quantity is transmitted to the communication unit for at least one of the devices of the above.

According to such a providing device, the control device causes at least one of the management device and the device of the facility in which the providing device is arranged to transmit the stock quantity of the absorbent article accommodated by the accommodating unit to the communication unit. At least one manager of the facility where the providing equipment is arranged or the management equipment can grasp the inventory quantity of the providing equipment.

Further, the above-mentioned providing device includes a second detecting unit that detects the acceleration generated in the providing device, and
Further including an alarm unit capable of outputting an alarm, the control unit determines whether the acceleration detected by the second detection unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, and when the acceleration is equal to or higher than the predetermined value. , The alarm unit is made to output an alarm.

According to such a providing device, when the acceleration detected by the second detecting unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the control unit outputs an alarm to the alarm unit, so that the theft of the providing device can be prevented.

Further, in the above-mentioned providing device, the accommodating portion accommodates the absorbent articles of different types from each other.

According to such a providing device, it is possible to provide an absorbent article corresponding to a plurality of consumers.

In addition, the above-mentioned absorbent article may be any of sanitary napkins, panty liners, tampons, disposable diapers, urine absorbing pads, incontinence pads, diapers for pets and the like.

According to such a providing device, it is possible to provide an absorbent article corresponding to a plurality of consumers.

Further, the above-mentioned providing device further includes a reading unit capable of reading a two-dimensional code, the user information is the two-dimensional code, and the acquisition unit reads the two-dimensional code read by the reading unit. Acquired as the user information.

According to such a providing device, user information can be acquired with a simple configuration by further providing a reading unit capable of reading a two-dimensional code.

Further, when the management device receives the user information that identifies the user from the communication unit capable of communicating with each of the plurality of providing devices that provide the absorbent articles and any one of the plurality of providing devices. It is determined whether to provide the absorbent article based on the user information to the providing device that has transmitted the user information, and the user information is transmitted according to the determined determination result. The providing device includes a control unit for discharging at least one of the absorbent articles.

According to such a management device, the control unit causes the providing device to which the user information is transmitted to transmit the permission information for permitting the provision of the absorbent article to the communication unit, so that the consumer can use the absorbent article when going out. It is possible to provide an absorbent article in a situation where the user does not have the absorbent article and needs the absorbent article.

In addition, the above-mentioned management device records user information data indicating a usage status in which the plurality of user information and the provision time when each of the plurality of providing devices provided the absorbent article are associated with each other. The control unit includes a recording unit and a time measuring unit having a time measuring function, and the control unit is provided by the user based on the time when the user information is received and the user information data. It is determined whether a predetermined time has passed since the absorbent article was provided from any one of the above, and if it is determined that the predetermined time has passed, the providing device that has transmitted the user information When it is determined that the predetermined time has not passed while at least one of the absorbent articles is discharged, it indicates that the predetermined time has not passed to the providing device that has transmitted the user information. Output information.

According to such a management device, when the control unit determines that the predetermined time has elapsed for the providing device that has transmitted the user information, at least one of the absorbent articles is discharged, and the predetermined time elapses. If it is determined that the user information has not been provided, the providing device that has transmitted the user information is made to output information indicating that the predetermined time has not passed, so that the predetermined time has passed since the time when the absorbent article was last provided. It is possible to prevent the provision of absorbent goods to non-consumers.

Further, in the above-mentioned management device, the user information data includes a plurality of the user information and the number of the absorbent articles provided to the user associated with the user information within a predetermined period. Further associated and recorded, the control unit determines whether the number of provisions is within the predetermined number of times that can be provided within the predetermined period, and if it is determined that the number is within the predetermined number of times, the user information is stored. When it is determined that the transmitting device is not within the predetermined number of times while at least one of the absorbent articles is discharged, the providing device that has transmitted the user information is discharged within the predetermined period. Information indicating that the provision of the absorbent article has reached a predetermined number of times is output.

According to such a management device, when the control unit determines that the number of provided absorbent articles is within the predetermined number of times within a predetermined period, the permission is given to the providing device that has transmitted the user information. When it is determined that the number of provided absorbent articles is not within the predetermined number of times while the information is transmitted to the communication unit, the absorbent article that has provided the user information is sent to the providing device that has transmitted the user information within the predetermined period. Since the communication unit is made to transmit the arrival information indicating that the provision of the product has reached a predetermined number of times, it is possible to prevent the consumer who has reached the number of times that the provision can be provided within the predetermined period from providing the absorbent article.

Further, the management device described above is based on the user information data and device information including identification information for each of the plurality of providing devices and installation information indicating the installation location of each of the plurality of providing devices. The control unit further includes a generation unit that generates inventory information indicating the inventory information of each of the plurality of providing devices, and the control unit is arranged with the plurality of providing devices that generate the inventory information generated by the generation unit. Send to facility equipment.

According to such a management device, the control unit transmits the inventory information generated by the generation unit to the devices of the facility where the plurality of providing devices are arranged, so that the user of the facility side has the real-time inventory of each providing device. You can grasp the situation.

Further, in the above-mentioned management device, the control unit includes request information for requesting the provision of the absorbent article from the terminal device used by the user, and position information indicating the position of the terminal device from the terminal device. Is received by the communication unit, based on the position information and the inventory information, the position information of the providing device capable of providing the absorbent article at the current position of the terminal device is provided to the terminal device. The including map information is transmitted to the communication unit.

According to such a management device, map information including the position information of the providing device capable of providing the terminal device with the absorbent article at the current position of the terminal device based on the position information and the inventory information by the control unit. Is transmitted to the communication unit, so that the consumer can intuitively grasp the place where the absorbent goods can be provided.

Further, the providing system is a providing system including a plurality of providing devices capable of providing an absorbent article and a management device for managing each of the plurality of providing devices, and the providing device is at least the absorbent article. A discharge unit capable of discharging the absorbent article to the outside from a storage unit accommodating one of the above, an acquisition unit for acquiring user information for identifying a user, and a case where the acquisition unit acquires the user information. The management device includes a first control unit that discharges at least one absorbable article from the discharge unit according to the determination of whether to provide the absorbable article based on the user information. When the device receives the user information from any one of the plurality of providing devices, the device determines whether to provide the absorbent article based on the user information, and depending on the determined determination result, determines whether to provide the absorbent article. The providing device that has transmitted the user information includes a second control unit that discharges at least one of the absorbent articles.

According to such a providing system, the absorbent article can be provided in a situation where the consumer does not have the absorbent article when going out and needs the absorbent article.

Further, the providing method is a providing method executed by a providing device capable of providing the absorbent article, and when the user information that identifies the user is acquired and the user information is acquired, the user information is used. At least one of the absorbent articles is ejected, depending on the determination of whether to provide the absorbent article based on.

According to such a providing method, the absorbent article can be provided in a situation where the consumer does not have the absorbent article when going out and needs the absorbent article.

Further, the providing program is a providing program to be executed by a computer provided in the providing device capable of providing the absorbent article, and when the user information for identifying the user is acquired and the user information is acquired, the use is described. At least one of the absorbent articles is discharged according to the determination of whether to provide the absorbent article based on the person's information.

According to such a provision program, the absorbent article can be provided in a situation where the consumer does not have the absorbent article when going out and needs the absorbent article.

Hereinafter, an example of a providing device, a management device, a providing system, a providing method, and a mode for implementing the program (hereinafter, referred to as “the embodiment”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that this embodiment does not limit the providing device, the management device, the providing system, the providing method, and the providing program. Further, in the following embodiments, the same parts will be designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

[Embodiment]
[1. Flow of provision of absorbent goods in the delivery system]
First, an example of the flow of providing the absorbent article in the providing system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a flow of providing absorbent articles in the providing system according to the embodiment.

The providing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a system for providing an absorbent article in a situation where the user U1 does not have the absorbent article when going out and needs the absorbent article. Here, examples of the absorbent article include sanitary napkins, panty liners, tampons, disposable diapers, urine absorbing pads, incontinence pads, and diapers for pets. Further, the absorbent articles include different types from each other. For example, sanitary napkins include multiple types that differ in thickness, length, and absorption.

The user U1 shown in FIG. 1 is a contractor or a registrant who uses the service for providing absorbent goods. In this provided service, the absorbent article is provided from the providing device 10 installed in the toilet or the like of a public facility in a situation where the user U1 does not have the absorbent article when going out and needs the absorbent article. It is a service to be done.

The providing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a management capable of bidirectionally communicating with the providing device 10 for providing the absorbent article, the terminal device 20 used by the user U1, and the providing device 10 or the terminal device 20 via a network. The device 30 includes a store device 40 capable of bidirectionally communicating with the providing device 10 and the management device 30 via a network.

In addition, in FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, one user U1 (one use) among a plurality of users U1 (a plurality of terminal devices 20 each used by the plurality of users U1) who use the provided service. Only one terminal device 20) used by the person U1 is shown. Further, in FIG. 1, the providing device 10 is arranged in a plurality of public facilities, for example, toilets such as schools, department stores, stations, amusement parks and museums, sanitary spaces, baby rooms and nursing rooms, respectively, for convenience of explanation. However, only one providing device 10 is illustrated. Furthermore, in FIG. 1, the store device 40 is arranged in a plurality of public facilities and stores for convenience of explanation, but only one store device 40 is illustrated.

As shown in FIG. 1, first, the user U1 launches the provided service application (hereinafter, referred to as “provided service application”) registered in the provided service in advance in the terminal device 20 (step S1). Here, the provided service application includes personal information for identifying the user U1, information on the provided service, menstrual day management, and first menstrual content. Here, the personal information includes the date of birth of the user U1, the menstrual cycle, the user ID (user ID), the password, and the like.

Subsequently, when the user U1 does not have the absorbent article when going out and needs the absorbent article, the user U1 absorbs it from the providing device 10 in the providing service application displayed on the display monitor of the terminal device 20. An operation for enjoying the provision of sex goods is performed (step S2). For example, the user U1 selects an operation icon for enjoying the provision of the absorbent article on the operation screen of the provided service application displayed on the display monitor of the terminal device 20.

After that, the terminal device 20 generates user information for enjoying the provision of the absorbent article from the providing device 10 (step S3), and displays the user information on the display monitor (step S4). User information regarding the user U1 is transmitted to the management device 30 (step S5). Specifically, the terminal device 20 generates a one-dimensional code (for example, a bar code) or a two-dimensional code (for example, a QR code (registered trademark)) as user information, and displays the one-dimensional code or the two-dimensional code. Display on the monitor. In this case, the terminal device 20 transmits the user information regarding the user U1 to the management device 30. Here, the user information includes terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device 20, personal information for identifying the user U1 (hereinafter referred to as "user ID"), a password, location information of the terminal device 20, and the like. .. Further, the user information may include the number of purchases of the absorbent goods of the user U1 and the number of years of continuous use of the absorbent goods of the user U1.

In FIG. 1, the terminal device 20 generates and displays the user information, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the management device 30 is, for example, the terminal identification information or the user transmitted from the terminal device 20. User information may be generated based on the ID, and the user information may be transmitted to the terminal device 20 to be displayed on the display monitor of the terminal device 20. Further, in FIG. 1, although the terminal device 20 generates a two-dimensional code as user information, it may be composed of numbers, characters, symbols, pictures, and the like.

Further, in FIG. 1, the terminal device 20 generates and displays the user information, but for example, even if the user information is attached or printed in advance on a paper medium such as a student ID card, a student notebook, or a coupon. Good. In this case, the user information does not necessarily have to be displayed. For example, an IC chip (for example, an IC tag, RFID, a non-contact IC card) for recording the user information is embedded in a student ID card or a student notebook. Just do it. Furthermore, the terminal device 20 may transmit the user information to the providing device 10 by wireless communication.

Subsequently, the user U1 causes a code reader provided in the providing device 10 to read the user information displayed by the display monitor of the terminal device 20 (step S6). In this case, the providing device 10 reads the user information displayed on the display monitor of the terminal device 20 presented by the user U1.

After that, the providing device 10 transmits the user information to the management device 30 (step S7). In this case, the providing device 10 may transmit the device information of the providing device 10 and the user information to the management device 30 together. Here, the device information includes at least device identification information (device ID and device IP address) for identifying the providing device 10 and time information when the providing device 10 reads the user information. Further, the device information may include installation location information indicating the installation location of the providing device 10 and type information indicating the type of the absorbent article housed in the providing device 10.

Subsequently, the management device 30 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous provision of the absorbent article based on the user information received from the providing device 10 (step S8), and per month. It is determined whether or not the number of times is within the predetermined number of times (step S9). Specifically, the management device 30 has a predetermined time, for example, 3 hours or more since the providing device 10 last provided the absorbent article to the user U1 based on the user information received from the providing device 10. Determine if it has passed. Further, the management device 30 determines whether or not the number of times of provision per month has reached a predetermined number of times, for example, three times for the user U1 based on the user information received from the providing device 10. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the user U1 from being provided with the absorbent article indefinitely.

After that, when the predetermined time has passed since the previous provision of the absorbent article and the predetermined number of times per month is within the predetermined number of times per month, the management device 30 provides the providing device 10 with permission information for permitting the provision of the absorbent article. Transmit (step S10). The management device 30 provides that when a predetermined time has not passed since the previous provision of the absorbent article, the predetermined time has not elapsed since the previous provision of the absorbent article to the user U1. Send to. Specifically, the management device 30 provides information indicating that a predetermined time has not passed since the last time the absorbent article was provided to the user U1, for example, information prohibiting the provision of the absorbent article. Send to 10. In this case, the management device 30 may transmit time information capable of providing the absorbent article to the user U1 to the providing device 10 or the terminal device 20. Further, even if a predetermined time has passed since the last time the absorbent article was provided, the management device 30 can provide the absorbent article when the number of times that it can be provided reaches the predetermined number of times per month. It is transmitted to the providing device 10 that the number of times that it can be provided is reached. Specifically, the management device 30 indicates that the number of times that the control device 30 can be provided has been reached, for example, information that prohibits the provision of absorbent articles or the number of times that the control device 30 can be provided per month. The indicated arrival information is transmitted to the providing device 10.

Subsequently, when the providing device 10 receives the permission information from the management device 30, the providing device 10 provides the absorbent article Q1 housed inside to the user U1 by discharging it to the outside (step S11). Therefore, the user U1 can obtain the absorbent article Q1 in a situation where he / she does not have the absorbent article Q1 when going out and needs the absorbent article Q1. This makes it possible to improve the royalties for the products and brands of the company that provides the providing device 10 of the user U1. Further, the royalty for the facility in which the providing device 10 is installed can be improved. As a result, the royalty of the user U1 increases. In addition, the providing device 10 does not elapse a predetermined time from the time when the absorbent article was previously provided to the user U1 according to the determination of whether or not to provide the absorbent article from the management device 30. Information indicating that the information may be displayed, or information indicating that the number of times that the service can be provided per month has reached a predetermined number of times may be displayed. Further, when the accommodating unit 103 does not contain the absorbent article (when the absorbent article is out of stock), the providing device 10 outputs information to the effect that the absorbent article is not in stock. Here, the timing at which the output unit 108 outputs the information that the absorbent article is out of stock is when the absorbent article accommodated in the accommodating unit 103 runs out (for example, it is absorbed by the sensor arranged in the accommodating unit 103). It may be the case where it is determined that there is no sex article, the case where the accommodating unit 103 itself is removed, etc.), or the case where the discharging unit 104 discharges the absorbent article contained in the accommodating unit 103 (providing device). 10 may receive a discharge instruction from the management device 30, or may operate the discharge unit 104 to discharge the absorbent article).

After that, the providing device 10 transmits inventory information and user information indicating the inventory status of the absorbent article to the store device 40 (step S12). In this case, the providing device 10 may transmit the device information to the store device 40 together with the inventory information and the user information.

Subsequently, the store device 40 uses the user ID, the remaining number and the number of each of the plurality of providing devices 10 arranged in the store, and the degree of replenishment based on the inventory information and the user information received from the providing device 10. Real-time information P1 indicating each is generated (step S13), and real-time information P1 is displayed (step S14). The real-time information P1 includes at least the location where each of the plurality of providing devices 10 is installed, the device ID, the remaining number of absorbent articles, the number of used absorbent articles, the information prompting the replenishment of the absorbent articles, and the absorbency for each date and time. Includes the number of goods consumed. Of course, the user ID may be included in the real-time information P1. As a result, the manager of the store device 40 can grasp each of the inventory status and the consumption status of the plurality of providing devices 10 in the store in real time. Further, the manager of the store device 40 can intuitively grasp the age of the user U1.

After that, the store device 40 transmits the real-time information P1 to the management device 30 (step S15).

Subsequently, the management device 30 records the real-time information received from each of the plurality of store devices 40 (step S16), and generates the user analysis information P2 based on the real-time information (step S17). The user analysis information P2 includes at least the user information (user ID), the age, the number of the absorbent articles provided, and the location of the providing device 10 that enjoys the provision of the absorbent articles. As a result, at the time of the actual event, the user U1 analyzes when and where the user U1 wants the absorbent article based on the plurality of real-time information P1 received from each of the plurality of store devices 40. In addition to being able to take measures in, it is possible to grasp the usage status of the user U1 who has registered the provided service application.

[2. Provision system configuration]
Next, the configuration of the providing system 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the provision system 1 according to the embodiment. The providing system 1 shown in FIG. 2 includes a providing device 10, a terminal device 20, a management device 30, and a store device 40.

The providing device 10 internally accommodates one or more absorbent articles, reads the user information displayed on the display monitor of the terminal device 20 of the user U1, and reads the read user information and the providing device 10. The device information related to the above is transmitted to the management device 30. The providing device 10 is configured by using a memory and hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Further, the providing device 10 includes a display monitor for displaying an image such as a code reader for reading user information, a detection sensor for detecting the weight or inventory of a plurality of absorbent articles housed therein, and a management device 30. It is configured by using a communication module for bidirectional communication, a security sensor for preventing theft, and the like. For example, the providing device 10 includes various mobile communication systems such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (Generation) including LET-Advanced, which is a kind of LET, and 5G, which will be standardized in the future, Wifi (registration). Communication is performed between the management device 30 and the store device 40 via a network N of any of various wireless communication networks such as a trademark) and a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) and various wired communication networks. The detailed configuration of the providing device 10 will be described later.

The terminal device 20 is used by the user U1 and is realized by a smart device such as a PC (Personal Computer), a smart television, a smartphone or a tablet. The terminal device 20 is a mobile terminal device capable of communicating with the management device 30 via the network N. Further, the terminal device 20 is a screen of an organic EL (Electro Luminescence), a liquid crystal display, or the like, and has a screen having a touch panel function. The terminal device 20 has a function capable of receiving various operations for the contents distributed from the management device 30, such as tap operation, slide operation, scroll operation, etc., from the user U1 with a finger, a stylus, or the like. The terminal device 20 is configured by using a memory and hardware such as a CPU.

The management device 30 manages the providing device 10 and the store device 40, and is realized by, for example, a server device or a cloud system. The management device 30 communicates with the providing device 10, the terminal device 20, and the store device 40 via the providing device 10 and the network N. The detailed configuration of the management device 30 will be described later.

The store device 40 manages each of the plurality of providing devices 10 arranged in the store, and is realized by, for example, a PC, a server device, a cloud system, or the like. The store device 40 is configured by using hardware such as a display monitor, a keyboard, a communication module, a memory, and a CPU. The store device 40 communicates with a plurality of providing devices 10 and management devices 30 arranged in the store via the network N.

[2-1: Functional configuration of the providing device]
Next, a detailed configuration of the providing device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The providing device 10 includes a communication unit 101, a reading unit 102, an accommodating unit 103, an discharging unit 104, a first detecting unit 105, a second detecting unit 106, an alarm unit 107, and an output unit 108. , A recording unit 109, and a control unit 110.

The communication unit 101 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits / receives information to / from the providing device 10. The communication unit 101 is realized by a communication circuit, a communication module, an antenna, and the like. In the embodiment, the communication unit 101 functions as the first communication unit.

The reading unit 102 reads the user information displayed on the display monitor of the terminal device 20, and outputs the read user information to the control unit 110. The reading unit 102 is realized by using a two-dimensional code reader, for example, a camera module composed of an image sensor such as a QR reader, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), and an optical system. The reading unit 102 can be appropriately changed according to the function of the terminal device 20. For example, when the terminal device 20 transmits user information to the terminal device 20 by wireless communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-. It may be realized by using a communication module such as Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark).

The accommodating section 103 accommodates one or more absorbent articles. The accommodating portion 103 has a tubular portion for accommodating an absorbent article. The accommodating portion 103 may be separate from the providing device 10, and is separable from the providing device 10 such as a cartridge and can be freely inserted and removed from a predetermined position of the providing device 10. It may be.

Under the control of the control unit 110, the discharge unit 104 discharges the absorbent article contained in the storage unit 103 to the outside. For example, the discharge unit 104 includes a door that can open and close the bottom of the tubular portion of the accommodating portion 103, an opening / closing operation of the door, and an absorbent article accommodated in the tubular portion of the accommodating unit 103 when the door is opened. Is realized by using a drive unit such as a motor for operating a mechanism (for example, a guide mechanism for guiding the absorbent article to a discharge port for discharging the absorbent article) for enabling a predetermined number of the absorbent articles to be taken out.

The first detection unit 105 detects the number of absorbent articles contained in the storage unit 103, and outputs the detection result to the control unit 110. The first detection unit 105 is realized by using, for example, a weight sensor, a pressure sensor, or the like.

The second detection unit 106 detects an external force applied to the providing device 10 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 110. Specifically, the second detection unit 106 detects the acceleration generated in the providing device 10 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 110. The second detection unit 106 is realized by using an acceleration sensor or the like. The second detection unit 106 may be realized by using any one sensor such as a GPS sensor, a vibration sensor, and a load sensor.

The alarm unit 107 outputs an alarm to the outside under the control of the control unit 110. The alarm unit 107 is realized by using an alarm, a speaker, or the like.

The output unit 108 outputs various information under the control of the control unit 110. For example, the output unit 108 displays and outputs various types of information, and is realized by using a speaker, a liquid crystal display, or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display panel. When the providing device 10 is arranged in a private space such as a toilet, the output unit 108 is more preferably output by display or the like than output of information by voice or the like. Therefore, the form of the output unit 108 is not limited to this, and for example, when it is realized by using an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp, the place, color, and blinking of the light (using blinking of the LED or the like, the LED lamp shines). It may be output by presenting information by the pattern of. Of course, when the output unit 108 is realized by a speaker or the like, it may be output by voice (including notification by a combination of volume, sound pattern, etc.). Further, when the output unit 108 is realized by a vibration sensor, a small motor, or the like, it may be output by vibration, a vibration pattern, or the like.

The recording unit 109 is realized by a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory (Flash Memory), or a hard disk, and various programs executed by the providing device 10 and data being processed are being processed. To record. Further, the recording unit 109 has a device information recording unit 109a that records device information including device identification information (device ID) for identifying the providing device 10 and installation location information indicating the installation location of the providing device 10. Here, the installation location information includes the name of the installation facility where the providing device 10 is installed, the installation location, the number of accommodated absorbent articles, and the type of the absorbent article.

The control unit 110 is realized by using both a memory and hardware such as a CPU, and comprehensively controls each unit constituting the providing device 10. The control unit 110 executes various programs by reading various programs recorded in the recording unit 109 into a memory and executing the various programs in the memory as a work area. The control unit 110 may be realized by using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like. Further, in the embodiment, the control unit 110 functions as a first control unit.

The control unit 110 includes an acquisition unit 111, a provision control unit 112, a determination unit 113, an output control unit 114, an alarm control unit 115, and a transmission control unit 116.

The acquisition unit 111 acquires the user information read by the reading unit 102. Specifically, the acquisition unit 111 acquires the user information included in the two-dimensional code read by the reading unit 102, for example, the QR code (registered trademark).

When the communication unit 101 receives the permission information from the management device 30, the provision control unit 112 causes the discharge unit 104 to discharge the absorbent article stored in the storage unit 103.

The determination unit 113 determines whether or not the acceleration detected by the second detection unit 106 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Specifically, the determination unit 113 is accelerated to such an extent that the acceleration detected by the second detection unit 106 is overturned by applying an external force to the providing device 10, or the providing device 10 is lifted by another person. It is determined whether or not the acceleration is equal to or higher than the generated degree of acceleration.

The output control unit 114 controls the output mode of the output unit 108. For example, when the output unit 108 can display and output, the output control unit 114 cannot provide the absorbent article to the user U1 when the communication unit 101 receives the prohibition information from the management device 30. Information, for example, "A predetermined time has not passed since the previous provision" is displayed on the output unit 108. Further, when the communication unit 101 receives the arrival information from the management device 30, the output control unit 114 indicates that the user U1 has reached the number of times that the absorbent article can be provided within a predetermined period. For example, the output unit 108 displays "The number of times that the information can be provided has been reached this month."

When the determination unit 113 determines that the acceleration detected by the second detection unit 106 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the alarm control unit 115 causes the alarm unit 107 to output an alarm. That is, when the acceleration is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the alarm control unit 115 estimates that the user U1 is trying to steal the providing device 10, and outputs an alarm such as a voice from the alarm unit 107, so that the providing device 10 Prevent theft. The alarm control unit 115 may transmit, for example, information indicating the date and time when the acceleration of a predetermined value or more is measured, the position where the providing device 10 is installed, and the like to the management device 30. Further, the providing device 10 notifies, for example, to the terminal device 20 used by the security officer who guards the facility where the providing device 10 is installed that the providing device 10 is likely to be stolen or destroyed. May be sent.

The transmission control unit 116 causes the communication unit 101 to transmit the user information acquired by the acquisition unit 111. In addition, the transmission control unit 116 transmits inventory information and user information indicating the inventory status of the absorbent article to the store device 40.

[2-2: Functional configuration of management device]
Next, the detailed configuration of the management device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. The management device 30 includes a communication unit 31, a timekeeping unit 32, a recording unit 33, and a control unit 34.

The communication unit 31 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits / receives information to / from the management device 30. The communication unit 31 is realized by a communication circuit, a communication module, an antenna, and the like. In the embodiment, the communication unit 31 functions as a second communication unit.

The timekeeping unit 32 is realized by using a clock generator, a timer, or the like having a timekeeping function, and adds date and time information to various information received by the communication unit 31.

The recording unit 33 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM, a ROM, or a flash memory, or a hard disk. The recording unit 33 has a user information database 331 and a device information database 332.

The user information database 331 records user information data indicating a usage status in which a plurality of user information is associated with a provision time in which each of the plurality of providing devices 10 has provided an absorbent article. Further, the user information database 331 further records a plurality of user information in association with the number of absorbable articles provided to the user U1 associated with the user information within a predetermined period. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the user information data D1 includes a user ID, a name, an age, a previous provision time indicating a time previously provided by each of the plurality of providing devices 10, and user information. This month, the number of times the information is provided to the user U1 (user ID) associated with is provided within a predetermined period, and the device ID (the place indicating the location of the providing device 10) is included. In the user information database 331, as user information, the purchase history of the absorbent goods of the user U1 (including the purchase history of the product, the place of purchase, etc.) and the usage status of the absorbent goods (information on the products used, etc.) (Including usage amount, preference about absorbent goods, troubles, etc.) and the information (personal information) that identifies the user U1 may be recorded or managed in association with each other. Further, when the number of absorbent articles that can be provided differs for each user U1, the user information database 331 records not only the number of times that the absorbent articles can be provided, but also the number of times that the absorbent articles can be provided, which indicates the upper limit that can be provided. Or you may manage it. Of course, it is not limited to the user information database 331, but in other information processing devices linked with the management device 30, the purchase history of the absorbable goods of the user U1 (including the purchase history of the product, the place of purchase, etc.) , The usage status of absorbent goods (including information on products used, usage amount, tastes related to absorbent goods, troubles, etc.) and information that identifies user U1 (personal information) are recorded or managed in association with each other. Alternatively, when the number of absorbent articles that can be provided differs for each user U1, not only the number of times that the absorbent articles can be provided but also the number of times that the absorbent articles can be provided, which indicates the upper limit that can be provided, are recorded or managed. May be good.

The device information database 332 records device identification information (device ID) for identifying a plurality of providing devices 10, installation facility, installation location, previous provision time, number of used absorbent articles, and device information data indicating the remaining number. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the device information data D2 includes the device ID, the installation facility, the installation location, the previous provision time, the number of absorbable articles used, and the remaining number.

The control unit 34 is realized by using both a memory and hardware such as a CPU, and controls each unit constituting the management device 30 in an integrated manner. The control unit 34 executes various programs by reading various programs recorded in the recording unit 33 into a memory and executing the various programs in the memory as a work area. The control unit 34 may be realized by using an ASIC, an FPGA, or the like. The control unit 34 includes a determination unit 341, a transmission control unit 342, and a generation unit 343. Further, the control unit 34 functions as a second communication unit in the embodiment.

In the determination unit 341, the user U1 is one of the plurality of providing devices 10 based on the time when the communication unit 31 receives the user information and the user information data recorded by the user information database 331. It is determined whether or not a predetermined time has passed, for example, 3 hours have passed since the absorbent article was provided from. Further, the determination unit 341 determines whether or not the user U1 is within a predetermined period, for example, within a predetermined number of times that can be provided per month.

The transmission control unit 342 transmits the determination result of the determination unit 341. Specifically, the transmission control unit 342 permits the providing device 10 that has transmitted the user information to provide the absorbent article according to the determination result determined by the determination unit 341 according to the user information. The permission information is transmitted to the communication unit 31. Specifically, when the transmission control unit 342 can provide the absorbent article based on the determination result of the determination unit 341, the transmission control unit 342 causes the communication unit 31 to transmit the permission information permitting the provision of the absorbent article. Further, when the determination unit 341 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the transmission control unit 342 transmits the prohibition information prohibiting the provision of the absorbent article to the providing device 10 that has transmitted the user information. Send to 31. Further, when the transmission control unit 342 determines that the number of times is not within the predetermined number of times by the determination unit 341, the transmission control unit 342 reaches the predetermined number of times the absorption article is provided to the providing device 10 that has transmitted the user information within the predetermined period. The communication unit 31 is made to transmit the arrival information indicating that.

The generation unit 343 generates inventory information indicating the inventory information of each of the plurality of providing devices based on the user information data recorded by the user information database 331 and the device information of each of the plurality of providing devices. ..

[3. Processing procedure of the provider]
Next, the processing of the providing method executed by the providing device 10 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of the providing method executed by the providing device 10.

As shown in FIG. 5, first, when the reading unit 102 reads the user information from the information displayed on the display monitor of the terminal device 20 (step S101: Yes), the acquisition unit 111 is read by the reading unit 102. Acquire user information (step S102).

Subsequently, the transmission control unit 116 causes the communication unit 101 to transmit the user information acquired by the acquisition unit 111 (step S103).

After that, when the communication unit 101 receives the permission information from the management device 30 (step S104: Yes), the provision control unit 112 causes the accommodating unit 103 to discharge the absorbent article (step S105).

Subsequently, the control unit 110 causes the communication unit 101 to transmit the inventory information and the user information toward the store device 40 (step S106).

After that, the determination unit 113 determines whether or not the acceleration detected by the second detection unit 106 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S110). When the determination unit 113 determines that the acceleration detected by the second detection unit 106 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (step S110: Yes), the alarm control unit 115 causes the alarm unit 107 to output an alarm (step S111). .. After step S111, the providing device 10 shifts to step S112, which will be described later. On the other hand, when the determination unit 113 determines that the acceleration detected by the second detection unit 106 is not equal to or higher than a predetermined value (step S110: No), the providing device 10 shifts to step S112 described later.

In step S112, when the providing device 10 reaches the stop time (step S112: Yes), the providing device 10 ends this process. Here, the stop time is the business hours in the facility where the providing device 10 is installed. When the providing device 10 is installed in a toilet such as a park, this process may be performed at all times without stopping, and the driving time according to the setting, for example, the time from 8:00 to 20:00 (for example,). The above-mentioned processing may be performed only for the opening hours of the facility in which the providing device 10 is installed). If the providing device 10 has not reached the stop time (step S112: No), the providing device 10 returns to step S101 described above.

In step S104, when the communication unit 101 has not received the permission information from the management device 30 (step S104: No), the providing device 10 proceeds to step S107, which will be described later.

In step S107, when the communication unit 101 receives the prohibition information from the management device 30 (step S107: Yes), the output control unit 114 causes the output unit 108 to display information that the absorbent article cannot be provided. (Step S108). For example, the output control unit 114 causes the output unit 108 to display information indicating that the number of sheets provided this month has reached the upper limit. After step S108, the providing device 10 shifts to step S110. On the other hand, when the communication unit 101 has not received the prohibition information from the management device 30 (step S107: No), the providing device 10 proceeds to step S109 described above.

In step S109, when the communication unit 101 receives the arrival information from the management device 30 (step S109: Yes), the providing device 10 proceeds to step S108. On the other hand, when the communication unit 101 has not received the arrival information from the management device 30 (step S109: No), the providing device 10 proceeds to step S110.

[4. Management device processing procedure]
Next, the processing of the management method executed by the management device 30 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing of the management method executed by the management device 30.

As shown in FIG. 6, first, when the communication unit 31 receives the user information from the providing device 10 (step S201: Yes), the management device 30 shifts to step S202, which will be described later. On the other hand, when the communication unit 31 has not received the user information from the providing device 10 (step S201: No), the management device 30 proceeds to step S206, which will be described later.

In step S202, the determination unit 341 sets the user U1 included in the user information received by the communication unit 31 based on the user information received by the communication unit 31 and the user history recorded by the user information database 331. It is determined whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the absorbent article was provided. When it is determined by the determination unit 341 that a predetermined time has elapsed since the communication unit 31 provided the absorbent article to the user U1 included in the user information received (step S202: Yes), the management device 30 , The process proceeds to step S203, which will be described later. On the other hand, when it is determined by the determination unit 341 that a predetermined time has not passed since the communication unit 31 provided the absorbent article to the user U1 included in the user information received (step S202: No). , The management device 30 shifts to step S205, which will be described later.

In step S203, the determination unit 341 sets the user U1 included in the user information received by the communication unit 31 based on the user information received by the communication unit 31 and the user history recorded by the user information database 331. On the other hand, it is determined whether or not the number of absorbable articles that can be provided per month is within the predetermined number of times. When the determination unit 341 determines that the number of absorbable articles that can be provided per month is within a predetermined number of times for the user U1 included in the user information received by the communication unit 31 (step S203: Yes). , The management device 30 shifts to step S204 described later. On the other hand, when the determination unit 341 determines that the number of absorbable articles that can be provided per month to the user U1 included in the user information received by the communication unit 31 is not within the predetermined number of times (step S203). : No), the management device 30 shifts to step S206 described later.

In step S204, the transmission control unit 342 causes the providing device 10 that has transmitted the user information to transmit the permission information permitting the providing device 10 to provide the absorbent article to the communication unit 31. After step S204, the management device 30 ends this process.

In step S205, the transmission control unit 342 causes the providing device 10 that has transmitted the user information to transmit the prohibition information prohibiting the provision of the absorbent article to the communication unit 31. After step S205, the management device 30 ends this process.

In step S206, the transmission control unit 342 causes the providing device 10 that has transmitted the user information to transmit the arrival information indicating that the provision of the absorbent article has reached the predetermined number of times to the communication unit 31. .. After step S206, the management device 30 ends this process.

In step S207, when the communication unit 31 receives the real-time information from the store device 40 (step S207: Yes), the control unit 34 records the real-time information in the recording unit 33 (step S208).

Subsequently, the generation unit 343 generates inventory information of each providing device 10 based on the real-time information recorded by the recording unit 33 (step S209), and adds the usage history of each user recorded by the user information database 331. Based on this, user analysis information is generated (step S210). After step S210, the management device 30 ends this process.

In step S207, when the communication unit 31 has not received the real-time information from the store device 40 (step S207: No), the management device 30 ends this process.

The transmission control unit 342 may cause the store device 40 to transmit the inventory information and the user analysis information of each providing device 10 generated by the generation unit 343 to the communication unit 31. As a result, the manager of the facility where the store device 40 is arranged can grasp the inventory status of the providing device 10 in real time, and can also grasp the real user status of the user U1.

[5. Modification 1]
Further, the transmission control unit 342 receives the request information requesting the provision of the absorbent article from the terminal device 20 of the user U1 and the position information indicating the position of the terminal device 20 from the terminal device 20 by the communication unit 31. In the case, based on the position information and inventory information of the terminal device 20, the communication unit provides the terminal device 20 with map information including the position information of the providing device 10 capable of providing the absorbent article at the current position of the terminal device 20. It may be transmitted to 31. In this case, the terminal device 20 displays the map information received from the management device 30 on the display monitor. Further, the transmission control unit 342 may cause the communication unit 31 to transmit the type of absorbent article and the number of stocks that can be provided by the providing device 10 to the map information. As a result, the user U1 can intuitively grasp the position of the providing device 10 from which the absorbent article can be obtained in the near field even if the user U1 is not located near the providing device 10.

In the embodiment, the user U1 can search the position of the providing device 10 by operating the map displayed on the terminal device 20. Therefore, the transmission control unit 342 may cause the communication unit 31 to transmit the map information including the position information of the providing device 10 even if the position information is not transmitted from the terminal device 20. Further, the transmission control unit 342 may transmit, for example, a list of position information of the providing device 10 instead of the map information.

Further, the management device 30 sells sanitary products near the providing device 10 (or in the facility where the providing device 10 is installed) to the user U1 indicating the user information received by the providing device 10. You may notify the location. For example, when transmitted from the providing device 10, the transmission control unit 342 sells sanitary products in the vicinity of the providing device 10 (for example, within the same facility or within a predetermined distance such as a radius of 1 km) (for example, a drug store, etc.). Convenience stores, supermarkets, etc.) may be specified, and map information including the location information of the specified sales location may be transmitted to the communication unit 31. Note that the transmission control unit 342 may transmit a list of specified sales locations and the like instead of map information, as in the transmission of the providing device 10 described above.

As a result, the user U1 can not only use the sanitary napkin but also appropriately replenish the sanitary napkin even if he / she is in need because he / she does not have the sanitary napkin.

[6. Modification 2]
In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the providing device 10 is provided with the output unit has been described, but the providing device 10 is not provided with the output unit, and the display monitor or the like of the terminal device 20 permits or prohibits the discharge of absorbent articles. It may be displayed.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of the flow of providing the absorbent article in the providing system according to the second modification of the embodiment. In the providing system 1A of FIG. 7, step S10a and step S10b are executed instead of step S10 of FIG. 1 described above. Therefore, in the following, steps S10a and S10b of FIG. 7 will be described. Further, in FIG. 7, the providing device 10A has a different configuration from the providing device 10 according to the above-described embodiment, and the output unit 108 is omitted. The detailed configuration of the providing device 10A will be described later.

In step S10a, when the predetermined time has passed since the previous provision of the absorbent article and the predetermined number of times per month is within the predetermined number of times, the management device 30 discharges the absorbent article toward the providing device 10A. Send instructions. In this case, the management device 30 transmits information indicating permission or disapproval of the supply of the absorbent article by the providing device 10A to the terminal device 20 (step S10b). At this time, the terminal device 20 displays information indicating permission or disapproval of the supply of the absorbent article by the providing device 10A transmitted from the management device 30. As a result, since the terminal device 20 displays information indicating whether or not the supply of the absorbent article is permitted or not, it is not necessary to separately provide an output unit 108 such as a display monitor on the providing device 10A. Can be simplified. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the providing device 10A can be reduced, and the degree of freedom of the installation location can be provided.

[7. Provision system configuration]
Next, the configuration of the providing system 1A will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the provision system 1A according to the second modification of the embodiment. The providing system 1A shown in FIG. 8 includes a providing device 10A instead of the providing device 10 of the providing system 1 according to the above-described embodiment. The providing device 10A omits the output unit 108 from the configuration of the providing device 10 according to the above-described embodiment. As a result, it is not necessary to separately provide an output unit 108 such as a display monitor on the providing device 10A, so that the configuration of the providing device 10A can be simplified. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the providing device 10A can be reduced, and the degree of freedom of the installation location can be expanded.

[8. Modification 3]
In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the providing device 10 is provided with the output unit has been described, but the providing device 10 is not provided with the output unit, and the display monitor of the terminal device 20 displays the permission or prohibition of the absorbent article. Further, the providing device 10A determines whether or not the absorbent article can be provided according to the information displayed by the terminal device 20, and discharges the absorbent article.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of the flow of providing the absorbent article in the providing system according to the third modification of the embodiment. In the providing system 1A of FIG. 9, step S10c, step S10d, step S10e and step S10f are executed instead of the above-mentioned steps S7, S10 and S11 of FIG. Therefore, in the following, step S10c, step Sd, step S10e and step S10f of FIG. 9 will be described. Further, in FIG. 9, the same components as those of the first modification of the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In step S10c, the management device 30 transmits information indicating permission or disapproval of the supply of the absorbent article by the providing device 10A to the terminal device 20.

Subsequently, the user U1 is provided with information indicating permission or disapproval of the supply of the absorbent article by the providing device 10A transmitted from the management device 30 displayed by the display monitor of the terminal device 20 in the providing device 10A. Have the code reader (reading unit 12) read the code (step S10d). Here, the information displayed by the display monitor of the terminal device 20 is, for example, a two-dimensional code (for example, a QR code) in which information indicating permission or disapproval of the supply of absorbent articles is embedded, a one-dimensional code or a one-time pass. It may be either a code or a number according to. Of course, the information displayed by the display monitor of the terminal device 20 includes user information including at least personal information identifying the user U1 in the information indicating permission or disapproval of the supply of the absorbent article by the providing device 10A. You may.

After that, the determination unit 113 of the providing device 10A determines whether or not the absorbent article can be provided to the user U1 based on the information read by the code reader (reading unit 12) (step S10e).

Subsequently, when the determination unit 113 determines that the absorbent article can be provided to the user U1, the providing control unit 112 discharges the absorbent article Q1 accommodated in the accommodating unit 103 to the outside. Provide to user U1.

As a result, it is not necessary to separately provide an output unit 108 such as a display monitor on the providing device 10A, so that the configuration of the providing device 10A can be simplified. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the providing device 10A can be reduced, and the degree of freedom of the installation location can be expanded.

[9. Modification 4]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the management device 30 may predict the menstrual date of the user U1 by using the information that the user U1 has received the sanitary napkin. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the providing system 1B according to the modified example 4 of the embodiment. The providing system 1B shown in FIG. 10 includes a management device 30B instead of the management device 30 described above. The management device 30B includes a control unit 34B instead of the control unit 34 described above. The control unit 34B further includes a physiological prediction unit 35 in addition to the configuration of the control unit 34 described above.

The menstruation prediction unit 35 identifies the menstruation start date from the date and time when the user information is received from the providing device 10, and predicts the next menstruation date of the user U1. The menstruation start date is, for example, based on the date when the user information of the user U1 is received from the providing device 10, a predetermined period (for example, 20 days) has elapsed, and the same user U1 is again sent from the providing device 10. When user information is received, that date may be used as the start date of menstruation. This is because when the user U1 uses the providing device 10 after the elapse of a predetermined period, it is considered that the user U1 does not have the sanitary napkin even though the menstruation has started.

In addition, the menstrual prediction unit 35 may predict the next menstrual day simply by adding the number of days according to a general menstrual cycle, or information on the user U1 managed by the user information database 331 (past). It may be predicted based on the menstrual period, menstrual cycle, basal body temperature, changes in hormones, etc.). Then, the transmission control unit 342 causes the terminal device 20 to transmit the next menstrual day predicted by the menstrual prediction unit 35 to the communication unit 31. The transmission of the predicted next menstrual day may be before a predetermined period (for example, 7 days before) the predicted next menstrual day.

Further, the transmission control unit 342 may transmit not only the menstrual date prediction by the menstrual prediction unit 35 but also product information (and product purchase site information, purchase store information, coupon information, etc.). ..

As a result, the user U1 can grasp the next menstruation start date and can prevent forgetting to carry the sanitary napkin.

In addition, the transmission control unit 342 may make a proposal for going out on the next menstrual day by using the position information in which the providing device 10 is installed. For example, when the management device 30B receives a schedule such as going out on the next menstrual day from the terminal device 20, the transmission control unit 342 causes the communication unit 31 to provide information (position information) of the providing device 10 near the going out. , Installation facility information, etc.) may be transmitted to the terminal device 20. As a result, the user U1 can immediately use the providing device 10 even if the menstruation is suddenly started.

Further, the evaluation of the product provided by the providing device 10 may be input to the user U1 via the terminal device 20. The transmission control unit 342 transmits evaluation input information (for example, a questionnaire form or the like) for inputting an evaluation regarding the product provided by the providing device 10 to the terminal device 20. The terminal device 20 displays an input screen on the display monitor based on the evaluation input information received from the management device 30B. Then, the terminal device 20 transmits the information input to the user U1 to the management device 30. The transmission control unit 342 may, for example, transmit a product coupon to the terminal device 20 depending on the presence or absence of the input result of the user U1. Of course, the management device 30B may increase the number of absorbable articles that can be provided by the providing device 10. As a result, the evaluation of the product of the user U1 can be appropriately grasped.

[10. Modification 5]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the management device 30 charges the user U1 in the provided service when the user U1 has reached the number of provided absorbable goods per month. As a result, when the absorbent article is purchased, the permit information may be transmitted to the communication unit 31 to the providing device 10 that has transmitted the user information of the user U1, or the absorbing article may be transmitted to the providing device 10. May be provided. As a result, the user U1 can obtain the absorbent article even when the number of supplies that can provide the absorbent article is reached per month.

Further, as a condition for the providing device 10 to provide the product (absorbent article), for example, any one or more of the product purchase frequency, the purchase amount, the purchase years, and the like may be used. As an example, the first product purchase (or the first user registration) may be performed once, and the purchase history may be registered twice for half a year.

Further, the absorbent article provided by the providing device 10 may be, for example, a diaper. In such a case, the providing device 10 may be a place where diapers can be changed (for example, a toilet with a diaper changing space, a baby room, etc.). Here, examples of the place where the providing device 10 provides the absorbent article include toilets such as schools, department stores, train stations, amusement parks and museums, sanitary spaces, baby rooms and nursing rooms. Therefore, it is preferable that the providing device 10 is installed at a place where the user U1 (a woman for sanitary napkins, a diaper wearer such as an infant or a care recipient, etc. for diapers) wears the absorbent article. is there. As a result, the user U1 can appropriately receive the absorbent article in a situation where the absorbent article needs to be attached or replaced.

[11. Modification 6]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the providing device 10 may provide one type or a plurality of types of products. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the providing system 1C according to the modified example 6 of the embodiment. The providing system 1C shown in FIG. 11 includes a management device 30C instead of the management device 30 described above. The management device 30C includes a control unit 34C instead of the control unit 34 of the above-described embodiment. The control unit 34C further includes a determination unit 345 in addition to the configuration of the control unit 34 described above.

When there are a plurality of types of products that can be provided by the providing device 10, the determination unit 345 determines that the absorbent article is optimal for the user U1 based on the user information or inventory information transmitted from the providing device 10 or the terminal device 20. To determine.

The transmission control unit 342 transmits the product type information determined by the determination unit 345 to the providing device 10, or instructs the providing device 10 of the product determined by the determining unit 345, so that the providing device 10 makes a product. The product indicated by the type information or the absorbent article of the product type specified by the management device 30C may be provided, or the absorbent article of the product type corresponding to the information in which the user U1 inputs the product type to the terminal device 20. May be provided.

Further, the transmission control unit 342 transmits the product type information determined by the determination unit 345 to the terminal device 20, and causes the providing device 10 to acquire the product type information transmitted from the management device 30C in the terminal device 20. Alternatively, the providing device 10 may provide an absorbent article according to the product type information by transmitting (or acquiring) the product type information determined by the terminal device 20 to the providing device 10.

The providing device 10 may be equipped with a function for determining the product type of the absorbent article, or the providing device 10 accepts the operation of the user U1 (for example, causes the user to select a button) to select the type of the absorbent article. May be determined.

As a result, the user U1 can receive an absorbent article suitable for or want to use.

Further, the user information acquired by the reading unit 102 of the providing device 10 may be information such as a ticket, a coupon, or a one-time code, and the management device 30 may use the user information (for example, for each user U1) for each user U1. Encrypted user information and ticket numbers) and information indicating the availability of the user information (expiration date, usage history, usage limit, etc.) are managed, and if the user information is available, The permission information may be transmitted to the providing device 10. Therefore, the user information does not necessarily include personal information, and may be other information as long as the user can be identified. That is, even if the user information acquired by the reading unit 102 does not include the personal information that identifies the user U1, the management device 30 may include other information included in the user information. Accordingly, the providing device 10 may be supplied with the absorbent article, if available.

[12. Others]
Of each of the above-mentioned processes, all or a part of the processes described as being automatically performed may be performed manually. In addition, all or part of the processing described as being performed manually may be automatically performed by a known method. In addition, the processing procedure, specific name, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above document and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the illustrated information.

Further, each component of each of the illustrated devices is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. That is, the specific form of distribution / integration of each device is not limited to the one shown in the figure. In addition, all or part of each component may be functionally or physically distributed / integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, and the like. In addition, the above-mentioned processes may be appropriately combined and executed within a consistent range.

[13. Hardware configuration]
Further, the providing device 10 or the management device 30 according to the above-described embodiment is realized by, for example, a computer 1000 having a configuration as shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration.

The computer 1000 shown in FIG. 12 is connected to the output device 1010 and the input device 1020, and the arithmetic unit 1030, the cache 1040, the memory 1050, the output IF (Interface) 1060, the input IF 1070, and the network IF 1080 are connected by the bus 1090.

The arithmetic unit 1030 operates based on a program stored in the cache 1040 or the memory 1050, a program read from the input device 1020, or the like, and executes various processes. The cache 1040 is a cache that temporarily stores data used by the arithmetic unit 1030 for various operations such as RAM. Further, the memory 1050 is a storage device in which data used by the arithmetic unit 1030 for various calculations and various databases are registered, and is a memory realized by a ROM, an HDD, a flash memory, or the like.

The output IF 1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to an output device 1010 that outputs various information such as a monitor and a printer. For example, USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), and the like. It may be realized by a connector of a standard such as HDMI (registered trademark) (High Definition Multimedia Interface). On the other hand, the input IF 1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020 such as a mouse, a keyboard, and a scanner, and is realized by, for example, USB.

The input device 1020 includes an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a PD (Phase change rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, and magnetic recording. It may be realized by a device that reads information from a medium, a semiconductor memory, or the like. Further, the input device 1020 may be realized by an external storage medium such as a USB memory.

The network IF 1080 has a function of receiving data from another device via the network N and sending the data to the arithmetic unit 1030, and transmitting the data generated by the arithmetic unit 1030 to the other device via the network N.

Here, the arithmetic unit 1030 controls the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 via the output IF 1060 and the input IF 1070. For example, the arithmetic unit 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or the memory 1050 onto the cache 1040, and executes the loaded program. For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the providing device 10 or the management device 30, the arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 realizes the functions of the control unit 110 or the control unit 34 by executing the program loaded on the cache 1040. Will be done.

The embodiments of the present application have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, these are examples, and the embodiments of the present application shall be implemented in other embodiments that have been modified or improved in various ways based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the embodiments described in the disclosure column of the invention. Is possible. Further, the above-mentioned "section, module, unit" can be read as "means", "circuit" and the like.

1,1A, 1B, 1C Providing system 10,10A Providing device 11,31 Communication unit 12 Reading unit 13 Accommodating unit 14 First detection unit 15 Second detection unit 16 Alarm unit 17 Display unit 18, 33 Recording unit 19, 34 Control unit 20 Terminal equipment 30,30B, 30C Management equipment 32 Timekeeping unit 40 Store equipment

Claims (17)

A providing device capable of providing absorbent articles,
A discharge unit capable of discharging the absorbable article to the outside from a storage unit that accommodates at least one of the absorbable articles.
The acquisition unit that acquires user information that identifies the user,
When the acquisition unit acquires the user information, the control unit causes the discharge unit to discharge at least one absorbable article according to the determination of whether to provide the absorbable article based on the user information. ,
To prepare
Providing equipment. The providing device according to claim 1.
A communication unit that transmits the user information acquired by the acquisition unit to the management device is further provided.
The control unit
Depending on the determination result of whether the management device provides the absorbent article to the user determined based on the user information, the discharging unit is made to discharge at least one absorbent article.
Providing equipment. The providing device according to claim 2.
It also has an output unit that can output information.
The control unit
According to the determination result of whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the last time the absorbent article was provided to the user determined by the management device, the information indicating that the absorbent article cannot be provided is provided. Output to the output section,
Providing equipment. The providing device according to claim 3.
The control unit
Depending on the determination result that the number of times the absorbent article can be provided to the user determined by the management device has reached the number of times that the absorbent article can be provided within the predetermined period, the absorbent article can be provided within the predetermined period. Information indicating that the predetermined number of times has been reached is output to the output unit.
Providing equipment. The providing device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.
A first detection unit for detecting the number of stocks of the absorbent articles accommodated by the storage unit is further provided.
The control unit
For at least one of the management device and the device of the facility where the providing device is arranged, the stock quantity is transmitted to the communication unit.
Providing equipment. The providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
A second detection unit that detects the acceleration generated in the providing device, and
An alarm unit that can output an alarm and
With more
The control unit
It is determined whether or not the acceleration detected by the second detection unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.
When the acceleration is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, the alarm unit is made to output an alarm.
Providing equipment. The providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
The accommodating part
Containing different types of absorbent articles,
Providing equipment. The providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
The absorbent article is
One of sanitary napkins, panty liners, tampons, disposable diapers, urine pads, incontinence pads and pet diapers,
Providing equipment. The providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
It also has a reader that can read two-dimensional codes.
The user information is
The two-dimensional code
The acquisition unit
The two-dimensional code read by the reading unit is acquired as the user information.
Providing equipment. A communication unit capable of communicating with each of a plurality of providing devices that provide absorbent articles,
When the user information that identifies the user is received from any one of the plurality of providing devices, the absorbent article based on the user information is sent to the providing device that has transmitted the user information. A control unit that determines whether to provide and discharges at least one absorbent article to the providing device that has transmitted the user information according to the determined determination result.
To prepare
Management device. The management device according to claim 10.
A recording unit that records user information data indicating a usage status in which the plurality of user information and the provision time in which each of the plurality of providing devices provided the absorbent article are associated with each other.
A timekeeping part with a timekeeping function and
With
The control unit
A predetermined time has elapsed since the user received the absorbent article from any one of the plurality of providing devices based on the time when the user information was received and the user information data. Judge whether it is
When it is determined that the predetermined time has passed, at least one of the absorbent articles is discharged from the providing device that has transmitted the user information, while
When it is determined that the predetermined time has not passed, the providing device that has transmitted the user information is made to output information indicating that the predetermined time has not passed.
Management device. The management device according to claim 11.
The user information data is
A plurality of the user information is further associated with the number of the absorbent articles provided to the user associated with the user information within a predetermined period, and recorded.
The control unit
It is determined whether the number of provisions is within the predetermined number of times that can be provided within the predetermined period, and
When it is determined that the number of times is within the predetermined number of times, at least one of the absorbent articles is discharged from the providing device that has transmitted the user information.
When it is determined that the number of times is not within the predetermined number of times, the providing device that has transmitted the user information is made to output information indicating that the provision of the absorbent article has reached the predetermined number of times within the predetermined period.
Management device. The management device according to claim 11 or 12.
The plurality of providing devices are based on the user information data, device identification information for identifying each of the plurality of providing devices, and device information including installation information indicating the installation location of each of the plurality of providing devices. A generator that generates inventory information indicating each inventory of
With more
The control unit
The inventory information generated by the generation unit is transmitted to the equipment of the facility where the plurality of providing devices are arranged.
Management device. The management device according to claim 13.
The control unit
When a request for providing the absorbent article from the terminal device used by the user and position information indicating the position of the terminal device are received from the terminal device, based on the position information and the inventory information. , Transmits map information to the terminal device, including at least the position information of the providing device capable of providing the absorbent article at the current position of the terminal device.
Management device. A providing system including a plurality of providing devices capable of providing absorbent articles and a management device for managing each of the plurality of providing devices.
The providing device is
A discharge unit capable of discharging the absorbable article to the outside from a storage unit that accommodates at least one of the absorbable articles.
The acquisition unit that acquires user information that identifies the user,
When the acquisition unit acquires the user information, at least one of the absorbable articles is discharged to the discharge unit according to the determination by the management device whether to provide the absorbable article based on the user information. The first control unit to make
With
The management device is
When the user information is received from any one of the plurality of providing devices, it is determined whether to provide the absorbent article based on the user information, and the user is determined according to the determined determination result. The providing device that transmits the information includes a second control unit that discharges at least one of the absorbent articles.
Offering system. A delivery method performed by a delivery device capable of providing an absorbent article.
Obtain user information that identifies the user,
When the user information is acquired, at least one of the absorbent articles is discharged according to the determination of whether to provide the absorbent article based on the user information.
Providing method. A providing program that is executed by a computer provided in a providing device capable of providing an absorbent article.
Obtain user information that identifies the user,
When the user information is acquired, at least one of the absorbent articles is discharged according to the determination of whether to provide the absorbent article based on the user information.
Offer program.

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