JP2023179789A - Article recovery system, article recovery device, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an article recovery system, an article recovery device, and a program that evaluate quality of an article recovered by an article recovery device.SOLUTION: A PET bottle recovery system, which is an article recovery system, includes quality-related information input means for inputting quality-related information corresponding to quality of a recovery article stored in an article recovery device that recovers the article. The quality-related information is input by the quality-related information input means at timing when the recovery article is taken out from the article recovery device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present invention relates to an article collection system, an article collection device, and a program.

An empty bottle collector is known that issues a receipt corresponding to the payment of a return deposit for the stored bottle in response to acceptance of the empty bottle (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Special Publication No. 2000-515801

When collecting recyclable items, there are cases where specified quality is required for the items being collected. For example, when collecting PET bottles, it is necessary to ensure that there are no residues or foreign objects inside the bottle (in some cases, the inside may need to be cleaned), and to remove the cap and label.
However, the reality is that not all users cooperate in collecting items while maintaining the specified quality. For example, in order to have users cooperate in collecting items while maintaining a specified quality, it is first necessary to understand the current quality of the items to be collected.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to enable evaluation of the quality of articles collected by an article collection device.

One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is an article collection system including a quality-related information input means for inputting quality-related information according to the quality of a collected article stored in an article collection device that collects the article. It is.
Further, one aspect of the present invention is an article collection device that includes a quality-related information input means for inputting quality-related information corresponding to the quality of a collected article stored in the article collection device that collects the article.
Further, one aspect of the present invention functions as a quality-related information input means for inputting quality-related information corresponding to the quality of a collected article stored in an article collection device that collects the article, using a computer included in the article collection system. This is a program to do this.
According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain the effect that the quality of articles collected by the article collecting device can be evaluated.

It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a plastic bottle collection system in a first embodiment. It is a front view and a side view of the PET bottle collection device in a 1st embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of contents of a collection history information table in the first embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of an aspect of a collection record web page in a 1st embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of how a store clerk operates the PET bottle collection device when replacing a storage bag in the second embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of a member group rank information table in a 2nd embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of an individual member rank information table in a 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the display aspect of the guidance screen in this embodiment in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of functional composition of a plastic bottle collection device in a 2nd embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a collection management server in a second embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by a plastic bottle collection device and a collection management server according to a second embodiment in response to one collection operation. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by a plastic bottle collection device and a collection management server according to a second embodiment in response to one stored article collection operation. It is a figure which shows the example of an aspect of the apparatus main body part of the plastic bottle collection apparatus in 3rd Embodiment.

<First embodiment>
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a PET bottle collection system (an example of an article collection device) in this embodiment.
In this embodiment, a plastic bottle collection device 100 is installed for each of a plurality of stores ST. The plastic bottle collection device 100 may be installed in the building of the store ST, or may be installed in a location facing outdoors, such as under the eaves, within the premises of the store ST.

Stores ST in the figure are, for example, affiliated stores in the same group. As a specific example, store ST in the figure is a convenience store in the same group.

The PET bottle collection device 100 functions as a collection facility for PET bottles as recycled products. A customer C who goes to the store ST puts, for example, an empty PET bottle from which he/she drank a drink into the PET bottle collection device 100. The PET bottle collection device 100 of this embodiment reduces the volume of the inserted PET bottle and then stores it.

Further, the plastic bottle collection device 100 is connected to a collection management server 200 via the network NT so as to be able to communicate therewith. The plastic bottle collection device 100 may be configured to communicate with the network NT via, for example, a mobile phone communication network. Thereby, the PET bottle collection device 100 can communicate wirelessly, and there is no need to connect a network cable, which increases the degree of freedom in installation, for example.
Although the figure shows an example in which one plastic bottle collection device 100 is installed in one store ST, the number of plastic bottle collection devices 100 installed in one store ST is not particularly limited.

The collection management server 200 is a server that processes information regarding collection of plastic bottles by the plastic bottle collection apparatus 100. The collection management server 200 is operated by, for example, a company that provides the plastic bottle collection device 100.
The collection management server 200 specifically manages collection history information indicating the history of collection of PET bottles in the PET bottle collection device 100 of each store ST. Then, the collection management server 200 uses the PET bottle collection device 100 to derive customer C's track record (collection track record) regarding cooperation in PET bottle collection, and notifies customer C of the derived collection track record. Notification of collection results to customer C is performed by displaying information regarding collection results on customer C's customer terminal device 300.

Customer terminal device 300 is a terminal device owned by customer C. The customer terminal device 300 may be, for example, a stationary or notebook personal computer, or may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a mobile phone.
The customer terminal device 300 can communicate with the collection management server 200 via the network NT.

Further, customer C in the figure is registered as a member of store ST. Customer C, who is a member of store ST, owns a membership card CD.
The card information recorded on the member card CD includes a member identifier. The member identifier is also a card identifier uniquely assigned to each member card CD. Since one membership card CD is provided to each customer C who is a member, the card identifier that is unique to each membership card CD is unique to customer C who is the owner of the membership card CD. It is treated as a unique member identifier.

The membership card CD can be used as a prepaid card when making payments at the store ST. The membership card CD can also be used as a point card. For example, when paying at a store ST, a customer who is a member presents the member card CD to the clerk.
When the clerk operates the POS register 400 installed in the store ST to pay for the products purchased by the customer, the clerk causes the card reader of the POS register 400 to read the card information recorded on the membership card CD. Perform operations.

The POS register 400 executes accounting processing including product registration processing for registering products purchased by a customer and payment processing according to the registered products.
When the POS register 400 reads card information from the membership card CD during checkout processing, the POS register 400 transmits the read card information to the store management server 500. As a result, the store management server 500 performs processing corresponding to, for example, payment from a prepaid balance, addition of points according to the payment amount, conversion of points to a prepaid balance, and charging of a prepaid amount.
Although the figure shows an example in which one POS register 400 is installed in one store ST, the number of POS registers 400 installed in one store ST is not particularly limited.

The store management server 500 is a server that centrally manages the store ST. Store management server 500 is operated by store ST.
The store management server 500 specifically manages prepaid balances, point balances, etc. for each member identifier. Further, the store management server 500 may be configured to manage information regarding products for each store ST, for example.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, an overview of the operation of the PET bottle collection device 100 will be described. FIG. 2(a) is a front view of the plastic bottle collection device 100. FIG. 2(b) is a side view of the plastic bottle collection device 100 seen from the side.

In the PET bottle collection device 100, in the standby state, the outer door of the article input section is closed, and the inner door provided between the article input section and the storage section so as to be openable and closable is closed.
On the other hand, when collecting an article, the PET bottle recovery device 100 opens the outer door of the article inputting section and determines whether the article placed on the placing section of the article inputting section can be recovered. That is, the PET bottle collection device 100 determines whether the inserted article is a resin container such as a PET bottle, and whether the container is empty or not. If it is determined that the container can be collected, the outer door is closed, the inner door provided between the article input section and the storage section is opened, and the container is collected by the storage section.
Moreover, the PET bottle collection device 100 of this embodiment is equipped with a volume reduction mechanism. The PET bottle collection device 100 can collect a large amount of empty containers with a reduced volume in a collection section having a specified capacity by reducing the volume of the container using the volume reduction mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 2, the PET bottle collection device 100 includes a container input portion 110 provided at the top of the device main body portion 100B, and an outer door 111 provided outside the opening of the container input portion 110. There is. The device main body section 100B is provided with a touch panel display section 1400 and a card reader 1500 on the front side near the upper part of the outer door 111. Furthermore, a baggage hook 100f is provided on the front side of the device main body portion 100B.
The container loading section 110 is provided with various sensors for determining whether or not the loaded articles can be collected. Examples of the sensor include an optical sensor, a metal sensor, a measuring instrument, and an imaging device. The PET bottle collection device 100 uses, for example, the outputs of these sensors to determine whether or not the inserted article can be collected. If it is determined that the bottle can be collected, the volume of the inserted PET bottle is reduced by the volume reduction mechanism and then stored. On the other hand, if it is determined that the item cannot be collected, the volume of the inserted item will not be reduced and the customer will be notified, and the item will not be removed from the container loading section 110. Prompted.

Further, a passage 71 communicating with the container storage section 140 is provided below the container input section 110. Further, an inner door 112 is provided in the passage 71 at a position where the placement part 116 of the container input part 110 communicates with the container accommodating part 140.

Furthermore, the PET bottle recovery device 100 is provided with a volume reduction section 120 (volume reduction mechanism) between the inner door 112 and the container storage section 140. When the inner door 112 is in the open state, the volume reducing unit 120 crushes the empty container A from the container inputting unit 110 to reduce its volume, and outputs the reduced volume container RA to the container accommodating unit 140 below.
Furthermore, the device main body 100B of the plastic bottle collection device 100 has a drawer 100C on which the container accommodating portion 140 is placed, and a drawer handle 100e and a keyhole 100r are provided on the front side. It is configured so that it can be inserted into the hole 100r and locked/unlocked.

Further, a light transmitting portion 100A (light transmitting window) is provided on the front side of the device main body portion 100B, more specifically, on the front side of the drawer 100C, and an empty container accommodated in the container storage portion 140 is provided from the outside. is configured to be visible.

Furthermore, a moving handle 100g used during transportation is provided on the side surface of the device main body 100B.

Further, the apparatus main body part 100B includes a cap insertion part 108 on the front side, and a cap passage 72 is provided from the cap insertion part 108 downward in the apparatus main body part, so that the caps inserted into the cap insertion part 108 are capped. It is configured to be accommodated in the cap accommodating portion 145 via the passageway 72 .

Further, the plastic bottle collection device 100 of this embodiment is provided with a card reader 1500 that can read card information recorded on a membership card CD.

When a customer who is a member starts using the PET bottle collection device 100, he/she performs an operation to cause the card reader 1500 to read his/her membership card CD. In response to the member card CD being read by the card reader 1500, the operation of the plastic bottle collection device 100 corresponding to one collection operation is started. The collection operation refers to causing the PET bottle collection device 100 to collect one or more PET bottles brought by the customer. Note that in the case of a customer who does not have a membership card CD, one collection operation may be started, for example, in response to an operation on the touch panel display section 1400 instructing to start.
In one collection operation, the customer puts one PET bottle into the container input section 110 of the PET bottle collection device 100, and when the inserted PET bottle is reduced in volume and stored, the next one is placed. The PET bottles are put into the PET bottle collection device 100 one by one in this manner.
When the customer has finished storing all of the PET bottles that he/she brought this time into the PET bottle collection device 100, he/she may, for example, perform an operation to end the process on the touch panel display section 1400. This completes one collection operation.

In response to the completion of one collection operation as described above, the PET bottle collection device 100 generates collection history information that reflects the results of the collection operation, and transfers the generated collection history information to the collection management server 200. Send to. That is, transmission of collection history information from the PET bottle collection device 100 to the collection management server 200 is performed for each collection operation.
The collection management server 200 stores the collection history information received from each PET bottle collection device 100, for example, in a collection history information table.

Furthermore, the PET bottle collection device 100 stores collection history information generated each time a collection operation is completed. As a result, collection history information is accumulated in the PET bottle collection device 100 each time a collection operation is performed.
Then, the plastic bottle collection device 100 may transmit collection history information accumulated since the previous collection history information transmission to the store management server 500 at a predetermined collection history information transmission timing. That is, transmission of the collection history information from the PET bottle collection device 100 to the store management server 500 may be performed at predetermined timings, rather than every collection operation. Since the store management server 500 frequently communicates with, for example, the POS register 400 of the store ST, the communication load may become heavy depending on the time of day or the situation. Therefore, by transmitting the collection history information from the PET bottle collection device 100 to the store management server 500, for example, at a time when the amount of communication with the POS register 400 is relatively low, the collection history information can be sent to the store management server 500. 500 communication loads can be leveled.
Alternatively, transmission of collection history information from the plastic bottle collection device 100 to the store management server 500 may also be performed for each collection operation. In this case, the PET bottle collection device 100 can acquire collection history information each time a collection operation is performed. That is, in this case, it is possible to improve real-time performance regarding acquisition of collection history information of the PET bottle collection device 100.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the contents of the collection history information table. One record (one row) in the collection history information table in the figure is collection history information transmitted from the PET bottle collection device 100 in response to one collection operation.
One piece of collection history information includes each area of a device identifier, a store identifier, a member identifier, a collection date and time, a collection number (an example of a collection amount), and a collection weight (an example of a collection amount).

The device identifier area stores a device identifier that uniquely indicates the PET bottle collection device 100 that is the source of the collection history information. The device identifier is information stored in the plastic bottle collection device 100.

The store identifier area stores a store identifier that uniquely indicates the store ST where the PET bottle collection device 100 that is the transmission source of the collection history information is installed. The device identifier is information stored in the plastic bottle collection device 100. For example, in response to the determination of the store ST where the plastic bottle collection device 100 is to be installed, a store identifier indicating the store ST where the plastic bottle collection device 100 is to be installed is written to the plastic bottle collection device 100.

The member identifier area stores the member identifier included in the card information read from the member card CD by the card reader by the PET bottle collection device 100, which is the source of the collection history information, at the start of the corresponding collection operation.
In addition, in the case of collection history information corresponding to a collection operation performed by a customer who is not a member, the member identifier area may contain, for example, a predetermined value (null value) indicating that a significant value as a member identifier has not been stored. may be stored.

The collection date and time field stores the collection date and time, which is the date and time when the corresponding collection operation was performed. The collection date and time may be, for example, the time when the collection operation was started or the time when the collection operation was ended. Alternatively, the collection date and time may include both the time when the collection operation was started and the time when it was ended. The collection date and time may be set, for example, in the PET bottle collection device 100, and then included in the collection history information transmitted by the PET bottle collection device 100.
Alternatively, for example, the collection management server 200 may set the date and time according to the reception of the collection history information as the collection date and time. When the collection management server 200 sets the collection date and time in this manner, the collection history information transmitted by the PET bottle collection device 100 does not need to include the collection date and time.

The area for the number of collected bottles stores the number of PET bottles collected by the PET bottle collection device 100 in the corresponding collection operation (number of collected bottles). The number of collected bottles is obtained by counting the number of PET bottles whose volume has been reduced and accommodated by the PET bottle collection device 100 during the collection operation.
The collected weight area stores the total weight (collected weight) of PET bottles collected by the PET bottle collection device 100 in the corresponding collection operation. The collected weight is obtained by the PET bottle collection device 100 measuring the weight of each PET bottle whose volume has been reduced and accommodated during the collection operation, and adding up the measured weights.

Note that, like the collection management server 200, the store management server 500 may also store the collection history information received from each PET bottle collection device 100 using the structure of the collection history information table shown in the figure.

The explanation returns to FIG. 1. In the PET bottle collection system of this embodiment, the points of the membership card are given to the customer C who is a member for using the PET bottle collection device 100 for the purpose of providing a benefit for cooperating with the collection of PET bottles. Perform a service to add points (point addition service). The point addition service for using the PET bottle collection device 100 is realized by the store management server 500 that manages members' points.
The store management server 500 executes the following processing for one member as a point addition service. The store management server 500 uses the collection history information about one member sent from each PET bottle collection device 100 among the collection history information stored in the store management server 500 to identify the PET bottles collected by one member in a predetermined manner. Each time the number of books increases, a predetermined number of points are added (for example, one point is added for every five plastic bottles).
In this way, by adding points to the membership card CD in accordance with the use of the PET bottle collection device 100 by customer C, who is a member, customer C, who is a member, can gain practical benefits. Therefore, the use (collection operation) of the PET bottle collection device 100 by customers will be increased.

Further, the PET bottle collection system of the present embodiment can notify the customer C of the collection results, targeting the customer C as a member who has used the PET bottle collection device 100. The manner in which the collection record is notified to the customer C is performed, for example, as follows.

Customer C, who is a member of the PET bottle collection device 100, uses the network connection function of the customer terminal device 300 to access the collection results notification web page (collection results web page) using the customer terminal device 300, for example. let
In the following description, a case will be exemplified in which the collection management server 200 has a function as a web server that provides a collection record web page.

FIG. 4A shows an example of the initial display of the collection record web page that is first displayed on the customer terminal device 300 when the customer terminal device 300 accesses the collection record web page.
In the web page shown in the figure, an input box BX for inputting a member identifier and a search button BT are arranged. Customer C performs an operation to input his or her member identifier into input box BX. In this embodiment, the member identifier is, for example, a number string with a predetermined number of digits. Customer C can confirm his or her own member identifier using the number string of the member identifier written on the member card CD that the customer owns.

The customer C inputs the member identifier into the input box BX, and then operates the search button BT. In response to the operation on the search button BT, the customer terminal device 300 transmits a collection record request including the member identifier input in the input box BX to the collection management server 200.
In response to receiving the collection history request, the collection management server 200 uses the collection history information stored in the collection history information table to derive the collection history for the member indicated by the member identifier included in the collection history request.
In this case, the collection record includes, for example, the total number of collected books to date (total number of collected books) for the member indicated by the member identifier whose collection history information is stored in the collection history information table, and the ranking based on the cumulative number of collected books. .
When the collection management server 200 derives the collection performance for customer C, it transmits collection performance information indicating the derived collection performance to the customer terminal device 300 that is the collection performance request transmission source.
The customer terminal device 300 that has received the collection record information updates and displays the collection record web page in accordance with the description of the collection record web page so that the content of the received collection record information is reflected.

FIG. 4B shows an example of the display mode of the updated web page for customer C on the customer terminal device 300.
In the web page shown in the figure, the cumulative number of collected books by customer C is shown in the cumulative collected number area AR1.
Furthermore, the ranking of customer C is shown in ranking area AR2. In the ranking area AR2 of the figure, the number of all members who have a history of using the PET bottle collection device 100 is shown by the denominator, and the ranking of customer C is shown by the numerator. That is, in the ranking area AR2, the ranking of customer C among all the members who have a history of using the PET bottle collection device 100 is shown.
In order to display the ranking in the manner shown in the figure, for example, the collection record information may include the total number of members who have a history of using the PET bottle collection device 100 as well as the ranking of customer C.

By looking at the screen of the web page displayed in this way, customer C can grasp how many plastic bottles he/she has had collected by the plastic bottle collection device 100 so far. Additionally, customer C can grasp his or her ranking based on the cumulative number of collected plastic bottles.
In this way, by enabling customer C as a member who uses the PET bottle collection device 100 to understand his or her own track record regarding PET bottle collection, customer C can use the PET bottle collection device while being aware of the ranking. 100 can be used. In this case, it is expected that customer C will become more active in using the PET bottle collection device 100 because customer C will be more likely to be motivated to improve his or her ranking.

In the above-mentioned form of collection record notification, customer C operates the web browser of customer terminal device 300 to access the collection record web page, and then performs an operation to input a member identifier. Some customers may find such operations troublesome. Taking this into consideration, it is preferable to notify customer C of collection results more easily.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the customer C is notified of the collection performance in the following manner as well.

The PET bottle collection device 100 causes the touch panel display unit 1400 to display a two-dimensional code used for accessing the collection record web page, for example, at the timing when one collection operation is completed. The displayed two-dimensional code is obtained from the URL (Uniform Resource Locator: an example of a notification location) of the collection record web page and the member information on the membership card CD that Customer C read with the card reader 1500 at the start of the collection operation. This includes the member identifier of the registered member. Obtaining a member identifier from member information on a member card CD is an example of specifying identification information.

If a customer wishes to check his or her past collection results on the spot, the customer uses the code reader function of the customer terminal device 300 that the customer owns to read the two-dimensional code displayed on the touch panel display section 1400. is read by the customer terminal device 300.
The customer terminal device 300 that has read the two-dimensional code analyzes the read two-dimensional code and obtains a URL and a member identifier. The customer terminal device 300 accesses the obtained URL. The accessed web page is, for example, the initially displayed collection record web page shown in FIG. 4(a). The customer terminal device 300 inputs the member identifier obtained from the two-dimensional code to the accessed web page, and generates an operation (click) on the search button BT.
In response to the occurrence of an operation on the search button BT, a collection record request is transmitted from the customer terminal device 300 to the collection management server 200. The collection management server 200 derives the collection performance and transmits the collection performance information in response to the collection performance request. The customer terminal device 300 updates the collection results web page to reflect the contents of the received collection results, and displays the updated collection results web page.
As a result, the customer terminal device 300 can display a collection record web page showing customer C's past collection record as shown in FIG. 4(b) in response to reading the two-dimensional code. It will be done.
In this case, the customer C can display the collection results on the customer terminal device 300 by simply performing a simple operation of having the customer terminal device 300 read the two-dimensional code on the spot where the collection operation is performed. It can be confirmed.

<Second embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment will be described. When collecting PET bottles, a certain level of quality is required for the items being collected (recovered items). Specifically, it is required that there is no residue in the plastic bottle and that the cap and label have been removed.
However, not all customers will put PET bottles that meet the quality standards into the PET bottle collection device 100 as described above. PET bottles whose quality standards are not maintained are undesirable because, for example, it takes time and effort to recycle them. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that as many customers as possible adhere to the quality standards.
Therefore, in this embodiment, as will be described below, an attempt is made to increase the number of customers who put PET bottles into the PET bottle collection device 100 while maintaining the quality level of the PET bottles.

For example, when the PET bottles stored in the container accommodating section 140 are almost full, a store clerk takes out the PET bottles from the container accommodating section 140 and empties the container accommodating section 140 (recovering the stored articles). work) is performed.
Specifically, the stored article collection work is performed as follows, for example.
When the PET bottle collection device 100 detects that the container accommodating section 140 is full of PET bottles, it is configured to notify that the container accommodating section 140 is full.
For example, the PET bottle collection device 100 counts the number of bottles stored in the container accommodating section 140, and determines that the container accommodating section 140 is full of PET bottles when the counted number reaches a certain value. You may do so.
Alternatively, the PET bottle collection device 100 may detect a state in which the container accommodating section 140 is full of PET bottles, for example, based on the output of a sensor provided corresponding to the container accommodating section 140. The sensor is configured to use a photocoupler to detect the presence of a PET bottle at a position where the PET bottle will be present when the container accommodating section 140 is full (if a PET bottle is present, the sensor will detect the presence of the PET bottle due to diffused reflection from the PET bottle). (the amount of light received decreases). Alternatively, the sensor may be, for example, a switch that detects contact with a plastic bottle at a position where the plastic bottle is present, corresponding to a state in which the container accommodating portion 140 is full.

Note that the PET bottle collection device 100 may detect that the container accommodating section 140 is in a predetermined state where it is said to be almost full, and notify that the container accommodating section 140 is almost full. good.

As described above, in detecting that the container accommodating section 140 is full or that the container accommodating section 140 is almost full, the PET bottle collection device 100 detects the capacity of the inserted PET bottle ( In other words, the size of the plastic bottle may be detected. In order to obtain such a configuration, for example, a sensor may be provided so as to be able to detect the size of the inserted plastic bottle. Alternatively, the PET bottle collection device 100 may be configured to be able to measure the weight of the inserted PET bottle. The size of a plastic bottle can be estimated based on the weight of the bottle. Alternatively, the PET bottle collection device 100 may detect the size based on an image obtained by capturing an image of the inserted PET bottle with an imaging device. The PET bottle collection device 100 improves the accuracy of detecting that the container accommodating section 140 is full by using, for example, the number of bottles accommodated in the container accommodating section 140 and information on the size of the PET bottles. be able to.

Note that the PET bottle collection device 100 may also provide notification when it is detected that more than a certain number of PET bottles corresponding to a large amount of PET bottles have been thrown in during one collection operation. . Even when a large number of PET bottles are fed into the PET bottle collection device 100 at once, there is a possibility that the PET bottles will be full.
Further, notification that a large amount of PET bottles have been thrown in may be performed, for example, on the touch panel display section 1400 of the PET bottle collection device 100.
Alternatively, the notification that a large amount of plastic bottles have been thrown may be made by lighting a lighting device or a lighting device provided in the plastic bottle collection device 100 in a predetermined pattern.
Alternatively, the notification that a large amount of plastic bottles have been introduced may be sent to store staff at the POS register 400 through communication between the plastic bottle collection device 100 and the POS register 400 installed in the store ST or a host device. It's okay to be. Alternatively, the notification that a large amount of plastic bottles have been thrown may be made on a terminal owned by the clerk through communication between the plastic bottle collection device 100 and the terminal owned by the clerk. If the notification is made at the POS register 400 or a terminal owned by the store clerk, the store clerk can grasp the timing to perform the contained article collection work without having to go to the PET bottle collection device 100.

In response to receiving the notification as described above, the clerk at the store ST takes out the storage bag containing the plastic bottle from the container storage section 140 and sets a new empty storage bag in the container storage section 140. Do this work. Such work becomes the stored article collection work. As for the PET bottles that have been taken out and placed in storage bags, a collection company (recycling company), for example, periodically goes to the store ST in a transportation vehicle and picks them up.
In this way, the store clerk at the store ST appropriately performs the collection work of stored articles as part of his/her duties. Therefore, the store clerk can personally check the quality of the PET bottles contained in the storage bag when collecting the stored items.
Therefore, the PET bottle collection device 100 of this embodiment is configured to request the store clerk to input the quality rank (an example of quality-related information) of the PET bottle when the store clerk collects the stored items. Inputting the quality rank corresponds to classifying the quality.

Referring to FIG. 5, an example of an operation performed by a store clerk on the PET bottle collection device 100 when replacing a storage bag will be described.
A clerk who wants to replace the storage bag performs a predetermined operation on the touch panel display section 1400 of the PET bottle collection device 100 to display a work start confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 5(A).
On the work start confirmation screen shown in the same figure, a dialog message asking the store clerk whether or not to start collecting stored items is displayed, and a "Yes" button BT11 and a "No" button BT12 are arranged. There is.
If the clerk wishes to carry out the work of recovering the stored articles, he or she operates the "Yes" button BT11. For example, if the clerk did not intend to collect the stored items, but due to an operational error or the like unintentionally causes the work start confirmation screen to appear, the clerk should operate the "No" button BT12. Bye.

In response to the operation of the "Yes" button BT11 on the work start confirmation screen, the display on the touch panel display unit 1400 changes from the work start confirmation screen shown in FIG. 5(A) to the opening/closing operation screen shown in FIG. 5(B). Transition to. The store clerk can open the door (drawer 100C) of the container storage section 140 by operating the opening/closing operation screen. Note that FIG. 2 shows an example in which the drawer 100C is locked and unlocked by inserting a key into the keyhole 100r. In a configuration in which the drawer 100C is opened by unlocking the drawer 100C by operating the opening/closing operation screen as shown in the figure, the locking/unlocking mechanism using the keyhole 100r may be omitted, for example.

In response to the door of the container accommodating section 140 being opened by the operation on the opening/closing operation screen, the display on the touch panel display section 1400 changes from the opening/closing operation screen of FIG. 5(B) to the rank of FIG. 5(C). Transition to input screen.
In the rank input screen shown in the figure, an A rank selection button BT21-1, a B rank selection button BT21-2, and a C rank selection button BT22-3 are arranged. In the following description, the A rank selection button BT21-1, the B rank selection button BT21-2, and the C rank selection button BT22-3 will be referred to as a rank selection button BT21 unless they are particularly distinguished.
In this embodiment, a case will be exemplified in which three levels of quality of PET bottles are set: A rank, B rank, and C rank. A rank corresponds to a state in which, for example, the quality standard is maintained as the quality of all the PET bottles contained in the storage bag. Rank B corresponds to, for example, a state in which labels, caps, etc. are not removed from at least some of the plastic bottles contained in the storage bag. Rank C corresponds to, for example, a state in which there is some residue, such as unused liquid, cigarette butts, or other garbage, on at least some of the PET bottles contained in the storage bag. Note that such a three-level rank is just an example, and the number of rank levels is not particularly limited.
The clerk opens the drawer 100C of the PET bottle collection device 100, takes out the storage bag from the container accommodating section 140, checks the condition of the PET bottle in the storage bag, and determines whether it is A rank, B rank, or C rank. Determine whether it applies. The store clerk operates the rank selection button BT21 according to the determined rank.

In response to the operation on the rank selection button BT21, the display on the touch panel display section 1400 changes from the rank input screen in FIG. 5(C) to the work completion confirmation screen in FIG. 5(D).
In the work completion confirmation screen shown in the same figure, a dialog message is displayed asking the store clerk whether or not it is OK to end the stored goods collection work, and a "Yes" button BT31 and a "No" button BT32 are arranged. ing.
The store clerk operates the "Yes" button BT31 when it is acceptable to end the stored article collection work. As a result, the PET bottle collection device 100 returns to the normal operation mode from, for example, the maintenance mode corresponding to the collection of stored items.
In addition, if, for example, the store clerk forgets to put in a new storage bag and the stored goods collection work should not be completed, the clerk operates the "No" button BT12 to maintain the maintenance mode and perform the necessary work. That's fine.

The PET bottle collection device 100 whose stored article collection work has been completed as described above generates member group rank information (an example of user group corresponding information) corresponding to the current stored article collection work, and generates member group rank information. The information is sent to the collection management server 200.
The member group rank information includes the member identifier of the member who threw in the PET bottle as a collected item that was taken out from the container storage section 140 during the current stored item collection operation, and the rank in the current stored item collection operation. and information indicating the rank input by operating the input screen.

When the collection management server 200 receives the member group rank information transmitted from the PET bottle collection device 100 of each store ST, the collection management server 200 stores the received member group rank information by adding it to the member group rank information table.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a member group rank information table stored in the collection management server 200. One record in the member group rank information table is member group rank information corresponding to one stored article collection operation.
One member group rank information includes each area of a device identifier, a store identifier, a work date and time, an in-group member list, and a rank.

The device identifier area stores a device identifier that uniquely indicates the PET bottle collection device 100 that is the source of the member group rank information.
The store identifier area stores a store identifier that uniquely indicates the store ST where the PET bottle collection device 100 that is the transmission source of the member group rank information is installed.

The work date and time field stores the date and time when the current stored article collection work was performed (work date and time). The work date and time may be, for example, the date and time when the plastic bottle collection device 100 transitions to maintenance mode in response to an operation on the "Yes" button BT11 on the work start confirmation screen (FIG. 5(A)). Alternatively, the work date and time may be the date and time when the PET bottle collection device 100 inputs the rank in response to the operation on the rank selection button BT21 on the rank input screen (FIG. 5(C)) during the current stored article collection work. .

The in-group member list area stores member identifiers (member list) for each member belonging to the user member group. In this embodiment, the member who has put in the PET bottle that was in the storage bag taken out from the container storage section 140 in response to the current stored article collection work (that is, the member who used the PET bottle collection device 100) A collection is treated as one user member group.
The PET bottle collection device 100 collects data from the membership card CD for each collection operation performed by the PET bottle collection device 100 during the period from the end of the previous stored product collection work to the start of the current stored product collection work. The read member identifier is stored as user member information. The plastic bottle collection device 100 generates an in-group member list based on the member identifiers stored since the end of the previous stored article collection operation in response to the current stored article collection operation.

The rank area indicates the rank input by operating the rank selection button BT21 on the rank input screen (FIG. 5(C)) in the current stored article collection work.

Such member group rank information is information that associates the rank of the condition of the PET bottle contained in the storage bag taken out in the current stored article collection operation with respect to the user member group.
In addition, such member group rank information indicates which rank the group unit corresponds to when the members who used the PET bottle collection device 100 are considered as a group unit corresponding to one storage bag targeted for collection. It also indicates whether the group is a group of members who tend to throw in PET bottles that are in a certain condition. In other words, the member group rank information also indicates the result of evaluating the quality of users of the PET bottle collection device 100 of a group of members corresponding to one collection target storage bag.

The collection management server 200 accumulates member group rank information corresponding to the storage bags taken out in the stored goods collection work every time the stored goods collection work is performed in the PET bottle collection device 100 of each store ST. go.
Therefore, the collection management server 200 determines the rank corresponding to each member based on the accumulated member group rank information. For this purpose, the collection management server 200 extracts ranks associated with the same member identifier from the accumulated member group rank information. Based on the extracted ranks, the collection management server 200 determines one rank from among the three ranks as the rank of the member indicated by the corresponding member identifier. In determining the rank, for example, the results of statistics on the extracted ranks according to a predetermined statistical method may be used.

Note that in the PET bottle collection device 100, the same member may input PET bottles multiple times in response to one storage bag. In such a case, a plurality of the same member identifiers will be included in the in-group member list of the member group rank information. In such a case, when determining the rank of a member, the collection management server 200 may extract the same number of ranks as the number of member identifiers included in the in-group member list from one member group rank information.
As a specific example, if three member identifiers of a certain member are included in the in-group member list of member group rank information that stores "B" in the rank area, the collection management server 200 From the member group rank information, three B ranks are extracted corresponding to one member identifier.
Alternatively, a plurality of the same member identifiers included in the in-group member list of the member group rank information may be treated as one, and one rank may be extracted from the member group rank information.
In this way, when the same multiple member identifiers are included in the in-group member list of member group rank information, whether to extract multiple ranks according to the number of member identifiers or one rank is determined. The determination may be made in consideration of the member rank determination accuracy, processing load, etc.

Note that the member group rank information may include information regarding the number of collected books. For example, the member group rank information may include information indicating the total number of PET bottles collected by the corresponding stored item collection operation. Further, the member group rank information may include, for example, information indicating the number of PET bottles collected by each member in the corresponding stored article collection work.

The collection management server 200 manages individual member rank information (an example of individual user correspondence information) in which the determined rank is associated with each member identifier based on the determination result of the rank corresponding to each member. The collection management server 200 stores individual member rank information using the structure of an individual member rank information table that includes one or more pieces of individual member rank information for each member.

FIG. 7 shows an example of an individual member rank information table stored in the collection management server 200. As shown in the figure, one piece of individual member rank information is information in which ranks are associated with each member identifier.
Further, as shown in the figure, the rank may be "not set" in addition to A rank, B rank, and C rank. For example, in the case of a member who has used the PET bottle collection device 100 less than a certain number of times, the number of extracted ranks is small, so it may be difficult to obtain an appropriate rank determination result. Therefore, in the case of a member for which the number of extracted ranks is less than a certain value, the rank in the individual member rank information is set to "unset" without performing rank determination processing.

The collection management server 200 updates the individual member rank information table at a predetermined timing. For example, every time member group rank information is received from the PET bottle collection device 100 of a certain store ST, the collection management server 200 uses the currently accumulated member group rank information to collect individual member rank information. You can update it. The update changes the rank of a certain member in the individual member rank information. Furthermore, due to the update, individual member rank information corresponding to a new member is newly generated and added to the individual member rank information table in response to using the PET bottle collection device 100 for the first time.

In this way, the individual member rank information managed by the collection management server 200 indicates the quality of each member as a user of the PET bottle collection device 100.
In other words, when the individual member rank information indicates that the member is rank A, the corresponding member is the best user who puts PET bottles that meet the quality standards into the PET bottle collection device 100.
Further, when the individual member rank information indicates that the user is in rank B, the corresponding member is a user who is in the middle in terms of quality, for example, who tends not to remove caps or labels.
Further, when the individual member rank information indicates that the member is in rank C, the corresponding member is a poor user who, for example, puts residue inside a plastic bottle.

The PET bottle collection system of this embodiment utilizes the individual member rank information managed by the collection management server 200 as described above to provide excellent usage to members who use the PET bottle collection device 100 as follows. Measures will be taken to encourage customers to use PET bottles that meet the quality standards as much as possible.
As mentioned above, when a member starts using the PET bottle collection device 100, the member performs an operation to cause the card reader 1500 to read his or her membership card CD, thereby causing the PET bottle collection device 100 to acquire a member identifier. .
Therefore, the plastic bottle collection device 100 that has acquired the member identifier sends an inquiry to the collection management server 200 regarding the rank associated with the member identifier acquired from the membership card CD. The inquiry sent by the plastic bottle collection device 100 includes the member identifier acquired from the member card CD. The collection management server 200 acquires the rank associated with the member identifier included in the received inquiry from the individual member rank information, and transmits a rank notification indicating the acquired rank to the plastic bottle collection device 100.

The PET bottle collection device 100 of this embodiment displays a guide screen on the touch panel display unit 1400 to guide the member through usage procedures when starting the collection operation. Then, the plastic bottle collection device 100 changes the content of the guidance screen displayed on the touch panel display section 1400 according to the rank indicated by the received rank notification.

An example of the display mode of the guide screen in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8.
The plastic bottle collection device 100 displays a first guidance screen as shown in FIG. 8(A) at the timing when the collection operation starts in response to reading the member identifier from the membership card CD. The first guidance screen is an initial guidance screen that is first displayed to members who are users of the plastic bottle collection device 100.
If the rank indicated by the rank notification received in response to this collection operation is A rank, the member who uses the PET bottle collection device 100 in response to this collection operation is the most excellent member. It turns out. It is presumed that such members will voluntarily supply PET bottles that meet the quality standards without having to specifically check the quality standards of the PET bottles. Therefore, the PET bottle collection device 100 in this case opens the outer door 111 and stores the PET bottle in the container input section 110 without transitioning to the guidance screen shown in FIGS. 8(B) and 8(C), which will be described next. The bottle is ready to be loaded.

Additionally, if the rank indicated by the rank notification received in response to the current collection operation is B rank, the member who uses the PET bottle collection device 100 in response to the current collection operation will be required to remove labels and caps. Members tend to use plastic bottles instead. Therefore, after displaying the first guidance screen of FIG. 8(A) for a certain period of time, the PET bottle collection device 100 in this case displays a message urging the quality standard to be met as shown in FIG. 8(B). A second guidance screen containing the information is displayed.
A "next" button BT41 is arranged on the second guide screen in the figure. When the second guidance screen is displayed, unless the "next" button BT41 is operated, the second guidance screen will not disappear and the outer door 111 will not open. Therefore, the member must operate the "Next" button BT41 in order to insert a plastic bottle. When operating the "Next" button BT41, the member will see a message displayed on the second guidance screen. As a result, members will become aware of the need to input PET bottles that meet the quality standards, and it is expected that their quality as users of the PET bottle collection device 100 will be improved.

In addition, if the rank indicated by the rank notification received in response to the current collection operation is C rank, the member who uses the PET bottle collection device 100 in response to the current collection operation will He is a member who is not in good standing and would throw in a plastic bottle in poor condition. Therefore, after displaying the first guidance screen of FIG. 8(A) for a certain period of time, the PET bottle collection device 100 in this case displays the first guidance screen of FIG. A third guidance screen containing a message giving specific instructions is displayed.
A "Next" button BT42 is arranged on the third guide screen in the figure. Even when the third guidance screen is displayed, unless the "next" button BT42 is operated, the third guidance screen is not erased and the outer door 111 is not opened.
Therefore, in order to insert a plastic bottle, the member operates the "Next" button BT42, and therefore sees the message displayed on the third guidance screen. As a result, the members are shown what is required to meet the quality standards of PET bottles, which improves their quality as users of the PET bottle collection device 100. There is expected.

With reference to FIG. 9, an example of the functional configuration of the PET bottle collection device 100 of this embodiment will be described. The plastic bottle collection device 100 shown in the figure includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1100, a storage section 1200, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1300, a touch panel display section 1400, a card reader 1500, a communication section 1600, and a collection mechanism section 1700. . These parts are connected to each other via an internal bus.

The CPU 1100 executes various processes in the plastic bottle collection device 100 by executing programs. Various functions of the plastic bottle collection device 100 are realized by the processing of the CPU 1100.

Storage unit 1200 is an auxiliary storage device that stores various data used by CPU 1100. The storage unit 1200 stores, for example, programs to be executed by the CPU 1100, image data to be displayed on the touch panel display unit 1400, and the like.

The RAM 1300 is a main storage device in which programs and data read from the storage unit 1200 are expanded.

As shown in FIG. 2, the touch panel display section 1400 is provided on the device main body section 100B with a display surface exposed. Touch panel display section 1400 displays images under the control of CPU 1100. Touch panel display section 1400 receives an operation performed on the display surface using an operating body such as a finger, for example.

The card reader 1500 is provided in the device main body 100B, as shown in FIG. The card reader 1500 communicates with a member card CD within the communication range by, for example, a predetermined contactless communication method, and reads member information from the member card CD of the communication destination.

Communication unit 1600 communicates via network NT. As described above, the communication unit 1600 of this embodiment performs communication so as to be connected to the network NT wirelessly.

The collection mechanism section 1700 is a mechanism section that performs operations related to volume reduction, storage, etc. of PET bottles as a collection of PET bottles, under the control of the CPU 1100. In correspondence with FIG. 2, the recovery mechanism section 1700 includes a container loading section 110, an outer door 111, an inner door 112, a volume reduction section 120, a container storage section 140, and the like.

A configuration example of the collection management server 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 10. The collection management server 200 in the figure includes a communication section 201, a control section 202, and a storage section 203.

The communication unit 201 communicates via the network NT.
The control unit 202 executes various controls in the collection management server 200. The function of the control unit 202 is realized by the CPU included in the collection management server 200 executing a program.

The storage unit 203 stores various types of information used by the control unit 202. The storage unit 203 in the figure stores a collection history information table 231, a member group rank information table 232, and an individual member rank information table 233.
The collection history information table 231 has the structure illustrated in FIG. 3 . The member group rank information table 232 has a structure illustrated in FIG. 6 . The individual member rank information table 233 has a structure illustrated in FIG. 7 .

An example of a processing procedure executed by the PET bottle collection device 100 and the collection management server 200 of this embodiment in response to one collection operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11.
First, an example of a processing procedure executed by the plastic bottle collection device 100 will be described.
Step S101: The plastic bottle collection device 100 waits for a collection operation instruction operation to be performed. The collection operation instruction operation is an operation in which the member causes the card reader 1500 to read the member identifier recorded on the membership card CD at the start of the collection operation.

Step S102: In response to the collection operation instruction operation being performed, the plastic bottle collection device 100 acquires the member identifier read from the membership card CD by the card reader 1500.

Step S103: The plastic bottle collection device 100 transmits a rank inquiry including the member identifier acquired in step S102 to the collection management server 200.
Step S104: The plastic bottle collection device 100 receives the rank notification sent from the collection management server 200 in response to the transmission of the rank inquiry in step S103. As explained with reference to FIG. 8, the plastic bottle collection device 100 displays a guide screen according to the rank indicated by the received rank notification.

Step S105: As described above, in the case where the first guidance screen is displayed according to the A rank, the PET bottle collection device 100 opens the outer door 111 at a predetermined timing, for example, while displaying the first guidance screen. shall be. By opening the outer door 111, the PET bottle collection device 100 starts an operation corresponding to the current collection operation.
In addition, when the plastic bottle collection device 100 displays the second guide screen or the third guide screen according to the B rank or the C rank, the "Next" button BT41 of the second guide screen or the third guide screen Waiting for an operation on the "Next" button BT42, in response to an operation on the "Next" button BT41 or "Next" button BT42, the PET bottle collection device 100 opens the outer door 111. As a result, operations corresponding to this collection operation will begin.

Step S106: The plastic bottle collection device 100 waits for the operation corresponding to the collection operation started in step S105 to be completed. For example, when a customer stores all of the plastic bottles that they have brought into the plastic bottle collection device 100, the customer can follow the instructions displayed on the touch panel display section 1400 and follow the instructions displayed on the subsequent guidance screens. Perform operations on the end button. In response to the end button being operated, the operation corresponding to one collection operation performed so far is ended.

Step S107: The plastic bottle collection device 100 adds the member identifier acquired in step S102 to the member information stored in the storage unit 1200 in response to the completion of the operation corresponding to the collection operation. The user member information is a member identifier read from the membership card CD for each collection operation performed by the PET bottle collection device 100 from the end of the last stored article collection operation to the start of the next stored article collection operation. This is information indicating.

Note that although not shown in the figure, in correspondence with the first embodiment, in response to the completion of the operation corresponding to the collection operation, the PET bottle collection device 100 collects the read card information. Collection history information including the member identifier acquired from the collection management server 200 may be transmitted to the collection management server 200. As mentioned above, the collection history information has contents that reflect the results of collection operations, and includes information such as the device identifier, store identifier, collection date and time, number of collected bottles, and collected weight in addition to the member identifier. included.
In addition, in correspondence with the first embodiment, the PET bottle collection device 100 displays a two-dimensional code on the touch panel display unit 1400 in which the member identifier obtained from the read card information and the URL of the collection record web page are encoded. It may be displayed.

Next, an example of a processing procedure executed by the collection management server 200 will be described with reference to the same figure.
Step S201: Upon receiving the rank inquiry sent from the PET bottle collection device 100, the collection management server 200 searches the individual member rank information table 233 for the rank associated with the member identifier included in the received rank inquiry. do.
Step S202: The collection management server 200 transmits a rank notification indicating the rank searched in step S201 to the plastic bottle collection device 100 that is the source of the rank inquiry.

With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 12, an example of a processing procedure executed by the PET bottle collection device 100 and the collection management server 200 in response to one stored article collection operation will be described.
First, an example of a processing procedure executed by the plastic bottle collection device 100 will be explained.
Step S301: The PET bottle collection device 100 waits for a contained article collection declaration operation to be performed. The stored article collection declaration operation is, for example, an operation on the "Yes" button BT11 on the work start confirmation screen (FIG. 5(A)) described with reference to FIG. 5(A).

Step S302: The PET bottle collection device 100 causes the touch panel display unit 1400 to display an opening/closing operation screen (FIG. 5(B)) in response to the operation for declaring collection of contained articles. According to the operation on the opening/closing operation screen, the PET bottle collection device 100 controls opening of the door (drawer 100C) of the container storage section 140.

Step S303: After the processing in step S302, the plastic bottle collection device 100 causes the touch panel display unit 1400 to display a rank input screen (FIG. 5(C)).
Step S304: The plastic bottle collection device 100 receives a rank input operation performed on the rank input screen, and inputs a rank corresponding to the operated rank selection button BT21.

Step S305: In response to the rank input operation being performed, the PET bottle collection device 100 causes the touch panel display unit 1400 to display a work completion confirmation screen (FIG. 5(D)).
Step S306: The PET bottle collection device 100 accepts an operation for declaring the end of work (operation on the "Yes" button BT31) performed on the work end confirmation screen.
Step S307: In response to the operation of declaring work completion on the work completion confirmation screen, the PET bottle collection device 100 transmits member group rank information corresponding to the current collection of stored items to the collection management server 200. The member group rank information is information in which the rank input in step S304 is associated with the user member information stored in the PET bottle collection device 100 at the stage when the current stored article collection work is started.
Step S308: The PET bottle collection device 100 clears the member information stored so far. Note that the previously stored member information may be stored as a history of the user of the plastic bottle collection device 100 without being cleared.
After step S308, for example, the maintenance mode corresponding to collection of stored articles returns to the normal operation mode.

Next, an example of a processing procedure executed by the collection management server 200 will be described with reference to the same figure.
Step S401: Upon receiving the member group rank information transmitted from the PET bottle collection device 100, the collection management server 200 stores the received member group rank information so as to add it to the member group rank information table 232.

Step S402: The collection management server 200 updates the individual member rank information stored in the individual member rank information table 233 using the member group rank information table 232 including the member group rank information added in step S401. .

The process shown in the figure collects individual member rank information each time the member group rank information transmitted from the PET bottle collection device 100 is received, that is, each time the PET bottle collection device 100 performs the collection work of stored items. It has been updated.
However, the collection management server 200 may be configured to update the individual member rank information at regular intervals. In this case, if member group rank information is received while waiting for a certain period of time to arrive after the last update of individual member rank information, the collection management server 200 The rank information is stored in the member group rank information table 232. The collection management server 200 then uses the member group rank information stored in the member group rank information table 232 at that time to update the individual member rank information at a timing when a certain period of time has elapsed.
Alternatively, the collection management server 200 may update the individual member rank information every time the number of member group rank information added to the member group rank information table 232 reaches a predetermined number.

<Third embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment will be described.
For example, low-quality PET bottles with leftover drinks or foreign objects inside them are a major impediment to reuse. Members with low ranks are likely to input such low-quality PET bottles.
From this point of view, it is possible to adopt the idea that members whose rank is below a certain level may be refused the use of the plastic bottle collection device 100.

Therefore, the plastic bottle collection device 100 of this embodiment is configured to refuse use to members whose rank is below a certain level.
As a specific example, the PET bottle collection device 100 of this embodiment executes the following process as step S104 in FIG. 11. That is, when the rank indicated by the received rank notification is A rank or B rank, the plastic bottle collection device 100 displays a guide screen corresponding to each rank. On the other hand, if the rank indicated by the received rank notification is C rank, for example, a guidance screen containing a message to the effect that plastic bottles cannot be accepted will be displayed, and the member will be able to insert plastic bottles. Make sure you don't get caught. In this case, the operations corresponding to the collection operation after step S105 are not executed.
In the second embodiment, the rank input operation by the store clerk during the stored article collection work is an operation on the rank selection button BT21 arranged on the rank input screen (FIG. 5(C)) displayed on the touch panel display section 1400. It had been.
In contrast, the rank input operation according to the present embodiment is not an operation on a button displayed on the touch panel display section 1400, but an operation on a predetermined key (button) physically provided on the PET bottle collection device 100. It is done as.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a device main body portion 100B of a plastic bottle collection device 100 according to this embodiment. In the figure, rank input keys KY1-1, KY1-2, KY1-3 and a confirmation key KY2 are arranged above the position where the drawer 100C, drawer handle 100e, etc. are arranged on the front surface of the device main body 100B. An example is shown.
Rank input keys KY1-1, KY1-2, and KY1-3 are keys for selecting A rank, B rank, and C rank, respectively. At the rank input keys KY1-1, KY1-2, KY1-3 themselves or at the positions corresponding to the rank input keys KY1-1, KY1-2, KY1-3, for example, the keys are assigned according to the corresponding ranks. A predetermined color may be arranged.
If there is no particular distinction between rank input keys KY1-1, KY1-2, and KY1-3, they will be referred to as rank input key KY1.
The confirmation key KY2 is used to confirm the rank selected by operating the rank input key KY1.

In this case, the clerk first checks the condition of the plastic bottle in the storage bag to determine the rank, and selects the rank by operating the rank input key KY1 corresponding to the determined rank. Next, the clerk operates the confirmation key KY2 to confirm the rank selection. Until the confirmation key KY2 is operated, the rank input operation KY can be operated any number of times, and the selection of the rank can be changed.
In the case of such an operation, which rank is currently selected after the rank is first determined by operating one of the rank input keys KY1 until the rank selection is determined by operating the confirm key KY2? It is preferable to indicate in a predetermined manner whether the For example, the currently selected rank may be indicated by the operated rank input key KY1 itself or by the issuing unit disposed corresponding to the rank input key KY1 emitting light. Alternatively, touch panel display section 1400 may display a display indicating the currently selected rank.

In this way, when a key related to the rank input operation is physically provided, there is a possibility that the store clerk who is performing the task of collecting the stored articles forgets the rank input operation. Therefore, in the case of the present embodiment, the PET bottle collection device 100 may not end the maintenance mode corresponding to collected article collection unless a rank input operation is performed. At this time, the PET bottle collection device 100 may have a controllable configuration such that the door (drawer 100C) of the container storage section 140 cannot be closed unless a rank input operation is performed.

Note that even when a rank input operation is performed as an operation on the screen displayed on the touch panel display section 1400 as in the second embodiment, the PET bottle collection device 100 does not store containers unless the rank input operation is performed. The door (drawer 100C) of the section 140 may be controlled so that it cannot be closed.

<Fourth embodiment>
In the second embodiment described above, the rank input operation by the clerk during the stored article collection work is an operation on the rank selection button BT21 arranged on the rank input screen (FIG. 5(C)) displayed on the touch panel display unit 1400. It was said that

In contrast, the rank input operation in this embodiment is not an operation on a button displayed on the touch panel display section 1400, but an operation on a predetermined key (button) physically provided on the PET bottle collection device 100. It will be done.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a device main body portion 100B of a plastic bottle collection device 100 according to this embodiment. In the figure, rank input keys KY1-1, KY1-2, KY1-3 and a confirmation key KY2 are arranged above the position where the drawer 100C, drawer handle 100e, etc. are arranged on the front surface of the device main body 100B. An example is shown.
Rank input keys KY1-1, KY1-2, and KY1-3 are keys for selecting A rank, B rank, and C rank, respectively. At the rank input keys KY1-1, KY1-2, KY1-3 themselves or at the positions corresponding to the rank input keys KY1-1, KY1-2, KY1-3, for example, the keys are assigned according to the corresponding ranks. A predetermined color may be arranged.
If there is no particular distinction between rank input keys KY1-1, KY1-2, and KY1-3, they will be referred to as rank input key KY1.
The confirmation key KY2 is used to confirm the rank selected by operating the rank input key KY1.

In this case, the clerk first checks the condition of the plastic bottle in the storage bag to determine the rank, and selects the rank by operating the rank input key KY1 corresponding to the determined rank. Next, the clerk operates the confirmation key KY2 to confirm the rank selection. Until the confirmation key KY2 is operated, the rank input operation KY can be operated any number of times, and the selection of the rank can be changed.

In the case of such an operation, which rank is currently selected after the rank is first determined by operating one of the rank input keys KY1 until the rank selection is determined by operating the confirm key KY2? It is preferable to indicate in a predetermined manner whether the For example, the currently selected rank may be indicated by the operated rank input key KY1 itself or by the issuing unit disposed corresponding to the rank input key KY1 emitting light. Alternatively, touch panel display section 1400 may display a display indicating the currently selected rank.

In this way, when a key related to the rank input operation is physically provided, there is a possibility that the store clerk who is performing the task of collecting the stored articles forgets the rank input operation. Therefore, in the case of the present embodiment, the PET bottle collection device 100 may not end the maintenance mode corresponding to collected article collection unless a rank input operation is performed. At this time, the PET bottle collection device 100 may have a controllable configuration such that the door (drawer 100C) of the container storage section 140 cannot be closed unless a rank input operation is performed.

Note that even when a rank input operation is performed as an operation on the screen displayed on the touch panel display section 1400 as in the second embodiment, the PET bottle collection device 100 does not operate the container accommodating section 140 unless the rank input operation is performed. The door (drawer 100C) may be controlled so that it cannot be closed.
That is, in both the fourth embodiment and the second embodiment, when a rank input operation is not performed, processing corresponding to the next step of the rank input operation may not be started.

<Modified example>
Next, a modification of this embodiment will be described.
[First modification]
In the above-mentioned example of the second embodiment, the rank input operation by the store clerk is performed during the stored article collection work. In this modification, the rank input operation by the clerk is not limited to the case of collecting stored items. The plastic bottle collection device 100 may accept, for example, a rank input operation performed at an arbitrary timing. Since a transparent part 100A (transparent window) is provided on the front side of the drawer 100C of the PET bottle collection device 100, the condition of the PET bottles in the storage bag can be visually checked from the outside without opening the drawer 100C. It is now possible.
In addition, the PET bottle collection device 100 notifies store staff when it is detected that a certain number of PET bottles have been inserted, which is treated as a large amount of PET bottles, in one collection operation. It can be carried out. In response to receiving notification of such a large amount of PET bottles being thrown in, the clerk can perform a rank input operation after the collection operation corresponding to the large amount of PET bottles being thrown in (in this case, if the container If there is enough room in the storage section 140, there is no need to perform the work of recovering the stored items).
If rank input is performed at such a timing, a considerable proportion of the collected PET bottles will be accounted for by the PET bottles that were thrown in in large quantities by member 1, and the clerk's rank judgment will also be based on the number of bottles thrown in in large quantities by member 1. The quality of the plastic bottle is easily reflected. This makes it possible to increase the accuracy of rank setting for member groups.

In the case of this modification, the PET bottle collection device 100, at the timing when the rank input operation is performed, uses member information indicating the members who have used the PET bottle collection device 100 from the time when the previous rank input operation was performed to the present time. The member group rank information based on the information is sent to the collection management server 200.
Under such a configuration, for example, it is possible to perform a rank input operation every time a member uses the PET bottle collection device 100 to perform a collection operation.

Note that if rank input is enabled at any timing, the number of times the member group rank information is sent and received will be greater than necessary, resulting in an increase in communication network traffic and problems with the PET bottle collection device 100, collection management server 200, etc. This may lead to an increase in processing load, etc. Therefore, the PET bottle collection device 100 is configured to operate under predetermined conditions, such as when a stored article collection operation is performed in response to the container accommodating section 140 becoming full, and when a large amount of PET bottles are put into the container storage section 140. The rank input operation may be accepted only in the following cases.

[Second modification]
In the embodiment described above, when collecting the stored items, the store clerk visually inspects the PET bottles contained in the storage bag and inputs the rank, thereby inputting the rank.
In this modification, at least one of a sensor using an imaging device that captures an image of the storage bag in the container accommodating section 140, a sensor that detects odor, etc. is provided. In addition, the PET bottle collection device 100 determines whether the PET bottles contained in the storage bag are contained in the storage bag based on the output of the sensor at a stage before the storage bag is taken out from the container accommodating section 140, for example, in a maintenance mode corresponding to the collection work of stored items. The quality of the bottle may be determined and a rank input process may be performed according to the determined quality. In this case, the rank input operation by the clerk can be omitted.

[Third modification]
In this modification, the PET bottle collection device 100 is provided with at least one of a sensor using an imaging device that captures an image of a PET bottle inserted into the container input section 110, a sensor that detects odor, and the like. The PET bottle collection device 100 determines the quality of the PET bottles input into the container input section 110 based on the output of the sensor, and does not collect PET bottles whose quality is determined to be below a certain level.
In addition, the PET bottle collection device 100 of this modification may also display a guidance screen during the PET bottle collection operation depending on the rank of the member. As described above, when it is determined that the quality of the PET bottle is below a certain level, the PET bottle collection device 100 sends, for example, a message that the PET bottle cannot be collected this time because the quality of the PET bottle is not good. A guide screen including the information is displayed on the touch panel display section 1400.

[Fourth modification]
For example, if a customer who starts using the PET bottle collection device 100 is of rank C, and there is a store clerk near the PET bottle collection device 100, the guidance screen displayed on the touch panel display section 1400 will prompt the store clerk to , it can be understood that the member is C rank. In this case, if the clerk is free, he or she can instruct the member to insert a PET bottle that meets the quality standards.
Further, as a result of the store staff's guidance as described above, a PET bottle corresponding to A rank is now being thrown in instead of a PET bottle corresponding to C rank being thrown in. When a stored article recovery operation is performed in response to such a situation, there is a possibility that a rank higher than C rank, such as A rank, is input even though the member is C rank.
For example, it is unlikely that a C-rank member will become an A-rank member after receiving guidance from a store clerk.In this respect, the quality of the member who introduced the plastic bottle and the member group rank information The rankings managed by the
Therefore, for example, in such a case, the clerk may be able to perform an operation such as modifying the rank of the member group rank information, for example, to C rank or B rank, by operating the PET bottle collection device 100.
In other words, if it is clear that for some reason there is a discrepancy between the quality of the PET bottle placed in the storage bag and the quality of the member who inserted the PET bottle, the store clerk will It may be possible to make it possible to modify the rank in the group rank information. Such modification of the rank in the member group rank information may also be performed by a store clerk's operation on, for example, the POS register 400 in the store ST, a host device, a terminal owned by the store clerk, or the like.

[Fifth modification]
The PET bottle collection device 100 of this modification may measure the time required for the collection operation for each use by a member, and may store the member identifier and the time required as the user member information. The collection management server 200 determines the user's proficiency level in operating the PET bottle collection device 100 based on the required time included in the received member information, and the determined proficiency level is also determined by the member's individual membership rank. Include in information.
During the collection operation, the PET bottle collection device 100 may present a guidance screen with contents corresponding to the member's rank, and may also display different guidance screens depending on the member's proficiency level. For example, in the case of a member with a low level of proficiency, a guide screen may be displayed that explains in detail how to operate the PET bottle collection device 100.

[Sixth variation]
As described in the first embodiment, a point addition service is provided in which points are added to members according to the number of PET bottles collected using the PET bottle collection device 100.
In this modified example, in such a point addition service, the rank of the member indicated by the individual member rank information in the second embodiment is reflected in point addition.
As a specific example, if you would normally add 1 point for every 5 collected plastic bottles, for users whose rank is above a certain level, points will be added, for example, 1 point will be added for every 3 bottles. It is possible to relax the conditions under which
Alternatively, if one point would normally be added for every five plastic bottles collected, for users whose rank is above a certain level, points would be added by adding two points for every five bottles, for example. Conditions may be relaxed.
Furthermore, for users whose ranks are below a certain level, the conditions for point addition according to the use of the plastic bottle collection device 100 may be made stricter so that points are less likely to be added (or points are not added).

[Seventh modification]
In the configuration of the second embodiment, the collection management server 200 sets a rank for each member and manages individual member rank information indicating the set rank. However, the configuration of the second embodiment may be configured to be completed in one PET bottle collection device 100, including the setting of ranks for each member and the management of individual member rank information indicating the set ranks. . Alternatively, the configuration of the second embodiment may be configured such that a plurality of PET bottle collection apparatuses 100 are connected to each other by communication between the plurality of PET bottle collection apparatuses 100 installed in one store (or, for example, in each of a plurality of stores in a certain area). It may be completed.

[Eighth modification]
The configuration of this embodiment includes a system for collecting items that require improved quality, such as bottles, cans, plastic (styrofoam) food trays, paper containers such as milk cartons, etc. It may be applied to devices, etc.

<Summary of embodiments>
(1) As explained above, one aspect of the present embodiment is that the quality of the collected articles stored in the article collecting device (for example, the PET bottle collecting device 100) that collects the articles (for example, PET bottles) is This article collection system includes a quality-related information input means for inputting quality-related information (for example, information indicating rank, classification, etc.).
According to the above configuration, it is possible to set a quality rank corresponding to the PET bottles collected by the PET bottle collection device 100 of the present embodiment and placed in a storage bag by the PET bottle collection device 100. That is, the quality of the PET bottles collected by the PET bottle collection device 100 can be evaluated. By effectively using the results of such evaluation, for example, using the rank setting results, it is possible to improve the quality of PET bottles collected by the PET bottle collection device 100.

(2) One aspect of the present embodiment is the article collection system described in (1), wherein the quality-related information is inputted by the quality-related information input means at the timing when the collected articles are taken out from the article collection device. configured to be used.
According to the above configuration, for example, in response to the PET bottle housed in the storage bag of the PET bottle collection device 100 becoming full, the timing for taking out the PET bottle from the PET bottle collection device 100 is adjusted. , it becomes possible to input ranks efficiently.

(3) One aspect of the present embodiment is the article collection system according to (1) or (2), in which the quality-related information is not inputted by the quality-related information input means. The configuration is such that processing according to the next step of the input is not started.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the process from proceeding to the next step unless a rank input operation is performed. This prevents the clerk from forgetting the rank input operation.

(4) One aspect of the present embodiment is the article collection system according to any one of (1) to (3), in which the quality-related information means selects from among a plurality of quality-related information candidates. Enter one quality-related information.
According to the above configuration, when performing an operation of inputting a rank, for example, the clerk only has to select one level from among a plurality of predetermined levels and perform the operation, and can easily perform the operation.

(5) One aspect of the present embodiment is the article collection system according to any one of (1) to (4), in which the quality-related information input means inputs quality-related information to a touch panel. Input quality-related information according to the input operation.
According to the above configuration, since the rank is input by operating the display on the touch panel, it is possible to improve the operability regarding the rank input. In addition, for example, an operation screen corresponding to the input of the rank can be displayed in the flow of the guidance display for collecting the stored items in the storage bag, so the operation for entering the rank can be appropriately guided according to the procedure of collecting the stored items, for example. can.

(6) One aspect of the present embodiment is the article collection system according to any one of (1) to (5), in which a user identifier indicating a user who caused the article collection device to collect the article is provided. (for example, a member identifier), quality-related information inputted by the quality-related information inputting means, and collected items corresponding to the quality-related information inputted by the quality-related information inputting means. a user group correspondence information output unit that outputs user group correspondence information in which the input user identifier of one or more users is associated; Further, an individual user corresponding information management means for determining corresponding quality related information and managing individual user corresponding information in which a user identifier of a user targeted for determination is associated with the determined quality related information. Be prepared.
According to the above configuration, the rank indicating the individual excellence of each member who is a user of the PET bottle collection device 100 is based on the input result of the rank according to the quality of the PET bottles collected by the PET bottle collection device 100. can be set.

(7) One aspect of the present embodiment is the article collection system described in (6), in which when a user throws an article into the article collection device, the user who throws the article The information processing apparatus further includes notification means for notifying guidance regarding article insertion corresponding to the quality-related information indicated by the individual user correspondence information.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide appropriate guidance regarding the insertion of PET bottles into the PET bottle collection device 100, depending on the rank of the member. As a result, it can be expected that the quality of the PET bottles collected by the PET bottle collection device 100 will be improved.

(8) One aspect of the present embodiment is the article collection system described in (6) or (7), in which the article collection The apparatus further includes a use refusal means for controlling the apparatus so that the apparatus cannot be used.
According to the above configuration, members whose quality as users of the PET bottle collection device 100 is below a certain level are not allowed to use the PET bottle collection device 100, and the quality of the PET bottles collected by the PET bottle collection device 100 is It is possible to improve the

(9) One aspect of the present embodiment is an article collection device that includes a quality-related information input means that inputs quality-related information corresponding to the quality of a collected article stored in the article collection device that collects the article.

(10) One aspect of the present embodiment is a quality-related information input means for inputting quality-related information corresponding to the quality of a collected article stored in an article collection device that collects the article into a computer included in the article collection system. This is a program to make it function as a.

Note that programs for realizing the functions of the above-mentioned PET bottle collection device 100, collection management server 200, customer terminal device 300, POS register 400, store management server 500, etc. are recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, By loading the program recorded on this recording medium into a computer system and executing it, processing as the above-mentioned PET bottle collection device 100, collection management server 200, customer terminal device 300, POS register 400, store management server 500, etc. You may go. Here, "reading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program on the computer system. The "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Further, a "computer system" may include a plurality of computer devices connected via a network including the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, a communication line such as a dedicated line, etc. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. In this way, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM. The recording medium also includes a recording medium provided internally or externally that can be accessed from the distribution server to distribute the program. The code of the program stored in the recording medium of the distribution server may be different from the code of the program in a format executable by the terminal device. That is, as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in an executable form on the terminal device, the format in which it is stored on the distribution server does not matter. Note that the program may be divided into a plurality of parts, downloaded at different timings, and then combined on a terminal device, or the distribution servers that deliver each of the divided programs may be different. Furthermore, a ``computer-readable recording medium'' refers to a storage medium that retains a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that serves as a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network. This shall also include things. Moreover, the above-mentioned program may be for realizing a part of the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, it may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

Reference Signs List 100 PET bottle collection device, 110 container input unit, 111 outer door, 112 inner door, 116 placement unit, 120 volume reduction unit, 140 container storage unit, 145 cap storage unit, 200 collection management server, 231 collection history information table, 232 member group rank information table, 233 individual member rank information table, 300 customer terminal device, 301 CPU, 302 storage section, 303 RAM, 304 display section, 305 operation section, 306 imaging section, 307 communication section, 400 POS register, 500 Store management server, 1100 CPU, 1200 storage section, 1300 RAM, 1400 touch panel display section, 1500 card reader, 1600 communication section, 1700 collection mechanism section

Claims (10)

An article collection system comprising: a quality-related information input means for inputting quality-related information corresponding to the quality of a collected article stored in an article collection device that collects the article. The article collection system according to claim 1, wherein the input of the quality-related information by the quality-related information input means is performed at the timing when the collected article is taken out from the article collection device. The article collection according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the quality-related information is not inputted by the quality-related information input means, processing according to the next step after inputting the quality-related information is not started. system. The article collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the quality-related information input means inputs one quality-related information from among a plurality of quality-related information candidates. The article collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the quality-related information input means inputs quality-related information in response to an operation for inputting quality-related information performed on a touch panel. a user identifier acquisition means for acquiring a user identifier indicating a user who caused the article collection device to collect the article;
The quality-related information input by the quality-related information input means is associated with the user identifier of one or more users who have input the collected items corresponding to the quality-related information input by the quality-related information input means. a user group correspondence information output unit that outputs user group correspondence information;
The quality-related information corresponding to each user is determined based on the one or more user group correspondence information, and the user identifier of the user targeted for determination is associated with the determined quality-related information. The article collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: individual user correspondence information management means for managing user correspondence information. Further, when a user inserts an article into the article collection device, a notification means for notifying guidance regarding article insertion corresponding to quality-related information indicated by the individual user response information of the user who inputs the article. The article collection system according to claim 6. The article collection device according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising a use refusal means for controlling a user to whom predetermined quality-related information is associated in the individual user correspondence information from using the article collection device. system. An article collection device comprising a quality-related information input means for inputting quality-related information corresponding to the quality of a collected article stored in the article collection device that collects the article. The computer included in the article collection system,
A program for functioning as a quality-related information input means for inputting quality-related information corresponding to the quality of a recovered article stored in an article collecting device that collects the article.

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