JP4098030B2 - Cashless vending machine system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention performs sales processing of products from a vending machine by communicating with a center apparatus using a mobile communication terminal possessed by a user. Cashless vending machine With regard to the system, in particular, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of items that cannot be purchased or cash refundable after settlement processing without complicating user operations, thereby enabling highly reliable sales processing. Less vending Machine Regarding the stem.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In many vending machines currently used, a user purchases a desired product or receives a service by inputting a value such as money or a prepaid card.
[0003]
However, in such a vending machine, the user must always carry cash or a card. Especially when using a prepaid card, a large number of cards are required for each system receiving various services. There is annoyance that you have to carry.
[0004]
In the vending machine described above, the seller misses a sales opportunity due to a change shortage or the like, and in the vending machine that can use the card, a card reader / writer must be installed to issue a large number of cards. Therefore, the effort and cost are enormous.
[0005]
By the way, in recent years, small and high-functional portable communication terminals such as mobile phones and PHS have been widely used, and cashless systems for vending machines using these portable communication terminals (for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-36279) )It has been known.
[0006]
However, in such a cashless vending machine system, communication between the mobile communication terminal and the center device can use the Internet, mail, etc., but communication between the mobile communication terminal and the vending machine is possible. However, although there are infrared communication and BlueTooth etc. that are considered promising, it is not so popular at present, so code information etc. presented to users by vending machines can be carried by hand Most of them are input to the communication terminal.
[0007]
For this reason, there is a possibility that an input error may occur in such a conventional product, and when an input error actually occurs, the product is sold by the vending machine even though the settlement processing is performed on the center device side. Therefore, the user cannot purchase the product. Also, if an input error occurs, even if the user wants to stop purchasing the product after the settlement process, the refund process cannot be performed.
[0008]
Further, the conventional system does not have a mechanism for detecting errors such as code information presented by the vending machine on the center apparatus side.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in the conventional cashless vending machine system, if the user mistakenly inputs code information or the like presented by the vending machine to the mobile communication terminal by hand, If the product is not sold by the vending machine even though the payment is processed on the device side, and the user cannot purchase the product or if an input error occurs, the user may stop purchasing the product after the payment process. There is an inconvenience that refund processing cannot be performed.
[0010]
Therefore, in view of the above circumstances, the present invention prevents occurrences such as inability to purchase a product after payment processing or cash cannot be refunded without complicating a user's operation, thereby performing highly reliable sales processing. Cashless vending Machine The purpose is to provide a stem.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 The cashless vending machine system includes a vending machine that controls the sale of merchandise, a mobile communication terminal possessed by a user, and a center device accessible by the mobile communication terminal. A product purchase request means for accessing the center device using identification information of the portable communication terminal and making a product purchase request using the vending machine, and the center based on the product purchase request by the product purchase request means Display control means for receiving input screen data related to the product purchase request from the device and displaying the input screen related to the product purchase request on the display of the portable communication terminal; and display on the display by the display control means A vending machine code for identifying the vending machine from the input screen and transmitting a vending machine code for identifying the identified vending machine to the center device. And a first code receiving means for receiving a first code including the vending machine code generated by the center device based on the vending machine code transmitted by the vending machine code transmitting means. And the second code generated and presented by the vending machine based on the first code received by the first code receiving means and the usage amount of the selected product in the vending machine to the center device A second code and usage amount transmission means for transmitting, and a third code generated at the center based on the second code transmitted by the second code and usage amount transmission means. And the vending machine receives the first code receiving means for receiving the input of the first code and the first code receiving means. The presenting means for determining the validity of the first code and generating and presenting the second code based on the first code when it is determined that the first code is valid And determining the validity of the third code received by the third code receiving means, and the third code is valid. A vending machine code transmitted from the mobile communication terminal by the vending machine code transmitting unit when the vending machine code is transmitted. A first code transmitting means for generating the first code based on the first code and transmitting the first code to the portable communication terminal; and the second validity transmitted by the portable communication terminal by the second code and usage amount transmitting means Determine When it is determined that the second code is valid, a settlement process is performed based on the usage amount, a third code is generated based on the second code, and is transmitted to the mobile communication terminal. 3 code transmission means .
[0012]
The invention of claim 2 is the invention of claim 1, The portable communication terminal further includes first code input instruction means for displaying the first code received by the first code receiving means on the display and instructing input of the first code. The first code receiving means accepts the input of the first code by reading the image of the first code displayed on the display by the first code input instruction means by the image reading means. .
[0013]
Further, the invention of claim 3 is the invention of claim 1. Or 2 In the invention of The portable communication terminal further includes third code input instruction means for displaying the third code received by the third code receiving means on the display and instructing input of the third code. The third code receiving means receives the input of the third code by reading the image of the third code displayed on the display by the third code input instruction means by the image reading means. .
[0014]
The invention of claim 4 is the invention of claim 1, The vending machine detects a return lever operation detection for detecting an operation of a return lever after receiving the third code by the third code receiving means and before selling the selected product by the sales processing means. And a refund code presenting means for generating and presenting a refund code corresponding to the usage amount based on detection of the operation of the return lever by the return lever operation detecting means, the portable communication terminal, It further comprises a refund code transmitting means for transmitting the refund code presented by the refund code presenting means to the center apparatus, and the center apparatus uses the usage amount based on the refund code transmitted by the refund code transmitting means. Cancel the payment process based on .
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0020]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a cashless vending machine system 100 to which the present invention is applied.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 1, the cashless vending machine system 100 includes a vending machine 10, a mobile communication terminal 20, a center device 30, and a communication network 40.
[0022]
Here, the vending machine 10 performs sales processing of products such as can drinks and cigarettes using the mobile communication terminal 20 possessed by the user who uses the vending machine 10. In the present embodiment, when the first code issued by the center device 30 is input by the user A, the second code is issued and presented to the user A. Further, when the third code issued by the center device 30 is input by the user A, the product sales process is performed.
[0023]
The mobile communication terminal 20 is a mobile phone or a terminal such as a PHS possessed by a user who uses the vending machine 10, and the user purchases a product cashlessly using this terminal. In the present embodiment, the first code received from the center device 30 based on the operation of the user A is provided with a function of displaying or voice input to the vending machine 10.
[0024]
The center device 30 is installed in a company that manages the vending machine 10 or a company that acts as a sales agent, and is connected to a communication network such as the Internet to exchange information with the mobile communication terminal 20 and various information related to products sold. Manage payment processing of products sold to users. In the present embodiment, the first code is issued in response to the user A's merchandise sales request and is transmitted to the mobile communication terminal 20 possessed by the user A. When the second code is received from the mobile communication terminal 20, the third code is issued and transmitted to the mobile communication terminal 20.
[0025]
The communication network 40 relays various information (in particular, information such as the first code, the second code, and the third code in the present embodiment) between the mobile communication terminal 20 and the center device 30. A network such as a public line.
[0026]
Next, in such a system configuration, the first, second, and second transmission / reception is performed between the systems before the mobile communication terminal 20 is used to obtain the sale permission for the product in the vending machine 10 and the process proceeds to the sales process. A general flow of transmission / reception of 3 codes will be described.
[0027]
First, when user A purchases a product, he / she makes a product sales request using his / her portable communication terminal 20. Then, the center device 30 issues a first code including a vending machine code to be used in response to the request and transmits it to the mobile communication terminal 20.
[0028]
Then, the user A inputs the first code received by the mobile communication terminal 20 to the vending machine 10.
[0029]
Then, the vending machine 10 collates the vending machine code included in the inputted first code with the vending machine code of the own machine, and if they match, the second code is issued and presented to the user A.
[0030]
Here, when the user A presents the second code presented to the mobile communication terminal 20, the mobile communication terminal 20 transmits the second code to the center device 30.
[0031]
Then, the center device 30 checks the validity of the input second code, and if it is valid, performs a predetermined conversion process to generate a third code and transmits it to the mobile communication terminal 20.
[0032]
Then, when the user A inputs the third code received by the mobile communication terminal 20 to the vending machine 10, the vending machine 10 discharges the products and services desired by the user.
[0033]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing system function blocks of the vending machine 10 in the cashless vending machine system 100 shown in FIG. In this case, a configuration of a vending machine capable of selling products not only in cashless but also in cash is shown as an example.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 2, the vending machine 10 includes a CPU (main control unit) 101, first and third code input units 102, a second code issuing unit 103, a storage unit 104, and an operation unit 105. A display unit 106, a keyboard terminal unit 107, a coin processing unit 108, a banknote processing unit 109, a commodity transport unit 110, columns 111a to 111, and a system bus 112.
[0035]
Here, the CPU 101 controls the vending machine 10 as a whole and controls the sales process of the product.
[0036]
The first and third code input units 102 receive the first code generated by the center device 30 in response to the product sales request of the user A and transmitted to the mobile communication terminal 20 possessed by the user A. Input based on the operation. A second code issued by a second code issuing unit 103 described later is sent to the center device 30 via the portable communication terminal 20 possessed by the user A, and the center device 30 checks the validity. The third code generated when it is valid is input via the mobile communication terminal 20 of the user A.
[0037]
Specifically, the first and third code input units 102 include either or both of the image recognition device 102-1 and the speech recognition device 102-2. Here, when the image recognition device 102-1 is provided, the display screen of the mobile communication terminal 20 is brought close to the image recognition device 102-1 by the user A, thereby barcode-displayed on the display screen. The read first or third code is read and input to the inside. Then, the first or third code is recognized based on the input image data, and the recognized first and third codes are transferred to the main control unit 101.
[0038]
On the other hand, when the voice recognition device 102-2 is provided, the speaker portion of the mobile communication terminal 20 is brought close to the voice recognition device 102-2 by the user A, and thereby the first or second voice uttered from the speaker. A voice indicating a code of 3 is input inside. Then, the first or third code is recognized from the input voice information, and the recognized first or third code information is transferred to the main control unit 101.
[0039]
The second code issuing unit 103 inputs the first code via the first and third code input units 102 based on the operation of the user A, and then the CPU 101 validates the input first code. The CPU 101 determines that the first code is valid (ie, the vending machine code of the own machine is checked against the vending machine code included in the first code) and is determined to be valid (OK). A second code generated by performing a predetermined conversion process is presented to the user.
[0040]
Specifically, the second code issuing unit 103 includes either or both of the display device 103-1 and the printing device 103-2. Here, when the display device 103-1 is provided, the generated second code is displayed on the display screen so that the user A can recognize the display device 103-1. Thereby, the second code is presented to the user A.
[0041]
On the other hand, when the printing apparatus 103-2 is provided, the printing apparatus 103-2 is used to print out the generated second code so that the user A can recognize it. Thereby, the second code is presented to the user A.
[0042]
The storage unit 104 stores various control programs and various information used in the vending machine 10. In particular, in this embodiment, a processing control program for processing the first, second and third codes is stored.
[0043]
The operation unit 105 is an operation interface for the user A to input various instructions. Specifically, the operation unit 105 includes a selection button 105-1 for selecting a desired product, a return lever 105-2, and the like. Composed. When the return lever 105-2 is lowered by the user, a refund code is generated by the CPU (main control unit) 101, and the refund code is displayed on the display unit 106 and presented to the user.
[0044]
The display device 106 displays various information such as money amount information to be notified to the user A. In particular, in this embodiment, when the user A performs an operation such as lowering the return lever 105-2 included in the operation unit 105, a return code is displayed to be presented to the user.
[0045]
The keyboard terminal unit 107 is an input interface part for performing various settings such as the price of a product sold on the side of the dealer.
[0046]
The coin processing unit 108 performs a process of receiving a coin as a consideration for a product, a process of returning a change, and the like.
[0047]
The banknote processing unit 109 performs banknote acceptance, return processing, and the like.
[0048]
The product transport unit 110 performs product discharge processing based on the control signal of the CPU 101, and controls the discharge of the products stored in the columns (1) to (m).
[0049]
The columns 111a to 111n are supplied by the seller and store the products that match the information stored in the storage unit 104, that is, the products associated with the column numbers.
[0050]
The system bus 112 is a common signal line for exchanging signals between the CPU 101 and other components (102 to 111).
[0051]
In the above embodiment, the second code issuing unit 103 is provided with the dedicated display 103-1 for displaying the second code. However, the dedicated display 103-1 is not provided, The display 106 may be shared.
[0052]
Moreover, although the case where goods can be sold even in cash is shown in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and the product can be sold only in cashless by removing the curing processing unit 108 and the banknote processing unit 109. Any configuration may be used.
[0053]
Next, the processing operation between systems when the user A actually purchases a product in the configuration described above will be described.
[0054]
FIG. 3 is a sequence chart showing the flow of processing when user A actually purchases a product.
[0055]
As shown in FIG. 3, first, when the user A inputs a product purchase start instruction to the mobile communication terminal 20 possessed by the user A (S101), the mobile communication terminal 20 enters the center device 30 via the communication network 40. On the other hand, a merchandise sales request is made (S102). That is, a predetermined HP (homepage) is accessed, and login processing is performed using a user ID (user identifier) including a telephone number or a number assigned to each user.
[0056]
Then, the center device 30 checks the validity of the user ID (S103), and when it is determined that the user ID is valid (OK), My Page data is transmitted to the mobile communication terminal 20. (S104).
[0057]
Thereafter, My Page is displayed on the mobile communication terminal 20 (S105). User A uses this display page to select a vending machine or newly input a vending machine code (vc) (S106). As a result, the selected vending machine code (vc) is transmitted from the mobile communication terminal 20 to the center device 30 (S107).
[0058]
Then, the center device 30 generates a first code including the received vending machine code (vc) (S108). The first code generated here includes a display information format and an audio information format according to the configuration of the first and third code input units 102 (see FIG. 2) provided on the vending machine 10 side. Two configurations are possible. Specifically, when the first and third code input units 102 include the image recognition device 102-1, the first code information to be displayed as a barcode on the display screen of the mobile communication terminal 20 Is generated. On the other hand, when the first and third code input units 102 include the voice recognition device 102-2, the first code information to be uttered by voice through the speaker in the mobile communication terminal 20 is generated. Is done.
[0059]
Then, the generated first code information is transmitted from the center device 30 to the mobile communication terminal 20 (S109).
[0060]
When the mobile communication terminal 20 receives the first code information, the user A is notified of the first code (S110). Specifically, in the case of display, the user A is notified by voice or display that the first code has been received, and at the same time, the first code bar-coded on the display screen of the mobile communication terminal 20 Is displayed [see FIG. 5A]. On the other hand, in the case of voice, the user A is notified that the first code has been received, and the speaker part is brought close to the voice recognition unit 102-2 of the vending machine 10, and the code utterance button is pressed. The information prompting the user to recognize the voice is notified [see FIG. 5B]. In addition to the display, notification may be made by voice.
[0061]
Thereafter, the user A performs a predetermined operation for inputting the first code to the vending machine 10 (S111). Specifically, the display screen is opposed to the image recognition unit 102-1 so that the image recognition unit 102-1 can read the barcode portion displayed on the display screen of the mobile communication terminal 20. Alternatively, the speaker portion is opposed to the voice recognition unit 102-2 in order to recognize the voice uttered from the speaker of the mobile communication terminal 20.
[0062]
Then, the vending machine 10 checks the validity of the input first code. Then, if it is valid, a second code is generated, and the second code is presented to the user (S112). Specifically, the vending machine code (vc) included in the input first code is checked against the vending machine code of the own machine. If they match, the first code is subjected to a predetermined conversion process to generate a second code. Then, this second code is presented to the user. Specifically, as a second code presentation method, the second code issuing unit 103 displays the second code on the display 103-1 so that the user A can recognize the second code, There is a method of printing code information by the printing device 103-2 so that the user A can recognize the above.
[0063]
As a result, the user A inputs the second code presented by the vending machine 10 to the mobile communication terminal 20 possessed by the user A. At this time, the user inputs the usage amount (mony) of the product to be purchased (S113).
[0064]
Thereafter, the second code and the usage amount information are transmitted from the mobile communication terminal 20 to the center device 30 (S114).
[0065]
Then, the center device 30 checks the validity of the received second code. Here, if it is determined to be valid, a predetermined conversion process is performed on the second code to generate a third code. If it is valid, a settlement process based on the usage amount information, that is, a subtraction process for deducting the usage amount from the balance of the user is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined not to be valid, the generation of the third code and the settlement process are stopped. Then, this is notified to the user A (S115). That is, in the present invention, it is possible to detect that the user A has made an input error of the second code in the process of S115, so that safe and reliable transactions and settlements are possible.
[0066]
Thereafter, the third code is transmitted from the center device 30 to the mobile communication terminal 20 (S116).
[0067]
When the mobile communication terminal 20 receives the third code, the user A is notified of the reception and contents of the third code (S117). Specifically, notification is made in the same manner as (S110) described above. In other words, in the case of display, the user A is notified by voice or display that the third code has been received, and the third code information bar-coded on the display screen of the mobile communication terminal 20 Is displayed [see FIG. 5A]. On the other hand, in the case of voice, the user A is notified that the third code has been received, and the speaker part is brought close to the voice recognition unit of the vending machine 10, and the code utterance button is pressed to ring. And information that prompts the user to recognize the voice is notified [see FIG. 5B].
[0068]
User A then 3 A predetermined operation for inputting the code is entered into the vending machine 10 (S118). Specifically, the display screen is made to face the image recognition device 102-1 so that the image recognition device 102-1 can read the barcode portion displayed on the display screen of the mobile communication terminal 20. Alternatively, the speaker portion is opposed to the voice recognition device 102-2 in order to recognize the voice uttered from the speaker of the mobile communication terminal 20.
[0069]
Then, the vending machine 10 checks the validity of the input third code. Here, if it is determined that the product is valid, the product selected by the user is sold (S119). Specifically, when the vending machine 10 checks the third code and determines that it is valid, money (payment amount) payment information is notified to the CPU 101. After that, when the product selection button 105-1 is pressed by the user A, the corresponding product is discharged (S120).
[0070]
Next, in the process of FIG. 3, a processing procedure in the case where the user A stops the purchase of the product and performs the refund process after performing the settlement process in the center device 30 will be described.
[0071]
FIG. 4 is a sequence chart showing a flow when the return lever 105-2 is lowered by the user A and the refund process is performed after the settlement process is normally performed on the center device 30 side.
[0072]
As shown in FIG. 4, first, after the settlement process is performed in the center device 30, the user A lowers the return lever 105-2 provided in the vending machine 10 (S201).
[0073]
Then, in the vending machine 10, a refund code is generated by the CPU 101, and the refund code is displayed on the display unit 106 (S202).
[0074]
Thereby, the user A recognizes the displayed refund code and inputs it to the mobile communication terminal 20 possessed by the user A (S203).
[0075]
Thereafter, a refund code is transmitted from the mobile communication terminal 20 to the center device 30 (S204).
[0076]
Then, on the center device 30 side, the validity of the refund code is checked, and if it is determined that the refund code is valid, the remaining amount is returned to the original state, that is, the usage amount subtracted in the settlement process of S115 shown in FIG. Is returned to the balance of the user (S205).
[0077]
Then, a refund process completion notice is sent to the user A (S206).
[0078]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, without complicating the operation of the user, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a product that cannot be purchased or the cash cannot be refunded after the settlement process, thereby achieving a highly reliable sales process. Can be done.
[0079]
Specifically, the user can purchase a desired article or receive a desired service with a vending machine without carrying out a complicated operation only by carrying one mobile phone. On the other hand, the seller can avoid the loss of sales opportunities due to a lack of change, etc., and the vending machine is relatively inexpensive without having to go online or issue a card and install a card reader / writer. There is an advantage that it can be made cashless. Further, even if there is an input error due to manual input by the user, it is possible to detect this and perform safe and reliable transactions and settlements. Furthermore, even if you change your mind after the payment process, you can get a refund if you cancel the purchase.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a cashless vending machine system to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing system function blocks of the vending machine in the cashless vending machine system shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a sequence chart showing a processing flow when a user actually purchases a product.
FIG. 4 is a sequence chart showing a flow when a refund process is performed by a user lowering a return lever after a settlement process is normally performed on the center device side.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of display contents displayed on the display screen of the mobile communication terminal when the first code or the third code is received from the center device.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 cashless vending machine system
10 Vending machines
20 Mobile communication terminals
30 Center unit
40 communication network
A user
101 CPU (main control unit)
102 1st and 3rd code input parts
102-1 Image recognition apparatus
102-2 Voice recognition device
103 Second code issuer
103-1 Display
103-2 Printing device
104 Storage unit
105 Operation unit
106 Display
106-1 Product selection button
106-2 Return lever
107 Keyboard terminal
108 Curing section
109 Banknote Processing Department
110 Product transport section
111a to 111n Column part
112 System bus

Claims (4)

Vending machines that control the sale of products;
A mobile communication terminal owned by the user;
A center device accessible by the portable communication terminal;
Have
The mobile communication terminal is
Product purchase requesting means for accessing the center device using identification information of the mobile communication terminal and making a product purchase request using the vending machine;
Display that receives input screen data related to the product purchase request from the center apparatus based on the product purchase request by the product purchase request means and displays the input screen related to the product purchase request on the display of the mobile communication terminal Control means;
Vending machine code transmitting means for identifying the vending machine from the input screen displayed on the display by the display control means and transmitting the vending machine code for identifying the identified vending machine to the center device. When,
First code receiving means for receiving a first code including the vending machine code generated by the center device based on the vending machine code transmitted by the vending machine code transmitting means;
The second code generated and presented by the vending machine based on the first code received by the first code receiving means and the usage amount of the selected product in the vending machine are transmitted to the center device. A second code and usage amount transmission means;
Third code receiving means for receiving a third code generated at the center based on the second code transmitted by the second code and the usage amount transmitting means;
Comprising
The vending machine is
First code receiving means for receiving input of the first code;
When the validity of the first code received by the first code receiving means is determined and it is determined that the first code is valid, the second code is determined based on the first code. Presenting means for generating and presenting code;
Third code receiving means for receiving an input of the third code;
Sales processing means for determining the legitimacy of the third code received by the third code receiving means and performing the sales processing of the selected product when the third code is determined to be valid When
Comprising
The center device is
First code transmitting means for generating the first code based on the vending machine code transmitted from the mobile communication terminal by the vending machine code transmitting means and transmitting the code to the mobile communication terminal;
When the second code transmitted by the mobile communication terminal is determined by the second code and the usage amount transmitting means, and the second code is determined to be valid, Third code transmitting means for performing settlement processing, generating a third code based on the second code, and transmitting the third code to the mobile communication terminal;
A cashless vending machine system . The mobile communication terminal is
First code input instruction means for displaying the first code received by the first code receiving means on the display and instructing input of the first code.
Further comprising
The first code receiving means is
2. The cashless vending machine according to claim 1, wherein an input of the first code is received by reading an image of the first code displayed on the display by the first code input instruction means by an image reading means. System . The mobile communication terminal is
Third code input instruction means for displaying the third code received by the third code receiving means on the display and instructing input of the third code.
Further comprising
The third code receiving means
3. The cashless automatic according to claim 1, wherein an input of the third code is received by reading an image of the third code displayed on the display unit by the third code input instruction unit by an image reading unit. Vending machine system . The vending machine is
A return lever operation detecting means for detecting an operation of a return lever after receiving the third code by the third code receiving means and before selling the selected product by the sales processing means;
Refund code presenting means for generating and presenting a refund code corresponding to the usage amount based on detection of the return lever operation by the return lever operation detecting means;
Further comprising
The mobile communication terminal is
Refund code transmitting means for transmitting the refund code presented by the refund code presenting means to the center device
Further comprising
The center device is
The cashless vending machine system according to claim 1, wherein the payment processing based on the usage amount is canceled based on the refund code transmitted by the refund code transmission means .

Images