JP7007519B1 - Vending machines, product ejection methods, and programs - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vending machine which can appropriately give a profit to a user by a simple process. SOLUTION: A signal acquisition unit 22 for acquiring a signal from a terminal 1 having a storage area 11 and an discharge process for discharging a product when the first condition is satisfied are performed, and the signal acquisition unit 22 acquires the signal. Accordingly, it is specified that the discharge unit 25, which performs the discharge treatment based on the second condition other than the first condition, and the discharge unit 25, when the discharge treatment is performed based on the second condition, the discharge treatment is performed. A writing processing unit 242 for performing a writing process for writing the usage information to be written to the storage area 11 of the terminal 1 is provided, and the discharging unit 25 has elapsed a dischargeable period after the signal acquisition unit 22 acquires the signal. Later, the vending machine 2 that does not perform the emission treatment based on the second condition can appropriately benefit the user. [Selection diagram] Fig. 2

Description

The present invention relates to a vending machine or the like.

Conventionally, there have been vending machines compatible with free bends (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a vending machine, the free bend control unit transmits a free bend request signal to the main control unit when an external signal is input to the external signal input unit by an operation other than the operation of the free bend keyhole, and the main control is performed. The unit switches from the normal mode to the free mode when the free bend request signal is transmitted. The free bend control unit continued to output the free bend request signal until a signal indicating that the free product was paid out was output from the free bend completion signal output unit, and the free bend completion signal was output. At that time, the output of the free bend request signal is terminated.

Japanese Patent No. 6061169

However, in the conventional vending machine, it is not possible to provide a vending machine that can appropriately benefit the user by a simple process. More specifically, in the conventional vending machine, it is necessary to output the free bend completion signal in order to end the output of the free bend request signal.

The vending machine of the first invention performs a signal acquisition unit that acquires a signal from a terminal having a storage area, and discharge processing that discharges a product when the first condition is satisfied, and the signal acquisition unit performs a signal acquisition unit. According to the acquisition of, the discharge unit that performs the discharge treatment based on the second condition, which is not the first condition, and the discharge unit that performs the discharge treatment based on the second condition, the discharge treatment is performed. It is provided with a write processing unit that performs write processing for writing the specified usage information to the storage area of the terminal, and the discharge unit is the first after the signal acquisition unit has acquired the signal and the discharge possible period has elapsed. It is a vending machine that does not perform emission treatment based on two conditions.

With such a configuration, it is possible to provide a vending machine that discharges products by a simple process based on the second condition that benefits the user from the first condition.

Further, the vending machine of the second invention has the first mode, in which the emission process is performed based on the first condition in response to the signal acquisition unit acquiring the signal, according to the first invention. It is further equipped with a mode change unit that changes to the second mode in which the discharge process is performed based on the two conditions, and the discharge unit discharges the product when the first condition is satisfied if the current mode is the first mode. If the processing is performed and the current mode is the second mode, the discharge processing for discharging the product when the second condition is satisfied is performed, and the mode changing unit changes the mode changing unit from the first mode to the second mode. Later, it is a vending machine that changes from the second mode to the first mode after the dischargeable period has elapsed.

With such a configuration, the user can be appropriately benefited by appropriately changing the mode of the vending machine.

Further, in the vending machine of the third invention, with respect to the second invention, the signal acquisition unit acquires a signal having a terminal identifier for identifying the terminal and state information based on usage information, and a mode change unit. Is a determination means for determining whether or not the state information satisfies the change condition for changing from the first mode to the second mode, and a current when the determination means determines that the state information satisfies the change condition. It is a vending machine provided with a means for changing the mode from the first mode to the second mode.

With such a configuration, the user can be appropriately benefited by appropriately changing the mode of the vending machine.

Further, in the vending machine of the fourth invention, for any one of the first to third inventions, the signal acquisition unit acquires a signal having a terminal identifier for identifying the terminal, and satisfies the second condition. In a vending machine further equipped with a failure storage unit that stores failure information corresponding to the terminal identifier when the dischargeable period elapses without the discharge unit discharging the product in the state of discharging the product. be.

With such a configuration, an environment for using the record is provided by leaving a record that the second condition is not used after the dischargeable period has elapsed.

Further, in the vending machine of the fifth invention, with respect to the fourth invention, the signal acquisition unit acquires a signal having the terminal identifier and the state information based on the usage information, and the emission unit is the signal acquisition unit. Even if it cannot be determined that the emission process will be performed based on the second condition, if the failure information corresponding to the terminal identifier is accumulated, the emission process will be performed based on the second condition. It is a machine.

With such a configuration, the user can be more appropriately benefited by using the information indicating that the product has failed to be discharged.

Further, the vending machine of the sixth invention is different from the first mode from the first mode regarding the discharge of the product in response to the signal acquisition unit acquiring the signal with respect to the fifth invention. It is equipped with a mode change unit for changing to two modes, and the mode change unit is a means for determining whether or not the state information satisfies the change condition for changing from the first mode to the second mode, and usage information. A change means for changing from the first mode to the second mode is provided when the judgment means determines that the change condition is satisfied, and the judgment means determines that the state information does not satisfy the change condition. It is a vending machine that determines whether or not failure information corresponding to the terminal identifier is stored, and if it is stored, determines that the change condition is satisfied.

With such a configuration, the user can be more appropriately benefited by using the information indicating that the product has failed to be discharged.

Further, the vending machine of the seventh invention cannot use the failure information when the discharge unit performs the discharge processing based on the second condition using the failure information for the sixth invention. It is a vending machine further provided with an unusable processing unit that performs unusable processing.

With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent giving an excessive profit to the user by appropriately operating the information indicating that the product has failed to be discharged.

Further, the vending machine of the eighth invention succeeds in corresponding to the terminal identifier when the discharge unit performs the discharge treatment based on the second condition for any one of the first to seventh inventions. It is a vending machine further equipped with a successful storage unit for accumulating information.

With such a configuration, it is possible to keep a record when a profit is given to the user.

According to the vending machine according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vending machine that discharges a product by a simple process based on a second condition that benefits the user from the first condition.

The figure which shows the conceptual diagram of the vending machine system A in Embodiment 1. Block diagram of the vending machine system A A flowchart illustrating an operation example of the vending machine 2. Flow chart explaining an example of the change condition judgment process A flowchart illustrating an example of the second mode processing. The figure which shows the example of the vending machine 2.

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

(Embodiment 1)
In the present embodiment, a vending machine that discharges a product by a simple process will be described based on the second condition that benefits the user from the first condition.

More specifically, in the present embodiment, for example, after communicating with a terminal having a storage area, the first mode is changed to the second mode, and in the case of the second mode, the second mode is different from the first mode. A vending machine that discharges a product, performs a process for writing usage information regarding the change to the second mode in a terminal, and changes to the first mode after a lapse of a predetermined time will be described. ..

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of the vending machine system A according to the present embodiment. The vending machine system A includes one or more terminals 1 and one or more vending machines 2. Although there is only one vending machine 2 in FIG. 1, the terminal 1 may be able to communicate with two or more vending machines 2.

The terminal 1 is used by the user. The user is, for example, an employee of the company, but it goes without saying that the position of the user does not matter. The terminal 1 is, for example, an IC card or a mobile terminal, but the type thereof does not matter. The IC card is, for example, a non-contact IC card, but a contact type IC card may also be used.

Further, it is preferable that the terminal 1 and the vending machine 2 can communicate with each other. The terminal 1 and the vending machine 2 can communicate with each other by, for example, a short-range wireless communication means such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The means of communication between the terminal 1 and the vending machine 2 does not matter. Further, the terminal 1 may be attached to and detached from the vending machine 2, and the vending machine 2 may have a structure in which information can be read from the terminal 1 or information can be written to the terminal 1. It suffices if information can be exchanged between the terminal 1 and the vending machine 2.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the vending machine system A according to the present embodiment. The terminal 1 constituting the vending machine system A includes a storage area 11.

The vending machine 2 includes a storage unit 21, a signal acquisition unit 22, an instruction reception unit 23, a processing unit 24, and a discharge unit 25. The processing unit 24 includes a mode change unit 241, a write processing unit 242, a success storage unit 243, a failure storage unit 244, and an unusable processing unit 245. The mode changing unit 241 includes a determination means 2411 and a changing means 2412.

Information can be stored in the storage area 11 of the terminal 1. The stored information is, for example, usage information or status information.

The usage information is information for specifying that the discharge treatment is performed when the discharge unit 25 performs the discharge treatment based on the second condition described later. The usage information is information that identifies that the emission treatment will be performed from now on. The usage information is, for example, information regarding the change from the first mode to the second mode. The usage information may be information indicating that the second mode has been used. The usage information is, for example, a flag. The flag is information indicating that the discharge treatment is performed based on the second condition. The flag is, for example, a flag indicating that the right to discharge the goods has been used in the second mode. The usage information is, for example, the number of times the right to perform emission treatment based on the second condition is obtained in a unit period. The usage information is, for example, the number of times the second mode is used in a unit period. The usage information is, for example, information that specifies the number of times that a product can be discharged based on the second condition. The number of times the product can be discharged may be the number of times in a predetermined period or the number of times indefinite. The usage information includes, for example, time information. The time information is, for example, information that identifies the time when the usage information is configured. The time information includes, for example, the date and time. The usage information includes, for example, a terminal identifier and a vending machine identifier. The terminal identifier is information that identifies the terminal 1. The terminal identifier is, for example, an ID or a user identifier. The user identifier is, for example, an employee number or an email address. The vending machine identifier is information that identifies the vending machine, and is, for example, an ID.

The status information is information corresponding to the usage information. The status information may be usage information. It is preferable that the state information is information acquired by using usage information. The information obtained from the usage information is, for example, information indicating whether it can be used or not. The state information is, for example, the number of times that the product can be discharged based on the second condition. The number of times the product can be discharged may be the number of times in a predetermined period or the number of times indefinite. In addition, "usable" means that the product can be discharged based on the second condition. "Unusable" means that the product cannot be discharged based on the second condition.

The first mode is the mode of the vending machine 2. The first mode is a mode different from the second mode. The first mode is a mode related to the discharge of goods. The first mode is, for example, a mode in which a product is sold at a normal price. The first mode is a mode in which the product can be discharged based on the first condition. The first condition is, for example, a condition for selling a product at a fixed price. The first condition is, for example, that the button corresponding to the product is pressed and that the money corresponding to the product (for example, the fixed price money) is inserted. The first condition is, for example, that the payment for the product is completed and that the button corresponding to the product is pressed.

The second mode is the mode of the vending machine 2. The second mode is a mode related to the discharge of goods. The second mode is, for example, a mode in which the product is discharged under favorable conditions as compared with the first mode. The second mode is, for example, a mode in which products are discharged free of charge. The second mode is, for example, a mode in which a product is sold at a discounted price. The second mode is, for example, a mode in which a bonus is discharged in addition to the product. The second mode is a mode in which the product can be discharged based on the second condition. The second condition is, for example, a condition that the product can be discharged free of charge and a condition that the product can be sold at a discount. The second condition is, for example, that the button corresponding to the product is pressed and that the current mode is the second mode. The second condition is, for example, that the current mode is the second mode. The second condition is, for example, that when the button corresponding to the product is pressed, the product corresponding to the button is discharged free of charge. The second condition is more advantageous to the user than the first condition.

Various types of information are stored in the storage unit 21 constituting the vending machine 2. The various types of information are, for example, one or more failure information, one or more success information, a dischargeable period, a current mode, a change condition, a time condition, a terminal condition, and an administrator condition.

The failure information is information regarding the fact that the discharge possible period has elapsed after the signal acquisition unit 22 has acquired the signal, and the discharge process has not been performed. The failure information is, for example, information acquired when the dischargeable period has elapsed without the discharge unit 25 discharging the product in the state of the second mode. The failure information corresponds to, for example, a terminal identifier. Corresponding to a terminal identifier is, for example, having a terminal identifier. The failure information includes, for example, time information. The time information is, for example, information for specifying the time when the dischargeable period has elapsed, and information for specifying the time when the second mode is automatically changed to the first mode.

Success information is information about the emission treatment being performed based on the second condition. The success information is, for example, information acquired when the discharge unit 25 discharges the product in the state of the second mode. The success information has, for example, a terminal identifier. The success information includes, for example, time information. The time information is, for example, information for specifying the time when the product is discharged.

The signal acquisition unit 22 acquires the signal from the terminal 1. A signal can be called information. It is preferable that the signal has a terminal identifier and usage information. The signal may have a terminal identifier and state information. Here, the acquisition of a signal is usually the reception of a signal from the terminal 1, but reading of the signal or the like may also be used, as long as the signal can be obtained. That is, the route for acquiring the signal does not matter.

The dischargeable period is a period during which the product can be discharged based on the second condition after the signal acquisition unit 22 has acquired the signal. The dischargeable period is, for example, a period during which the product can be discharged in the situation of the second mode after the change from the first mode to the second mode. The dischargeable period is, for example, 30 seconds and 1 minute. The dischargeable period is usually a predetermined fixed time, but may change dynamically. The dischargeable period may be dynamically changed, for example, according to the terminal identifier included in the signal. The dischargeable period may be dynamically changed, for example, according to the user attribute value (for example, age, gender, job title) paired with the terminal identifier.

The current mode is information that identifies the current mode. The current mode is, for example, a first mode or a second mode, but may be a third mode that is neither a first mode nor a second mode.

The change condition is a condition for changing from the state in which the discharge treatment is performed based on the first condition to the state in which the discharge treatment is performed based on the second condition. The change condition is, for example, a condition for changing from the first mode to the second mode. The change condition is, for example, a condition relating to a limit on the number of times a product can be discharged under the second condition in a unit period. The condition for limiting the number of times the product can be discharged in the second condition is a condition for limiting the number of times the product can be discharged in the second mode. The unit period is, for example, one day, a predetermined time zone (for example, 9:00 to 12:00, 13:00 to 17:00, etc.), one week, and one month. The number of times is, for example, "1 time" and "5 times". The change condition is, for example, N times in a unit period (N is a natural number of 1 or more), and the second mode has not been used yet. It may be said that the use of the second mode is the execution of the discharge treatment based on the second condition.

The time condition is a condition relating to the time when the discharge treatment can be performed based on the second condition. It can be said that the time condition is a condition relating to the time when the second mode can be used. The time condition is, for example, a condition based on one or more of information for specifying a time zone, information for specifying a day of the week, and information for specifying a day. The time condition is, for example, "from 9:00 to 17:00, excluding weekends and holidays".

The terminal condition is a condition relating to the terminal 1 capable of performing discharge processing based on the second condition. It can be said that the terminal condition is a condition relating to the terminal 1 in which the second mode can be used. The terminal condition is, for example, a condition relating to the terminal identifier of each terminal 1 capable of performing discharge processing based on the second condition. The terminal condition is, for example, a terminal identifier of one or more terminals 1 that can be discharged based on the second condition. The condition regarding the terminal identifier is, for example, that the first two digits constituting the terminal identifier are "01" or "10". The condition regarding the terminal identifier is, for example, that the terminal identifier is a 10-digit number string.

The administrator condition is a condition for specifying the terminal 1 of the administrator. The administrator is different from a general user. The manager is, for example, a person who can enjoy the benefit of emission treatment based on the second condition under more favorable conditions than a general user. The manager is, for example, a person who can unconditionally enjoy the benefits of emission treatment based on the second condition. The manager is, for example, a person who can enjoy the benefits of emission treatment based on the second condition as many times as necessary. The manager is, for example, a person who can enjoy the benefit of emission treatment more times than a general user based on the second condition. The administrator condition is, for example, a condition based on the terminal identifier. The administrator condition is, for example, a specific terminal identifier. The administrator condition is, for example, that the first character of the terminal identifier is a specific character (eg, "S").

The instruction receiving unit 23 receives the product instruction. The product instruction is an instruction to specify the product to be discharged. The product instruction is, for example, an instruction for a button corresponding to the product. The button may be a substantive button, an electronic button displayed on a liquid crystal display, or the like. The product instruction may be any instruction as long as it can specify the product to be discharged. The product identifier can usually be specified by the product instruction. The product identifier is information that identifies the product. The product identifier may be information that identifies the button, and may be any information that can identify the product.

The processing unit 24 performs various processes. The various processes are, for example, processes performed by the mode change unit 241, the write processing unit 242, the success storage unit 243, the failure storage unit 244, and the unusable processing unit 245.

The mode change unit 241 changes from the state in which the product discharge process is performed based on the first condition to the state in which the product discharge process is performed based on the second condition. The mode change unit 241 changes from a state in which the product discharge process is performed based on the first condition to a state in which the product discharge process is performed based on the second condition in response to the signal acquisition unit 22 acquiring the signal. ..

The mode change unit 241 changes the current mode from the first mode to the second mode, for example. The mode change unit 241 changes the current mode from the first mode to the second mode, for example, in response to the signal acquisition unit 22 acquiring the signal. The mode change unit 241 changes the current mode from the second mode to the first mode. Changing from the first mode to the second mode is, for example, writing the value "second mode" to the variable "current mode" of the storage unit 21. The mode may be changed as long as the conditions for discharging the product are changed, and it is not essential to write the mode identifier (for example, "second mode") in the current mode.

The mode change unit 241 is based on the first condition after the dischargeable period has elapsed after the state in which the product is discharged based on the first condition is changed to the state in which the product is discharged based on the second condition. It is preferable to change to a state in which the product is discharged. The mode change unit 241 changes from the second mode to the first mode, for example, after the mode change unit 241 changes from the first mode to the second mode and then the dischargeable period elapses. Changing from the second mode to the first mode is, for example, writing the value "first mode" to the variable "current mode" of the storage unit 21.

More specifically, the mode changing unit 241 operates by, for example, the determination means 2411 and the changing means 2412.

The determination means 2411 determines whether or not the state information corresponding to the signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit 22 satisfies the change condition for changing from the first mode to the second mode. The state information corresponding to the signal is, for example, the state information possessed by the signal or the state information acquired from the usage information possessed by the signal.

The determination means 2411, for example, acquires time information from a clock (not shown) after the signal acquisition unit 22 acquires the signal, and determines whether or not the time information satisfies the time condition of the storage unit 21.

The determination means 2411, for example, acquires the terminal identifier included in the signal by the signal acquisition unit 22, and determines whether or not the terminal identifier satisfies the terminal condition of the storage unit 21.

The determination means 2411, for example, acquires the terminal identifier included in the signal by the signal acquisition unit 22, and determines whether or not the terminal identifier satisfies the administrator condition of the storage unit 21.

When it is determined that the state information corresponding to the signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit 22 does not satisfy the change condition, the determination means 2411 determines whether or not the failure information corresponding to the terminal identifier is accumulated, and the determination means 2411 determines whether or not the failure information corresponding to the terminal identifier is accumulated. It is judged that the change condition is satisfied when the failure information is accumulated.

For example, when the determination means 2411 determines that the acquired state information or usage information satisfies the change condition, the change means 2412 discharges from the state in which the discharge process is performed based on the first condition, based on the second condition. Change to the state to perform processing. The changing means 2412 changes from the first mode to the second mode, for example, when the determining means 2411 determines that the acquired state information satisfies the changing condition.

The changing means 2412 automatically changes from the second mode to the first mode after the discharge enable period has elapsed, for example, after the discharge process can be performed according to the second condition. The changing means 2412, for example, automatically changes from the second mode to the first mode after the dischargeable period elapses after changing from the first mode to the second mode.

When the changing means 2412 determines that the judgment means 2411 does not satisfy the time condition, it is preferable not to change the state to perform the discharge treatment based on the second condition.

When the changing means 2412 determines that the determining means 2411 does not satisfy the terminal condition, it is preferable not to change the state to perform the discharge process based on the second condition.

When the determining means 2411 determines that the manager condition is satisfied, the changing means 2412 is preferably changed to a state in which the discharge treatment is performed based on the second condition.

The writing processing unit 242 performs a writing process for writing the usage information specifying that the discharge process is performed based on the second condition to the storage area 11 of the terminal 1. The writing processing unit 242 performs writing processing for writing the usage information regarding the change from the first mode to the second mode to the storage area 11 of the terminal 1, for example.

Here, the writing process may be writing usage information or sending an instruction to write to the terminal 1.

The success storage unit 243 configures success information having a terminal identifier and stores the success information when the discharge process is performed based on the second condition. For example, in the state of the second mode, the success storage unit 243 constitutes success information having a terminal identifier and stores the success information when the discharge unit 25 discharges the product. It is preferable that the success information has time information that specifies the time when the discharge unit 25 discharges the product.

The storage destination of the success information here is usually the storage unit 21 of the vending machine 2, but other devices may also be used.

The failure storage unit 244 stores failure information corresponding to the terminal identifier when the discharge possible period elapses without the discharge unit 25 discharging the product in a state where the discharge process is performed when the second condition is satisfied. do. The failure storage unit 244 configures failure information having a terminal identifier, for example, when the discharge possible period elapses without the discharge unit 25 discharging the product after the change from the first mode to the second mode. , Accumulate the failure information. It is preferable that the failure information has time information that specifies the time when the dischargeable period has elapsed.

The storage destination of the failure information here is usually the storage unit 21 of the vending machine 2, but other devices may be used.

The unusable processing unit 245 performs unusable processing that makes the used failure information unusable. More specifically, the unusable processing unit 245 performs an unusable process for disabling the failure information when the discharge unit 25 performs the discharge process based on the second condition using the failure information. For example, when it is determined that the change condition is not satisfied, it is determined whether or not the failure information including the terminal identifier is accumulated, and if it is accumulated, it is determined that the change condition is satisfied, and the change means 2412 determines. When the mode is changed from the first mode to the second mode, the unusable processing unit 245 performs an unusable process for disabling the failure information.

The unusable process is, for example, a process of deleting failure information, a process of adding a deletion flag to the failure information, and the like. The unusable process may be any process that disables the failure information.

The discharge unit 25 performs discharge processing. Here, the discharge treatment may be any treatment as long as it is a treatment for discharging the product. The discharge process is a process of discharging one or more products.

For example, if the current mode is the first mode, the discharge unit 25 performs a discharge process for discharging the product when the first condition corresponding to the first mode is satisfied, and if the current mode is the second mode, the discharge unit 25 performs the discharge process. Discharge processing is performed to discharge the product when the second condition corresponding to the second mode is satisfied.

A non-volatile recording medium is suitable for the storage area 11 and the storage unit 21, but a volatile recording medium can also be used.

The process in which information is stored in the storage area 11 and the storage unit 21 does not matter. For example, the information may be stored in the storage area 11 or the like via the recording medium, or the information transmitted via the communication line or the like may be stored in the storage area 11 or the like. Alternatively, the information input via the input device may be stored in the storage area 11 or the like.

The signal acquisition unit 22 is realized by, for example, a wireless or wired communication means. It is preferable that the signal acquisition unit 22 is realized by short-range wireless communication, but the type thereof does not matter.

The instruction receiving unit 23 can be realized by an input means such as a physical button or a touch panel, and a device driver thereof or the like.

The processing unit 24, the mode change unit 241, the write processing unit 242, the success storage unit 243, the failure storage unit 244, the unusable processing unit 245, the determination unit 2411, the change unit 2412, and the discharge unit 25 are usually processors. It can be realized from memory or the like. The processing procedure of the processing unit 24 and the like is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded in a recording medium such as ROM. However, it may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit). The processor is a CPU, MPU, GPU, or the like, and the type thereof does not matter.

Next, an operation example of the vending machine system A will be described. First, an operation example of the terminal 1 will be described.

The terminal 1 reads out the usage information or the state information of the storage area 11 and the terminal identifier. The terminal 1 constitutes a signal to be transmitted. Next, the terminal 1 transmits the signal to the vending machine 2. The signal has a terminal identifier and usage information or status information. The terminal 1 configures and transmits a signal, for example, when it is determined that communication with the vending machine 2 is possible, or when an instruction from the vending machine 2 is received. However, the trigger in which the terminal 1 constitutes and transmits a signal does not matter. For example, the terminal 1 may configure and transmit a signal according to a user instruction.

Further, the terminal 1 receives usage information from the vending machine 2. Next, the terminal 1 stores the received usage information or the state information composed of the received usage information in the storage area 11.

Next, an operation example of the vending machine 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Step S301) The signal acquisition unit 22 determines whether or not the signal from the terminal 1 has been acquired. If the signal is acquired, it goes to step S302, and if it is not acquired, it goes to step S313.

(Step S302) The mode change unit 241 acquires time information from a clock (not shown). A clock (not shown) is usually provided in the vending machine 2, but may exist in an external server (for example, an NTP server).

(Step S303) The mode change unit 241 determines whether or not the time information acquired in step S302 satisfies the time condition of the storage unit 21. If the time condition is satisfied, the process goes to step S304, and if the time condition is not satisfied, the process returns to step S301. The time information usually includes the date and time. The time information may include information on the day of the week, information on whether or not it is a holiday, information on the day when work is performed or not, information on working hours, and the like.

(Step S304) The mode change unit 241 acquires a terminal identifier included in the signal acquired in step S301.

(Step S305) The mode change unit 241 determines whether or not the terminal identifier acquired in step S304 satisfies the terminal condition of the storage unit 21. If the terminal condition is satisfied, the process goes to step S306, and if the terminal condition is not satisfied, the process returns to step S301.

(Step S306) The mode change unit 241 determines whether or not the terminal identifier acquired in step S304 satisfies the administrator condition of the storage unit 21. If the administrator condition is satisfied, the process goes to step S309, and if the administrator condition is not satisfied, the process goes to step S307.

(Step S307) The mode change unit 241 performs a change condition determination process. The change condition determination process includes a process for determining whether or not to perform the product discharge process based on the second condition. The change condition determination process includes, for example, a process for determining whether or not to change the current mode to the second mode. An example of the change condition determination process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Step S308) The mode change unit 241 determines whether or not the result of the change condition determination process in step S307 is “the change condition is satisfied”. If "the change condition is satisfied", the process goes to step S309, and if "the change condition is not satisfied", the process returns to step S301.

(Step S309) The changing means 2412 changes the current mode to the "second mode". It should be noted that changing the current mode to the "second mode" has the same meaning as setting the state in which the product is discharged based on the second condition.

(Step S310) The writing processing unit 242 acquires usage information. The writing processing unit 242 acquires time information from a clock (not shown), for example, and configures usage information using the time information. The usage information may be information having only time information. Further, the writing processing unit 242 may configure usage information having one or more information of the terminal identifier included in the signal acquired in step S301 and the vending machine identifier of the storage unit 21.

(Step S311) The writing processing unit 242 performs the writing processing of the usage information configured in step S310. The writing processing unit 242 transmits, for example, the usage information to the terminal 1.

(Step S312) The processing unit 24 performs the second mode processing. Return to step S301. An example of the second mode processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The second mode processing is various processing in the state first in which the product can be discharged based on the second condition.

(Step S313) The instruction receiving unit 23 determines whether or not the product instruction has been accepted. If the product instruction is accepted, the process goes to step S314, and if the product instruction is not accepted, the process returns to step S301.

(Step S314) The processing unit 24 acquires the product identifier corresponding to the product instruction received in step S313 and temporarily stores it in a buffer (not shown).

(Step S315) The processing unit 24 determines whether or not the first condition is satisfied. If the first condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S316, and if the first condition is not satisfied, the process returns to step S301.

(Step S316) The discharge unit 25 performs a product discharge process corresponding to the product identifier temporarily stored in a buffer (not shown). Return to step S301.

In the flowchart of FIG. 3, the product discharge process based on the first condition from step S313 to step S316 is a process of a known vending machine.

Further, in the flowchart of FIG. 3, the processing is terminated by the power off or the interrupt of the processing termination.

Next, an example of the change condition determination process in step S307 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Step S401) The determination means 2411 determines whether or not the signal acquired in step S301 satisfies the change condition. If the change condition is satisfied, the process goes to step S402, and if the change condition is not satisfied, the process goes to step S403.

(Step S402) The determination means 2411 substitutes "condition for change" into the variable "determination result". Return to higher-level processing.

(Step S403) The determination means 2411 determines whether or not the storage unit 21 has failure information corresponding to the terminal identifier of the signal acquired in step S301. If the failure information exists, it goes to step S404, and if it does not exist, it goes to step S405. Needless to say, the failure information here is failure information that can be effectively used.

(Step S404) The unusable processing unit 245 performs unusable processing for the failure information corresponding to the terminal identifier. Go to step S402

(Step S405) The determination means 2411 substitutes "not satisfying the change condition" into the variable "determination result". Return to higher-level processing.

Next, an example of the second mode processing in step S312 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Step S501) The mode change unit 241 acquires the dischargeable period from the storage unit 21.

(Step S502) The mode change unit 241 starts the operation of the timer. The vending machine 2 is equipped with a timer.

(Step S503) The instruction receiving unit 23 determines whether or not the product instruction has been accepted. If the product instruction is accepted, the process goes to step S504, and if the product instruction is not accepted, the process goes to step S506. Here, even when the product identifier corresponding to the product instruction received in step S313 is stored in the buffer (not shown), it is determined that the product instruction has been accepted.

(Step S504) The discharge unit 25 acquires the product identifier corresponding to the received product instruction.

(Step S505) The discharge unit 25 performs discharge processing of the product corresponding to the product identifier acquired in step S504. Go to step S509.

(Step S506) The determination means 2411 determines whether or not the value of the timer has elapsed the dischargeable period. If the dischargeable period has elapsed, the process goes to step S507, and if the dischargeable period has not passed, the process returns to step S503.

(Step S507) The failure storage unit 244 constitutes failure information having a terminal identifier. Here, the failure information may include time information.

(Step S508) The failure storage unit 244 stores the failure information configured in step S507 in the storage unit 21.

(Step S509) The mode change unit 241 resets the timer. Return to higher-level processing.

Hereinafter, the specific operation of the vending machine system A in the present embodiment will be described. In this specific example, it is assumed that the vending machine system A is used by a certain company. Further, it is assumed that the vending machine 2 is a device for providing various drinks. It is assumed that the vending machine 2 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, for example, 601 is a reader / writer for a non-contact IC card. That is, it is assumed that 601 also serves as a signal acquisition unit 22 and a write processing unit 242.

Further, it is assumed that the terminal 1 is a non-contact IC card distributed to a large number of employees of the company. It is assumed that the terminal 1 is named here as a drink card. Further, it is assumed that the employee ID (terminal identifier) is stored in the storage area 11 of the non-contact IC card 1, which is an example of the terminal 1. It is assumed that the employee ID of a general employee is a character string starting with "E" and the employee ID of an administrator is a character string starting with "S". Further, usage information is stored in the storage unit 21. The usage information here is the usage information recently transmitted from the vending machine 2 or "Null". The usage information transmitted from the vending machine 2 is time information that specifies the time when the discharge processing is possible based on the second condition, and here, it has "year / month / day / hour / minute / second". do.

Now, it is assumed that the first condition is a condition for selling the product of the vending machine 2 at a fixed price, and the second condition is a condition for providing the product of the vending machine 2 free of charge.

In addition, the storage unit 21 of the vending machine 2 has a dischargeable period of "30 seconds", a default current mode of "first mode", a change condition of "once / day", and a time condition of "Monday to Sunday from 9:00 to Sunday". It is assumed that "17:00", the terminal condition "character string of 5 characters", and the administrator condition "S. *" are stored.

The dischargeable period "30 seconds" indicates that the expiration date of the second mode after the second mode for discharging the product based on the second condition is set to "30 seconds". The change condition "once / day" indicates that the second mode can be used once a day for one terminal 1 (usually one person). That is, the change condition indicates that one drink can be obtained for free once a day for one terminal 1. The time condition "Monday to Sunday 9:00 to 17:00" indicates that the second mode can be used from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00. The administrator condition "S. *" Is a character string starting with "S".

In such a state, the following four specific examples will be described. A specific example 1 is a case where the user A obtains one drink for free by using the second mode on a certain day. In the second embodiment, after the user A obtains one drink for free, he / she tries to obtain another drink for free on the same day, and the non-contact IC card 1 is signaled to the vending machine 2. This is the case when the reader / writer 601 including the acquisition unit 22 is brought close to the reader / writer 601. In the third embodiment, the user B brings the non-contact IC card 1 closer to the reader / writer 601 of the vending machine 2 in an attempt to obtain one drink for free by using the second mode one day. Later, when the dischargeable period has passed. The fourth specific example is a case where the user B is recovered when the dischargeable period has elapsed and the second mode cannot be used.

(Specific example 1)
It is assumed that the employee ID "E1001" and the usage information "2021/9/9 10:15:25" are stored in the storage area 11 of the non-contact IC card 1 of the user A.

In such a situation, it is assumed that the user A brings the non-contact IC card 1 closer to the reader / writer 601 of the vending machine 2, as shown in FIG.

Next, the reader / writer 601 including the signal acquisition unit 22 of the vending machine 2 outputs a signal having the employee ID "E1001" and the usage information "2021/9/9 10:15:25" from the non-contact IC card 1. Receive.

Next, the mode change unit 241 acquires the time information "2021/9/10 12:22:31" from a clock (not shown). Next, the mode change unit 241 determines that the acquired time information satisfies the time condition "Monday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00".

Further, the mode change unit 241 acquires the terminal identifier "E1001" included in the signal. Next, the mode change unit 241 determines that the acquired terminal identifier satisfies the terminal condition "character string of 5 characters". Next, the mode change unit 241 determines that the acquired terminal identifier does not satisfy the administrator condition.

Next, from the usage information "2021/9/9 10:15:25" and the current time information "2021/9/10 12:22:31" that the acquired signal has, the determination means 2411 is a change condition. It is judged that "once / day" is satisfied. Then, the determination means 2411 substitutes "condition for change" into the variable "determination result".

Next, the changing means 2412 changes the current mode from the "first mode" to the "second mode".

Next, the reader / writer 601 including the write processing unit 242 acquires the usage information "2021/9/10 12:22:31". Next, the writing processing unit 242 performs writing processing on the terminal 1 using the usage information. Then, in the storage area 11 of the terminal 1, the usage information is overwritten with "2021/9/10 12:22:31".

Next, the mode change unit 241 acquires the discharge possible period "30 seconds" from the storage unit 21. Next, the mode change unit 241 starts the operation of the timer.

Then, it is assumed that the user A instructed the button of the drink he / she wants after bringing the non-contact IC card 1 close to the reader / writer 601 of the vending machine 2 (see FIG. 6). Then, the instruction receiving unit 23 receives the product instruction. At this point, it is assumed that the dischargeable period has not passed.

Next, the discharge unit 25 acquires the product identifier corresponding to the product instruction and performs the discharge process of the product corresponding to the product identifier. Then, the mode change unit 241 resets the timer.

Next, the success storage unit 243 configures success information having the terminal identifier "E1001" and the time information "2021/9/10 12:22:31", and stores the success information in the storage unit 21.

Through the above process, the user was able to obtain one drink for free using the second mode.

(Specific example 2)
After 15:00 on "2021/9/10", user A wants a drink, goes near the vending machine 2, and uses the non-contact IC card 1 as the reader of the vending machine 2 as shown in FIG. It is assumed that it is close to the writer 601.

Next, the reader / writer 601 of the vending machine 2 receives a signal having the employee ID "E1001" and the usage information "2021/9/10 12:22:31" from the non-contact IC card 1 of the user A.

Next, the mode change unit 241 acquires the time information "2021/9/10 15:05:22" from a clock (not shown), and determines that the time condition is satisfied by using the time information. Further, as in the first embodiment, the mode change unit 241 determines that the terminal condition is satisfied. Further, as in the specific example 1, the mode change unit 241 determines that the administrator condition is not satisfied.

Next, from the usage information "2021/9/10 12:22:31" and the current time information "2021/9/10 15:05:22" that the acquired signal has, the determination means 2411 is a change condition. It is judged that "once / day" is not satisfied. Next, it is assumed that the determination means 2411 determines that the failure information corresponding to the terminal identifier "E1001" possessed by the acquired signal does not exist in the storage unit 21. Then, the determination means 2411 substitutes "not satisfying the change condition" into the variable "determination result".

As a result, User A tried to get the second drink for free in one day, but could not get it because the change condition "once / day" was not satisfied.

(Specific example 3)
It is assumed that the employee ID "E1002" and the usage information "2021/9/8 11:21:05" are stored in the storage area 11 of the non-contact IC card 1 of the user B.

In such a situation, it is assumed that the user B brings the non-contact IC card 1 closer to the reader / writer 601 of the vending machine 2, as shown in FIG.

Next, the reader / writer 601 of the vending machine 2 receives a signal having the employee ID "E1002" and the usage information "2021/9/8 11:21:05" from the non-contact IC card 1.

Next, the mode change unit 241 acquires the time information "2021/9/10 12:22:31" from a clock (not shown). Next, the mode change unit 241 determines that the acquired time information satisfies the time condition.

Further, the mode change unit 241 acquires the terminal identifier "E1002" included in the signal. Next, the mode change unit 241 determines that the acquired terminal identifier satisfies the terminal condition. Next, the mode change unit 241 determines that the acquired terminal identifier does not satisfy the administrator condition.

Next, from the usage information "2021/9/8 11:21:05" and the current time information "2021/9/10 12:22:31" that the acquired signal has, the determination means 2411 is a change condition. It is judged that "once / day" is satisfied. Then, the determination means 2411 substitutes "condition for change" into the variable "determination result".

Next, the changing means 2412 changes the current mode from the "first mode" to the "second mode".

Next, the reader / writer 601 including the write processing unit 242 acquires the usage information "2021/9/10 12:22:31". Next, the reader / writer 601 performs a writing process on the terminal 1 using the usage information. Then, in the storage area 11 of the terminal 1, the usage information is overwritten with "2021/9/10 12:22:31".

Next, the mode change unit 241 acquires the discharge possible period "30 seconds" from the storage unit 21. Next, the mode change unit 241 starts the operation of the timer.

Then, it is assumed that the user B is uncertain about the selection of the product and the dischargeable period of 30 seconds or more has elapsed. That is, it is assumed that the instruction receiving unit 23 did not accept the product instruction during that time.

Then, the failure storage unit 244 constitutes failure information having the terminal identifier "E1002" and the usage information "2021/9/10 12:22:31". Then, the failure storage unit 244 stores the failure information in the storage unit 21.

By the above processing, failure information is accumulated when the user cannot use the second mode well.

The failure information is, for example, "<terminal identifier> E1002 <time information> 2021/9/10 12:22:31". Further, the failure information is not only used for the recovery in the specific example 4, but may be later used for other purposes such as statistical processing. For example, when a lot of failure information is accumulated, the dischargeable period is too short, so it may be reset to a long dischargeable period.

(Specific example 4)
It is assumed that the user B brings the non-contact IC card 1 closer to the reader / writer 601 of the vending machine 2 again as shown in FIG. 6 after failing to use the second mode described in the third embodiment.

Next, the reader / writer 601 of the vending machine 2 receives a signal having the employee ID "E1002" and the usage information "2021/9/10 12:22:31" from the non-contact IC card 1.

Next, the mode change unit 241 acquires the time information "2021/9/10 12:23:52" from a clock (not shown). Next, the mode change unit 241 determines that the acquired time information satisfies the time condition.

Further, the mode change unit 241 determines that the terminal identifier included in the signal satisfies the terminal condition. Next, the mode change unit 241 determines that the acquired terminal identifier does not satisfy the administrator condition.

Next, from the usage information "2021/9/10 12:22:31" and the current time information "2021/9/10 12:23:52" that the acquired signal has, the determination means 2411 is a change condition. It is judged that "once / day" is not satisfied.

Next, the determination means 2411 stores the failure information "<terminal identifier> E1002 <time information> 2021/9/10 12:22:31" corresponding to the terminal identifier "E1002" of the acquired signal from the storage unit 21. Detect.

Next, the determination means 2411 substitutes "condition for change" into the variable "determination result".

Further, the unusable processing unit 245 associates the used deletion flag "-1" with the failure information corresponding to the terminal identifier "E1002". The failure information corresponding to the deletion flag "-1" is determined to be deleted information and is not used for changing the mode.

Next, the changing means 2412 changes the current mode to the "second mode".

Next, the reader / writer 601 including the write processing unit 242 acquires the usage information "2021/9/10 12:23:52". Next, the reader / writer 601 performs a writing process for writing the usage information "2021/9/10 12:23:52" to the non-contact IC card 1. Then, in the storage area 11 of the terminal 1, the usage information is overwritten with "2021/9/10 12:23:52".

Next, the mode change unit 241 acquires the discharge possible period "30 seconds" from the storage unit 21. Next, the mode change unit 241 starts the operation of the timer.

Then, it is assumed that the user B instructs the button of the drink he / she wants. Then, the instruction receiving unit 23 receives the product instruction. At this point, it is assumed that the dischargeable period has not passed.

Next, the discharge unit 25 acquires the product identifier corresponding to the product instruction and performs the discharge process of the product corresponding to the product identifier. Then, the mode change unit 241 resets the timer.

Next, the success storage unit 243 configures success information having the terminal identifier "E1002" and the time information "2021/9/10 12:23:52", and stores the success information in the storage unit 21.

By the above processing, although the user B failed once, the user B was able to obtain one drink for free by using the second mode by communicating with the terminal 1 and the vending machine 2 again. ..

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a vending machine that discharges a product by a simple process based on the second condition that benefits the user.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the user can be appropriately benefited by appropriately changing the mode of the vending machine.

Further, according to the present embodiment, an environment for using the record is provided by leaving a record that the second condition is not used after the dischargeable period has elapsed.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the user can be more appropriately benefited by using the failure information indicating that the product has failed to be discharged.

Further, according to the present embodiment, when the failure information is used, it is possible to prevent the user from giving an excessive benefit by performing the unusable processing for the failure information.

Further, according to the present embodiment, by accumulating the success information, it is possible to keep a record when the user is benefited.

The processing in this embodiment may be realized by software. Then, this software may be distributed by software download or the like. Further, this software may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and disseminated. It should be noted that this also applies to other embodiments herein. The software that realizes the vending machine 2 in this embodiment is the following program. That is, in this program, the vending machine is subjected to a signal acquisition unit for acquiring a signal from a terminal having a storage area and an emission process for discharging a product when the first condition is satisfied, and the signal acquisition unit performs the discharge processing. When the discharge unit performs the discharge treatment based on the second condition other than the first condition and the discharge unit performs the discharge treatment based on the second condition in response to the acquisition of the signal, the said It is a program for functioning as a writing processing unit for performing a writing processing for writing usage information specifying that the discharge processing is performed to the storage area of the terminal, and the signal acquisition unit has acquired a signal. After that, after the discharge enable period has elapsed, it is a program for operating the vending machine assuming that the discharge process based on the second condition is not performed.

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

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

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

As described above, the vending machine according to the present invention has an effect that the user can be appropriately benefited by appropriately changing the mode of the vending machine, and is useful as a vending machine or the like.

1 Terminal 2 Vending machine 11 Storage area 21 Storage unit 22 Signal acquisition unit 23 Instruction reception unit 24 Processing unit 25 Discharge unit 241 Mode change unit 242 Writing processing unit 243 Successful storage unit 244 Failure storage unit 245 Unusable processing unit 2411 Judgment Means 2412 Means of change

Claims (7)

A signal acquisition unit that acquires a signal from a terminal having a storage area and having a terminal identifier that identifies the terminal .
Discharge processing is performed to discharge the product when the first condition is satisfied, and the discharge processing is performed based on the second condition other than the first condition in response to the signal acquisition unit acquiring the signal. Department and
When the discharge unit performs the discharge process based on the second condition, a write process for writing the usage information specifying that the discharge process is performed to the storage area of the terminal is performed. Equipped with a part,
The discharge part is
After the signal acquisition unit acquires the signal and the discharge possible period has elapsed, the discharge process based on the second condition is not performed.
Failure to accumulate failure information corresponding to the terminal identifier when the dischargeable period has elapsed without the discharge unit discharging the product in the state where the discharge process is performed when the second condition is satisfied. A vending machine further equipped with a storage unit . The signal acquisition unit
A signal having the terminal identifier and the state information based on the usage information is acquired, and the signal is obtained.
The discharge part is
Even if it cannot be determined that the emission process is performed based on the second condition for the signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit, if the failure information corresponding to the terminal identifier is accumulated, the second condition is satisfied. The vending machine according to claim 1 , which performs the discharge treatment based on the above. A mode change unit for changing from a first mode related to product discharge to a second mode different from the first mode in response to the signal acquisition unit acquiring a signal is provided.
The mode change part is
A means for determining whether or not the state information satisfies the change condition for changing from the first mode to the second mode, and
When the determination means determines that the usage information satisfies the change condition, the change means for changing from the first mode to the second mode is provided.
The judgment means is
When it is determined that the state information does not satisfy the change condition, it is determined whether or not the failure information corresponding to the terminal identifier is accumulated, and if it is accumulated, it is determined that the change condition is satisfied. The vending machine according to claim 2 . A claim further comprising an unusable processing unit that performs an unusable process that makes the failure information unusable when the discharge unit performs the discharge process based on the second condition using the failure information. The vending machine described in 3 . Any one of claims 1 to 4 , further comprising a success storage unit that stores success information corresponding to the terminal identifier of the terminal when the discharge unit performs the discharge process based on the second condition. The vending machine described in the section. It is a product ejection method in a vending machine realized by a signal acquisition unit, an emission unit, a writing processing unit, and a failure storage unit .
The signal acquisition unit is a signal from a terminal having a storage area, and is a signal acquisition step for acquiring a signal having a terminal identifier for identifying the terminal .
Based on the second condition, which is not the first condition, in response to the discharge processing for discharging the product when the discharge unit satisfies the first condition and the signal acquisition unit acquiring the signal. And the discharge step that performs the discharge treatment,
A document for writing usage information specifying that the discharge process is performed when the discharge process is performed based on the second condition in the discharge step, in the storage area of the terminal. It is equipped with a write processing step for performing embedded processing.
After the signal is acquired in the signal acquisition step and the dischargeable period has elapsed, the discharge process based on the second condition is not performed.
Corresponding to the terminal identifier when the dischargeable period elapses without the discharge unit discharging the product in the state where the failure storage unit performs the discharge process when the second condition is satisfied. A method of discharging a product in a vending machine, further comprising a failure accumulation step for accumulating failure information . Vending machine,
A signal acquisition unit that acquires a signal from a terminal having a storage area and having a terminal identifier that identifies the terminal .
Discharge processing is performed to discharge the product when the first condition is satisfied, and the discharge processing is performed based on the second condition other than the first condition in response to the signal acquisition unit acquiring the signal. Department and
When the discharge unit performs the discharge process based on the second condition, a write process for writing the usage information specifying that the discharge process is performed to the storage area of the terminal is performed. It is a program to function as a department,
After the signal acquisition unit acquires the signal and the discharge possible period has elapsed, the discharge process based on the second condition is not performed.
Failure to accumulate failure information corresponding to the terminal identifier when the dischargeable period has elapsed without the discharge unit discharging the product in the state where the discharge process is performed when the second condition is satisfied. A program for further functioning the vending machine as a storage unit .

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