JP7016087B2 - Goods supply equipment, servers and user terminals - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an article supply device, a server and a user terminal.

There are goods supply devices that supply goods in response to payment of the price. Patent Document 1 discloses an article supply device capable of paying a price by inserting a coin.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-27226

As a payment method for the price, it is required to enable not only the insertion of coins but also the payment by electronic money. On the other hand, it is not preferable that the structure of the device is complicated by enabling a plurality of payment methods.

Therefore, we will provide an article supply device with a simplified structure while making it possible to pay a plurality of prices.

The present invention is an article supply device capable of supplying articles.
An article storage unit that houses articles,
A supply port to which the articles contained in the article accommodating portion are supplied, and
An operation unit capable of accepting an operation for supplying the article housed in the article storage unit to the supply port, and an operation unit capable of receiving the operation.
It is provided with a control unit that controls to allow or prohibit acceptance of operations by the operation unit in response to payment of the price of the article.
The control unit is a single control that controls the operation unit to accept the operation in response to the payment of the price by at least one of the first payment method and the second payment method. Including the mechanism.
The present invention is also an article supply device capable of supplying articles.
An article storage unit that houses articles,
A supply port to which the articles contained in the article accommodating portion are supplied, and
An operation unit capable of accepting an operation for supplying the article housed in the article storage unit to the supply port, and an operation unit capable of receiving the operation.
A control unit that controls to allow or prohibit acceptance of operations by the operation unit in response to payment of the price of the article.
A coin slot that accepts coins and a coin slot
A coin detection unit that detects coins inserted into the coin slot, and
With a communication unit that communicates with an external server
Equipped with
The control unit is a single control that controls the operation unit to accept the operation in response to the payment of the price by at least one of the first payment method and the second payment method. Including the mechanism
The first payment method is a coin payment method, and the second payment method is an electronic money payment method.
The single control mechanism unlocks the operation unit in response to the payment of the price, so that the operation unit can be unlocked from a locked state in which the operation unit is not accepted. Transition to the state,
When the coin detection unit detects a number of coins corresponding to the price, the control unit causes the single control mechanism to unlock the operation unit.
When the inserted coin is detected by the coin detection unit,
The communication unit notifies the server of the detection of the coin, and the communication unit notifies the server of the detection of the coin.
The server does not accept the payment instruction of the price by electronic money for the article housed in the article supply device in response to the notification of the detection of the coin.

It is possible to provide an article supply device having a simplified structure while enabling payment of a plurality of prices.

The block diagram which showed an example of the structure of the system 10 which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the appearance of the article supply apparatus 100 which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the hardware composition of the article supply apparatus 100, the user terminal 110, and the server 120 which concerns on embodiment. The flowchart which shows an example of the process executed in the article supply apparatus 100 which concerns on embodiment. The flowchart which shows an example of the price payment processing in the article supply apparatus 100 which concerns on embodiment. The flowchart which shows an example of the price payment processing in the server 120 which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the article purchase screen displayed on the user terminal 110 which concerns on embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the structure of the lock release mechanism which concerns on embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the invention. Two or more of the plurality of features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. In addition, the same or similar configuration will be given the same reference number, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the system 10 according to the embodiment. The system 10 is configured by connecting the article supply device 100, the user terminal 110, and the server 120 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

The user terminal 110 is, for example, a smartphone, and when the QR code (registered trademark) for payment attached to the goods supply device 100 is read by the built-in camera, the user terminal 110 accesses the server 120 via the link destination URL embedded in the QR code. Send the request. When the article supply device 100 includes a liquid crystal display unit, the QR code may be displayed as QR code information on the liquid crystal display unit. The server 120 provides the information on the goods purchase screen to the user terminal 110 in response to the access request. Information about the article housed in the article supply device 100 is displayed on the screen. Further, when the user of the user terminal 110 operates the payment button on the screen to give a payment instruction, the payment instruction is transmitted from the user terminal 110 to the server 120. Since a known technique may be used for the payment method, detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

When the payment of the price by the electronic money is completed, the unlock signal is transmitted from the server 120 to the article supply device 100, and the article supply device 100 releases the locked state of the handle arranged in the center and rotates the handle. It is possible to take out the product. The lock of the handle can also be released by inserting cash, and when it is confirmed that a predetermined amount of cash has been inserted, the handle lock is released and the handle can be turned.

Next, the appearance configuration of the article supply device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the front appearance of the article supply device 100 corresponding to the embodiment.

In FIG. 2, the main body of the article supply device 100 is composed of a front wall, a rear wall, and a side wall, and the article storage unit 200 is a container (or bucket) in which articles supplied from the article supply device 100 are stored. , Case, etc.). The article accommodating portion 200 may be made of transparent plastic and may be configured so that the articles accommodating inside can be visually recognized from the outside. The article, for example, a toy, an electronic device, a doll, or the like is encapsulated and accommodated in the article accommodating section 200. Alternatively, it may be contained in a state where it is not encapsulated.

The article accommodating unit 200 is installed above the main body unit 201, and an article transport mechanism for taking out the article from the article accommodating unit 200 and transporting the article to the take-out port 204 is arranged in the main body unit 201. There is. A handle 202, a cash input port 203, an outlet 204, a cash return port 205, a cash return button 206, a barcode 207, and a QR code 101 are arranged on the front surface of the main body 201.

The handle 202 is an operating member configured to be rotatable in the direction of an arrow in response to payment of a price, and the article is supplied to the outlet 204 when the user rotates the handle 202. The rotation of the handle 202 is suppressed by the lock mechanism when the payment of the price cannot be confirmed, and when the payment of the price is confirmed, the lock mechanism is released and the handle 202 can rotate.

The cash slot 203 is used for inserting coins when the price is paid in cash, and there may be a plurality of types of cash slots depending on the size of the cash. FIG. 2 shows an insertion slot into which a 500-yen coin and a 100-yen coin can be inserted as an example. The cash input port 203 can switch between a state of accepting cash input and a state of not accepting cash input by controlling an internal mechanism. For example, when the entire price is paid by electronic money, cash may not be accepted by closing the slot. This can prevent double payment.

The outlet 204 is a portion for taking out the supplied article by turning the handle 202, and is covered with a transparent or translucent lid, and the lid can be opened to take out the article. The cash return port 205 is configured so that the inserted coins are returned in response to the operation of the cash return button 206, and the coins returned from the outside of the device can be taken out. Here, when the number of coins corresponding to the price of the goods has been inserted, the operation of the cash return button 206 may not be accepted. On the other hand, if the number of coins corresponding to a part of the price of the goods has been inserted, the operation of the cash return button 206 is accepted, and if the operation is accepted, the entire amount of the inserted amount is returned. You may. In addition, if the number of coins that exceeds the price of the goods has been inserted, the operation of the cash return button 206 will be accepted, and if the operation is accepted, part or all of the inserted amount will be returned. You may. At this time, a part of the input amount to be returned can be an excess amount.

The bar code 207 is affixed to the surface of the article supply device 100 together with the QR code 101 described above, and information on the sales machine code for identifying the sales machine is registered. The vending machine code is mainly used by the administrator of the article supply device 100, and is registered in the server 120 in advance in association with the article code that identifies the article before the start of use. As a result, the server 120 can associate the QR code 101 with the article information in advance. Instead of providing the QR code and the barcode 207 separately, the sales machine code may be embedded in the QR code and only the QR code may be attached.

Next, an example of the hardware configuration of each device corresponding to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the article supply device 100 corresponding to the embodiment. FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 110 corresponding to the embodiment. FIG. 3C is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server 120 corresponding to the embodiment.

In FIG. 3A, the CPU 301 reads out various programs and data stored in the ROM 302 to realize predetermined control. The control includes a control for unlocking the handle 202 by the lock mechanism 306 according to the payment information of the price. The RAM 303 functions as a work area or the like. The communication unit 304 communicates with the server 120 to acquire information (payment information) as to whether or not the price has been paid by electronic money. When the communication unit 304 acquires the payment information, the communication unit 304 provides the information to the CPU 301, and the CPU 301 unlocks the handle 202 by the lock mechanism 306.

The coin detection unit 305 detects whether or not a coin has been inserted from the cash insertion slot 203, and transmits a detection signal to the CPU 301 when the coin is inserted. The coin detection unit 305 includes an optical sensor. When the CPU 301 receives the detection signal from the coin detection unit 305, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the detection signal has been received a number of times corresponding to the price, and releases the lock mechanism 306 according to the determination result. Further, the coin detection unit 305 detects the authenticity of the coin, and when the coin is detected, notifies the CPU 301 of an error.

The lock mechanism 306 is a mechanism that suppresses (locks) the rotation of the handle 202, and has two states, a locked state and an unlocked state of the handle. The lock mechanism 306 includes a signal receiving unit 306a that receives a control signal instructing the transition (unlocking) from the locked state to the unlocked state from the CPU 301. Further, the lock mechanism 306 has a solenoid 306b. When the signal receiving unit 306a receives the control signal, the signal receiving unit 306a supplies a current to the solenoid 306b to drive the solenoid 306b, and releases the lock that suppresses the rotation of the handle 202. If the lock cannot be released even after receiving the control signal, it is determined that the lock is in an abnormal state, and an error notification is sent to the CPU 301.

The article transport mechanism 307 is a transport mechanism for transporting one article to be supplied from the article accommodating unit 200 to the outlet 204 in response to the rotation of the handle 202 due to unlocking. In the article transport mechanism 307, a state detection unit 307a for detecting the state of whether or not the article can be reliably transported is appropriately arranged, the article does not exist in the article accommodating section 200, and an obstacle in the transport path. It is possible to detect an abnormality such as the existence of. When an abnormal state is detected, an error notification is sent to the CPU 301. The display unit 308 is a display device that displays information about the article supply device 100, and may be, for example, a liquid crystal display device. The input amount may be displayed on the display unit 308, or an error may be displayed when an abnormality of the device is detected.

In FIG. 3B, the CPU 311 reads various programs and data stored in the ROM 312 to realize control of the user terminal 110. The control includes control of acquiring access destination information from the QR code captured by the image pickup unit 316 and transmitting an access request to the access destination server 120, and screen information received from the server 120 in response to the access request. It includes control to be displayed on the display unit 317, control to communicate with the server 120 according to the operation received by the screen information, and the like. Further, in addition to the ROM 312, a non-volatile storage device may be provided. The RAM 313 functions as a work area or the like.

The communication unit 314 communicates with the server 120 to transmit an access request, receive screen information, transmit operation information, and the like, as described above. The operation unit 315 is an interface for receiving operations from the user of the user terminal 110, and includes a touch panel, buttons, switches, and the like. The image pickup unit 316 is a digital camera mechanism that acquires an image of a subject, and in the present embodiment, it is mainly used for photographing a QR code attached to the surface of the article supply device 100. The display unit 317 is a display, and can, for example, display an article purchase screen including article information received from the server 120 and accept a payment operation from the user.

In FIG. 3C, the CPU 321 reads various programs and data stored in the ROM 322 and the internal storage device 325 to realize control of the server 120. The control includes control of receiving an access request transmitted from the user terminal 110, control of transmitting screen information to the user terminal 110 in response to the access request, and electronic money in response to screen operation information from the user terminal 110. The control for performing the payment process by the electronic money system, the control for notifying the goods supply device 100 of the completion of the payment of the price, and the like when the payment process by the electronic money is completed are included. The RAM 323 functions as a work area or the like.

The communication unit 324 communicates with the user terminal 110 and the article supply device 100 to receive an access request, transmit screen information, receive operation information, notify the completion of payment of the price, and the like, as described above. The internal storage device 325 is a storage device such as a hard disk, and stores control information, application programs, various data, and the like. The display unit 326 is a display, and can display predetermined screen information, for example. Further, although omitted in FIG. 3C, an operation unit that accepts an operation from the user of the server 120 can be further provided, and the operation unit includes a button, a switch, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like.

Next, an example of the process corresponding to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing corresponding to the embodiment. The process corresponding to FIG. 4 is realized by the CPU 301 executing the program stored in the ROM 302.

First, in S401, the state of the article supply device 100 is detected. The CPU 301 determines whether or not an error notification notifying that an abnormality has been detected has been received from the coin detection unit 305, the lock mechanism 306, and the state detection unit 307a of the article transport mechanism 307. When an abnormality is detected and an error notification is received (YES in S402), the process proceeds to S403, and the CPU 301 transmits the error notification to the server 120 via the communication unit 304. As a result, the server 120 cannot execute the payment process in relation to the article supply device 100 until the notification of the normal state is given. After that, the process returns to S401, and the state detection is repeated until the normal state is reached.

If no abnormality is detected (NO in S402), the process proceeds to S404, and the CPU 301 transmits a notification to the server 120 that the article supply device 100 is in a normal state via the communication unit 304. In the following S405, the price payment process is executed. The details of the price payment process will be described later with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6.

When the price payment process is completed and the CPU 301 confirms that the payment is completed, the process proceeds to S406, and the CPU 301 outputs the unlock signal to the lock mechanism 306. The unlock signal is received by the signal receiving unit 306a, and the solenoid 306b is driven to release the lock. In the following S407, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the lock mechanism 306 has returned from the unlocked state to the locked state based on whether or not a lock signal has been received from the lock mechanism 306. When the lock signal is received, the process returns to S401.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the price payment process executed on the article supply device 100 side will be described. This process is realized by the CPU 301 executing the program stored in the ROM 302.

First, in S501, the CPU 301 determines whether or not payment information has been received from the server 120. If the payment information has been received, the process proceeds to S503. On the other hand, if the payment information is not received from the server 120, the process proceeds to S502. In S502, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the detection signal has been received from the coin detection unit 305. Here, the coin detection unit 305 has an optical sensor and transmits a detection signal to the CPU 301 each time a predetermined coin passes. Therefore, whether or not an amount corresponding to the price of the article, for example, 300 yen, has been paid can be determined by whether or not the detection signal has been received three times. When the detection signal is received, the process proceeds to S503, and when not received, the process returns to S501.

In S503, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the total payment amount has reached a predetermined amount corresponding to the price. If it is cash, it is determined based on whether or not the detection signal corresponding to the predetermined amount of money has been received. If it is electronic money, the determination is made based on the amount information included in the payment information. In the case of the total of cash and electronic money, the determination is made based on the total of the payment amount based on the number of times the detection signal is received and the payment amount included in the payment information. If the total amount is less than the predetermined amount, the process proceeds to S504, and if the total amount reaches the predetermined amount, the process proceeds to S406 in FIG. In S504, the cash return button 206 is operated to determine whether or not the cash return instruction has been accepted. When the cash return instruction is received, the process proceeds to S505, and the inserted cash is returned. After that, the process returns to S501. If the return instruction is not accepted, the process returns to S501.

When the entire price is paid in the electronic money, the CPU 301 controls to close the cash slot 203 so that no additional coins are inserted. On the other hand, when a part of the price is paid in the electronic money, the CPU 301 controls to open the cash slot 203 and controls to additionally insert coins. When the cash slot 203 is not provided with an opening / closing mechanism, in the former case, coins inserted in the cash slot 203 may be controlled to be returned as they are without being accepted, and in the latter case, the coins may be returned as they are. , The coins inserted in the cash slot 203 may be controlled to be accepted without being returned.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the price can be paid in any form of cash only, electronic money only, and the total of cash and electronic money. In the case of the total of cash and electronic money, it does not matter whether the cash is paid first or the electronic money is paid first.

Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the processing on the server 120 side in the price payment processing will be described. This process is realized by the CPU 321 of the server 120 executing a program stored in an internal storage device 325 such as a ROM 321 or a hard disk.

First, in S601, the CPU 321 determines whether or not an access request based on the QR code has been received from the user terminal 110. The access request contains information that identifies the article supply device 100. If the access request is received, the process proceeds to S602. In S602, the CPU 321 determines whether or not the corresponding article supply device 100 is in a normal state. If it is in the normal state, the process proceeds to S603. On the other hand, if it is in an abnormal state, the process proceeds to S604. The operating state of the article supply device 100 can be determined based on the notification in S403 or S404 of FIG.

When the article supply device 100 is in the normal state, in S603, the CPU 321 controls the communication unit 324 to transmit information for displaying the article purchase screen from the server 120 to the user terminal 110. The article purchase screen includes at least information (article information) regarding the article to be purchased contained in the article storage unit 200. The article supply device 100 and the article housed in the device are managed in association with each other in the internal storage device 325 in advance. Therefore, even if the article housed in the article supply device 100 is changed, it is sufficient to change the association in the internal storage device 325. Therefore, even when the server 120 is accessed based on the same QR code, the information of the current article can be provided to the user terminal 110 by the association. The article information includes the name, image, description, price, etc. of the article. In addition, the price of the goods (purchase price) is presented on the goods purchase screen, the type of electronic money to be paid can be selected, and the payment amount can be set.

For example, the entire amount can be paid by electronic money, of course, a part may be paid by electronic money, and the rest may be paid by cash. When paying a part with electronic money, the payment amount can be entered. Alternatively, when cash is first inserted and the balance is paid by electronic money, the balance information may be provided from the article supply device 100 to the server 120, and the balance information may be presented on the screen. In addition, a payment button for giving a payment instruction is displayed on the goods purchase screen. After determining the payment amount and the type of electronic money to be used, the user of the user terminal 110 can tap the payment button.

On the other hand, when the article supply device 100 is in an abnormal state, in S604, the CPU 321 controls the communication unit 324 to transmit information for displaying an error screen from the server 120 to the user terminal 110. The error screen includes at least information (article information) regarding the article to be purchased contained in the article accommodating unit 200. The article information includes the name, image, description, price, etc. of the article. In addition, the price of the goods (purchase price) is presented on the error screen, but the payment button is not displayed or the operation is not accepted because it is grayed out. In addition, a message indicating that payment by electronic money is not accepted may be displayed. After that, the process returns to S502 and monitors whether the article supply device 100 is in a normal state.

FIG. 7 shows an example of information on the goods purchase screen. FIG. 7A shows an example of the display state of the goods purchase screen that can accept payment instructions by electronic money. FIG. 7B shows an example of the display state of the goods purchase screen that cannot accept the payment instruction by electronic money as the above-mentioned error screen.

In FIG. 7A, an article image 701 showing the appearance of one of the plurality of types of articles housed in the article accommodating section 200 is displayed, and the indicator 702 displays the next article on the display screen. It has been shown to be switchable. When the user taps on the indicator 702, the current display screen is slid out to the left, and the display screen displaying the next article is slid in from the right side to switch.

In the display area 703, information (name and description of the article) about the article of the article image 701 is displayed. The display 704 displays the amount of the price of the article. If cash has already been inserted in the article supply device 100, the deducted amount may be displayed. For example, if the price is 500 yen and 200 yen has already been invested, 300 yen will be displayed. It should be noted that the fact that 200 yen has been invested may be displayed on the screen.

The payment button 705 is operably displayed as shown in FIG. 7A if it is possible to receive a payment instruction. When it is impossible to accept the payment instruction, it is grayed out as shown in FIG. 7B and the operation instruction is not accepted. The grayout display is eliminated when the abnormal state of the article supply device 100 is resolved.

Returning to FIG. 6, when the goods purchase screen information is transmitted in S603 and the payment amount and the type of electronic money to be used are determined in the user terminal 110, the CPU 321 determines whether or not the payment operation instruction has been accepted in the subsequent S605. When the payment button is tapped on the user terminal 110, a payment instruction is transmitted from the user terminal 110 to the server 120 together with information on the payment amount and the electronic money to be used. When the server 120 receives the payment instruction, the process proceeds to S606, and the CPU 321 executes the payment process. Since the details of the payment process are publicly known techniques, detailed description thereof will be omitted. When the payment process is completed, the CPU 321 controls the communication unit 324 in S607 to transmit payment information notifying that the payment is completed to the goods supply device 100. The payment information may include information on the amount of money for which payment has been completed. Upon receiving the payment information from the server 120, the CPU 301 of the goods supply device 100 confirms that the payment of all or part of the price has been completed.

Next, the lock mechanism 306 corresponding to the present embodiment will be described. The lock mechanism 306 in the present embodiment is a single control mechanism common to both payment methods capable of releasing the handle lock in both cash payment and electronic money payment.

The lock mechanism 306 includes a gear portion in which power by operating the handle 202, which is an operation portion, is directly or indirectly transmitted, and a lock mechanism portion provided in the vicinity of the gear portion. The gear portion is provided with a protrusion portion and an engaging portion. Further, the lock mechanism portion is configured by connecting the first lever portion to the solenoid portion. The first lever portion is pushed outward from the lock mechanism portion by the urging of the spring inside the solenoid portion, and engages with the engaging portion to form an engaged state with the gear portion. In this engaged state, the first lever portion suppresses the rotation of the operation portion via the gear portion.

The solenoid unit sends a current to the internal solenoid structure in response to the reception of the unlock signal from the CPU 301. By operating the first lever portion so as to be pulled into the lock mechanism portion in response to the transmission of the current, the engagement state with the gear portion is released. As a result, the operation unit becomes rotatable and shifts from the locked state to the unlocked state.

The locking mechanism portion further includes a second lever portion for releasing the unlocked state. When the contact between the second lever portion and the protrusion portion of the gear portion is detected, the solenoid portion cuts off the current transmission to the solenoid structure. Along with this, the first lever portion operates so as to be pushed out of the lock mechanism portion by the urging of the internal spring, and re-engages with the engaging portion of the gear portion.

Hereinafter, a more specific configuration and operation of the lock mechanism 306 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8A shows the case where the locking mechanism 306 is in the locked state, and FIG. 8B shows the case where the locking mechanism 306 is in the unlocked state. The lock mechanism 306 includes a lock mechanism portion 800 and a gear portion 810. The lock mechanism unit 800 includes a solenoid unit 801, a lock lever 802, a non-lock state release lever 803, and a non-lock state release detection unit 804, and the gear unit 810 includes a large gear 811 and a small gear 812. The lock lever 802 that functions as the first lever portion operates to switch between a locked state that limits the rotation of the large gear 811 and a non-locked state that allows rotation. Further, the non-locked state release lever 803 that functions as the second lever portion operates so as to release the non-locked state and return to the locked state.

The large gear 811 is configured to include a protrusion 811a, a shaft portion 811b, and an engaging portion (or a recess or a notch) 811c. In the locked state, the lock lever 802 fits into the engaging portion 811c, and the upper edge of the engaging portion 811c engages with the lock lever 802, thereby suppressing the rotation of the large gear 811. The large gear 811 is configured to be rotatable in the direction of an arrow about the shaft portion 811b, and a shaft connected to the handle 202 is inserted into the opening of the shaft portion 811b, and when the user rotates the handle 202, the power thereof is increased. Is transmitted to the large gear 811 via the shaft.

At this time, if the lock lever 802 is not fitted to the engaging portion 811c of the large gear 811 as shown in FIG. 8B, the large gear 811 rotates, so that the handle 202 can be rotated. As shown in A), when the gear 811 is fitted in the engaging portion 811c, the large gear 811 cannot rotate, so that the handle 202 cannot be rotated. In FIG. 8, the large gear 811 to which the power generated by the operation of the handle 202 is directly transmitted is locked. However, in addition to this, the same configuration is applied to the power from the handle 202. May lock the gear (eg, small gear 812) that is indirectly transmitted.

When the solenoid unit 801 receives the unlock signal from the CPU 301, the solenoid unit 801 flows a current through the solenoid and operates so as to pull the plunger externally urged by the spring into the inside of the lock mechanism 306. Along with this, the lock lever 802 connected to the protrusion 801a at the tip of the plunger is pulled into the lock mechanism 306, the engagement state between the lock lever 802 and the edge of the engagement portion 811c is released, and the lock lever 802 is released from the locked state. Move to the locked state. FIG. 8B shows the unlocked state at this time.

When the large gear 811 rotates in the direction of the arrow in the non-locked state, the non-locked state release lever 803 comes into contact with the protrusion 811a of the large gear 811 and is pushed down. As a result, the protrusion 804a of the non-lock state release detection unit 804 is also pushed down, so that the solenoid unit 801 is instructed to stop the solenoid current from the non-lock state release detection unit 804 in response to the push down of the protrusion 804a. do. Upon receiving the stop instruction, the solenoid unit 801 stops the solenoid current, whereby the plunger is pushed out of the lock mechanism 306 by the force of the internal spring. Along with this, the lock lever 802 is also pushed outward to press the side surface of the large gear 811. After that, when the large gear 811 rotates in the direction of the arrow according to the rotation of the handle 202 and reaches the position of the engaging portion 811c, the lock lever 802 is pushed out to the engaging portion 811c to engage with the edge of the engaging portion 811c. do. This returns to the locked state shown in FIG. 8 (A).

The large gear 811 engages with the small gear 812 to transmit the rotational force of the handle 202 to further gears. The other gear is connected to, for example, a gear that rotates the turntable in the article accommodating portion 200, and one article is supplied from the article accommodating portion 200 by rotating the handle 202. The handle 202 is provided on the front side of the front wall of the main body of the article supply device 100, and the large gear 811, the small gear 812, and the lock mechanism 306 are provided inside the rear wall of the main body. The article accommodating unit 200 is configured to be able to accommodate new articles by pulling it toward the main body of the article supply device 100, and is configured to smoothly pull out the article accommodating unit 200. It was decided to be installed on the rear wall of the part.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the single locking mechanism can be released and the goods can be supplied in response to the payment of the price by cash and / or electronic money.

<Modification example>
In the above, the coin detection unit 305 has transmitted a detection signal to the CPU 301 each time it detects each coin, but when the number of coins corresponding to the price is detected, the payment completion may be notified. .. In that case, when the insertion of coins is detected, the server 120 detects that fact and prohibits payment by electronic money. In this case, the goods purchase screen displayed on the user terminal 110 is as shown in FIG. 7B, and the payment button 705 is grayed out so that the payment instruction is not accepted. Alternatively, payment with electronic money is prohibited for a certain period after the coin is inserted, and payment using electronic money cannot be performed together. In order to make a payment with electronic money, it is necessary to return the cash by operating the cash return button 206. When the cash is returned, the goods supply device 100 notifies the server 120 that the cash has been returned, and the server 120 cancels the grayed out display of the goods purchase screen on the user terminal 110 in response to the receipt of the notification. .. Alternatively, if the goods are supplied by turning the handle 202, the electronic money can be used again.

In addition, when paying with electronic money, the payment amount cannot be selected, and the amount corresponding to the price is paid in a lump sum. At that time, the coins may be automatically returned in advance, and the goods supply device 100 may notify the server 120 that the coins have been returned in full. By performing the automatic refund operation, it is possible to prevent double payment of cash and electronic money. Further, in order to prevent double payment, the server 120 notifies the goods supply device 100 when the payment by electronic money is completed, and the cash input port 203 is closed under the control of the CPU 301 in response to the notification, and cash input is prohibited. Will be done.

The invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the invention.

Claims (17)

An article supply device that can supply articles
An article storage unit that houses articles,
A supply port to which the articles contained in the article accommodating portion are supplied, and
An operation unit capable of accepting an operation for supplying the article housed in the article storage unit to the supply port, and an operation unit capable of receiving the operation.
A control unit that controls to allow or prohibit acceptance of operations by the operation unit in response to payment of the price of the article .
A coin slot that accepts coins and a coin slot
A coin detection unit that detects coins inserted into the coin slot, and
With a communication unit that communicates with an external server
Equipped with
The control unit is a single control that controls the operation unit to accept the operation in response to the payment of the price by at least one of the first payment method and the second payment method. Including the mechanism
The first payment method is a coin payment method, and the second payment method is an electronic money payment method.
The single control mechanism unlocks the operation unit in response to the payment of the price, so that the operation unit can be unlocked from a locked state in which the operation unit is not accepted. Transition to the state ,
When the coin detection unit detects a number of coins corresponding to the price, the control unit causes the single control mechanism to unlock the operation unit.
When the inserted coin is detected by the coin detection unit, the communication unit notifies the server of the detection of the coin, and the server supplies the article in response to the notification of the detection of the coin. An article supply device that does not accept payment instructions for electronic money for the articles housed in the device. When the communication unit receives a notification from the server that the payment of the full price by electronic money has been completed, the control unit causes the single control mechanism to unlock the operation unit. The article supply device described in. When the communication unit receives a notification from the server that the payment of the full price by electronic money has been completed, the control unit controls the coin slot so as not to accept the coin insertion, according to claim 2. The article supply device described. After the coin detection unit detects a number of coins corresponding to a part of the price, when the communication unit receives a notification from the server that the remaining payment of the price by electronic money is completed, the communication unit receives the notification. The article supply device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit causes the single control mechanism to unlock the operation unit. When the communication unit receives a notification from the server that the payment of a part of the price by electronic money is completed, the control unit controls the coin slot so as to accept the coin insertion.
The article supply according to claim 1 , wherein when the coin detection unit detects a number of coins corresponding to the rest of the price, the control unit causes the single control mechanism to unlock the operation unit. Device. Further equipped with a refund section for refunding coins inserted in the goods supply device,
When the inserted coin is fully refunded by the refund unit, the communication unit notifies the server of the refund of the coin.
The article supply device according to claim 1 , wherein the server receives an instruction to pay a price by electronic money for the article housed in the article supply device in response to the notification of refund of the coin. The refund section
If the total amount of coins inserted into the goods supply device is less than the amount corresponding to the price, the inserted coins will be refunded in full.
The article supply according to claim 6 , wherein at least a part of the inserted coins is refunded when the total amount of coins inserted into the article supply device is larger than the amount corresponding to the price. Device. The article supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the single control mechanism releases the lock to the operation unit in response to the reception of the unlock signal instructing the release of the lock. The single control mechanism includes a gear portion in which power due to an operation on the operation portion is directly or indirectly transmitted, and a lock mechanism portion provided in the vicinity of the gear portion.
The gear portion has an engaging portion and has an engaging portion.
The lock mechanism portion includes a solenoid portion and a first lever portion.
When the operating portion is locked by engaging the first lever portion and the engaging portion.
The solenoid unit sends a current to the solenoid unit in response to the reception of the unlock signal.
The first lever portion operates so as to be pulled into the lock mechanism portion in response to the transmission of a current to the solenoid portion, whereby the engagement state with the gear portion is released.
The article supply device according to claim 8 . The lock mechanism portion further includes a second lever portion.
The gear portion further has a protrusion on one surface thereof.
The first lever portion drawn into the lock mechanism portion operates so as to be pushed out of the lock mechanism portion in response to contact between the second lever portion and the protrusion portion.
The article supply device according to claim 9 , wherein the first lever portion extruded to the outside of the lock mechanism portion engages with the engaging portion. The main body of the article supply device is composed of a front wall, a rear wall, and a side wall.
The article supply device according to claim 9 or 10 , wherein the operation unit is provided on the front wall, and the gear unit and the lock mechanism unit are provided on the rear wall. Further provided with a state detection unit for detecting the state of the article supply device,
When the state detection unit detects that the article supply device is in a normal state, the control unit responds to the payment of the price by at least one of the coin and the electronic money, and the single unit. Control mechanism to accept the operation of the operation unit,
A claim that the control unit controls the single control mechanism so as not to accept the operation of the operation unit when the state detection unit detects that the article supply device is in an abnormal state. The article supply device according to any one of 1 to 11 . The article supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , wherein the operation is a direct operation performed by the user holding the operation unit. The article supply device according to claim 13 , wherein the operation is an operation in which the user rotates the operation unit. The front portion of the article supply device is provided with identification information of the article supply device, and the identification information is used by the user for payment of the price, according to any one of claims 1 to 14 . The article supply device described in. The article supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 15 , and a server that communicates with a user terminal.
A receiving means for receiving an access request including identification information of the article supply device from the user terminal, and
A transmission means for transmitting purchase screen information of the article to the user terminal, including information about the article accommodated in the article supply device, in response to the access request.
When a payment instruction is received from the user terminal via the purchase screen information, it is provided with an execution means for executing a payment process using electronic money for the price of the goods.
The transmission means is a server that transmits a notification to the article supply device that the payment of the price of the article is completed in response to the completion of the payment process. The article supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 15 , and a user terminal that communicates with a server.
A reading means for reading the identification information of the article supply device, and
A transmission means for transmitting an access request to the server based on the identification information, and
A display means for displaying purchase screen information of the article, including information about the article housed in the article supply device, transmitted from the server in response to the access request.
A reception means for receiving payment instructions from the user via electronic money for the price of the goods via the purchase screen information.
Equipped with
The transmission means transmits the payment instruction to the server, the server executes a payment process using electronic money for the price in response to the payment instruction, and transmits the payment instruction to the article supply device upon completion of the payment process. A user terminal capable of operating the operation unit of the article supply device in response to the notification that the payment of the price of the article has been completed.

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