JP7259124B1 - vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a vending machine and a center server capable of further promoting regional revitalization. A vending machine (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention is a vending machine (10) communicably connected to a center server (20), and has a digital signage section that functions under the control of the center server (20). 12, an automatic sales unit 13 that sells the product selected in the digital signage unit 12, and a purchaser information registration unit 14 that registers purchaser information of the product sold by the automatic sales unit 13; A product list is displayed on 12, and when a product corresponding to donation is selected from the product list, a selection screen is displayed for selecting whether to purchase the product through normal sales or receive it as a gift in return for donation. do. [Selection drawing] Fig. 4

Description

The present invention relates to a vending machine and a center server, and more particularly to a vending machine platform service that supports donations such as hometown tax donation.

In recent years, hometown tax payment vending machines have attracted attention (see Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 1). For example, Non-Patent Document 1 introduces an example in which a hometown tax payment vending machine is installed at a golf course. With this hometown tax payment vending machine, you select a gift on the digital signage screen, determine the gift, select an address input method, enter your address, select a donation method, and pay your tax. As a result, a receipt is output from the hometown tax vending machine, and it is possible to exchange the receipt for the gift on the spot.

JP 2022-79543 A

Glowkey Up, "IoT Hometown Tax Vending Machine", searched on September 2, 2020, Internet <URL: https://www.glowkeyup.co.jp/iot>

According to the hometown tax payment vending machine as described above, the hometown tax payment can be easily performed, so it is possible to promote regional revitalization. However, vending machines are not fully operational, such as insufficient explanation of regions and products on digital signage screens. In addition, the current situation is that the percentage of people who have actually performed hometown tax donations is still small.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a vending machine and a center server capable of further promoting regional revitalization.

One aspect of the present invention is a vending machine communicably connected to a center server , comprising a vending machine management unit that performs information cooperation with the center server, and the center server via the vending machine management unit. a digital signage unit that functions under the control of the digital signage unit, an automatic sales unit that sells the product selected in the digital signage unit, and purchaser information that registers the purchaser information of the product sold by the automatic sales unit and a registration unit, wherein a product list is displayed on the digital signage unit, and when a product corresponding to donation is selected from the product list, the product is purchased through normal sales or received as a gift in return for donation. is displayed on the digital signage unit , the local government ID of the purchaser is specified based on the purchaser information registered by the purchaser information registration unit, and the local government ID and the product The municipality IDs are compared, and if both IDs are the same, the normal price is displayed and a selection screen for selecting whether or not to purchase at the normal product sales is displayed on the digital signage unit, and the purchase can be made at the normal product sales. If selected, proceed to payment .

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the vending machine and center server which can promote regional activation more can be provided.

1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the outline of the present invention; FIG. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is explanatory drawing of the vending machine in embodiment of this invention. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a platform according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a functional block diagram of a platform in an embodiment of the invention. It is a flow chart showing the operation of the vending machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a screen transition diagram of the vending machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a data structure diagram of a storage unit of the center server in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a data structure diagram of a storage unit of the center server in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a data structure diagram of a storage unit of the center server in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing operation of a vending machine in an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing operation of a vending machine in an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing operation of a vending machine in an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing operation of a vending machine in an embodiment of the present invention; 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of a center server according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example. That is, the embodiments described below can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the embodiments. In the drawings, parts denoted by the same reference numerals represent the same or similar parts unless otherwise specified.

"overview"
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the outline of the present invention. The present invention utilizes vending machines installed in urban areas and local governments to provide a vending machine platform service that looks like an antenna shop that supports activities such as products, tourism, and donations (hometown tax).

For example, digital signage in vending machines can be used to introduce local characteristics and the appeal of specialty products, and to promote product sales and tourism introductions. In addition, we sell specialty products (including assorted special products) from multiple regions or specific regions as vending machine products. In addition, we sell regional coupons and regional currencies (experience products) for multiple regions or specific regions as vending machine products. Experience products can be used for activities such as sightseeing, dining, and lodging in specific municipalities. In addition, you can pay hometown tax to multiple regions or specific regions, and receive special products, regional coupons, and regional currency in return. In this way, a series of platform services promotes regional revitalization by inducing people to move and uncovering economic activities.

《Simple antenna shop vending machine》
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of vending machine 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Here, it is assumed that the vending machine 10 is likened to a simple antenna shop and installed in a prime location such as a station premises in an urban area. In general, an antenna shop is a store opened by a company or a local government for the purpose of widely introducing their company's or local products or searching for consumer reactions.

That is, as shown in FIG. 2A, the vending machine 10 is a simple antenna shop vending machine that supports hometown tax payment, and has a touch panel type digital signage on the front. The purchaser U can perform various operations by touching the main screen 1 displayed on the digital signage. A sub-screen 2 may be provided separately from the main screen 1 . Of course, like a general vending machine, it is also possible to provide a commodity discharge port 3 for discharging commodities. In addition, it is possible to provide a camera, a speaker, an object sensor, a credit card reader, a QR code reader, an IC card reader, etc., as well as a coin slot.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the PR video S of the product is displayed in the upper part of the main screen 1, and the purchase button B corresponding to each product is displayed in the lower part. Although the details will be described later, the vending machine 10 is made into a multi-tenant by assuming that one product is one tenant, and the vending machine 10 is configured so that multiple tenants can use the vending machine 10 in common. "One product is likened to one tenant" means that one product is likened to one tenant. Since basically one product corresponds to one purchase button B, it can be rephrased as a business model in which the vending machine 10 is lent to tenants in units of purchase buttons. According to such a business model, one vending machine 10 is utilized by a plurality of organizations, and a simple antenna shop can be opened at a lower cost than before by sharing sales management, inventory management, etc. can be done. Product replenishment can also be done by one-stop management agency, so it is possible to significantly reduce man-hours.

"platform"
FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram of the platform according to the embodiment of the present invention. This platform is an operating environment necessary for providing platform services of the vending machines 10A, 10B, 10C, . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, vending machines 10A, 10B, 10C, . Vending machines 10A, 10B, 10C, .

The installation locations of the vending machines 10A, 10B, 10C, . . . (hereinafter collectively referred to as "vending machines 10") are not particularly limited. That is, when the vending machine 10 is multi-tenanted, it is desirable to install it in a prime location such as a station premises in an urban area. It may be installed.

"Feature Description"
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the platform according to the embodiment of the invention. Although one vending machine 10 is illustrated here, functions of the other vending machines 10 are basically the same. However, the multi-tenant function may be implemented by vending machines 10 installed in urban areas, and may not be implemented by all vending machines 10 .

As shown in FIG. 4, the vending machine 10 is a device for selling goods, promoting tourism, making donations, and performing PR activities. , a purchaser information registration unit 14, an external interface 15, and the like. The vending machine management unit 11 aggregates information from other units, performs sales management, settlement management, product/inventory management, tenant operation management, sales information linkage management, etc., and performs data linkage with the center server 20 . The digital signage unit 12 is an electronic signboard (information transmission system) that functions under the control of the center server 20, and has a content distribution function, a content reception function, a content display function, a content switching function, and the like. The vending unit 13 is a functional unit that sells products selected in the digital signage unit 12, and has product management/expiration date management, sales functions, payment functions, inventory confirmation functions, and the like. The purchaser information registration unit 14 is a functional unit that registers purchaser information of products sold by the automatic sales unit 13, and has a function of collecting information necessary for hometown tax payment. The external interface 15 is an interface function unit such as data linkage with the outside of the platform, browsing, management console, etc., and performs information linkage between the vending machine 10 and the purchaser U.

The center server 20 is a device that collects data from the vending machines 10 and controls platform services using cloud services or the like. It has a management section 23, an overall management section 24, an external communication section 25, an external interface 26, and the like. The storage unit 21 is a storage device that stores data for providing platform services. This storage device may be an external storage device connected to the center server 20 via a network. The platform management unit 22 is a functional unit that transmits and receives data to and from the vending machine 10 and manages other units. The manager-by-store management unit 23 is a functional unit that individually manages a plurality of tenant stores, and performs sales management, inventory management, settlement management, etc. for each store owner. The overall management unit 24 is a functional unit that manages the overall operation of the platform service, and performs sales management, inventory management, settlement management, and the like. The external communication unit 25 is a functional unit that permits viewing of information for store owners aggregated and managed by the platform management unit 22, and notifies the result of daily sales management and monthly settlement management by e-mail. The external interface 26 is an interface function unit such as data linkage with the outside of the platform, browsing, management console, etc., and performs information linkage between the center server 20 and store owners.

<<Description of operation>>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the vending machine 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a screen transition diagram of the vending machine 10. As shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the operation when the purchaser U purchases the product will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG.

First, the main screen 1 of the vending machine 10 is started, and the state of the vending machine 10 is grasped (steps S1→S2→S3). If the vending machine 10 is in a normal state, the product list is displayed on the main screen 1 and the product PR advertisement is displayed (steps S4→S5). For example, as shown in FIG. 6(A), buttons for purchasing "special products of region A" to "special products of region F" are displayed as a product list.

Next, when the purchaser U selects "A region special product" while the product list is displayed on the main screen 1 of the vending machine 10, the product purchase purpose selection screen is displayed (step S6→S7). → S8). For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, buttons for selecting "regular price" or "hometown tax payment" are displayed as the purchase purpose of the A region specialty product.

Here, when the purchaser U selects "regular price", the normal price product sales process is executed, and when the desired settlement method is selected, settlement is executed by that settlement method, and the A region special product is purchased. Transfer (step S9A→S10→S11→S12). For example, as shown in FIG. 6(D), as a settlement method, credit card, Pay function (QR code), IC card payment, and cash can be selected. QR code is a registered trademark.

On the other hand, when "hometown tax payment" is selected by the purchaser U, the hometown tax payment process is executed, and when the desired settlement method is selected, the settlement is executed by that settlement method, and the A region special product is delivered ( step S9B→S10→S11→S12). This A area special product is a return gift of the hometown tax donation. In the hometown tax payment process, purchaser information and tax system usage information are registered, and the contents can be finally confirmed. For example, as shown in Figure 6(C), is the address and name on the resident card correct, is the use of the donation correctly selected, is the need for the one-stop exception application form correct, does not live in this municipality Check the point on the screen, and if it is correct, put a check in the check box.

《Comparison with general technology》
According to the embodiments of the present invention, various problems that occur when using general vending machines can be resolved. Among them, problems 1 to 6, which are considered to be particularly characteristic, and their solutions will be explained.

First, Problem 1 and its solution will be described. In a general vending machine, it is necessary to install as many options (buy buttons) that can be sold as the number of combinations of products and sales forms. Due to the complexity of the combination, it is not possible to sell at regular prices in vending machines that accept donations and furusato nozei. On the other hand, according to the embodiment of the present invention, local governments can sell local specialty products, local coupons, and local currency (experience products) from the vending machine 10 . Local specialty products, regional coupons, and regional currency can be purchased as regular merchandise at a set price, or donated as a hometown tax payment, which can be selected on the touch panel. When donating as a hometown tax payment, in addition to returning the special products, regional coupons, and local currency that are subject to the hometown tax payment, the information necessary for the hometown tax payment is collected by the vending machine 10, and the hometown tax payment is sent to the local government. Able to coordinate information necessary for procedures.

Next, Problem 2 and its solution will be described. General vending machines are operated by one vending machine and one organization, and the burden of installation costs and know-how in urban areas is large. 1 Vending machine ・If you try to reduce costs and operations by using it in multiple organizations, it is not possible to automatically handle individual product management, sales management, sales management, etc. in multiple organizations. On the other hand, in the embodiment of the present invention, the digital signage type vending machine 10 can be used to support activities such as PR activities of local governments, product sales, tourism promotion, and securing donation resources. A multi-tenant type service can be provided so that a plurality of local governments can share the vending machine 10, and one-stop support can be provided for operations such as product sales, settlement, and delivery.

Next, Problem 3 and its solution will be described. In a general vending machine, it is necessary to make an individual payment for each product due to the processing of the vending machine. In the case of cash, the amount of money put into the vending machine can be held, but at the time of purchase, an operation such as pressing a purchase button is required for each product to be purchased. On the other hand, in the embodiment of the present invention, the digital signage type vending machine 10 is used, and the purchased product or the gift can be settled simultaneously if the same procedure is used. Similar to an EC (Electronic Commerce) site, the concept of a shopping cart is introduced, and settlement of the shopping cart is performed. You can also change the quantity of items in your shopping cart. As a result, it is possible to complete the payment for multiple special products/gifts in one payment, and in particular, it is possible to simplify the procedures for the same processing, such as registering hometown tax information.

Next, Problem 4 and its solution will be described. In a general vending machine, the purchaser U selects and purchases a product, which is "one-way communication from the provider to the purchaser U". That is, the provider cannot obtain opinions, needs, and the like from the purchaser U. On the other hand, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to ask the purchaser U to press the select button on the touch panel after the payment for the product and before the delivery of the product, so that opinions can be aggregated. For example, it is possible to conduct a questionnaire on the touch panel or donate part of the purchase price.

Next, Problem 5 and its solution will be described. In a general vending machine, there are cases where the user is troubled with product selection, and there are cases where the same product is biased toward purchase. Therefore, it is not possible to increase the willingness to purchase the purchaser U and broaden the product field of view. On the other hand, in the embodiment of the present invention, a roulette-type product selection button is displayed on the digital signage unit 12, and when the roulette-type product selection button is selected, a product is randomly selected from among uniform-price products. be able to.

Next, Problem 6 and its solution will be described. Since general vending machines do not have a "winning function" to increase purchase motivation, they cannot provide special winning products (gacha) other than the product list. On the other hand, in the embodiment of the present invention, products that are not displayed in the product list of the digital signage unit 12 are provided for a fee or free of charge. That is, it has a winning function at the time of product purchase, and can additionally provide prizes (gacha) that are not displayed on the digital signage unit 12 and are set to win. Services such as omikuji and fortune-telling may be provided.

In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention, local organizations such as local governments that need to promote regional revitalization (especially economic revitalization and confirmation of local financial resources) are targeted for use, and hometown tax payment is promoted. The target of use is not limited to local organizations such as local governments, and donations are not limited to hometown tax donations. For example, all organizations such as shopping streets and shopping malls are targeted for use, and it is also possible to apply the system to sales of goods or donations in those organizations.

<<Specific function description>>
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described more specifically. Each function described below is also realized by each function unit in FIG.

As already explained, the platform management section 22 of the center server 20 and the vending machine management section 11 of the vending machine 10 are arranged to cooperate with each other. As a result, data is collected from the vending machine 10 to the center server 20, and unified management/integrated management is performed. When the vending machine 10 is installed, the platform can be easily expanded without affecting the overall configuration. The method of adding the vending machine 10 may be a method of inserting a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card into the vending machine 10, or a method of directly connecting the Internet line N with an Ethernet line.

In the center server 20, an administrator who provides services performs platform sales management, settlement management, product/inventory management, tenant operation management, and sales information linkage management for tenant vendors. A tenant store owner has a function of accessing the center server 20 and monitoring the management status of each tenant store (providing management service for multi-tenant function).

Specifically, an administrator who provides services has a function of issuing an account of the center server 20 to a tenant store owner and granting viewing authority for necessary management functions. It also has a function of communicating sales data and information necessary for hometown tax payment to tenants on a timely basis (daily, etc.) via the center server 20, e-mail, or the like. It also has a function to update the center server 20 on a daily basis for information such as sales management, inventory management, settlement management, etc., and to allow viewing by tenants. It also has a function that allows you to download the browsing screen and browsing information. In addition, it has a function to allow tenants to view monthly settlement results. It also has a function of automatically making payments/billings to tenants through the center server 20, e-mail, etc., based on monthly settlement results. For example, a payment report is made after deducting the product tenant fee and product sales commission from the product sales, and payment processing is performed.

The vending machine 10 sells regional specialties or regional coupons/regional currency (hereinafter referred to as regional specialties). When purchasing a regional specialty, after the purchaser U selects the regional specialty displayed on the digital signage unit 12 using the touch panel, the purchaser U proceeds with the settlement as a product sale at a predetermined price for the regional specialty, or makes a donation and returns as a hometown tax payment. It has a function that allows you to decide whether to proceed with the gift receipt procedure and payment. In addition, when proceeding with payment for selling local specialty products, use the payment function. In addition, when proceeding with procedures for donating regional specialties as hometown tax donations and gifts in return, information necessary for hometown tax donations is acquired from the external interface 15 .

Information required for hometown tax payment includes, for example, name, current address, shipping address, result of selection of purpose of use of donation, consent to accept sending materials for one-stop tax payment application (agreement to be sent application form Confirmation that you are not a local specialty resident (choose not to live/live in), agree to all of the above and the information specified by the local government, and agree to make a hometown tax payment (I agree / choose not to agree). The name, current address, and shipping address are automatically acquired through information linkage from the external interface 15 . If evidence is required, we will ask you to submit the necessary documents at the time of the one-stop application.

Methods of linking information from the external interface 15 include, for example, direct registration, QR code registration, and IC card reading. Direct registration means registering information using a touch panel. QR code registration is to read the QR code displayed on the digital signage unit 12 with a smartphone or the like, enter the information from a website for information registration, and register the information. IC card reading is to insert an IC card in a non-contact or contact manner and read information. IC cards include my number cards, transportation IC cards, and the like. For example, the chip of my number card may be read and information may be registered via close proximity wireless communication. Alternatively, the My Number card may be read by a smartphone, and only necessary information may be registered via wireless LAN, proximity wireless communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near field communication), or the like. Also, transportation IC cards such as ICOCA and Suica, especially chips of private IC cards and commuter passes may be read, and information may be registered via proximity wireless communication or the like. Alternatively, the information may be registered by making a dedicated physical device that reads the chip of the transportation IC card recognize the information. In addition, other IC cards may be used in place of the My Number card and transportation IC card. For example, information may be registered by making a dedicated physical device that reads chips of transportation IC cards recognize chips of other IC cards. Alternatively, a camera provided in the vending machine 10 and an application installed in a smartphone may be used to recognize the information written on the card by OCR, and register the information via Bluetooth, NFC, wireless LAN, or the like.

The vending machine 10 generates sales history information and sends it to the center server 20, and the center server 20 manages the sales history information. The vending machine 10 appropriately deletes the sales history information and does not hold it. The sales history information here includes transaction information, settlement information, hometown tax information, and the like.

The vending machine 10 has cash, IC card (credit card, transportation IC card, etc.), QR code payment/Pay function, etc. as payment methods. If various settlement methods are prepared in this way, the settlement of the purchaser U is facilitated. It also has a function of paying for multiple products at the same time, like an EC shopping cart.

The vending machine 10 has a so-called gacha function. For example, by providing a "product button" that automatically selects a product from among multiple products of the vending machine 10, and pressing the product button, a random/AI analysis (purchase history, characteristics of the AI camera) is selected from the product list. You can identify the product by grasping), etc., and proceed to the purchase procedure. Further, as a pertinent function of the vending machine 10, it has a function of providing a prize (gacha) at a set frequency when purchasing a product. In addition, the vending machine 10 has a function of displaying and selling a product list that allows additional purchase of new optional original products not included in the product list if certain conditions (purchase amount, specific product, etc.) are satisfied. It also has a function of providing information to the purchaser U by displaying variable information on the digital signage unit 12, such as omikuji and fortune-telling, after purchasing the product.

The vending machine 10 not only sells products, but also has an information collection function of collecting feedback, opinions, and the like from the purchaser U. For example, at the time of product payment, the touch panel prompts the purchaser U to agree to donate part of the purchase price, answer a questionnaire about the purpose of purchase, etc., and acquire information used for donation activities and marketing activities. have.

The vending machine 10 connected to the platform is set for normal temperature, refrigeration, and freezing according to the products to be handled. It also has the ability to switch settings.

The digital signage unit 12 displays the characteristics of local organizations such as local governments that sell specialty products and regional coupons of the vending machine 10, the products handled by the vending machine 10, and the results of the use of donations when hometown tax is selected. PR activities such as videos and photos. In addition to these promotional activities, the touch panel visually supports purchases and has excellent operability.

The digital signage section 12 can display a main screen 1 and a sub screen 2 . The main screen 1 and the sub-screen 2 can be switched, and the PR activity use and the product purchase use can be used properly. The sub-screen 2 is utilized for information registration and information confirmation at hometown tax payment.

The vending machine management unit 11 collects information from the digital signage unit 12 , the vending unit 13 , and the purchaser information registration unit 14 . After temporary processing is performed here, the information is uploaded to the center server 20 and managed by the center server 20 . The automatic sales unit 13 manages the number of products put in, the number of products sold, the number of products in stock, the expiration date, the settlement amount, and the like of each product. After the purchaser information registration unit 14 registers the information necessary for using hometown tax payment, the vending machine management unit 11 integrates the purchaser information and product data, and uploads the information to the center server 20.例文帳に追加

《Specific data example》
7 to 9 are structural diagrams of data stored in the storage unit 21 of the center server 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Of course, these data are exemplary.

FIG. 7A shows transmission data that the center server 20 transmits to the vending machine 10. FIG. This transmission data includes setting information, inventory information, etc., as shown in FIG. The setting information is information for setting the vending machine 10 . Inventory information is information about the inventory of products handled by the vending machine 10 . The setting information and inventory information each include the information described in the right column of the figure. "Vending machine DB" written in parentheses after the characters "vending machine information" in the figure means that the vending machine information is acquired from the vending machine DB.

FIG. 7B shows reception data received by the center server 20 from the vending machine 10. FIG. As shown in FIG. 7B, this received data includes transaction information, payment information, hometown tax information, gacha information, questionnaire information, delivery information, and the like. Transaction information is information related to transactions performed in the vending machine 10 . The payment information is information related to payment made at the vending machine 10 . The hometown tax payment information is information related to the hometown tax payment registered in the vending machine 10 . The gacha information is information indicating the winning result of the gacha in the vending machine 10 . Questionnaire information is information indicating the results of questionnaire responses in the vending machine 10 . The delivery information is information indicating the delivery completion result in the vending machine 10 .

FIG. 8 shows transaction management information for administrators who provide services. This transaction management information is obtained by aggregating the received data, and as shown in FIG. , product management DB, local government DB, purchase form DB, and the like. Transaction information to delivery information are as described above. A vending machine DB is a database related to the vending machine 10 . The vending machine tenant DB is a database regarding tenants in the vending machine 10 . The product DB is a database related to products. The product management DB is a database related to product management. The municipality DB is a database related to local governments. The purchase form DB is a database relating to purchase forms of products.

FIG. 9 shows transaction management information for tenants. This transaction management information is provided for each tenant based on the transaction management information shown in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. information, monthly transaction information, etc. Transaction information to delivery information are as described above. Monthly transaction information is information relating to monthly transactions sent from the business to the tenants.

Such data is provided in the center server 20, and the center server 20 and the vending machine 10 are information-linked, thereby realizing a multi-tenant function. That is, as a basic data flow, the center server 20 side manages all data, and when the vending machine 10 is started up, setting information and the like are read from the center server 20 into the vending machine 10 . After that, when there is a transaction in the vending machine 10, the transaction information is sent from the vending machine 10 to the center server 20 and aggregated, and the overall operation is performed based on the aggregated data (see FIG. 8). Access rights are set for the aggregated data, and each tenant can use their own data (see FIG. 9) by entering the municipality ID and password.

"Example"
10-13 are flow diagrams illustrating the operation of vending machine 10 in an embodiment of the present invention. This flow diagram includes basic actions and optional actions. First, the basic operation will be explained, and then the optional operation will be explained collectively.

First, a startup screen is displayed on the vending machine 10, setting information (update differences may be acceptable) and various DBs are read from the center server 20 to the vending machine 10, and a product list screen and product animation are displayed (step S21→S22). →S23→S24). Since the setting information and the contents of various DBs are managed for each vending machine 10, for example, the vending machine 10 can be operated with different settings for each region where the vending machine 10 is installed, or a screen with different content can be displayed. It is possible to display

If the vending machine 10 is equipped with a motion sensor or a camera, it may display a product video when a person cannot be recognized at a short distance, and display a product list screen when a person can be recognized at a short distance. (Step S25→S26). As a result, when a product is selected from the product list screen by the purchaser U, a screen for confirming whether or not the product is acceptable is displayed (steps S27→S28→S30). At this time, if the product is selected by mistake, the user presses a cancel button or the like to return to the initial screen before the transaction (steps S31→S24). On the other hand, if the product is correctly selected, the decision button or the like is pressed to return to the product list screen (steps S31→S26).

Next, a screen for confirming whether or not the quantity of the selected product is one is displayed (step S32). At this time, if it is desired to change the quantity of the selected product, the purchase quantity is added by pressing the plus/minus button or the like, and the purchase quantity of the selected product is determined (step S33→S34). On the other hand, if the quantity of the selected product is one, the purchase quantity is determined as it is (step S34).

Next, a screen for confirming the presence or absence of other products to be purchased is displayed (step S35). At this time, since items with the same procedure can be registered in the purchased product cart as described above, if there are products to be purchased, the additional product is selected after saving the purchased product cart (step S36→S26). On the other hand, if there is no product to purchase, the purchase product cart is saved as it is (step S37).

Next, a screen is displayed for selecting whether the purchase purpose/form is donation (hometown tax payment) or normal product sales (step S38). At this time, if the hometown tax payment is selected, a confirmation screen for the hometown tax payment procedure is displayed, and when the information of the external interface 15 is read, the name/address and ID of the local government are specified, and the ID of the local government of the cart item is specified. (Step S39→S40→S41→S42→S43).

Then, the local government ID and the local government ID of the cart product are compared, and if both IDs are the same, a screen for selecting whether to purchase the product as a regular product (regular product sales) is displayed (steps S44→S45). It is desirable to display the price of the normal item on this screen. At this time, if it is selected not to purchase as a normal product, the screen returns to the initial screen before the transaction (step S24), and if it is selected to purchase as a normal product, a screen for selecting a settlement method is displayed (step S24). S48).

On the other hand, the resident municipality ID and the municipality ID of the cart item are compared, and if the two IDs are different, the information necessary for the hometown tax payment is confirmed, and a screen for confirming whether the donation details are correct is displayed (step S44 → S46→S47). At this time, if there is an error in the donation details, a screen for confirming the hometown tax payment procedure is displayed (step S39), and if the donation details are correct, a screen for selecting a settlement method is displayed (step S48).

Next, when a settlement method is selected, settlement is executed by that settlement method (step S49). As described above, purchases and gifts can be paid for at the same time if the procedure is the same.

Next, the number of products/reward items in the cart is calculated and managed, and each product/return item is delivered after confirming the safety until the remaining delivery number reaches 0 (step S60→S61→S62→ S63→S64→S60→S61→...). Then, when delivery of all the products/gifts to the purchaser U is completed, the record of the transaction result is transmitted to the center server 20, the transaction is completed, and the initial screen before the transaction is displayed (steps S65→S66→S67). →S68→S24).

Although not mentioned in the above explanation, when a product is selected, it is determined whether the product is compatible with hometown tax payment, and if it is not compatible with hometown tax payment, the purchase purpose/type The screen for selecting the settlement method (step S48) may be displayed without displaying the screen (step S38) for selecting whether the payment is hometown tax payment or normal product sales. For example, it is possible to determine whether or not a product is compatible with hometown tax payment by checking whether or not the local government code is associated with the product information (see FIGS. 7(A) and 8). Alternatively, since the purchase type code includes information indicating whether the product is compatible with sales of goods, hometown tax payment, and others, it may be determined whether the product is compatible with donation based on the purchase type code (see FIG. 8).

Next, optional operations will be described. For example, when the purchaser U selects a product from the product list screen, a roulette-type product selection button may be displayed, and when the button is pressed, a product may be automatically selected at random from among uniform price products. Good (step S28→S29). As a result, it is possible to provide a bonus service that increases purchase motivation.

Also, only for normal product sales, once the settlement is executed, the gacha lottery may be performed at a predetermined set frequency (steps S50→S51→S52). For example, a "product button" is provided to automatically select a product from a plurality of products in the vending machine 10, and when the product button is pressed, the product is specified from the product list, and the product is selected as a gacha product in the cart. may be added to At this time, the product may be specified at random, but if the product is specified by AI analysis, it is possible to provide the product that matches the preferences of the purchaser U based on the purchase history and characteristics grasped by the AI camera. is.

Also, a product that can be purchased only when the settlement amount satisfies a certain condition may be used as a bonus product (steps S53→S54→S55→S56). For example, if a purchase of 100,000 yen or more is made, a fixed-price regional round-trip taxi ticket equivalent to 30,000 yen may be purchased for 10,000 yen. As a result, if certain conditions (purchase amount, specific product, etc.) are satisfied, it is possible to display and sell a product list that allows the additional purchase of a new optional original product that is not in the product list.

In addition to selling products, feedback and opinions from purchasers U may be collected (steps S57→S58). For example, at the time of product payment, the purchaser U may be prompted on the touch panel to confirm whether or not to agree to donate part of the purchase price, to answer a questionnaire about the purchase purpose, and the like. This makes it possible to acquire information used for donation activities and marketing activities.

Also, after purchasing the product, variable information such as omikuji or fortune-telling may be displayed on the screen to provide the information to the purchaser U (step S59). As a result, it is possible to provide a bonus service that increases purchase motivation.

《Hardware configuration example》
FIG. 14 is a hardware configuration diagram of the center server 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The center server 20 is a computer that provides a platform service for the vending machine 10 that treats the vending machine 10 as an antenna shop. (Interface) section 20D, input/output section 20E, and reading section 20F are connected to communicate with each other via bus 20I. The processor 20A is an arithmetic processing unit that performs various controls and operations. The memory 20B is a volatile memory that stores various data and programs. The storage unit 20C is a nonvolatile memory that stores various data and programs. The IF unit 20D is a functional unit that controls communication with other terminals. The input/output unit 20E is an input device for inputting data and an output device for outputting data. The reading unit 20F is a device that reads data and programs recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Of course, other hardware may be provided according to the contents of the service. In practice, a cloud PaaS (Platform as a Service) or the like may be utilized.

<<Characteristic configuration of the present invention and its effect>>
As described above, the vending machine 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention is a vending machine 10 communicably connected to the center server 20, and a digital vending machine functioning under the control of the center server 20. a signage unit 12, an automatic sales unit 13 for selling products selected in the digital signage unit 12, and a purchaser information registration unit 14 for registering purchaser information of products sold by the automatic sales unit 13; A product list is displayed on the signage part 12, and when a product corresponding to donation is selected from the product list, a selection screen for selecting whether to purchase the product through normal sales or receive it as a gift in return for donation. display. As a result, since the appearance of the vending machine 10 is the same as that of a general one, even a purchaser U who has never made a contribution such as hometown tax payment can easily use it, and it is possible to promote regional revitalization. becomes. Of course, it is not particularly limited whether or not the "vending machine" here is provided with the product outlet 3.

In addition, by linking information between the center server 20 and the vending machine 10, the vending machine 10 can be made into a multi-tenant by assuming that one product is one tenant, and the vending machine 10 can be used jointly by a plurality of tenants. may be configured to As a result, individual tenants will be able to open simple antenna shops at a low cost, as one-stop support will be provided for operations such as product sales, settlement, and delivery.

Alternatively, a shopping cart may be provided for collectively making payments for a plurality of products, and information necessary for donation may be registered in the same process for the plurality of products. This not only simplifies the purchase of products, but also makes it possible to simplify donation procedures such as hometown tax donations without repeating the same procedure.

In addition, a touch panel format question process may be added in the digital signage unit 12 to collect the opinions of the purchaser U of the product after payment for the product and before delivery of the product. As a result, it becomes possible to effectively utilize the collected data for marketing analysis, determination of the use of donations, etc. After payment for the product, the waiting time until delivery of the product is used to collect opinions, so there is an effect that the burden on the purchaser U can be reduced.

Alternatively, a roulette-type product selection button may be displayed on the digital signage unit 12, and when the roulette-type product selection button is selected, a product may be randomly selected from among uniform-price products. As a result, it becomes possible to increase the purchasing motivation of the purchaser U and broaden the product field of view.

Also, products that are not displayed in the product list of the digital signage unit 12 may be provided for a fee or free of charge. This makes it possible to further increase the willingness of the purchaser U to purchase.

Also, when a product is selected in the digital signage unit 12, the local government linked to and managed with the product is checked, and if there is no local government linked and managed, the product does not support donation. and proceed to payment without displaying the selection screen. Alternatively, since the purchase form code includes information indicating whether or not the product is compatible with sales of goods, hometown tax payment, and others, it may be determined whether or not the product is compatible with donation based on the purchase form code. As a result, since the selection screen is not displayed when selling products that are not compatible with donations, it is possible to handle both products that are compatible with donations and products that are not compatible with donations.

Further, based on the purchaser information registered by the purchaser information registration unit 14, the local government ID of the purchaser U is specified, and the local government ID of the purchaser U is compared with the local government ID of the product. After displaying the price, a selection screen may be displayed for selecting whether or not to purchase the product through normal sales. That is, since hometown tax payments cannot be made to the municipality where the purchaser U resides, in such a case, it is possible to display the normal price and encourage the purchase as a normal product.

Further, the center server 20 in the embodiment of the present invention is the center server 20 that provides the platform service of the vending machine 10 that treats the vending machine 10 as an antenna shop. A storage unit 21 that stores data, a platform management unit 22 that transmits and receives data to and from the vending machine 10, a vendor-specific management unit 23 that individually manages vendors of a plurality of tenants, and the entire platform service and an overall management unit 24 that manages the management of. As a result, individual tenants will be able to open simple antenna shops at a low cost, as one-stop support will be provided for operations such as product sales, settlement, and delivery.

In the above description, a selection screen is displayed for selecting whether to purchase the item through normal sales or receive it as a gift in return for donation, but this function is not essential. That is, the vending machine 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention is a vending machine 10 communicably connected to the center server 20 and includes a digital signage section 12 functioning under the control of the center server 20. , an automatic sales unit 13 for selling products selected in the digital signage unit 12, and a purchaser information registration unit 14 for registering purchaser information of the products sold by the automatic sales unit 13. By linking information with the vending machine 10, the vending machine 10 may be made into a multi-tenant assuming that one product is one tenant, and the vending machine 10 may be shared by a plurality of tenants. . It goes without saying that such a configuration can also realize the multi-tenant function described above.

The present invention can be realized as a platform (automatic vending system) including such vending machine 10 and center server 20, or can be realized as each characteristic functional unit provided in such vending machine 10 and center server 20. or as an automatic vending program for causing a computer to execute those steps. Of course, such a vending program can be installed in a computer via a computer-readable recording medium such as the vending machine 10 or the center server 20, or via a network such as the Internet line N. .

<<Other embodiments>>
While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the discussion and drawings forming part of this disclosure are to be considered illustrative and should not be construed as limiting. Various alternative embodiments, examples and operational techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

10 vending machine 11 vending machine management unit 12 digital signage unit 13 vending unit 14 purchaser information registration unit 20 center server 21 storage unit 22 platform management unit 23 management unit by store owner 24 overall operation unit 25 external communication unit N Internet line

Claims (3)

A vending machine communicably connected to a center server,
a vending machine management unit that performs information linkage with the center server;
a digital signage unit that functions under control from the center server via the vending machine management unit ;
an automatic sales unit that sells the product selected in the digital signage unit;
a purchaser information registration unit for registering purchaser information of products sold by the automatic sales unit;
A product list is displayed on the digital signage unit, and when a product corresponding to donation is selected from the product list, a selection for selecting whether to purchase the product through normal sales or receive the donation as a gift in return. Display the screen on the digital signage unit ,
The purchaser's local government ID is specified based on the purchaser information registered by the purchaser information registration unit, the local government ID of the purchaser is compared with the local government ID of the product, and if both IDs are the same, the normal price is set. A vending machine that displays a selection screen for selecting whether or not to purchase in normal product sales after displaying it on the digital signage part, and proceeds to settlement when purchasing in normal product sales is selected. When a product is selected in the digital signage section, the local government linked to and managed by the product is checked, and if there is no local government linked to and managed by the product, it is determined that the product does not support donations. 2. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the user proceeds to settlement without displaying on the digital signage section a selection screen for selecting whether to purchase the item in the normal sales or to receive it as a gift in return for donation . By linking information between the center server and the vending machine, the vending machine can be made into a multi-tenant by assuming that one product is one tenant, and the vending machine can be used jointly by a plurality of tenants. A vending machine according to claim 1.

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