JP7485727B2 - Item supply device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an item supply device.

Conventionally, vending machines that display advertisements are known (for example, see Patent Document 1). The vending machine described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with an advertisement display unit that displays advertisements, and an item display unit that displays multiple items as images. Among the multiple items, an item related to the advertisement displayed in the advertisement display unit is highlighted and displayed in the item display unit.

JP 2020-095522 A

However, there has been no article supplying device that provides effective effects depending on the state of the article supplying device.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide an article supplying device that can provide an effective presentation.

One aspect of the present invention is an item supply device comprising: an item supply main body unit that supplies items from a supply port; an operation unit having a first display unit; a second display unit provided at least on a front surface of the item supply main body unit excluding at least the supply port and the operation unit and on a side surface of the item supply main body unit; and a display control unit that controls images to be displayed on the first display unit and the second display unit.
The display control unit controls images to be displayed on the first display unit and the second display unit depending on a state of the product supply main body unit.

According to the present invention, the item supply device can provide an effective presentation.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of an article supplying device 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view that typically shows the internal configuration of the main body 2 of the article supplying device 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the article supplying device 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an item table, item selection screen data, and performance image data. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the article supplying device 1 in this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the item supplying device 1 in an item selection waiting state. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the item supplying device 1 in an item selection state. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the article supplying device 1 in an article supplying state. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an article supplying device 1 according to a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the article supplying device 1 in a modified example of this embodiment. FIG. 11 is an external view of the item supplying device 1 when the item supplying device 1 is in an item lottery state. FIG. 12 is an external view of the item supplying device 1 when the item supplying device 1 is in an item lottery state. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the article supplying device 1 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 shows an example of data stored in the storage unit 113. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the article supplying device 1 in the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the product supply device 1 in a product purchasing state. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the product supply device 1 in a product purchasing state. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the item supplying device 1 in an item lottery state. FIG. 19 is an example of a lottery result presentation image 1 displayed on the item supply device 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 20 is an example of a lottery result presentation image 2 displayed on the item supply device 1. As shown in FIG.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described.
First Embodiment
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing the external appearance of an item supply device 1 in the first embodiment. The item supply device 1 includes a main body 2, an operation display unit 3, a display unit 4 (blackened area), a supply port 5, a panel unit 6 including a bill insertion port, a coin insertion port, and a return lever, and a coin return port 7.

The main body 2 is a main body that supplies items, and the items it supplies are, for example, toys or the like contained in a divisible spherical capsule, so-called food toys, stickers, and other items.

The operation display unit 3 is a touch panel including a display unit (display) capable of displaying images. The display unit (display) can display images of product information such as the product names and prices of products that can be supplied, as well as various other information. The user can select the product to purchase by touching (selecting) an area of the product information displayed on the operation display unit 3. The operation unit 4 is configured so that the products stored in the main body unit 2 are not visible to the user (product purchaser), and is provided on the front of the product supply device 1.

The display unit 4 is, for example, a large liquid crystal display. The display unit 4 is composed of a display unit ₄₁ on the front of the main body 2, a display unit ₄₂ on the left side of the main body 2, and a display unit ₄₃ on the right side of the main body 2. The display unit ₄₁ is arranged so as to cover the areas excluding the operation display unit 3, the supply port 5, the panel unit 6 including the bill insertion port, the coin insertion port, and the return lever, and the coin return port 7. It is preferable that the display unit ₄₁ occupies 90% or more of the area of the front excluding the operation display unit 3 and the supply port 5. The display unit ₄₂ on the left side and the display unit ₄₃ on the right side are arranged so as to cover the left and right sides of the main body 2. It is preferable that the display unit ₄₂ on the left side and the display unit ₄₃ on the right side occupy 90% or more of the area of the left or right side of the main body 2. In this embodiment, the display unit 4 is provided on the front, left side and right side of the main body 2, but it may also be provided on the back or top of the main body 2.

The supply port 5 is an opening for the user to receive purchased items, and is formed in a position on the opening and closing door that is lower than the window portion. The supply port 5 is always kept closed by an item removal door provided on the opening and closing door 20, which will be described later, and can be opened by pushing the item removal door inward.

The panel unit 6 includes a bill insertion slot, a coin insertion slot, and a return lever. The bill insertion slot is an opening for receiving bills, and the coin insertion slot is an opening for receiving coins. The return lever is operated when returning currency.
The coin return port 7 is a portion through which returned coins and change are dispensed.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view that typically shows the internal configuration of the main body 2 of the article supplying device 1 shown in FIG.
As shown in Fig. 2, the main body 2 is provided with an opening/closing door 20. The opening/closing door 20 opens and closes the front opening of the main body 2. The opening/closing door 20 is provided with an operation display unit 3, a supply port 5, a panel unit 6, a coin return port 7, and a display unit _41. The main body 2 is an open rectangular article supply device, and an article storage 21 with a thermal insulation structure is disposed inside. The article storage 21 has multiple rows of article racks 22 arranged vertically. These article racks 22 are respectively installed between rack support side plates (not shown) erected on both sides of the article storage 21, and store articles.

The item rack 22 is configured by arranging multiple storage columns (item placement sections) side by side. Each storage column constituting the item rack 22 includes a column case. The column case is formed, for example, from a resin material or the like, and is long with the longitudinal direction being the front-to-rear direction. A spiral is provided in the column case. The spiral is formed, for example, by winding a metal rod in a spiral shape along the front-to-rear direction (extension direction of the column case). The spiral can be rotated around its central axis by a motor (not shown). The spiral rotates, for example, in a clockwise direction as viewed from the front, around its own central axis when driven by the motor. As the spiral rotates around its central axis in a clockwise direction as viewed from the front, the items constrained between each pitch are gradually carried forward, and the items constrained between the frontmost pitches are discharged forward from the item storage passage. In this way, one storage column (item placement section) is configured so that multiple items can be placed in a row in the longitudinal direction, and the placed items do not come into contact with each other. In addition, a shortage actuator that detects restrained items is provided at the front of the column case. This shortage actuator can detect the presence or absence of restrained items. When the shortage actuator no longer detects restrained items, this means that all of the items stored in that storage column have been removed. In other words, that storage column is out of stock.

A pair of transport rails 23 are provided on both sides of the front area of the article rack 22, and transport trays 24 are arranged between the transport rails 23 so as to be movable vertically by a transport mechanism (not shown). In other words, a transport passage 25 for passing the transport trays 24 is formed between the transport rails 23. This transport passage 25 extends to the front of a machine room 26, and the transport passage 25 and the machine room 26 are separated by a partition insulation material.
The transport tray 24 transports the articles from the storage column to an article removal area X near the supply opening 5 .

If the items require cooling, such as food, cooling means may be provided within the item storage facility 21. For example, the item storage facility 21 is provided with an evaporator 30 as cooling means. The evaporator 30 forms a refrigeration cycle that circulates refrigerant with a compressor 31 and a condenser 32 arranged in the machine room 26, and exchanges heat between the refrigerant passing through its own refrigerant passage (not shown) and the air inside the item storage facility 21 that passes around it, thereby cooling the air.

The air cooled around the evaporator 30 is drawn into the ventilation duct 36 through the intake port 35 of the rear duct 34 installed on the rear side of the item storage room 21 by driving the interior ventilation fan 33, and after passing through this ventilation duct 36, it is blown out from the exhaust port 37, thereby cooling the items stored in the item rack 22.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the goods supply device 1. As shown in Figure 3, the goods supply device 1 includes a cooling device 100, a discharge device 101, a coin mechanism 102, a bill validator 103, an operation display unit 3, a display unit 4, a sound output unit 8, a main body control unit 104, and a goods supply main control unit 105.

The cooling device 100, under the control of the main body control unit 104, controls the above-mentioned refrigeration cycle so that the food is kept at a specified temperature, for example, 10° C. or lower.
The unloading device 101 transports the articles unloaded from the storage column via the transport tray 24 from the storage column to an article removal area X near the supply port 5 .

The coin mech 102 organizes the number of coins of each type inserted and transmits it to the goods supply main control unit 105. It also pays out various coins according to instructions from the goods supply main control unit 105. The coin mech 102 also has a money identification function that identifies the authenticity and denomination of coins.

The bill validator 103 organizes the number of inserted bills and transmits it to the goods supply main control unit 105. The bill validator 103 also dispenses bills according to instructions from the goods supply main control unit 105. The bill validator 103 also has a money identification function that identifies the authenticity and denomination of bills.

The main body control unit 104 controls the cooling device 100 and the discharge device 101 under the control of the goods supply main control unit 105. The main body control unit 104 also discharges goods from the front end of the storage column in accordance with a discharge command sent from the goods supply main control unit 105.

The operation display unit 3 is a touch panel. The display control unit 112 displays item information (item name, price, image of item, etc.) of the item to be supplied on the display (display unit) of the touch panel, and the item to be supplied can be selected by the user's touch operation. The operation display unit 3 outputs an operation input signal corresponding to the operation input to the item supply main control unit 105. The operation input signal includes information that identifies the selected item. Furthermore, the display control unit 112 can display images other than item information on the display (display unit) of the touch panel.

As described above, the display unit 4 is composed of the display unit ₄₁ on the front side of the main body unit 2, the display unit ₄₂ on the left side of the main body unit 2, and the display unit ₄₃ on the right side of the main body unit 2. Images are displayed on the display unit 4 under the control of the display control unit 112, which will be described later.

The sound output unit 8 is a speaker. The sound output unit 8 outputs the sound of the images for each performance, which will be described later.

The goods supply main control unit 105 includes a goods supply control unit 111, a display control unit 112, and a memory unit 113.

The goods supply control unit 111 uses the goods table stored in the memory unit 113 to perform payment processing for the goods selected by the operation display unit 3. The goods supply control unit 111 also uses the goods table stored in the memory unit 113 to identify the storage column in which the goods selected by the operation unit 4 is placed, and notifies the main body control unit 104 of information on the storage column to which the goods are to be supplied.

The goods supply control unit 111 determines the state of the goods supply device 1. The states of the goods supply device 1 include a goods selection waiting state, a goods selection state, and a goods supply state. The goods selection waiting state is a state in which the goods supply device 1 is operating but waiting for the user to select an item to purchase. The goods selection available state is a state in which, in the goods selection waiting state, the user can select an item to purchase, provided that the user operates (touches) the operation display unit 3. The goods supply state is a state in which the purchased item is being supplied. The state of the goods supply device 1 transitions from the goods selection waiting state to the goods selection state, the goods supply state, and then back to the goods selection waiting state. The goods supply control unit 111 notifies the display control unit 112 of the state of the goods supply device 1.

The display control unit 112 receives notification of the state of the goods supply device 1 from the goods supply control unit 111 , and controls the images displayed on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 according to the state of the goods supply device 1 .
When the item supply device 1 is in an item selection waiting state, the display control unit 112 displays a waiting performance image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4. The waiting performance image may be a still image or a video. The waiting performance image is an image integrated on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4, and includes information about the item. For example, it is an image related to a character associated with the item. A typical example of a waiting performance image is an advertising video. Note that the waiting performance image does not necessarily have to be an image related to the item to be supplied.

When the item supply device 1 is in an item selection state, the display control unit 112 displays an item selection screen on the operation display unit 3 and an item selection performance image on the display unit 4. The item selection screen is a screen including item information images including information such as the name of each item to be supplied, an image of the item, and a price (price). The user can select the item he/she wishes to purchase by selecting (touching) the item information image of the item he/she wishes to purchase from the item information images on the item selection screen displayed on the operation display unit 3. The item selection performance image is an image that performs the selection of an item, such as an explanation of the item selection screen or a performance image in response to a touch on the item selection screen of the operation display unit 3. Note that the item selection screen is the object of operation by the user, but the item selection performance image is not the object of operation by the user. In addition, it is preferable that at least one of the item selection screen and the item selection performance image includes an image that emphasizes the position of the item selection screen so that the user can easily identify the operation display unit 3.

When the goods supply device 1 is in the goods supplying state, the display control unit 112 displays a goods supply performance image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4. The goods supply performance image is an image that presents the performance of the supply of goods.
The display control unit 112 stops image display on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 when the opening and closing door 20 is open.

The storage unit 113 stores an item table, item selection screen data, and performance image data. Figure 4 shows an example of the item table, item selection screen data, and performance image data.

The item table is a table in which the item to be supplied, the price of the item, and the identification information of the storage column in which the item is placed are associated with each other. In the example of Fig. 4, the price of item A is 500 yen, and the storage column in which item A is placed is storage column 1.
The item selection screen data is data of an item selection screen displayed on the operation display unit 3. The item selection screen includes an item information image of each item to be supplied.

The performance image data stores a standby performance image, an item selection performance image, and an item supply performance image. The standby performance image and the item supply performance image are edited so that the images displayed on the operation display unit 3, the display unit 4 ₁ , the display unit 4 ₂ , and the display unit 4 ₃ are related to each other. For example, the images displayed on the operation display unit 3, the display unit 4 ₁ , the display unit 4 ₂ , and the display unit 4 ₃ form a series of images, and are moving images (video) in which pictures, characters, etc. flow from the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 ₁ to the display unit 4 ₂ and the display unit 4 ₃ .

The item selection performance image is edited so that the images displayed on the display units ₄₁ , ₄₂ , and ₄₃ are related to each other. For example, the images displayed on the display units ₄₁ , ₄₂ , and ₄₃ form a series of images, and the images are moving images (video) in which pictures, characters, etc. flow from the display unit ₄₁ to the display unit ₄₂ and the display unit ₄₃ .
Moreover, each of the performance images may be a stereoscopic three-dimensional image. Note that these are merely examples, and the images displayed on the respective display units may be different images.

Next, the operation of the item supply device 1 in this embodiment will be described. In this operation, item A is placed on the storage column (item placement section) with storage column ID "1", item B is placed on the storage column (item placement section) with storage column ID "2", item C is placed on the storage column (item placement section) with storage column ID "3", item D is placed on the storage column (item placement section) with storage column ID "4", item E is placed on the storage column (item placement section) with storage column ID "5", and item F is placed on the storage column (item placement section) with storage column ID "6".

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the article supplying device 1 in this embodiment.
The goods supply control unit 111 judges the state of the goods supply device 1. When the goods supply device 1 is started, it is in a goods selection standby state (Step 100). The goods supply control unit 111 notifies the display control unit 112 of the state. The display control unit 112 reads out a standby performance image from the storage unit 113 and displays the standby performance image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 101). FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the appearance of the goods supply device 1 in a goods selection standby state. As shown in FIG. 6, a standby performance image is displayed on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4. The standby performance image is an image integrated on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4, and is an advertisement for the "XYZ series" to which goods A to F belong, and is a moving image (image) in which the words "for sale" and "XYZ series" flow from the display unit ₄₂ on the left side to the display unit ₄₁ on the front to the display unit _43. Sound is also output from the sound output unit 8 in accordance with this image.

Next, the goods supply control unit 111 judges whether the user has touched the operation display unit 3 (Step 102). When the user has touched the operation display unit 3, the goods supply control unit 111 transitions the goods supply device 1 from the goods selection waiting state to the goods selection state and notifies the display control unit 112 (Step 103). The display control unit 112 reads out the goods selection screen and the goods selection performance image from the storage unit 113, displays the goods selection screen on the operation display unit 3, and displays the goods selection performance image on the display unit 4 (Step 104). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the appearance of the goods supply device 1 in the goods selection state. As shown in FIG. 7, the goods selection screen including goods information images of goods A to F is displayed on the operation display unit 3, and the goods selection performance image is displayed on the display unit 4. Sound is also output from the sound output unit 8 in accordance with these images. In addition, the goods selection performance image includes an image that highlights the position of the operation display unit 3 so that the operation display unit 3 is easily visible.

The selection of an item to be purchased can be performed by the user touching (selecting) the item information image of the item to be purchased from among the item information images of each item displayed on the operation display unit 3. The item supply control unit 111 determines whether or not the item information image has been touched (selected) by the user (Step 105). If the item information image has not been touched (selected), the process returns to Step 100, and the item supply device 1 transitions from the item selection state to the item selection standby state.

When an item information image is touched (selected) (Step 105), the item supply control unit 111 uses the item table to identify the price of the item, performs payment processing for the price (Step 106), and determines whether payment for the price of the item has been completed (Step 107). If payment for the price of the item has not been completed (Step 107), a refund process or the like is performed (Step 114), and the process returns to Step 100, transitioning the item supply device 1 from the item selection state to the item selection standby state.

On the other hand, if the payment is completed (Step 107), the goods supply control unit 111 transitions the goods supply device 1 from the goods selection state to the goods supply state (Step 108). The goods supply control unit 111 notifies the display control unit 112. The display control unit 112 reads out the goods supply performance image from the memory unit 113 and displays the goods supply performance image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 109). FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the appearance of the goods supply device 1 in the goods supply state. As shown in FIG. 8, the goods supply performance image is displayed on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4. The goods supply performance image is an image integrated on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4, and while the goods are being supplied, goods performance images such as "Goods being supplied" and "Thank you" that display the supply of goods are displayed. Sound is also output from the sound output unit 8 in accordance with this image.

The item supply control unit 111 performs a process to identify the storage column (receiving unit) on which the selected item is placed (Step 110). For example, when item A is selected, according to the item table in the memory unit 113, the storage column on which item A is placed is the storage column with storage column ID "1". The item supply control unit 111 instructs the main body control unit 104 to execute the removal of the item placed on this identified storage column. The main body control unit 104 controls the spiral of the column case to eject the item to be supplied from the storage column. The removal device 101 controls the movement of the transport tray 24 to transport the item removed from the storage column from the storage column to the item removal area X near the supply port 5 (Step 111).

After the item is discharged, the item supply control unit 111 determines whether a shortage is detected by the shortage actuator (Step 112). If a shortage is not detected, the item supply control unit 111 returns to Step 100 and transitions the item supply device 1 from the item supply state to the item selection standby state.

On the other hand, when a shortage is detected, the item supply control unit 111 instructs the display control unit 112 to hide the item information image of the item corresponding to the storage column in which the shortage was detected on the item selection screen from the next time onwards (Step 113). In this way, the purchasing user will not mistakenly select the item that is out of stock. Then, the item supply control unit 111 returns to Step 100 and transitions the item supply device 1 from the item supply state to the item selection standby state.

The goods supply device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with an operation display unit 3 and a display unit 4, and the images displayed on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 are changed depending on the state of the goods supply device 1, so that the goods supply device 1 can perform effective presentations, such as advertising presentations when goods are being supplied and presentations when goods are being supplied. In particular, in this embodiment, the display units 4 are provided on the front, left side, and right side of the main body unit 2, which are easily visible to the user, so that the entire goods supply device 1 can display powerful images.

<First Modification of the First Embodiment>
A first modification of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the modified example of the first embodiment, a lottery is held after the supply of an item in the first embodiment, and if the winner is selected, the same item is further supplied.

Figure 9 is a block diagram of the item supply device 1 in the first modified example of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, a lottery processing unit 114 has been added. After the items are supplied, the lottery processing unit 114 conducts a lottery to determine the winner. The lottery processing unit 114 then notifies the item supply control unit 111 of the lottery result.

In addition, after the goods are supplied, the goods supply control unit 111 transitions the goods supply device 1 from the goods supply state to the goods lottery state, notifies the display control unit 112 of the state, and gives a lottery instruction to the lottery processing unit 114.

When the item lottery state is reached, the display control unit 112 displays a lottery presentation image or a winning/losing presentation image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4. The lottery presentation image or the winning/losing presentation image is stored in the memory unit 113.

Next, the operation of a modified example of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the operation of the item supply device 1 in the modified example of this embodiment. Note that the operation up to step 111 is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the description will be omitted.

After the goods are transported (Step 111), the goods supply control unit 111 transitions the goods supply device 1 from the goods supply state to the goods lottery state, notifies the display control unit 112 of the state, and gives a lottery instruction to the lottery processing unit 114 (Step 120).

The display control unit 112 reads out the lottery effect image from the memory unit 113 and displays the lottery effect image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 121). The lottery processing unit 114 executes the lottery process and notifies the item supply control unit 111 and the display control unit 112 of the result (Step 122).

If the result of the lottery is a win, the display control unit 112 reads out the winning effect image from the memory unit 113 and displays the winning effect image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 124). Then, the item supply control unit 111 performs a process to identify the storage column (mounting unit) in which the same item as the purchased item is placed (Step 125). For example, when item A is purchased, according to the item table in the memory unit 113, the storage column in which item A is placed is the storage column with storage column ID "1". The item supply control unit 111 instructs the main body control unit 104 to execute the removal of the item placed in this identified storage column. The main body control unit 104 controls the spiral of the column case to eject the item to be supplied from the storage column. The removal device 101 controls the movement of the transport tray 24 to transport the item removed from the storage column from the storage column to the item removal area X near the supply port 5 (Step 126).

On the other hand, if the result of the lottery is a loss, the display control unit 112 reads out a loss effect image from the storage unit 113 and displays the loss effect image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 127). Then, the process proceeds to Step 112.

Figures 11 and 12 are external views of the item supply device 1 when the item supply device 1 is in an item lottery state. Figure 11 is an example of a lottery presentation image when the lottery processing unit 114 is performing a lottery process, and Figure 12 is an example of a winning presentation image when the result of the lottery by the lottery processing unit 114 is a winning result.

The modified version of the first embodiment provides users who purchase an item with a chance to win an item through a lottery as a special reward, thereby increasing users' motivation to purchase. In addition, the lottery is also performed using the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4, making for a powerful presentation.

In the modified example of the first embodiment, an example was described in which, if a user wins the lottery, the same item as the one purchased by the user is supplied to the user. However, the supplied item does not have to be the same item, and may be a different item. For example, if a user wins, the lottery processing unit 114 may perform a lottery to select a storage column, and the item placed in the selected storage column may be supplied. The lottery may select an item other than the purchased item (the storage column in which the purchased item is placed), or may select an item from all items (the storage columns in which items are placed). This configuration increases the interest in purchasing an item, and makes it possible to obtain an item different from the purchased item.

<Modification 2 of the First Embodiment>
In the above-described first embodiment, an example in which cash is used to settle the price has been described, but electronic payment and code payment such as a QR code are also possible in addition to cash payment. In the case of electronic payment or code payment, it is possible to provide the item supply device 1 with a payment unit capable of communicating with a payment server.

For code payment, one method is to affix a payment code (e.g., a QR code) somewhere on the front of the item supply device 1 using a sticker or the like. The payment code (e.g., a QR code) may also be displayed on either the operation display unit 3 or the display unit 4. When the payment code (e.g., a QR code) is displayed on either the operation display unit 3 or the display unit 4, even if it becomes necessary to change the payment code (e.g., a QR code), there is no need to replace a sticker or the like, making it easy to change the payment code (e.g., a QR code).

Second Embodiment
A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described.
In the second embodiment, the article supply device 1 can be set to a plurality of supply modes (modes).

Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the item supply device 1 in the second embodiment. The item supply device 1 in the second embodiment differs from the item supply device 1 in the first embodiment in that, in addition to the configuration in the first embodiment, it includes a supply mode setting unit 115 and an item lottery processing unit 116.

The supply mode setting unit 115 is a unit that sets the supply mode (mode) of the goods supply device 1, and the supply modes include a first supply mode and a second supply mode. The first supply mode is a mode in which the purchasing user can intentionally select the type of goods to be purchased, and is the goods supply method of the goods supply device 1 in the first embodiment described above. In contrast, the second supply mode is a goods supply method in which, when the purchasing user selects to purchase a goods, the goods supply device 1 randomly selects one type of goods from multiple types of goods that can be supplied, and supplies the selected goods to the purchasing user. Here, the method of randomly selecting the goods to be supplied includes, for example, a method of determining one type by lottery from multiple types of goods that the goods supply device 1 can supply. The supply mode setting unit 115 is set to the second supply mode as a default (startup setting), and can be changed from the second supply mode to the first supply mode by the goods supply user (goods seller). The supply mode setting unit 115 is provided with a small display, and is configured to display the currently set supply mode on this display. By setting a password, etc., only authorized product supply users (product sellers) can change the supply mode settings using the supply mode setting unit 115.

When the second supply mode is set, the item lottery processing unit 116 selects one type of item by lottery from multiple types of items that can be supplied after the item purchasing user decides to purchase the item and pays for the item. The lottery is performed based on a probability of a predetermined random number, etc.

A plurality of types of items are stored in the item rack 22. Each of the plurality of types of items is assigned a rarity. Each storage column constituting the item rack 22 stores one type of item.
The item lottery processing unit 116 selects one type of item from multiple types of items through a lottery, and notifies the item supply control unit 111 of the selected item.

The item supply control unit 111 identifies the storage column in which the notified item is stored and removes one item from the storage column. The removal device 101 transports the item removed from the storage column via the transport tray 24 from the storage column to the item removal area X near the supply port 5.

In addition, the memory unit 113 stores an item table and image data. FIG. 14 is an example of data stored in the memory unit 113. According to the example of FIG. 14, an item table is stored in which an item, the rarity of the item (two stages), and the storage column ID in which the item is placed are associated. In addition, a standby presentation image, an item purchase screen, an item purchase presentation image, a lottery result presentation image 1, a lottery result presentation image 2, and an item supply presentation image are stored as image data.

<Explanation of operation>
Next, the operation of the article supplying device 1 in the second embodiment will be described.
15 is a flowchart of the operation of the article supplying device 1 in the second embodiment. In the following operation, there are six types of articles to be supplied, two of which are articles with a higher rarity than the other articles (rarity 2).

When the goods supplying user starts up the goods supplying device 1, the goods supplying user selects the supplying mode of the goods supplying device 1. The mode setting unit 114 sets the supplying mode to a mode designated by the goods supplying user (Step 200). Here, the default (initial setting) mode of the mode setting unit 114 is the second supplying mode. The mode setting unit 114 judges the set supplying mode (Step 201). If the set supplying mode is the second supplying mode, that is, if the setting is not changed, the goods supplying device 1 operates in the second supplying mode (Step 202). On the other hand, if the supplying mode is changed by the goods supplying user (goods seller) and the set supplying mode is the first supplying mode, the goods supplying device 1 operates in the first supplying mode (Step 213). Then, the same operation as that of the first embodiment described above is performed.

When the goods supply device 1 operates in the second supply mode, the state of the goods supply device 1 is set to a goods selection waiting state (Step 203). In the following description, it is assumed that one type of goods is placed in each storage column of the goods supply device 1. The goods supply control unit 111 notifies the display control unit 112 of the state. The display control unit 112 reads out a waiting performance image from the memory unit 113, and displays the waiting performance image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 204). The waiting performance image is the same as that shown in FIG. 6 described above.

Next, the goods supply control unit 111 judges whether the user has touched the operation display unit 3 (Step 205). When the user has touched the operation display unit 3, the goods supply control unit 111 transitions the goods supply device 1 from the goods selection waiting state to the goods purchase state and notifies the display control unit 112 (Step 206). The display control unit 112 reads out the goods purchase screen and the goods purchase performance image from the storage unit 113, displays the goods purchase screen on the operation display unit 3, and displays the goods purchase performance image on the display unit 4 (Step 207). Figures 16 and 17 are diagrams showing the appearance of the goods supply device 1 in the goods purchase state. As shown in Figure 16, as the goods purchase screen, the operation display unit 3 displays images of four types of goods out of six types of goods that can be supplied, an image of "?" instead of images of two types of goods with high rarity, and a goods purchase button displaying "500 yen", which is the common price of the six types of goods. In addition, the goods purchase performance image is displayed on the display unit 4. When the user wants to purchase an item, the user selects (touches) the item purchase button. When the user selects (touches) the item purchase button, an item purchase screen for purchasing an item by operating the handle after inserting money is displayed on the operation display unit 3 as shown in FIG. 17, and an item purchase presentation image is displayed on the display unit 4. Sound is also output from the sound output unit 8 in conjunction with these images. The item purchase presentation image also includes an image that highlights the position of the operation display unit 3 so that the operation display unit 3 is easily visible.

When the user purchases an item, after inserting the payment, the user operates the item purchase screen displayed on the operation display unit 3 (Step 208). If the item purchase screen is not operated, a refund process (Step 220) is performed, the process returns to Step 203, and the item supply device 1 transitions from the item purchase state to the item selection standby state.

When the item purchase screen is operated, the item supply control unit 111 performs a payment process for the price of the item (Step 209), and when the payment is completed (Step 210), the item supply device 1 transitions from an item purchase state to an item lottery state (Step 211). The item supply control unit 111 notifies the display control unit 112 of the state.

The display control unit 112 reads out the item lottery presentation image from the memory unit 113, and displays the item lottery presentation image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 212). FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the appearance of the item supply device 1 in the item lottery state. As shown in FIG. 18, the item lottery presentation image is displayed on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4. The item lottery presentation image is an integrated image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4, and while the items are being supplied, item lottery presentation images that present the lottery, such as "Did you win the rare capsule?", "Did you lose the rare capsule?", and "Lottery in progress", are displayed. Sound is also output from the sound output unit 8 in conjunction with this image.

The item lottery processing unit 116 executes a lottery process (Step 213). The item lottery processing unit 116 selects one type of item by lottery from multiple types of items that can be supplied. The item lottery processing unit 116 obtains the rarity of the selected item and determines whether the rarity is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (Step 214). The rarity of the item is obtained from the item table.

When the rarity of the selected item is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (Step 214), the item lottery processing unit 116 reads out the lottery result presentation image 1 from the memory unit 113 and displays the lottery result presentation image 1 on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 215). Figure 19 is an example of the lottery result presentation image 1 displayed on the item supply device 1. The lottery result presentation image 1 in Figure 19 is a lottery result presentation image when the predetermined value is 2 and the rarity of the selected item is 2.

On the other hand, if the rarity of the selected item is less than the predetermined value (Step 214), the item lottery processing unit 116 reads out the lottery result presentation image 2 from the memory unit 113 and displays the lottery result presentation image 2 on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 221). Figure 20 is an example of the lottery result presentation image 2 displayed on the item supply device 1. The lottery result presentation image 1 in Figure 20 is a lottery result presentation image when the predetermined value is 2 and the rarity of the selected item is 1.

The item lottery processing unit 116 notifies the item supply control unit 111 of the lottery result (information on the selected item). The item supply control unit 111 transitions the item supply device 1 from the item lottery state to the item supply state (Step 216). The item supply control unit 111 notifies the display control unit 112.

The display control unit 112 reads out the goods supply performance image from the storage unit 113 and displays the goods supply performance image on the operation display unit 3 and the display unit 4 (Step 217). The goods supply performance image is the same as that shown in FIG. 8 described above.

The item supply control unit 111 performs a process of identifying the storage column (receiving unit) on which the selected item is placed (Step 218). For example, when item A is selected, according to the item table in the memory unit 113, the storage column on which item A is placed is the storage column with storage column ID "1". The item supply control unit 111 instructs the main body control unit 104 to execute the discharge of the item placed on this identified storage column. The main body control unit 104 controls the spiral of the column case to discharge the item to be supplied from the storage column. The discharge device 101 controls the movement of the transport tray 24 to transport the item discharged from the storage column from the storage column to the item removal area X near the supply port 5 (Step 219). Then, the item supply control unit 111 returns to Step 203 and transitions the item supply device 1 from the item supply state to the item selection waiting state. In addition, if a shortage is detected by the shortage actuator after an item is conveyed out, the item supply control unit 111 sets a shortage flag in the item table so that the missing item does not win the lottery, and the item lottery processing unit 116 performs lottery processing so that the missing item is not selected. However, it is not necessary to hide the image of the missing item from the image explaining the supplied item as shown in FIG. 16.

The item supply device of the second embodiment can select between a first supply mode in which the purchasing user can intentionally select the type of item to purchase, and a second supply mode in which, when the purchasing user selects to purchase an item, the item supply device 1 randomly selects one type of item from multiple types of items that can be supplied, and supplies the selected item to the purchasing user. This makes it possible to accommodate a variety of sales formats (supply modes).

<First Modification of the Second Embodiment>
In the above-described second embodiment, an example has been described in which one type of item is stored in each storage column constituting the item rack 22. However, multiple types of items may be placed randomly in one storage column. The item lottery processing unit 116 is configured to select one storage column by lottery.
Even in this configuration, the type of the item to be supplied is random, so that the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained. However, since the rarity of the item to be supplied is unknown, the lottery result presentation image is not necessary.

<Modification 2 of the second embodiment>
In the above-mentioned second embodiment, an example has been described in which a display unit 4 is provided surrounding the main body unit 2. However, in terms of switching the supply mode for supplying goods, the display unit 4 is not a required component, and the second embodiment can be applied even to an goods supply device that does not have a display unit 4.

The present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above embodiments and can be modified and implemented in various ways within the scope of its technical concept.

A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but is not limited to, the following supplementary notes.
[Appendix 1]
An article supplying device,
an article supply main body that supplies articles from a supply port;
An operation unit including a first display unit;
A second display unit provided at least on a front surface of the product supply main body unit excluding at least the supply port and the operation unit and on a side surface of the product supply main body unit;
a display control unit that controls an image to be displayed on the first display unit and the second display unit;
Equipped with
The display control unit controls images to be displayed on the first display unit and the second display unit according to a state of the product supply main body unit.
Goods supply device.

[Appendix 2]
the display control unit displays a first image on the first display unit and the second display unit in a state waiting for selection of an item.
2. The article supply device of claim 1.

[Appendix 3]
The first image is an image integrated in the first display unit and the second display unit, and includes information about the item.
3. The article supplying device according to claim 1 or 2.

[Appendix 4]
The first image is an image related to a character associated with the item.
4. The article supplying device of claim 3.

[Appendix 5]
The first image is an image integrated in the first display unit and the second display unit and includes information unrelated to the item.
3. The article supplying device of claim 2.

[Appendix 6]
The display control unit displays a second image on the first display unit and a third image on the second display unit, on the condition that the operation unit is operated.
6. An article supplying device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

[Appendix 7]
The second image includes an item selection image to be operated by a user,
The third image is an image that is not an object of operation by the user.
7. The article supplying device of claim 6.

[Appendix 8]
The second image or the third image includes an image that highlights the operation unit.
8. The article supplying device according to claim 6 or 7.

[Appendix 9]
A background color of the second image is different from a background color of the third image.
8. The article supplying device of claim 7.

[Appendix 10]
The display control unit displays a fourth image on the first display unit and the second display unit in a state in which the item is being supplied.
10. An article supplying device as described in any one of appendix 1 to appendix 9.

[Appendix 11]
The fourth image is an image integrated in the first display unit and the second display unit, and is an image that presents the supply of the item.
11. The article supplying device of claim 10.

[Appendix 12]
a lottery execution means for executing a lottery after the supply of the article;
The display control unit displays a fifth image related to the lottery on the first display unit and the second display unit,
The item supply main unit supplies the item on condition that the lottery is won.
12. An article supplying device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

[Appendix 13]
The fifth image is an image integrated on the first display unit and the second display unit, and is an image that produces the lottery.
13. The article supplying device of claim 12.

[Appendix 14]
The operation unit is a touch panel unit capable of displaying images.
14. An article supplying device as described in any one of appendix 1 to appendix 13.

[Appendix 15]
The second display unit is not provided on the top, bottom, or back surface of the product supply main body unit.
15. An article supplying device as described in any one of appendix 1 to appendix 14.

[Appendix 16]
The article supply main body includes an openable and closable front door,
The display control unit controls the first display unit and the second display unit not to display images when the front door is open.
16. An article supplying device as described in any one of appendix 1 to appendix 15.

[Appendix 17]
An article supplying device,
an article supply main body that supplies articles from a supply port;
An operation unit including a first display unit;
A second display unit provided at least on a front surface of the product supply main body unit excluding at least the supply port and the operation unit and on a side surface of the product supply main body unit;
a display control unit that controls an image to be displayed on the first display unit and the second display unit;
Equipped with
The display control unit is
displaying a first image on the first display unit and the second display unit in a state waiting for selection of an item;
displaying a second image on the first display unit and a third image on the second display unit, on the condition that the operation unit is operated;
In a state in which the article is being supplied, a fourth image is displayed on the first display unit and the second display unit;
the first image is an image integrated on the first display unit and the second display unit,
The second image includes an item selection image to be operated by a user,
the third image is an image that is not an object of operation by the user,
The fourth image is an image integrated in the first display unit and the second display unit, and is an image that presents the supply of the item.
Goods supply device.

[Appendix 18]
a lottery execution means for executing a lottery after the supply of the article;
The display control unit displays a fifth image related to the lottery on the first display unit and the second display unit,
The item supply main unit supplies the item on condition that the lottery is won.
18. The article supplying device of claim 17.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Item supply device 2 Main body 3 Operation display unit 4 Display unit 5 Supply port 6 Panel unit 7 Coin return port 8 Sound output unit 100 Cooling device 101 Discharge device 102 Coin mech 103 Bill validator 104 Main body control unit 105 Item supply main control unit 111 Item supply control unit 112 Display control unit 113 Memory unit 114 Lottery processing unit 115 Supply mode setting unit 116 Item lottery processing unit

Claims (9)

An article supplying device,
an article supply main body that supplies articles from a supply port;
An operation unit including a first display unit;
A second display unit provided at least on a front surface of the product supply main body unit excluding at least the supply port and the operation unit, and on a side surface of the product supply main body unit;
a display control unit that controls an image to be displayed on the first display unit and the second display unit;
Equipped with
The display control unit is
In a state of waiting for selection of an article, a standby performance image is displayed on the first display unit and the second display unit;
displaying an item selection image to be operated by a user on the first display unit, and displaying an item selection presentation image presenting the selection of an item on the second display unit, on the condition that the operation unit is operated;
In a state where the item is being supplied, an item supply presentation image that presents the supply of the item is displayed on the first display unit and the second display unit;
The standby performance image and the item supply performance image are integrated images on the first display unit and the second display unit,
The item selection image and the item selection performance image are images independent of each other on the first display unit and the second display unit.
Goods supply device. The standby effect image is an image related to a character associated with the item.
The article supplying device according to claim 1 . The standby image includes information unrelated to the item.
The article supplying device according to claim 1 . The item selection image or the item selection performance image includes an image that highlights the operation unit.
The article supplying device according to claim 1 . The background color of the item selection image is different from the background color of the item selection performance image .
The article supplying device according to claim 1 . a lottery execution means for executing a lottery after the supply of the article;
the display control unit displays a lottery image related to the lottery on the first display unit and the second display unit;
The lottery image is an integrated image on the first display unit and the second display unit,
The item supply main unit supplies the item on condition that the lottery is won.
The article supplying device according to claim 1 . The operation unit is a touch panel unit capable of displaying images.
The article supplying device according to claim 1 . The second display unit is not provided on the top, bottom, or back surface of the product supply main body unit.
The article supplying device according to claim 1 . The article supply main body includes an openable and closable front door,
The display control unit controls the first display unit and the second display unit not to display images when the front door is open.
The article supplying device according to claim 1 .

Images