JP7497809B2 - Vending method, device and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vending device (vending machine) that allows users to purchase products by touching a mobile device such as an IC card with an embedded IC chip or a mobile terminal.

Vending machines are installed in train stations, on the street, etc., and allow users to purchase products stored in the machine by inserting cash. Users can also purchase products stored in the machine by touching an IC card or the like that has an IC chip built in (for example, Patent Document 1). However, it is not possible to purchase products that are not in stock in the machine.

JP 2016-103254 A

The present invention aims to improve the disadvantages of the conventional examples, and in particular to provide a vending machine that allows users to order products that are not in stock inside the vending machine.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configuration. That is, a vending machine capable of reserving, ordering, or applying for an object not in stock within the machine is provided with a reading unit that reads personal information from a personal information holder or a unique identifier linked to personal information from a unique identifier holder. The machine also has a processing unit that proceeds with payment of the price of the object using the payment identifier read from the payment identifier holder via a reader or cash inserted into a cash receiving mechanism, and a communication unit that transmits data including the personal information or the unique identifier linked to the personal information to an external device in order to notify the reservation, order, or application destination of the reservation, order, or application for the paid object.

"Subject" includes goods and services. "Personal information holder" refers to a medium or mobile terminal with a storage section for personal information, such as a medium with an IC chip built in, such as an IC card. "Unique identifier holder" refers to a wide range of media that hold unique identifiers, including media and terminals with an IC chip built in, such as an IC card, as well as magnetic cards and media that display barcodes. Examples of such media include credit cards, electronic money cards, point cards, bank cash cards, wristbands, and mobile terminals with equivalent functions. "Unique identifier" refers to an identifier that uniquely identifies personal information, such as a credit card number, electronic money number, point card number, and bank account number. "Payment identifier holder" refers to a wide range of media that hold payment identifiers, such as media and terminals with an IC chip built in, such as an IC card, as well as magnetic cards and media that display barcodes. Examples of such media include credit cards, electronic money cards, point cards, bank cash cards, wristbands, hotel room keys, medical facility patient registration cards, and mobile terminals with equivalent functions. "Payment identifiers" include credit card numbers, electronic money numbers, point card numbers, bank account numbers, user numbers, etc.

According to the present invention, a user can simply select an item and read an IC card or the like to proceed with payment for the selected item, and the personal information required for delivery of the item can be automatically communicated to the ordering party or the like based on the information stored in the IC card or the like.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to order products that are not in stock inside the vending machine.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall picture of a trading system realized by the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vending machines A and B shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a portable device such as an IC card shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a data structure diagram of a product DB provided in the transaction management system shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the personal information DB shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vending machine C shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of a trading system implemented according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a structural diagram of data stored in the storage unit of the vending machine in the embodiment of FIG.

One embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. First, with reference to FIG. 1, an overview of the transaction system realized by the vending device of the present invention will be described.

Figure 1 shows three vending machines, A, B, and C. Vending machine A is installed in a location where conventional vending machines are typically installed, such as inside a train station or on the street. Vending machine B is installed in an airport. Vending machines A and B have the same appearance as existing touch panel vending machines, but are characterized by being able to sell products that are not built in.

On the other hand, vending machine C is placed at the fingertips of those with poor shopping skills. Vending machine C is configured, for example, as a tablet terminal, and is characterized by its simplicity, allowing products to be purchased simply by touching an IC card, just like existing vending machines. The detailed configuration of each vending machine A, B, and C will be described later.

A consumer operates the touch panel of vending machine A, B, C to select the product they wish to purchase, and purchases the product by touching vending machine A, B, or C with a portable device 10 equipped with an IC chip, such as an IC card 10. Products that can be purchased from vending machine A, B, or C are managed in a product database (product DB) 21 by a transaction management system 20. The transaction management system 20 is a computer system that communicates with vending machines A, B, and C via a computer network such as the Internet, as well as with a card company system 30 (including an agency's system) and a personal information database (personal information DB) 40, which are also computer systems.

There are multiple card company systems 30, each of which handles different electronic money and credit cards. Each card company also manages a personal information DB 40, and there are multiple personal information DBs 40. Each company's personal information DB 40 stores personal information such as the address, name, and telephone number of its customers, linked to their electronic money number and credit card number. The personal information DB 40 may also store the address, name, telephone number, etc. of the IC chip owner, linked to an identifier unique to the IC chip (such as IDm). The personal information DB 40 may be under the management of the transaction management system 20.

The transaction management system 20 arranges for the delivery of the purchased goods, and obtains the personal information required for delivery from the IC card 10 touched to the vending machine A, B, C, or from the personal information DB 40.

Foreign travelers using the airport can have a new IC card 10 issued at the airport. At that time, the foreign travelers can register their personal information in the personal information DB 40 in association with the credit card number or electronic money number of the newly acquired IC card 10. Registration of personal information is performed from an information registration device 50 installed at the airport.

The transaction management system 20 arranges for the delivery of products for which payment has been completed by touching an IC card 10 or the like, or for which payment has been made by cash on delivery. In FIG. 1, solid lines indicate the flow of information, and dotted lines indicate the flow of products. When arranging for delivery, the transaction management system 20 sends product shipping instructions to the producer of one or more purchased products and to the collection center for those products. The producer receives the shipping instructions using the producer device 60, and prepares the specified products for shipment. The products prepared for shipment are collected at the designated collection center. Local bases such as town halls and chambers of commerce can also serve as collection centers.

At the collection center, the base device 70 receives the shipping instructions, collects the specified products from each producer, and packs the collected products together. The packed products are then delivered to the delivery destination via the distribution network 80.

Products purchased from vending machine A are delivered to the consumer who purchased them or to a designated delivery address. Products purchased from vending machine B are delivered to a product collection counter set up at the airport, where the foreign traveler who purchased the product can collect it at the counter before boarding their flight home. Products purchased from vending machine C are delivered to the shop-challenged person who purchased them.

The producer device 60 and the base device 70 are computers or facsimiles, etc., and communicate with the transaction management system 20 via a computer network or public lines. In addition, the transaction management system 20 collects information indicating the delivery status from computers deployed in the delivery network 80 via the computer network.

Next, we will explain the above configuration in detail.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of vending machines A and B. Vending machines A and B are equipped with an input unit 1, a processing unit 2, a memory unit 3, a display unit 4, and a network communication unit 5, which are basic elements of a computer. Vending machines A and B also have a short-range wireless communication unit 6 that communicates with an IC chip mounted on an IC card 10, and an access point 7 that communicates with a smartphone 11 located in a local area. Furthermore, vending machines A and B are equipped with a cash receiving mechanism 8 and a built-in product providing mechanism 9, which are conventionally equipped in general vending machines.

The input unit 1 accepts input of operations by the user. The display unit 4 displays information to the user. In this embodiment, the input unit 1 and the display unit 4 are touch panels. The processing unit 2 has a processor that realizes various functions by executing a program. The memory unit 3 is a memory area of a storage device such as a hard disk. The network communication unit 5 is a communication device that communicates with an external computer through a computer network. The short-range wireless communication unit 6 is an IC chip reader/writer that communicates with an IC chip touched to the short-range wireless communication unit 6 using a predetermined protocol. The access point 7 communicates with a smartphone 11 in a local area via wireless LAN. The cash receiving mechanism 8 is a mechanism that detects cash inserted by a consumer and stores the inserted cash. The built-in product providing mechanism 9 is a mechanism that guides a product inserted in the vending device A or B from the product rack to the product removal outlet when the product is purchased.

The memory unit 3 stores records of sales items for each item. The structure of the sales item records associates a unique product identifier, product introduction information, product price information, additional product information, and out-of-stock information for each item. The product introduction information includes a product image and a product description. The product price information indicates the unit price of the item. The additional product information includes information on the sales region, popularity ranking, recommended products, whether the product is a built-in product or a delivery product, and preference tags. Out-of-stock information indicates whether the product is out of stock at the manufacturer. However, the records of out-of-stock items may be deleted, making it unnecessary to add out-of-stock information.

Figure 3 is a configuration diagram of a portable device 10 with an IC chip built in, such as an IC card 10. The portable device 10 is an IC card, a mobile phone, or the like. The portable device 10 has a processing unit 12, a memory unit 13, and a communication unit 14. The processing unit 12, the memory unit 13, and the communication unit 14 are built in the IC chip.

The storage unit 13 stores the device identifier in association with the personal information of the owner of the portable device 10. The device identifier is an identifier unique to each portable device 10, such as an IC card, and is a credit card number or electronic money number. The personal information includes the name, address, delivery destination, telephone number, passport number, and return flight information. Areas for the passport number and return flight information are provided as necessary. The name, address, and telephone number indicate the name, address, and telephone number of the owner of the portable device 10. The delivery destination includes the name, address, and telephone number of the product delivery destination. The passport number indicates the passport number of the foreign traveler who has become the owner of the portable device 10. The return flight information indicates the schedule of the return flight of the foreign traveler. In addition, in the case of an electronic money card, the electronic money balance and usage history are recorded. In the case of a credit card, a PIN number is recorded.

Figure 4 shows the structure of records stored in the product DB 21 of the transaction management system 20. The record associates a unique product identifier, product introduction information, product price information, product additional information, stock information, producer information, and collection point information for each product. The product identifier, product introduction information, product price information, and product additional information are the same type of information as the information stored in the memory unit 3 of vending devices A and B described above. The stock information indicates the current stock quantity received from the producer device 60. The producer information includes the identifier and contact information of the producer of the product. The collection point information includes the identifier and contact information of the collection point of the product. Each of the identifiers is, for example, a login ID to the transaction management system 20, and each of the contact information is, for example, an email address or a fax number.

Figure 5 shows the structure of a record stored in personal information DB 40. The record associates a device identifier, name, address, delivery destination, telephone number, passport number, return flight information, and preference information. Information other than preference information is the same as the information stored in memory unit 13 of portable device 10 described above. Preference information is set based on the owner of portable device 10's past purchasing history, etc., and is information that indicates the owner's preferences.

Next, we will explain the operation of each vending device.

[Product presentation]
A consumer using vending machine A touches IC card 10 to short-range wireless communication unit 6. Processing unit 2 of vending machine A acquires the device identifier stored in memory unit 13 of the touched IC card 10 through short-range wireless communication unit 6. Processing unit 2 also displays a menu for selecting built-in products or delivery products on display unit 4, and displays a list of built-in products on display unit 4 by default, for example. Each time the consumer operates input unit 1 to select a menu of built-in products or delivery products, processing unit 2 displays a list of the selected products on display unit 4.

When the built-in product menu is selected, the processing unit 2 searches the memory unit 3 for products whose product additional information indicates "built-in product." Also, when the delivery product menu is selected, the processing unit 2 searches the memory unit 3 for products whose product additional information indicates "delivery product." However, products whose out-of-stock information indicates "out of stock" are excluded. The processing unit 2 reads out the product introduction information (image and product description) and product price information of the searched products from the memory unit 3, creates a list, and displays it on the display unit 4.

[Product sorting]
When displaying a list of products, the processing unit 2 preferentially displays products that match the consumer's preferences. The processing unit 2 acquires preference information associated with the device identifier read from the IC card 10 from the personal information DB 40. The information in the personal information DB 40 is acquired through the network communication unit 5 and the transaction management system 20. If the personal information DB 40 is managed by a card operating company, the information in the personal information DB 40 may be acquired through the card company system 30. Similarly, if the personal information DB 40 is managed by the operator of the transaction management system 20, the information in the personal information DB 40 may be acquired through the transaction management system 20. Furthermore, if the personal information DB 40 can be accessed directly, the network communication unit 5 may acquire the preference information directly from the personal information DB 40.

The processing unit 2 preferentially displays in the list products that match the preference information obtained from the personal information DB 40. The processing unit 2 determines the match between the preference tag information included in the product additional information of the searched product and the preference information obtained from the personal information DB 40, and determines the order in which the products are displayed in the list in order of match.

The preference information managed in the personal information DB 40 may be linked to an identifier other than the above device identifier. For example, it may be linked to a unique identifier of a mobile terminal (such as a smartphone 11) owned by the consumer. In this case, the consumer's mobile terminal may connect to the access point 7 of the vending machine A by starting a communication app for the vending machine, and transmit the unique identifier of the mobile terminal (such as a device ID, serial number, MAC address, or unique ID of the communication app) to the vending machine A. The processing unit 2 obtains the consumer's preference information linked to the unique identifier of the received mobile terminal from the personal information DB 40.

The processing unit 2 also displays on the display unit 4 a sorting menu for sorting the products to be displayed in the list. The sorting menu can be, for example, the above-mentioned preference order, as well as popularity ranking order, recommendation order, and lowest price order. The processing unit 2 accepts the selection of the sorting menu from the input unit 1. If the selected menu is popularity ranking order, the processing unit 2 determines the order of products to be displayed in the list according to the popularity ranking order included in the product additional information of the searched product. If the selected menu is recommendation order, the processing unit 2 prioritizes displaying products indicated as "recommended products" in the product additional information of the searched product in the list. If the selected menu is lowest price order, the processing unit 2 determines the order of products to be displayed in the list according to the lowest product price information of the searched product.

The processing unit 2 displays a list of products on the display unit 4 according to the determined order. The processing unit 2 may narrow down the products to a specified type and display them on the display unit 4. In this case, the product type is described in the product additional information, and the list display is narrowed down to products whose product type selected by operating the input unit 1 matches the product type described in the product additional information.

[Product Selection]
The consumer selects a product to purchase from the product list displayed on the display unit 4. If the product list spans multiple screens, the consumer searches for the product he or she wants to purchase by switching the product list screens, for example by swiping on the touch panel on which the product list is displayed. The processing unit 2 provides a user interface for this. The consumer then selects the products to purchase by touching one or more products he or she wants to purchase on the touch panel. The consumer also inputs the purchase quantity of the selected product from the input unit 1. The processing unit 2 displays purchase details on the display unit 4, including the product name, price, purchase quantity, and total purchase amount of the selected one or more products.

[Buy built-in products]
When a consumer selects a built-in product, he or she inserts cash into the cash receiving mechanism 8 or touches the IC card 10 to the short-range wireless communication unit 6. When sufficient cash has been inserted to cover the price of the product, or when the price of the product has been deducted from the electronic money balance of the IC card 10 via the short-range wireless communication unit 6, or when the price of the product has been deducted from the electronic money balance and the remaining amount has been made up with cash, the processing unit 2 drives the built-in product providing mechanism 9 to guide the purchased product from the product rack to the product removal outlet.

[Purchase delivery items: Select delivery destination]
On the other hand, a consumer who has selected a product to be delivered checks the purchase details and touches the IC card 10 to the short-range wireless communication unit 6. The processing unit 2 acquires the device identifier, name, address, and delivery destination information stored in the IC card 10 through the short-range wireless communication unit 6. Alternatively, the processing unit 2 acquires the device identifier stored in the IC card 10, and acquires the name, address, and delivery destination information associated with the acquired device identifier from the personal information DB 40 through the network communication unit 5.

When there are multiple device identifiers stored in the IC card 10, for example when an electronic money number, a credit card number, a point card number, and an IC chip identifier are stored, the processing unit 2 acquires name, address, and delivery destination information from a personal information DB 40 managed by a card company or the like. When the processing unit 2 is unable to acquire expected information from a personal information DB 40 linked to one device identifier, it acquires name, address, and delivery destination information from a personal information DB 40 linked to another device identifier. The same applies to the acquisition of preference information described above.

Then, the processing unit 2 displays options for the delivery destination of the product on the display unit 4. As options, the acquired address and name, and one or more addresses and names included in the delivery destination information are displayed. The consumer touches the desired delivery destination from the delivery destination options displayed on the display unit 4 to select it.

[settlement]
Once the delivery destination has been selected, the processing unit 2 then displays payment method options on the display unit 4. The processing unit 2 displays available payment method options on the display unit 4 based on the device identifier acquired from the IC card 10 that has been touched to the short-range wireless communication unit 6. If the IC card 10 supports electronic money payment, the processing unit 2 includes electronic money payment as an option. If the IC card 10 supports credit card payment, the processing unit 2 includes credit card payment as an option. In addition, cash on delivery and cash payment are included as options. The consumer touches the desired payment method to select it from the options displayed on the display unit 4.

The processing unit 2 displays a screen on the display unit 4, which asks the consumer to confirm the delivery destination and payment method selected up to this point. The consumer confirms the product to be purchased, the amount, the delivery destination, and the payment method, and touches the IC card 10 to the short-range wireless communication unit 6. In the case of electronic money payment, the processing unit 2 completes the payment by subtracting the purchase amount from the electronic money balance recorded in the IC card 10. If the electronic money balance is insufficient, it determines that the shortfall in cash has been inserted into the cash receiving mechanism 8, and completes the payment. In the case of credit card payment, the processing unit 2 may request the input of a personal identification number, and if the personal identification number entered by the consumer from the input unit 1 matches the personal identification number recorded in the IC card 10, the payment may be completed. The processing unit 2 notifies the card company system 30 of the information on the electronic money payment or credit card payment at a predetermined timing. In the case of cash on delivery payment, the processing unit 2 confirms the order by touching the IC card 10. In the case of cash payment, it determines that sufficient cash for the product price has been inserted into the cash receiving mechanism 8, and completes the payment. Alternatively, part of the price may be paid by IC card, and the remainder may be deposited in cash into the cash receiving mechanism 8. Conversely, the remaining amount after depositing cash may be paid with an IC card (credit card or electronic money).

In the above operations, the consumer views and operates the screen using the touch panel of vending machine A, but by connecting a smartphone 11 with a remote operation app for vending machine A installed to access point 7, it is also possible to view and operate the screen of vending machine A remotely from the smartphone 11. In this case, the delivery address may be entered into the vending machine using personal information such as name and address registered in the smartphone or in a database associated with the smartphone.

[delivery]
The processing unit 2 sends an order form for the purchased or ordered product to the transaction management system 20 via the network communication unit 5. The order form includes the product identifier of the purchased product, payment information, delivery destination information, and, if payment is cash on delivery, a statement to that effect. Based on the order form received from vending device A, the transaction management system 20 reads out from the product DB 21 the producer information and collection base information associated with the product identifier of the ordered product. If multiple products are ordered, the producer information and collection base information for each product is read out.

Now, suppose that eggplant, a local specialty, and local sake are purchased, the transaction management system 20 reads out the producer information and collection point information for the eggplant from the product DB 21, and also reads out the producer information and collection point information for the local sake from the product DB 21. Assume that the eggplant and local sake are produced by different producers but have the same collection point. Based on the order forms for eggplant and local sake sent from vending device A, the transaction management system 20 generates an order form addressed to the eggplant producer and an order form addressed to the local sake producer. The order forms include the ordered product, its quantity, and collection point information.

The transaction management system 20 also generates a delivery arrangement for the eggplant and local sake addressed to the collection base based on the order form for the eggplant and local sake sent from vending device A. The delivery arrangement includes a list of products to be shipped together (eggplant and local sake), information on the delivery destination, and, if payment is cash on delivery, a statement to that effect. Based on the producer information for each product, the transaction management system 20 sends the order form addressed to each producer to the producer device 60 of each producer. Based on the collection base information for each product, the transaction management system 20 also sends a delivery arrangement addressed to the collection base to the base device 70.

Each producer who receives the purchase order gathers the number of items ordered based on the order form and brings them to the designated collection point. The collection point checks that all of the products from each producer that should be packed together have been collected based on the delivery arrangement, packs them together, and ships them with a waybill addressed to the delivery destination shown on the delivery arrangement (including a note to that effect if payment is cash on delivery). The shipped products are delivered to the designated delivery destination via the distribution network 80. If payment is cash on delivery, the product price is collected at the delivery destination.

Although the method of collecting and shipping has been described here, the products may be shipped directly from the producer to the delivery destination. In this case, the transaction management system 20 includes information about the delivery destination in the purchase order addressed to each producer.

[Update product information]
The producer's device 60 notifies the transaction management system 20 of the stock quantity of each product at any time. The transaction management system 20 receives from the producer device 60 the association between the product identifier and the current stock quantity of that product, and updates the stock quantity (stock information) in the record of the corresponding product in the product DB 21. If this update results in a shortage, the transaction management system 20 associates the product identifier of the out-of-stock product with stock-out information indicating the shortage and sends it to the vending device A. Having received this information, the vending device A updates the stock-out information of the product corresponding to the received product identifier to "out of stock". Alternatively, the vending device A deletes the record corresponding to the received product identifier from the memory unit 3.

Furthermore, the products sold by vending machine A among the products registered in product DB21 vary depending on the sales region. The record of each product registered in product DB21 includes sales region information in the product additional information. When vending machine A requests product information from transaction management system 20, it transmits the identifier of the region in which it is installed to transaction management system 20. Transaction management system 20 reads product information whose sales region matches the region identifier received from vending machine A from product DB21 and provides it to vending machine A that made the request. Vending machine A stores the product information received from transaction management system 20 in memory unit 3. This allows each vending machine to have a distinctive product lineup, such as selling products from the region in which it is installed.

As described above, consumers using the vending machine A can purchase delivery products that are not built into the vending machine and deliver them to the specified delivery destination by simple operations similar to those of conventional vending machines, such as selecting a product on the touch panel and touching the IC card 10 to make payment. There is no need to key in personal information such as the address or name of the delivery destination when purchasing a delivery product. Furthermore, with the vending machine of this embodiment, it is possible to purchase built-in products as well as delivery products that are not built into the vending machine. Note that if the vending machine does not sell built-in products and only sells delivery products, the built-in product providing mechanism 9 is not necessary. Furthermore, a vending machine that does not sell built-in products does not require going to the installation site to replenish products, which reduces personnel costs, and does not require operation and maintenance of the built-in product providing mechanism 9, which reduces running costs and maintenance costs. Furthermore, even if the vending machine is broken, there is no product inside, and in the case of a vending machine that does not have a cash receiving mechanism 8 and only accepts electronic payments, there is no cash inside, so there is little risk of theft, and the vending machine can be used in foreign countries with poor security, etc., and vending machines can be more widely used.

In this embodiment, the consumer touches the IC card 10 to the vending machine A three times to purchase a product. The number of touches can be reduced. For example, if the consumer's preferences are not reflected in the first product proposal, it is possible to omit the touch before selecting a product. On the other hand, if a touch is made once before selecting a product, if the information required for selecting a delivery destination before payment and for selecting a payment method is also read in with this one touch, it is possible to omit the touch before presenting the delivery destination options. However, if the consumer leaves the screen after selecting a product, there is a risk that other people will see the consumer's personal information, such as the delivery destination. Therefore, it is possible to consider a method in which the personal information is not displayed on the screen, but only "Are you sure you want to deliver to the registered destination?" is displayed, and delivery arrangements are made when "Yes" is pressed. In this case, a mark is set in advance on the address and name, etc., of the delivery destination candidates stored in the memory unit 3 or personal information DB 40 of the IC card 10 as the delivery destination with priority. When the processing unit 2 receives the above input of "Yes" from the input unit 1, it retrieves the address and name marked with the mark from the memory unit 3 of the IC card 10 or the personal information DB 40 and uses them to arrange delivery.

[Airport services]
Vending machine B is installed at an airport. The configuration of vending machine B is the same as that of vending machine A described above, but it can provide convenient services to foreign tourists at the airport. A foreign tourist who arrives at the airport receives a new IC card 10 at the IC card issuing counter. At this time, the name, address, delivery destination, telephone number, passport number, and return flight information are registered in the memory unit 13 of the IC card 10 in association with the device identifier.

Alternatively, the foreign traveler operates an information registration device 50 installed at the airport to register the name, address, destination, telephone number, passport number, and return flight information in the personal information DB 40 in association with the device identifier of the issued IC card 10. The name, address, telephone number, and passport number are the name, address, telephone number, and passport number of the foreign traveler who was issued the IC card 10. The destination is the product delivery counter at the airport from which the return flight departs. The return flight information includes the date and time of the return flight arranged by the foreign traveler. At the time of each of the above registrations, nationality, religion, and preferences may also be registered as preference information. In this way, for example, foods that do not contain pork can be displayed on the screen for Muslims, and restaurants and lodgings that serve dishes that do not contain pork can be guided on the screen.

The foreign traveler uses the issued IC card 10 to purchase goods from vending machine B in the same way as purchasing goods from vending machine A described above. The processing unit 2 of vending machine B sends an order form for the purchased goods to the transaction management system 20, including the name, address, telephone number, and delivery destination, as well as the passport number and return flight information obtained from the IC card 10 or personal information DB 40. The transaction management system 20 includes the passport number and return flight information in the delivery arrangement that is sent to the base device 70. At the collection base, the passport number is displayed on the product's waybill, and the arrival date and time of the product are specified well in advance of the return flight date and time. The goods arrive at the product delivery counter at the airport well in advance of the return flight date and time. The foreign traveler can use the passport number to verify his identity as the purchaser of the goods, and pick up the purchased goods at the product delivery counter before boarding the return flight.

[Vending machine for people with poor shopping skills]
In Fig. 1, vending device C is placed near a weak shopper. The configuration of this vending device C is shown in Fig. 6. Vending device C is composed of a tablet terminal and a short-range wireless communication device 6 (IC card reader/writer) connected to the tablet terminal. The tablet terminal comprises an input unit 1, a processing unit 2, a memory unit 3, a display unit 4, and a network communication unit 5. The input unit 1 and the display unit 4 are touch panels. The components of vending device C are equivalent to the components of vending devices A and B shown in Fig. 2.

Vending machine C does not sell built-in products, and therefore does not have the cash receiving mechanism 8 and built-in product providing mechanism 9 shown in FIG. 2. It also does not have the access point 7. The rest of the configuration is the same as vending machines A and B. A shopper can easily purchase a product at home or the like by selecting a product on the touch panel of the tablet terminal and touching the IC card 10 to the short-range wireless communication device 6, just like using vending machine A described above, and can receive the purchased product at home or the like. For product delivery, it is recommended to use a local base such as a town hall or a chamber of commerce as a collection point. The short-range wireless communication device 6 may be built into the tablet terminal.

[Application to refrigerators]
The components of the vending device C shown in Fig. 6 may be incorporated into a refrigerator. That is, a refrigerator is constructed incorporating a touch panel serving as the input unit 1 and display unit 4, a processing unit 2, a storage unit 3, a network communication unit 5, and a short-range wireless communication device 6. If there are ingredients missing from the refrigerator, the user can easily purchase the product by selecting the product he or she wants to purchase from the touch panel equipped on the refrigerator and touching the short-range wireless communication unit 6 with an IC card 10, and the missing ingredients can be delivered to the user's home or other location. Of course, it is also possible to have a system that detects when ingredients in the refrigerator are running low and automatically orders the missing ingredients.

[Other embodiments]
Another embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. In Fig. 7, a delivery destination device 90 is provided as a delivery destination through a delivery network 80. In reality, there are multiple delivery destination devices 90. Also, instead of vending devices A to C in Fig. 1, vending devices D to F are provided. The other configurations are the same as in Fig. 1. In reality, there are multiple vending devices A to F.

[Delivery to IC lockers]
7, the delivery destination device 90 includes a storage unit for storing the product, a locking mechanism for locking the storage unit, a control unit for unlocking the storage unit by touching an IC card (IC chip) 10 as a key, and a communication unit for communicating with an external computer. The delivery destination device 90 is, for example, an IC card compatible coin locker (hereinafter referred to as an "IC locker").

In this embodiment, first, a consumer purchases a product from a vending machine D using an IC card 10. The purchased product is delivered to a designated IC locker 90. The consumer can then touch the IC card 10 used to purchase the product to the IC locker 90 to unlock the IC locker 90 and receive the product. In other words, the vending machine obtains personal information such as address and name, and passes the card number used for payment to a server, which then links this to the card reader of the IC locker 90 and uses it to verify the identity of the consumer when receiving the product.

The configuration of the vending device D is the same as that shown in FIG. 2, but the processing performed by the processing unit 2 and the information stored in the memory unit 3 are different from those in the previously described embodiment.

In addition to the information shown in FIG. 2, the memory unit 3 stores the information shown in FIG. 8 in association with each other. That is, the memory unit 3 stores the product identifier of the purchased product, payment status information indicating the payment status of the product, delivery destination information indicating the location of the storage unit in IC locker 90 to which the product will be delivered, and IC key information that can unlock the storage unit in association with each other. The memory unit 3 also stores IC locker information including a list of the locations of multiple storage units to which the product can be delivered.

The payment status information includes information on the price of the purchased item and a message that the price of the item has been paid. The delivery destination information includes information identifying the installation location of one of the IC lockers 90 scattered at multiple locations, and information identifying one empty storage section among the multiple storage sections provided in that IC locker 90. The IC key information includes information identifying the IC card 10 that was touched to the vending machine D when purchasing the item. The information identifying the IC card 10 is, for example, the card number. The IC locker information includes a list of empty storage sections that can be selected as a delivery destination, and the list includes, for each storage section, information identifying that storage section and information identifying the installation location of the IC locker 90 to which that storage section belongs.

The processing unit 2 in FIG. 2 includes "Delivery to IC locker" in the options displayed on the display unit 4 in the "Select delivery destination" of the embodiment described above. If the consumer selects "Delivery to IC locker," the processing unit 2 receives a list of empty storage units in IC lockers 90 located within a certain distance from the address included in the delivery destination information described above from an external information server such as the transaction system 20, and stores the received information in the memory unit 3 as IC locker information.

The processing unit 2 reads out the IC locker information from the storage unit 3 and displays a list of empty storage units on the display unit 4. The display method is to plot and display the installation locations of the target IC lockers 90 on a map, and when one IC locker 90 is selected from among them by touch, a matrix of the multiple storage units of the IC locker 90 is displayed on the display unit, color-coded so that it is clear whether each storage unit is empty. Furthermore, when one empty storage unit to be the delivery destination is selected by touch, the consumer is asked whether that storage unit is acceptable, and then the delivery destination information is recorded in the storage unit 3. The delivery destination information includes information identifying the selected storage unit and information identifying the installation location of the IC locker 90 to which that storage unit belongs. At this time, the processing unit 2 links the product identifier of the purchased product, the payment status information of the purchase, the delivery destination information of the product, and the IC key information based on the used IC card 10, and records them in the storage unit 3.

Then, when the processing unit 2 sends the aforementioned order form (order data), it reads from the memory unit 3 the product identifier of the purchased product, the payment status information for that purchase, the delivery destination information for that product (destined for IC locker 90), and the IC key information (such as the card number used for that purchase), which are all linked together, and includes them in the order data.

When the transaction management system 20 receives order data from the vending machine D, it sends a reservation signal to the specified IC locker 90 indicated in the delivery destination information, and locks the specified storage section indicated in the delivery destination information to prevent others from using it. The reservation signal includes the designation of a specific storage section and a link with an unlocking key for unlocking that storage section. The control unit of the IC locker 90 has the function of receiving the reservation signal via a communication network such as the Internet, and locking the specified storage section in response to that reservation signal. The locking caused by the reservation signal can be unlocked by an unlocking code known by the delivery company. The unlocking code may be the same as the IC key information.

The delivery address information and IC key information recorded in the order data are given to the delivery company along with the product. The delivery company brings the product to the specified IC locker 90 indicated in the delivery address information, and unlocks the specified storage unit indicated in the delivery address information by entering the unlock code into the IC locker 90. The delivery company then places the product in the storage unit and locks it again. When locking it, the delivery company operates the input unit of the IC locker 90 to link the IC key information to the corresponding storage unit and set it in the memory unit of the IC locker 90. Upon receiving this setting, the control unit of the IC locker 90 controls the storage unit to unlock the target storage unit only if the same IC key information is given to that storage unit. The IC key information may be transmitted in advance via the communication unit and linked to the corresponding storage unit and set in the memory unit.

After purchasing a product, the consumer goes to the IC locker 90 selected at the time of purchase and touches the IC card 10 used at the time of purchase to the IC locker 90. The IC locker 90 uses an IC chip reader to read identification information such as a card number that corresponds to the IC key information from the IC card 10. It then determines which storage unit holds the IC key information that matches the identification information such as the card number that was read, and if there is a match, it unlocks the corresponding storage unit. This allows the consumer to collect the product purchased from the vending machine D from the IC locker 90 by using the same IC card 10 as when making the purchase.

The IC locker 90 may be installed anywhere, for example, at an airport, port, train station, hotel, etc. along the travel route. For example, if a traveler purchases a souvenir from vending device E, the traveler can pick up the souvenir at an IC locker 90 installed at the airport, port, train station, etc. on the way back.

[Hometown Tax Payment]
Although the above-mentioned system involving delivery has been described, the above-mentioned system can be used in other cases as well. For example, a screen for hometown tax payment (donation) is displayed on a vending machine, and a local government to which the tax payment (donation) is to be made is selected. When the amount of hometown tax payment (donation) to be made to the local government is input and the card is read, the address and name of the donor are notified to the local government receiving the donation, and payment can be made with the IC card 10. Payment can also be made in cash without card payment. Next, a screen for selecting a thank-you gift (return gift) from the local government receiving the donation is displayed, and when the desired product is selected, the delivery address is notified to the local government receiving the donation, and the product is delivered to the donor's home or the like. In this way, hometown tax payment and donation can be easily made. In this case, the producer is the provider of the return gift, and if the product is packed at a local base, the local government may manage the local base. If the return gift is a ticket for a performance or facility, the ticket company can be the producer.

In FIG. 7, vending device D has a function for making "hometown tax payments" (donations) to one or more local governments. The configuration of vending device D is the same as that in FIG. 2.

In FIG. 2, the memory unit 3 stores the product identifier, product introduction information, product price information, product additional information, and out-of-stock information of the return gift in response to the donation. The product price information is the minimum donation amount required to obtain the return gift. The product additional information includes the identifier of the local government to which the donation is to be made.

When "Hometown Tax" is selected from the input unit 1, the processing unit 2 reads out the identifiers of each local government that will be the donation destination from the product additional information registered in the storage unit 3, and displays a list of the local governments that will be the donation destination on the display unit 4. When the selection of the local government that will be the donation destination is accepted from the input unit 1, the processing unit 2 accepts the input of the donation amount from the input unit 1. When the input of the donation amount is accepted, the processing unit 2 displays the local government that will be the donation destination and the donation amount on the display unit 4. After checking the display, the donor touches the IC card to the short-range wireless communication unit 6. The processing unit 2 reads personal information such as the donor's address and name from the touched IC card 10. Alternatively, the processing unit 2 reads the card number from the touched IC card 10 and acquires personal information linked to the card number from the network communication unit 5. The personal information acquisition process is the same as in the above-mentioned embodiment.

The processing unit 2 displays the local government to which the donation is to be made, the donation amount, and the donor's personal information on the display unit 4. The donor touches the IC card 10 used to pay the donation amount displayed on the display unit 4 to the short-range wireless communication unit 6. Alternatively, the donor selects cash payment. In the case of IC card payment, the processing unit 2 reads the card number from the touched IC card 10, and if the IC card 10 supports multiple payment methods such as prepaid, postpaid, and debit, displays payment method options on the display unit 4. The donor selects a payment method from the input device 1. The processing unit 2 displays the local government to which the donation is to be made, the donation amount, the donor's personal information, and the payment method on the display unit 4. The donor makes a final check of the display and confirms the donation from the input unit 1. In the case of cash payment, the donor inserts cash equivalent to the donation amount into the cash receiving mechanism 8. The processing unit 2 executes payment by IC card 10 or cash, as in the above embodiment.

Next, the processing unit 2 searches the memory unit 3 for products (return gifts) whose additional product information includes the identifier of the local government to which the hometown tax donation was made and whose product price information is equal to or less than the donation amount. The processing unit 2 reads out the product identifiers, product introduction information, and out-of-stock information of the searched multiple return gifts from the memory unit 3, and displays a list of the return gifts on the display unit 4. Return gifts that are out of stock may not be displayed. The donor selects a return gift that is not out of stock from the input unit 1 and touches the IC card 10 to the short-range wireless communication unit 6. The processing unit 2 reads out personal information such as the address, name, and telephone number to which the return gift will be delivered from the touched IC card 10. Alternatively, the processing unit 2 reads the card number of the touched IC card 10 and obtains personal information linked to the card number from the network communication unit 5. The personal information acquisition process is the same as in the above-mentioned embodiment.

If multiple pieces of personal information have been acquired, the processing unit 2 displays a list of them on the display unit 4. The donor selects the personal information to which the return gift will be delivered from the input unit 1. The processing unit 2 displays the selected return gift and the personal information of the delivery destination on the display unit 4 and asks for final confirmation. After checking the display, the donor confirms the delivery of the return gift from the input unit 1. The processing unit 2 transmits data for the local government regarding the hometown tax donation (including the donor's address, name, etc.) and data for delivery of the return gift (including the return gift's product identifier, delivery address, name, etc.) to the transaction management system 20, and prompts the local government to process the hometown tax donation and the producer and regional base to process the delivery of the return gift.

Here, the delivery destination may be the IC locker 90 mentioned above. The IC card 10 for payment and the IC card 10 for obtaining the delivery destination may be different cards. The IC card 10 for obtaining the delivery destination may be a dedicated IC card 10 for obtaining the delivery destination. The dedicated IC card 10 for obtaining the delivery destination may have personal information input from the input unit 1 when used for the first time, and the input personal information may be stored or linked to the IC card 10, so that the personal information can be automatically obtained from the second time onwards. This is the same as in the embodiment mentioned above.

The hometown tax payment system is widely known, but despite this awareness, the percentage of people who have actually made a hometown tax payment is low. According to this embodiment, donations such as hometown tax payments can be made easily using a vending machine, which can encourage donations.

[Use at accommodation facilities]
The vending device of each of the above embodiments may be installed in an accommodation facility. In FIG. 7, the vending device installed in the accommodation facility is designated as E. The vending device E is installed in the accommodation facility and sells delivery products such as local souvenirs to users of the accommodation facility. The vending device E is connected to a settlement device 110 for settling expenses incurred at the accommodation facility. The configuration of the vending device E is the same as that of FIG. 2, and the flow from purchase of the product to delivery is the same as that of the above embodiment. The delivery destination may be an IC locker 90. The IC card 10 used for payment may be issued by the accommodation facility. When the IC card 10 issued by the accommodation facility is used to settle the product price, the processing unit 2 links the IC card number with the product price and transmits it to the settlement device 110. The settlement device 110 can include the price of the product purchased at the vending device E in the accommodation facility fee and charge the user for it by linking the IC card number to the user or the user's room number and storing it in advance. Meanwhile, the user can pay the price of the product purchased at the vending device E together with the accommodation facility fee.

The same processing can be performed even if a magnetic card is used instead of the IC card 10 and a magnetic card reader is provided instead of the short-range wireless communication unit 6. The same processing can also be performed even if a barcode display medium is used instead of the IC card 10 and a barcode reader is provided instead of the short-range wireless communication unit 6. The IC card 10 can also be a card key for a room.

[Use in medical facilities]
The vending machines of the above embodiments may be installed in a medical facility. In FIG. 7, the vending machine installed in the medical facility is designated as F. The vending machine F is installed in the medical facility and sells delivery items such as daily necessities to users of the medical facility. The vending machine F is connected to a settlement device 120 for settling expenses incurred at the medical facility. The configuration of the vending machine F is the same as that of FIG. 2, and the flow from purchase of the item to delivery is the same as that of the above embodiment. The delivery destination may be an IC locker 90. The IC card 10 used for payment may be issued by the medical facility. When the IC card 10 issued by the medical facility is used to settle the price of the item, the processing unit 2 links the IC card number to the price of the item and transmits it to the settlement device 120. The settlement device 120 can include the price of the item purchased at the vending machine F in the fee for using the medical facility by storing the IC card number in advance in association with the user. Meanwhile, the user can pay the price of the item purchased at the vending machine F together with the fee for using the medical facility.

Many of the elderly and shop-challenged people who use medical facilities are likely not accustomed to using a smartphone to purchase products, but many of them are likely accustomed to purchasing products from vending machines. Therefore, according to this embodiment, shop-challenged people and elderly people who use medical facilities can effectively use the long waiting time before receiving a medical examination, etc., and can relatively easily purchase daily necessities, etc. from a vending machine, and can enjoy the convenience of having the purchased products automatically delivered to their home, etc.

The same processing can be performed even if a magnetic card is used instead of the IC card 10 and a magnetic card reader is provided instead of the short-range wireless communication unit 6. The same processing can also be performed even if a barcode display medium is used instead of the IC card 10 and a barcode reader is provided instead of the short-range wireless communication unit 6. The IC card 10 may be a patient card for a medical facility, etc.

[Registration and use of personal information]
In each of the above embodiments, a user who does not have an IC card 10 or a user who cannot retrieve information from the IC card 10 may input personal information such as a name and an address from the input unit 1 of the vending machine. In addition, the personal information may be linked to a magnetic card in addition to the IC card 10. When a magnetic card is used, the vending machine is equipped with a magnetic card reader. The processing unit 2 of the vending machine executes a process of accepting input of personal information from the input unit 1, a process of reading information (ID) that identifies the card, such as a card number, from the IC card 10 or the magnetic card before or after the input of the personal information, and a process of linking the input personal information with the information that identifies the card and registering it in the external personal information DB 40 via the communication unit 5. In addition, when the processing unit 2 subsequently reads the information that identifies the card from the IC card 10 or the magnetic card, it executes a process of acquiring the personal information linked to the information that identifies the card from the personal information DB 40 via the communication unit 5.

The vending machine may also execute a process of accepting input of a PIN or password from the input unit 1 and a process of acquiring features such as a fingerprint, iris, face, or veins from a sensor as biometric authentication information, and when linking the information identifying the card with the personal information and registering it in the personal information DB 40, the PIN, password, or biometric authentication information (authentication information) may be linked and registered together. When acquiring personal information from the personal information DB 40, the vending machine may acquire authentication information from the input unit 1 or the sensor, transmit the information identifying the card and the authentication information to the personal information DB 40 via the communication unit 5 to acquire the personal information, and acquire the personal information after being authenticated by the personal information DB 40.

The IC locker 90 may also receive input of card identifying information and PIN information from its own input device, query the combination with the personal information DB 40, and release the locking mechanism of the storage unit if the combination of card identifying information and PIN information is registered in the personal information DB 40.

The vending machine may be equipped with a mechanism for issuing an IC card 10 or a magnetic card on which information identifying the card is recorded to the user when the information identifying the card and the personal information are initially registered in the personal information DB 40. In this initial case, the user does not need to have the vending machine read the IC card 10 or the magnetic card. The issued card can be used the next time to obtain personal information from the personal information DB 40.

[Tourist information function]
The vending machine is placed at a station or on a street, and displays guide information for the area on the screen. The processing unit 2, for example, first displays items such as tourist information, hotel information, and meal information on the display unit 4. When a touch operation to select tourist information is detected from the input unit 1, the processing unit 2 reads information on facilities in the surrounding area, such as museums, included in the classification of tourist information from the storage unit 3 and displays it on the display unit 4. The storage unit 3 stores information on multiple facilities that can be reserved by classification. When a facility selection and a reservation operation for the selected facility are input from the input unit 1, the processing unit 2 requests the touch of the IC card 10 to the short-range wireless communication device 6. When the touch of the IC card 10 is detected, the processing unit 2 executes acquisition of personal information required for reservation of the selected facility and payment of the fee. The method of acquiring personal information and payment processing based on the touch of the IC card 10 is the same as in the above-mentioned embodiment. The processing unit 2 transmits reservation data from the communication unit to an external computer in order to provide the reservation data, including an identifier of the reserved facility, the payment status of the fee for the reservation, and the personal information of the person who made the reservation, to the facility to which the reservation is made.

When the touch operation to select hotel information from the input unit 1 is detected, the processing unit 2 reads out information on hotels in the neighboring area included in the classification of hotel information from the storage unit 3 and displays it on the display unit 4. The storage unit 3 stores information on multiple hotels that can be reserved by classification. When the selection of a hotel and the reservation operation of the selected hotel are input from the input unit 1, the processing unit 2 accepts the selection of the stay date from the input unit 1. Next, the processing unit 2 accepts the selection of the number of nights from the input unit 1. Next, the processing unit 2 requests the touch of the IC card 10 to the short-range wireless communication device 6. When the touch of the IC card 10 is detected, the processing unit 2 acquires personal information necessary for reserving the selected hotel and executes the payment according to the selected stay date and number of nights. The method of acquiring personal information and the payment processing based on the touch of the IC card 10 is the same as in the above-mentioned embodiment. The processing unit 2 transmits the reservation data from the communication unit to an external computer in order to provide the reservation data, including the identifier of the reserved hotel, the payment status of the fee for the reservation, and the personal information of the person who made the reservation, to the hotel to which the reservation is made.

When the touch operation to select meal information from the input unit 1 is detected, the processing unit 2 reads out information on restaurants in the neighborhood included in the classification of the meal information from the storage unit 3 and displays it on the display unit 4. The storage unit 3 stores information on multiple restaurants that can be reserved by classification. When the selection of a restaurant and a reservation operation for the selected restaurant are input from the input unit 1, the processing unit 2 accepts the selection of the date and time of use from the input unit 1. Next, the processing unit 2 accepts the selection of the number of people to use from the input unit 1. Next, the processing unit 2 requests the touch of the IC card 10 to the short-range wireless communication device 6. When the touch of the IC card 10 is detected, the processing unit 2 acquires personal information necessary for making a reservation at the selected restaurant and executes payment according to the selected date and time of use and the number of people to use. The method of acquiring personal information and the payment process based on the touch of the IC card 10 is the same as in the above-mentioned embodiment. The processing unit 2 transmits the reservation data from the communication unit to an external computer in order to provide the reservation data, which includes the identifier of the reserved restaurant, the payment status of the fee for the reservation, and the personal information of the person making the reservation, to the restaurant to which the reservation is made.

However, when making reservations or applications for sightseeing, hotels, meals, etc., payment by card is not required; you can insert cash or pay when you arrive at the location rather than paying on the spot.

A vending machine that provides tourist information can not only provide guidance on a screen, but also provide audio guidance from a voice output unit such as a speaker or earphones. For example, when a certain museum is selected, the processing unit 2 not only displays the route to the museum on the screen, but also provides audio guidance. At this time, a map can be displayed and general directions can be provided by voice, but the system can also determine the location of the vending machine and provide directions from there. The system can provide audio guidance such as, "Go straight down the street in front of the station, turn left at the second traffic light, and it is on the corner of the next traffic light." The system can determine the location of the vending machine by having the processing unit 2 read location information that has been set in advance in the storage unit or by acquiring location information from a GPS installed in the vending machine. By determining the location of the vending machine, the processing unit 2 can search for products and facilities in the surrounding area and suggest them to the user, and can also search for routes to facilities in the surrounding area and output route guidance information.

[Local delivery of goods]
The processing unit 2 of the vending machine displays museum goods and souvenirs from the area where the vending machine is installed as products on the display unit 4. The user selects a displayed product and performs a reservation operation for the selected product from the input unit 1. The processing unit 2, which has accepted this reservation operation, then detects the touch of the IC card 10 to the short-range wireless communication unit 6, and acquires the user's personal information and settles the price of the selected product as in the above-mentioned embodiment. The processing unit 2 then links the identifier of the selected product, the payment status information of the product, and the IC card number (information that identifies the IC card 10), and transmits the result as product reservation data to the computer of the product provider, such as a museum, that provides the product. The communication address of the product provider is assumed to be included in the product additional information.

The product provider's computer receives the product reservation data and stores it in the memory, while also notifying the product provider that a product has been reserved. The product provider prepares the reserved product based on the product reservation data, and provides the product on the spot when the user arrives. The product provider's computer has the visiting user touch the IC card 10, reads the IC card number, and determines whether product reservation data matching the IC card number is stored in the memory, and if there is a match, displays the product reservation data on the screen or outputs a voice message that the product has been reserved. Alternatively, the reserved product can be prepared in a storage section of the IC locker 90, and when the IC card 10 is held over the card reader of the IC locker 90, the corresponding storage section opens and the product can be collected.

The invention includes other embodiments that do not deviate from the spirit of the invention in addition to those described in the embodiments. The embodiments are intended to explain the invention, but do not limit its scope. The scope of the invention is indicated by the claims, not by the description in the specification. Therefore, the invention includes all forms that include the meaning and scope within the scope of the equivalents of the claims.

1 Input unit of vending device 2 Processing unit of vending device 3 Storage unit of vending device 4 Display unit 5 Network communication unit 6 Near field wireless communication unit (device)
7 Access point 8 Cash receiving mechanism 9 Built-in product providing mechanism 10 IC card (portable device)
12 Processing unit of IC chip 13 Storage unit of IC chip 14 Communication unit of IC chip 20 Transaction management system 21 Product DB
30 Payment system 40 Personal information DB
50 Information registration device 60 Producer device 70 Base device 80 Distribution network 90 Delivery destination device (IC locker)
110, 120 Payment device A to F Vending device

Claims (3)

A vending method using a vending machine that allows a user to reserve, order, or apply for an item that is not in stock in the machine, comprising:
A reading step of reading personal information from a personal information holder or reading a unique identifier linked to the personal information from a unique identifier holder;
a payment step of proceeding with payment of the price of the object using a payment identifier read from a payment identifier holder via a reader or cash inserted into a cash receiving mechanism;
a communication step of transmitting to an external device data including the personal information or a unique identifier linked to the personal information in order to notify a reservation destination, an order destination, or an application destination of the reservation, order, or application for the object for which the payment has been made;
The subject of the donation is hometown tax donation and the corresponding return gift,
The method further includes a display step of reading out the identifier of the gift from a storage unit in which the amount of the donation and the identifier of the gift are previously associated with each gift , and displaying the selectable gifts on a screen; and a selection step of allowing the user to select the displayed gift.
The data includes an identifier of the selected gift and an amount of the donation that is pre-linked to the identifier of the selected gift . A vending machine that allows a user to reserve, order, or apply for an item that is not in stock within the machine,
a reading unit that reads personal information from a personal information holder or reads a unique identifier associated with the personal information from a unique identifier holder;
a processing unit that proceeds with the payment of the object using a payment identifier read from a payment identifier holder via a reader or cash inserted into a cash receiving mechanism;
a communication unit that transmits to an external device data including the personal information or a unique identifier linked to the personal information in order to notify a reservation destination, an order destination, or an application destination of the reservation, order, or application related to the object for which the payment has been made;
The subject of the donation is hometown tax donation and the corresponding return gift,
The processing unit further includes a display function for reading out the identifier of the return gift from a storage unit in which the amount of the donation and the identifier of the return gift are previously associated with each return gift , and displaying the selectable return gifts on a screen; and a selection function for allowing the user to select the displayed return gift.
The data includes an identifier of the selected gift and an amount of the donation that is pre-linked to the identifier of the selected gift . A vending program for a vending machine that allows a user to reserve, order, or apply for an item that is not in stock in the machine,
On the computer,
A reading step of reading personal information from a personal information holder or reading a unique identifier linked to the personal information from a unique identifier holder;
a payment step of proceeding with payment of the price of the object using a payment identifier read from a payment identifier holder via a reader or cash inserted into a cash receiving mechanism;
and executing a communication step of transmitting to an external device data including the personal information or a unique identifier linked to the personal information in order to notify a reservation, order or application for the object for which the payment has been made to a reservation destination, an order destination or an application destination,
The subject of the donation is hometown tax donation and the corresponding return gift,
Furthermore, the method executes a display step of reading out the identifier of the return gift from a storage unit in which the amount of the donation and the identifier of the return gift are previously associated with each return gift , and displaying the selectable return gifts on a screen, and a selection step of selecting the displayed return gift;
A vending program, wherein the data includes an identifier of the selected gift in return and an amount of the donation that is pre-linked to the identifier of the selected gift in return .

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