WO2011061844A1

WO2011061844A1 - Vending machine for pets

Info

Publication number: WO2011061844A1
Application number: PCT/JP2009/069664
Authority: WO
Inventors: 高士福田
Original assignee: 株式会社バンゴハン
Priority date: 2009-11-19
Filing date: 2009-11-19
Publication date: 2011-05-26
Also published as: JP5458107B2; JPWO2011061844A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a vending machine for pets that facilitates communication between pets and their owners through allowing product purchases close to home, without having to visit facilities dedicated to the purpose. The vending machine for pets comprises money input slots (11) wherein the user makes payment by inserting money or money equivalents, including but not limited to coins, bills, or credit or debit cards, a payment amount verification unit (105) that identifies the amount of money or money equivalents that the user inserted via the money input slots (11), a pet sensor unit (19) that senses the presence of pets, a random number generator unit (103) that generates random numbers when the pet sensor unit (19) senses a pet, and a product provision unit (107) that displays the results of a drawing based on the random numbers generated by the random number generator unit (103) and provides products the quantity or type whereof correspond to the results of the drawing.

Description

Vending machine for pets

The present invention relates to a pet vending machine that sells pet products.

In recent years, the number of pet owners such as dogs and cats has increased, and accordingly, a variety of products such as food and drinks and playground equipment for pets are being sold. There are also pet-only facilities such as dog runs and training fields (for example, Patent Document 1).

By providing such pet products and using pet-dedicated facilities, communication between owners and pets increases, and the relationship between owners and pets can be deepened.

JP 2007-274970 A

However, since the pet-dedicated facility described in Patent Document 1 does not exist in any region, it is necessary to go out on a holiday, and the number of times the pet-dedicated facility is used in terms of time and money There was a problem that there were few. In addition, since pet owners often purchase products at homes and use them at home, the owner lacks the entertainment property of purchasing products with pets.

Therefore, the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and aims to achieve communication between the owner and the pet by purchasing the product together with the pet at a familiar place without going to a special facility. Another object of the present invention is to provide a vending machine for pets which can add entertainment elements by adding game elements at the time of product sales.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is a pet vending machine that sells pet goods, a money insertion slot for making a payment by inserting a monetary value such as coins, banknotes, and cards, A payment confirmation unit for identifying the amount of money value inserted from the slot, a pet detection unit for detecting the pet's location, and a roulette unit for generating a random number when the pet detection unit detects the pet, And a product providing unit that displays a lottery result corresponding to the random number generated by the roulette unit and provides the number or type of products corresponding to the lottery result.

According to such an invention, in the vending machine in which the installation location can be easily secured, the behavior of the pet is sensed, and the lottery part performs the lottery, so the lottery result becomes the pet behavior even when purchasing the product. In addition to being able to enjoy the game characteristics due to dependence, communication between the owner and the pet can be achieved.

Also, in the above invention, it is preferable that the pet vending machine main body is provided at a lower portion and includes a passage through which the pet can pass, and the pet sensing unit is disposed in the passage. In this case, the owner can instruct the pet and let the pet pass through a dedicated passage so that the product can be purchased. Therefore, the behavior unique to the pet can be detected, and the service is provided only to the user with the pet. In addition, through the game of passing through the passage, communication between the owner and the pet can be achieved at the time of purchasing the product.

In the above invention, the pet detection unit is preferably a human sensor arranged at the lower part of the main body of the vending machine for pets. In this case, since the human sensor can detect the pet and start the lottery simply by passing the pet, the product can be provided without requiring a complicated operation for the pet. it can.

In the above invention, the pet sensing unit is preferably a weight sensor that is laid under the vending machine body for pets and senses the weight. In this case, since the weight sensor can detect the pet and start the lottery only by passing the pet, the product can be provided without requiring a complicated operation for the pet. .

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to communicate between the owner and the pet by purchasing the product together with the pet in a familiar place without going to a special facility, and at the time of purchasing the product Entertainment elements can be enhanced by adding objective elements.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the vending machine for pets concerning embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the internal structure of the vending machine for pets concerning embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the module regarding control of the lottery function in the arithmetic processing part which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows the goods provision method which concerns on embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the vending machine for pets which concerns on the example of a change. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the vending machine for pets which concerns on the example of a change. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the vending machine for pets which concerns on the example of a change. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the vending machine for pets which concerns on the example of a change. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the vending machine for pets which concerns on the example of a change.

(Overall configuration of vending machine for pets)
Hereinafter, embodiments of a pet vending machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a pet vending machine according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal structure of the pet vending machine according to the present embodiment.

A pet vending machine 1 according to the present embodiment is a vending machine that stores products inside and sells products unattended, and as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, a passage 2, an operation unit 15, a display unit 14, a product providing port 18, and a product display unit 17 are provided on the front surface of the housing 1 a, and FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, a product storage unit 25 and an arithmetic processing unit 100 are provided inside the housing 1a.

The passage 2 is a space that is arranged in the lower part of the main body of the vending machine for pets and through which the pet can pass, and a pet detection unit 19 that detects the location of the pet is installed in this space. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the passage 2 is a U-shaped passage configured to allow a pet to pass through, and a column whose upper portion does not contact the housing 1a at the central portion of the semicircular space. 2b is provided. Above the pillar 2b is a passage portion 2c that is a space through which a rope connected to the collar of the pet is passed. By passing the rope through the passage portion 2c, the owner 2 does not move and the passage 2 Within, pets can be passed.

The pet sensing unit 19 is a variety of sensor devices that are arranged in the passage 2 through which a pet can pass and sense the location of the pet. In this embodiment, this sensor uses infrared rays or the like to detect a human sensor 19a that detects a temperature change when an object having a temperature difference from the ambient temperature moves within the detection area, and the bottom of the passage 2. A weight sensor 19b is provided, which is laid on 2a and measures the weight of what has passed through the passage and senses a change in its weight.

In the present embodiment, the pet sensing unit 19 is disposed inside a space that allows a pet to pass through. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the pet's head, feet, or the like can be inserted. The inserted space may be recognized by an infrared sensor, a face recognition sensor, or the like.

Then, by sending signals detected by these pet sensing units 19 to the arithmetic processing unit 100, the arithmetic processing unit 100 starts lottery, and the number or type of products according to the lottery result is provided. In the present embodiment, it may be determined that the pet's location is detected when detected by any of these sensors, and the pet's location is detected when detected by a combination of two or more. You may judge.

The operation unit 15 is a means for accepting an operation when a pet owner purchases a product, and includes, for example, a touch panel and buttons. The display unit 14 is, for example, a display device such as a lamp, an LED, or a liquid crystal display, and can turn on the lamp or display characters and video based on display information generated by the arithmetic processing unit 100. In the present embodiment, the display unit 14 displays a lottery result corresponding to the amount of money that has been input or a random number generated by the arithmetic processing unit 100.

The product providing port 18 is an outlet for the user to take out the provided product. In this embodiment, the product storage unit provided in the pet vending machine 1 by the purchase operation on the owner side. By transporting the product from 25 to the product providing port 18, the product is carried out to the product providing port 18, and the user can take out the shipped product.

Also, the products selected by the arithmetic processing unit 100 are also transported from the product storage unit 25 and sent to the product providing port 18. Here, the provided products are pet food and drinks, play equipment, and the like. In this embodiment, the product is a product for pets, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the product may be a discount coupon or a gift certificate of a store, etc. It is also possible to use a format for issuing store points.

The merchandise display unit 17 is a display member that displays sample merchandise purchased by the owner and displays information for the user's selection operation. The merchandise display section 17 displays the sample merchandise inside the purchased merchandise case 17a and purchases the merchandise. A selection button 17b for each product is provided below the product case 17a. The owner presses the selection button 17b according to the display of the purchased product case 17a, thereby specifying the product to be purchased. In addition, the product display unit 17 includes a prize case 17c that displays the number or type of sample products provided according to the lottery result corresponding to the random number generated by the arithmetic processing unit 100. The prize case 17c is randomly selected according to the roulette format and is lit.

The pet sensing unit 19, the operation unit 15, and the display unit 14 are included in the confirmation unit 10. That is, the confirmation means 10 is a means for confirming whether or not the user satisfies the conditions (eligibility for use) for using the pet vending machine 1, and includes an interface for accepting operations, various sensors, It is a functional module for achieving a predetermined operation, which is configured by hardware such as devices and devices, software having functions thereof, or a combination thereof, such as circuits and programs for controlling them. In addition, the above-mentioned eligibility for use can be a person who has simply put in the necessary amount of money, a person who has registered as a member or a pet, or a resident in a predetermined area (city or municipality). These usage conditions can be confirmed by operations such as insertion of money, input of ID, and reading of a member's card.

More specifically, in the present embodiment, in addition to the pet sensing unit 19, the operation unit 15, and the display unit 14, the confirmation means 10 is charged with a monetary value such as a coin, banknote, card, or coupon. The money insertion slot 11 to be accepted, the personal identification information possessed by the owner, and the individual / solid identification sensor 13 for reading the individual identification information of the pet are included. The interface or sensor control circuit or the arithmetic processing unit 100 executes the interface. Included programs are also included. In the present embodiment, an operation execution from the owner is accepted through the operation unit 15, and the signal is transmitted to the arithmetic processing unit 100 inside the pet vending machine 1, and the arithmetic processing unit 100 performs a confirmation process. It has been broken. Here, the trigger for starting the confirmation process by the confirmation means 10 may be executed when an operation is accepted in any of these confirmation means, or may be executed when an operation of a combination of two or more is accepted. Also good.

The personal / solid identification sensor 13 is, for example, a contact or non-contact reader / writer that reads identification information in which personal information such as an ID or password for identifying a user is recorded on a card or an IC chip. It reads personal identification information that it has and individual identification information that is a pet. Here, the identification information includes a character string optically readable by an OCR (Optical Character Reader), a code such as a bar code, a QR code, etc., or identification information built into the IC chip, which can be identified without contact. There may be. In addition, a medium having such identification information can be distributed at a store or distributed by a local government, and may be sold for a fee at a store or provided free of charge. It may be sent to registered owners and local residents.

The money insertion slot 11 is a device that accepts payment by inserting a monetary value such as coins, banknotes, cards, etc., and a coin slot 11a for inserting coins such as dedicated coins and money coins, and a banknote for inserting banknotes. A slot 11b and a contact or non-contact type reader / writer 11c for reading an information storage medium storing electronic money information are provided.

Next, the inside of the pet vending machine 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the product storage unit 25 is a storage box that stores products to be provided to the user. In the present embodiment, the product storage unit 25 stores products for each type, and according to the prize selected by the owner or the lottery result of the arithmetic processing unit 100, the product is carried out from the corresponding storage box, Is conveyed to the product providing port 18.

The arithmetic processing unit 100 is configured by a processor such as a CPU or DSP (Digital Signal Processor), memory, hardware such as other electronic circuits, software such as a program having the function, or a combination thereof. Arithmetic modules, which are constructed by virtually building various function modules by appropriately reading and executing programs. By each constructed function module, processing related to the lottery function, operation control of each part, and various processing for user operations I do. In addition, an operation unit 15 is connected to the arithmetic processing unit 100, and an instruction and a setting operation by a user can be received through the operation unit 15.

(Calculation processing unit 100)
The calculation processing unit 100 performs the control related to the provision of the goods of the pet vending machine 1 described above. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing modules related to the lottery function control in the arithmetic processing unit 100 according to the present embodiment. The “module” used in the description refers to a functional unit that is configured by hardware such as an apparatus or a device, software having the function, or a combination thereof, and achieves a predetermined operation. .

As shown in FIG. 3, the arithmetic processing unit 100 executes a predetermined program, thereby confirming the confirmation unit 104, the operation control unit 102, the display information generation unit 101, the product provision unit 107, and the payment amount. A confirmation unit 105 is constructed.

The display information generation unit 101 is a module that controls the lamp, LED, display, and the like of the display unit 14, and generates information to be displayed on the display of the lamp and the like. Specifically, the display information generation unit 101 displays the result of the confirmation process or displays an operation instruction or an error warning for the owner.

The payment amount confirmation unit 105 is a module for identifying the amount of money value inserted from the money insertion slot 11. Specifically, the payment amount confirmation unit 105 recognizes the inserted coin and money, or reads the value read by the reader / writer. By recognizing the amount of information, the amount of money input is calculated. Further, the payment amount confirmation unit 105 subtracts the monetary value of the selected product from the amount of monetary value paid, and calculates the monetary value to be paid out as change.

The confirmation unit 104 is a module that performs confirmation processing regarding the provision of goods from the signal input by the confirmation unit 10. In the present embodiment, the user has a use condition (eligibility for use) or the money that has been input By confirming various conditions such as whether the amount of value meets certain requirements or whether the pet's whereabouts are detected, processing relating to the transportation of products from the product storage unit 25, the lottery of products, etc. is performed. .

As described above, the eligibility for use is, for example, a member of a store where the vending machine 1 for pets is installed, a resident in the area, or a pet such as a pet dog. Etc. are included. In addition, the requirement of the amount of money value is that the amount of money that is input is a certain amount with respect to the signal from the payment amount confirmation unit 105 and the money value for each product selected from the product selection button pressed by the owner side. Whether or not it is satisfied. In the present embodiment, the confirmation process can be performed by any one or a combination of these conditions.

The operation control unit 102 is a module that controls the overall operation of the vending machine 1 for pets. In the present embodiment, each device is operated according to the confirmation result of the confirmation unit 104. The roulette unit 103 is a module that generates a random number when the pet detection unit 19 detects a pet, and transmits a lottery result calculated based on the random number to the operation control unit 102. In the present embodiment, the operation control unit 102 performs operation control on the product providing unit 107 and the prize case 17c in accordance with the received lottery result.

The product providing unit 107 is a module that provides the selected product and also provides the number or type of products according to the lottery result, and stores a signal related to the selected product and a signal according to the lottery result. To the unit 25. Thereby, the product storage unit 25 that has received the signal corresponding to the lottery result conveys the product from the storage box of the selected product or the storage box corresponding to the lottery result to the product providing port 18. Further, the product providing unit 107 transmits lottery result data corresponding to the random number generated by the roulette unit 103 to the display information generating unit 101, and the display information generating unit 101 based on this signal displays the display unit 14. And information to be displayed on the prize case 17c.

(How to sell pet products)
By operating the vending machine for pets having the above configuration, the product providing method of the present invention can be implemented. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the product providing method according to the present embodiment.

First, when the owner inserts money from the money insertion slot 11 (S101), the payment amount confirmation unit 105 identifies the amount of the inserted money value and causes the display unit 14 to display the amount of money value. Then, the owner presses the selection button 17b for the product to be purchased and used. Here, the confirmation unit 104 determines whether or not the money value that is input satisfies a certain amount with respect to the monetary value of the selected product based on the signal from the payment confirmation unit 105 and the signal from the selection button 17b. Is determined (S102).

If the input monetary value does not satisfy a certain amount (“N” in S102), the monitoring is continued until the certain amount is satisfied without performing the confirmation execution process. On the other hand, if the inserted monetary value satisfies a certain amount (“Y” in S102), the confirmation unit 104 performs confirmation execution processing and transmits the signal to the operation control unit 102. The operation control unit 102 receives the signal from the confirmation unit 104, causes the display information generation unit 101 to generate a display for confirming the pet location, and causes the pet sensing unit 19 to display the pet location. Is detected (S103).

When the pet passes through the passage 2 in accordance with the owner's instruction, and the pet sensing unit 19 disposed in the passage senses the pet's location (“Y” in S102), the confirmation unit 104 executes confirmation processing. Then, the roulette unit 103 starts lottery (S105). On the other hand, when the pet sensing unit 19 does not sense the location of the pet, such as when the pet does not pass through the passage 2 in response to the owner's instruction (“N” in S102), it is for the human being installed in the operation unit 15. The pressing of the operation button is confirmed (S106).

If no human operation button is pressed ("N" in S106), an error is displayed on the display unit 14 (S107), and the money that has been inserted after the selected product is transported to the product providing port 18 is displayed. A deduction of the monetary value between the amount and the amount of the selected product is calculated, and the deducted amount of money is paid to the fishing outlet as a change (S109), and the process ends.

On the other hand, when a human operation button is pressed (“Y” in S106), this signal is transmitted to the confirmation unit 104. The confirmation unit 104 receives this signal, determines that an operation from the owner has been received, and starts the lottery by the roulette unit 103 (S105).

Then, the lottery unit 103 starts the lottery, displays the lottery result corresponding to the random number generated by the roulette unit 103 on the display unit 14, and the number or type of products corresponding to the lottery result from the product storage unit 25. The product is transported to the product providing port 18 and the product is provided to the owner (S108). Thereafter, after the product is transported to the product providing port 18, the difference between the amount of money inserted and the amount of the selected product is paid out to the fishing port (S109), and the process ends.

(Action / Effect)
According to such an embodiment, in the pet vending machine 1 in which the installation location can be easily secured, the behavior of the pet is sensed and the lottery unit 103 performs the lottery. Therefore, even when the product is purchased, the lottery result Can enjoy the game by relying on the behavior of the pet, and can communicate between the owner and the pet. As a result, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to purchase a product together with a pet at a familiar place without going to a special facility, to achieve communication between the owner and the pet, and to play a game when purchasing the product. Entertainment elements can be enhanced by adding objective elements.

In the present embodiment, the pet vending machine 1 is provided at the bottom of the main body, and includes a passage 2 through which the pet can pass. The pet sensing unit 19 is disposed in the passage, so that the owner instructs the pet. Since the product can be purchased by taking out and passing the pet through the pet passage 2, it is possible to communicate between the owner and the pet when purchasing the product.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the pet detection unit 19 is a human sensor 19a disposed at the lower part of the main body of the vending machine 1 for pets, so that the human sensor detects the pet simply by passing the pet. Since the lottery can be started, the product can be provided without requiring a complicated operation for the pet.

In the present embodiment, the pet sensing unit 19 is a weight sensor 19b that is laid under the main body of the pet vending machine 1 and senses the weight. Therefore, the pet only passes the pet, and the weight sensor detects the pet. Since it can be detected and a lottery can be started, a product can be provided without requiring a complicated operation for the pet.

(Example of change)
In the above-described embodiment, the example has been described in which the passage 2 through which the pet can pass is provided in the lower part of the main body of the pet vending machine 1, and the pet sensing unit 19 is disposed in the passage 2. However, the present invention is limited to this. However, various changes can be made to the configuration for detecting the location of the pet. Below, the structure regarding the detection of the pet's location is demonstrated. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are perspective views showing the appearance of a pet vending machine according to this modification. Note that in this modification, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the functions and the like are the same unless otherwise specified, and the description thereof is omitted.

In the first modification, as shown in FIG. 5, the pet sensing unit 119 is arranged at the lower part of the main body of the vending machine 1 for pets, recognizes the voice of the pet, and uses a voice microphone or the like that senses the location of the pet. Yes, the voice microphone detects the pet's cry, and the lottery unit 103 starts the lottery.

In the second modification, as shown in FIG. 6, the pet sensing unit 219 is a sensor with a hook for hooking a lead, which is disposed at the lower part of the main body of the pet vending machine 1, and the hook is pulled. The sensor detects the location of the pet, and when the hook portion is pulled, the lottery unit 103 starts the lottery.

In the third modified example, as shown in FIG. 7, the pet sensing unit 319 is a sensor that is arranged at the lower part of the main body of the vending machine 1 for pets and senses pet paws. The pet's location is recognized by sensing the paws by bringing the pet's feet into contact with the sensor, and the lottery unit 103 starts the lottery.

In the fourth modified example, as shown in FIG. 8, the pet sensing unit 419 is disposed on the side of the main body of the pet vending machine 1 and is configured to allow the pet to pass through the hollow portion 419e. The wall surface facing the housing 1a is provided with a passage portion 419b for allowing the pet rope to pass therethrough and a pet sensor 419d for recognizing the operation of the pet. The passage portion 419b is a space through which a leash connected to the collar of the pet passes when the pet passes through the inside of the pet sensing portion 419. By passing the rope through the mouth portion 419b, the pet can be moved without the owner moving.

The pet sensor 419d is a human sensor that is arranged at a height at which the pet passes on the inner side surface of the pet sensing unit 419 and recognizes the passage of the pet. A signal sensed by this sensor is transmitted to the confirmation unit 104. In this modified example, the sensor for confirming the location of the pet is not limited to the human sensor, and may be a weight sensor 419a laid on the floor portion 419c of the pet sensing unit 19.

In the fifth modification, as shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of operation buttons 519 that the pet presses are installed at the bottom 2 a of the passage 2 that is disposed at the lower part of the main body of the pet vending machine 1 and through which the pet can pass. ing. At this time, the roulette unit 103 previously assigns the number or type of products to be won by lottery to each operation button 519 every time the products are purchased. Then, when the pet passes through the passage 2, by pressing any one of the operation buttons 519, the location of the pet is sensed, and the number or type of products to be provided is determined. Is provided.

As another method, although not shown in the drawing, a sensor for detecting the hair of the pet installed at the lower portion of the main body of the vending machine 1 can be provided. In this case, for example, the owner uses a dedicated hair sensor. By brushing with the device, the whereabouts of the pet is detected, and the lottery unit 103 starts the lottery.

Note that these modified examples may be provided in the pet vending machine 1 or may be configured such that all the pet detection units 19 are provided in one pet vending machine 1. In that case, it may be determined that the pet's location is detected when detected by any one of these sensors, and if it is detected by a combination of two or more, it is determined that the pet's location is detected. It shall be good.

(Action / Effect)
According to these modified examples, since the location of the pet can be detected by various methods, the apparatus can be diversified, the application range of the present invention can be expanded, and communication with the pet can be achieved. It is possible to improve the entertainment property while aiming at.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pet vending machine 1a ... Housing 2 ... Passage 2a ... Bottom part 2b ... Pillar 2c ... Passage part 10 ... Confirmation means 11 ... Money slot 11a ... Coin slot 11b ... Banknote slot 11c ... Reader / writer DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 ... Individual / solid identification sensor 14 ... Display part 15 ... Operation part 17 ... Product display part 17a ... Purchased product case 17b ... Selection button 17c ... Prize case 18 ... Product provision port 19 ... Pet detection part 19a ... Human sensor 19b ... Weight sensor 25 ... Product storage unit 100 ... Calculation processing unit 101 ... Display information generation unit 102 ... Operation control unit 103 ... Roulette unit 104 ... Confirmation unit 105 ... Payment confirmation unit 107 ...

Product provision unit

119, 219, 319, 419 ... Pet sensing unit 419a ... weight sensor 419b ... opening part 419c ... floor part 419d ... pet sensor 419e ... cavity 519 ... Create button

Claims

A money slot for making a payment by inserting a monetary value such as a coin, banknote, or card;
A payment amount confirmation unit for identifying the amount of the money value input from the money input port;
A pet detection unit that detects the location of the pet;
Triggered by the pet sensing unit sensing a pet, a roulette unit that generates a random number,
A pet vending machine comprising: a product providing unit that displays a lottery result according to the random number generated by the roulette unit and provides a number or type of products according to the lottery result.
The vending machine for pets according to claim 1, wherein the pet vending machine is provided at a lower part of the vending machine main body and includes a passage through which the pet can pass, and the pet sensing unit is arranged in the passage. Machine.
The pet vending machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pet sensing unit is a human sensor arranged at a lower portion of the pet vending machine main body.
The pet vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pet sensing unit is a weight sensor that is laid under the main body of the pet vending machine and senses the weight.