JP3579887B2 - Vending machines and product sales systems - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vending machine and a product sales system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to promote the sale of a product, a prize or the like is attached to the product as a service. In addition, products are sold with service tickets such as coupons and stickers so that points can be collected by purchasing the products. Consumers collect these service tickets and affix them to postcards for application, mail them to the merchandise seller, or paste them on a backing sheet and present them to retailers, and use the collected points to various services. A replacement has been made.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the consumer purchases the product, it is troublesome to peel off the small service ticket from the product and keep it so that it is not lost, and to stick it one by one on the application postcard or the mount. For this reason, especially when a large number of service tickets are collected so that the right to apply for one service can be obtained, the user does not want to collect service tickets unless there is a service that he / she likes very much. That is, it is not possible to sufficiently promote the sale of a product simply by attaching a service ticket, a sticker, or the like to the product as in the related art.
[0004]
In addition, consumers may collect a number of service tickets in order to receive the intended service, but the more service tickets that must be collected, the more the service tickets collected will be lost As a result, there was a case where the applicant could not apply. Furthermore, if service tickets have been collected for a long period of time, consumers may forget the application period and end the application period when they decide to apply, and the collected service tickets may be wasted. Was.
[0005]
Conversely, if there is a concentration of places where a large number of people throw away product containers with service tickets, such as application stickers affixed to cans of drinking water sold by vending machines, Some people collected the application stickers and applied, and there was a lack of fairness. Furthermore, the cost involved in attaching a service ticket to each product or collecting service tickets collected by consumers has not been negligible.
[0006]
Furthermore, it is desirable that merchandise sellers use vending machines more efficiently to encourage consumption of merchandise, and workers must regularly visit each vending machine to fill a sufficient number of merchandise. Has been done. However, depending on the installation location of the vending machine, the sales amount of the product varies, and when the consumer wishes only by replenishing the product on a regular basis, the desired product may be sold out. In addition, shortening the interval between product fillings by a worker in a dark manner is not preferable because it causes a reduction in work efficiency.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and can promote the sale of goods without requiring much effort and expense to both the merchandise seller and the consumer. It aims to provide vending machines and merchandise sales systems.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the present invention, means for achieving the above object are configured as follows.
That is, the vending machine of the present invention relates to an identification information input unit for inputting consumer identification information for identifying a consumer of a product, and associates the product sales information of the product purchased by the consumer with the consumer identification information. And a sales information output unit for transferring sales information including at least the merchandise sales information and the consumer identification information stored in the memory to the merchandise seller.And, when the cash input into the vending machine and the input of the consumer identification information are both started, the counting of the merchandise sales information was started, and the time when the remaining cash was exhausted or the change return lever was operated. Has a function to terminate counting of product sales information at the timeIt is characterized by doing.
[0009]
Therefore, when the consumer enters the consumer identification information, the vending machine stores the merchandise sales information in association with the consumer identification information and transfers this to the merchandise seller. It is possible to know exactly what and how many products the user has purchased, and to accumulate points according to the purchased products for each consumer. In addition, merchandise sellers can offer consumers services (such as exchange for prizes and discount tickets, invitation tickets to events, etc.) when points collected during the application period can be exchanged for services. Notify that there is.
[0010]
In addition, the merchandise seller can simultaneously conduct a taste survey on merchandise sales by summing up the sales information, and can promote sales. In other words, replenishing the products preferred by consumers to each vending machine at appropriate intervals eliminates the need for the vending machine to be sold out, and eliminates the need for unnecessarily frequent worker patrols. Improvement can be achieved. Since the vending machine of the present invention has a simple structure, the manufacturing cost can be reduced and the vending machine can be easily spread.
[0011]
When the consumer identification information is contact information such as a telephone number and an e-mail address, and the identification information input unit has a keyboard, the consumer does not need to remember a number such as a new ID number. You can enter the unique contact information that you have very easily. In addition, the merchandise seller can easily provide the consumer with a notification such as a notice that a prize can be exchanged. When the contact information is a telephone number, a numeric keypad is sufficient for the keyboard, and the arrangement of the keys can be the same as that of a mobile phone or a touch-tone phone.
[0012]
If the sales information output unit has a function of transferring the sales information stored in the memory to the server on the merchandise seller side at predetermined time intervals via the communication means, the merchandise seller may periodically Each sales information can be collected in a short time, and it is possible to conduct a more accurate product sales preference survey.Also, the counting of the merchandise sales information is started from the time when both the cash input into the vending machine and the input of the consumer identification information are performed, and when the remaining cash is exhausted or when the change return lever is operated. Since it has a function of terminating the counting of the merchandise sales information, the counting of the merchandise sales information can be performed more accurately, and only the merchandise purchased by each consumer can be reliably counted.
[0013]
The sales information output unit monitors the information amount of the sales information stored in the memory, and when the amount of the sales information reaches a predetermined ratio with respect to the capacity, the sales information is sold to the server on the merchandise seller side via the communication unit. When having the function of transferring information, it is possible not only to efficiently collect sales information, but also to eliminate congestion in communication lines. Further, when the capacity is the product holding capacity of the vending machine, it is also possible to notify the product seller of an approximate time when the product runs out by outputting the sales information.
[0014]
In the case where the sales information output unit has a function of transferring sales information to a communication device having a data storage function of the worker when the worker refills the product, the worker may perform a product filling operation performed by the worker. Accordingly, the sales information can be collected, and the cost for outputting the information can be minimized. Further, it is possible for the worker to confirm the work content.
[0015]
[0016]
The merchandise sales system of the present invention relates to a merchandise seller that determines a service associated with a merchandise and associates consumer identification information that identifies a consumer input before and after cash input with merchandise sales information of the purchased merchandise. A server is provided on the merchandise seller side for storing in a memory in each vending machine, and aggregating, at least for each consumer, sales information comprising merchandise sales information and consumer identification information stored in the memory. Providing services appropriate to the products purchased to each consumer according to the aggregated sales informationAnd the consumer identification information is contact information such as a telephone number and an e-mail address, and a service that can be provided to each consumer based on merchandise sales information for each consumer compiled by the server. When it is determined that there is, the product seller notifies the corresponding consumer of the provision of the service using the contact information, and confirms the detailed consumer identification information such as the destination of the service. Register with the server and send the service desired by the consumer to the destinationIt is characterized by:
[0017]
By using the merchandise sales system, information on the merchandise purchased by the consumer can be totaled in the server, the merchandise seller can conduct a preference survey of the merchandise, and the consumer receives a service suitable for the purchased merchandise. be able to.
[0018]
Also,The consumer identification information is contact information such as a telephone number and an e-mail address, and it is determined that there is a service that can be provided to each consumer based on merchandise sales information for each consumer collected by the server. In this case, the product seller notifies the corresponding consumer of the provision of the service using the contact information, confirms the detailed consumer identification information such as the destination of the service, and registers this in the server. At the same time, send the service desired by the consumer to the destinationSoSince no special ID number is required, the consumer does not need to store new consumer identification information. Also, merchandise sellers can easily contact consumers.
[0019]
Each of the vending machines may have a function of transferring the sales information stored in the memory to the server via communication means at predetermined time intervals.
[0020]
Each vending machine monitors the information amount of the sales information stored in the memory, and when this reaches a predetermined ratio with respect to the storable capacity, a server on the merchandise seller side via the communication means. It is also possible to have a function of transferring sales information to the company.
[0021]
Each of the vending machines may have a function of transferring sales information to a communication device having a data storage function of the worker when the worker refills the product.
[0022]
If the sales information has the vending machine identification information and the server has a function of totalizing the sales status of the merchandise for each vending machine at the time of the vending machine, each vending machine uses the actual sales information to The ability to ascertain the consumer's product consumption status at vending machines enables more accurate preference surveys to be made, and allows vending machines to be replenished with the appropriate number of products at the right time and to sell products. Can be promoted.
[0023]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a vending machine 1 which is an example of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a product sales system 2 using the vending machine 1. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 3 denotes a merchandise display and display unit, 4 denotes a cash input unit, 5 denotes a cash return unit, 6 denotes a display unit for displaying advertisements of the product, and 7 denotes a product outlet. 8 is an identification information input unit for identifying a consumer, and 9 is a description.
[0024]
In addition, 3a is a commodity purchase button, 4a is a bill slot, 4b is a coin slot, 5a is a change return lever (hereinafter, referred to as a change lever), and 5b is a change takeout port.
[0025]
In FIG. 2, reference numerals 1A, 1B, and 1C denote the vending machines 1, which are arranged at different locations. 10 is a server (main computer) on the merchandise seller side, 11 is a telephone network for connecting the server 10 to each vending machine 1 (1A, 1B, 1C), and 12 is a telephone network 11 for the server 10. .. Are consumers, 14 is a worker, 15 is a handy terminal as an example of a communication device having a data storage function used by the worker, 16 Is a port for connecting this handy terminal to the server 10.
[0026]
In the description of the present specification, the server 10 is described as a single server, but the present invention does not limit the number of servers 10. That is, a plurality of servers 10 may be connected and configured by some network. The telephone network 11 may be a wired telephone network 11a or a wireless telephone network 11b such as a mobile phone (including PHS). In addition to the data connection directly, the data communication may be connected via a network such as the Internet.
[0027]
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing a main part of each vending machine 1, 17 is a control unit for controlling the vending machine 1, 18 is a CPU for performing a central operation of control, and 19 is executed by the CPU 18. A recording medium (memory) for storing data such as sales information D; and 21 a sales information D or the like by connecting the control unit 17 to the telephone network 11. The modem circuits 22, 23, and 24 are for connecting the handy terminal 15, the identification information input unit 8, and the display unit 6, respectively.
[0028]
8a is a keyboard (numeric keypad) for inputting a telephone number which is an example of consumer identification information, and 8b is a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal display unit) for confirming the input content. 8c is a cancel key, 8d is a clear key, and 8e is a continuation button having a backlight. In this example, a telephone number (ordinary line and mobile phone line) is input as an example of the consumer identification information. Therefore, the numeric keypad 8 is illustrated as an example of the keyboard. Is not limited.
[0029]
For example, when the e-mail address is used as the consumer identification information, it is better to provide an English character keyboard rather than a numeric keypad. Similarly, the display unit is not limited to the liquid crystal display panel 8b, and various modifications such as a 7-segment LED can be considered.
[0030]
The memory 20 may be a volatile memory such as a D-RAM or an S-RAM, but is preferably a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory in consideration of safety. Further, by using a storage medium such as a floppy disk, a memory chip, or a memory card, the sales information D recorded in the memory 20 can be easily taken out.
[0031]
4 and 5 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the program P executed by the CPU 18. Next, the operation of the vending machine 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. It should be noted that the contents of the processing shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are for explaining the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and do not limit the present invention.
[0032]
In FIG. 4, when the vending machine 1 of the present invention starts operating, the display section 6 displays, for example, "Let's earn points with a phone number! Please enter a phone number", and the consumers 13a, 13b is prompted to input a telephone number. (Step S₁)
[0033]
Further, by blinking a backlight built in the numeric keypad 8a, the consumers 13a, 13b... Can easily find the numeric keypad 8a. (Step S_TwoNote that a description 9 for operating the vending machine 1 is attached below the numeric keypad 8a, so that the consumers 13a, 13b... Enter a telephone number even when operating for the first time. It can be understood and the operation can be performed reliably.
[0034]
Step S_ThreeIs a step for judging whether or not there is an input from the numeric keypad 8a, step S_FourIs a step of determining whether or not cash has been input from the cash input unit 4. These steps S_Three, S_FourIs the first loop L₁And wait for a key input or cash input.
[0035]
When there is a key input, a telephone number input operation is performed, and this is input as consumer identification information. (Step S_FiveAt this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the telephone number being input is displayed on a small display section 8b provided in association with the numeric keypad 8a. That is, only the consumers 13a, 13b... Themselves can confirm the input telephone number.
[0036]
This step S_FiveIn the above operation, it is possible to delete the incorrectly input number by using the clear key 8d shown in FIG. 3, or to abandon the input by using the cancel key 8c. Although not described in detail in FIG. 4, if the input of the consumer identification information is abandoned on the way, the processing is performed in a first loop L.₁Return to
[0037]
When the input of the telephone number is completed, the lighting of the numeric keypad 8a is turned off and the process proceeds to the next step (step S).₆)
[0038]
Step S₇Is a step of determining whether or not cash has been input from the cash input unit 4, step S₈Is a step of counting the passage of 20 seconds. These steps S₇, S₈Is the second loop L_TwoAnd wait for 20 seconds for cash to be inserted. Then, if cash is inserted during the 20 seconds, the process proceeds to the step indicated by reference numeral A in FIG.
[0039]
On the other hand, if cash is not inserted in 20 seconds, for example, "Thank you" is displayed, and the process returns to the start. (Step S₉That is, the process ends.
[0040]
The loop L₁In the case where there is cash input first, for example, the message “The input amount is XX yen. Prompts for a phone number. (Step S_Ten)
[0041]
Then, step S₁₁Is a step for judging whether or not there is an input from the numeric keypad 8a, step S₁₂Is a step for determining whether or not the change lever 5a has been operated, and furthermore, a step S₁₃Is a step of determining whether or not the product purchase button 3a has been pressed. These steps S₁₁~ S₁₃Is the third loop L_ThreeAnd waits for any of key input, operation of the change lever 5a, and purchase of a product.
[0042]
The loop L_ThreeIf there is a purchase of a product in the above, it is determined whether or not the balance after deducting the price of the product has become zero._ThreeReturn to the processing of. (Step S₁₄)
[0043]
On the other hand, when the balance becomes 0, for example, "Thank you" is displayed, and the process returns to the start. (Step S₁₅That is, the process ends.
[0044]
The loop L_ThreeIf there is a key input from the numeric keypad 8a in step_Five, S₆Step of performing a telephone number input operation (step S₁₆) And the step of turning off the illumination of the numeric keypad (step S)₁₇), And the process proceeds to a step indicated by reference numeral A in FIG.
[0045]
Step S₁₆Although not described in detail in FIG. 4 during the operation of (3), if the input of the consumer identification information is abandoned on the way, the processing is performed in a third loop L._ThreeMust be returned to
[0046]
Further, the loop L_ThreeIn the case where the change lever 5a is operated in the step (3), the operation of discharging the change is performed and the step S is performed.₁₅Jump to (Step S₁₈). Note that the loop L_ThreeMay be automatically terminated when a certain time (for example, one minute) continues. Also in this case, as in the case where the change lever 5a is operated, step S is executed.₁₈It is desirable to execute the processing of.
[0047]
In FIG. 5, the first process starting from the jump indicated by the symbol A is the start of counting. (Step S₁₉That is, in this example, the consumer purchases the purchase information of the product purchased by using the temporary data (not shown) for counting the purchased product from the time when both the input of the consumer identification information and the cash input are performed. Start counting.
[0048]
In the state in which the counting of the merchandise sales information based on the temporary data has started, for example, "The input amount is XX yen. Please purchase the merchandise" is displayed. (Step S₂₀That is, a consumer can purchase a product while checking the amount of money (or balance).
[0049]
Then, step S_{twenty one}In step S, it is determined whether or not the change lever 5a has been operated._{twenty two}It is determined whether or not the product has been purchased. And these steps S₂₀, S_{twenty one}, S_{twenty two}Is the fourth loop L_FourIs composed. Note that the loop L_FourMay be automatically terminated when a certain time (for example, one minute) continues. In this case, a later-described step S_{twenty three}It is desirable to jump to.
[0050]
Step S_{twenty one}When the operation of the change lever 5a is detected in the processing of (1), a change discharge processing is performed. (Step S_{twenty three})
[0051]
In addition, the consumer's product sales information is confirmed using the temporary data, and it is determined whether or not the consumer has purchased the product. (Step S_{twenty four}If the consumer has already purchased the product, step S₃₁Jump to
[0052]
On the other hand, if the consumer has not purchased the product, the counting operation of the product sales information based on the temporary data ends. (Step S_{twenty five})
[0053]
Then, for example, "Thank you" is displayed, and the process returns to the start. (Step S₂₆That is, the process ends.
[0054]
The step S_{twenty two}In the processing of the above, if it is determined that there is a purchase of the product, it is determined whether or not the balance becomes 0 with the price of the product being deducted, and if the balance does not become 0, the process proceeds to step S₂₀Jumps to the fourth loop L_FourReturn to (Step S₂₇)
[0055]
On the other hand, step S₂₇When it is determined that the remaining amount is 0 by the processing in the above, for example, "To continue purchasing, press the continuation button" is displayed, and the continuation button 8e (see FIG. 3) is blinked. (Step S₂₈)
[0056]
Following, step S₂₉Is a step for determining whether or not the continuation button 8e has been pressed.₃₀Is the step of measuring the passage of 10 seconds. That is, these steps S₂₉, S₃₀The fifth loop L_FiveIs formed, and it is programmed to wait until the continue button 8e is pressed for only 10 seconds.
[0057]
The step S₂₉When the continuation button 8e is pressed in₂₀Jumps to the fourth loop L_FourCan be returned to the process. The cash input is performed as needed, and the value of the displayed amount is updated with the cash input.
[0058]
The fifth loop L_FiveIf it is determined that the continuation button 8c has not been pressed for 10 seconds, the next step S₃₁Then, the counting operation of the merchandise sales information based on the temporary data is ended.
[0059]
Then, for example, "Thank you. The purchase amount was XX yen and the points were △△ points" is displayed, and the consumers 13a, 13b...
[0060]
In addition, the counted temporary data of the merchandise sales information is added to the sales information D stored in the memory 20 in association with the consumer identification information. Thereafter, the temporary data is deleted, and the process returns to the start. (Step S₃₃)
[0061]
As described above by way of example, the vending machine 1 of the present invention associates the purchase information of the product with the consumer identification information when the consumer inputs the consumer identification information and purchases the product. Since it can be stored in the memory 20, the consumer can very easily accumulate service points for the product.
[0062]
That is, if the consumer wants to provide the service, the vending machine matches the product by inputting consumer identification information such as his own telephone number before and after purchasing the product before and after cash input. It is configured to count points.
[0063]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of sales information data D accumulated by a vending machine. In FIG. 6, D₁Is position information indicating a place where the vending machine 1 is installed, D_TwoIs the consumer identification information, D_ThreeIndicates product sales information. Further, Da is time information of each product sold, Db is type information of the sold product, Dc is sales quantity information, Dd is sales amount information, and De is point information.
[0064]
Note that this example shows an easy-to-understand example for explanation, and does not limit the present invention. For example, the position information D₁May be not only the illustrated address but also a serial number or latitude / longitude information assigned to each vending machine. The consumer identification information is telephone number N₁, N_Two… Not just your email address A₁, And the consumers 13a, 13b,... Who have not input the consumer identification information may be provided with data B indicating that they have not been input.
[0065]
Similarly, it is needless to say that the time information Da can be changed to only the date or the time, or the type information Db can be changed to a product code instead of a product name. In the example shown in FIG._ThreeThe time information Da, the sales amount information Dd, and the point information De included in the₁Various modifications are possible such as including the following.
[0066]
Consider now the example shown in FIG. 6, it can be seen that the consumer 13a with telephone number 06-6123-4567 purchased two bottles of beer and two bottles of juice at 12.30 noon on November 1. . Also, it can be seen that the consumer 13a purchased a different beer and the same juice from the previous week at about the same time one week later. Further, it can be seen that the number of points collected by the consumer 13a during this period is 6.5 points.
[0067]
The sales information D described above is stored in the memory 20 in the control unit 17 and is kept as a record of the products purchased by the consumers 13a, 13b,. Then, when the amount of the sales information D reaches, for example, 80 to 90% of the storage capacity of the memory 20, the CPU 18 shown in FIG. clear. Alternatively, when the sales number reaches 80 to 90% of the total capacity of the commodities that can be replenished in the vending machine 1, (that is, when the remaining commodities become 20 to 10%), the server 10 stores the sales information. D may be transferred.
[0068]
That is, in the case of the above example, the modem 21 and the CPU 18 executing the information output program monitor the information amount of the sales information D stored in the memory 20 and determine when the amount of the sales information D reaches a predetermined ratio with respect to the capacity. Thus, it functions as a sales information output unit having a function of transferring the sales information D to the server 10 on the merchandise seller side via the communication means.
[0069]
By associating the transmission timing of the sales information D with the capacity as in this example, it is possible to prevent the memory 20 from becoming unable to remember the sales information D. In addition, the transmission of the sales information D is associated with the decrease in the number of remaining commodities, and the merchandise seller can replenish the vending machines 1 with commodities at appropriate times.
[0070]
The transfer of the sales information D may be performed at a stage where the worker goes around each vending machine 1 and replenishes commodities. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, when each worker 14 carries out a product filling operation, the sales information D filled in the memory 20 is stored in the handy terminal 15 by connecting the handheld terminal 15 on hand to the control unit 17. 15, the memory 20 may be cleared. Then, the sales information D stored in each handy terminal 15 is transferred to the server 10 via the connection port 16.
[0071]
In this case, an interface 22 for transferring the sales information D to the handy terminal 15 and a CPU 18 for executing a program for outputting the sales information D stored in the memory 20 to the handy terminal 15 when a worker replenishes the goods are provided. Functions as a sales information output unit. In this case, the cost for collecting the sales information D stored in the memory 20 can be minimized.
[0072]
When the sales information D is collected by the handy terminal 15, the state of the memory 20 can be cleared at the time of refilling the product, so that the remaining amount of the product in each vending machine 1 can be accurately managed. Further, the server 14 can confirm the work contents (confirmation of the replenishment number and collection amount of each product) by the worker 14.
[0073]
When the collection of the sales information D is performed at the same time as the product filling operation by the operator, the sales information D may be collected together with the memory 20. That is, the sales information D can be collected by replacing the memory 20 by using a removable recording medium (a memory chip such as a nonvolatile memory or a recording medium such as a floppy disk or MO) as the memory 20. Can be. That is, even if the volume of the sales information D is large, the time required for collecting the sales information D can be shortened as much as possible.
[0074]
Further, the collection of the sales information D may be performed every predetermined time. That is, the CPU 18 may measure a predetermined time from a clock circuit (not shown) or the like, and transfer the sales information D via the modem circuit 21 in a specific time zone specified by the server 10. In this case, the CPU 18 and the modem circuit 21 constitute a sales information output unit.
[0075]
In any case, by using the merchandise sales system 2, the merchandise seller can use the server 10 to collect sales information D on the merchandise sold by each vending machine 1 at low cost, This can be used for sales promotion. For example, the sales information D received from each vending machine 1 can be totaled for each product, and the sales can be estimated. In addition, the analysis can be performed for each of the vending machines 1A, 1B, 1C,..., And the preference analysis of the consumers 13a, 13b,.
[0076]
In addition, by creating a sales plan using the result of the preference survey, it is possible to arrange products more effectively and promote the sales.
[0077]
The server 10 totals the sales information D for each of the consumers 13a, 13b,..., So that the points collected by each of the consumers 13a, 13b,. When the points can be exchanged for some kind of service, each consumer 13a, 13b ... is notified that the service can be provided using the consumer identification information.
[0078]
For example, consumer identification information D_TwoIf the phone number is used as the, call that phone number and say, for example, "Your service point has become XX. You can redeem it for the product at the current point." Notify, you can select the product and accept the shipping address. Similarly, consumer identification information D_TwoWhen a mail address is used, a message substantially similar to the above is sent to the mail address to select a product and accept a destination address. The destination of the product once received is the consumer identification information D_TwoAnd registered in the server 10.
[0079]
That is, the consumers 13a, 13b... Can automatically accumulate points without collecting service tickets and stickers as in the related art. Can be obtained from Also, each of the consumers 13a, 13b,... Does not need to perform cumbersome management of the service point recruiting period, and all of them can be left to the server 10.
[0080]
In the above-described example, an example in which a keyboard such as the numeric keypad 8a is used as an example of the identification information input unit is shown. However, the present invention does not limit the configuration of the identification information input unit to the keyboard 8a. For example, it is conceivable to provide an infrared receiving unit for receiving a mobile phone number using an infrared signal output from a mobile phone as an identification information input unit. In this case, the consumers 13a, 13b,... Do not need to input the consumer identification information using the keyboard 8a, which is convenient, and can reduce the risk of the telephone number being known to a third party.
[0081]
Further, it is possible to provide a circuit for modulating an electromagnetic wave emitted from the mobile phone and converting it into information that can identify a consumer such as a telephone number, as an identification information input section. In this case, the consumer identification information can be transferred to the vending machine 1 without using a special mobile phone.
[0082]
Further, the line 11 connecting the vending machine 1 and the server 10 is not limited to the wired telephone line network 11a, but may be a mobile telephone line network 11b including a PHS. When the wired telephone line network 11a is used, a telephone line on the vending machine installer side can be borrowed or a new line can be provided to transfer the sales information D.
[0083]
When borrowing the telephone line of the vending machine installer as the line, it is necessary for the vending machine installer and the merchandise seller to make a contract regarding the use of the telephone line 11a. On the other hand, when a new communication line is provided, the initial cost is high, and installation work is required, but the line can be fully utilized. Furthermore, when a mobile phone line is used, the initial cost can be kept low, but a predetermined cost must be paid every month.
[0084]
Thus, the product sales system of the present invention does not limit the type of the line, and can connect to the server 10 using an arbitrary line as needed. Further, it is possible to carry out only the collection of the sales information D by the worker 14 without using the telephone line network 11, and in this case, the cost for communication of the sales information D can be substantially eliminated.
[0085]
【The invention's effect】
As described in detail above, by using the vending machine and the merchandise sales system of the present invention, sales information of the merchandise purchased by each consumer can be totaled, and the consumer can obtain a service corresponding to the purchased merchandise. Can be received from sellers. The merchandise seller can total the sales status of each merchandise and use this information for sales promotion.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a vending machine of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a product sales system of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the vending machine.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of a control program of the vending machine.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the flowchart.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of sales information stored in the vending machine.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Vending machine, 2 ... Commodity sales system, 8 ... Identification information input part, 8a ... Numeric keypad (keyboard), 10 ... Server, 13a, 13b ... Consumer, 14 ... Worker, 20 ... Memory, D ... Sales information , D_Two… Consumer identification information, D_Three… Product sales information.

Claims (10)

An vending machine that automatically sells a product provided by a product seller, and an identification information input unit for inputting consumer identification information for identifying a consumer of the product,
A memory for storing the merchandise sales information of the merchandise purchased by the consumer in association with the consumer identification information, and transferring sales information including at least the merchandise sales information and the consumer identification information stored in the memory to the merchandise seller; have a and sales information output section for, and,
The counting of the merchandise sales information is started when both the cash input to the vending machine and the input of the consumer identification information are performed, and the merchandise is sold when the remaining cash is exhausted or the change return lever is operated. A vending machine having a function of terminating counting of information . The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the consumer identification information is contact information such as a telephone number and a mail address, and the identification information input unit has a keyboard. 3. The automatic vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the sales information output unit has a function of transferring the sales information stored in the memory to a server of a merchandise seller via a communication unit at predetermined time intervals. Machine. The sales information output unit monitors the information amount of the sales information stored in the memory, and when the amount of the sales information reaches a predetermined ratio with respect to the capacity, the sales information is sold to the server on the merchandise seller side via the communication unit. The vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which has a function of transferring information. The automatic sales apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sales information output unit has a function of transferring sales information to a communication device having a data storage function of the worker when the worker replenishes the product. Vending machine. A product sales system that sells products provided by a product seller using a vending machine,
The merchant defines the services that accompany the merchandise,
Consumer identification information identifying the consumer entered before and after cash input is stored in a memory in each vending machine in association with the product sales information of the purchased product,
A server is provided on the merchandise seller side for summarizing at least merchandise sales information including merchandise sales information and consumer identification information stored in the memory for each consumer,
According to the sales information compiled by this server, provide services appropriate to the purchased products to each consumer , and
The consumer identification information is contact information such as a telephone number and an e-mail address, and it is determined that there is a service that can be provided to each consumer based on merchandise sales information for each consumer collected by the server. In this case, the product seller notifies the corresponding consumer of the provision of the service using the contact information, confirms the detailed consumer identification information such as the destination of the service, and registers this in the server. A merchandise sales system for sending a service desired by a consumer to the destination . 7. The merchandise sales system according to claim 6 , wherein each vending machine has a function of transferring sales information stored in a memory to the server via a communication unit at predetermined time intervals. Each vending machine monitors the information amount of the sales information stored in the memory, and when this reaches a predetermined ratio with respect to the storable capacity, a server on the merchandise seller side via the communication means. 8. The product sales system according to claim 6, further comprising a function of transferring sales information to said product. 9. The product according to claim 6 , wherein each of the vending machines has a function of transferring sales information to a communication device having a data storage function of the worker when the worker refills the product. Sales system. The product sales according to any one of claims 6 to 9 , wherein the sales information includes vending machine identification information, and the server has a function of counting sales information of the sales information for each vending machine by the server. system.

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