JP7543330B2 - Item providing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an item supply device that can supply items according to the demand of consumers.

Patent Document 1 below discloses a device that, by rotating a handle after inserting a coin, operates a dispensing mechanism by rotating the handle, so that items such as capsules stored in a case can be dispensed to a dispenser opening.

Since the number of items that can be stored in the case of the device is limited, it is desirable for the consumer to look into the case and check in advance whether the items are available for provision or not. However, if the items stored in the case are in the shade or the case is translucent, it may be difficult to adequately check in advance, which may result in problems with the intended provision of the items.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-326081

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide an item supply device that can display the item storage status to the consumer and ensure smooth supply of the desired item.

One aspect of the present invention is an item provision device capable of providing items in response to a consumer's request, comprising a provision unit and a guidance unit, wherein the provision unit comprises an item storage section for storing items, and an item provision section for providing the items stored in the item storage section, and the guidance unit comprises a storage status management section for managing the storage status of the items stored in the item storage section, and an information presentation section for presenting item storage information based on a management signal from the storage status management section.

The item provision device according to the present invention can provide the desired item provision without any hindrance by displaying the item storage status to the consumer.

FIG. 1(A) is a front view of a providing unit according to the present invention, FIG. 1(B) is a side view of the providing unit, and FIG. 1(C) is a block diagram of a control system of the providing unit. FIG. 2A is a front view of a guide unit according to the present invention, FIG. 2B is a side view of the guide unit, and FIG. 2C is a block diagram of a control system of the guide unit. FIG. 3 is a front view of an article providing apparatus (one example) constructed by combining the providing unit shown in FIG. 1 and the guiding unit shown in FIG. 4A to 4D are diagrams illustrating the operation of the article providing device shown in FIG. 5(A) and 5(B) are diagrams illustrating the operation of the article providing device shown in FIG. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the article providing device shown in FIG. 7A to 7D are diagrams illustrating the operation of the article providing device shown in FIG. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the article providing device shown in FIG. 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the article providing device shown in FIG. 10A to 10C are front views of an article providing apparatus (another construction example) having a different arrangement from the article providing apparatus (one construction example) shown in FIG.

The item provision device of the present invention is constructed by combining one or more provision units 10 (see FIG. 1) with one guidance unit 20 (see FIG. 2) (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 10), and is a device that provides items in response to demand from consumers.

First, referring to Figure 1, we will explain the configuration and control system of the supply unit 10.

As shown in Figures 1(A) and 1(B), the supply unit 10 has an item storage section 12 at the top of the housing 11, an item supply section 13 below, and a rotatable handle 14 on the front as an operating section.

The item storage section 12 stores a large number of items AR, for example toys or the like stored in divisible spherical capsules. The item storage section 12 may be transparent, translucent, or opaque, and the front surface of the item storage section 12, preferably the inside of the front surface, is provided with a printed matter attachment section 12a on which printed matter (not shown) such as advertisements corresponding to the stored items AR can be attached. In addition, the item storage section 12 can be unlocked and pulled out toward the user to store items AR in the item storage section 12.

The item provision unit 13, like that disclosed in Patent Document 1, has a rotating plate with a provision hole and a gear mechanism that rotates the rotating plate based on the rotation operation of the handle 14, and has the function of being able to provide one of the items AR stored in the item storage unit 12 to the removal opening 11a through the provision hole of the rotating plate by rotating the handle 14 by a predetermined angle.

In the present invention, since it is necessary to change the goods supply unit 13 from a non-supplyable state to a supplyable state based on a payment completion signal from the payment management unit 26 described later, the goods supply unit 13 is provided with a supply control unit (not shown) consisting of a mechanism for switching states, for example, a locking mechanism using a solenoid to make the rotating plate or handle 14 non-rotatable, and a mechanism for unlocking the solenoid to make the rotating plate or handle 14 rotatable, etc. In addition, by providing a payment acceptance unit that accepts payment (payment in coins), the lock of the handle 14 or the rotating plate may be released and the handle 14 or the rotating plate may be made rotatable, provided that the payment acceptance unit accepts the payment. In addition, the guide unit 20 may be configured to have only a payment settlement unit, a payment acceptance unit, or both a payment settlement unit and a payment acceptance unit.

As shown in FIG. 1(C), the supply unit 10 shown in FIG. 1(A) and FIG. 1(B) includes, as a control system, a microcomputer-configured control unit 16, an item supply unit 13 capable of switching the above-mentioned state based on a signal from the control unit 16, a light-emitting unit 15 using an LED or the like to visually indicate the supply unit 10 to be supplied (the supply unit 10 selected in response to the consumer's request) based on a signal from the control unit 16, and a sound-emitting unit 27 such as a speaker to audibly indicate the supply unit 10, a supply detection sensor 17 using a photoelectric switch or the like to detect whether or not an item AR stored in the item storage unit 12 has been supplied, and a communication interface 18 used for communication with the guidance unit 20.

Next, the configuration and control system of the guidance unit 20 will be explained with reference to Figure 2.

As shown in Figures 2(A) and 2(B), the guidance unit 20 has an image display unit (touch panel color display) 22 as an information presentation unit on the upper front surface of the housing 21, and below that has an electronic money reading and writing unit 23a, a two-dimensional code display unit 23b, and a two-dimensional code reading unit 23c as a payment unit. The left-right and up-down dimensions of this guidance unit 20 are the same as or approximately the same as the left-right and up-down dimensions of the provision unit 10 described above. Note that the payment unit may have at least one of the electronic money reading and writing unit 23a, the two-dimensional code display unit 23b, and the two-dimensional code reading unit 23c. The payment unit may also have the payment acceptance unit described above together with or instead of the payment unit.

The electronic money reading and writing unit 23a is used when making payment for the provision of the item AR by electronic money settlement, and the consumer brings an electronic money card, an electronic money compatible smartphone, etc. close to or into contact with the electronic money reading and writing unit 23a, and the settlement is made in the settlement management unit 26 described below.

The two-dimensional code display unit 23b is used to make payment for the provision of the item AR by reading and paying for the two-dimensional code, which is one type of two-dimensional code payment. The consumer reads the two-dimensional code displayed on the two-dimensional code display unit 23b with a smartphone or the like, and payment is made in the payment management unit 26, which will be described later.

The two-dimensional code reading unit 23c is used to make payment for the provision of the item AR by code payment, which is one of the two-dimensional code payments, and payment is made in the payment management unit 26 described below by having the two-dimensional code reading unit 23c read the two-dimensional code displayed on the consumer's smartphone or the like.

As shown in FIG. 2(C), the guidance unit 20 shown in FIG. 2(A) and FIG. 2(B) includes, as a control system, in addition to the control unit 24 configured as a microcomputer, the aforementioned image display unit 22 that displays images for operation guidance based on signals from the control unit 24, the aforementioned electronic money reading and writing unit 23a, the two-dimensional code display unit 23b and the two-dimensional code reading unit 23c, a storage status management unit 25 for managing the remaining number of items AR stored in the item storage unit 12 of the provision unit 10, and the aforementioned electronic money reading and writing unit 23b. the payment management unit 26 that manages payment (including electronic money withdrawal management, display of the 2D code, reading of the 2D code, etc.) by the payment unit 23a, the 2D code display unit 23b, and the 2D code reading unit 23c; a sound output unit 27 such as a speaker for outputting sound etc. in conjunction with the display on the image display unit 22; a memory unit 28 that stores the screens and images displayed on the image display unit 22 and the sound and sound effects etc. output in conjunction with the display; and a communication interface 29 used for communication with the provision unit 10.

Next, using FIG. 3, we will explain the configuration of an item provision device (one example configuration) constructed by combining a provision unit 10 and a guidance unit 20.

The item provision device shown in Figure 3 is constructed by combining five provision units 10 and one guidance unit 20, with three provision units 10 lined up on the lower level and two provision units 10 and one guidance unit 20 lined up on the upper level, with the guidance unit 20 sandwiched between the provision units 10. As mentioned above, the left-right and up-down dimensions of the provision units 10 and the guidance units 20 are the same or nearly the same, so the outline of the item provision device when viewed from the front is rectangular.

The item provision device shown in FIG. 3 may be constructed on the floor, but considering the ease of transporting and moving the item provision device, it is preferable to construct it on a base with wheels and connect the units to each other using appropriate connecting devices, or, if the base has a back wall, to connect each unit to the back wall. After construction, the communication interface 18 of each provision unit 10 is connected to the communication interface 29 of the guidance unit 20 by a dedicated cable, and a sticker or the like is affixed to the front of each provision unit 10 to indicate its respective location number 1 to 5.

When the item provision device shown in FIG. 3 is installed in a store or at a shop front, before and after installation, items AR, for example toys or the like contained in divisible spherical capsules, are stored in the item storage section 12 of each provision unit 10 by system. Incidentally, "system" here means the category to which the item AR belongs; for example, if the item AR is related to a character or the like that appears in a specific animation, the specific animation corresponds to the "system." In addition, after the item AR is stored in the item storage section 12 of each provision unit 10, a printed matter (not shown) corresponding to the stored item AR is attached to the printed matter attachment section 12a of each item storage section 12.

In addition, when the items AR are initially stored in the item storage section 12 of each provision unit 10, the number of items stored and information about the items AR are input to the guidance unit 20 for each provision unit 10. Examples of input methods include (1) connecting a dedicated terminal (not shown) to the communication interface 29 of the guidance unit 10, inputting, for example, 50 items as the number of items AR stored in the item storage section 12 of each provision unit 10 using the dedicated terminal (not shown), inputting information about the items AR, and storing it in the storage status management section 25, and (2) providing an input panel (not shown) on the rear surface of the guidance unit 10, inputting, for example, 50 items as the number of items AR stored in the item storage section 12 of each provision unit 10 using the input panel (not shown), and inputting information about the items AR, and storing it in the storage status management section 25. Methods (1) and (2) can also be used to replenish items AR in the item storage section 12 of each supply unit 10 after the item supply device shown in FIG. 3 has been installed.

Next, the operation of the item provision device shown in FIG. 3 will be explained, along with its effects, using FIG. 4 to FIG. 9.

When the item provision device shown in FIG. 3 is started, the standby screen S1 shown in FIG. 4(B) is displayed on the image display section (touch panel color display) 22 of the guidance unit 20 (step ST1 in FIG. 4(A)). This standby screen S1 may include, in addition to the message "Touch the screen" indicating the operating procedure, text and images (still images and moving images) for introducing the item provision device and the stored items AR. Incidentally, while the standby screen S1 is displayed, sounds and sound effects corresponding to the message, text and images may be output from the sound output section 27.

When a consumer touches the standby screen S1, the storage status of the items AR stored in the item storage section 12 of each supply unit 10 is checked based on a management signal from the storage status management section 25 (steps ST2 to ST3 in Figure 4 (A)).

When the check shows that all of the five provision units 10 have items AR in the item storage sections 12, the management signal is related to "all available for provision." In this case, in addition to the item selection screen S2 shown in FIG. 4(C), i.e., the message "Touch the item you want" indicating the operation procedure, five color images Ia1 to Ia5 (which may include text introducing the items) as first images indicating availability are displayed on the image display section 22 of the guidance unit 20 along with placement numbers 1 to 5 in a layout corresponding to the placement positions of the five provision units 10 (step ST4 in FIG. 4(A)). Incidentally, while the item selection screen S2 is displayed, a voice or sound effect corresponding to the message may be output from the sound output section 27.

On the other hand, when the check shows that there is no item AR in some of the item storage sections 12 of the five provision units 10, the management signal is related to "some items cannot be provided". For example, when there is no item AR in the item storage section 12 of the third provision unit 10, in addition to the item selection screen S2 shown in FIG. 4(D) , that is, the message "touch the item you want" indicating the operation procedure, one monochrome image Ia3' as the second image indicating that the item cannot be provided, and four color images Ia1, Ia2, Ia4, and Ia5 as the first images indicating that the item can be provided are displayed together with the placement numbers 1 to 5 in a layout corresponding to the placement positions of the five provision units 10 (step ST4 in FIG. 4(A)). For the monochrome image Ia3', a monochrome version of the color image Ia3 can be preferably used, but a dedicated monochrome image indicating that the item cannot be provided may also be used. Incidentally, while the item selection screen S2 is being displayed, a voice or sound effect corresponding to the message may be output from the sound unit 27.

That is, in the item selection screen S2 shown in FIG. 4(C) and FIG. 4(D), among the five images corresponding to the provision units displayed on the item selection screen S2, a color image is used as the first image representing availability, and a monochrome image is used as the second image representing non-availability, so that the item storage information (whether it can be provided or not) of the five provision units 10 can be accurately presented to the consumer. In addition, since the five images corresponding to the provision units are displayed in a layout corresponding to the arrangement positions of the five provision units 10, and furthermore, together with the arrangement numbers 1 to 5, the item storage information (whether it can be provided or not) of the five provision units 10 can be accurately presented to the consumer. Note that, when an item AR that is not expected to be stored in the item storage section 12 is stored, information about the item AR, for example, image information, is not prepared (provision of the item AR is not permitted), so that information about the item AR cannot be input to the guidance unit 20. In this case, the image corresponding to the provision unit in which the item AR is stored may be a monochrome image as the second image representing non-availability, and the provision unit in which the item AR is stored may be controlled so that the item AR cannot be provided. In other words, the item provision device may be controlled to provide only items AR that are permitted to be provided.

The consumer selects an item (selects a supply unit that contains the item desired by the consumer) by touching any one of the five color images Ia1 to Ia5 (which also serve as item selection buttons) in the case of the item selection screen S2 shown in FIG. 4(C), or any one of the four color images Ia1, Ia2, Ia4, and Ia5 (which also serve as item selection buttons) in the case of the item selection screen S2 shown in FIG. 4(D). If no item is selected within a predetermined time, for example, 30 seconds, after the item selection screen S2 shown in FIG. 4(C) or FIG. 4(D) is displayed on the image display unit 22 of the guidance unit 20, the process returns to step ST1, and the above-mentioned standby screen S1 is displayed on the image display unit 22 of the guidance unit 20 (steps ST5 to ST6 in FIG. 5(A)). In addition, the light-emitting unit 15 of the supply unit 10 that contains the corresponding item AR may be made to blink or light up depending on the item selection by the consumer.

When the item is selected within the predetermined time, the image display section 22 of the guidance unit 20 displays the item selection screen S3 shown in FIG. 5(B), i.e., when an item is selected by touching the color image Ia1 on the item selection screen S2 shown in FIG. 4(C) or FIG. 4(D), for example, in addition to the message indicating the operation procedure "Touch Confirm if this item is OK", an enlarged image (with a placement number) of the color image Ia1 relating to the selected item AR and a color or monochrome image Id as a third image indicating confirmation are displayed (step ST7 in FIG. 5(A)). Incidentally, while the item selection screen S3 is displayed, a voice or sound effect corresponding to the message may be output from the sound output section 27.

In the case of the product selection screen S3 shown in FIG. 5(B), the consumer selects a product by touching the third image Id (which also serves as the product provision selection button). However, if no product is selected within a predetermined time, for example 30 seconds, after the product selection screen S3 shown in FIG. 5(B) is displayed on the image display section 22 of the guidance unit 20, the process returns to step ST1, and the aforementioned standby screen S1 is displayed on the image display section 22 of the guidance unit 20 (steps ST8 to ST9 in FIG. 6(A)).

When the item is selected within the specified time, the image display section 22 of the guidance unit 20 displays the payment selection screen S4 shown in FIG. 6(B), i.e., in addition to the message "Touch payment method" indicating the operation procedure, a color or monochrome image Im1 as a fourth image representing electronic money payment, a color or monochrome image Im2 as a fifth image representing two-dimensional code payment 1 (scan payment), and a color or monochrome image Im3 as a sixth image representing two-dimensional code payment 2 (code payment) (step ST10 in FIG. 6(A)). Incidentally, while the payment selection screen S4 is displayed, a voice or sound effect corresponding to the message may be output from the sound output section 27.

The consumer selects a payment method by touching any one of the fourth to sixth images Im1 to Im3 (which also serve as payment method selection buttons) on the payment selection screen S4 shown in FIG. 6(B). If no payment method is selected within a predetermined time, for example 30 seconds, after the payment selection screen S4 shown in FIG. 6(B) is displayed on the image display section 22 of the guidance unit 20, the process returns to step ST1 and the aforementioned standby screen S1 is displayed on the image display section 22 of the guidance unit 20 (steps ST11 to ST12 in FIG. 7(A)).

When the payment selection is made within the specified time, the image display section 22 of the guidance unit 20 displays the payment explanation screen S5, S6 or S7 shown in Figures 7(B) to 7(D) according to the selected payment method. That is, when electronic money payment is selected, the payment explanation screen S5 displays, as shown in Figure 7(B), a color or monochrome image Ip1 as the seventh image representing the electronic money reading and writing section 23a, a message indicating the operating procedure "Please bring the electronic money close to...", and a color or monochrome image It as the tenth image indicating the time remaining until the payment is completed (step ST13 in Figure 7(A)). Incidentally, while the payment explanation screen S5 is displayed, a voice or sound effect corresponding to the message may be output from the sound output section 27.

When 2D code payment 1 (scan payment) is selected, the payment explanation screen S6, as shown in FIG. 7(C), displays a color or monochrome image Ip2 as an eighth image representing the 2D code display section 23b, a message indicating the operation procedure "Please scan the 2D code displayed on...", and a color or monochrome image It as a tenth image indicating the time remaining until the payment is completed (step ST13 in FIG. 7(A)). Incidentally, while the payment explanation screen S6 is displayed, a voice or sound effect corresponding to the message may be output from the sound unit 27.

Furthermore, when 2D code payment 2 (code payment) is selected, the payment explanation screen S7 displays, as shown in FIG. 7(D), a color or monochrome image Ip3 as a ninth image representing the 2D code reader 23c, a message indicating the operating procedure "Please bring the 2D code close to...", and a color or monochrome image It as a tenth image indicating the time remaining until the payment is completed (step ST13 in FIG. 7(A)). Incidentally, while the payment explanation screen S7 is displayed, voice or sound effects corresponding to the messages may be output from the sound unit 27.

In other words, the payment selection screen S4 shown in FIG. 6(B) allows the consumer to select one of three cashless payment methods, and the payment explanation screens S5-S7 shown in FIG. 7(B)-FIG. 7(D) explain the payment method selected by the consumer, allowing the consumer to select the payment method of their choice and to smoothly carry out the desired cashless payment. Note that it may also be possible to select a coin payment method other than cashless payment.

The consumer makes payment in accordance with the payment explanation screens S5 to S7 shown in Figures 7(B) to 7(D). If payment is not completed within a predetermined time, for example 30 seconds, after the payment explanation screens S5 to S7 shown in Figures 7(B) to 7(D) are displayed, the process returns to step ST1, and the aforementioned standby screen S1 is displayed on the image display section 22 of the guidance unit 20 (steps ST14 to ST15 in Figure 8(A)).

When the payment is completed within the specified time (based on a payment completion signal from the payment management unit 26), the image display unit 22 of the guidance unit 20 displays the operation instruction screen S8 shown in FIG. 8(B), i.e., when an item is selected by touching the third image Id on the item selection screen S3 shown in FIG. 5(B), for example, in addition to the color image Ia1 of the selected item AR and the message indicating the operation procedure "Please turn the handle number 1 where this item is stored", a color or monochrome image It as a 10th image indicating the remaining time until the operation is completed is displayed (step ST16 in FIG. 8(A)). Incidentally, while the operation instruction screen S8 is displayed, a voice or sound effect corresponding to the message may be output from the sound unit 27.

When the payment is completed within the specified time, for example, when the item is selected by touching the third image Id on the item selection screen S3 shown in FIG. 5B, and the payment is completed, a control signal for changing the item provider 13 of the first provision unit 10 containing the corresponding item AR from an unavailable state to an available state is sent from the control unit 24 of the guidance unit 20 to the control unit 16 of the provision unit 10 (step ST17 in FIG. 8A). As a result, the item provider 13 of the first provision unit 10 is changed from an unavailable state to an available state by the operation of the provision control unit (not shown). In addition, in conjunction with this state change, the light emitting unit 15 of the first provision unit 10 containing the corresponding item AR flashes or lights up (step not shown).

In the case of the operation instruction screen S8 shown in FIG. 8(B), the consumer operates the product provision by turning the handle 14 of the first provision unit 10. However, if no product is provided within a predetermined time, for example 30 seconds, after the operation instruction screen S8 shown in FIG. 8(B) is displayed on the image display unit 22 of the guidance unit 20 (when the provision of the product is not detected by the provision detection sensor 17), the light-emitting unit 15 goes out, the process returns to step ST1, and the aforementioned standby screen S1 is displayed on the image display unit 22 of the guidance unit 20 (steps ST18 to ST19 in FIG. 9(A)).

When the item is provided within the specified time, it is determined whether or not a lottery for free provision is being held in association with the provision of the item, and if the lottery has not yet been held, a lottery for free provision is held, and if the lottery is won, the process proceeds to step ST16, where the item is provided free of charge based on the operation explanation screen S8 (steps ST20 to ST22 in FIG. 9). Incidentally, the lottery in step ST21 is a lottery using random numbers.

In addition, when the item is provided within the specified time period, and when the item is provided free of charge, the number of items provided is subtracted from the corresponding remaining number of items stored in the storage status management unit 25 based on the detection signal of the provision detection sensor 17, and the remaining number after subtraction is stored in the storage status management unit 25 (step ST23 in FIG. 9(A)).

Furthermore, when it is determined in step ST20 that the lottery has been completed, the provision completion screen S9 shown in FIG. 9(B) is displayed on the image display section 22 of the guidance unit 20 (step ST24 in FIG. 9(A)). In addition to the message "Thank you" indicating completion of provision, this provision completion screen S9 may also include text and images (still images and moving images) for introducing the item provision device and the stored items AR. Incidentally, while the provision completion screen S9 is being displayed, sounds and sound effects corresponding to the message, text and images may be output from the sound output section 27.

After the provision completion screen S9 is displayed, the process returns to step ST1 when a predetermined time, for example 30 seconds, has elapsed since the start of the display, and the above-mentioned standby screen S1 is displayed on the image display section 22 of the guidance unit 20 (step ST24 in FIG. 9(A)).

Next, we will explain other configuration examples that have different layout configurations from the item provision device shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3 shows an item provision device constructed by combining five provision units 10 and one guidance unit 20 in two upper and lower tiers, but the number of provision units 10 in the upper tier may be three or more, and the number of provision units 10 in the lower tier may be four or more. Also, an item provision device with three tiers may be constructed by stacking the same number of provision units 10 as the three provision units 10 in the lower tier shown in Figure 3 on top of the upper tier, in which case the number of provision units 10 in the upper tier may be four or more, the number of provision units 10 in the middle tier may be three or more, and the number of provision units 10 in the lower tier may be four or more.

In addition, Figure 3 shows an article provision device in which the guide unit 20 is sandwiched between the provision units 10, but in cases where the number of provision units 10 is small or the installation space is small, it is also possible to adopt an arrangement in which the guide unit 20 is located at the end of the upper tier as shown in Figure 10 (A), or an arrangement in which the guide unit 20 is located at the end of a tier as shown in Figures 10 (B) and 10 (C).

Next, we will explain variations of the operations described above using the item provision device shown in Figure 3.

In the above explanation, each screen S1 to S9 displays a message in Japanese, but messages in other languages such as English, Chinese, Korean, etc. may also be displayed at the same time. In addition, an image that doubles as a language selection button for selecting between Japanese and a language other than Japanese may be displayed on the standby screen S1, and the messages and text displayed on the subsequent screens S2 to S9 and the corresponding audio output may be switched based on the touch of the language selection button.

In the above explanation, the flow (steps ST14 to ST15) was described as returning to step ST1 when no goods are provided within a predetermined time, for example 30 seconds, after the operation instruction screen S8 shown in FIG. 8(B) is displayed on the image display unit 22 of the guidance unit 20 (when the provision of the goods is not detected by the provision detection sensor 17). However, it is also possible to perform the refund process without returning to step ST1. In this case, as the refund process, a return selection screen (message such as "Touch return method") similar to the payment selection screen S4 shown in FIG. 6(B) is displayed on the image display unit 22 to allow the consumer to select a return method, and then a return instruction screen similar to the payment instruction screen S5, S6 or S7 shown in FIG. 7(B) to FIG. 7(D) is displayed on the image display unit 22 to request the consumer to perform the refund operation.

In addition, in the above explanation, each of the screens S2 to S9 displayed following the standby screen S1 does not display an image that doubles as a back button for returning to the previous screen, but such an image may be displayed on each of the screens S2 to S9 so that the user can return to the previous screen by touching the back button.

Furthermore, in the above description, the payment selection screen S4 shown in FIG. 6(B) is displayed on the image display unit 22 of the guidance unit 20 in step ST10, i.e., a screen where the consumer can select one of three cashless payment methods. However, the payment selection screen S4 may be configured to display one or two of electronic money payment, two-dimensional code payment 1 (read payment), and two-dimensional code payment 2 (code payment), and the image display unit 22 of the guidance unit 20 may be configured to display the payment explanation screen (one or two of S5, S6, and S7) that can be used in step ST13. In this case, in order to avoid misunderstanding by the consumer, the payment units that cannot be used from the guidance unit 20, i.e., one or two of the electronic money reading and writing unit 23a, the two-dimensional code display unit 23b, and the two-dimensional code reading unit 23c, may be excluded.

Also, the configuration may be such that the selectable provision units 10 are different depending on the selected payment method among the three types of cashless payment methods and the coin payment method (the provision units 10 capable of providing the goods are determined depending on the payment method). Specifically, for example, when electronic money payment is selected, the provision of goods can be made only from a first provision unit, and when coin payment is selected, the provision of goods can be made only from a second provision unit different from the first provision unit; or when electronic money payment is selected, the provision of goods can be made only from the first provision unit, and when two-dimensional code payment is selected, the provision of goods can be made only from a second provision unit different from the first provision unit.

In addition, in an item providing device constructed by combining multiple provision units 10 (e.g., a first provision unit, a second provision unit, a third provision unit, and a fourth provision unit) and one guidance unit 20, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which only consumers who have received items from the first to third provision units can receive items from the fourth provision unit. In this case, the provision of items from the fourth provision unit can be made for a fee or free of charge. Here, for consumers who select a cashless payment method as the payment method, the payment method may contain consumer information, so it is possible to recognize that they are consumers who have received items from a specific provision unit, while for consumers who select to pay with coins, it is impossible to recognize that they are consumers who have received items from a specific provision unit. In this case, it is possible to have them receive the items after having a card or the like containing information indicating the consumer recognized.

In addition, since the item providing device can be installed in any location, for example, when it is installed in the first to fourth locations, it may be configured such that only consumers who have received items from the item providing devices installed in the first to third locations can receive items from the item providing device installed in the fourth location. In this case, the item providing device installed in the fourth location can provide items for a fee or free of charge. Here, for consumers who select a cashless payment method as the payment method, the payment method may include information about the consumer, so it is possible to recognize that the consumer has received an item from a specific item providing device, while for consumers who select to pay with coins, it is impossible to recognize that the consumer has received an item from a specific item providing device. In this case, it is possible to have the consumer receive the item after having a card or the like containing information indicating the consumer recognized.

10... provision unit, 12... item storage section, AR... item, 13... item provision section, 14... handle (operation section), 15... light emitting section, 16... control section, 20... guidance unit, 22... image display section (information presentation section), 23a... electronic money reading and writing section, 23b... two-dimensional code display section, 23c... two-dimensional code reading section, 24... control section, 25... storage status management section, 26... payment management section, 27... sound output section, 28... memory section, S1... standby screen, S2... item selection screen, Ia1-Ia5... first image, Ia3'... second image, S3... item decision screen, Id... third image, S4... payment selection screen, Im1-Im3... fourth to sixth images, S5-S6... payment explanation screen, Ip1-Ip3... seventh to ninth images, It... tenth image, S8... operation explanation screen, S9... provision completion screen.

Claims (15)

An article providing device capable of providing an article in response to a request from a consumer,
A plurality of supply units constructed in combination, each having at least two outer faces, one guidance unit having the same left-right and up-down dimensions as the supply units and having at least two outer faces, and an operation unit operable by a consumer;
Equipped with
each of the provision units includes an article storage section for storing an article, the article storage section being capable of attaching a printed matter corresponding to the stored article , and an article provision section for providing the article stored in the article storage section;
the guidance unit includes a storage status management section for managing the storage status of the items stored in the item storage section, an information presentation section for presenting item storage information on a front surface of the guidance unit based on a management signal from the storage status management section, and a payment section on the front surface of the guidance unit;
the information presentation unit includes an image display unit, and is configured to display on the image display unit selectable images corresponding to the items accommodated in the item accommodation unit together with a layout image corresponding to the arrangement position of the provision unit;
a light-emitting unit provided in the selected provision unit is configured to emit light when one of the plurality of provision units corresponding to the management signal indicating that the provision unit is capable of providing the provision is selected and payment is completed, and the item provision unit of the selected provision unit is configured to change from a state in which the item cannot be provided to a state in which the item can be provided.
Item provision device. The image display unit is configured to be unable to select a providing unit related to the management signal being unavailable.
The article providing device according to claim 1 . The payment unit is configured to select one of a plurality of types of cashless payment.
The article providing device according to claim 1 or 2. Instead of the payment unit, the device may be configured to have only a payment acceptance unit that accepts payment in coins, or may have both the payment unit and the payment acceptance unit.
The article providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The condition is that the payment acceptance is completed instead of that the payment settlement is completed.
The article providing device according to claim 4 . The image display unit is configured to display a first message indicating an operation procedure together with an image related to the selected provision unit, on the condition that a provision unit related to which the management signal can be provided is selected.
The article providing device according to claim 4 . The image display unit is configured to display an image related to the payment or the payment acceptance together with a second message indicating an operation procedure.
The article providing device according to any one of claims 4 to 6. The image display unit is configured to display a third message related to the operation of the operation unit together with a display indicating the position of the selected provision unit, on the condition that payment or payment acceptance is completed.
The article providing device according to any one of claims 4 to 7. One of the provision units is configured to be capable of providing an article without the condition of payment or completion of payment acceptance, and the remaining units are configured to be capable of providing an article on the condition of payment or completion of payment acceptance.
The article providing device according to any one of claims 4 to 8. The guiding unit further includes a lottery unit that performs a lottery for a free offer based on the offer of the article.
The article providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. the guiding unit is configured to be able to provide an item free of charge on condition that the guiding unit wins the lottery drawn by the lottery unit,
The article providing device according to claim 10. Each of the provision units further includes a rotating plate having a provision hole through which the articles can pass one by one;
The article providing unit of the selected providing unit is configured to change from a state in which the article cannot be provided to a state in which the article can be provided by rotation of the rotating plate.
The article providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The provision units include a provision unit capable of providing an item on condition that the payment is completed, and a provision unit capable of providing an item on condition that the payment acceptance is completed.
The article providing device according to any one of claims 4 to 12. The plurality of supply units and the one guidance unit are connected by a dedicated cable and constructed on a base.
The article providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 13. The plurality of provision units are arranged in either an upper tier and a lower tier, or an upper tier, a middle tier, and a lower tier.
The article providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.