JP7564738B2 - Terminal device, vending machine management system, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a terminal device that processes information regarding the completion of a trade change operation in a vending machine.

In the prior art, there was a management server technology that could assign unique device identification information to devices such as vending machines connected to a network (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Patent Publication No. 2020-60806

However, in conventional technology, it was not possible to manage the completion of product replenishment for switching products in a vending machine (hereinafter referred to as "product switching")

The terminal device of the first invention is a terminal device that includes a terminal storage unit in which a vending machine identifier that identifies a vending machine is stored, a terminal reception unit that receives refill completion information indicating that refilling of a product for switching a product in a column of a vending machine identified by the vending machine identifier has been completed, a refill completion information configuration unit that configures the refill completion information associated with the vending machine identifier, and a terminal transmission unit that transmits the refill completion information configured by the refill completion information configuration unit to a server device.

This configuration can help manage the completion of product replenishment for product switching in vending machines.

The terminal device of the second invention is a terminal device according to the first invention, in which the terminal reception unit also receives a column identifier that identifies the column in which the product was switched, and the restocking completion information configuration unit configures restocking completion information that is associated with the vending machine identifier and the column identifier.

This configuration can help more appropriately manage the completion of product replenishment for product switching in vending machines.

The terminal device of the third invention is a terminal device according to the first or second invention, further comprising a trade-in information acquisition unit that acquires trade-in information, which is information about the product to be switched, and a terminal output unit that outputs the trade-in information.

This configuration can help manage the completion of product replenishment for product switching in vending machines.

The terminal device of the fourth invention is a terminal device according to the third invention, in which the terminal reception unit receives a trade exchange information transmission instruction having a vending machine identifier, the terminal transmission unit transmits the trade exchange information transmission instruction to the server device, and the trade exchange information acquisition unit receives trade exchange information from the server device in response to the transmission of the trade exchange information transmission instruction.

This configuration can help manage the completion of product replenishment for product switching in vending machines.

The terminal device of the fifth invention is a terminal device according to the third or fourth invention, in which the terminal reception unit receives a trade change information identifier that identifies the trade change information output by the terminal output unit, and the replenishment completion information configuration unit configures replenishment completion information associated with the trade change information identifier.

This configuration can help manage the completion of product replenishment for product switching in vending machines.

The terminal device of the sixth invention is a terminal device according to any one of the third to fifth inventions, in which the trade-in information indicates that a product that satisfies a product-switching target condition and is subject to product switching in the vending machine is to be replaced with a product that is not sold in the vending machine and whose sales volume information on sales volume in another vending machine that satisfies a similarity condition in one or more attribute values of the vending machine satisfies a best-selling condition, and the trade-in information is acquired by the server device, and the trade-in information acquisition unit receives the trade-in information from the server device.

This configuration can help manage the completion of product replenishment for product switching in vending machines.

The seventh aspect of the present invention is a vending machine management system according to any one of the third to fifth aspects of the present invention, which includes a server device and one or more terminal devices. The server device is a vending machine management system that includes a sales information storage unit in which sales information including sales volume information on the sales volume of each product associated with a vending machine identifier is stored, an attribute value storage unit in which one or more attribute values of the vending machine associated with the vending machine identifier are stored, a product change information acquisition unit that acquires product change information indicating that a product whose sales volume information satisfies a poor sales condition in one vending machine is replaced with a product whose sales volume information of another vending machine satisfies a best-selling condition and is not sold in the one vending machine, and whose one or more attribute values of the one vending machine satisfy a similarity condition, a server transmission unit that transmits the product change information to the terminal device, a server reception unit that receives from the terminal device replenishment completion information associated with the vending machine identifier, and a product change completion information storage unit that stores completion information indicating the completion of product switching in association with the vending machine identifier when the server reception unit receives the replenishment completion information.

This configuration makes it possible to manage the completion of product replenishment for product switching in a vending machine.

The terminal device according to the present invention can assist in managing the completion of product replenishment for product switching in a vending machine.

Conceptual diagram of a vending machine management system A in the first embodiment Block diagram of the vending machine management system A A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the terminal device 1. A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the server device 2. A flowchart illustrating an example of the trade exchange information acquisition process. A flowchart illustrating an example of the new product determination process. A diagram showing the vending machine management table A diagram showing the sales information management table A diagram showing the attribute value management table A diagram showing the exchange information management table A diagram showing an example of the screen A diagram showing an example of the screen A diagram showing an example of the screen A diagram showing an example of the screen A diagram showing an example of the screen A diagram showing an example of the screen A diagram showing an example of the screen

Embodiments of a terminal device and the like will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that components with the same reference numerals in the embodiments perform similar operations, and therefore may not be described again.

(Embodiment 1)
In this embodiment, a terminal device that receives a replenishment completion notification of a product that has been switched in a vending machine and transmits replenishment completion information associated with a vending machine identifier to a server device will be described.

In addition, in this embodiment, a terminal device that transmits replenishment completion information associated with the column identifier of the column in which the product was switched to the server device will be described.

In addition, in this embodiment, a terminal device that outputs a list of product changes and then accepts completion of product replenishment will be described. Note that, while it is preferable for the list to include two or more pieces of product change information, it may also include only one piece of product change information.

In this embodiment, we will also explain a terminal device that receives and outputs a product change list from the server device.

In this embodiment, a server device is described that acquires a list of product switches for each vending machine, which contains information on products to replace poorly selling products, best-selling products in vending machines similar to the vending machine, and products not available in the vending machine, and transmits the list to a terminal device.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a vending machine management system having the above terminal device and the above server device will be described.

Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of a vending machine management system A in this embodiment. The vending machine management system A includes one or more terminal devices 1 and a server device 2.

The terminal device 1 is usually a terminal of an operator. The operator here is a person who refills the columns of the vending machine with products or switches products. Product switching is a change of product in a column of the vending machine. Product switching is, for example, changing a product in one column of the vending machine to another product. The other product may be the same product as the product in the other column of the vending machine, or may be a product that does not exist in any column of the vending machine. Changing a product in one column of the vending machine to a product in another column of the same vending machine and putting the product in two or more columns is referred to as "column addition." Column addition may be performed to put one product in three or more columns. In addition, replacing a product in one column of the vending machine with a product that does not exist in any column of the vending machine is referred to as "new product introduction." In addition, product switching is, for example, replacing a product in one column of the vending machine (for example, a product in the upper column) with a product in another column of the vending machine (for example, a product in the lower column). This type of product switching is referred to as a "column position change."

The terminal device 1 may be, for example, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a personal computer, etc., but the type is not important.

The server device 2 is a server that receives and manages replenishment completion information, which is information indicating that replenishment of products for product switching has been completed. The server device 2 is, for example, a so-called cloud server or ASP server, but the type is not important.

Figure 2 is a block diagram of the vending machine management system A in this embodiment.

The terminal device 1 includes a terminal storage unit 11, a terminal reception unit 12, a terminal processing unit 13, a terminal transmission unit 14, a terminal reception unit 15, and a terminal output unit 16. The terminal processing unit 13 includes a replenishment completion information configuration unit 131. The terminal reception unit 15 includes a trade exchange information acquisition unit 151.

The server device 2 includes a server storage unit 21, a server receiving unit 22, a server processing unit 23, and a server transmitting unit 24. The server storage unit 21 includes a sales information storage unit 211, an attribute value storage unit 212, and a trade exchange information storage unit 213. The server processing unit 23 includes a trade exchange information determination unit 231, a trade exchange completion information accumulation unit 232, and a statistical processing unit 233. The server transmitting unit 24 includes a notification unit 241.

Various types of information are stored in the terminal storage unit 11 constituting the terminal device 1. For example, the terminal storage unit 11 stores a vending machine identifier that identifies one or more vending machines. For each of two or more workers, the terminal storage unit 11 may store a vending machine identifier that identifies each of two or more vending machines that the worker is responsible for. The vending machine identifier is, for example, an ID that identifies a vending machine, an IP address of the vending machine, information that identifies the location where the vending machine is installed, a nickname of the vending machine, etc. However, the vending machine identifier may be any information that can identify a vending machine. For example, the terminal storage unit 11 stores a worker identifier that identifies a worker. The worker identifier is, for example, the ID and name of the worker. The worker identifier may be the terminal identifier of the terminal device 1.

The terminal reception unit 12 receives various instructions and information. Examples of the instructions and information include an instruction to send exchange information, replenishment completion information, a vending machine identifier, a column identifier that identifies the column of the vending machine, and an exchange information identifier that identifies the exchange information.

The trade exchange information transmission instruction is an instruction to transmit trade exchange information, and includes, for example, a vending machine identifier. The trade exchange information transmission instruction may also include an operator identifier.

The trade-in information is information that specifies a trade-in. For example, when a trade-in is changing a trade-in in one column of a vending machine to another trade-in, the trade-in information includes, for example, information on the trade-in in one column that is removed from the vending machine (e.g., one or more pieces of information on the trade-in, such as the trade-in, product name, product ID, product image, etc.) and information on the other trade-in in one column of the vending machine (e.g., one or more pieces of information on the trade-in, product ID, product image, etc.). The trade-in information may also include a column identifier that identifies the column in which the trade-in occurs. For example, when a trade-in is a change in column position that replaces a trade-in in one column of a vending machine with a trade-in in another column of the vending machine, the trade-in information includes information on the one column or trade-in (e.g., one or more pieces of information on the column identifier, product name, product ID, product image, etc.) and information on the other column or trade-in (e.g., one or more pieces of information on the column identifier, product name, product ID, product image, etc.).

The trade exchange information is preferably information acquired by the trade exchange information determination unit 231. The trade exchange information is preferably information received from the server device 2.

Replenishment completion information is information indicating that replenishing of products for a product switch in a column of a vending machine has been completed. Replenishment completion information corresponds to, for example, a vending machine identifier. Replenishment completion information corresponds to, for example, a column identifier. Replenishment completion information corresponds to, for example, a product change information identifier. The method of accepting replenishing completion information is based on, for example, the instruction of a specific button (for example, a completion button), but the method of acceptance is not important.

Here, reception is a concept that includes the reception of information input from input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel, the reception of information transmitted via a wired or wireless communication line, and the reception of information read from recording media such as optical disks, magnetic disks, and semiconductor memories.

The means for inputting various instructions and information can be anything, such as a touch panel, keyboard, mouse, or menu screen.

The terminal processing unit 13 performs various types of processing. For example, the various types of processing are performed by the replenishment completion information configuration unit 131.

The refill completion information configuration unit 131 configures the refill completion information. The refill completion information configuration unit 131 configures the refill completion information associated with, for example, a vending machine identifier. The refill completion information configuration unit 131 configures the refill completion information associated with, for example, a vending machine identifier and a column identifier. The refill completion information configuration unit 131 configures the refill completion information associated with, for example, a trade change information identifier. Note that the refill completion information associated with information may be the refill completion information having the information. In addition, the vending machine identifier, the column identifier, and the trade change information identifier are stored in the terminal storage unit 11.

The terminal transmission unit 14 transmits various instructions and information to the server device 2. For example, the terminal transmission unit 14 transmits the replenishment completion information constructed by the replenishment completion information construction unit 131 to the server device 2. The timing at which the terminal transmission unit 14 transmits the replenishment completion information does not matter. For example, the terminal transmission unit 14 transmits the replenishment completion information to the server device 2 in response to the reception of the replenishment completion information by the terminal reception unit 12 or instructions from a worker.

The terminal transmission unit 14 transmits a trade exchange information transmission instruction to the server device 2. In response to receiving the trade exchange information transmission instruction, the terminal transmission unit 14 transmits the trade exchange information transmission instruction.

The terminal receiving unit 15 receives various information. The various information is, for example, one or more pieces of trade change information. Information on the product to be switched. The various information is, for example, various screen information. The screen information is information that is the basis for the screen to be output. The screen information is realized, for example, in HTML, XML, etc., but the realization method is not important. The various information is, for example, sales information for each of two or more columns of the vending machine. The details of the sales information will be described later, but the sales information may include sales information. The sales information is information on the sales of the product, and may be the same as the sales volume information described later. The various information is, for example, the results of statistical processing in the server device 2, which will be described later.

The trade exchange information acquisition unit 151 acquires one or more pieces of trade exchange information. The trade exchange information acquisition unit 151 typically receives one or more pieces of trade exchange information from the server device 2 in response to transmission of a trade exchange information transmission instruction.

The trade-change information is preferably information indicating that a product in one vending machine, whose sales volume information satisfies a poor sales condition, is to be replaced with a product not sold in the one vending machine, whose sales volume information satisfies a best-selling condition, and whose sales volume information in another vending machine satisfies a similarity condition in one or more attribute values of the one vending machine. However, as described below, various types of trade-change information are possible.

The terminal output unit 16 outputs various information, such as trade exchange information, statistical processing results described below, screens, etc.

The terminal output unit 16 outputs, for example, one or more pieces of trade exchange information acquired by the trade exchange information acquisition unit 151.

In this case, output usually means display on a display, but it may also be a concept that includes projection using a projector, printing on a printer, sound output, transmission to an external device, storage on a recording medium, and delivery of processing results to other processing devices or other programs, etc.

Various types of information are stored in the server storage unit 21 that constitutes the server device 2. The various types of information include, for example, sales information (described later), attribute values (described later), trade-change information, replenishment completion information, vending machine information, poor sales conditions (described later), and best-selling conditions (described later).

Vending machine information is information about a vending machine. The vending machine information includes information about the arrangement of products in the vending machine. The vending machine information has a vending machine identifier, one or more column identifiers, and a product identifier corresponding to each column identifier. The vending machine information may have the number of full tanks, the number in stock, the type, the installation location attribute, the installation position, the operator identifier, etc. corresponding to each column identifier. The number of full tanks is the maximum number of products that can be contained in a column identified by the column identifier. The number in stock may be information corresponding to the column identifier or information corresponding to the product identifier. The vending machine information may have information indicating the type of vending machine. The type is the type of vending machine. Note that the type is associated with a maximum quantity corresponding to one or more column identifiers. The maximum quantity is the maximum number of products that can be contained in a column. The installation location attribute is information indicating the attribute of the location where the vending machine is installed, for example, whether it is one of "office", "outdoors", "inside a store", etc. The installation location is information that identifies the location where the vending machine is installed, and is, for example, the prefecture, city, town, or village, address, (latitude, longitude), etc., where the vending machine is installed.

Destination information is stored in the server storage unit 21, for example, in association with a worker identifier or a vending machine identifier. The destination information is information about the destination of a person who needs to be notified of the completion of a product switching operation (hereinafter referred to as "product switching operation" as appropriate). The destination information is information indicating the destination of, for example, the worker's manager or the vending machine manager. The destination information is, for example, an email address, a telephone number, an IP address, etc.

The sales information storage unit 211 stores one or more pieces of sales information. The sales information is information related to the sales of products in the vending machine. The sales information includes sales volume information related to the sales volume of each product. The sales volume information is, for example, the number of products sold in a unit period, information indicating that one product has been sold, and the sell-out time. The sell-out time is information indicating the time until the product is sold out. The sell-out time is information indicating the time until the product is sold out after a full number of products are inserted into a column in which the products are stored. The sell-out time may also be called the sell-out cycle. The unit of the information indicating the time may be days, hours, minutes, etc., and the unit is not important.

The sales information includes, for example, a product identifier or a column identifier. Note that a column identifier is usually associated with a product identifier. Also, the sales information is usually associated with a vending machine identifier.

The attribute value storage unit 212 stores one or more attribute values of a vending machine. The one or more attribute values are associated with a vending machine identifier. The attribute values are dynamic attribute values or static attribute values. Dynamic attribute values are information that can change from moment to moment or frequently. Static attribute values are information that typically do not change frequently.

The dynamic attribute value is, for example, information acquired based on sales information. The dynamic attribute value is, for example, sales volume information corresponding to a product identifier. The dynamic attribute value is, for example, sales volume information corresponding to a product category identifier. The category identifier is the type of product, for example, "water," "tea," "coffee," or "carbonated drink." Note that the sales volume information is, for example, the time of sell-out, the number of items sold or the sales amount during a unit period or a predetermined period.

Static attribute values are, for example, the location attribute of the vending machine, the installation position, and the type of vending machine.

The trade-in information storage unit 213 stores one or more trade-in information. Trade-in information is usually associated with a vending machine identifier. Trade-in information is, for example, information acquired by the trade-in information determination unit 231. However, trade-in information may also be information entered manually.

It is preferable that the trade-in information in the trade-in information storage unit 213 corresponds to time information, which is information that specifies the time when the product specified by the trade-in information was switched. The time information is, for example, information indicating the day, information indicating the month, or information indicating the date and time.

The trade change information in the trade change information storage unit 213 is associated with, for example, a worker identifier. The worker identifier is information that identifies the worker who performed the product switching work.

The server receiving unit 22 receives various instructions and information. The various instructions and information are, for example, replenishment completion information, an instruction to send exchange information, sales information, etc. The server receiving unit 22 receives, for example, replenishment completion information and an instruction to send exchange information from the terminal device 1. The server receiving unit 22 also receives sales information, etc. from one or more vending machines (not shown).

The server processing unit 23 performs various types of processing. For example, the various types of processing are performed by the trade exchange information determination unit 231, the trade exchange completion information accumulation unit 232, and the statistical processing unit 233.

The product exchange information determination unit 231 acquires product exchange information for each of one or more vending machines. The product exchange information is information about the product for which product switching is to be performed.

The trade exchange information determination unit 231 acquires trade exchange information, for example, when a product switching target condition is met.
The product switching target condition is a condition under which a product in a vending machine is subject to switching. The product switching target condition is a condition under which a product is excluded from a vending machine.
The product switching target conditions are, for example, (1) one or more products in one vending machine are experiencing poor sales and satisfy a poor sales condition described below, (2) one or more products in one vending machine are seasonal limited products and satisfy a seasonal switching condition for the season corresponding to the seasonal limited products, etc. Each of the cases (1) and (2) will be described in detail.
(1) When the product switching target condition is a poor performance target condition, the product switching information determination unit 231, for example, uses the sales information in the sales information storage unit 211 to determine a product whose sales volume information contains the sales information and satisfies the poor performance condition for each of one or more vending machines, and obtains product switching information for the product.

The sluggish performance condition is a condition for determining whether or not a product is subject to switching. The sluggish performance condition is a condition for determining whether or not sales are sluggish. The sluggish performance condition is, for example, a condition related to sales volume information. The sluggish performance condition is, for example, a condition related to low sales volume indicated by sales volume information. The sluggish performance condition is, for example, "sales volume information, which is the number of products sold in a unit period, is below a threshold or less than the threshold" and "sales volume information, which is the time of sell-out, is above a threshold or for a period longer than the threshold."

The trade-change information determination unit 231 acquires trade-change information, which is information indicating that, for example, a product in one vending machine whose sales volume information satisfies a poor sales condition is to be replaced with a product not sold in the one vending machine whose sales volume information in another vending machine satisfies a best-selling condition and whose one or more attribute values of the one vending machine satisfy a similarity condition. Note that the trade-change information determination unit 231 may determine the new product to be introduced by a method other than detecting a product that satisfies a best-selling condition. Such another method is, for example, seasonal limited products as described in (2).

Similarity conditions are conditions for determining whether two vending machines are similar. Similarity conditions are conditions that use the attribute values of the two vending machines.

The similarity condition is, for example, that the similarity of vectors whose elements are two or more attribute values of two or more vending machines is within a threshold or greater than a threshold. Here, it is preferable that the two or more attribute values include dynamic attribute values obtained based on sales information.

The best-selling condition is a condition for determining whether or not a product is subject to switching. The best-selling condition is also a condition for determining whether or not sales are good. The best-selling condition is a condition that uses sales volume information. For example, the best-selling condition is that "sales volume information, which is the number of products sold in a unit period, is equal to or greater than a threshold value" and "sales volume information, which is the time when a product is sold out, is equal to or less than a threshold value or for a period shorter than the threshold value."

The trade-change information determination unit 231, for example, uses the sales information from the sales information storage unit 211 for each of one or more vending machines to determine products whose sales volume information in the sales information satisfies the best-selling conditions, and acquires trade-change information related to the products. In such a case, the trade-change information determination unit 231 acquires, for example, trade-change information indicating a column addition that increases the number of columns for the determined product. In addition, in such a case, the trade-change information determination unit 231 typically acquires trade-change information for the introduction of a new product that replaces the column of the product with the lowest sales volume indicated by the sales volume information with a product that satisfies the best-selling conditions.

Note that the products that are the subject of product switching here are, for example, products that are the subject of an increase in the number of columns, or products that are the subject of rearrangement to columns that can accommodate a larger number of products.

The trade-change information determination unit 231 acquires trade-change information, which is information indicating that, for example, from a certain vending machine, a product whose sales volume information satisfies a poor sales condition is to be removed.

The trade-change information determination unit 231 acquires trade-change information, which is information indicating, for example, in one vending machine, changing a product whose sales volume information satisfies a poor performance condition to a column that can store a smaller number of products. Such trade-change information is, for example, information indicating that a product whose sales volume information satisfies a poor performance condition and that a product in an upper column of the vending machine is to be rearranged to a lower column. In this case, "the maximum number of products that can fit in the upper column is greater than the maximum number of products that can fit in the lower column."
(2) When the product switching target condition is a seasonal switching condition When one or more products of a vending machine are seasonal limited products, the product switching information determination unit 231 obtains today's date from a clock (not shown), obtains the end date of the period corresponding to the seasonal limited products, and judges whether today's date and the end date of the period satisfy the seasonal switching condition. When the seasonal switching condition is satisfied, the product switching information determination unit 231 determines the seasonal limited products of a vending machine as the target products for product switching, and obtains product switching information related to the products.
The season switching condition is, for example, that today's date is within a predetermined threshold value of the end date of the period corresponding to the seasonal limited product, that today's date is the end date of the period corresponding to the seasonal limited product, or that today's date has passed the end date of the period corresponding to the seasonal limited product. It is assumed that the end date of the period corresponding to the seasonal limited product is managed in association with the seasonal limited product.
The product change information determination unit 231 then acquires product change information indicating that the product that satisfies the season switching condition is to be changed to another product. Here, the other product is, for example, a product that satisfies the best-selling condition (1). Also, the other product is, for example, another seasonal product that corresponds to the seasonal period following the season corresponding to the seasonal limited product being removed. Note that it is preferable that information on one or more seasonal limited products is managed for each piece of information that specifies a seasonal period.

It is preferable that the product change information determination unit 231 acquires product change information only for vending machines that satisfy the product change consideration conditions. The product change consideration conditions are, for example, that a predetermined period of time has passed since the product change operation indicated by the time information corresponding to the product change completion information was performed, that a predetermined period of time has passed since the product change information was last acquired, and that a flag indicating that product switching will not be performed is not associated with the vending machine identifier.

When the server receiving unit 22 receives replenishment completion information, the product change completion information storage unit 232 stores product change completion information indicating the completion of product switching in association with the vending machine identifier. Note that the storage here may be temporary. The product change completion information is information indicating that the product change work has been completed. The product change completion information may be time information indicating when the product change work was completed, or the identifier of the worker who performed the product change work.

The statistical processing unit 233 performs statistical processing on two or more pieces of exchange information in the exchange information storage unit 213. The content of the statistical processing is not important. The statistical processing on the exchange information may be statistical processing using information paired with the exchange information (e.g., exchange type, exchange acquisition date, information on when the product switch was made, the identifier of the worker who performed the product switch, a completion flag indicating the completion of the product switch).

The statistical processing unit 233, for example, uses two or more pieces of exchange information in the exchange information storage unit 213 to obtain the number of times a product has been switched during a unit period for each product. The statistical processing unit 233 refers to the time information corresponding to each of the two or more pieces of exchange information in the exchange information storage unit 213, obtains one or more pieces of exchange information that are paired with the time information corresponding to the unit period from the exchange information storage unit 213, and obtains the number of times each product has been switched during the unit period using the one or more pieces of exchange information obtained.

The statistical processing unit 233, for example, uses two or more pieces of exchange information in the exchange information storage unit 213 to obtain the number of exchanges due to product switching for each product during a unit period. The number of exchanges is the number of times a product is inserted into a vending machine due to a product switching.

The statistical processing unit 233 obtains the number of times a product has been exchanged for each category during a unit period, for example, using two or more pieces of exchange information from the exchange information storage unit 213. The number of times a product has been exchanged is the number of times a product has been removed from the vending machine due to a product change.

The statistical processing unit 233 obtains the number of trade changes for each category during a unit period, for example, using two or more pieces of trade change information in the trade change information storage unit 213.

The statistical processing unit 233, for example, uses an operator identifier paired with the exchange information in the exchange information storage unit 213 to obtain the number of exchange operations, which is the number of times that exchange operations have been performed for each operator. The statistical processing unit 233, for example, obtains the number of exchange operations in a unit period for each operator.

The statistical processing unit 233 obtains the number of exchange operations for each vending machine, for example, by using a vending machine identifier that is paired with the exchange information in the exchange information storage unit 213. The statistical processing unit 233 obtains the number of exchange operations for each vending machine in a unit period, for example.

The statistical processing unit 233, for example, uses time information paired with the trade change information in the trade change information storage unit 213 to obtain sales trend information for a predetermined period (for example, one week, one month) after the time information. The sales trend information is information on the results of comparing sales before the product switching work with sales after the product switching work. The sales trend information is, for example, information indicating the difference or whether there has been an increase between sales information (for example, sales volume) for a predetermined period of the column that is the target of the product switching before the product switching work and sales information (for example, sales volume) for a predetermined period of the column that is the target of the product switching after the product switching work.

The statistical processing unit 233 obtains the number of times exchanges have been made for each worker, for example, using two or more pieces of exchange information from the exchange information storage unit 213.

The statistical processing unit 233 obtains the number of trade changes for each worker, for example, using two or more pieces of trade change information in the trade change information storage unit 213.

The server transmission unit 24 transmits the trade exchange information acquired by the trade exchange information determination unit 231 to the terminal device 1. The timing at which the server transmission unit 24 transmits the trade exchange information to the terminal device 1 does not matter. It is preferable that the trade exchange information acquired by the trade exchange information determination unit 231 is stored in the trade exchange information storage unit 213.

In response to receiving a trade exchange information transmission instruction from the terminal device 1, the server transmission unit 24 transmits trade exchange information that is paired with the vending machine identifier that corresponds to the trade exchange information transmission instruction to the terminal device 1.

In response to receiving the replenishment completion information, the notification unit 241 obtains destination information corresponding to the replenishment completion information from the server storage unit 21, and transmits information indicating that the product switch has been completed to the destination indicated by the destination information. The information indicating that the product switch has been completed may be replenishment completion information or trade change completion information. The information indicating that the product switch has been completed may be transmitted, for example, by email or short message, but the transmission method is not critical. The destination information corresponding to the replenishment completion information is, for example, destination information paired with the worker identifier or vending machine identifier contained in the replenishment completion information. The destination information is stored in the server storage unit 21, for example, in association with the worker identifier or vending machine identifier.

The terminal storage unit 11, server storage unit 21, sales information storage unit 211, attribute value storage unit 212, and trade exchange information storage unit 213 are preferably non-volatile recording media, but can also be realized using volatile recording media.

The process by which information is stored in the terminal storage unit 11, etc. is not important. For example, information may be stored in the terminal storage unit 11, etc. via a recording medium, information transmitted via a communication line, etc. may be stored in the terminal storage unit 11, etc., or information inputted via an input device may be stored in the terminal storage unit 11, etc.

The terminal reception unit 12 can be realized by a device driver for an input means such as a touch panel or a keyboard, or control software for a menu screen, etc.

The terminal processing unit 13, replenishment completion information configuration unit 131, server processing unit 23, trade exchange information determination unit 231, trade exchange completion information storage unit 232, and statistical processing unit 233 can usually be realized by a processor, memory, etc. The processing procedures of the terminal processing unit 13, etc. are usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM. However, they may also be realized by hardware (dedicated circuitry). The processor may be, for example, a CPU, MPU, GPU, etc., and the type is not important.

The terminal transmission unit 14, the server transmission unit 24, and the notification unit 241 are typically implemented using wireless or wired communication means, but may also be implemented using broadcasting means.

The terminal receiving unit 15, the trade exchange information acquisition unit 151, and the server receiving unit 22 are typically implemented using wireless or wired communication means.

The terminal output unit 16 may or may not include an output device such as a display or speaker. The terminal output unit 16 may be realized by driver software for an output device, or by a combination of driver software for an output device and an output device, etc.

Next, an example of the operation of the vending machine management system A will be described. First, an example of the operation of the terminal device 1 will be described using the flowchart in FIG. 3.

(Step S301) The terminal reception unit 12 determines whether or not an instruction to send trade exchange information has been received. If an instruction to send trade exchange information has been received, the process proceeds to step S302. If an instruction to send trade exchange information has not been received, the process proceeds to step S307.

(Step S302) The terminal processing unit 13 composes a trade exchange information transmission instruction to be sent. For example, the terminal processing unit 13 obtains the operator identifier from the terminal storage unit 11 and the vending machine identifier contained in the accepted trade exchange information transmission instruction, and composes a trade exchange information transmission instruction that includes the operator identifier and the vending machine identifier.

(Step S303) The terminal transmission unit 14 transmits the trade exchange information transmission instruction constructed in step S302 to the server device 2.

(Step S304) In response to the transmission of the instruction to send trade exchange information, the trade exchange information acquisition unit 151 determines whether or not one or more pieces of trade exchange information have been received. If trade exchange information has been received, the process proceeds to step S305, and if trade exchange information has not been received, the process returns to step S304. Note that here, the terminal receiving unit 15 may also receive information other than trade exchange information, or information on a screen other than the screen containing trade exchange information.

Also, if there is no trade exchange information to be received, information to that effect may be received. In such a case, the process returns to step S301.

(Step S305) The terminal processing unit 13 creates a screen including one or more pieces of trade exchange information received in step S304. The screen may be, for example, a screen including information regarding sales by column. The created screen may also be two or more screens.

(Step S306) The terminal output unit 16 outputs the screen configured in step S305. Return to step S301. Note that if two or more screens are configured in step S305, one screen is output here. Also, the screen can be switched by a specific operation by the user.

(Step S307) The terminal reception unit 12 determines whether or not a selection of one piece of exchange information has been accepted from the one or more pieces of exchange information that have been output. If a selection of one piece of exchange information has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S308, and if a selection of one piece of exchange information has not been accepted, the process proceeds to step S314. Note that the selection of such one piece of exchange information is the selection of the exchange information for which the product switching operation is to be performed.

(Step S308) The terminal processing unit 13 creates a screen corresponding to the selected piece of trade change information, for inputting replenishment completion information. Next, the terminal output unit 16 outputs the replenishment completion information input screen.

(Step S309) The terminal reception unit 12 determines whether or not input of replenishment completion information has been accepted on the replenishment completion information input screen output in step S308. If input of replenishment completion information has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S310, and if input of replenishment completion information has not been accepted, the process returns to step S309.

(Step S310) The device processing unit 13 composes the replenishment completion information to be sent. Note that the input replenishment completion information and the replenishment completion information to be sent may be different. The device processing unit 13 also obtains, for example, a trade change information identifier that identifies the selected trade change information, for example from the screen information of the output screen, and composes replenishment completion information having the trade change information identifier. The device processing unit 13 also obtains, for example, a vending machine identifier, and composes replenishment completion information having the vending machine identifier. The device processing unit 13 also obtains, for example, an operator identifier from the terminal storage unit 11, and composes replenishment completion information having the operator identifier. The device processing unit 13 also obtains, for example, a column identifier of the column that is the target of the product switch, and composes replenishment completion information having the column identifier.

(Step S311) The terminal transmission unit 14 transmits the replenishment completion information constructed in step S310 to the server device 2.

(Step S312) The device processing unit 13 creates a screen indicating that the exchange work has been completed. This screen displays the columns in which the exchange work has been completed in a manner that visually distinguishes them from the displays of other columns. Examples of visually distinguishing them include different background colors for the column information items, and different attribute values such as font, font color, and character size for the column information items. It is preferable that the device processing unit 13 at least temporarily stores the column identifiers of the columns in which the exchange work has been completed in the device storage unit 11. This allows the terminal output unit 16 to output column information by distinguishing between columns in which the exchange work has been completed and columns in which the exchange work has not been completed.

(Step S313) The terminal output unit 16 outputs the screen constructed in step S312. Return to step S301.

(Step S314) The terminal reception unit 12 determines whether or not a screen output instruction for a specific screen has been received. If a screen output instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S315, and if a screen output instruction has not been received, the process returns to step S301. Note that the specific screen does not matter. An example of a specific screen is a screen showing a list of sales by column. An example of a specific screen is a selection screen for trade-exchange product information.

(Step S315) The device processing unit 13 acquires screen information of the screen corresponding to the screen output instruction received in step S314. Note that this screen information is, for example, information received in step S304 and stored at least temporarily in the device storage unit 11.

(Step S316) The device processing unit 13 determines whether or not information about a product or column corresponding to the trade-change job is present in the screen information acquired in step S315. If information about a product or column corresponding to the trade-change job is present, the process proceeds to step S317; if not, the process proceeds to step S318.

(Step S317) The device processing unit 13 changes the information on the products or columns that correspond to the trade-change work in the screen information acquired in step S315 so that the output format is visually distinguishable from information on the products or columns that do not correspond to the trade-change work. Note that changes include, for example, changing the background color and changing the attribute values of characters (font, color, size, etc.).

(Step S318) The device processing unit 13 uses the acquired screen information to configure the screen to be output.

(Step S319) The terminal output unit 16 outputs the screen constructed in step S318. Return to step S301.

In the flowchart in Figure 3, processing ends when the power is turned off or an interrupt occurs to end processing.

Next, an example of the operation of the server device 2 will be described using the flowchart in FIG.

(Step S401) The server receiving unit 22 determines whether or not a trade exchange information transmission instruction has been received from the terminal device 1. If a trade exchange information transmission instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S402; if a trade exchange information transmission instruction has not been received, the process proceeds to step S405.

(Step S402) The server processing unit 23 obtains the vending machine identifier contained in the trade exchange information transmission instruction received in step S401.

(Step S403) The server processing unit 23 obtains one or more pieces of exchange information that are paired with the vending machine identifier obtained in step S402 from the exchange information storage unit 213.

(Step S404) The server transmission unit 24 transmits the one or more pieces of trade exchange information acquired in step S403 to the terminal device 1 that transmitted the trade exchange information transmission instruction. Return to step S401. Note that if trade exchange information could not be acquired in step S403, the server transmission unit 24 may transmit information to the effect that no trade exchange target exists.

(Step S405) The server receiving unit 22 determines whether or not sales information, etc. has been received, for example, from a vending machine (not shown). If sales information, etc. has been received, the process proceeds to step S406, and if sales information, etc. has not been received, the process proceeds to step S408. Note that the sales information, etc. received here includes, for example, a vending machine identifier and a column identifier in addition to the sales information. Note that, using the vending machine identifier and column identifier, a product identifier can be obtained from the server storage unit 21, which stores one or more pieces of vending machine information including information indicating the correspondence between the vending machine identifier, the column identifier, and the product identifier.

(Step S406) The server processing unit 23 acquires the sales information to be stored using the sales information received in step S405. The sales information to be stored is, for example, the result of statistical processing of the received sales information. The result of statistical processing of the sales information is, for example, the number of products sold in a unit period for each vending machine and each product, and the sell-out time for each vending machine and each product. The timing of statistical processing of the sales information and the calculation of the number of products sold in a unit period and the sell-out time is not important. The sales information to be stored may be the same as the received sales information.

(Step S407) The server processing unit 23 stores the sales information etc. acquired in step S406 in the sales information storage unit 211. Return to step S401.

(Step S408) The server processing unit 23 judges whether it is time to create trade exchange information. If it is time to create trade exchange information, proceed to step S409, and if it is not time to create trade exchange information, proceed to step S414. Note that, for example, the server processing unit 23 may judge that it is time to create trade exchange information periodically (for example, at 12:00 at the end of each month and at 9:00 every Monday). Also, for example, the server processing unit 23 may judge that it is time to create trade exchange information upon receiving an instruction to create trade exchange information from the terminal device 1.

(Step S409) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 assigns 1 to counter i.

(Step S410) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 determines whether or not there is an i-th vending machine that can be the subject of trade exchange information creation. If there is an i-th vending machine, the process returns to step S401 if there is no i-th vending machine. Note that the i-th vending machine may be the i-th vending machine that satisfies the trade exchange consideration conditions.

(Step S411) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 performs a process to acquire trade exchange information for the i-th vending machine. An example of such trade exchange information acquisition process is described using the flowchart in FIG. 5.

(Step S412) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 associates one or more pieces of trade exchange information acquired in step S411 with the vending machine identifier of the i-th vending machine and stores them in the trade exchange information storage unit 213.

(Step S413) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 increments the counter i by 1. Return to step S410.

(Step S414) The server receiving unit 22 determines whether or not replenishment completion information has been received from the terminal device 1. If replenishment completion information has been received, the process proceeds to step S415; if replenishment completion information has not been received, the process proceeds to step S416.

(Step S415) The trade-in completion information accumulation unit 232 accumulates the trade-in completion information in the trade-in information storage unit 213 in association with the trade-in information identifier contained in the received replenishment completion information, or the trade-in information identified by the vending machine identifier and column identifier contained in the received replenishment completion information. Return to step S401. The trade-in completion information is, for example, a flag indicating the completion of the trade-in work.

(Step S416) The server processing unit 23 judges whether it is time for statistical processing. If it is time for statistical processing, proceed to step S417, and if it is not time for statistical processing, return to step S401. The server processing unit 23 judges that it is time for statistical processing periodically (for example, at 12:00 at the end of each month and at 9:00 every Monday). The server processing unit 23 also judges that it is time for statistical processing, for example, upon receiving an instruction for statistical processing from the terminal device 1.

(Step S417) The statistical processing unit 233 acquires one or more pieces of exchange information from the exchange information storage unit 213 that correspond to exchange completion information indicating that the product switch has been completed.

(Step S418) The statistical processing unit 233 performs statistical processing using one or more pieces of trade exchange information acquired in step S417, and acquires the results of the statistical processing. Note that the content of the statistical processing can be various, as described above.

(Step S419) The statistical processing unit 233 accumulates the statistical processing results acquired in step S418 in the server storage unit 21. Return to step S401. Note that it is preferable that the statistical processing results are transmitted to the terminal device 1 or a device not shown. Furthermore, the transmitted statistical processing results are usually output by the terminal device 1 or a device not shown.

In the flowchart in Figure 4, processing ends when the power is turned off or an interrupt occurs to end processing.

Next, an example of the trade exchange information acquisition process in step S411 will be described using the flowchart in FIG.

(Step S501) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 assigns 1 to counter i.

(Step S502) The trade-exchange information determination unit 231 references one or more pieces of vending machine information in the server storage unit 21 and determines whether or not the i-th product identifier corresponding to the target vending machine identifier exists. If the i-th product identifier exists, the process proceeds to step S503; if the i-th product identifier does not exist, the process proceeds to step S510.

(Step S503) The trade change information determination unit 231 obtains sales information that pairs with the i-th product identifier corresponding to the target vending machine identifier from the sales information storage unit 211.

(Step S504) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 acquires the sales volume information included in the sales information acquired in step S503.

(Step S505) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 judges whether the sales volume information acquired in step S504 satisfies the poor performance condition of the server storage unit 21. If the poor performance condition is met, the process proceeds to step S506, and if the poor performance condition is not met, the process proceeds to step S508.

(Step S506) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 classifies the product identified by the i-th product identifier as an underperforming product. For example, the trade exchange information determination unit 231 accumulates a underperforming flag indicating that the product is an underperforming product, in pair with the i-th product identifier. Note that an underperforming product is a product whose sales are poor.

(Step S507) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 increments the counter i by 1. Return to step S502.

(Step S508) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 judges whether the sales volume information acquired in step S504 satisfies the best-selling conditions of the server storage unit 21. If the best-selling conditions are met, the process proceeds to step S509; if the best-selling conditions are not met, the process proceeds to step S507.

(Step S509) The trade-exchange information determination unit 231 classifies the product identified by the i-th product identifier as a best-selling product. Go to step S507.

The trade information determination unit 231 accumulates, for example, a best-selling flag that indicates that the product is a best-selling product, in a pair with the i-th product identifier. A best-selling product is a product that is selling well.

(Step S510) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 assigns 1 to counter j.

(Step S511) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 determines whether or not the jth underperforming product exists among the products classified as underperforming products in step S506. If the jth underperforming product exists, the process proceeds to step S512; if the jth underperforming product does not exist, the process proceeds to step S517.

(Step S512) The trade change information determination unit 231 judges whether the sales volume information of the jth underperforming product satisfies the column position change condition. If the column position change condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S513, and if the column position change condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S514. The column position change condition is a condition for determining whether to swap a column with a product in another column. For example, the column position change condition is that "the sales volume information paired with the column identifier of a column with a maximum number of products that is less than the maximum number of products corresponding to the column identifier corresponding to the jth underperforming product is greater than the sales volume information corresponding to the jth underperforming product."

(Step S513) The trade-in information determination unit 231 configures trade-in information indicating that the column identifier of the jth underperforming product is to be changed to a column identifier that pairs with the product identifier of the product to be replaced, and indicating that the column identifier that pairs with the product identifier of the product to be replaced is to be changed to the column identifier of the jth underperforming product. Note that such trade-in information includes, for example, information on a pair of the product identifier of the jth underperforming product and the column identifier of the new column of that product, and a pair of the product identifier of the product to be replaced with the jth underperforming product and the column identifier of the new column of that product (the column identifier of the original column of the jth underperforming product). Such trade-in information is, for example, the column identifiers of the two columns to be replaced.

(Step S514) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 performs a new product determination process, which is a process for determining a new product to be added to the column of the jth underperforming product. An example of the new product determination process is explained using the flowchart in Figure 6.

(Step S515) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 constructs trade exchange information for the introduction of a new product. This trade exchange information includes the product identifier of the jth underperforming product, the column identifier of the new column for that product, and the product identifier of the new product to be introduced.

(Step S516) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 increments counter j by 1. Return to step S511.

(Step S517) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 assigns 1 to counter k.

(Step S518) If there is no kth best-selling product among the products classified as best-selling products in step S508, the trade-in information determination unit 231 returns to the upper process.

(Step S519) The trade change information determination unit 231 judges whether the kth best-selling product satisfies the column addition condition. If the column addition condition is met, the process proceeds to step S520. If the column addition condition is not met, the process proceeds to step S521. The column addition condition is a condition for increasing the column into which the kth best-selling product is put. The column addition condition is, for example, a condition related to the difference between the sales volume information of the kth best-selling product and the minimum sales volume information among the sales volume information of products remaining in the vending machine. The column addition condition is, for example, "sales volume information of the kth best-selling product - minimum sales volume information among the sales volume information of products remaining in the vending machine >= threshold" or "sales volume information of the kth best-selling product >= minimum sales volume information among the sales volume information of products remaining in the vending machine x X (X is a number greater than 1)."

(Step S520) The trade-in information determination unit 231 constructs trade-in information for the column addition. This trade-in information includes the product identifier of the kth best-selling product and the column identifier of the column into which the product will be newly added. This trade-in information may also include the product identifier of a product that will be removed by the column addition. Furthermore, the column into which the product will be newly added is the column that corresponds to the lowest sales volume information among the sales volume information of products remaining in the vending machine.

(Step S521) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 increments the counter k by 1. Return to step S518.

Next, an example of the new product selection process in step S514 will be described using the flowchart in FIG. 6.

(Step S601) The trade change information determination unit 231 obtains two or more attribute values that are paired with the vending machine identifier of the vending machine to be processed from the attribute value storage unit 212.

(Step S602) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 constructs a vector containing two or more attribute values acquired in step S601 as elements.

(Step S603) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 assigns 1 to counter i.

(Step S604) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 determines whether or not the i-th other vending machine exists. If the i-th other vending machine exists, the process proceeds to step S605, and if the i-th other vending machine does not exist, the process proceeds to step S610. Note that here, the trade exchange information determination unit 231 determines, for example, whether or not the vending machine identifier of the i-th other vending machine exists in the attribute value storage unit 212.

(Step S605) The trade change information determination unit 231 obtains two or more attribute values that are paired with the vending machine identifier of the i-th other vending machine from the attribute value storage unit 212.

(Step S606) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 constructs a vector that includes as elements each of the two or more attribute values acquired in step S605. This vector is the vector of the i-th other vending machine.

(Step S607) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 calculates the similarity between the vector of the vending machine to be processed constructed in step S602 and the vector of the i-th other vending machine constructed in step S606, and determines whether the similarity satisfies the similarity condition. If the similarity condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S608, and if the similarity condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S609. Note that the technology for calculating the similarity between two vectors is publicly known, so a description thereof will be omitted.

(Step S608) The trade change information determination unit 231 temporarily stores the vending machine identifier of the i-th other vending machine in a buffer (not shown).

(Step S609) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 increments the counter i by 1. Return to step S604.

(Step S610) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 assigns 1 to counter j.

(Step S611) The trade change information determination unit 231 determines whether or not the jth vending machine identifier exists among the vending machine identifiers stored in a buffer (not shown) in step S608. If the jth vending machine identifier exists, the process proceeds to step S612; if the jth vending machine identifier does not exist, the process proceeds to step S617.

(Step S612) The trade change information determination unit 231 obtains sales volume information paired with one or more product identifiers that are paired with the jth vending machine identifier.

(Step S613) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 acquires the pair of the maximum sales volume information and product identifier from the one or more pieces of sales volume information acquired in step S612.

(Step S614) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 determines whether a product identifier that matches the product identifier obtained in step S613 exists among the product identifiers that are paired with the vending machine identifier of the vending machine being processed. If so, the process proceeds to step S616; if not, the process proceeds to step S615.

(Step S615) The trade change information determination unit 231 temporarily stores the pair of maximum sales volume information and product identifier obtained in step S613 in a buffer (not shown) as information on a candidate new product.

(Step S616) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 increments counter j by 1. Return to step S611.

(Step S617) The trade exchange information determination unit 231 determines one product identifier using one or more pieces of sales volume information accumulated in a buffer (not shown) in step S615. The trade exchange information determination unit 231 typically determines the product identified by the product identifier paired with the largest piece of sales volume information in the buffer (not shown) as the product to be newly introduced. It then returns to the upper level process. The process of determining the product to be newly introduced is, for example, a process of obtaining the product identifier of the product.

The specific operation of the vending machine management system A in this embodiment will be described below. Figure 1 shows a conceptual diagram of the vending machine management system A.

Currently, the vending machine management table shown in FIG. 7 is stored in the server storage unit 21 of the server device 2. The vending machine management table is a table that manages vending machine information. The vending machine management table manages one or more records that have a "vending machine identifier," "product identifier," "column identifier," "number of full tanks," "stock quantity," "type," "installation location attribute," "installation location," and "operator identifier." Here, the "installation location attribute" indicates whether the location where the vending machine is installed is an "office," "outdoors," "inside a store," etc. Here, the "installation location" indicates the prefecture in which the vending machine is installed.

The sales information storage unit 211 also stores a sales information management table with the structure shown in FIG. 8. The sales information management table is a table for managing sales information. The sales information management table manages one or more records each having a "vending machine identifier," "product identifier," "column identifier," and "sales information." In this case, the "sales information" includes "sold out time" and "last month's sales volume." In this case, the "sold out time" is the number of days from the day a full quantity of a product is put into a column until it is sold out. The "last month's sales volume" is the number of products sold in the last month.

The attribute value storage unit 212 also stores an attribute value management table with the structure shown in FIG. 9. The attribute value management table is a table for managing the attribute values of vending machines. The attribute value management table manages one or more records having a "vending machine identifier," a "dynamic attribute value," and a "static attribute value." The "dynamic attribute value" here is the sell-out time of each product and the number of products sold last month for each product. A "dynamic attribute value" of "-" is NULL, and indicates that the corresponding product is not being sold by the vending machine. The "static attribute value" here has a "type," "installation location attribute," and "installation position." The "installation location attribute" here indicates whether the location where the vending machine is installed is one of "office," "outdoors," "inside a store," etc. The "installation position" here indicates the prefecture in which the vending machine is installed.

Furthermore, the exchange information storage unit 213 stores an exchange information management table having the structure shown in FIG. 10. The exchange information management table is a table for managing one or more exchange information. The exchange information management table manages one or more records having the following information: "vending machine identifier", "exchange information acquisition date", "exchange type", "exchange information", "completion flag", "time information", and "operator identifier". "Exchange information acquisition date" is information indicating the date on which the exchange information was acquired. "Exchange type" is information indicating the type of exchange information. Here, "exchange type" is, for example, one of "column position change", "new product introduction", and "column addition". "Column position change" refers to swapping the columns into which two products are introduced. "New product introduction" refers to introducing a new product in place of a poorly selling product. "Column addition" refers to increasing the number of columns for one popular product. "Completion flag" is information indicating whether the exchange work has been completed, with "1" indicating that the exchange work has been completed and "0" indicating that the exchange work has not been completed. "Time information" indicates the time (here, the day) when the exchange work was completed. "Worker identifier" is the worker identifier of the worker who performed the exchange work. If the exchange work has not been completed, "Time information" and "Worker identifier" are "-" (NULL).

When a product is sold in a vending machine, the vending machine transmits product-unit sales information about the sold product to the server device 2. The product-unit sales information is information about a single product that has been sold, and has a structure, for example, of (vending machine identifier, column identifier).

When the server receiving unit 22 of the server device 2 receives product-based sales information (vending machine identifier, column identifier), the server processing unit 23 obtains the date and time from a clock (not shown) and obtains the product identifier corresponding to the (vending machine identifier, column identifier) from the vending machine management table in FIG. 7. The server processing unit 23 then constructs product-based sales information having (date and time, vending machine identifier, product identifier, column identifier) and stores it in the server storage unit 21.

Then, the server processing unit 23 uses the numerous product-by-product sales information stored in the server storage unit 21 to obtain the sell-out time and last month's sales volume for each vending machine identifier, product identifier, and column identifier, and stores them in a sales information management table having the structure shown in Figure 8.

The server processing unit 23 obtains the maximum number of products (number of full tanks) that is paired with the column identifier included in the product-based sales information, which has a structure of (date and time, vending machine identifier, product identifier, column identifier), from the vending machine information management table (Figure 7), and obtains the number of days until the number of products indicated by the maximum number of products is sold for each combination of vending machine identifier, product identifier, and column identifier by referring to the large amount of product-based sales information stored in the server storage unit 21.

The server processing unit 23 also obtains, from the numerous pieces of product-based sales information in the server storage unit 21, for each combination of vending machine identifier, product identifier, and column identifier, the number of sales for the previous month, which is the number of pieces of product-based sales information that include the date and time for the previous month.

In addition, when the server receiving unit 22 of the server device 2 receives product-unit sales information (vending machine identifier, column identifier), the server processing unit 23 overwrites the vending machine management table in FIG. 7 with the new inventory quantity obtained by subtracting 1 from the inventory quantity paired with the vending machine identifier and column identifier.

The server processing unit 23 also acquires dynamic attribute values for each vending machine at a predetermined timing using the information in the sales information management table in FIG. 8, and records them in the attribute value management table in FIG. 9. The server processing unit 23 also acquires static attribute values for each vending machine from the vending machine management table in FIG. 7 at a predetermined timing, and records them in the attribute value management table in FIG. 9.

In addition, at a predetermined timing (e.g., upon receiving an instruction from an administrator), the trade exchange information determination unit 231 of the server device 2 performs a process to obtain trade exchange information for each vending machine. This process has been explained using the flowchart in FIG. 5, so a detailed explanation will be omitted here.

Then, the exchange information determination unit 231 stores the "exchange information acquisition date," "exchange type," and "exchange information" in the exchange information management table of FIG. 10 in association with the vending machine identifier of each vending machine.

In addition, in FIG. 10, when the product replacement type is "column position change", product replacement information having the structure <first product identifier> <first column identifier> <second product identifier> <second column identifier> is obtained. <first product identifier> is the product identifier of the first product to be replaced. <first column identifier> is the column identifier of the column in which the first product to be replaced is placed. <second product identifier> is the product identifier of the second product to be replaced. <second column identifier> is the column identifier of the column in which the second product to be replaced is placed.

Also, in FIG. 10, when the trade-in type is "new product introduction", trade-in information having the structure <new product identifier> <removed product identifier> <removed column identifier> is obtained. <new product identifier> is the product identifier of the product that is newly introduced. <removed product identifier> is the product identifier of the product that is to be removed from the vending machine. <removed column identifier> is the column identifier of the column that is to be removed from the vending machine.

Furthermore, in FIG. 10, when the trade-in type is "column addition," trade-in information having the structure <increased product identifier> <removed product identifier> <removed column identifier> is obtained. <increased product identifier> is the product identifier of the product that is being increased.

In the above situation, the following two specific examples will be explained. Specific example 1 is when the exchange type is "change of column position." Specific example 2 is when the exchange type is "introducing a new product."

(Specific Example 1)
Assume that operator A inputs a trade change information transmission instruction including the vending machine identifier “V001” into terminal device 1.

Next, the terminal reception unit 12 of the terminal device 1 receives a trade exchange information transmission instruction having the vending machine identifier "V001". Next, the terminal processing unit 13 composes a trade exchange information transmission instruction having the operator identifier "A" and the vending machine identifier "V001" in the terminal storage unit 11. Next, the terminal transmission unit 14 transmits the trade exchange information transmission instruction (<operator identifier> A, <vending machine identifier> V001) to the server device 2.

Next, the server receiving unit 22 of the server device 2 receives a trade change information transmission instruction (<operator identifier> A, <vending machine identifier> V001) from the terminal device 1.

Next, the server processing unit 23 obtains the exchange information of "ID=1" that pairs with the vending machine identifier contained in the received exchange information transmission instruction from the exchange information management table of FIG. 10. The server processing unit 23 also configures screen information for a screen that includes the exchange information. Here, in addition to the screen information for the screen that includes the exchange information, the server processing unit 23 also obtains other screen information for performing the product switching task from the server storage unit 21.

Next, the server transmission unit 24 transmits the two or more pieces of acquired screen information to the terminal device 1 of worker A.

Next, the trade exchange information acquisition unit 151 of the terminal device 1 receives two or more pieces of screen information from the server device 2. Among the two or more pieces of screen information, there is screen information for a screen that includes trade exchange information.

Next, the terminal processing unit 13 creates a screen including the received trade-in information. Next, the terminal output unit 16 outputs the created screen. An example of such a screen is shown in FIG. 11. In FIG. 11, trade-in information (1101) is output indicating that the columns of a product with product identifier "G008" and a product with product identifier "G015" are to be swapped in a vending machine with vending machine identifier "V001".

Next, it is assumed that worker A performs a trade change operation corresponding to the trade change information of 1101. Then, it is assumed that worker A designates item 1101. Then, it is assumed that a screen (FIG. 12(a)) composed of screen information linked to that item is output to the terminal device 1.

Next, it is assumed that worker A inputs the number of pieces to be inserted, "19", into the screen of FIG. 12(a) (see 1201). Next, it is assumed that worker A selects the "Input Complete" button 1202. Then, the screen of the terminal device 1 changes to a screen based on the screen information for inputting the information of "column identifier = 40" linked to the "Input Complete" button 1202 (see FIG. 12(b)).

Next, it is assumed that worker A inputs the number of items to be inserted, "12", on the screen in FIG. 12(b) (see 1203). Next, it is assumed that worker A selects the "Input complete" button 1204.

The terminal reception unit 12 of the terminal device 1 then accepts the input of the replenishment completion information. The terminal processing unit 13 then composes the replenishment completion information to be transmitted. That is, the terminal processing unit 13 composes the replenishment completion information having the operator identifier "A", the vending machine identifier "V001", and the trade exchange information identifier "1". Next, the terminal transmission unit 14 transmits the constructed replenishment completion information to the server device 2. Note that the trade exchange information identifier "1" is the ID of the trade exchange information management table.

Next, the server receiving unit 22 of the server device 2 receives replenishment completion information from the terminal device 1. Next, the trade change completion information storage unit 232 stores the completion flag "1", which is trade change completion information, in the trade change information management table (Figure 10) in association with the trade change information identifier "1" contained in the received replenishment completion information. The trade change completion information storage unit 232 also acquires time information "2021/1/26" from a clock (not shown), and stores it in the trade change information management table (Figure 10) in association with the trade change information identifier "1". The trade change completion information storage unit 232 also acquires the worker identifier "A" contained in the replenishment completion information, and stores it in the trade change information management table (Figure 10) in association with the trade change information identifier "1".

As a result, the completion of the trade exchange operation is managed by the server device 2.

After the "input complete" button 1204 is pressed on the terminal device 1, the device processing unit 13 acquires the screen information of FIG. 11. The device processing unit 13 also changes the background color of the area for the trade exchange information item in the screen information of FIG. 11 to a more visually noticeable color in order to clearly indicate that the trade exchange work has been completed. In this example, the background color is changed from "white" to "gray."

Then, the device processing unit 13 constructs a screen based on the changed screen information. Next, the device output unit 16 outputs the constructed screen. An example of such a screen is shown in FIG. 13. The background color of area 1301 in FIG. 13 has changed to "gray."

(Specific Example 2)
Assume that operator B inputs a trade change information transmission instruction including the vending machine identifier “V025” into terminal device 1.

Next, the terminal reception unit 12 of the terminal device 1 receives a trade exchange information transmission instruction. Next, the terminal processing unit 13 composes a trade exchange information transmission instruction that includes the operator identifier "B" of the terminal storage unit 11 and the vending machine identifier "V025" contained in the received trade exchange information transmission instruction. Next, the terminal transmission unit 14 transmits the trade exchange information transmission instruction to the server device 2.

Next, the server receiving unit 22 of the server device 2 receives a trade change information transmission instruction (<operator identifier> B, <vending machine identifier> V025) from the terminal device 1.

Next, the server processing unit 23 acquires from the exchange information management table two pieces of exchange information that are paired with the vending machine identifier "V025" contained in the received exchange information transmission instruction. The server processing unit 23 also configures screen information for a screen that includes the exchange information. Here, in addition to the screen information for the screen that includes the exchange information, the server processing unit 23 also acquires other screen information for performing the product switching task from the server storage unit 21.

Next, the server transmission unit 24 transmits the two or more pieces of acquired screen information to the terminal device 1 of worker B.

Next, the trade exchange information acquisition unit 151 of the terminal device 1 receives two or more pieces of screen information from the server device 2. Among the two or more pieces of screen information, there is screen information for a screen that includes two pieces of trade exchange information.

The terminal processing unit 13 then creates a screen containing the received trade-in information. The terminal output unit 16 then outputs the created screen. An example of such a screen is shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 14 shows that trade-in information for two new products has been acquired for a vending machine with vending machine identifier "V025." Also, 1401 is the trade-in information for the record with "ID=2" in FIG. 10.

Next, let us say that worker B carried out the exchange work corresponding to the exchange information of 1401. And let us say that worker B designated item 1401. Then, let us say that a screen (FIG. 15(a)) composed of screen information linked to that item is output to the terminal device 1. According to FIG. 15(a), it is shown that there are 8 bottles of the product "G015" to be replaced. Also, it is designated that 19 bottles of the new product "G108" be inserted, which is the full tank.

Next, it is assumed that the screen in FIG. 15(b) is displayed by the operation of worker B. Then, it is assumed that worker B inputs the number of pieces to be inserted, "19", on the screen in FIG. 15(b) (see 1501). It is assumed that worker B then presses the "Input Complete" button in FIG. 15(b).

The terminal reception unit 12 of the terminal device 1 then receives the input of the replenishment completion information. The terminal processing unit 13 then composes the replenishment completion information to be sent. That is, the terminal processing unit 13 composes the replenishment completion information having the worker identifier "B", the vending machine identifier "V025", and the trade change information identifier "2". Next, the terminal transmission unit 14 sends the composed replenishment completion information to the server device 2.

Next, the server receiving unit 22 of the server device 2 receives replenishment completion information from the terminal device 1. Next, the trade change completion information accumulation unit 232 accumulates the completion flag "1", which is trade change completion information, in the trade change information storage unit 213, in association with the trade change information identifier "2" contained in the received replenishment completion information. The trade change completion information accumulation unit 232 also acquires time information "2021/1/27" from a clock (not shown), and accumulates it in the trade change information management table (Figure 10) in association with the trade change information identifier "2". The trade change completion information accumulation unit 232 also acquires the worker identifier "B" contained in the replenishment completion information, and accumulates it in the trade change information management table (Figure 10) in association with the trade change information identifier "2".

As a result, the completion of the trade exchange operation is managed by the server device 2.

After the "input complete" button is pressed on the terminal device 1, the device processing unit 13 acquires the screen information of FIG. 14. The device processing unit 13 also changes the background color of the area of the trade exchange information item in the screen information of FIG. 14 to a more visually noticeable color in order to clearly indicate that the trade exchange work corresponding to the trade exchange information identifier "2" has been completed. In this example, the background color is changed from "white" to "gray."

Then, the device processing unit 13 creates a screen based on the changed screen information. Next, the terminal output unit 16 outputs the created screen. An example of such a screen is shown in FIG. 16. The background color of area 1601 in FIG. 16 has changed to "gray." Note that the background color of 1620, which is another item of trade exchange information for which the trade exchange work has not been completed, remains "white."

Next, assume that worker B inputs a screen output instruction to the terminal device 1 to output a column sales screen for vending machine identifier "V025." The device processing unit 13 then obtains column sales screen information corresponding to the screen output instruction. The device processing unit 13 then detects that the screen information contains an item for product "G015" for which the exchange work has been completed, and changes the background color of the item for that product to one that stands out more than the others. The device processing unit 13 then uses the updated screen information to create a column sales screen.

Next, the terminal output unit 16 outputs the column sales screen of FIG. 17. Here, the area of item 1701 corresponding to column identifier "20" for which the trade change operation has been completed is visually prominent compared to the others.

As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to manage the completion of product replenishment for product switching in a vending machine.

In addition, according to this embodiment, statistical processing is performed using information on replenishing products for product switching in a vending machine, thereby obtaining statistical processing results regarding product changeover work. Furthermore, the statistical processing results make it possible, for example, to measure the effectiveness of product changeover work and evaluate workers.

The processing in this embodiment may be realized by software. This software may be distributed by software download or the like. This software may also be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed. This also applies to the other embodiments in this specification. The software that realizes the terminal device 1 in this embodiment is a program such as the one below. In other words, this program causes a computer that can access a terminal storage unit in which a vending machine identifier that identifies a vending machine is stored to:
The program functions as a terminal receiving unit that receives restocking completion information indicating that restocking of products for a product switch in a column of a vending machine identified by the vending machine identifier has been completed, a restocking completion information construction unit that constructs the restocking completion information associated with the vending machine identifier, and a terminal transmitting unit that transmits the restocking completion information constructed by the restocking completion information construction unit to a server device.

The software for realizing the server device 2 in this embodiment is the following program. In other words, this program is a program for making a computer that can access a sales information storage unit in which sales information including sales volume information on the sales volume of each product associated with a vending machine identifier is stored, and an attribute value storage unit in which one or more attribute values of a vending machine associated with a vending machine identifier are stored, function as a trade-change information acquisition unit that acquires trade-change information indicating that a product in one vending machine, whose sales volume information satisfies a poor sales condition, is to be replaced with a product not sold in the one vending machine, whose sales volume information of another vending machine satisfies a similarity condition and whose sales volume information satisfies a best-selling condition, a server transmission unit that transmits the trade-change information to the terminal device, a server reception unit that receives from the terminal device replenishment completion information associated with the vending machine identifier, and a trade-change completion information accumulation unit that accumulates trade-change completion information indicating the completion of trade-change in association with the vending machine identifier when the server reception unit receives the replenishment completion information.

In the above program, the steps of transmitting information and receiving information do not include processing performed by hardware, such as processing performed by a modem or interface card in the transmission step (processing that is performed only by hardware).

The program may be executed by a single computer or multiple computers. In other words, the program may be executed by centralized processing or distributed processing.

Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, it goes without saying that two or more communication means present in one device may be realized physically by one medium.

In addition, in each of the above embodiments, each process may be realized by centralized processing in a single device, or may be realized by distributed processing in multiple devices.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible, and it goes without saying that these are also included within the scope of the present invention.

As described above, the terminal device of the present invention has the effect of being able to assist in managing the completion of product replenishment for product switching in a vending machine, and is useful as an operator terminal, etc.

A Vending machine management system 1 Terminal device 2 Server device 11 Terminal storage unit 12 Terminal reception unit 13 Terminal processing unit 14 Terminal transmission unit 15 Terminal reception unit 16 Terminal output unit 21 Server storage unit 22 Server reception unit 23 Server processing unit 24 Server transmission unit 131 Replenishment completion information configuration unit 151 Trade exchange information acquisition unit 211 Sales information storage unit 212 Attribute value storage unit 213 Trade exchange information storage unit 231 Trade exchange information determination unit 232 Trade exchange completion information accumulation unit 233 Statistical processing unit 241 Notification unit

Claims (7)

A terminal storage unit in which a vending machine identifier for identifying a vending machine is stored;
a terminal reception unit that receives replenishment completion information indicating that replenishment of products for switching products in the column of the vending machine identified by the vending machine identifier has been completed;
A replenishment completion information configuration unit that configures the replenishment completion information associated with the vending machine identifier;
a terminal transmitting unit that transmits the replenishment completion information configured by the replenishment completion information configuration unit to a server device;
a product exchange information acquisition unit which acquires product exchange information relating to a product to be switched, the product exchange information including information on a first product which is a product to be removed from the vending machine and information on a second product which is to be newly put into the vending machine ; product exchange information relating to a change in column position, the product exchange information including a first product identifier, a first column identifier which identifies the column of the first product identified by the first product identifier, a second product identifier which identifies a second product which replaces the column with the first product, and a second column identifier which identifies the column of the second product ; or information relating to column addition, which is to create a situation in which one product is put into two or more columns, the product exchange information including an increase product identifier which identifies a product to be put into the two or more columns, an excluded product identifier which identifies a product to be excluded from the vending machine, and an excluded column identifier which identifies the column of the excluded product ; and a product exchange type which indicates a type of the product exchange information ;
a terminal device comprising a terminal output unit that outputs the trade exchange information and the trade exchange type . The terminal reception unit is
Accept a trade exchange information transmission instruction having a vending machine identifier;
The terminal transmission unit
Transmitting the trade exchange information transmission instruction to a server device;
The trade exchange information acquisition unit
2. The terminal device according to claim 1, further comprising: a terminal device configured to receive the exchange information and the exchange type from the server device in response to transmission of the exchange information transmission instruction. The terminal reception unit is
receiving a trade exchange information identifier for identifying the trade exchange information output by the terminal output unit;
The replenishment completion information configuration unit is
3. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the replenishment completion information is configured to correspond to the trade exchange information identifier. The said exchange information is
the information being acquired by a server device, indicating that a product satisfying a product switching target condition that is to be the target of product switching in the vending machine is to be replaced with a product that is not sold in the vending machine and for which sales volume information on sales volumes in other vending machines that satisfy similarity conditions in two or more attribute values including the type of the vending machine is a product that satisfies a best-selling condition;
The trade exchange information acquisition unit
The terminal device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a terminal device configured to receive the trade exchange information from the server device. A vending machine management system having a server device and one or more terminal devices according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The server device includes:
a sales information storage unit in which sales information including sales volume information relating to the sales volume of each product associated with the vending machine identifier is stored;
an attribute value storage unit in which one or more attribute values of a vending machine associated with a vending machine identifier are stored;
a product replacement information acquisition unit that acquires product replacement information indicating that a product in a vending machine that satisfies a poor sales condition based on sales volume information is to be replaced with a product that satisfies a best-selling condition based on sales volume information from another vending machine that satisfies a similarity condition based on one or more attribute values including the type of the vending machine, and that is not sold in the vending machine;
a server transmission unit that transmits the trade exchange information to the terminal device;
a server receiving unit that receives replenishment completion information associated with the vending machine identifier from the terminal device;
a trade-in completion information storage unit that stores trade-in completion information indicating the completion of trade-in in association with the vending machine identifier when the server receiving unit receives the replenishment completion information. An information processing method implemented by a terminal storage unit in which a vending machine identifier for identifying a vending machine is stored, a terminal reception unit, a replenishment completion information configuration unit, a terminal transmission unit, a trade exchange information acquisition unit, and a terminal output unit,
A terminal reception step in which the terminal reception unit receives replenishment completion information indicating that replenishment of products for switching products in a column of the vending machine identified by the vending machine identifier has been completed;
A replenishment completion information configuration step in which the replenishment completion information configuration unit configures the replenishment completion information associated with the vending machine identifier;
a terminal transmission step in which the terminal transmission unit transmits the replenishment completion information configured by the replenishment completion information configuration unit to a server device;
a product exchange information acquisition step in which the product exchange information acquisition unit acquires product exchange information, which is information about a product to be switched, including information about a first product that is a product to be removed from the vending machine and information about a second product to be newly put into the vending machine; product exchange information , which is information about a change in column position, including a first product identifier and a first column identifier that identifies the column of the first product identified by the first product identifier, a second product identifier that identifies a second product that replaces the column with the first product, and a second column identifier that identifies the column of the second product; or product exchange information , which is information about a column addition that creates a situation in which one product is put into two or more columns, including an increased product identifier that identifies a product to be put into the two or more columns, an excluded product identifier that identifies a product to be excluded from the vending machine, and an excluded column identifier that identifies the column of the excluded product ; and a product exchange type that indicates a type of the product exchange information ;
The information processing method includes a terminal output step in which the terminal output unit outputs the trade exchange information and the trade exchange type . A computer that can access a terminal storage unit in which a vending machine identifier that identifies a vending machine is stored,
a terminal reception unit that receives replenishment completion information indicating that replenishment of products for switching products in the column of the vending machine identified by the vending machine identifier has been completed;
A replenishment completion information configuration unit that configures the replenishment completion information associated with the vending machine identifier;
a terminal transmitting unit that transmits the replenishment completion information configured by the replenishment completion information configuration unit to a server device;
a product exchange information acquisition unit which acquires product exchange information relating to a product to be switched, the product exchange information including information on a first product which is a product to be removed from the vending machine and information on a second product which is to be newly put into the vending machine ; product exchange information relating to a change in column position, the product exchange information including a first product identifier, a first column identifier which identifies the column of the first product identified by the first product identifier, a second product identifier which identifies a second product which replaces the column with the first product, and a second column identifier which identifies the column of the second product ; or information relating to column addition, which is to create a situation in which one product is put into two or more columns, the product exchange information including an increase product identifier which identifies a product to be put into the two or more columns, an excluded product identifier which identifies a product to be excluded from the vending machine, and an excluded column identifier which identifies the column of the excluded product ; and a product exchange type which indicates a type of the product exchange information ;
A program for causing the terminal to function as an output unit for outputting the trade exchange information and the trade exchange type .

Images