Automatic vending apparatus involving contract and vending system

After a contract terminates in a contract part with personal identification and the input of contract contents, a control part controls the door of a sales storing box in which a product to be purchased is stored, and vends the product by opening the door.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for vending and contract-changing products involving contract.

2. Description of Related Arts

An automatic contract apparatus, as a means for making contracts for financial products and the like, performs personal identification and a credit check following it according to guidance screens. Further, an automatic vending apparatus is a terminal that enables drinking water and the like to be purchased from a machine when cash is entered to the machine. Presently, there are neither automatic contract apparatuses for vending products nor automatic vending apparatuses involving contract. For example, in the case of an automatic contract apparatus, a card capable of financing is only issued after a contract is concluded through communication with a remote operator by the unmanned automatic contract apparatus. Cash can be received by using an ATM with the card.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally, a contract for a product is made in such a way that a user goes to a product vending store, has a driver's license and a credit card on hand, and makes communication with a salesclerk. The applicant fills out a given form according to clerk's directions, and selects a contract plan and the like. At the same time, the user is authenticated by the driver's license and the like, a copy of the driver's license and the like are sent to a credit check center or the like, and the center checks the contract.

In making the contract for the product, if the store is out of business hours, the user must go to the store again at a different time. Further, the number of clerks to process contracts is limited, so that a large number of applicants cannot be treated at a time.

The present invention has been made in view of the above described problems, and an object of it is to provide an automatic vending apparatus with an automatic contract function used for contracts for products even when clerks are absent, and a method of vending by such an apparatus.

To achieve the above described object, the present invention comprises a contract part that authenticates a principal by a driver's license and an image to process a contract, sales storing boxes that store products received by users when contracts are normally concluded, and a control apparatus that controls the opening and closing of the sales storing boxes, wherein the control apparatus controls a specified box door of the sales storing boxes when the contract part concludes a contract and a product is specified.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

The present embodiment describes an example of vending a portable telephone, exemplified as a product involving contract, after making a contract.FIG. 1is a drawing showing an automatic vending apparatus10with an automatic contract function according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the drawing, a reference numeral100designates a contract part comprising an automatic contract apparatus based on remote dialog;101, a sales part automatically vending a product upon order;102, a display part of the contract part100;103, an input part such as a touch panel formed on the display part102;104, a personal identification camera for personal identification;105, an identification card read part for personal certification;106, a certificate issuance part for ejecting, after contract, a certificate on which contract contents are printed;107, a magnetic card part for issuing magnetic card;108, a contract papers storing box in which papers necessary for contract, written at the time of contract, are stored;109, a portable telephone connecting cable, connected with a portable telephone, for exchanging information;110, an IC card part for issuing an IC card703inserted into a portable telephone to provide services, and reading and writing the IC card;111, sales storing boxes for storing products such as portable telephone;112, a sales product;113, the lids of the sales storing boxes controlled in opening and closing by an electronic lock; and114, a product connecting cable for keeping track of product stock.

FIG. 2is a drawing showing the internal structure of the automatic vending apparatus10with automatic contract function shown in FIG.1. In the drawing, the CPU200is a control means that controls the whole of the automatic vending apparatus10with automatic contract function. A reference numeral201designates a display control part for controlling the display of the display part102;202, an input control part for controlling information from the input part103such as a touch panel;203, an IC card control part for controlling the issuance of an IC card issued from the IC card part110and controlling the reading and writing of an inserted IC card;204, a personal identification camera control part for controlling a personal identification camera104;205, a magnetic card control part for controlling the magnetic card part107;206, an identification card read control part for controlling the identification card read part105;207, a certificate issuance control part for controlling the certificate issuance part106;208, a portable telephone connection control part for providing various services in conjunction with a portable telephone connected through the portable telephone connecting cable109;209, a memory part for storing product stock information and the like;210, a communication control part for controlling connection with LAN during communications with the outside;211, a lid control part for controlling the locking and unlocking of the lid of the sales storing box111; and212, a product existence detection part for detecting the contents of the sales storing box111through the product connecting cable114.

FIG. 3is a drawing showing a system configuration the automatic vending apparatus10with automatic contract function. The automatic vending apparatus10with automatic contract function is connected to a store management center31and a sales management center32over a network36such as ISDN. The store management center31keeps track of the status of consumables, such as out of paper, and illegal acts. Furthermore, the store management center31receives dialog (voice)33with a user, personal identification papers image34such as driver's license, and personal face image over the network36from the automatic vending apparatus10with automatic contract function, and makes a contract for a portable telephone while making dialog with an operator. The sales management center32, based on sales information35from automatic vending apparatuses10with automatic contract function at stores, keeps track of stock information of portable telephones at individual stores, and issues a replenishment request. New services and update information on product sale are also provided via the sales management center32.

FIG. 4orFIG. 6are drawings for explaining the process of portable telephone contract sale by use of the automatic vending apparatus10with automatic contract function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4is a drawing showing the transition of display screens displayed in the display part102of the automatic vending apparatus10with automatic contract function under control of the display control part201. Input is made through the input part103controlled by the input control part202. In the drawing, a reference numeral400designates an initial screen, which displays a “Portable telephone” button pressed when a user makes a contract for portable telephone and purchases the body of a portable telephone; a “Portable telephone contract change” button pressed to change the contract contents of a portable telephone; a “Music” button pressed to download music to the internal memory of a portable telephone700carried with the user or IC card703; and a “Game” button pressed to download game to the internal memory or IC card703of a user's portable telephone700.401designates an advance confirmation screen, displayed when a user presses the “Portable telephone” button, for confirming things necessary for contract, used to inquire of the user the possession of a driver's license and the like necessary for contract. A screen402displays a procedure for contract sale of a portable telephone to indicate the overall contract to the user. A screen403, which is used to confirm the principal by a driver's license, prompts the user to set the driver's license on the identification card read part105. A screen404is displayed to confirm the principal by comparing the face image of the driver's license and the principal's image obtained by the personal confirmation camera104. A screen405is displayed to inquire of a credit check center whether there were illegal acts such as fee delinquency in a past portable telephone contract. A screen406tells the end of credit check and indicates that the portable telephone application work can continue. A screen416is displayed when it is judged that the contract is improper as a result of the inquiry to the credit check center in the screen405. A screen407is a selection screen for having the user select a fee plan for portable telephone. A screen408is a screen for confirming a call fee plan selected by the user. A screen409is a screen for having the user select the model of the portable telephone body. A screen410is a confirmation screen displayed when the portable telephone body selected in the screen409by the user is out of stock and is ordered. A screen411is a screen for selecting a payment method at the time of contract sale of portable telephone by the user pressing one of credit card, debit card, and cash on delivery buttons. A screen412, which is displayed when the user selects credit card as a purchase method, prompts the user to insert a credit card into the magnetic card part107and enter a password. A screen413is displayed, after the contract and a payment method have been decided, to have the user select whether to receive the portable telephone in the place or sent it by mail to a specified destination. A screen414is a screen for selecting a deliver destination when delivery to a specified destination is selected, and prompts the user to enter a delivery destination. The application terminates when a delivery destination is inputted. A screen415is displayed when the receipt of portable telephone in the place is specified in the screen413, and prompts the user to take out the portable telephone body from the sales storing box111of the sales part101. Furthermore, it prompts the user to receive a contract content bill (copy for the user) on which the contract contents are printed.

When the “Portable telephone contract change” button is pressed in the screen400ofFIG. 4, a screen421shown inFIG. 5is displayed to have the user select model change reservation or fee plan change. A screen422is displayed when a “Model change reservation” button is pressed in the screen421; the user specifies a portable telephone model to change to. A screen423is displayed when a “Fee plan change” button is pressed in the screen421; the user specifies a fee plan to change to. A screen424is a screen for entering a portable telephone number for personal identification to make portable telephone contract change. A screen425is a screen for entering the password of portable telephone. A screen426is a screen for specifying a store that makes model change; actual model change is made in a manned stored. A screen427is a screen for having the user confirm the fee plan specified in the screen423. A screen428is displayed when an application containing a model name, a receipt store, and other information is being printed. A screen429is displayed when a change confirmation bill containing the contents of a changed fee plan is being printed. A screen430is displayed after the application bill and the change confirmation bill have been printed.

When the Game button is pressed in the screen400, a screen431shown inFIG. 6is displayed. The screen431displays categories for selecting a game. A screen432, which is displayed when a “New product” button is pressed on the screen431, displays game titles and advertisement images. A screen433, which is displayed when contents to be downloaded are decided, prompts the user to connect a portable telephone connecting cable to the portable telephone to download the contents to the internal memory of the portable telephone. Although game and music may be downloaded to the internal memory of portable telephone and the IC card703, subsequent descriptions assume that they are downloaded to the internal memory. It goes without saying that they can be downloaded to the IC card703by using the IC card part110. By pressing an End button upon completion of connection, a screen434is displayed. The screen434is displayed when the capacity of memory within portable telephone is being checked. If the memory is in shortage, a screen441is displayed, and then the screen433is displayed again. Although downloading is made to the internal memory of portable telephone herein, downloading can also be made to a recording medium such as the IC card703that can be inserted into the portable telephone700, through the IC card part110. A screen435displays a portable telephone number obtained at the time of memory check and inquires of the user whether the number may be used to withdraw contents fee from a usual call fee withdrawal destination. A screen436is a screen for entering a password to prevent illegal use of portable telephone. A password is entered, and when it is judged by the store management center31that it is a correct password, downloading is started, and a screen437is displayed to indicate that downloading is in progress. At normal completion of downloading, a screen438is displayed to indicate the end of downloading.

FIG. 7is a drawing showing the data structure of stock information stored in the memory part209of the automatic vending apparatus10with automatic contract function. InFIG. 7, a reference numeral50designates the names of the sales storing boxes111;51, stock information (unit count data) corresponding to the box names50;52, the model names of portable telephone bodies; and53, a symbol indicating the end of data.

FIGS. 8 and 9are flowcharts showing processing performed by the automatic vending apparatus10with automatic contract function. The initial screen400shown inFIG. 4is displayed in the display part102of the automatic vending apparatus10with automatic contract function (S600). To purchase a product involving contract, that is, to newly subscribe to portable telephone, a user presses the “Portable telephone” button. It is judged whether a new contract for portable telephone is selected (S601). In the screen403, an identification card is read in the identification card read part105and the identification card image is converted into a digital image by a digital scanner or CCD camera (S602). The image is sent to an operator of the store management center31over the network36. It is determined whether the image of the identification card has been successfully read by the operator of the store management center (S603). If it cannot be read by the operator, the operator directs the image sender to correctly set the identification card by voice (S604). The operator of the store management center31compares the read identification card image and an applicant's face image obtained by the personal identification camera104controlled by the personal identification camera control part, and visually checks whether the applicant is the principal of the identification card (S605). At this time, the screen404shown inFIG. 4is displayed. If visual inspection by the image fails, the screen416telling the user to make a contract through a clerk at a window is displayed in the display part102of the automatic vending apparatus10with automatic contract function (S606). Information such as a name and an address obtained from information of the identification card is sent to the credit check center37to check applicant's credit (S607). The screen405shown inFIG. 4is displayed to the user for the duration of the check. It is checked by the operator of the store management center31whether information indicating that the contract is OK because of no past delinquent acts is sent from the credit check center37(S608). If information indicating that the user is ineligible for the contract is sent as a result of the checking of the credit check center37, to indicate rejection for the contract with the user, the screen416inFIG. 4Fis displayed in the display part102of the automatic vending apparatus10with automatic contract function (S609). A fee plan for portable telephone is selected (S610). That is, the screens407and408inFIG. 4are displayed in the display part102of the automatic vending apparatus10with automatic contract function, and a fee plan is selected through the input part103. A portable telephone body is selected from the screen409ofFIG. 4displayed in the display part102, through the input part103(S611). In S611, the stock of the selected portable telephone body is checked (S612). This is done by consulting the portable telephone body names52and the number of units51stored in the sales storing box, in the data structure shown inFIG. 7, stored in the memory part209. If stock is 0 as a result of consulting the number of stored units, a message indicative of later delivery by mail is displayed (S613). A payment method is selected (S614). In the screen example411shown inFIG. 4, three methods are shown as payment methods: credit card, debit card, and cash on delivery. Herein, cash on delivery is selected as a payment method, and the user pays cash when the portable telephone body arrives at a later date. If a specified portable telephone body is out of stock (S612), similarly, the user pays cash on delivery (S615). The user is prompted to enter a password for card settlement (screen example412of FIG.4). In the screen example413shown inFIG. 4, the user selects whether to receive the portable telephone body from the sales part101after the contract (S617). If the user does not wish to receive it or the specified portable telephone is out of stock (S612), the user enters a delivery destination on the screen414(S618). If the user receives the portable telephone body in that place, the lid113of a sales storing box is unlocked through the lid control part211according to directions from the CPU200(S619). The user manually opens a sales storing box of a number displayed on the screen415ofFIG. 4, and receives a set of portable telephone body as a sales product112. The telephone number of the set of portable telephone body is already registered in the internal memory of the portable telephone. It is detected by the product existence detection part212whether the user has received the set112of portable telephone body (S620). It is determined from the detection result in S620whether the set112of portable telephone body is left behind within the sales storing box (S621), and if not left behind, the contract sale terminates (S622). If takeout failure is detected as a result of detection in S621, the sales storing box is locked according to directions from the operator of the store management center (S623). Information (the number of sold units, sold model names, dates, store names, etc.) about completed contract sale transactions is sent to the sales management center32over the network36(S624), and the initial screen shown inFIG. 4is displayed again (S625). Herein, after the contract, although the password of the purchased portable telephone is already set, if desired, in that place, the password can be changed by connecting the portable telephone connecting cable109.

Next, referring toFIG. 9, a description will be made of how processing is performed when model change is selected on the initial screen. First, it is judged whether model change is selected (S626). As shown in the screen example409ofFIG. 4, a model to change to is selected (S627). In the screen example426ofFIG. 4, a manned store in which to change a model is selected (S628). A reservation application bill of model change reservation is printed in the certificate issuance part106and provided as a copy for the user (S629).

If fee plan change is selected as a result of judgment in S626, the fee plan change screen423inFIG. 4is displayed for selection of a fee plan (S630). To identify whether the user is the owner of the portable telephone, the screens424and425are displayed to prompt the user to enter a portable telephone number and a password, respectively (S631). The user confirms the fee plan displayed on the screen427inFIG. 4(S632). The contents of a changed fee plan are printed in the certificate issuance part106and provided as a copy for the user (S633). The change contents are sent to the sales management center (S624).

FIG. 10is a flowchart of processing performed when the Game button is pressed in S600of FIG.8. In S640, the screens431and432ofFIG. 4are displayed and the user selects a game to be downloaded to the internal memory of portable telephone. Next, according to directions of the screen433shown inFIG. 4, the portable telephone connecting cable109is connected to the user's portable telephone (S641). Next, the screen example434is displayed, and the capacity of free space of internal memory and a portable telephone number of a portable telephone carried with the user are checked by the portable telephone connection control part208through the portable telephone connecting cable109(S642). If a memory capacity checked in S645is larger than the capacity of the game to be written, since the game can be downloaded, control proceeds to S645. If the memory capacity is insufficient, the screen441is displayed to have the user erase the memory of portable telephone under user's responsibility, then memory capacity is checked again (S644). The confirmation that the game fee is demanded to a fee demand destination based on the portable telephone number checked at the same as the memory capacity checking in S642is made on the screen example435(S645). To authenticate the user, the entry of a password is made on the screen example436ofFIG. 4(S646). If the password is correct, the screen example437is displayed to download the game (S647). Upon completion of the downloading, as shown in the screen example438, the user is prompted to disconnect the portable telephone connecting cable (S648). Sales information is sent to the sales management center (S624), the initial screen is displayed, and the processing terminates. To execute the game downloaded to the internal memory or IC card703over the portable telephone700, the display screen706of the portable telephone must be used.

FIG. 11is a processing flowchart when music is selected in S600. Processing from S650to S658is the same as processing from S640to S648ofFIG. 10, except that contents to be downloaded are music; a description of it is omitted.

Next, a second embodiment example of using an IC card for a new contract will be described below.

FIG. 12is a drawing showing a portable telephone into which an IC card can be inserted and which can reproduce music and the like recorded in the IC card. A reference numeral700designates a portable telephone body;701, an insertion port through which the IC card is inserted;702, an earphone jack for connecting with a headphone for reproducing music;703, an IC card capable of recording music data and personal information;704, a connecting cable for connecting the earphone jack and the headphone;705, the headphone for listening to music; and706, a display screen for displaying the functions of the portable telephone and enjoying game and the like recorded in the IC card.

FIG. 13is a drawing for explaining the internal configuration of a portable telephone supporting IC card. CPU800controls the overall portable telephone; a music reproducing part801, an apparatus for reproducing music data recorded in an IC card or the like, controls the earphone jack702; an internal memory802records data required to control the portable telephone, music data, and the like; a display control part803controls the display of the display part706; a call control part804controls a call part806for calling; an IC card read control part805reads the IC card inserted through the insertion port701; and the identification part807identifies the correctness of information recorded in the IC card and judges whether the IC card is usable.

A second embodiment example in a new contract and model change of a portable telephone by use of an IC card will be described below with reference toFIGS. 14,15,16, and17. A procedure for making a contract for portable telephone in the second embodiment example is the same as that in the first embodiment example, in the screens403to406ofFIG. 4, and S602to S608in the flowchart ofFIG. 8, which are omitted from the following description. A difference from the first embodiment example is that an IC card in which contract contents and personal information are recorded is issued after a contract was made by an apparatus of the present invention, and a portable telephone contract and contract content change are enabled by only the issuance of an IC card or a change of the contents of the IC card.

The second embodiment example of a new contract will be described. An initial screen400ofFIG. 14is a screen for making a new contract for a portable telephone. On a screen1000, it is checked whether things necessary for the new contract are provided. On a screen1001, the flow of the contract is described. Display screens from personal identification to the output of checking results from the credit check center are the same as the screens403to407of FIG.4. After personal identification and the output of checking results from the credit check center, a fee plan is specified on the screen408. A payment method (credit or debit) is specified on the screen411and a card password is entered on the screen412. An IC card password is entered on a screen1002. The password is necessary when receiving portable telephone services. On a screen1003, contractor information such as contract contents, a portable telephone number, a fee withdrawal destination, and a name entered by an automatic vending apparatus is recorded in the IC card703(can be inserted in the insertion port701of the portable telephone700), using the IC card part110.

As has been described above, in an automatic vending apparatus involving contract of the present invention, by recording personal information and other information in the IC card703, a portable telephone number need not be recorded in the internal memory of the portable telephone. As a result, by inserting the IC card703issued at the time of contract of the portable telephone in the insertion port701of the purchased portable telephone700, the user of the portable telephone can be authenticated. In short, if the IC card703is provided, by replacing the IC card, a portable telephone of a new model becomes usable.

Although it is possible to issue an IC card and purchase a portable telephone body by a contract apparatus of the present invention, it is also possible to issue an IC card only, and purchase a portable telephone body in an electric store and enable it by inserting the IC card.

Referring to a flowchart ofFIG. 15, a description will be made of the flow of processing of a new contract by use of an IC card.

When new contract is selected on the initial screen400(S601), personal identification and credit checking for the contract are performed (S602to S608). After the personal identification and credit checking, a fee plan is selected on the fee plan selection screen408(S610). A payment method is specified on the payment method selection screen411(S1100), the password of a payment card is entered on the password input screen412, and the password of an IC card is entered on the password input screen1002(S616). Upon completion of payment processing, an IC card in which contract information and personal information are recorded is issued (S1101). After the new contract is completed, sales information is sent to the sales management center (S624), processing terminates, and the initial screen400is displayed.

A second embodiment at the time of contract content change is described below with reference toFIGS. 16 and 17. On the initial screen400, “Portable telephone contract change” is selected. To change contract contents recorded in an IC card, the user is prompted to insert the IC card703on a screen1200. On a change content selection screen1201, fee plan change or disuse is selected. On the fee plan change screen423, a fee plan is changed. In this example, “Fair plan” is selected. To prevent meaningless changes by third parties, the user is prompted to enter a telephone number and a password on the screens424and425. Where the input results are correct, the change confirmation screen427is displayed, and if the change contents are correct, the user presses the OK button. Upon completion of the change, a screen1202is displayed, and a copy of the change contents and the IC card are returned to the user. At termination of all processing, the screen430is displayed and control is returned to the initial screen400.

A description will be made of how processing is performed when disuse is selected on the change content selection screen1201. As at the fee plan change, to prevent meaningless changes by third parties, the user is prompted to enter a telephone number and a password on the screens424and425. Where the input results are correct, a screen1203for confirming contract termination is displayed and information recorded in the IC card is changed. The changed IC card is returned to the owner, the screen430is displayed, and control is returned to the initial screen400.

A description will be made of a flowchart for portable telephone contract change shown in FIG.17. When present invention contract change is selected on the initial screen400(S634), since contract change involves a change of IC card recording, on a screen1200, the user is prompted to insert an IC card (S1300). Where “Disuse” is selected on the change menu selection screen423(S1301), to authenticate the user, the user enters the telephone number of a portable telephone to be disused (S1302) and a password (S1303). When the entered numbers are correct, the recording of the IC card is changed to disuse and the contract is terminated (S1304). Contract termination information is sent to the sales management center (S624), the initial screen is displayed, and the processing terminates.

Where “Fee plan” is selected on the change menu selection screen423(S1301), a fee plan is selected on the fee plan change screen423(S630). As at the disuse processing, to authenticate the user, the user enters a portable telephone number and a password (S631). If the input results are correct, a changed free plan is displayed on the screen427and the change contents are confirmed (S632). If the change contents are correct, the user presses the OK button on the screen427, the recording of the IC card is changed, and a change confirmation bill is printed in the certificate issuance part106(S1305). The change contents are sent to the sales management center (S624), the initial screen is displayed, and the processing terminates.

In the new contract and the contract content change, where personal information and other information are already written to the IC card703, changes are made possible in that place by partially changing the IC card information. Also, in the case where a new portable telephone body is purchased, calls are made possible by inserting the IC card703in which information is recorded, to the insertion port701of the new portable telephone700. Furthermore, in the case of model change, by inserting the IC card in a new model in place of an old one, the new model becomes readily usable. In this case, the new portable telephone body can be purchased without contract in a mass retailer.

As a second embodiment of writing game and music to the internal memory of portable telephone, processing of writing game and music to an IC card will be described with reference to display screens ofFIG. 18 and aflowchart of FIG.19.

When game is selected on the initial screen400, a initial screen431ofFIG. 18for game downloading is displayed. Herein, “New product” is selected. The user selects a desired one of games displayed on the screen432. For music, the screens439and440are used to select and download a desired music product; since, after a desired music product is selected, the same display screens as for game downloading are used, an example of game downloading is described below. To download game to an IC card, on a screen1400, the user is prompted to insert the IC card to the IC card part110. After the IC card has been inserted, a screen1401is displayed to check a free memory of the IC card. If the memory is in shortage, the screen441is displayed to tell the user that the memory is in shortage, and prompts the user to erase memory contents, and control returns to the screen1400. If the memory capacity is sufficient, to confirm that the fee may be withdrawn from the same account for portable telephone call fees, the portable telephone number is displayed for confirmation on the screen435. When the OK button is pressed, to authenticate the user, the user is prompted to enter a password on the screen436. If the password is correct, the game is downloaded to the IC card. A screen1402is displayed for the duration of downloading and the user can check the status of downloading. Upon completion of downloading, a screen1403is displayed, the IC card is ejected, and the user is prompted to receive the IC card. After the downloading is completed and the user takes out the IC card, the initial screen400is displayed.

FIG. 19is a flowchart showing the flow of actual processing. Herein, as a typical example, game downloading is described below with reference to the flowchart. Music downloading is omitted because it is the same as game downloading, except for music selection at the first step. After game is selected through the screens431and432(S640), the user inserts the IC card703for portable telephone to the IC card part110to download a game (S1500). The free space capacity of the inserted IC card703is checked (S1501), and if the free space capacity of the memory is smaller than a memory capacity required for the selected game (S643), memory shortage is displayed on the screen411and other contents recorded in the IC card703are erased (S644). After erasure, memory capacity is checked again (S643). If the free space capacity of the memory is larger than a memory capacity required for the selected game, an account for paying the fame fee is confirmed. In this example, to use the same account as the monthly call fee destination, a portable telephone number is displayed for confirmation (S645). Furthermore, to prevent illegal use by third parties, the user enters the password of the portable telephone (S646). If the password is correct, the game is downloaded to the IC card703(S647). After the termination of the downloading, the IC card is ejected from the IC card part110, the IC card is received (S1502), sales information is sent to the sales management center (S624), the initial screen is displayed, and the processing terminates.

To listen to music downloaded to the internal memory or the IC card703over the portable telephone700, the cable704having a terminal of the headphone705must be plugged in the earphone jack702.

Next, to describe the invention of, after purchasing a product involving contract, updating only the product without changing contract contents, a third embodiment example of changing a model of portable telephone is described. Hereinafter, the embodiment of the third embodiment example is described below.

FIG. 20is a drawing showing an automatic model changing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 20, a reference numeral2001designates a model change part of the automatic model changing apparatus;2002, a storing part to store a new product for product updating;2003, a display part of the model change part2001;2004, an input part such as a touch panel, formed on the display part2003;2005, a cash part for entering cash at the time of purchase of a product;2006, a magnetic card read part for paying a fee by a credit card or the like at the time of purchase of a product;2007, a papers issuance part for printing the format of a contract content change bill written at the time of change of contract contents;2008, a papers collection part for collecting a contract content change bill and the like;2009, a connecting cable A for exchanging information through an input-output terminal of a product before change;2010, a connecting cable B for exchanging information through an input-output terminal of a product after change;2011, a paper set part on which paper is set to obtain the image of a written contract content change bill;2012, a shooting part for obtaining the image of a contract content change bill to have a service center check whether it is correctly written;2013, product storing boxes to store new products;2014, the doors of the sales storing boxes controlled in opening and closing by an electronic lock;2015, a product stored in a sales storing box;2016, an electronic lock;2017, a portable telephone of a product example, taken out of a box;2018, a connecting terminal of the portable telephone;2019, a speaker;2020, a memory card issuance part for storing and issuing a memory card or the like used in the product example;2021, a portable telephone supporting a memory card of a product example;2022, a memory card insertion port of the portable telephone supporting a memory card; and2023, a memory card capable of recording a portable telephone number, ID information, and contractor information.

FIGS. 21 and 22are drawings for explaining the internal structures of the model change part2001, storing part2002, and portable telephone2017of a product example.FIG. 21shows the internal structures of the model change part2001and storing part2002, and a reference numeral2100is a CPU, which controls the model change part2001and the storing part2002.2101designates a display control part for controlling the display of the display part2003;2102, an input control part for controlling information from the input part2004such as a touch panel;2103, a magnetic card control part for controlling the magnetic card read part2006;2104, a shooting control part for controlling the shooting part2012;2105, a cash mechanism control part for controlling the cash part2005;2106, a papers issuance control part for controlling the papers issuance part2007;2107, a connecting cable control part for controlling the connecting cables A and B;2108, a memory part for storing product stock information and other information;2109, a communication control part for communicating with the outside;2110, a lid control part for controlling the electronic lock2016and controlling the opening and closing of a door specified by the CPU2100; and2111, a memory card issuance control part for controlling the memory card issuance part2020for issuing a memory card or the like.

FIG. 22shows the internal structures of the portable telephone2017of a product example and the portable telephone2021supporting a memory card of a product example. In the portable telephone2017of a product example,2200designates the internal memory in which ID information specific to the portable telephone, user's phone book information, and the like are recorded;2201, the portable telephone CPU that controls the overall portable telephone of a product example;2202, a portable telephone display part in which a call partner's telephone number and other information are displayed;2203, a call part for making phone calls; and2204, a communication part for sending call voice and the like. In the portable telephone2021supporting a memory card of a product example,2205designates the CPU of the portable telephone supporting a memory card that controls the overall portable telephone supporting a memory card of a product example;2206, a display part of the portable telephone supporting a memory card in which a call partner's telephone number and other information are displayed;2207, the internal memory of the portable telephone supporting a memory card in which control information for controlling the portable telephone and other information are recorded;2208, a call part of the portable telephone supporting a memory card, for making phone calls; and2209, a communication part of the portable telephone supporting a memory card, for sending call voice and the like.

FIG. 23is a drawing showing the configuration of the overall system. Automatic contract change apparatuses installed in unmanned stores and manned stores are connected to a service center2300over a network2301such as ISDN. The service center2300receives papers the images of completed change application bills and the like from automatic change apparatuses over the network2301(2302), and the operator checks for entry omissions. If entry omissions are found in the change application bills, the operator sends voice information indicative of modifications to the automatic contract change apparatuses over the network2301(2303). The service center2300keeps track of stock information of the storing part2002and issues a replenishment request.

FIG. 24is a drawing showing the data structure of stock information recorded in the memory part2108of an automatic contract change apparatus comprising the mode change part2001and the storing part2002. InFIG. 24, a reference numeral2400designates the respective box names of the product storing boxes2013;2401, stock information (unit count data) corresponding to2400;2402, model names of portable telephone; and2403, a symbol indicating the end of data.

Referring toFIGS. 25to27showing screen transitions,FIG. 20showing a hardware configuration,FIGS. 21 and 22showing internal configurations, andFIG. 23showing a system configuration, a description will be made, based on screen transitions, of the process of portable telephone model change by use of an automatic contract change apparatus according to the embodiment of a third embodiment example of the present invention.

FIGS. 25to27are drawings showing the transition of display screens controlled and displayed on the display part2003by the display control part2101. Hereinafter, input is made to screens through the input part2004controlled by the input control part2102. InFIGS. 25to27,2500designates an initial screen, which displays the message of “Touch the screen for model change”.2501designates an advance confirmation screen, displayed when the user presses the input part2004, for confirming things necessary for model change, which has the user check whether he has on hand things necessary for model change, such as a portable telephone currently used and seal of approval. When “Next” is pressed on the screen2501, a screen2502is displayed to have the user select a model to change to. In this screen, models in stock are circled. For the numbers of models to be judged to be in stock in the storing part2002from the table ofFIG. 24, which indicates the status of stock in the storing part2002, product numbers displayed in the display part by the display control part2101are circled so that the user can select one of models in stock. A screen2503, displayed when a model to change to is selected on the screen2502, describes in detail the selected model. A screen2504, displayed when a model to change to is decided by pressing a “This” button on the screen2503, prompts the user to fill out a model change application issued from the papers issuance part2007controlled by the papers issuance control part2106and set the written application in a specified position. A screen2505is displayed when it is confirmed by the service center2300that the application is correctly filled out. That is, the model application is filled out and set in the paper set part2011, and the image of the application is obtained using the shooting part2012controlled by the shooting control part2104. The obtained image is sent to the service center2300over the network2301by the communication control part (2302). The screen2505is displayed when the service center2300checks the application for entry omissions and confirms that it is correctly filled out. A screen2506displays details of a cost required for the model change. A screen2600is displayed to have the user select cash or a credit card as a payment method. A screen2601is displayed when the user selects cash as a payment method and pays cash through the cash part2005controlled by the cash mechanism control part2105. A screen2602prompts the user to enter the password of a credit card after the user selects a credit card as a payment method and inserts the credit card to the magnetic card read part2006controlled by the magnetic card control part2103. A screen2603indicates the end of payment, and prompts the user to take a box storing a product2015(portable telephone) out of the product storing box2013of the storing part2002by opening the door2014of the product storing box for which an electronic lock2016controlled by the lid control part2110is unlocked. A screen2604is displayed when a portable telephone has been taken out of the product storing box2013and the Received button has been pressed, indicating that ID work for model change will be started. A screen2605shows the procedure for the ID work and prompts the user to connect a connecting cable B2010to the connecting cable2018of the portable telephone taken out of the box. A screen2606shows the procedure for the ID work and prompts the user to connect the connecting cable A2009to the connecting terminal2018of a portable telephone having been so far used. A screen2607is displayed when the connecting cable control part2107is checking whether the connecting cable A2009and the connecting cable B2010are correctly connected. A screen2608is displayed when the ID work is in progress. A screen2609indicates that the ID work has been normally terminated, displaying that, although the model change has terminated, the service of copying of phone book data can be provided. A screen2700is displayed when phone book data is being retrieved from the internal memory2200of the portable telephone having been so far used when the Copy button is pressed on the screen2609. A screen2701is displayed when the phone book data obtained on the screen2700is being copied to the internal memory2200of the portable telephone to which to change a model. A screen2702indicates that the phone book data has been copied. A screen2703describes that, after termination of the ID work, a call will be made to the portable telephone having been subjected to the ID work to check whether the model change has been normally terminated. A screen2704requests the user to press “Connected” or “Not connected” button to determine whether a call from the service center has been normally received by the model-changed portable telephone. A screen2705, displayed when the “Not connected” button is pressed on the screen2704, describes failure in the model change and guides the user to a user's nearest manned store. At this time, information about a user's nearest manned store can be obtained by pressing a “Print” button. A screen2706is displayed when the “Connected” button is pressed on the screen2704, and prompts the user to recycle the portable telephone having been so far used. After a certain period of time has elapsed, the initial screen2500is displayed.

FIG. 28is a flowchart showing processing performed by an automatic contract change apparatus comprising the model change part2001and the storing part2002of the third embodiment example.

The initial screen2500stored in the memory part2108is displayed in the display part2003of the mode change part2001under control of the CPU2100(S900). Hereinafter, screens will be displayed in the display part2003of the model change part2001. The user touches the input part2004to make a contract change of a product, that is, to change the model of portable telephone. The model change part2001judges whether the input part2004was touched (S901). The initial screen2500stays displayed as long as the input part2004is not touched. To check things necessary for the change, the screen2501ofFIG. 25is displayed (S902). The stock status of portable telephones stored in the product storing boxes2013of the storing part2002is obtained by consulting the stock information2401and the model names2402of portable telephone bodies in the table shown inFIG. 24(S903), which are stored in the memory part2108. A model to change to is selected by the user pressing the image of a desired model on the screen2502. At this time, for models in stock, model numbers associated with the models, displayed on the display screen, are circled using the stock status obtained from the result of S903(S904). After the user decides a model to change to by seeing detailed information about the model displayed on the screen2503, a model change application to be filled out for model change is printed by the papers issuance part2007controlled by the papers issuance control part2106(S905), and the user fills out the printed application. The model change application is filled in according to directions displayed on the screen2504, a seal of approval is pressed, the paper is set on the paper set part2011, and the shooting part2012obtains the image of the model change application when “End” is pressed. The image is sent to an operator of the service center2300through the communication control part2109and the network2301. The operator visually checks the sent image on the screen of a personal computer or the like (S906). If the model change application is imperfect because of entry omissions, failed image, or the like, the operator of the service center sends modification directions (voice information2303) to the automatic contract change apparatus over the speaker2019or the like via the network2301(S908). As shown in the screen2505, if it is confirmed that the model change application has been correctly filled out, the user is instructed to put the application in the papers collection box2008. After “Purchase” button is pressed for details of purchase amounts displayed on the screen2506, a payment method is selected on the screen2600(S907). Where cash is specified as a payment method, as shown in the screen2601, payment is accepted until specified amounts are entered from the cash part2005(S909). Where a payment method is a credit card, the credit card is read by the magnetic card read part2006to obtain its magnetic information, and the magnetic information is sent to a credit card company over the network to check whether usable limit amounts are not exceeded. If there is no problem, input of a password is accepted as shown in the screen2602, the password is sent to the credit card company, and payment by the credit card terminates at the time when a match is found (S910). Upon completion of payment, the screen2603is displayed to indicate the end of payment. At the completion of payment, the box of a product storing box2013in which the model selected by the user is stored is located based on the data structure as shown in FIG.24. According to the information, the CPU2100of the model change part2001controls the lid control part2110of the storing part2002, and unlocks the electronic lock2016of the located product storing box so that the user can open the door2014of the product storing box. As shown in the screen2603, the user takes a product2015as the purchased portable telephone out of the specified product storing box2013in the storing part2002by opening the door2014of the product storing box (S911). After taking the portable telephone out of the box, the user presses the Received button on the screen2603. At this time, the electronic lock2016of the box is locked. The screen2604is displayed to describe ID work for model change, and as shown in the screens2605and2606, the connecting cable A2009is connected to the connecting terminal of the portable telephone having been so far used, the purchased portable telephone is taken out of the box, and the connecting cable B2010is connected to the connecting terminal of the new portable telephone (S912). As shown in the screen2607, to determine whether the connecting cables A2009and B2010are correctly connected, the connecting cable control part2107checks whether it can see the internal memory2200through the cables from both the portable telephones. Herein, the shape of the connecting terminal may differ depending on manufacturers, and cables different in shape may not be connected. In this case, connecting cables A and B different for each shape and manufacturer are provided in advance in the model change part. That is, cables different for each of company A (connecting cable A, connecting cable B), company B (connecting cable C, connecting cable D), and company C (connecting cable E, connecting cable F) are provided in the model change part. Thereby, cables can be connected to portable telephones of different companies and types. A method of achieving this will be described later usingFIGS. 35,17, and18as a fifth embodiment example.

Through the cable A2009connected with the connecting terminal of the portable telephone having been so far used, ID information such as a portable telephone number is recorded in the memory part2108, and then the contents of the internal memory of the portable telephone having been so far used are erased. The recorded portable telephone number and other information are copied to the internal memory2200of the new portable telephone through the connecting cable B2010connected to the connecting terminal of the portable telephone (S913). The screen2608is displayed in the display part. After the ID work has terminated normally, the screen2609is displayed to have the user select whether to terminate the processing or copy phone book data (S914). As shown in the screens2700,2701, and2702, the phone book data is copied in the same procedure as that for the ID work in a manner that copies the internal memory of the portable telephone having been so far used to the internal memory of the new portable telephone (S915). It is to be understood that information important to the user such as phone book data should be copied to the service center as well via the memory part2108of the model change part and the network to provide for dropout of information during copy operation. Later claims to dropout of important information from users can be solved by keeping records, with increased usability. The screen2703is displayed to determine whether the ID work has terminated normally, that is, to check whether the model change has succeeded, by making a call to the model-changed portable telephone from the service center. If the new portable telephone is called, the model change is considered to terminate (S916). As shown in the screen2704, if the portable telephone is called, the “Connected” button is pressed. If it is not called, the “Not connected” button is pressed (S100). If connected, a model change transaction statement for model change is printed in the papers issuance part2007controlled by the papers issuance control part2106and is used as a copy for the user. Further, an advertisement screen as shown by the screen2706is displayed and control returns to the initial screen2500(S101). Further, information (the number of sold units, sold model names, dates, store names, etc.) about completed model change transactions is sent to the service center2300over the network2301. However, if not connected, the screen2705is displayed to output a message indicating that model change should be made again in a user s nearest manned store, and store information is printed in the papers issuance part2007controlled by the papers issuance control part2106(S102).

Hereinafter, as a fourth embodiment example, a description will be made of an automatic apparatus and business form for model-changing, using an automatic contract apparatus, a current portable telephone storing a portable telephone number, apparatus number, and other information in its internal memory to a portable telephone supporting a memory card in which these items of information are stored, by issuing the memory card.

Referring toFIGS. 30to32showing screen transitions,FIG. 20showing a hardware configuration,FIGS. 21 and 22showing internal configurations, andFIG. 23showing a system configuration, a description will be made, based on the screen transitions, of the process of model change from a current portable telephone to a portable telephone supporting a memory card by issuance of a memory card according to the embodiment of a third embodiment example of the present invention.

FIGS. 30to32are drawings showing the transition of display screens controlled and displayed on the display part2003of the automatic contract change apparatus by the display control part2101. Hereinafter, input is made to screens through the input part2004controlled by the input control part2102.

A reference numeral1100designates an initial screen;1101, a screen for confirming things necessary for model change;1102, a screen for displaying a list of changeable models and selecting memory card issuance; and1103, a screen displayed when memory card issuance is selected, displaying notes on memory card issuance. A screen1104prompts the user to fill out a memory card issuance application issued from the papers issuance part2007controlled by the papers issuance control part2106. A screen1105is displayed when the service center2300confirms that the application has been correctly filled out. That is, like the screen2505ofFIG. 25, a model change application is filled out and set in the paper set part2011, and the image of the application is obtained using the shooting part2012controlled by the shooting control part2104. The obtained image is sent to the service center2300over the network2301by the communication control part (2302). The screen is displayed when the service center2300checks the application for entry omissions and confirms that it is correctly filled out.1106designates a screen for displaying a breakdown of a payment amount involved in issuance of a card.3100designates a screen for selecting a payment method. In the example of the screen, cash or a credit card is selected from the screen. A screen3101is displayed when the user selects cash as a payment method and pays cash through the cash part2005controlled by the cash mechanism control part2105. A screen3102prompts the user to enter the password of a credit card after the user selects a credit card as a payment method and inserts the credit card in the magnetic card read part2006controlled by the magnetic card control part2103. A screen3103is displayed when payment terminates with cash or a credit card. A screen3104describes the work to be done to create a memory card, such as copying ID information such as a portable telephone number recorded in the internal memory2200of a portable telephone currently used to the memory part2108and recording the data in the memory card. A screen3105requests the user to connect the connecting cable A to the connecting terminal2018of the portable telephone currently used. After the connection has been made, the user is instructed to press the End button on the screen. A screen3106is displayed when a check is being made of whether the cable connected by the user on the screen3105is correctly connected. A screen3107is displayed when a portable telephone number and other information are being copied from the portable telephone to a memory card of the memory card issuance part in which the memory card is stored, under control of the memory card issuance control part2111. A screen3108indicates that ID information and other information have been recorded in the memory card, and also displays a button for inquiring of the user whether to copy phone book data. A screen1300is displayed when phone data copying was selected on the screen3108. The screen displays the process of recording phone book data from the internal memory2200of the portable telephone to the recording part2108of the model change part2001.

A screen1301displays the process of recording to the recording part2108of the model change part2001. A screen1302indicates that the phone book data has been copied. A screen1303is displayed when a memory card2023in which ID information and other information have been recorded is issued from the memory card issuance part2020under control of the memory card issuance control part2111. A screen1304is one of screens for checking whether the memory card2023operates normally, and has the user select whether he has a portable telephone supporting a memory card, for the purpose of checking. A screen1305is displayed when a “Yes” button indicating that the user has a portable telephone supporting a memory card is pressed in the screen1304, and describes that the user has to insert the memory card2023issued in the screen1303to the memory card insertion port2022of a portable telephone2021supporting a memory card the user provides, and a call will be made to the portable telephone from the service center. A screen1306inquires of the user whether a call has arrived from the service center as described on the screen1305. That is, the user is instructed to select between the “Connected” and “Not connected” buttons on the screen. A screen1307is displayed when the “Connected” button was pressed on the screen1306, and instructs the user to receive a memory card issuance end receipt. A screen1308is displayed when a call from the service center for checking the operation of the memory card2023on the screen1306was not connected. It indicates failure in the creation of the memory card2023and guides the user to other manned stores. Information about the nearest manned store can be obtained by printed matter from the papers issuance part2007. After the store information is printed, the initial screen1100is displayed. A screen1309is displayed when the user does not have a portable telephone supporting a memory card for checking the operation of the memory card2023. The screen asks the user to purchase a portable telephone supporting a memory card, and then make a call to a toll-free phone for operation checking. After an “End” button is pressed, the initial screen1100is displayed.

FIG. 33is a flowchart showing processing performed by an automatic contract change apparatus comprising the model change part2001and the storing part2002in the fourth embodiment example.

The initial screen1100stored in the memory part2108is displayed in the display part2003of the mode change part2001under control of the CPU2100(S1400). Hereinafter, screens will be displayed in the display part2003of the model change part2001. The user touches the input part2004to make a contract change of a product, that is, to change the model of portable telephone. The model change part2001judges whether the input part2004was touched (S1401). The initial screen1100stays displayed as long as the input part2004is not touched. To check things necessary for the change, the screen1101ofFIG. 30is displayed (S1402). The stock status of portable telephones stored in the product storing boxes2013of the storing part2002is obtained by consulting the stock information2401and the model names2402of portable telephone bodies in the table shown inFIG. 24(S1403), which are stored in the memory part2108. A model to change to is selected by the user pressing the image of a desired model on the screen1102. At this time, for models in stock, model numbers associated with the models, displayed on the display screen, are circled using the stock status obtained from the result of S1403(S1404). After detailed information about memory card issuance is displayed on the screen1103, a memory card issuance application to be filled out for memory card issuance is printed by the papers issuance part2007(S1405), and the user fills out the printed application. The model change application is filled in according to directions displayed on the screen1104, a seal of approval is pressed, the paper is set on the paper set part2011, and the shooting part2012obtains the image of the model change application when “End” is pressed. The image is sent to an operator of the service center2300through the communication control part2109and the network2301. The operator visually checks the sent image on the screen of a personal computer or the like (S1406).

If the model change application is imperfect because of entry omissions, failed image, or the like, the operator of the service center sends modification directions (voice information2303) to the automatic contract change apparatus over the speaker2019or the like via the network2301(S1408). As shown in the screen1105, if it is confirmed that the model change application has been correctly filled out, the user is instructed to put the application in the papers collection box2008. After “OK” button is pressed for details of purchase amounts displayed on the screen1106, a payment method is selected on the screen3100(S1407). Where cash is specified as a payment method, as shown in the screen3101, payment is accepted until specified amounts are entered from the cash part2005(S1409). Where a payment method is a credit card, the credit card is read by the magnetic card read part2006to obtain its magnetic information, and the magnetic information is sent to a credit card company over the network to check whether usable limit amounts are not exceeded. If there is no problem, input of a password is accepted as shown in the screen3102, the password is sent to the credit card company, and payment by the credit card terminates at the time when a match is found (S1410). Upon completion of payment, the screen3103is displayed to indicate the end of payment. At the completion of payment, the screen3104is displayed to describe ID copy work, and as shown in the screen3105, and the connecting cable A2009is connected to the connecting terminal of the portable telephone having been so far used (S1411). As shown in the screen3106, to determine whether the connecting cable A2009is correctly connected, the connecting cable control part2107checks whether it can see the internal memory2200through the cable from the portable telephone. If it is correctly connected, the screen3107is displayed in the display part, and after the ID copy work (S1412) has terminated normally, the screen3108is displayed to have the user select whether to terminate the processing or copy phone book data (S1413). As shown in the screens1300,1301, and1302, the phone book data is copied in the same procedure as that for the ID copy work in a manner that copies the internal memory of the portable telephone having been so far used to the memory card2023(S1414). It is to be understood that information important to the user such as phone book data should be copied to the service center as well via the memory part2108of the model change part and the network to provide for dropout of information during copy operation. Later claims to dropout of important information from users can be solved by keeping records, with increased usability.

As shown in the screen1303, the memory card2033is issued (S1415). If “Yes” button is pressed in the screen1304, as shown in the screen1305, there is displayed a method of checking the operation of the memory card2023by using a portable telephone supporting a memory card (S3400). Since the user does not have a portable telephone supporting a memory card as shown in the screen1309, there are displayed measures to be taken when the operation of the memory card2023cannot be checked (S3402). Or, as described in the screen transition drawing ofFIG. 26for the apparatus ofFIG. 20in the third embodiment example, in order that the user receives a portable telephone in that place, portable telephones may be stored in the storing part2002.

In the screen1305, to check whether the ID copy work has terminated normally, that is, whether the memory card2023has been normally created, a call is made to the remodeled portable telephone from the service center. If a call is made to the new portable telephone, it is determined that the model change is completed. As shown in the screen1306, if a call is made to the portable telephone, “Connected” button is pressed. If a call is not made, “Not connected” button is pressed (S3401). If connected, a model change transaction statement for model change is printed in the papers issuance part2007and is used as a copy for the user. Further, an advertisement screen as shown by the screen1307is displayed and control returns to the initial screen1100(S1400). Further, information (the number of sold units, sold model names, dates, store names, etc.) about completed model change transactions is sent to the service center2300over the network2301. However, if not connected, the screen1308is displayed to output a message indicating that model change should be made again in a user's nearest manned store, and store information is printed in the papers issuance part2007(S3403).

Next, a description will be made of, as a fifth embodiment example, the embodiment of an automatic change apparatus connectable to the connecting terminal of a product having been so far used, regardless of its shape, thereby changing a product involving a contract without canceling the contract.

As the fifth embodiment example, measures to be taken in the case where the shape of a connecting terminal differs for each manufacturer will be described usingFIGS. 35,36,37, and38.

Referring toFIG. 37showing a screen transition,FIG. 35showing a hardware configuration,FIG. 36showing an internal configuration, andFIG. 38showing a data structure, a description will be made, based on the screen transition, of the process of portable telephone mode change by use of an automatic contract change apparatus according to the embodiment of the fifth embodiment example of the present invention.

An apparatus shown inFIG. 35is configurationally the same as the apparatus ofFIG. 20, except that it has a total of six connecting cables A2009, B2020, C and D1600, and E and F1601, to permit connection to plural portable telephone terminals each having a different terminal shape.

FIG. 36, which shows the configuration of the apparatus shown inFIG. 35, is the same as the apparatus configuration shown inFIG. 21, except that the connecting cables C and D1600and the connecting cables E and F1601are connected to the connecting cable control part2107.

FIG. 37is a drawing showing the transition of display screens controlled and displayed on the display part2003of the automatic contract change apparatus by the display control part2101. Hereinafter, input is made to screens through the input part2004controlled by the input control part2102.FIG. 37shows the same processing as in the third embodiment example until the connecting cable A and the like are connected, giving a screen transition for describing an embodiment example for provision for connecting cables of different shapes. The following description will be made with an emphasis on selection of a connecting cable.

As in the screen2605ofFIG. 26, the user is prompted to connect the cable B to a new portable telephone subject to model change. In this embodiment example, however, a table showing usable cables classified by model change apparatus is defined with a data structure as shown inFIG. 38, and usable cables by portable telephone, indicated by1900of the data structure diagram ofFIG. 38, are displayed on the screen. The user connects the connecting cable B2010according to directions of the screen. The screens1800to1802are screens for locating the type of a connecting cable for connecting to the portable telephone having been so far used. On the screen1800, the manufacturer of the portable telephone having been so far used is selected. On the screen1801, the type name of the portable telephone having been so far used is selected. On the screen1802, based on portable telephone information entered from the screens1800and1801, the type of a cable to be connected, corresponding to1900of the data structure diagram ofFIG. 38, is located, and the user is prompted to connect the cable. In this example, the screen is displayed to connect the connecting cable A2009. Processing in and after2607, which is the same as processing inFIG. 26, is omitted from the following description.

Although the present invention has been described based on the premise that sales boxes are available to receive a product in that place in the first embodiment example, it goes without saying that, if a product is not received in that place, the apparatus may be configured without sales boxes.