JP2001236413A - Method and system for providing article information - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a store to provide article information for many customers in real time and to enable a customer to accurately and speedily know the article information while remaining at home. SOLUTION: On the store side, the article information including current article video obtained by photographing articles, displayed in the store by a camera and the names and current prices of the articles, corresponding to the current article video, obtained from an article master file, is generated and a homepage of the store, which includes the generated article information and can be provided to clients via the Internet is opened on a Web server, and the article information is so provided that a client side can access the homepage of the store, and moreover select articles of interest on a screen, and know the article information on the selected article in real time on the screen.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and a system for providing, in real time, information on commodities to be sold displayed on a sales floor or a display shelf in a store by a computer system to a client-side customer via the Internet. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a store (for example, a supermarket),
The product to be sold is displayed on the sales floor, on a display shelf in the sales floor, or on a display shelf itself constituting the sales floor. The customer puts the desired product from the display shelf into the basket and goes to the checkout center. A checkout clerk reads and inputs a product code from a label attached to a product using a scanner that forms part of a product sales data processing device (for example, an electronic cash register).

The control unit of the electronic cash register acquires product data (product name, unit price, etc.) corresponding to a product code by referring to a product file in the own machine (or a product master file in a store controller or the like). Product registration is performed using the obtained product data. The registered contents are displayed on the display and printed on the receipt.

[0004] In such a store, as a measure for customer acquisition,
It provides customers with product information through media such as television broadcasts, newspaper advertisements, and insert flyers, and stimulates customers' willingness to purchase.

[0005]

However, commercials (advertisements) via conventional media are extremely costly due to the relationship of the minimum number of copies and the like. Further, since various types of products are appealed on average, it is difficult to expand sales of special products (for example, special sale products). And because it is a one-way transmission of information,
I don't know how many customers saw or read.

[0006] In particular, since real-time performance is lacking, it is very difficult for a store to change a price setting that can maintain inexpensiveness in comparison with other stores, and re-produce and redistribute leaflets and the like after a price change on the day. That is actually difficult.

On the other hand, for customers, fresh foods and time-discounted products (for example, lunch boxes, prepared dishes, etc.) are sold at a price determined according to a predetermined rule (for example, the relationship between time and the number of remaining items). In many cases, it is not possible to wait for that time in the store while being familiar with the service, so that a purchase service at a discounted price cannot be received. On the other hand, if the time to visit the store is late, special sale products, discount products, and the like may be sold out. Also, I gave up purchasing because of the limited number of sales,
In some cases, customers who arrive late can purchase the product in stock.

Further, the store wants to avoid discarding fresh foods and time-discounted products. For this reason, even if the discount amount is reduced over time, it can only be appealed to a limited number of customers passing through the counter.

An object of the present invention is to provide a product information providing method in which a store can provide product information to many customers in real time and many customers can know product information accurately and quickly while staying at home or the like. It is to provide a system.

[0010]

The invention according to claim 1 is a method for providing a customer with merchandise information relating to merchandise displayed in a store by a computer system via the Internet. The product information including the current product image obtained by photographing the product displayed in the camera and the product name and current price of the product corresponding to the current product image obtained from the product master file is included. In addition, a homepage constructed to be able to be provided to clients on the client side via the Internet is opened on the Web server of the store, and the client side via the Internet can access the homepage of the store and select the desired product on the screen. Along with product information about the selected product on the screen and in real time. Is a commodity information providing method for providing product information to so that.

[0011] In this invention, the store photographs the goods displayed on the sales floor or the display shelf in the store with the camera. It is preferable to take an image even when a customer approaches or passes through a display shelf or the like. This is because the client side, which will be described later, is also effective for relatively discriminating the size of the product, and can also inform the in-store customer footage and purchase status.

[0012] The current product video captured by the camera is temporarily stored, and the product name and current price of the product corresponding to the current product video are acquired from the product master file used at the time of product registration. Then, merchandise information including the photographed current merchandise image and the corresponding merchandise name and current price acquired as the corresponding merchandise image is created. Subsequently, a store homepage including the generated product information and constructed so as to be able to be provided to the client-side customer via the Internet is prepared and opened on the store-side Web server.
For example, the latest product information can be provided in real time, updated every minute. Of course, it is also possible to provide the latest product information including continuous images (moving images / still images) taken continuously by a camera.

On the client side, a store homepage is accessed via the Internet, and a product desired to be known on a Web browser screen is selected from the homepage. Then, the product information about the selected product,
Provided on the screen and in real time. For example, it is possible for a housewife to know the current price along with the latest product images while actually being displayed in the store while staying at home, and then go to the store and purchase the product at a discounted price after knowing these. it can.

Therefore, the store can provide the merchandise information in real time to a large number of customers, and can know the merchandise information accurately and quickly while the customers are at home. In other words, it is possible to expand sales of special products (for example, special sale products) relatively easily while achieving a significant cost reduction as compared with commercials (advertising) through conventional media, and it is excellent in real-time performance. It is possible to easily change a price setting that can maintain low price in comparison with other stores. In addition, the current prices of products that are discounted at a price determined according to a predetermined rule (for example, the relationship between time and the number of remaining items) [for example, bargain products, fresh foods, and time zone discount products (for example, lunch boxes, side dishes, etc.)] Since the price can be accurately reported, the customer's willingness to purchase is greatly increased. Thus, it is possible for the store to avoid the disposal of fresh foods and time-discounted products.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the product information is provided as image information in which the current product video, the product name, and the current price are visually combined on the same screen on the client side. This is an information provision method.

In this invention, the merchandise information created on the store side is image information obtained by combining the current merchandise image with the merchandise name and the current price, and the client side can visually check the merchandise information on the same screen. it can. Therefore, in addition to providing the same operation and effect as in the case of the first aspect of the present invention, since it is provided as composite image information, the handling operation on the client side is simple, and the product information can be visually checked with high efficiency.

Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, a current product image constituting the product information is formed from a plurality of current product images of different magnifications photographed by a plurality of cameras, and the product selected on the client side is displayed. This is a merchandise information providing method for providing merchandise information so that the user can know the information by changing the magnification.

According to this invention, the current product video constituting one product information (information on one or more products) created on the store side is composed of a plurality of current products photographed by a plurality of cameras and having different magnifications. It is a video (video related to one or more products). Thus, on the client side, the selected product can be known as the current product video that is enlarged or reduced by switching the magnification.

Therefore, in addition to providing the same operation and effect as in each of the first and second aspects of the present invention, the merchandise can be reduced on the client side and expanded together with the overall display situation in the store. It is possible to know the details and details of the product (whether there is a scratch, the place of production, etc.). That is,
The customer's willingness to purchase can be ensured.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a sales floor or display shelf in a store is selected on the screen on the client side, and a product specified from a plurality of products displayed on the selected sales floor or display shelf is selected. Is a product information providing method for providing product information so that the product information can be known.

[0021] In this invention, the in-store sales floor (or display shelf) on the accessed home page can be selected on the screen on the client side, and a plurality of sales floors displayed on the selected sales floor (or display shelf) can be selected. You can specify (select) one product from among products, and specify (select)
You can know the product information about the product you did.

Therefore, in addition to providing the same operation and effect as in each of the first to third aspects of the present invention, it is possible to quickly search for a desired product.

Further, in the invention according to claim 5, the store side performs inventory management for subtracting the number of sales from the number of products in stock, and the product information includes the latest stock number managed in inventory, and This is a product information providing method for providing product information so that the user can know the stock quantity together with the product selected or specified on the screen on the side.

According to this invention, in the store, every time a product is sold, inventory management is performed in which the number of sales is subtracted from the number of stocks of the product. Thus, the latest stock quantity managed in stock can be included in the product information. On the client side, the stock quantity can be known together with the product selected or specified on the screen.

[0025] Therefore, in addition to providing the same operation and effect as in each of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, at-home customers can further judge how crowded the customers in the store are on the screen, While considering the distance between the store and the home, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the user can purchase the product from the current stock (remaining).

Further, in the invention according to claim 6, the Web server side secures the number of accesses from the client side for each product, and the current price of the product stored in the product master file depends on the number of accesses. A commodity information providing method for providing commodity information automatically changed according to a predetermined rule and after the current price change.

In this invention, the Web server side secures the number of accesses from the client side for each product, and sets the current price of each product stored in the product master file in accordance with a predetermined rule according to the number of accesses. Therefore, it is automatically changed. For example, if the number of accesses is larger (less) than the reference number, the reduction in the current price is made smaller (larger). The client side is provided with product information including the changed current price according to the number of accesses.

Therefore, in addition to providing the same operation and effect as in each of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, the present price after discount can be provided to the client in real time, Can eliminate unsold products and secure appropriate profits.

Further, the invention according to claim 7 is a product information providing method in which the product information is provided as information relating to a bargain product, a fresh food, or a time zone discount product.

[0030] In this invention, the product information is provided as information relating to a special sale product that requires particular attention to the number of stocks (remaining number that can be sold), a fresh food product that needs to be sold out on the day, or a time zone discount product. In addition to achieving the same effects as those of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to further improve the customer's purchase chance and minimize the unsold of the store. .

Further, according to the invention of claim 8, the merchandise information which is known on the screen of the client side is printed out, and the shop side submits the printed out merchandise information to the customer who submits the merchandise information. This is a product information providing method for providing product information so that it can be sold at a price that is further reduced from the current price.

In this invention, the merchandise information learned on the screen of the client is printed out, and the printed out merchandise information is submitted at the store. For example, for the customer who submits the product information obtained by printing out the product information at the time of registering the product, the store can read the product information and perform a further discount sale from the current price at that time. .

Therefore, in addition to providing the same operation and effect as in each of the first to seventh aspects of the present invention, a regular customer via the Internet or a customer who is likely to become a regular customer can be provided. Can provide differentiated services.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is a merchandise information providing system for providing customers with merchandise information on merchandise displayed in a store by a computer system via the Internet, wherein the merchandise displayed in the store is provided. A homepage creator that arranges a camera so as to be able to shoot a product and creates a homepage that contains product information that combines the product name and current price of the product obtained from the product master file in the store with the current product video taken by the camera. And open the created homepage on the store's Web server so that the product information can be known in real time on the client's screen accessed via the Internet, and every time the product is sold The latest inventory number updated while subtracting the sales number is the inventory management in the store. The product information is read from the file so that the stock quantity included in the product information on the homepage can be automatically updated and the current stock quantity can be known in real time along with the current product picture, product name and current price on the client side screen. Is a product information providing system formed so as to be able to provide the product information.

In this invention, the store photographs the goods displayed on the sales floor with the camera arranged in the store.
Then, the homepage creator creates a homepage including product information obtained by combining the current product video captured by the camera with the product name and current price of the product (product corresponding to the current product video) acquired from the product master file in the store. create. This homepage is set up on the Web server at the store so that it can be provided to clients on the client side via the Internet.

The product information includes the stock quantity of the product in the stock information, and the latest stock quantity updated while subtracting the sales quantity each time the product is sold is read from the stock management file in the store, and the product information on the homepage is read. Automatically update the number of stocks included in.

Thus, on the screen of the client, the current stock quantity of the product can be known in real time together with the product information of the homepage accessed via the Internet, that is, the current product video, the product name and the current price.

Therefore, the store can provide the merchandise information to many customers in real time and can know the merchandise information accurately and quickly while the customers are at home or the like. In other words, it is possible to expand sales of special products (for example, bargain products) relatively easily while achieving a significant cost reduction compared to commercials (advertisement and publicity) via conventional media. It is possible to easily set a price that can maintain low price in comparison with a store.
In addition, a product that is discounted and sold at a price determined according to a predetermined rule (for example, a relationship between time and the remaining number) [for example,
Sale items, fresh foods and time-discounted products (eg, lunch,
)], The current price of the dish can be accurately informed, which can greatly motivate customers to purchase. Stores can also avoid disposing of fresh foods and time-discounted products. Furthermore, at-home customers can accurately judge the degree of crowding in the store on the screen and accurately determine whether or not they can purchase from the current inventory (remaining) while considering the distance between the store and their home. Can be done.

[0039]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a product information providing system suitable for carrying out the present product information providing method includes a plurality of products G which can be photographed in a store 50 (51, 52). Product information (image information) obtained by combining the current product video captured by the homepage creator (20) with the current product video and the product name and current price of the product obtained from the product master file 24F (24GTJ). Can be provided on the store-side Web server 110 and can be opened on the store-side Web server 110, and a client (a personal computer 310 such as a home customer) via the Internet 1 can open the store 50 on the Web browser screen (316). To be able to provide product information so that you can know the product information about the displayed products in real time That.

In FIG. 1, a plurality of terminals (electronic cash register 10) and a store controller 20 common to each terminal (10) are connected in a store 50 to a data communication line (L).
An article sales data processing system (POS system) connected via the AN 15) is provided. Each terminal (10) and the store controller 20 are both formed of a computer.

Each terminal (electronic cash register 10)
Are CPUs and ROs which are not shown in FIG.
M, RAM, a clock circuit, a scanner, a keyboard, a display, a printer, a drawer, a communication circuit, and the like, and correspond to a product code from a product master file 24F (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 3) of the store controller 20. Acquire product data (product name, unit price, etc.) and register the product. The accounting process is executed in the subsequent one transaction end declaration (closing operation). The sales data is later stored in the sales master file 24R (see FIG. 2) of the store controller 20.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a part of the store controller 20 is omitted in FIG.
PU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, HDD (hard disk device) 24, keyboard (KB) 25, display (IND) 26, communication circuit (I / F) 27, 28, 29
And the like having a collective management function of each terminal (10).
In addition to configuring a host machine on the OS system, a merchandise information providing system includes a shop and a homepage creating machine.

Therefore, the HDD 24 has a merchandise master file 24F as a POS system shown in FIG.
In addition to the sales master file 24R and the discount file 24T storing the discount data whose settings have been changed, a product display information file 24GTJ shown in FIG. 4 and a product information file 24GF shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are provided.

In this embodiment, search is facilitated (speeded up).
In order to reduce the capacity of the memory (the HDD 24), FIG.
Is formed integrally with the product master file 24F. Note that 24
K is an inventory management file. Both files are RA
It is expanded to M23 and used.

When a product is sold in the electronic cash register (terminal) 10 (YES in ST22 of FIG. 6), the store controller 20 stores the inventory management file 24
K is provided with an inventory management function (ST24) for subtracting the sales quantity from the inventory quantity of the product obtained from ST (ST23), and when the inventory quantity decreases, the inventory quantity of the product in the inventory management file 24K is updated (ST25). ) Is done.

Also, the latest updated stock quantity (for example,
"10") is the product display information file 24G shown in FIG.
Copied to the rest of TJ. This is for convenience in creating product information that is composite image information described in detail below.

Product display information file 24GT shown in FIG.
The sales floor (for example, 51A) of the product (for example, the product code is “12345”, the product name is “AAA”, and the unit price is “300 yen”) and a part of the sales floor are displayed in the sales floor column and the display shelf column of J. Are set and stored (for example, 52C).

In the current price column, the latest price (for example, 200 yen) that has been changed in the discount file 24T (the normal price is 300 yen and the price is further reduced by 100 yen) is rewritten and stored. A method for changing the discount price (200 yen), for example, to a lower price for each time zone and selling it while maintaining the normal price (300 yen) before the discount set in the price column of the product master file 24F. It is a convenience.

Of course, it is also possible to directly change the setting in the price column (current price column) of the product master file 24F. However, in such a case, a manual setting operation for returning to the normal price (300 yen) later is necessary.

In this embodiment, the latest price of each product in the discount file 24T can be changed by using the keyboard 25 and checking it on the screen of the display unit 26, and can be automatically changed. .

That is, the product master file 24F
(In this embodiment, the current price (price after discount) for each product stored in the discount file 24T can be automatically changed according to a predetermined rule depending on the number of times of access from the client (310) side. Is formed.

In this embodiment, the store-side Web server 1 which is an Internet server in the provider 100
10 is a client about the store homepage (31
The number of accesses from the 0) side is counted. In addition, We
The b server 110 may be formed from an Internet server opened directly on the Internet 1 by a store or a group (company).

The store controller 20 connected to the data communication line (for example, a dedicated line) 115 catches a change in the number of accesses (YES in ST26 of FIG. 6).
Then, the number of accesses at that time is obtained (ST27) and the price is changed (discounted) (ST28). Discount file 24
The current price in T is updated with the changed price (ST29)
Is done.

For example, if the number of accesses is larger than the reference number, the number of visitors is likely to increase, so the reduction in the current price is reduced. This is to ensure proper profit. Conversely, if the number of accesses is smaller than the reference number, the reduction in the current price is increased. This is to prevent unsold.

From this point of view, the products set in the product display information file 24GTJ in FIG. 4 are the products to be covered by the product information described later in detail, and in this embodiment, the bargain products (for example, mineral water packs), It relates to fresh food (eg, meat) or time-discounted products (eg, side dishes, bento). This is because there are many discount products that customers want to know most.

In this sense, that is, when the number of products to be provided is very small as compared with the total number of products set and stored in the product master file 24F, the product display is used for the purpose of sharing product codes and the like. Since there is little advantage in forming the information file 24GTJ integrally with the product master file 24F, the product display information file 2
4GTJ may be formed as an independent file.

In FIG. 1, a plurality of cameras 40 are connected to a store controller (homepage creating machine) 20 via a data communication line 25, an image controller 30 and a camera switching circuit 31. The camera 40 can photograph a product displayed directly on the sales floor 51 or on a display shelf 52 in the sales floor. A plurality of cameras 40 having different magnifications are provided for products that require detailed observation. In the case of a product that does not require detailed observation, one product may be used.

Here, when there is a request for creating merchandise information (YES in ST10 of FIG. 5),
Acts as a homepage creator. That is, for example, referring to the screen of the display 26 shown in FIG. 7A, the counter 51 (for example, 51A) [or the display shelf 52] shown in FIG. 7B is designated [YES in ST11 (or ST1
2)), the camera 40 (for example, 4
0A) (ST13) and fetch the current product video (see FIG. 3C) taken by the camera 40A and temporarily store it in the memory (RAM 23).

With respect to the same product Ga, a plurality of cameras 40 (for example, 40B) having different magnifications can be switched (NO in ST15) to take an image [see FIG.

When the import of the current product image is completed (YES in ST15), the product master file 2 shown in FIG.
The 4F (and the product display information file 24GTJ) is searched (ST16) to obtain the product name (for example, AAA) and the current price (for example, 200 yen) (ST17). Further, the stock quantity (for example, remaining 10 pieces) is obtained (ST1).
8).

Thus, the product name (AAA), the current price (200 yen), and the stock quantity (10) of the current product obtained from the current product video captured by the camera and the product master file 24F (and the product display information file 24GTJ) in the store. (C) and (D) shown in FIGS. 7 (C) and 7 (D), that is, product information is created (ST19), and a home page including the product information is created (ST20). This image information is a still image and / or a moving image captured by a camera.

The home page including the created product information is stored in the product information file 24GJ. Then, on the Web browser screen (316) of the client (310) accessed via the Internet 1, product information can be known in real time.
It is established on the store side Web server 110 (ST21).

A personal computer (client) in the home or the like 300 is provided on the Web server 210 in the provider 200 on the client (310) side shown in FIG.
310 is a dial-up IP via a data communication line (for example, integrated services digital communication network ISDN) 215.
It is connected.

In FIG. 1, a telephone station and the like reaching the integrated service digital communication network ISDN are not shown. Of course, the manner of connection of the client (310) to the Internet 1 is not limited to the above case. For example, from an apartment via a CATV.

Personal computer (client)
Reference numeral 310 denotes a CPU 311 and a ROM 31 as shown in FIG.
2, RAM 313, HDD 314, keyboard 315,
The display includes a display 316, a printer 317, and a communication line (interface) 318, and can browse the store homepage through the Internet 1 and by accessing the store-side Web server 110.

That is, the URL (U
In response to an access request (YES in ST50 in FIG. 8) designating the “niform Resource Locator”, the store-side Web server 110 is accessed (ST5).
1) Yes.

The screen of the display 316 includes, for example, FIG.
The initial screen shown in (A) is displayed (ST52). On the initial screen, the store name (for example, ABC), the sales floor name (for example, 51A, 51B,...), The display shelf (for example, 52
A, 52B, 52C,...) And products (for example, AA
A, BBB, CCC,...).

With reference to this initial screen (homepage), the sales section 51A (for example, a side dish section) is selected (ST53).
YES), the selection section 51A shown in FIG.
(For example, AAA, NNN, XXX) are displayed on the screen.

Here, the product AAA (for example, tempura set) is specified substantially the same as the selection (YES in ST56).
Then, the product information of the designated (selected) product, that is, FIG.
(C) Sales floor 51A, commodity AAA, current price 200
It is possible to obtain a combined image of the circle and the remaining ten character information and the current product video information displayed in the counter 51A (ST58).

After the display shelf is selected (ST54), the product can be designated (YES in ST56), or the product can be directly selected (YES in ST55). Further, when no product is specified (NO in ST56), all product information on a plurality of products (for example, AAA, NNN, XXX) displayed in the selected sales floor 51A (or selected display shelf) is obtained (ST57). )can do.

That is, as shown in FIG.
(A plurality of products Ga, Gn, Gx (product names AAA, NNN, X) displayed on the display shelves 52A, 52B, 52C.
XX) is the current price (200 yen, 350 yen,
A combined image (product information) including the current product video information captured together with the current product video information (260 yen) can be acquired from the Web server 110. FIG. 1 just displayed for one product AAA
A plurality of current product videos similar to the 0 (C) current product video information can be displayed on the same screen.

Further, for example, the product video having the magnification of "1" shown in FIG. 10C can be selectively switched to the magnification of "2" shown in FIG. 10D (ST59 in FIG. 9). YE
S, ST60, ST61). Therefore, it is possible to observe the details and details of the displayed product.

Further, in response to the print request (ST62), the printer 317 is driven to display the product information (for example, date and time, store ABC, product AAA, price 20) on the sheet shown in FIG.
0 yen, 10 remaining) can be printed. Number (N
o. 0057) is issued from the Web server 110 side.

In this embodiment, on the screen (316),
As shown in FIGS. 10 (C) and 10 (D), for example, it is formed to be able to display "If you bring it out by printing it, the price will be further reduced."

That is, each terminal (10) reads and inputs the printed product name, current price, and the like from the paper, and further reduces the price (for example, 150 yen) from the current price (200 yen). (Yen), and can be sold to customers who submit (bring) printing paper. It can be used as a service ticket for so-called net participants. However, in the case of sold out (remaining 0), it is preferable that the condition is not satisfied.

In the product information providing system, the store 5
On the 0 side, the displayed product G is photographed by the camera 40 disposed in the own store 50 (ST14 in FIG. 5). Customers display shelves 52
Even if you are approaching or passing through, you may take a picture. This is because the client (316) side is also effective for relatively discriminating the size of the product from the customer and the belongings, and can also inform the customer's in-store condition and the purchase condition.

Then, the homepage creator (20)
The current product video captured by the camera and temporarily stored in the RAM 23, and the product master file 24F (product display information file 24G) in the store 50 (store controller 20).
A homepage including product information obtained by combining the product name and the current price of the product (product corresponding to the current product video) acquired from TJ) is created (ST19).

This home page is set up on the store-side Web server 110 so that it can be provided to the client (310) -side customer via the Internet 1 (ST21).
For example, the product information is updated every minute and the latest product information is provided in real time. Of course, it is also possible to provide the latest product information including continuous images (moving images) continuously taken by the camera.

The product information includes the stock number of the product. That is, every time a product is sold, the updated stock number (ST29 in FIG. 6) is read from the stock management file 24K in the store while subtracting the sales number, and the stock number included in the product information on the homepage is determined. Automatic update (Fig. 5
ST18).

Thus, the client (310) accesses the store homepage via the Internet 1 and selects a desired product from the homepage on the screen (316) of the Web browser (ST5 in FIG. 8).
3 to ST56). Then, the product information about the selected product is provided on the screen (316) and in real time. For example, a housewife can know the current price together with the latest product image while actually being displayed in the store 50 while staying at home (300), go to the store 50 and buy the product at a discounted price after knowing it. can do.

Accordingly, the store 50 can provide the merchandise information to many customers in real time and can know the merchandise information accurately and quickly while the customer is at home (300). In other words, it is possible to expand sales of special products (for example, bargain products) relatively easily while achieving a significant cost reduction compared to commercials (advertisement and publicity) via conventional media. It is possible to easily set a price that can maintain low price in comparison with a store. In addition, the current price of a product discounted at a price determined according to a predetermined rule (the relationship between the time and the remaining number [sale product, fresh food, time zone discount product (eg, lunch box, side dish), etc.)) can be accurately calculated. Being able to inform them can greatly motivate customers to buy. Thus, it is possible for the store 50 to avoid disposal of fresh foods and time-discounted products.

The merchandise information created on the store 50 (20) side is image information obtained by synthesizing the current merchandise image with the merchandise name and the current price (ST19 in FIG. 5), and is the same on the client (310) side. Since the product information (composite image information) can be visually checked on the screen (316), the handling operation on the client side is simple, and the product information can be visually checked with high efficiency.

Further, the current product video constituting the product information (information relating to one or more products) created on the store 50 (20) side includes a plurality of current products photographed by a plurality of cameras 40 with different magnifications. This is a product video (video relating to one or more products), and the client (310) can know the selected product as a current product video enlarged or reduced by switching the magnification (ST59 in FIG. 9). Therefore, on the client (310) side, it is possible to know the details and details (whether or not there is a scratch, the place of production, etc.) of the product by reducing the size of the product and expanding it together with the overall display situation in the store. That is, the customer's willingness to purchase can be ensured.

On the client (310) side, the in-store counter 51 (or
Display shelf 52) is selected on screen (316) (ST5 in FIG. 8).
3 to ST56) and one product can be designated (selected) from a plurality of displayed products,
In addition, since it is possible to know the product information on the specified (selected) product, it is possible to quickly search for the desired product.

Further, in the store 50, every time a product is sold, inventory management is performed in which the number of sales is subtracted from the stock number of the product, and the latest stock number managed in inventory can be included in the product information. On the client (310) side, it is possible to know the stock quantity together with the product selected on the screen (316). Therefore, the home customer can accurately determine whether the customer in the store is crowded on the screen or consider the distance between the store 50 and the house 300 and accurately determine whether or not he / she can purchase from the current stock (remaining). Can be done

Further, on the Web server 110 side, the number of accesses from the client (310) side is secured for each product, and the current price of each product stored in the product master file 24F (product display information file 24GTJ) is obtained. Automatic change is performed according to a predetermined rule depending on the number of accesses (ST28 in FIG. 6), and the client (310) is provided with the changed product information according to the number of accesses. Therefore, the latest current price after the discount can be provided to the client in real time, and the store 50 can also achieve the elimination of unsold and the securing of appropriate profit.

Further, since the product information is provided as information relating to a special sale product that requires particular attention to the number of stocks (remaining number that can be sold), a fresh food product that needs to be sold out on the day, or a time-sale discount product, Can be improved and the unsold of the store 50 can be minimized.

Further, when the merchandise information learned on the screen (316) on the client (310) side is printed out and submitted at the store 50, the store side (10) gives the submitted product It is possible to further reduce the price from the current price by reading the information, etc.,
Differentiated services can be provided for regular customers and customers who are likely to become regular customers via the Internet 10.

Further, the store controller 20 constituting the homepage creating machine in the store 50 has a plurality of electronic cash registers 10 having a product registration and accounting processing function.
Are connected to the LAN (15) and form a higher-level device thereof. Therefore, it is possible to accurately match the provided product information with the product name (current product price) registered in the electronic cash register 10 (product sales) and the current price. Can be secured.

[0091]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the merchandise information including the merchandise name and the current price of the merchandise corresponding to the current merchandise video acquired from the merchandise master file and the current merchandise video taken by the camera at the store side is obtained. A product information providing method for providing a product information so as to allow a user to know product information of a selected product in real time on a screen on a client side via the Internet by creating a homepage including the created product information and the created product information on a Web server. Therefore, the store can provide the merchandise information to many customers in real time and can know the merchandise information accurately and quickly while the customers are at home or the like. In other words, it is possible to expand sales of special products (for example, bargain products) relatively easily while achieving a significant cost reduction compared to commercials (advertisement and publicity) via conventional media. It is possible to easily change a price setting that can maintain low price in comparison with a store. In addition, since the current price of merchandise (for example, fresh food) that is discounted and sold at a price determined according to a predetermined rule (for example, the relationship between time and the number of remaining items) can be accurately notified, the customer's willingness to purchase is greatly reduced. Is caused. Stores can also avoid disposal of fresh foods and time-discounted products.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the merchandise information is provided as image information in which the current merchandise video, the merchandise name and the current price are visually combined on the same screen on the client side. In addition to providing the same effect as that of the invention of item 1, the handling operation on the client side is simple because it is provided as composite image information, and the product information can be visually checked with high efficiency.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, a current product image is formed from a plurality of current product images of different magnifications photographed by a plurality of cameras, and a product selected on the client side is scaled by switching magnification. In addition to providing the same effects as those of the first and second aspects of the present invention, the present invention can be provided with a display condition in a store in which a product is reduced on the client side. It is possible to know the details and details (whether or not there is a scratch, the place of production, etc.) of the expanded product. That is, it is possible to secure the purchase will.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, one of a plurality of products displayed on the sales floor or the like in the store selected on the screen of the client is designated, and the designated product is designated. Is provided so that the user can know the product information of the present invention, so that the same effect as in each of the inventions of claims 1 to 3 can be obtained, and furthermore, the desired product can be quickly searched. it can.

Further, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is provided that the latest stock quantity managed in stock is included in the merchandise information so that the stock quantity can be known together with the merchandise selected on the screen on the client side. Therefore, in addition to providing the same effects as in the case of each of the inventions of claims 1 to 4, the at-home customer can further determine the degree of crowded customers in the store on the screen, and While considering the distance of the house, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the user can purchase from the current stock number (remaining).

Further, according to the invention of claim 6, after-change goods whose current price for each goods stored in the goods master file is automatically changed according to the number of times of access from the client side and according to a predetermined rule. Since it is provided as information, in addition to being able to achieve the same effects as in the case of each of the inventions of claims 1 to 5,
In addition to providing clients with the current price after discounts in real time, it is possible for the stores to eliminate unsold and secure appropriate profits.

Further, according to the invention of claim 7, since the product information is provided as information relating to a bargain product, a perishable food or a time zone discount product, the case of each of the inventions of claim 1 to claim 6 is different. In addition to achieving the same effect, it is possible to further improve the purchase chance of the customer and minimize the unsold of the store.

Further, according to the invention of claim 8, for the customer who submits the product information in which the product information which is known on the screen of the client at the store is printed out, the value is further increased from the current price at that time. Since the merchandise information is provided so that the merchandise can be sold, it is possible to obtain the same effects as in the inventions of claims 1 to 7, and furthermore, it is highly probable that the customer will become a regular customer or a regular customer via the Internet. Differentiated services can be provided to customers.

Further, according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, a home page including product information obtained by combining a current product video taken by a camera in a store with a home page creator, a product name obtained from a product master file, and a current price is provided. It is created and opened on the store side web server, and the latest stock quantity automatically updated as the product is sold in the product information is read from the inventory management file and included together with the current product picture, product name and current price on the client side screen. Since the product information providing system is formed so that the current stock quantity can be known in real time, the store can provide the product information to many customers in real time and the product information can be provided while the customer is at home. Can be known accurately and quickly. In other words, it is possible to expand sales of special products (for example, bargain products) relatively easily while achieving a significant cost reduction compared to commercials (advertisement and publicity) via conventional media. It is possible to easily set a price that can maintain low price in comparison with a store. Moreover, since the current price of a product (for example, a lunch box, a side dish, etc.) that is discounted and sold at a price determined according to a predetermined rule (for example, the relationship between time and the number of remaining items) can be accurately reported, the customer's willingness to purchase is It is greatly provoked. Stores can also avoid disposing of fresh foods and time-discounted products. Furthermore, at-home customers can accurately judge the degree of crowding in the store on the screen and accurately determine whether or not they can purchase from the current inventory (remaining) while considering the distance between the store and their home. Can be done.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an overall configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a store controller on the store side.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a personal computer on the client side.

FIG. 4 is also a diagram for explaining a product master file.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart (1) for explaining the operation of the store.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart (2) for explaining the operation of the store.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a stage of creating merchandise information on the store side and the like.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart (1) for explaining the operation on the client side.

FIG. 9 is also a flowchart (2) for explaining the operation on the client side.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a display mode example (1) of product information on the client side.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a display mode example (2) of product information on the client side.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of a printout mode of product information on the client side.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Internet 10 Electronic cash register (store side) 20 Store controller (homepage creation machine, store side) 24 HDD 24F Product master file 24R Sales master file 24T Discount file 24K Inventory management file 24GTJ Product display information file (product master file) 24GJ Product information file 25 Keyboard 26 Display (screen) 30 Image controller 31 Camera switching circuit 40 Camera 50 Store 51 Sales floor 52 Display shelf 110 Web server (store side) 210 Web server (client side) 300 Home, etc. 310 Personal computer (client side) 311 CPU 314 HDD 315 Keyboard 316 Display (screen) 317 Printer

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) G07G 1/14 G06F 15/24 F term (reference) 3E042 CC06 CD01 CE07 EA01 5B049 AA02 BB11 BB49 CC02 CC08 CC27 EE05 EE07 FF07 GG01 GG04 GG07 9A001 BB04 BB06 CC02 CC04 CC08 HH23 HH28 HH30 JJ12 JJ25 JJ27 JJ39 JJ52 JJ58 KK16 KK42

Claims (9)

[Claims] Claims 1. A method of providing a customer with product information on a product displayed in a store by a computer system via the Internet, wherein the store uses a camera to photograph the product displayed in the store. Create product information including the product video and the product name and current price of the product corresponding to the current product video obtained from the product master file, and provide the created product information to the client-side customers via the Internet Establish a homepage that can be built on the store's Web server, and on the client side via the Internet, access the store's homepage and select the product you want to know on the screen, and display the product information about the selected product on the screen Products that provide product information so that they can be known in real time Distribution provides a method. 2. The product information provision according to claim 1, wherein the product information is provided as image information in which the current product video, the product name, and the current price are visually combined on the same screen on the client side. Method. 3. A current product video constituting the product information is formed from a plurality of current product videos of different magnifications photographed by a plurality of cameras, and the product selected on the client side is enlarged and reduced by magnification switching. The product information providing method according to claim 1, wherein the product information is provided so that the product information can be provided. 4. A sales floor or a display shelf in a store is selected on the screen on the client side, and the product information on a product in which a product is designated from a plurality of products displayed on the selected sales floor or the display shelf is displayed. The product information providing method according to claim 1, wherein the product information is provided so as to be known. 5. The store side performs inventory management for subtracting the number of items sold from the number of items in stock, and the item information includes the latest number of items managed in inventory. Claim 1 which provides product information so that the stock quantity can be known together with the specified product.
The method for providing product information according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 6. The Web server side secures the number of accesses from the client side for each product, and automatically changes a current price of a product stored in the product master file according to a predetermined rule depending on the number of accesses. The product information providing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the provided product information is provided after the current price is changed. 7. The product information providing method according to claim 1, wherein the product information is provided as a product related to a bargain product, a perishable food item, or a time zone discount product. 8. The customer who prints out the product information learned on the screen of the client side and further discounts the current price at that time for the customer who submits the product information printed out by the store side. The method for providing product information according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the product information is provided so that the product information can be sold at the same time. 9. A merchandise information providing system for providing a customer with merchandise information on merchandise displayed in a store by a computer system via the Internet, wherein a camera is arranged so that the merchandise displayed in the store can be photographed. And a homepage creator that creates a homepage that contains product information obtained by combining the current product video obtained by the camera with the product name and current price of the product obtained from the product master file in the store, and the created homepage Is established on the store's Web server so that product information can be known in real time on the client's screen accessed via the Internet, and each time a product is sold, the sales number is subtracted and updated. Read the latest inventory number from the inventory management file in the store and home Automatically update the number of stocks included in the product information on the page and provide product information on the client screen so that the current stock number can be known in real time along with the current product video, product name and current price Product information providing system formed in.