JP2008187649A - Communication system and method for stores - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system with which the existing problems in large-sized shopping malls, or the like, can be solved. <P>SOLUTION: The communication system for stores comprises a plurality of fixed radio devices 11 composing area channels assigned to each area in a store; mobile radio devices 12, which are attached to shopping carts used by customers and perform handover between area channels, according to movement of the shopping carts; and a main system which is connected to each fixed radio device and uses each area channel to communicate with each mobile radio device by utilizing the area channels. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a store communication system and a method capable of providing various conveniences to a customer or a store side in a store.

  In recent years, a large number of suburban shopping malls have emerged. In such a huge shopping center, it is often difficult to know where the customer wants the product because of its large size. Even a store clerk is difficult to grasp the entire sales floor, so a person in charge is prepared for each sales floor. However, to save money, the number of clerk is not enough and even finding a clerk can be difficult.

  Also, in order to promote sales promotion products on the store side, it is a conventional means to display products so that customers can easily understand them, but the points have become difficult to narrow down due to the expansion of the sales floor area. Due to the expansion of sales floors, mobile phones are often out of service area. This is because radio waves from mobile phone base stations set outdoors may not reach every corner of the indoor sales floor. Therefore, once customers' friends are separated from each other, there are many cases where it is not easy to be together, and there are many cases of lost children.

  Conventionally, various methods have been used to solve these problems. For example, if you have an intercom at the sales floor and you want to contact the sales staff, you can press the intercom button to notify the store clerk that you are looking for the sales staff. It is also known that a simple low-power wireless device is installed in a sales floor so that a sales floor customer can directly call a sales person in charge by using the wireless device. In addition, in order to appeal promotional items, CD players, radio cassettes, etc. are installed in the sales floor, and the explanation of the product is repeatedly flowed endlessly to inform the customers of the sales floor that there are promotional items nearby. Has been done. In addition, a mobile phone base station may be installed at the sales floor for communication between customers. In addition, lost children are dealt with by the lost child center or patrol around the hall by security guards.

  For example, a system described in Patent Document 1 is known as a technique that enables a wireless call. In this system, a radio transmitter for making a plurality of calls and a radio receiver for receiving a plurality of calls are prepared, and when a call operation is performed by any one of the radio transmitters, only some of the radio receivers are provided. I am trying to receive a call.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-326956

  However, according to the method of calling a salesperson by an interphone or a radio, a sales floor customer who wants to call needs to find a place where the interphone or the radio is placed. In addition, according to the method of appealing the sales promotion product using the radio cassette or the like, the range in which the appeal can be performed is limited to the place where the radio cassette or the like is installed. In addition, it is difficult to cope with the case where the promotional items change according to the timing of time service or the like.

  In addition, according to the method of installing a simple base station of a mobile phone, a large cost is required to introduce all the simple base stations corresponding to the method of each mobile phone carrier. Also, the problem is not solved for customers who do not have a mobile phone. Also, the lost child center or the like is for post-processing when a lost child occurs, and the occurrence of the lost child cannot be prevented. Further, according to these problem solving methods, since various means different for each problem are to be solved, it is necessary to prepare different means for each problem and to take a solution.

  The objective of this invention is providing the system which can solve the conventional trouble in such a large shopping mall.

  In order to achieve this object, the store communication system according to the first invention moves together with a plurality of fixed wireless devices and customers constituting each area channel assigned to each area in the store, and according to the movement A mobile radio that is handed over between each area channel and a mobile radio that is connected to each fixed radio and that uses each area channel can communicate with each mobile radio that is using the area channel. It is characterized by comprising a possible main system.

  Here, for example, a digital radio is used as the fixed radio or mobile radio. The handover may be performed with a frequency change or performed on the fixed radio side. As the configuration of each area channel, for example, a small cell configuration in which a plurality of area channels covering a narrow area of several meters square such as a display shelf are arranged is used.

  In this configuration, each area channel is assigned to each area. When the customer moves with each mobile radio device, the mobile radio device crosses the boundary between adjacent areas. Sometimes, handover is performed, and the area channel to be used is switched to the area channel assigned to the destination area. Accordingly, communication between the main system and each mobile radio is always performed using an area channel assigned to the area in which the mobile radio is moving.

  Therefore, the main system can perform broadcast transmission for mobile radio devices moving in the area for each area, and each mobile radio device performs broadcast transmission in the area while moving in each area. Can be received. In addition, the main system receives the identification information from each mobile radio device via the area channel of the area where the mobile radio device is moving, together with the identification information of the area channel, so that the mobile radio device It is possible to know whether the area is moving. In addition, by using such information, the main system can efficiently relay a call between mobile radio devices for which identification information on the other side is specified. Utilizing these functions, the store communication system can provide convenience for both the customer and the store.

  The store communication system according to a second aspect of the present invention is the communication system for a store according to the first aspect, wherein the main system uses each area channel and provides information specific to each area channel to each mobile radio using each area channel. Is transmitted. As information specific to an area channel, for example, a message for advertising a promotional item in the area of the area channel is applicable.

  The store communication system according to a third invention is the first or second invention, wherein the mobile radio device sends a predetermined call request to the main system using the area channel being used in response to a predetermined operation. When the main system receives the call request, the main system transmits a mobile radio that has transmitted the call request, and a radio of a clerk in charge of the area of the area channel used to transmit the call request. This is characterized in that it starts relaying the call.

  The store communication system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the store communication system according to any one of the first to third stores, wherein the main system is between each mobile radio in which the other party's identification information is registered in advance. It is characterized by relaying a call.

  In a third or fourth aspect of the communication system for a store according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the mobile wireless device to be relayed for the call uses the area in use of the use channel prior to the start of the call relay. The call is switched to a call channel prepared in advance by a fixed wireless device related to the channel, and the call is relayed using the call channel.

  The store communication system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the communication system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the mobile wireless device periodically receives the identification information via the area channel being used. The main system holds a table that records the latest correspondence between each identification information and each area channel used for the transmission based on each transmitted identification information. It is characterized by being.

  The store communication system according to a seventh invention is the communication system for a store according to any one of the first to eighth inventions, wherein the main system is an area of one of the identification information items associated in advance in the table. Based on the area of the channel and the area channel area of the other identification information, a predetermined output is performed in a predetermined case.

  The store communication system according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the communication system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the mobile wireless device is predetermined from the main system via the mobile wireless device in response to a customer request. An information processing device for collecting information or providing predetermined information to the main system is attached, and the information processing device includes input means for receiving predetermined input by the customer, and predetermined information for the customer It is provided with the presentation means for performing presentation of this. As the presenting means, for example, means for presenting by voice or display is applicable.

  In a store communication system according to a ninth aspect, in the eighth aspect, the information processing apparatus is configured to receive the mobile radio associated with the information processing apparatus when an input for designating a product for which a price is to be presented is made. The machine sends a notification request for notification of the price of the product to the main system, and the main system responds to the notification request by notifying the price of the requested product. When this response is received via the mobile wireless device, the price notified by the response is presented by the presenting means.

  In a ninth aspect of the communication system for stores according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, when the information processing apparatus receives an instruction to purchase a product for which the price has been presented after the presentation of the price, The price of the product is added to the total value of the prices that have been added in the same manner, and the result is presented by the presenting means.

  The store communication system according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, wherein the information processing apparatus receives an input designating a product for which the area is located. A notification request for notification of the area where the product is located is transmitted to the main system via the mobile radio device to which the information processing apparatus is attached, and the main system responds to the notification request by requesting the requested product. The information processing apparatus performs a response notifying of the area where the mobile phone is located. When the information processing apparatus receives the response via the mobile wireless device, the information processing apparatus presents the area notified by the response by the presenting unit.

  A store wireless system according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the wireless system for a store according to any of the eighth to eleventh aspects, wherein the information processing apparatus receives an input designating a plurality of products to be targeted for predetermined navigation. Sends a notification request to the main system for notification of the area where those products are located, via the mobile radio associated with the information processing apparatus, and the main system is requested in response to the notification request. When the information processing apparatus receives the response via the mobile wireless device, the information processing apparatus presents a course that efficiently passes through each area notified by the response. It is characterized by doing.

  A communication system for a store according to a thirteenth invention is the communication system according to any one of the eighth to twelfth inventions, wherein the information processing apparatus is accompanied by the information processing apparatus when an input for specifying a product to be purchased is made. The information indicating that the product has been purchased is transmitted to the main system together with predetermined identification information set in the mobile wireless device via the mobile wireless device.

  A communication system for a store according to a fourteenth aspect is the communication system according to any one of the ninth to thirteenth aspects, wherein a predetermined reader is connected to the information processing apparatus, and an input for designating the product is the read This is performed by causing the device to read a wireless tag attached to the product or a barcode specifying the product.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the communication system for a store according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, the mobile wireless device is provided in a shopping cart used by a customer, and the shopping cart is connected to the mobile wireless device. A battery for supplying power to the battery, and a charging electrode connected to the battery, the electrode being provided on a tire of the shopping cart, the shopping cart being placed at a predetermined position in the cart place of the store. When this is done, the charging line installed in the cart storage area and the electrode are in contact with each other, and the battery is charged via the line.

  In a communication system for a store according to a sixteenth invention, in any one of the first to fourteenth inventions, the mobile wireless device is provided in a shopping cart used by a customer, and the shopping cart is connected to the mobile wireless device. A battery for supplying power to the battery, and an outlet connected to the battery, the front side and the rear side of which can be fitted to other outlets. And when the battery is charged through the outlet and is placed on the back of another shopping cart that is already in place in the cart place, The front side of the outlet is configured to mate with the rear side of the outlet of the other shopping cart. And butterflies.

  The store communication system according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention is the communication system according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, wherein the mobile radio is provided in a shopping cart used by a customer, and a part of each area channel is the shopping The main system is assigned to a predetermined return location of the cart, and the main system receives the identification information from the mobile radio of the shopping cart returned to the return location via the partial area channel. The number of returned shopping carts is grasped, and when a predetermined number is reached, a predetermined output is performed.

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a store communication method comprising: a step of configuring each area channel allocated to each area in a store with a plurality of fixed wireless devices; A step of performing handover between each area channel, a step of performing communication between each mobile radio using the area channel by the main system connected to each fixed radio using each area channel, and It is characterized by comprising.

  According to the present invention, the main system uses each area channel assigned to each area in the store and performs communication with each mobile radio using the area channel. Various conveniences can be achieved for both stores.

  In addition, since the main system uses each area channel to transmit information specific to each area channel to each mobile radio using each area channel, for example, as information specific to the area channel. By sending a message for advertising a promotional item in the area of the area channel, it is possible to appeal the promotional item to customers moving in the area.

  Further, in response to a predetermined call request from the customer by the mobile radio, the main system performs a call between the mobile radio and the radio of the clerk in charge of the area channel area used to transmit the call request. Since the relay is started, the customer can immediately contact the person in charge without having to find a store clerk in charge of the moving area.

  In addition, since the main system relays a call between each mobile radio in which the other party's identification information is registered in advance, each customer whose identification information is registered when the shopping cart is lent out Can call the other party at any time to make a call.

  In addition, the mobile radio device that is the target of the call relay switches the use channel to the call channel prepared in advance by the fixed radio device related to the area channel that is being used prior to the start of call relay. Therefore, it is possible to relay a call without hindering the area channel being used from being used for other customers as much as possible.

  Further, the mobile radio device periodically transmits the identification information to the main system via the area channel being used, and based on this, the main system uses each transmitted identification information and its transmission. Since a table in which the latest association with each area channel is recorded is held, it is possible to grasp which area each mobile radio device is moving by using this table.

  In addition, the main system, based on the area channel area of one identification information and the area channel area of the other identification information of each identification information associated in advance in the table, in a predetermined case Since a predetermined output is performed, for a customer with a child, for example, a badge-type mobile radio is attached to the child, and a predetermined alarm is output when the area where the child is away from the area where the customer is located Therefore, the occurrence of lost children can be prevented.

  In addition, when an input for designating a product for which a price is to be presented is made, the information processing apparatus transmits a notification request for notification of the price of the product to the main system by the mobile radio device, and acquires the price. Thus, the customer can immediately know the price of the desired product. Moreover, the store side can update the price of each product quickly and easily as appropriate in the main system.

  In addition, when an instruction to purchase the product for which the price is presented is input after the price is presented, the information processing apparatus adds the price of the product in the same manner until then. Since the price is added to the total value and the result is presented, the customer can easily know the total price of the purchased product that has been added so far each time the purchased product is added.

  In addition, when an input for designating a product for which the area where the product is to be presented is made, the information processing apparatus sends a notification request for notification of the area where the product is located to the main system and receives the notification of the area. The customer can immediately know the area where the desired product is located.

  In addition, when an input for specifying a plurality of products to be navigation target is made, the information processing device transmits a notification request for notification of an area where those products are located to the main system, and responds to the request. Since the course that efficiently passes through the area where each notified product is located is presented, the customer can efficiently shop according to the course that is presented simply by specifying each desired product. it can.

  In addition, when an input for designating a product to be purchased is made, the information processing device transmits information indicating that the product has been purchased via the mobile radio device associated with the information processing device to the mobile radio device. Because it is sent to the main system together with the predetermined identification information set in the store, the store side purchases in advance for the customer corresponding to the identification information based on the information of the purchased product and the identification information transmitted to the main system. You can prepare products and prepare for payment. At that time, necessary purchased products can be packed.

  In addition, since a predetermined reading device is connected to the information processing apparatus and an input for designating a product can be performed by the reading device, the customer can easily perform an input for designating the product.

  In addition, when a mobile radio and its battery are provided in a shopping cart used by a customer, a charging electrode connected to the battery is provided on a tire of the shopping cart, and the shopping cart is installed in a cart place of the store. When placed in a predetermined position, the battery is charged via the charging line installed in the cart yard, so that the battery for the mobile radio is not required any special labor or time. Can be charged.

  In addition, when the mobile radio and its battery are provided in the shopping cart used by the customer, the outlet connected to the battery is provided in the shopping cart, and the shopping cart is placed at a predetermined position in the cart place of the store When the outlet is fitted into a charging outlet installed in the cart yard, the battery is charged and placed behind another shopping cart, the front side of the outlet is Therefore, the mobile radio battery can be recharged without requiring any special labor or time.

  In addition, a part of each area channel is allocated to the shopping cart return location and the main system receives the identification information from the mobile radio of the shopping cart returned to the return location via the partial area channel. As a result, the number of returned shopping carts is grasped, and when the predetermined number is reached, a predetermined output is performed. The person in charge of the store then performs shopping from the return place based on this output. The collection timing of the cart can be easily known.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system in a large shopping center according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, this communication system is provided in a plurality of fixed wireless devices 11 (11a, 11b,...) Constituting an area channel assigned to each predetermined sales floor area and a shopping cart used by a customer. , Connected to a plurality of mobile radio devices 12 (12a, 12b,...) That perform handover between channel areas in accordance with the movement of the shopping cart, and each fixed radio device 11, and using each channel area, A main system 13 capable of communicating with each mobile radio device 12 using the area channel is provided.

  Each fixed wireless device 11a, 11b,... Has an area number 01, 02,. Each mobile radio device 12 is assigned a unique radio ID. As the fixed wireless device 11 and the mobile wireless device 12, a digital wireless device capable of transferring digital data is used so that various services can be provided. In addition to the function of transmitting and receiving voice frames, this digital radio measures the received electric field strength in the area channel in use and uses the area channel in use based on peripheral channel information obtained through the area channel in use. It also has a function of measuring the received electric field strength of each area channel adjacent to.

  The channel configuration by the fixed radio 11 is a small cell configuration in which a plurality of area channels covering a narrow area of several meters square such as a display shelf are arranged. Using this area channel, an introduction of a promotional material described later is transmitted. Also, the above-mentioned peripheral channel information and call control information when there is a call are transmitted. As will be described later, data required by the customer, such as the price of the product, is also transmitted upon request. All the radio devices 11 for each area constituting the area channel are connected to the main system 13, and the main system 13 manages information on the model of the radio device 11.

  FIG. 2 shows a shopping cart provided with a mobile radio 12. As shown in the figure, the cart includes a PTT switch 21 for transmitting a message by the mobile radio device 12, a microphone for converting a customer's utterance into an audio signal and supplying the voice signal to the mobile radio device 12, and the mobile radio device 12. Information such as a monitor (small display) 23 to be controlled, a speaker 24 that outputs sound based on an audio frame received by the mobile wireless device 12, a battery 25 that supplies power to the mobile wireless device 12, and a wireless tag, a barcode, etc. A reader 26 for reading and supplying the mobile radio device 12 is provided. The monitor 23 is provided with an electronic computer having a simple operation panel.

  Due to the characteristics of the shopping cart, the position of the ear of the customer who uses it while pushing it can be specified to some extent. For this reason, a flat speaker with good directivity is adopted as the speaker 24 and is attached so that the apex of directivity matches only in the vicinity of the ear of the customer pushing the shopping cart. That is, consideration is given so that the sound from the speaker 24 is not noisy to other customers around.

  FIG. 3 shows a state where the shopping cart is placed in a predetermined cart place and the battery 25 is charged. In the figure, 31 is the left rear tire of the shopping cart, 32 is the right rear tire, 33 is the positive electrode line in contact with the tire 31, and 34 is the negative electrode in contact with the tire 32. Line. Electric power necessary for power supply to the battery 25 is applied to the electrode lines 33 and 34.

  When the electrode lines 33 and 34 are in contact with the tires 31 and 32, the shopping cart passes through the tires 31 and 32 or through the electrodes provided on the same surface as the tire surfaces of the tires 31 and 32, respectively. Thus, the electrode lines 33 and 34 are electrically connected to the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery 25, respectively.

  Unused shopping carts are usually devised to be placed side by side in a predetermined cart yard. The left and right tires 31 and 32 of each of the aligned shopping carts are arranged in a straight line. The electrode lines 33 and 34 are provided on a straight line in which the left and right tires 31 and 32 are arranged. That is, when placed in a cart place, the left and right tires 31 and 32 of each shopping cart, or the electrodes provided on the same surface as the tire surface, are always positioned on the electrode lines 33 and 34, respectively. However, the electrode lines 33 and 34 are always in electrical contact.

  Therefore, when the shopping cart is placed in the cart place as shown in FIG. 3, the battery 25 passes from the electrode lines 33 and 34 to the left and right tires 31 and 32 or the respective electrodes provided on the same surface as the tire surface. Power is received and charged. Therefore, since the battery 25 held by the shopping cart may be large to some extent, it is not necessary to charge the battery 25 frequently, but it takes a great deal of effort to charge all the shopping cart batteries 25 in the normal manner. In contrast, according to the present embodiment, the battery 25 can be charged without requiring such labor.

  FIG. 4 shows another example of tires 31 and 32 of a shopping cart. The tire is usually covered with a rubber resin. In this example, the tire is provided with several slits, and charging electrodes are provided inside the slits. That is, reference numeral 41 in the figure is a running surface of the tire 31 or 32, and is made of resin. Reference numeral 42 denotes a terminal portion provided inside a slit formed on the running surface of the tire 31 or 32.

  When the shopping cart is placed in the cart yard as shown in FIG. 3, the electrode lines 33 and 34 are respectively connected so that the electrode lines 33 and 34 are in electrical contact with the terminal portions 42 of the tires 31 and 32, respectively. The terminal portion 42 is formed in a rail shape that fits into the slit provided. The terminal portions 42 of the tires 31 and 32 are connected to the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery 25, respectively. Also with this configuration, the battery 25 can be charged without requiring labor in the same manner as described above.

  FIG. 5 illustrates another method of charging the shopping cart battery 25. In the figure, 51 is a female outlet provided in the cart place and to which power for charging the battery 25 is applied, 52 is a shopping cart placed in the cart place, 53 is provided in the shopping cart 52 and is connected to the battery 25 The front side is a male outlet and the rear side is a female outlet, 54 is a handle of the shopping cart 52, and 55 is a side surface of the shopping cart 52 on the handle 54 side. The male side and female side terminals of the outlet 53 are connected.

  The side surface 55 is rotatable about the side on the handle 54 side as an axis. As a result, the shopping cart 52 pushes the rear shopping cart 52 against the previous shopping cart 52, whereby the side surface 55 of the front shopping cart 52 is rotated and pushed up, and the rear shopping cart 52 is pushed forward. The cart 52 is fitted inside and overlaps. At that time, the male side of the outlet 53 in the rear shopping cart 52 is connected to the female side of the outlet 53 in the front shopping cart 52.

  When the first shopping cart 52 is placed in the cart yard, the male side of the outlet 53 of the shopping cart 52 is connected to the female outlet 51 of the cart yard. When the next shopping cart 52 is placed, the shopping cart 52 fits and overlaps the first shopping cart 52, and the male side of the outlet 53 connects to the female side of the outlet 53 in the first shopping cart 52. In this way, the outlets 53 of the shopping carts 52 that are sequentially placed in the carrot place are connected to each other. Therefore, the battery 25 of each shopping cart 52 placed in the cart place is charged based on the electric power applied to the outlet 51 of the cart place.

  FIG. 6 shows a situation in which customer A moves through the sales floor in the shopping center. In the figure, 61 (61a, 61b,...) Is an area of a sales area that can be communicated by an area channel provided by each fixed wireless device 11a, 11b,. A1 to A3 in FIG. 6 show a state in which the customer A moves from the area 61a to the area 61b while pushing the shopping cart provided with the mobile wireless device 12a. When there is no sales promotion item in the area 61a, but there is a sales promotion item in the area 61b, the main system 13 broadcasts an advertisement related to the promotion item by the fixed wireless device 11b. However, since the advertisement broadcast is performed using a time slot different from the peripheral channel information and the call control information, the transmission of the peripheral channel information and the call control information is continuously performed even during the advertisement broadcast.

  When the customer A comes to the area 61a while pushing the shopping cart equipped with the mobile radio device 12a (A1), the mobile radio device 12a has an area number assigned to the area 61a with the fixed radio device 11a in the area 61a. Communication can be performed using the “01” area channel (hereinafter referred to as “channel 01” (Ch. 01)), and peripheral channel information and call control information are received from the fixed radio 11a. In addition, the mobile radio 12a measures and monitors the received electric field strength in the channel 01 by the fixed radio 11a, and the channel having the area number “02” obtained from the peripheral channel information (hereinafter “channel 02” (Ch. 02).) The received electric field intensity is monitored.

  When the customer A moves from the sales floor in the area 61a to the sales floor in the area 61b (A2), the reception electric field strength in the channel 02 becomes larger than the reception electric field strength in the channel 01. When this is detected, the mobile radio device 12a is handed over and switches the use channel from channel 01 to channel 02. That is, the reception of data from the fixed wireless device 11b is started, and the advertisement broadcast regarding the promotional items from the fixed wireless device 11b is received. The received broadcast content is emitted from the speaker 24. Therefore, the customer A can listen to the advertisement related to the promotional items in the area 61b (A3). During this time, monitoring of the received electric field strength in the channel 02 and the adjacent channels 01 and 03 is continued using an empty time slot. When the customer A further proceeds to the area 61c, the mobile radio device 12a is handed over to the channel 03.

  In this way, the communication system can advertise the sales promotion product to the customer who comes to the sales floor via the corresponding area channel in the sales area 61b where the sales promotion product exists. At that time, since the sound of the advertising content is individually given to each customer from the speaker 24 of the shopping cart used by each customer who came to the sales floor, in principle, to all customers in the sales floor. On the other hand, advertisements will spread. Further, sound emission from the speaker 24 is performed with directivity toward the ear of the customer who is pushing the shopping cart provided with the speaker 24, so that other customers are not made loud.

  On the other hand, while moving as shown in FIG. 6, the customer A can contact the salesperson by pressing the PTT switch 21 of the shopping cart in use and talking to the microphone 22. it can. That is, for example, when the customer A presses the PTT switch 21 in the area 61b and makes a speech, the mobile radio device 12a transmits the speech content at the transmission frequency given to the channel 02 covering the area 61b. At this time, the mobile radio device 12a transmits the unique ID at the same time. This transmission content is received by the fixed radio 11b providing the channel 02 and transferred to the main system 13 together with the area number “02” set in the fixed radio 11b.

  Upon receiving this transfer content, the main system 13 directly calls the radio of the salesperson in charge of the sales floor corresponding to the area number “02” included in the transfer content. This call includes the unique ID of the mobile radio device 12a that is the call source. As a result, a call between the customer A and a salesperson in charge of the sales floor in the area 61b becomes possible. If a customer service center is installed, it may be possible to call a service person who is standing by there instead of a salesperson. At the time of this call, since the area number corresponding to the area 61b where the customer A who is the caller is currently located is specified as “02”, the customer A tells the salesperson where the customer A is currently located. There is no need to tell.

  The salesperson's response is transmitted to the main system 13 by the salesperson's radio together with the unique ID of the mobile radio 12a that is the calling source. When receiving this, the main system 13 controls the fixed radio 11b so that the salesperson's response is transmitted together with the unique ID of the caller from the fixed radio 11b of the channel 02 corresponding to the unique ID of the caller. . At this time, the customer A who calls the salesperson may move to the adjacent areas 61a and 61c from the area 61b located at the time of the call. May be transmitted.

  The salesperson's response transmitted from the fixed radio 11b is received by the mobile radios 12 of all the customers in the area 61b. However, the customer A whose caller's unique ID transmitted along with the salesperson's response matches the customer A. Only the mobile wireless device 12 a outputs the response of the salesperson from the speaker 24. In this way, the call between the customer A and the salesperson is relayed by the main system 13 and performed.

  When this call overlaps with the above-mentioned sales promotion broadcast, other customers cannot listen to the sales promotion broadcast. Therefore, in order to avoid this, instead of the salesperson's response, only the call information including the unique ID of the caller is transmitted together with the sales promotion broadcast from the fixed radio 11b of the channel 02 used for the call, and the unique Only the mobile radio device 12a whose ID matches is handed over to the call channel prepared in advance by the fixed radio device 11b based on the call control information, and the main system 13 makes a call using the call channel. You may make it relay.

  Calls between customers can also be made in the same manner as a call with the salesperson. That is, the store side lends a wireless device dedicated to a call in response to a request from a customer. At that time, the unique ID of the shopping cart used by one customer is registered in the call-dedicated radio used by the other customer, and the unique ID of the call-dedicated radio is registered in the mobile radio 12a. When each customer who makes a call uses a shopping cart, the other unique ID is registered in each mobile radio 12 of each shopping cart instead of renting a radio dedicated to calling, and each shopping cart is moved. Customers may make calls with each other using the wireless device 12.

  Calls between customers are relayed by the main system 13 via the area channel of the area where each customer is located, as in the case of the call with the sales person. At that time, in order to specify the other party of the call, the unique ID of the wireless device of the partner customer is used, and an area number corresponding to the area where each customer is located is used as appropriate. At that time, the main system 13 periodically receives the unique ID from each customer's wireless device together with the area number via the area channel of each area where the customer is currently located, so that the unique ID at each time point is received. And a table in which area numbers are associated with each other may be used for calls between customers.

  If the customer is with a child, the call-only radio may be too heavy for the child. In this case, a badge-type microminiature radio is attached to the children's clothes. The microminiature radio has a function of transmitting only its unique ID periodically using the area channel of the area where it is located. Since the telephone call function is unnecessary, there is no speaker or microphone, and it is small and light.

  The main system 13 periodically receives the unique ID of the micro-radio device together with its area number via the area channel of the area where the micro wireless device is currently located. A correspondence table can be held. Based on this correspondence table, the main system 13 can always grasp the current position of the child with each microminiature radio. Therefore, when there is an inquiry about a lost child specifying a unique ID of a microminiature wireless device, the area where the child is currently located can be specified and notified by referring to the correspondence table.

  Similarly, for mobile radios used by customers with children, the correspondence between the unique ID and the area number is registered while being updated in real time in the correspondence table, and the unique ID is attached to the child. If the area of each area number corresponding to each unique ID in the correspondence table is a predetermined area apart from each other, the mobile radio of the customer A predetermined warning may be transmitted to the machine. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of a lost child can be prevented. Also, only the area of the area number corresponding to the unique ID of the microminiature wireless device corresponds to the area number of the exit of the shopping center that is far from the area of the area number corresponding to the unique ID of the customer's mobile wireless device. In this case, a predetermined alarm may be issued. In such a case, a malicious person may be trying to take the child out.

  The communication system according to the present embodiment also provides a means for facilitating management of the shopping cart. For this purpose, a fixed wireless device is also installed in the cart yard of the parking lot, and an area channel is provided. This is for grasping the number of shopping carts returned and for determining whether the shopping cart should be collected from the parking lot. The fixed radio of the cart storage area periodically transmits a request for transmitting the unique ID to the mobile radio 12 of the returned shopping cart in the corresponding area via the assigned area channel. In response to this transmission request, the mobile wireless device 12 that has received this transmits the unique ID set for itself to the fixed wireless device via the area channel. Upon receiving this, the fixed radio transmits the received unique ID to the main system 13. The main system 13 counts the unique IDs sent, and if it exceeds a predetermined count value, notifies the salesperson in charge of that.

  According to this, it is possible to save labor and labor for the person in charge to check how much the shopping cart has been returned to the cart parking area. In other words, conventionally, sales carts that are rented to customers at sales floors and returned at parking lots are usually collected by sales staff, and at that time, the sales staff in charge is resident at the parking lot. Therefore, the salesperson in charge had to go to the parking lot to check how much the shopping cart was returned to the parking lot. According to this embodiment, the number of shopping cart returns is collected. Since the main system 13 notifies that when the required level becomes necessary, it is possible to save the trouble of going to check.

  On the other hand, since a large shopping mall performs various shopping at once, the customer is very concerned about how much the total purchase price of the product will be before payment. The purchase price can be known by using a device that reads the RFID tag or barcode attached to the product, but the price of the product is often changed from day to day, and all information about the product is stored on the terminal. Since it cannot be held, the price is conventionally confirmed only by an information terminal fixed at the sales floor. Of course, in this case, it is not possible to know the total amount of products to be purchased.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, a service for displaying the total purchase price of a product is provided by inquiring the price of the product to the main system 13 via the fixed wireless device 11 using the mobile radio device 12. ing. That is, when a customer holds a product desired to be purchased over the reader 26, the reader 26 reads a wireless tag or barcode attached to the product, acquires information specifying the product, and outputs the information to the mobile radio device 12. . The mobile radio device 12 transmits a request for notification of price information configured by adding its own unique ID to the product specifying information to the fixed radio device 12 via the area channel of the currently located area. Receiving this, the fixed wireless device 12 transfers the received notification request to the main system 13.

  Based on this notification request, the main system 13 returns information related to the price of the product specified by the product specifying information included in the notification request to the mobile radio device 12 that has issued the notification request. The reply is made based on the unique ID of the requesting mobile wireless device 12 as in the case of the response from the salesperson. When receiving information related to the price of the product, the mobile radio device 12 notifies the price of the product to the electronic computer of the monitor 23, and the electronic computer displays the price of the product on the monitor 23. When the customer wants to purchase this product and performs a predetermined addition operation using the operation panel, the electronic calculator of the monitor 23 adds the price of the product in the same way up to that time. The amount after the addition is displayed on the monitor 23. In this way, the customer can inquire about the price of the product he / she wants to purchase, add the price of the product he / she wishes to purchase, and perform shopping while monitoring the addition result.

  On the other hand, it is very difficult to find a target product itself in a vast shopping mall. Information on the position of the product can be obtained by calling the salesperson as described above, but it is unrealistic to call the salesperson each time. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a desired product is searched using the monitor 23 and the operation panel, and an area where the product is located can be visually displayed using a sales floor plan.

  That is, when a product to be searched is specified by the operation panel and the search is instructed, the computer of the monitor 23 instructs the mobile radio device 12 to transmit a search request for the instructed product. To do. In response to this, the mobile radio device 12 transmits the search request to the main system 13 together with the unique ID through the area channel in use. In addition, it is possible to request a product list, and when specifying a product to be searched, a product to be searched can be selected from the product list.

  When this search request is received, the fixed radio device 12 of the area channel transfers the search request to the main system 13. The main system 13 attaches the area number corresponding to the area where the product targeted for the search in the search request is added to the unique ID of the request source included in the search request, and moves the search request source. A reply is made to the wireless device 12. The reply is made based on the unique ID of the request source attached to the area number to be returned, as in the case of the above-mentioned salesperson response. The mobile radio device 12 that has received the reply of the area number displays the area corresponding to the area number on the sales floor plan. At that time, the shortest course from the area where the requesting customer is present to the area may be displayed together.

  In addition, when the customer rents the shopping cart, the customer can receive navigation related to the route suitable for purchasing the product by registering in advance the approximate information of the product to be purchased on that day. That is, the mobile radio 12 of the borrowed shopping cart receives an area number reply for each product registered in the electronic computer of the monitor 23 using the operation panel in the same manner as described above based on an instruction from the electronic computer. Supply to the computer. The electronic computer displays, on the sales floor plan, the shortest course that efficiently passes through each corresponding area based on the supplied area number. Based on the displayed course, the customer can perform shopping efficiently by sequentially moving through each area.

  At that time, every time the electronic computer arrives at each area on the course, the fact is notified from the mobile radio device 12, so that it is possible to start the arrow display and the voice navigation to the next target area. . At that time, the mobile radio device 12 can recognize arrival at each area when a handover to the area channel of the area has occurred, and can notify the electronic computer to that effect. According to this, it becomes possible to put a pre-registered product into the shopping cart without going back and forth through a vast sales floor, and the labor of the customer can be reduced.

  According to the present embodiment, since the mobile radio is installed in the shopping cart and the store clerk can be directly called by this mobile radio so that the information can be heard, the customer can save time and trouble to find the salesperson. While the information can be obtained, the store side can provide a detailed service without increasing the number of store clerk.

  Further, since the speaker 24 having a high directivity is used, it is possible to listen to the sound output from the speaker 24 at a sound volume desired by the customer without causing trouble to other customers.

  In addition, since the main system 13 counts and informs the number of used shopping carts, it is possible to easily manage the number of used shopping carts and save the trouble of checking the number of used shopping carts one by one. it can.

  In addition, the wireless tag and barcode attached to the product can be read, the price of the product can be inquired, displayed, and added, so the total price of the product in the shopping cart can be easily estimated be able to.

  In addition, since the battery 25 can be charged in a state where the shopping cart is arranged in the cart place, it is possible to save the charging time and prevent the battery 25 from being discharged.

  In addition, since the badge type wireless device can easily know the area number of the area where the child is present, the occurrence of the lost child can be prevented or the lost child can be easily searched.

  In addition, since it is possible to receive navigation for an area where a product desired to be purchased exists, shopping in a large shopping area can be performed efficiently.

  And, by specifying the product you want to purchase and entering a search request, the shortest course to the area where the product is located is displayed, so you can quickly go to the area where the product you want to buy Can go in.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately modified and implemented. For example, in the above description, merchandise to be purchased is put in a shopping cart, but large merchandise that does not fit in the shopping cart can be purchased by registering in the electronic computer of the monitor 23. Good. In this case, the electronic computer transmits information related to the registered purchased product to the main system 13 by the mobile radio device 12. At that time, by simultaneously transmitting the unique ID, it is possible to take a correspondence between the purchaser and the purchased product later. According to this, the salesperson in charge can prepare the purchased product in advance based on the information related to the purchased product transmitted to the main system 13. At that time, necessary products can be packed in advance.

  In addition, without using the shopping cart itself, the customer possesses a terminal having a function such as the above mobile radio and electronic computer, goes around the sales floor, and registers the product with the intention to purchase in the terminal in the same manner, By transmitting to the main system, the store side may collect all the registered products and deliver them to the customer at the cash register, and the customer may confirm the product and make a payment to purchase the product.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the communication system in the large sized shopping center which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the shopping cart provided with the mobile radio apparatus used with the communication system of FIG. It is a figure which shows a mode when the shopping cart of FIG. 2 is set | placed on a predetermined cart place, and the battery is charged. It is a figure which shows another example of the tire of the shopping cart of FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another method for charging the battery of the shopping cart of FIG. 2. It is a figure which shows a mode that a customer moves the sales floor in a shopping center.

Explanation of symbols

  11 (11a, 11b, 11c,...): Fixed wireless device, 12 (12a, 12b, 12c,...): Fixed wireless device, 13: Main system, 21: PTT switch, 22: Microphone, 23: Monitor, 24: Speaker, 25: Battery, 26: Reader, 31, 32: Tire, 33, 34: Electrode line, 41: Running surface, 42: Terminal part, 51: Outlet, 52: Shopping cart, 53: Outlet, 54: Handle, 55: Side, 61a-61c: Area, A1-A3: Customer.

Claims (18)

A plurality of fixed radios constituting each area channel assigned to each area in the store,
A mobile radio that moves with a customer and is handed over between each area channel according to the movement, and each mobile radio that is connected to each fixed radio and uses the area channel. A store communication system comprising a main system capable of communicating with a machine.   2. The main system according to claim 1, wherein the main system transmits information specific to each area channel to each mobile radio using each area channel by using each area channel. Store communication system. The mobile radio transmits a predetermined call request to the main system using the area channel being used in response to a predetermined operation.
When the main system receives the call request, the main system starts relaying the call between the mobile radio that has transmitted the call request and the radio of the clerk in charge of the area of the area channel that was used to transmit the call request. The store communication system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that   The said main system relays the telephone call between each mobile radio with which the other party's identification information was previously registered, The store use according to any one of claims 1 to 3 Communications system. The mobile radio that is the target of the call relay switches the use channel to the call channel prepared in advance by the fixed radio related to the area channel being used prior to the start of the call relay. Yes,
5. The store communication system according to claim 3, wherein the call relay is performed using the call channel. The mobile radio device periodically transmits the identification information to the main system via the area channel being used,
The main system is based on each transmitted identification information, and holds a table that records the latest association between each identification information and each area channel used for the transmission. The store communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   The main system is based on the area of the area channel of one identification information and the area of the area channel of the other identification information among the identification information associated in advance in the table. The store communication system according to claim 6, wherein the store communication system performs a predetermined output. The mobile wireless device is accompanied by an information processing device for collecting predetermined information from the main system via the mobile wireless device or providing predetermined information to the main system in response to a customer request. And
8. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an input unit for accepting a predetermined input by a customer, and a presentation unit for presenting predetermined information to the customer. The communication system for stores as described. When the information processing device receives an input designating a product for which a price is to be presented, the main system issues a notification request for notification of the price of the product by the mobile wireless device associated with the information processing device. To
The main system responds to the notification request by notifying the price of the requested product,
9. The store communication system according to claim 8, wherein, when the information processing apparatus receives the response via the mobile wireless device, the price notified by the response is presented by the presenting means.   When an instruction to purchase the product for which the price is presented is input after the price is presented, the information processing apparatus adds the price of the product in the same manner until then. The store communication system according to claim 9, wherein the sum is added to the total value and the result is presented by the presenting means. When the information processing apparatus receives an input for designating a product for which the area where the information is located is given, the information processing apparatus notifies the area where the product is located via the mobile wireless device associated with the information processing apparatus. Send the requested notification request to the main system;
The main system responds to this notification request by notifying the area where the requested product is located,
11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein when the response is received via the mobile wireless device, the area notified by the response is presented by the presenting unit. Store communication system. When an input designating a plurality of products to be targeted for predetermined navigation is performed, the information processing apparatus is configured to provide an area where the products are located via the mobile wireless device associated with the information processing apparatus. Sending a notification request for notification to the main system,
In response to this notification request, the main system performs a response notifying the area where each requested product is located,
The information processing apparatus, when receiving this response via the mobile radio, presents a course that efficiently passes through each area notified by the response. The store communication system according to item 1.   When an input for designating a product to be purchased is made, the information processing apparatus transmits information indicating that the product has been purchased via the mobile radio associated with the information processing apparatus. The store communication system according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the store communication information is transmitted to the main system together with predetermined identification information set in the above. A predetermined reader is connected to the information processing apparatus,
The input for designating the product is performed by causing the reading device to read a wireless tag attached to the product or a barcode specifying the product. The communication system for stores according to the item. The mobile radio is provided in a shopping cart used by a customer,
The shopping cart includes a battery for supplying power to the mobile radio, and a charging electrode connected to the battery,
The electrode is provided on a shopping cart tire,
When the shopping cart is placed at a predetermined position in the cart yard of the store, the charging line installed in the cart yard contacts the electrode, and the battery is charged via the line. It is comprised as follows. The communication system for stores of any one of Claims 1-14 characterized by the above-mentioned. The mobile radio is provided in a shopping cart used by a customer,
The shopping cart is
A battery for supplying power to the mobile radio, and an outlet connected to the battery, the front side and the rear side of which can be fitted to another outlet,
When placed in a predetermined position in the cart yard of the store, and fitted into a charging outlet installed in the cart yard, the battery is charged through the outlet,
A structure in which the front side of the outlet is mated with the rear side of the outlet of the other shopping cart when placed on the back of another shopping cart already placed at a predetermined position of the cart The store communication system according to claim 1, wherein the store communication system is a store communication system. The mobile radio is provided in a shopping cart used by a customer,
A part of each area channel is assigned to a predetermined return location of the shopping cart,
The main system grasps the number of returned shopping carts by receiving the identification information from the mobile radio of the shopping cart returned to the return place via the partial area channel, The store communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein when a predetermined number is reached, a predetermined output is performed. Configuring each area channel assigned to each area in the store with a plurality of fixed radios;
A mobile radio that moves with the customer performs a handover between each area channel in accordance with the movement; and
The main system connected to each fixed radio includes a step of performing communication with each mobile radio using the area channel using each area channel. Method.

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