JP6917439B2 - Information distribution method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a computer program or the like that receives information distributed by a mobile communication device.

A product information collection system including an IC tag and a portable communication device capable of communicating with the IC tag has been proposed. For example, in the system of Patent Document 1, at an actual store that sells a product, an IC tag that stores information about the product is attached to the price tag of the product. A general consumer (end user) who has a mobile communication device collects product information by reading information about the product from an IC tag on the mobile communication device.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-191362

However, in the system described in Patent Document 1, the amount of product information that can be collected by the end user is limited to the storage capacity of the IC tag.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation. An object of the present invention is to provide a computer program or the like that enables an end user to obtain information on a product that is not limited by the storage capacity of an IC tag in a physical store.

The computer program according to one aspect of the present application is installed in association with a product in an actual store, and has a display unit for displaying the selling price of the product and a transmission unit for transmitting identification information of the product by short-range communication. The process of receiving the product identification information by short-range communication, transmitting the received identification information to the information providing server, and receiving the product information associated with the identification information from the information providing server. Let the computer do it.

In the present invention, the end user can obtain product information that is not limited to the storage capacity of the IC tag in the actual store.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the configuration example of an information distribution system. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware configuration example of a distribution server. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware configuration example of a mobile terminal. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware configuration example of an electronic shelf label. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the product DB. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of possession point DB. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the product information distribution processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the communication mode initial screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the communication mode screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the product list screen. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the detailed screen display processing. It is a flowchart which shows the other procedure example of the product information distribution processing. It is a flowchart which shows the other procedure example of the product information distribution processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the transaction DB. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the purchase procedure processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the settlement completion screen. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the product receipt processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the floor diagram DB. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the shelf position DB. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the shelf allocation DB. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the floor figure display processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display example of the route guide map.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the information distribution system 100. The information distribution system 100 includes a distribution server (information providing server) 1, a mobile terminal (mobile communication device) 2, and an electronic shelf label 3. The distribution server 1 and the mobile terminal 2 are connected to each other by a network N so as to be able to communicate with each other. The mobile terminal 2 and the electronic shelf label 3 can communicate with each other by using short-range wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication). In addition to NFC, short-range wireless communication may be Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), or the like. Although only one mobile terminal 2 and one electronic shelf label 3 are displayed in FIG. 1, a plurality of mobile terminals 2 may be displayed.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the distribution server. The distribution server 1 is composed of a server computer, a blade server, a workstation, and the like. The distribution server 1 includes a control unit 11, a main storage unit 12, an auxiliary storage unit 13, a communication unit (third communication unit) 14, and a reading unit 15. The control unit 11, the main storage unit 12, the auxiliary storage unit 13, the communication unit 14, and the reading unit 15 are connected by a bus B. The distribution server 1 may be composed of a multi-computer composed of a plurality of computers, a virtual machine virtually constructed by software, or a quantum computer. In the information distribution system 100, the function carried by the distribution server 1 may be provided by a cloud service.

The control unit 11 has one or a plurality of arithmetic processing units such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The control unit 11 operates as a functional unit (extraction unit) that performs various information processing, control processing, and the like by reading and executing the control program 1P stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13.

The main storage unit 12 is a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), a flash memory, or the like. The main storage unit 12 temporarily stores data necessary for the control unit 11 to execute arithmetic processing.

The auxiliary storage unit 13 is a hard disk, SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like, and stores a control program 1P and various DBs (Databases) necessary for the control unit 11 to execute processing. The auxiliary storage unit 13 stores the product DB 131 and the possession point DB 132. The auxiliary storage unit 13 may be an external storage device connected to the distribution server 1. Various DBs and the like stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 may be stored in the database server or cloud storage.

The communication unit 14 communicates with the mobile terminal 2 and the like via the network N. Further, the control unit 11 may use the communication unit 14 to download the control program 1P from another computer via the network N or the like and store it in the auxiliary storage unit 13. The reading unit 15 reads a portable storage medium 1a including a CD (Compact Disc) -ROM and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) -ROM. The control unit 11 may read the control program 1P from the portable storage medium 1a via the reading unit 15 and store it in the auxiliary storage unit 13. Further, the control unit 11 may read the control program 1P from the semiconductor memory 1b.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal 2 is composed of a smartphone, a tablet computer, and the like. The mobile terminal 2 includes a control unit 21, a main storage unit 22, an auxiliary storage unit 23, a communication unit (second communication unit) 24, a short-range communication unit (first communication unit) 25, an input unit 26, and a display unit 27. .. Each configuration is connected by bus B.

The control unit 21 has one or more CPUs, MPUs, GPUs, and other arithmetic processing devices. The control unit 21 controls each hardware unit according to the control program 2P stored in the auxiliary storage unit 23. The main storage unit 22 is a SRAM, DRAM, flash memory, or the like. The main storage unit 22 temporarily stores data necessary for the control unit 21 to execute arithmetic processing. The control program 2P may be composed of a plurality of programs such as an operating system and an application program.

The auxiliary storage unit 23 is a hard disk, SSD, or the like, and stores the control program 2P and various data necessary for the control unit 21 to execute the process. The communication unit 24 communicates with the distribution server 1 via the network N. Further, the control unit 21 may use the communication unit 24 to download the control program 2P from another computer via the network N or the like and store it in the auxiliary storage unit 23.

The short-range communication unit 25 is a module that communicates by NFC or the like. The short-range communication unit 25 communicates with the electronic shelf label 3.

The input unit 26 is a keyboard or a mouse. The display unit 27 includes a liquid crystal display panel and the like. The display unit 27 displays the product information and the like transmitted by the distribution server 1. The display unit 27 may be a touch panel display integrated with the input unit 26. The mobile terminal 2 may display on an external display device.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of an electronic shelf label. The electronic shelf label 3 includes a control unit 31, a main storage unit 32, an auxiliary storage unit 33, a display unit 34, and a short-range communication unit (transmission unit) 35.

The control unit 31 has one or more CPUs, MPUs, and other arithmetic processing devices. The control unit 31 controls each hardware unit according to the control program 3P stored in the auxiliary storage unit 33. The main storage unit 32 is a SRAM, DRAM, flash memory, or the like. The main storage unit 32 temporarily stores data necessary for the control unit 31 to execute arithmetic processing. A one-chip microcomputer in which the control unit 31 and the main storage unit 32 are integrated may be adopted.

The auxiliary storage unit 33 is an SSD or the like, and stores the control program 3P and the product information DB 331 necessary for the control unit 31 to execute the process.

The display unit 34 includes a liquid crystal display panel and the like. The display unit 34 displays the product information and the like stored in the auxiliary storage unit 33.

The short-range communication unit 35 is a module that communicates by NFC or the like. The short-range communication unit 35 communicates with the mobile terminal 2. Further, the control unit 31 may use the short-range communication unit 35 to acquire the control program 3P and product information from another computer and store them in the auxiliary storage unit 33.

The database stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 of the distribution server 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a product DB. The product DB 131 stores information about the product. The product DB 131 includes a product code column, a manufacturer column, a product name column, a price (tax excluded) column, a price (tax included) column, a point column, a display name column, and a URL column. The product code string stores a product code (identification information) that uniquely identifies the product. The product code is, for example, a JAN (Japanese Article Number) code or a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number). The manufacturer column stores the name of the manufacturer that manufactures the product. The product name column stores the product name. The price (excluding tax) column stores the selling price of the product excluding tax. The price (tax included) column stores the selling price of the product including tax. The point column stores the number of points given to the end user who purchased the product. The display name column stores the display name of the product to be displayed on the electronic shelf label 3. The display name is the product name with a character string indicating the characteristics and specifications of the product added. The URL column stores the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) (link information) of the product introduction page of the shopping site where the product can be purchased.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the possession point DB. The possession point DB 132 stores the information of the points possessed by the end user. The possession point DB 132 includes a user ID column, a possession point column, and an expiration date column. The user ID column is assigned to the end user and stores a user ID that can uniquely identify the end user. The possessed point column stores the value of the points possessed by the end user. The expiration date column stores the date indicating the expiration date of the point. End users can receive a discount when purchasing a product by spending the points they hold.

Subsequently, information distribution in the information distribution system 100 will be described. In the following description, the end user of the information distribution system 100 is a general consumer. Products are purchased by end users, such as electrical appliances, computers, and smartphones. The electronic shelf label 3 is arranged on the shelf of a physical store that retails and sells products. The electronic shelf label 3 is associated with one product. The electronic shelf label 3 stores information (product information) related to the associated product. The product information includes, for example, a product code, a sales price excluding tax, a sales price including tax, the number of points granted, and a display name column.

The electronic shelf label 3 repeatedly transmits the product code from the short-range communication unit 35. When an end user with a mobile terminal 2 visits a physical store where an electronic shelf label 3 is installed and wants to obtain detailed information about a predetermined product or purchase it, the application program of the mobile terminal 2 (hereinafter referred to as “the following”). , Described as "app".) Start. The application has a function of obtaining product information from the distribution server 1 in cooperation with the electronic shelf label 3. The end user sets the app to communication mode. The end user brings the mobile terminal 2 closer to the electronic shelf label 3 of the product for which he / she wants to obtain detailed information or wants to purchase. The mobile terminal 2 receives the product code from the electronic shelf label 3. The mobile terminal 2 transmits the product code to the distribution server 1. The distribution server 1 that has received the product code transmits the product information including the detailed information of the product and the URL of the homepage where the purchase procedure can be performed to the mobile terminal 2. The mobile terminal 2 receives the product information and displays the product information on the display unit 27.

The electronic shelf label 3 includes a power source (not shown) such as a battery for operating the control unit 31 and the like. The short-range communication unit 35 operates on the power supply, but is not limited to this. The function of transmitting the product code may be configured by a passive IC tag. In this case, the polling signal transmitted by the short-range communication unit 25 of the mobile terminal 2 is converted into electric power, and the product code is transmitted.

Information processing regarding information distribution will be described using a flowchart. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the product information distribution process. The control unit 21 of the mobile terminal 2 accepts a command input from the user (step S1). The control unit 21 determines whether or not to switch to the communication mode (step S2). When the control unit 21 determines that the switching to the communication mode is not performed (NO in step S2), the control unit 21 determines whether or not it is finished (step S3). When the control unit 21 determines that the command is completed (YES in step S3), the control unit 21 terminates the application. When the control unit 21 determines that the command is not completed (NO in step S3), the control unit 21 performs a process for the command (step S4), and returns the process to step S1. When the control unit 21 determines that the mode has been switched to the communication mode (YES in step S2), the control unit 21 starts polling the message transmitted by the electronic shelf label 3 (step S5). The control unit 21 determines whether or not a message has been received via the short-range communication unit 25 (step S6). When the control unit 21 determines that the message has not been received (NO in step S6), the control unit 21 shifts the process to step S14. When the control unit 21 determines that the message has been received (YES in step S6), the control unit 21 acquires the product code included in the message (step S7). The control unit 21 transmits the product code to the distribution server 1 via the communication unit 24 (step S8). The control unit 11 of the distribution server 1 receives the product code via the communication unit 14 (step S9). The control unit 11 acquires the product information associated with the product code from the product DB 131 (step S10). The control unit 11 transmits the product information to the mobile terminal 2 via the communication unit 14 (step S11). The control unit 21 of the mobile terminal 2 receives the product information via the communication unit 24 (step S12). The control unit 21 displays the product information on the display unit 27 (step S13). The control unit 21 determines whether or not the end user has input the completion of the communication mode (step S14). When the control unit 21 determines that the end user has not input the completion of the communication mode (NO in step S14), the control unit 21 returns the process to step S6. When the control unit 21 determines that the end user has input the completion of the communication mode (YES in step S14), the control unit 21 ends the process.

The screen displayed by the mobile terminal 2 will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a communication mode initial screen. The communication mode initial screen d01 is a screen displayed when the application is in the communication mode. The communication mode is a state in which the reception function for receiving the product code from the electronic shelf label 3 is enabled. FIG. 8 shows an example in which the communication mode initial screen d01 is displayed as a pop-up screen. The communication mode initial screen d01 is displayed on the home screen d00 of the application. The home screen d00 includes a start icon d001. The start icon d001 is an icon for receiving a reception instruction for enabling the reception function. When the start icon d001 is selected, the communication mode initial screen d01 is displayed and the communication mode is set. The communication mode initial screen d01 includes a cancel button d011. When the user operates the cancel button d011, the communication mode ends and the screen returns to the initial screen of the application.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a communication mode screen. The communication mode screen d03 shown in FIG. 9 is a screen displayed after receiving the product code from the electronic shelf label 3 in the communication mode. Similar to FIG. 8, FIG. 9 shows an example of displaying the communication mode screen d03 as a pop-up screen. In FIG. 9, the product list screen d02 is displayed below the communication mode screen d03. The communication mode screen d03 includes a completion button d031. When the user operates the completion button d031, the communication mode ends. The communication mode screen d03 is closed.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a product list screen. The product list screen d02 displays a list of products for which the product code has been received from the electronic shelf label 3 in the communication mode. The product list screen d02 includes a thumbnail d021, a product name display d022, a delete link d023, and a close icon d024. The thumbnail d021 is an area for reducing and displaying the product photograph. The product name display d022 is an area for displaying the product name. A hyperlink is attached to the product name display d022. The deletion link d023 is a link for performing an operation. When the end user selects the deletion link d023, all the products displayed on the product list screen d02 are deleted. The close icon d024 is an icon for closing the product list screen d02. When the end user selects the close icon d024, the product list screen d02 is closed and the screen returns to the initial screen of the application.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the detailed screen display process. The detail screen display process is a process executed when the end user selects and operates the product name display d022. The hyperlink given to the product name display d022 is a URL to the shopping site of the user who operates the actual store. In the following description, the shopping site is built on the distribution server 1. The control unit 21 of the mobile terminal 2 determines whether or not one of the product name display d022 displayed on the product list screen d02 has been selected and input (step S21). When the control unit 21 determines that one of the product name display d022 has been selectively input (YES in step S21), the control unit 21 transmits the URL assigned to the product name display d022 to the distribution server 1 (step S22). The control unit 11 of the distribution server 1 receives the URL (step S23). The control unit 11 generates a detail screen associated with the received URL (step S24). The control unit 11 transmits the detailed screen to the mobile terminal 2 (step S25). The control unit 21 of the mobile terminal 2 receives the detail screen (step S26). The control unit 21 displays a detail screen on the display unit 27 (step S27), and ends the process. When the control unit 21 determines that one of the product name display d022 has not been selected and input (NO in step S21), the control unit 21 determines whether or not the close icon has been selected (step S28). When the control unit 21 determines that the close icon is not selected (NO in step S28), the control unit 21 returns the process to step S21. When the control unit 21 determines that the close icon is selected (YES in step S28), the control unit 21 closes the product list screen d02 (step S29), and ends the process.

The detail screen includes detailed product information and selling prices. Using the detail screen, the end user can place an order for the selected product. The end user can be a physical store visiting to receive the goods. The end user can specify that the goods be delivered to a designated location.

This embodiment has the following effects. By acquiring the product code from the electronic shelf label 3, the mobile terminal 2 displays the product information, so that the end user can obtain a detailed explanation of the product even if there is no clerk nearby who can explain the product in the actual store. It becomes possible. In addition, when purchasing products at a physical store, when purchasing a plurality of products, if all the products are ordered from the mobile terminal 2 and then headed to the product receiving place, the end user collects the products once. It will be possible to receive it at. If it is difficult to take the product home, by designating delivery, it is possible to receive the product examined at the actual store at a designated place such as home.

For short-range wireless communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), etc. may be used in addition to NFC, but those with a short communication distance such as NFC are suitable. Even if a plurality of electronic shelf labels 3 are installed close to each other, inconveniences such as the end user reading the product code from the electronic shelf labels 3 unintentionally and radio waves from a plurality of adjacent electronic shelf labels 3 interfering with each other. Is unlikely to occur.

(Modification example)
In the product information distribution process, the mobile terminal 2 transmits the product code to the distribution server 1 every time the product code is acquired from the electronic shelf label 3, but it does not have to be transmitted until the end user instructs. In this case, the acquired product code is stored in the main storage unit 22. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing another procedure example of the product information distribution process. The difference between the processing shown in FIG. 12 and the processing shown in FIG. 7 is the execution order and processing contents of some of the processing. Each of the processes shown in FIG. 12 is the same as the process shown in FIG. 7 with the same step number.

In FIG. 12, from step S1 to step S5, the execution order is the same as that in FIG. 7, and the description thereof will be omitted. Step S5 and subsequent steps will be described. The control unit 21 determines whether or not a message has been received via the short-range communication unit 25 (step S6). When the control unit 21 determines that the message has been received (YES in step S6), the control unit 21 acquires the product code included in the message (step S7). The control unit 21 returns the process to step S6. When the control unit 21 determines that the message has not been received (NO in step S6), the control unit 21 determines whether or not the end user has input the completion of the communication mode (step S14). When the control unit 21 determines that the end user has not input the completion of the communication mode (NO in step S14), the control unit 21 returns the process to step S6. When the control unit 21 determines that the end user has input the completion of the communication mode (YES in step S14), the control unit 21 transmits all the product codes acquired so far to the distribution server 1 via the communication unit 24. Transmit (step S8). The control unit 11 of the distribution server 1 receives the product code via the communication unit 14 (step S9). The control unit 11 acquires the product information associated with each product code for all the product codes from the product DB 131 (step S10). The control unit 11 transmits the product information about all the acquired products to the mobile terminal 2 via the communication unit 14 (step S11). The control unit 21 of the mobile terminal 2 receives the product information via the communication unit 24 (step S12). The control unit 21 lists all the product information and displays it on the display unit 27 (step S13), and ends the process.

(Embodiment 2)
The present embodiment relates to a form in which points are given to an act of an end user acquiring product information. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing another procedure example of the product information distribution process. The product information distribution process in the present embodiment is a modification of a part of the product information distribution process shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. In FIG. 13, the changed part is mainly displayed, and the other parts are omitted. Hereinafter, steps S8 and subsequent steps will be described. The control unit 21 of the mobile terminal 2 transmits the product code to the distribution server 1 (step S8). At this time, the control unit 21 also transmits the user ID of the end user to the distribution server 1. The user ID is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 23. The control unit 11 of the distribution server 1 receives the product code and the user ID (step S9). The control unit 11 stores the history (step S15). The history is, for example, the user ID, the product code, and the date and time when the product code is received. The history is stored in, for example, the auxiliary storage unit 13. The control unit 11 gives points to the end user (step S16). For example, a predetermined point is given for each product code. The control unit 11 reads the possession points associated with the user ID from the possession point DB 132, and adds the points to be given to the read possession points. The possessed point DB 132 is updated with the added value. The control unit 11 executes step S10 and subsequent steps.

This embodiment has the following effects. The end user can obtain points simply by acquiring the product code from the electronic shelf label 3 and transmitting it to the distribution server 1, which motivates the user to look around the product at the actual store. By giving points, there is a high possibility that the end user consents to the acquisition of historical data by the business operator. The business operator who operates the actual store can utilize the obtained history as marketing information. It is possible to obtain the behavior history of the end user who has looked around the product in the actual store.

When a plurality of product codes are acquired, points may be given according to the number of times they are read. However, it is desirable to set an upper limit for the points given in a series of acquisitions and the points given in one day. The auxiliary storage unit 13 of the distribution server 1 stores the point grant history for each user ID, and when the control unit 11 determines that the granted points exceed a predetermined upper limit value, the point addition process is performed. do not have. In addition, the points awarded by acquiring the product code may differ depending on the product. For example, the points to be given to each product are stored in the product DB 131. The control unit 31 gives points according to the points stored in the product DB 131.

(Embodiment 3)
In this embodiment, the method of acquiring product information is different. The information transmitted by the electronic shelf label 3 from the short-range communication unit 35 is not a product code but a URL (Uniform Resource Locator). The URL indicates the location of detailed information about a product that can be accessed via the Internet. For example, the URL indicates a product description page of a shopping site. The URL may indicate the manufacturer's product description page.

A communication application that performs short-range communication is operating on the mobile terminal 2. By the application, the control unit 21 receives information from the electronic shelf label 3 via the short-range communication unit 25. When the control unit 21 determines that the received information is a URL, the control unit 21 passes the URL to the Internet browser application. The control unit 11 acquires the detailed information of the product by the browser application and displays it on the display unit 27. The communication application may have an Internet browser function.

This embodiment has the following effects. If the mobile terminal 2 is running a communication application having an Internet browser function or a communication application capable of linking with the Internet browser application, the electronic shelf label 3 transmits even if the application described in the first embodiment is not provided. It is possible to read the information and obtain detailed information on the product.

(Embodiment 4)
The present embodiment relates to a form in which a purchase procedure can be performed for a product for which information has been collected using the electronic shelf label 3. The configuration in the present embodiment is a system (product delivery system) including a payment system and a store terminal in the information distribution system 100 shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a transaction DB. The transaction DB 133 stores information about the transaction. The transaction DB 133 is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 of the distribution server 1. The transaction DB 133 has a transaction ID column, a name column, an address column, a member ID column, a settlement amount column, a settlement number column, a delivery column, a score column, a number column, a product code column, a price (excluding tax) column, and a price (tax included) column. including. The transaction ID column stores an ID that can uniquely identify one unit of transaction. The name column stores the name of the purchaser who is the other party. The address column stores the buyer's address. The member ID column stores the member ID when the purchaser is a point member. If the purchaser is not a point member, the member ID column stores NULL (no value) or blanks. A point member is a person who receives points with monetary value according to the purchase amount of the product. The settlement amount column stores the planned settlement amount or the settlement amount. The payment number string is assigned to each payment process and is a number that can uniquely identify each payment process. The delivery line remembers whether or not the item has been delivered to the purchaser. If the purchaser wishes to deliver the goods without receiving them at the store, it may be stored in the delivery line whether or not the goods have been delivered to the delivery company. The score sequence stores the score of the purchased product. The number string stores the order number of the purchased product. The product code column stores the product code of the purchased product. The price (tax excluded) column stores the tax-excluded price of the purchased item. The price (tax included) column stores the tax-included price of the purchased product. When there are a plurality of purchase points, a plurality of order numbers, product codes, prices (excluding tax), and prices (tax included) are stored for one transaction ID.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the purchase procedure process. The payment system is a server managed by a bank, credit card company, etc., and performs processing for collecting the purchase price on behalf of the customer. The control unit 21 of the mobile terminal 2 accepts the selection of the product to be purchased (step S41). For example, an end user selects a product by adding the product to the cart. When the end user gives a purchase instruction, the control unit 21 determines whether or not to receive the purchase at the store (step S42). After the end user gives a purchase instruction, a screen for selecting whether to receive at the store or by courier is displayed, and the determination is made based on the selection result. Alternatively, the end user may be allowed to select the product before selecting the product. When the control unit 21 determines that the payment is to be received at the store (YES in step S42), when the end user gives a payment instruction, the control unit 21 transmits the payment instruction to the distribution server 1 (step S43). Information on the product purchased by the end user is transmitted to the distribution server 1 in step S41 or step S42. The control unit 11 of the distribution server 1 receives the payment instruction (step S44). The control unit 11 transmits the payment screen to the mobile terminal 2 (step S45). The payment screen is a screen for selecting a payment method (electronic money payment, credit card payment, convenience store payment, etc.) and inputting payment information (two-dimensional code, credit card number, convenience store store, etc.). The control unit 11 stores the product code and the like of the product to be purchased in the transaction DB 133. The control unit 21 of the mobile terminal 2 receives the payment screen and displays it on the display unit 27 (step S46). The control unit 21 receives payment information such as a payment method and transmits it to the distribution server 1 (step S47). The control unit 11 of the distribution server 1 receives the payment information and transmits it to the payment system (step S48). The payment system receives the payment information (step S49). The payment system makes a payment (step S50). The payment system determines whether or not the payment was successful (step S51). When the payment system determines that the payment has been successful (YES in step S51), the payment system transmits the success (payment completion information) to the distribution server 1 (step S52). At that time, the payment system also transmits the issued payment number (payment identification information). The control unit 11 of the distribution server 1 stores the received payment number in the transaction DB 133 (step S53). The control unit 11 generates a two-dimensional code and transmits it to the mobile terminal 2 (step S54). The two-dimensional code includes information such as a transaction ID and a payment number. The control unit 21 of the mobile terminal 2 receives the two-dimensional code and stores it in the auxiliary storage unit 23 (step S55). The control unit 21 displays a completion screen on the display unit 27 (step S56), and ends the process. If the payment system determines that the payment has not been successful (NO in step S51), it transmits an error to the distribution server 1 (step S57). The control unit 11 of the distribution server 1 receives an error (step S58). The control unit 11 transmits an error screen to the mobile terminal 2 (step S59). The control unit 21 of the mobile terminal 2 receives the error screen, displays it on the display unit 27 (step S60), and ends the process. When the control unit 21 determines that the item is not received at the store (NO in step S42), the control unit 21 transitions to the shopping site where the delivery process is performed (step S61), and ends the process.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a settlement completion screen. The payment completion screen d04 includes the two-dimensional code d041. The end user takes out the settled product from the display shelf or the like and brings it to the dedicated counter. The clerk at the dedicated counter temporarily keeps the products. The end user presents the two-dimensional code d041 to the clerk. If the end user does not want to take out the product on the day, the end user performs the delivery procedure after the payment. In this case, the control unit 11 does not generate a two-dimensional code. In addition, in order to deal with end users who do not want to take home on the day but are concerned that delivery will be delayed due to out of stock, a dedicated counter may accept delivery requests for products brought by the end users.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for receiving goods. The store terminal is provided in the product receiving counter of the store. The store terminal is composed of a PC, a tablet computer, and the like. The store terminal reads the two-dimensional code presented by the end user with an optical scanner or a camera (step S71). The store terminal transmits the two-dimensional code to the distribution server 1 (step S72). The control unit 11 of the distribution server 1 receives the two-dimensional code (step S73). The control unit 11 verifies the two-dimensional code (step S74). The control unit 11 determines whether or not the verification is successful (step S75). The control unit 11 collates the information such as the transaction ID and the settlement number included in the two-dimensional code with the information stored in the transaction DB 133, and if both match, it is determined that the verification is successful, and the ones that do not match are determined to be successful. If so, the verification is judged to be unsuccessful. In order to suppress falsification of the two-dimensional code, a unique code assigned by the distribution server 1 may be included, or information such as a transaction ID and a payment number may be encoded or encrypted according to a predetermined rule. Further, a digital watermark may be implemented in the two-dimensional code. When the control unit 11 determines that the verification is successful (YES in step S75), the control unit 11 transmits the success screen to the store terminal (step S76). The store terminal receives the success screen and displays it (step S77). On the success screen, the delivery instruction of the product and the information of the product to be delivered are displayed. The clerk removes or disables the security tag attached to the product and hands the product to the end user. The clerk inputs the delivery completion to the store terminal. The store terminal transmits the delivery completion to the distribution server 1 (step S78). The control unit 11 of the distribution server 1 receives the delivery completion (step S79). The control unit 11 stores in the transaction DB 133 that the delivery has been completed (step S80). The control unit 11 transmits the transaction completion screen to the store terminal (step S81). The store terminal receives and displays the transaction completion screen (step S82). The control unit 11 ends the process. When the control unit 11 determines that the verification has failed (NO in step S75), the control unit 11 transmits the failure screen to the store terminal (step S83). The store terminal receives and displays the failure screen (step S84). The store terminal ends the process.

When delivering the product to the end user, the end user may be requested to sign the receipt by using the touch panel or the like provided in the store terminal. The sign is transmitted to the distribution server 1 when the store terminal transmits the delivery completion. The control unit 11 of the distribution server 1 stores the signature in the transaction DB 133. By acquiring the end user's signature, it is possible to eliminate even if the end user declares that the product has been delivered but has not been falsely received.

In the above description, the two-dimensional code d041 is included in the settlement completion screen d04, but the present invention is not limited to this. A barcode may be used instead of the two-dimensional code. The two-dimensional code d041 includes the transaction ID and the settlement number, and if these match the information stored in the transaction DB 133, it is determined that the verification is successful, but the present invention is not limited to this. If the end user presents the transaction ID and the settlement for the transaction ID is completed, the verification may be successful. When the end user tries to receive the product at the product receipt counter, it is sufficient if the identity can be confirmed and it can be confirmed that the payment has been completed.

Further, the payment number may not be transmitted from the distribution server 1, and only the payment is completed may be displayed on the payment completion screen d04. In this case, the member ID and the product code of the product brought in by the end user may be transmitted from the store terminal to the distribution server 1. When the control unit 11 determines that the record corresponding to the received member ID and the product code exists in the transaction DB 133 and the delivery column is a value indicating that the product has not been delivered, the verification is successful. You may judge.

Further, when the end user receives the product, the bar code of the member ID or the like is read by the store terminal and transmitted to the distribution server 1. When the control unit 11 of the distribution server 1 determines that the record corresponding to the read member ID exists in the transaction DB 133 and the delivery column is a value indicating that the product has not been delivered, the product information is stored in the store. Send to the terminal. If the product displayed on the store terminal matches the product brought in by the end user, the clerk delivers the product.

In the present embodiment, since the end user pays for the product using the mobile terminal 2, even if the store's cash register is crowded, it does not take time to line up at the cash register. In addition, since the end user takes out the product from the display shelf or the like, the delivery of the product is completed quickly, and the product can be taken back. In addition, since the clerk does not take out the product, the work burden is reduced.

(Other variants)
The display of product information may be multilingual. Information about each product is stored in the product DB 131 in a plurality of languages. The control unit 21 of the mobile terminal 2 transmits the locale information to the distribution server 1. The control unit 11 of the distribution server 1 reads the product information in the language according to the locale information from the product DB 131 and transmits it to the mobile terminal 2. If the distribution server 1 does not have the product information in the language, the product information may be machine-translated using a translation service providing site or the like and transmitted to the mobile terminal 2. In the modified example, even if it is difficult to communicate due to the difference in the languages that can be used by the capacity of the end user and the actual store, the end user can acquire the product information by displaying the desired language. ..

(Modified Example of Embodiment 4)
In the fourth embodiment, the application on the mobile terminal is made multilingual as in the above-mentioned modification. As a result, even if it is a foreign tourist and it is difficult to sufficiently communicate with the clerk, it is possible to carry out the purchase procedure. In addition, since the work performed by the dedicated counter is not complicated, it is possible to take out the products. Furthermore, it may be possible to request delivery to a hotel where foreign tourists are staying at a dedicated counter. In addition, tax-free products may be arranged after payment or procedures may be carried out at a dedicated counter so that foreign tourists can receive the products when they leave the airport. The above-mentioned two-dimensional code may be used for receiving. It is desirable that the mobile terminal application support the procedure at the dedicated counter. By displaying the guidance after payment in a language that can be read by foreigners and a language that can be read by the clerk, it is possible to proceed smoothly with the procedure.

(Embodiment 5)
This embodiment relates to an in-store guidance function. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the floor diagram DB. The floor map DB 134 stores information about the floor map of each store. The floor map DB 134 stores a store ID column, a floor number column, a floor diagram column, and an aisle row. The store ID column stores a store ID that can uniquely identify the store. The floor number column stores the floor number indicating the number of floors. For example, the floor number "4F" indicates the floor on the 4th floor. The floor map column stores the guide map image of the floor. The aisle row stores network data indicating the aisle in the floor. The network data is, for example, binary data including a plurality of nodes and links.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the shelf position DB. The shelf position DB 135 stores the position information of the product display shelves installed on the floor. The shelf position DB 135 includes a store ID column, a floor number column, a shelf number column, and a coordinate sequence. The store ID column stores the store ID. The floor number column stores the floor number. The shelf number column stores a shelf number that can uniquely identify the product display shelf on the floor. When one display shelf is physically large and many kinds of products can be displayed, the shelves may be divided into a plurality of sections and each section is virtually used as one display shelf, and the shelf numbers may be assigned. The coordinate sequence stores the coordinates indicating the position of the shelf. The coordinate value shall be a value that can be associated with the coordinate value in the guide map image of the floor. The coordinate values stored in the coordinate sequence may be the coordinate values in the guide map image as they are. Further, the coordinate value stored in the coordinate string may be a coordinate value that can be converted into a coordinate value in the guide map image by a conversion table or a conversion formula.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a shelf allocation DB. The shelf allocation DB 136 stores information on the display shelves on which each product is displayed. The shelf allocation DB 136 includes a product code column, a store ID column, a floor number column, a shelf number column, and a column number column. The product code string stores the product code. The store ID column stores the store ID. The floor number column stores the floor number. The shelf number column stores the shelf number of the shelf on which the product is displayed. The column number column stores the number of columns on the shelves on which products are displayed. For example, column number 3 indicates the third column from the top. The floor diagram DB 134, the shelf position DB 135, and the shelf allocation DB 136 are stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 or the like of the distribution server 1.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the floor diagram display process. The control unit 21 of the mobile terminal 2 accesses the shopping site of the user who operates the actual store, and searches for the product based on the instruction of the end user (step S91). The control unit 21 acquires information on the store where the end user is (step S92). The control unit 21 transmits a floor diagram request (step S93). The request includes a product code and a store ID. The control unit 11 of the distribution server 1 receives the request (step S94). The control unit 11 acquires the floor diagram and transmits it to the mobile terminal 2 (step S95). That is, the control unit 11 searches the shelf allocation DB 136 using the product code and the store ID as keys, identifies the shelf on which the product is displayed, and acquires the floor number and the shelf number. The control unit 11 searches the floor diagram DB 134 using the store ID and the floor number as keys, and acquires an image of the floor diagram. The control unit 11 searches the shelf position DB135 using the store ID, the floor number, and the shelf number as keys, and obtains the shelf position information. The control unit 11 transmits an image in which the position of the shelf is marked on the image of the floor diagram to the mobile terminal 2. The control unit 21 of the mobile terminal 2 receives the image and displays it on the display unit 27 (step S96). The control unit 21 determines whether or not the end user has requested guidance (step S97). When the control unit 21 determines that the end user has not requested guidance (NO in step S97), the control unit 21 ends the process. When the control unit 21 determines that the end user is requesting guidance (YES in step S97), the control unit 21 acquires the current position (step S98). The current position is determined by the end user specifying his or her position on the floor map. Alternatively, the product code is obtained from the nearby electronic shelf label 3. The control unit 21 transmits a route map request to the distribution server 1 (step S99). The request includes a coordinate value indicating the current position or a product code. The control unit 11 of the distribution server 1 receives the request (step S100). When the information on the current position of the end user included in the request is the product code, the control unit 11 performs the process described in step S95, and sets the position of the shelf on which the product corresponding to the product code is displayed as the current position of the end user. Use as the coordinates of the position. The control unit 11 generates a route from the current position of the user to the position of the target product by using the network data stored in the aisle row of the floor diagram DB 134 (step S101). The control unit 11 generates a route map in which the generated route is overlaid on the floor map image, and transmits it to the mobile terminal 2 (step S102). The control unit 21 of the mobile terminal 2 receives the route map and displays it on the display unit 27 (step S103). The control unit 21 ends the process.

In the above description, the mobile terminal 2 accesses the shopping site when searching for products and acquiring store information, but the present invention is not limited to this. The distribution server 1 may mediate access to the shopping site. Further, the distribution server 1 may have functions of a shopping site such as product search and distribution of store information. As a result, the mobile terminal 2 communicates only with the distribution server 1, and the process is simplified.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a route guide map. In FIG. 22, S indicates the current position of the end user. G indicates the target position. The asterisk indicates the position where the end user's desired product is displayed.

In the present embodiment, the end user can reach the display shelf on which the product to be confirmed or the product to be purchased is displayed without the help of a clerk. This is especially effective when the end user is a foreigner who has difficulty communicating with the clerk.

The technical features (constituent requirements) described in each embodiment can be combined with each other, and by combining them, a new technical feature can be formed.
The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of claims, not the above-mentioned meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

100 Information distribution system 1 Distribution server 11 Control unit 12 Main storage unit 13 Auxiliary storage unit 131 Product DB
132 Possession point DB
133 Transaction DB
134 Floor diagram DB
135 Shelf position DB
136 Shelf allocation DB
14 Communication unit 15 Reading unit 1P control program 1a Portable storage medium 1b Semiconductor memory 2 Mobile terminal 21 Control unit 22 Main storage unit 23 Auxiliary storage unit 24 Communication unit 25 Short-range communication unit 26 Input unit 27 Display unit 2P control program 3 Electronic Shelf tag

Claims (3)

A shelf label having a display unit that displays the selling price of the product and a transmission unit that transmits the identification information of the product by short-distance communication, which is installed in association with the product in a physical store, ends the identification information of the product. Send to the user's mobile communication device by short-range communication,
The information providing server receives the identification information from the mobile communication device in the actual store, and receives the identification information.
The mobile communication device in the actual store receives screen information including product information associated with the identification information and capable of placing an order for the product.
From the mobile communication device in the physical store, a payment instruction for purchasing the product displayed corresponding to the shelf tag on which the short-range communication of the display shelf is executed is received, and the payment instruction is received.
The end user displays payment completion information indicating payment completion to the mobile communication device in the actual store, and the product displayed corresponding to the shelf label that has been purchased and executed the short-range communication of the display shelf. Send the code information to bring and receive at the counter of the actual store ,
The code information transmitted by reading the code information displayed on the mobile communication device by the store terminal provided at the counter of the actual store is received, and the code information is received.
Determine if the sent code information matches the received code information,
An information distribution method characterized in that screen information including a delivery instruction is transmitted to the store terminal when they match. Each of the plurality of the shelf labels transmits different identification information of the product, and the plurality of the identification information is sequentially received by the mobile communication device.
The information providing server receives a plurality of the identification information received by the mobile communication device at the actual store, and receives the identification information.
The information providing server transmits information on products associated with each of the plurality of identification information to the mobile communication device in the actual store.
The information providing server is characterized in that it includes information on a product selected from a list including information on a plurality of products, and transmits screen information on which the product can be ordered to the mobile communication device in the actual store. The information distribution method according to claim 1. The information distribution method according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the identification information includes a URL.

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