JP7434763B2 - Store management device, store management system, store management method, computer program and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the technical field of a store management device, a store management system, a store management method, a computer program, and a recording medium for managing a store where products are displayed.

In stores such as supermarkets, there is a known system in which store members (i.e., customers) read product codes by themselves using portable terminals to obtain product codes assigned to products sold in the store. (For example, see Patent Document 1). Other prior art documents related to the present invention include Patent Documents 2 to 5.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-099441 Special Publication No. 2012-216237 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-157294 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-071787 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-189785

When a customer reads the product code (that is, the customer reads information about the product), it is necessary to appropriately associate the customer with a reading device for reading the information about the product.

An object of the present invention is to provide a store management device, a store management system, a store management method, a computer program, and a recording medium that can solve the above-mentioned technical problems. As an example, an object of the present invention is to provide a store management device, a store management system, a store management method, a computer program, and a recording medium that can appropriately associate a reading device for reading information about products with a customer. shall be.

An example of a store management device for solving the problem includes a specifying means for executing a specifying process for specifying the customer by performing an authentication process using customer information regarding the customer entering the store, and identifying the customer. and device identification information for identifying a portable reading device to be used by the customer to read information regarding products in the store; and notification means for performing notification processing to notify a customer of the reading device having the device identification information associated with the customer identification information.

An example of a store management system for solving the problem includes a store management device for managing a store, and a portable reading device for reading information regarding products in the store, and the store management device includes: identification means for performing identification processing for identifying the customer by performing authentication processing using customer information regarding the customer entering the store; customer identification information for identifying the customer; and identification means used by the customer. an association means for performing an association process for associating the reading device with device identification information for identifying the reading device to be used; and notifying the customer of the reading device having the device identification information associated with the customer identification information. and notification means for executing notification processing for the purpose.

An example of a store management method for solving the problem is to perform identification processing to identify the customer by performing authentication processing using customer information regarding the customer entering the store, and to identify the customer. executing an association process for associating customer identification information for identifying a portable reading device to be used by the customer to read information regarding products in the store; and , executing a notification process for notifying the customer of the reading device having the device identification information associated with the customer identification information.

An example of a computer program for solving the problem causes a computer to execute the store management method described above.

The above-mentioned computer program is recorded on an example of a recording medium for solving the problem.

According to the store management device, store management system, store management method, computer program, and recording medium described above, it is possible to appropriately associate a reading device for reading information regarding products with a customer.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the store management system of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a floor plan showing an example of a store ST in which the store management system of this embodiment is adopted. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the store management server of this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the reading device of this embodiment. FIG. 5 shows the external appearance of the reading device of this embodiment using a front view and a side view of the reading device of this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the entrance terminal of this embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the exit terminal of this embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations performed by the store management server when a customer enters the shopping space. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations performed by the store management server when a customer purchases a product at a shopping space. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations performed by the store management server when a customer leaves the shopping space. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a store management system according to a first modification. FIG. 12 is a side view showing an example of the structure of the rental device of the first modification. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a store management system according to a second modification. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the in-store terminal of the second modification. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of the store management server of this embodiment. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing another example of the overall configuration of the store management system of this embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of a store management device, a store management system, a store management method, a computer program, and a recording medium will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, we will use the store management system SYS, which is adopted in a store ST where customers (that is, shoppers) themselves read product codes for identifying products on sale, to explain the store management device, store management system, and store information. Embodiments of a management method, a computer program, and a recording medium will be described.

(1) Configuration of store management system SYS
(1-1) Overall configuration of the store management system SYS First, the overall configuration of the store management system SYS of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the store management system SYS of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the store management system SYS includes a store management server 1, a plurality of reading devices 2, an entrance terminal 3, and an exit terminal 4. The store management system SYS may include a single entrance terminal 3 or a plurality of entrance terminals 3. The store management system SYS may include a single exit terminal 4 or a plurality of exit terminals 4. The store management server 1 can communicate with each of the plurality of reading devices 2, entrance terminals 3, and exit terminals 4 via the network 5. The network 5 may include a wired network or a wireless network.

An example of a store ST that employs such a store management system SYS is shown in FIG. 2 as a floor plan of the store ST. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the store ST includes an entrance space SP1 and a shopping space SP2. A customer can enter the entrance space SP1 from outside the store ST through the entrance ENT of the store ST, and can exit from the entrance space SP1 to the outside of the store ST. Furthermore, customers can enter the shopping space SP2 from the entrance space SP1 via an entrance gate GI installed at the boundary between the entrance space SP1 and the shopping space SP2. As a result, the customer can purchase the products displayed on the product shelf CS installed in the shopping space SP2. Furthermore, the customer can exit from shopping space SP2 to entrance space SP1 via an exit gate GO installed at the boundary between entrance space SP1 and shopping space SP2.

As shown in FIG. 2 (and also FIG. 1), a plurality of reading devices 2, entrance terminals 3, and exit terminals 4 are typically arranged within a store ST. On the other hand, the store management server 1 may be located within the store ST or outside the store ST. Specifically, the plurality of reading devices 2 are arranged in the entrance space SP1. In particular, the plurality of reading devices 2 may be arranged (in other words, stored) in a storage space SP3 set near the entrance gate GI. The entrance terminal 3 is arranged in the entrance space SP1. In particular, the entrance terminal 3 may be located at a position in the vicinity of the entrance gate GI. The exit terminal 4 is arranged in the shopping space SP2. In particular, the exit terminal 4 may be arranged at a position in the vicinity of the exit gate GO.

The operations performed by the store management system SYS when a customer shops at the store ST will be described in detail later, but an overview will be briefly described below. A customer visiting the store ST first enters the entrance space SP1 from the entrance ENT. Thereafter, the customer uses the entrance terminal 3 to be authenticated by the store management server 1. Specifically, the store management server 1, together with the entrance terminal 3, executes identification processing for identifying a customer by authenticating the customer. Furthermore, the store management server 1 provides information for associating (that is, linking or associating) with the identified customer the reading device 2 that the customer should use within the store ST to read the product code in the shopping space SP2. Execute association processing. Furthermore, the store management server 1 executes a notification process for notifying the customer of the reading device 2 associated with the customer (that is, notifying or teaching the customer). As a result, the customer can recognize the reading device 2 that the customer should use (that is, associated with the customer) from among the plurality of reading devices 2 stored in the storage space SP3, and as a result, The reading device 2 can be picked up. Thereafter, the customer enters the shopping space SP2 from the entrance gate GI. When shopping at shopping space SP2, a customer uses the reading device 2 to read the product code attached to the product he or she wishes to purchase. Thereafter, the customer who has finished shopping uses the exit terminal 4 to pay for the product he or she wishes to purchase. Specifically, the store management server 1, together with the exit terminal 4, performs payment processing for paying for the product the customer desires to purchase using the payment method selected by the customer. Thereafter, the customer exits from the exit gate GO to the entrance space SP1, and exits from the entrance ENT to the outside of the store ST.

Hereinafter, the configuration of each device (that is, the store management server 1, the reading device 2, the entrance terminal 3, and the exit terminal 4) constituting the store management system SYS will be explained in order.

(1-2) Configuration of Store Management Server 1 The configuration of the store management server 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the store management server 1 of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the store management server 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a storage device 12, and a communication device 13. The CPU 11, the storage device 12, and the communication device 13 are connected via a data bus 14.

The CPU 11 reads a computer program. For example, the CPU 11 may read a computer program stored in the storage device 12. For example, the CPU 11 may read a computer program stored in a computer-readable recording medium using a recording medium reading device (not shown). The CPU 11 may obtain (that is, may download or read) a computer program from a device (not shown) located outside the store management server 1 via the communication device 13 . The CPU 11 executes the loaded computer program. As a result, within the CPU 11, logical functional blocks are realized for executing the processes that the store management server 1 should perform (for example, the above-mentioned identification process, association process, notification process, and payment process). That is, the CPU 11 can function as a controller for realizing a logical functional block for executing the processing that the store management server 1 should perform.

FIG. 3 shows an example of logical functional blocks implemented within the CPU 11 in order to perform processing that the store management server 1 should perform. As shown in FIG. 3, within the CPU 11, a customer identification section 111, a device management section 112, a device lending section 113, a purchase management section 114, and a payment section 115 are realized. The operations performed by each of the customer identification unit 111, device management unit 112, device lending unit 113, purchase management unit 114, and payment unit 115 will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, etc. A brief overview will be given here. The customer identification unit 111 executes identification processing for identifying a customer. The device management unit 112 executes an association process for associating the reading device 2 with the customer. The device lending unit 113 executes a notification process to notify the customer of the reading device 2 associated with the customer. The purchase management unit 114 manages a list of products that customers wish to purchase. Specifically, the purchase management unit 114 manages a list of products to which product codes read by the customer using the reading device 2 are assigned. The payment unit 115 performs a payment process in which the customer pays for the product he or she wishes to purchase using a payment method that the customer desires.

The storage device 12 is capable of storing desired data. For example, the storage device 12 may temporarily store a computer program executed by the CPU 11. The storage device 12 may temporarily store data that is temporarily used by the CPU 11 while the CPU 11 is executing a computer program. The storage device 12 may store data that the store management server 1 stores for a long period of time. The storage device 12 may include at least one of a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a hard disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a disk array device.

The communication device 13 is capable of communicating with each of the plurality of reading devices 2 , the entrance terminal 3 , and the exit terminal 4 via the network 5 . That is, the communication device 13 is capable of transmitting information to each of the plurality of reading devices 2, the entrance terminal 3, and the exit terminal 4 via the network 5. The communication device 13 can receive information from each of the plurality of reading devices 2, entrance terminals 3, and exit terminals 4 via the network 5.

(1-3) Configuration of reading device 2 Next, the configuration of the reading device 2 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the reading device 2 of this embodiment. FIG. 5 shows the external appearance of the reading device 2 of this embodiment using a front view and a side view of the reading device 2 of this embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the reading device 2 includes a code reading device 21, a communication device 22, a storage device 26, and a notification device 27. At least two of the code reading device 21, the communication device 22, the storage device 26, and the notification device 27 may be connected via a data bus 28. However, the reading device 2 does not need to include at least one of the storage device 26 and the notification device 27.

The code reading device 21 is capable of reading a product code attached to a product. For example, the code reading device 21 may be able to optically read the product code. In this case, the product is provided with an optically readable product code (for example, at least one of a one-dimensional code (e.g., barcode) and a two-dimensional code (e.g., QR code (registered trademark)). Good too. For example, the code reading device 21 may be able to read the product code electromagnetically. In this case, the product may be provided with an electromagnetically readable product code (for example, an RF (Radio Frequency) tag).

As shown in FIG. 5, the code reading device 21 may be housed in a housing 23. In this case, the code reading device 21 may read the product code through the opening 24 formed in the housing 23. However, if the code reading device 21 can read the product code even if some object (for example, at least a part of the casing 23) exists between the code reading device 21 and the product code, the casing The opening 24 may not be formed in the body 23.

The communication device 22 is capable of communicating with the store management server 1 via the network 5 . For example, the communication device 22 may transmit information regarding the product code read by the code reading device 21 to the store management server 1 via the network 5.

In this embodiment, the reading device 2 is, for example, a device that the customer can carry around by himself (that is, a portable device). For example, the reading device 2 may be a portable device (for example, a handy scanner) that can be carried while being held in the customer's hand. For example, the reading device 2 may be a device that can be attached to (that is, attachable to) at least one of the customer himself or something that the customer carries. An example of what a customer carries is clothing and miscellaneous goods such as bags. Another example of items carried by customers is trolleys such as shopping carts. For example, the reading device 2 may be a device integrated with something carried by the customer.

If the reading device 2 is a device that can be attached to at least one of the customer himself or something that the customer carries, the reading device 2 may include a mounting member 25, as shown in FIG. The attachment member 25 is a member used for attaching the reading device 2 to at least one of the customer and an item carried by the customer. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the reading device 2 includes a mounting member 25 attached to the housing 23 so as to function as a clip. In this example, the reading device 2 is configured such that the casing 23 and the attachment member 25 sandwich at least one of the customer and the items carried by the customer (for example, the body of the bag, the strap of the bag, and/or the handle of the bag, etc.) In this way, the reading device 2 may be attached to at least one of the customer himself or something the customer carries.

The storage device 26 can store desired data. For example, the storage device 26 may temporarily store information regarding the product code read by the code reading device 21. For example, the storage device 26 may temporarily store information regarding the product code until the communication device 22 transmits the information regarding the product code to the store management server 1. As a result, even if the communication situation in the network 5 between the reading device 2 and the store management server 1 is poor, information regarding the product code will be properly transferred to the store management server 1 after the communication situation improves. Transmission is now possible.

The notification device 27 notifies the customer that the code reading device 21 has read the product code. In other words, the notification device 27 notifies the customer that the code reading device 21 has completed reading the product code. As a result, the customer can appropriately understand whether or not the product code was successfully read using the reading device 2. For example, when the notification device 27 includes a display, the notification device 27 displays an image on the display to notify the customer that the code reading device 21 has read the product code. The customer may be notified that 21 has read the product code. For example, when the notification device 27 is equipped with a speaker, the notification device 27 outputs a sound from the speaker to notify the customer that the code reading device 21 has read the product code. The customer may be notified that 21 has read the product code. For example, when the notification device 27 includes a vibration motor (that is, a vibrator), the notification device 27 drives the vibration motor to vibrate the reading device 2, so that the code reading device 21 reads the product code. Customers may be notified of this.

(1-4) Configuration of Entrance Terminal 3 Next, the configuration of the entrance terminal 3 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the entrance terminal 3 of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the entrance terminal 3 includes a CPU 31, a storage device 32, an imaging device 33, a communication device 34, and a display device 35. The CPU 31, the storage device 32, the imaging device 33, the communication device 34, and the display device 35 are connected via a data bus 36.

The CPU 31 reads a computer program. For example, the CPU 31 may read a computer program stored in the storage device 32. For example, the CPU 31 may read a computer program stored in a computer-readable recording medium using a recording medium reading device (not shown). The CPU 31 may obtain (that is, may download or read) a computer program from a device (not shown) located outside the entrance terminal 3 via the communication device 34 . The CPU 31 executes the loaded computer program. As a result, within the CPU 31, a logical functional block is realized for executing the processing that the entrance terminal 3 should perform (for example, processing related to the above-mentioned specific processing). That is, the CPU 31 can function as a controller for realizing a logical functional block for executing the processing that the entrance terminal 3 should perform.

The storage device 32 can store desired data. For example, the storage device 32 may temporarily store a computer program executed by the CPU 31. The storage device 32 may temporarily store data that is temporarily used by the CPU 31 while the CPU 31 is executing a computer program. The storage device 32 may store data that the entrance terminal 3 stores for a long time. The storage device 32 may include at least one of a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, an SSD, and a disk array device.

The imaging device 33 is a camera that can image a customer located around the entrance terminal 3 (typically, standing in front of the entrance terminal 3). The image of the customer captured by the imaging device 33 is used to identify the customer. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the store management server 1 may perform a process of specifying a customer by performing a face authentication process using an image of the customer captured by the imaging device 33 as the specifying process.

However, depending on the content of the authentication process performed by the store management server 1, the entrance terminal 3 may not include the imaging device 33. In addition to or in place of the imaging device 33, the entrance terminal 3 may include a device for acquiring customer information used for identification processing (authentication processing). For example, when the store management server 1 performs the fingerprint authentication process, the entrance terminal 3 may include a device for acquiring information regarding the customer's fingerprint. For example, when the store management server 1 performs authentication processing using a membership card (for example, an IC card, etc.) that stores information about the customer, the entrance terminal 3 is capable of reading the information stored in the membership card. A device (for example, an IC card reader, etc.) may be provided. For example, when the store management server 1 performs authentication processing using an ID and password input by a customer, the entrance terminal 3 is a device (e.g., a keyboard, a touch panel, etc.) that allows the customer to input the ID and password. at least one of them).

The communication device 34 is capable of communicating with the store management server 1 via the network 5 . For example, the communication device 34 may transmit the customer's image captured by the imaging device 33 to the store management server 1 via the network 5.

The display device 35 can display a desired image (for example, at least one of a still image and a moving image). For example, since the entrance terminal 3 is installed near the entrance gate GI of the store ST, the display device 35 may display a guide image regarding how to use the store ST. Since the entrance terminal 3 is used for specific processing including authentication processing, the display device 35 may display a guide image regarding the flow of the specific processing. Since the imaging device 33 of the entrance terminal 3 images the customer, the display device 35 may display a guide image regarding the imaging. However, the entrance terminal 3 does not need to include the display device 35.

(1-5) Configuration of exit terminal 4 Next, the configuration of the exit terminal 4 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the exit terminal 4 of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, the exit terminal 4 includes a CPU 41, a storage device 42, an input device 43, a communication device 44, and a display device 45. The CPU 41, the storage device 42, the input device 43, the communication device 44, and the display device 45 are connected via a data bus 46.

The CPU 41 reads a computer program. For example, the CPU 41 may read a computer program stored in the storage device 42. For example, the CPU 41 may read a computer program stored in a computer-readable recording medium using a recording medium reading device (not shown). The CPU 41 may obtain (that is, may download or read) a computer program from a device (not shown) located outside the exit terminal 4 via the communication device 44 . The CPU 41 executes the loaded computer program. As a result, within the CPU 41, a logical functional block is realized for executing the processing that the exit terminal 4 should perform (for example, the processing related to the payment processing described above). That is, the CPU 41 can function as a controller for realizing a logical functional block for executing the processing that the exit terminal 4 should perform.

The storage device 42 can store desired data. For example, the storage device 42 may temporarily store a computer program executed by the CPU 41. The storage device 42 may temporarily store data that is temporarily used by the CPU 41 while the CPU 41 is executing a computer program. The storage device 42 may store data that the exit terminal 4 stores long-term. The storage device 42 may include at least one of a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, an SSD, and a disk array device.

The input device 43 is a device into which desired information is input. In this embodiment, information necessary for performing payment processing is input to the input device 43. However, depending on the content of the payment process performed by the store management server 1, the exit terminal 4 may not include the input device 43.

The communication device 44 can communicate with the store management server 1 via the network 5 . For example, the communication device 44 may transmit information input to the input device 43 to the store management server 1 via the network 5.

The display device 45 can display a desired image (for example, at least one of a still image and a moving image). For example, since the exit terminal 4 is used for payment processing, the display device 45 may display a guide image regarding the flow of the payment processing. The display device 45 may display a list of products that the customer wishes to purchase. The display device 45 may display the price to be paid by the customer. However, the exit terminal 4 may not include the display device 45.

(2) Operation of the store management system SYS Next, the operation performed by the store management system SYS when a customer shops at the store ST will be described. Below, the operations performed when a customer enters the shopping space SP2 (that is, when the customer enters the store ST), the operations performed when the customer purchases a product at the shopping space SP2, and the operations performed by the customer The operations performed when the customer leaves the shopping space SP2 (that is, when the customer leaves the store ST) will be explained in order.

In this embodiment, the store management server 1 mainly executes the above-described processes using the plurality of reading devices 2, entrance terminals 3, and exit terminals 4. Therefore, for convenience of explanation, the operations performed by the store management server 1 will be mainly described below as the operations performed by the store management system SYS.

(2-1) Operations performed when a customer enters the shopping space SP2 First , with reference to FIG. 8, the operations performed by the store management server 1 when a customer enters the shopping space SP2 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations performed by the store management server 1 when a customer enters the shopping space SP2. Note that the operation shown in FIG. 8 is repeatedly executed by the store management server 1. That is, when the store management server 1 finishes the operation shown in FIG. 8, it starts the operation shown in FIG. 8 again after a certain period of time has passed.

When a customer enters the shopping space SP2, the customer first uses the entrance terminal 3 to undergo authentication by the store management server 1. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the customer identification unit 111 determines whether or not authentication information necessary for performing customer authentication processing has been acquired from the entrance terminal 3 (step S11). In this embodiment, as described above, the store management server 1 identifies the customer by performing face authentication processing using the image of the customer captured by the imaging device 33 of the entrance terminal 3. Therefore, the customer identification unit 111 determines whether or not the customer's image has been acquired from the entrance terminal 3 as authentication information.

As a result of the determination in step S11, if it is determined that authentication information has not been acquired (step S11: No), the customer identification unit 111 continues to determine whether or not authentication information has been acquired (step S11). . On the other hand, if it is determined that the authentication information has been acquired as a result of the determination in step S11 (step S11: Yes), the customer identification unit 111 performs customer authentication processing using the authentication information to identify the customer. is specified (step S12). That is, the customer specifying unit 111 specifies which of the plurality of customers registered in the store management server 1 is the customer currently present in front of the entrance terminal 3.

Thereafter, the device management unit 112 selects one reading device 2 that the customer identified in step S12 should use to read the product code in the shopping space SP2 from among the plurality of reading devices 2 provided in the store management system SYS. Select (step S13). At this time, the device management unit 112 selects one reading device 2 according to predetermined criteria. An example of the operation of selecting one reading device 2 according to predetermined criteria will be described below.

For example, the device management unit 112 may select one reading device 2 based on the data regarding the customer specified in step S12. The device management unit 112 may select one reading device 2 suitable for use by the customer identified in step S12, based on the data regarding the customer identified in step S12.

The data regarding the customer may include data regarding attributes of the customer. Here, "customer attributes" may refer to the customer's own characteristics, features, or properties that can be used as an index for classifying multiple customers into multiple groups. Such data regarding customer attributes may be stored in the storage device 12 of the store management server 1. The store management server 1 may sequentially acquire data regarding customer attributes from the entrance terminal 3. The store management server 1 may sequentially acquire data regarding customer attributes from a device (for example, an imaging device) that is placed in the entrance space SP1 and is capable of acquiring customer attributes.

The data regarding the customer's attributes may include data regarding the customer's height. For example, the plurality of reading devices 2 may be stored on a relatively tall shelf arranged in the storage space SP3 of the entrance space SP1. In this case, the plurality of reading devices 2 may include reading devices 2 stored at a relatively high position and reading devices 2 stored at a relatively low position. In this case, a customer who is relatively short in height may have difficulty picking up the reading device 2 that is stored at a relatively high position. Therefore, for customers who are relatively short in height, the device management section 112 is installed in a storage unit stored at a relatively low position so that the customer can relatively easily pick up the reading device 2. The reading device 2 may be selected. On the other hand, a customer who is relatively tall may have to bend down to pick up the reading device 2 stored at a relatively low position. Therefore, for customers who are relatively tall, the device management section 112 is installed in a storage unit that is stored at a relatively high position so that the customer does not have to bend down to pick up the reading device 2. The reading device 2 may be selected.

The data regarding the customer's attributes may include data regarding the customer's gender. For example, a female customer may have difficulty carrying a relatively heavy reading device 2 compared to a male customer. Therefore, for a female customer, the device management section 112 may select a relatively light reading device 2 so that the customer can carry the reading device 2 relatively easily. On the other hand, for a male customer, the device management section 112 may select one reading device 2 that is relatively light, or may select one reading device 2 that is relatively heavy. For example, it may be difficult for a female customer to pick up the reading device 2 that is stored at a relatively high position compared to a male customer. Therefore, for female customers, the device management unit 112 stores one reading device 2 stored at a relatively low position so that the customer can pick up the reading device 2 relatively easily. may be selected. On the other hand, for a male customer, the device management unit 112 may select one reading device 2 stored at a relatively low position, or select one reading device 2 stored at a relatively high position. Reading device 2 may also be selected. For example, a female customer's preferences (particularly appearance preferences) may be different from a male customer's preferences. Therefore, for a female customer, the device management unit 112 may select one reading device 2 that has an appearance (for example, at least one of shape, color, and size) that matches the female's preferences. On the other hand, for a male customer, the device management section 112 may select one reading device 2 whose appearance matches the male's preference.

The data regarding the customer's attributes may include data regarding the customer's age. For example, compared to younger customers, it is highly likely that elderly customers do not have the strength to carry all of the products they wish to purchase within shopping area SP2 with their own hands (or in a shopping cart). Therefore, for elderly customers, the device management section 112 is provided with a device that is integrated with a shopping cart or that can be attached to the shopping cart so that the customer can relatively easily carry the products he/she wishes to purchase. One reading device 2 may be selected.

The data regarding the customer's attributes may include data regarding the customer's companion. As described above, since the entrance terminal 3 includes the imaging device 33, the store management server 1 can acquire data regarding the customer's companion from the entrance terminal 3. Furthermore, the store management server 1 may acquire data regarding the customer's companion based on images captured by other imaging devices arranged in the entrance space SP1. For example, a customer who has a relatively large number of companions may purchase a relatively large number of products. Therefore, for customers who have a relatively large number of companions, the device management unit 112 is integrated with the shopping cart so that the customers can relatively easily carry the products they wish to purchase. Alternatively, one reading device 2 that can be attached to a shopping cart may be selected. For example, unaccompanied customers may not purchase as many products. Therefore, in order to reduce restrictions on the customer's movement within the shopping area SP2 and/or improve the convenience of hands-free shopping for customers who are not accompanied by customers, the device management unit 112 You may select one reading device 2 that can be attached to yourself or to a customer's fashion accessories. For example, a customer with a child may wish to have the child ride in the cart. Therefore, for customers who are accompanied by children, the device management unit 112 provides a shopping cart that is integrated with a shopping cart equipped with a seat for the child or a seat for the child so that the child can ride in the cart. You may select one reading device 2 that can be attached to a provided shopping cart.

The data regarding the customer may include data regarding the customer's past usage history of the store ST. Such data regarding the customer's past usage history of the store ST may be stored in the storage device 12 of the store management server 1. For example, for a customer who often purchases a relatively large number of products according to the past usage history of the store ST, the device management unit 112 may One reading device 2 may be selected that is integrated with or attachable to the shopping cart. For example, for customers who do not purchase relatively many products according to their past usage history of the store ST, it is possible to reduce restrictions on the customer's movement within the shopping area SP2 and/or to provide hands-free services. In order to improve the convenience of shopping, the device management section 112 may select one reading device 2 that can be attached to the customer himself or to the customer's fashion accessories.

The data regarding the customer may include data regarding the reading device 2 that the customer used in the past at the store ST. Data regarding the reading devices 2 used by such customers in the past may be stored in the storage device 12 of the store management server 1. For example, a customer may frequently use a reading device 2 that matches the customer's preferences. Therefore, the device management unit 112 may select, as one reading device 2, the same type of reading device 2 as the reading device 2 that the customer has used relatively frequently (or most frequently) in the past. For example, a customer may have a desire to try using various reading devices 2 (and as a result, find a reading device 2 that matches the customer's preferences). Therefore, the device management unit 112 may select, as one reading device 2, a reading device 2 of a different type from the reading devices 2 that the customer has used in the past. In particular, for a customer who does not have a reading device 2 that is used relatively frequently, the device management unit 112 may use a reading device 2 of a different type (a typical In this case, a reading device 2) that the customer has not used in the past may be selected as one reading device 2. In this case, it is possible to satisfy the needs of customers who do not have a reading device 2 that is used relatively frequently due to curiosity to try out a new reading device 2.

The data regarding the customer may include data regarding the reading device 2 that the customer wishes to use. Such data regarding the reading device 2 that the customer wishes to use may be input by the customer via the entrance terminal 3. If the data entered by the customer regarding the reading device 2 that the customer wishes to use is transmitted from the entrance terminal 3 to the store management server 1, the store management server 1 can acquire the data regarding the reading device 2 that the customer desires to use. can. In this case, the device management unit 112 may select, as one reading device 2, the same type of reading device 2 as the reading device 2 that the customer desires to use.

For example, the device management unit 112 may select one reading device 2 based on data regarding the reading device 2. The device management unit 112 may select one reading device 2 suitable for use by the customer identified in step S12, based on the data regarding the reading devices 2. Such data regarding the reading device 2 may be stored in the storage device 12 of the store management server 1. The store management server 1 may sequentially acquire data regarding the reading device 2 via the reading device 2.

When the reading device 2 operates using power supplied from a battery, the data regarding the reading device 2 includes data regarding the charging state of the reading device 2 (that is, the charging state of the battery of the reading device 2). Good too. In this case, the device management unit 112 may select one reading device 2 whose remaining battery level is at least a predetermined amount (in other words, whose charging rate is at least a predetermined amount). As a result, the possibility that the reader device 2 runs out of charge while the customer is shopping in the shopping area SP2 is reduced.

The data regarding the reading device 2 may include data regarding the frequency of use of the reading device 2. In this case, the device management unit 112 may select one reading device 2 that is used relatively less frequently. As a result, the imbalance in the frequency of use of the plurality of reading devices 2 is corrected. Furthermore, if it is taken into consideration that the degree of deterioration of the reading device 2 increases as the frequency of use of the reading device 2 increases, the imbalance in the degree of deterioration of the plurality of reading devices 2 can be corrected.

The data regarding the reading device 2 may include data regarding when the reading device 2 starts to be used. For example, the operator of the store ST may have a desire to have a customer use the newly started reading device 2 and collect data regarding its usage status. In this case, the device management unit 112 may select a reading device 2 that has started to be used relatively recently. For example, the operator of the store ST may consider replacing the reading device 2 that has been used for a relatively long period of time, although no abnormalities such as failures have occurred, with a new reading device 2. However, since the reader device 2 to be replaced has not yet experienced any malfunctions or other abnormalities, there is a possibility that the store ST operator may think that it would be a waste to discard the reader device 2 without using it much. There is. Therefore, the device management unit 112 may select one reading device 2 that has been used relatively recently (however, no abnormalities such as failures have occurred). As a result, the reading device 2 to be replaced can be utilized to the maximum extent until the reading device 2 is actually replaced.

For example, the device management unit 112 may select one reading device 2 based on data regarding the store ST. The device management unit 112 may select one reading device 2 suitable for use by the customer identified in step S12, based on the data regarding the store ST. Such data regarding the store ST may be stored in the storage device 12 of the store management server 1. The store management server 1 may sequentially acquire data regarding the store ST via at least one of the reading device 2, the entrance terminal 3, and the exit terminal 4. The data regarding the store may be sequentially acquired by the store management server 1 via any device located in the store ST or outside the store.

Data regarding the store ST may include data regarding products that the store ST wants to sell to customers (that is, products that the store ST operator wants to sell to customers and products that the store ST wants customers to purchase). good. For example, if the operator of store ST wants to sell a relatively large amount of products to customers because a sale is being held at store ST, it is possible to sell a relatively large amount of products to customers. Then, the device management unit 112 may select one reading device 2 that is integrated with the shopping cart or can be attached to the shopping cart. For example, if a relatively large product is set as a recommended product at store ST, the device management unit 112 may be configured to install a shopping cart integrated with or One reading device 2 that can be attached to a shopping cart may be selected.

The data regarding the store ST may include data regarding the degree of crowding of the store ST (particularly the degree of crowding of the shopping area SP2). If a customer with a shopping cart continues to newly enter the shopping area SP2 under a situation where the shopping area SP2 is crowded, the customer may feel stressed while moving within the shopping area SP2. Therefore, when the degree of congestion in the store ST exceeds the allowable amount, in order to prioritize reducing the stress of moving within the shopping area SP2 rather than selling products to customers, the device management unit 112 One reader 2 may be selected that does not require the use of a shopping cart. On the other hand, if the degree of congestion in the store ST does not exceed the allowable amount, the device management unit 112 may select a reader 2 that can be used with the shopping cart (eg, a reader 2 that is integrated with or attachable to the shopping cart).

The data regarding the store ST may include data regarding the area where the store ST is located. For example, if an event (for example, an event where families gather together with home-made lunch boxes) is held in the area where the store ST is located, there will be a relatively large number of customers prior to the event. may visit a store to purchase products. Therefore, for example, when an event is held in the area where the store ST is located, the device management unit 112 is integrated with the shopping cart so that the customer can purchase a relatively large amount of products. Alternatively, one reading device 2 that can be attached to a shopping cart may be selected.

Thereafter, the device management unit 112 executes an association process for associating the customer identified in step S12 with the one reading device 2 selected in step S13 for the customer (step S14). As a result of this association process, the device management unit 112 can specify which customer is using which reading device 2. The device management unit 112 can identify one reading device 2 used by a certain customer. The device management unit 112 can identify which reading device 2 is being used by which customer. The device management unit 112 can identify one customer who uses a certain reading device 2. Such association processing typically includes customer identification information for uniquely identifying the customer identified in step S12 and device identification for uniquely identifying the one reading device 2 selected in step S13. It includes the process of associating (that is, linking or matching) with information. As a result, the device management unit 112 generates device management information that includes as many records in which customer identification information and device identification information are associated as there are customers entering shopping area SP2.

Thereafter, the device lending unit 113 executes a notification process to notify (in other words, inform or teach) the customer identified in step S12 of the one reading device 2 selected in step S13. (Step S15). That is, the device lending unit 113 executes a notification process to notify the customer identified in step S12 of the one reading device 2 associated in step S14 to the customer (step S15). Here, the notification process typically informs the customer located in the entrance space SP1 of the reading device 2 that the customer should use from among the plurality of reading devices 2 stored in the storage space SP3. This is a process for recognition. Therefore, in the notification process, as long as the customer can recognize the one reading device 2 that the customer should use, any method may be used to notify the customer of the one reading device 2 that the customer should use. .

For example, if a plurality of reading devices 2 are stored in storage space SP3 in a state in which they are associated with a plurality of light emitting lamps, the device lending section 113 corresponds to one reading device 2 that the customer should use. The customer may be informed of the reading device 2 that the customer should use by lighting a light emitting lamp. For example, if a plurality of reading devices 2 are stored in the storage space SP3 with their identification numbers written on the reading devices 2, the device lending section 113 may send one of the reading devices 2 to be used by the customer via a speaker. By outputting a voice notifying the identification number of the reading device 2, the customer may be notified of the one reading device 2 that the customer should use. For example, if a plurality of reading devices 2 are stored in a movable state in the storage space SP3, the device lending unit 113 moves one reading device 2 that the customer should use (for example, if the customer The customer may be informed of which reading device 2 the customer should use by moving the device 2 toward a point where the customer picks it up.

If the reading device 2 is equipped with the notification device 27 as described above, the device lending unit 113 may use the notification device 27 to notify the customer of the reading device 2 that the customer should use. . For example, when the notification device 27 is equipped with a display, the device lending unit 113 displays an image on the display of the one reading device 2 that the customer should use. 2 may be notified to customers. For example, when the notification device 27 is equipped with a speaker, the device lending unit 113 outputs sound from the speaker of the first reading device 2 that the customer should use, so that the notification device 27 is equipped with a speaker. 2 may be notified to customers. For example, when the notification device 27 is equipped with a vibration motor, the device lending unit 113 drives the vibration motor of the one reading device 2 that the customer should use to vibrate the one reading device 2. , the customer may be informed of the reading device 2 that the customer should use.

Thereafter, the customer picks up the reading device 2 to be used based on the information notified by the notification process. Thereafter, the customer enters the shopping space SP2 from the entrance gate GI with the reading device 2 in hand. As a result, the customer can use the reading device 2 to shop at the shopping space SP2.

(2-2) Operations performed when a customer purchases a product at shopping space SP2 Next , with reference to FIG. 9, operations performed by the store management server 1 when a customer purchases a product at shopping space SP2. explain. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations performed by the store management server 1 when a customer purchases a product at the shopping space SP2. Note that the operation shown in FIG. 9 is repeatedly executed by the store management server 1. That is, when the store management server 1 finishes the operation shown in FIG. 9, it starts the operation shown in FIG. 9 again after a certain period of time has passed.

When a customer shops at the shopping space SP2, the customer uses the reading device 2 to read the product code of the product he or she wishes to purchase. Information regarding the product code read by the reading device 2 (hereinafter referred to as “purchase code information”) is transmitted from the reading device 2 to the store management server 1. Therefore, the purchase management unit 114 determines whether or not purchase code information has been acquired from the reading device 2 (step S21).

As a result of the determination in step S21, if it is determined that the purchase code information has been acquired (step S21: Yes), the purchase management unit 114 determines that the customer has read the purchase code using the reading device 2 based on the purchase code information. The product is specified (step S22). Furthermore, the purchase management unit 114 registers the product data (for example, data regarding the product name and price) regarding the product identified in step S22 in purchase list data for managing a list of products that the customer wishes to purchase. Step S23). On the other hand, if it is determined that the purchase code information has not been acquired as a result of the determination in step S21 (step S21: No), the purchase management unit 114 does not execute the processes from step S22 to step S23. It's okay.

On the other hand, there is a possibility that a customer may wish to cancel a product that he or she had once desired to purchase. In this case, the customer presses the cancel button installed on the reading device 2 (or performs an arbitrary operation to indicate his/her intention to cancel), and then uses the reading device 2 to make the purchase. You may also read the product code of the product you wish to cancel. Information regarding the product code read by the reading device 2 (hereinafter referred to as “cancellation code information”) is transmitted from the reading device 2 to the store management server 1. For this reason, the purchase management unit 114 may determine whether or not the cancellation code information has been acquired from the reading device 2, in sequence or in parallel with the processes from step S21 to step S23 (step S24). ).

As a result of the determination in step S24, if it is determined that the cancellation code information has been acquired (step S24: Yes), the purchase management section 114 determines that the customer has read the cancellation code information using the reading device 2 based on the reading code information. The product is specified (step S25). Furthermore, the purchase management unit 114 deletes the product data regarding the product specified in step S24 from the purchase list data for managing the list of products that the customer desires to purchase (step S26). On the other hand, if it is determined that the cancellation code information has not been acquired as a result of the determination in step S24 (step S24: No), the purchase management unit 114 does not execute the processes from step S25 to step S26. It's okay.

(2-3) Operations performed when a customer leaves shopping space SP2 Next , with reference to FIG. 10, operations performed by store management server 1 when a customer leaves shopping space SP2 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations performed by the store management server 1 when a customer leaves the shopping space SP2. Note that the operation shown in FIG. 10 is repeatedly executed by the store management server 1. That is, when the store management server 1 finishes the operation shown in FIG. 10, it starts the operation shown in FIG. 10 again after a certain period of time has passed.

When the customer exits the shopping space SP2, the customer uses the exit terminal 4 to pay for the product he or she wishes to purchase. At this time, the price for the product is settled through a settlement process performed by the store management server 1. Therefore, the customer uses the exit terminal 4 to send a payment request to the store management server 1 to pay for the product. Specifically, for example, the customer may select a payment start button displayed on the display device 45 of the exit terminal 4 (for example, the customer may select using the input device 43). As a result, the exit terminal 4 may transmit a payment request to the store management server 1.

When transmitting a payment request, the customer uses the input device 43 of the exit terminal 4 to input information that can identify at least one of the customer and the reading device 2 as information necessary for performing the payment process. As an example, the input device 43 may include an imaging device that images the customer. In this case, the customer's image is used as information that can identify the customer. As another example, the input device 43 may include a reading device that reads an identification tag or the like attached to the reading device 2. In this case, information read from the identification tag or the like is used as information for identifying the reading device 2. Information that can identify at least one of the customer and the reading device 2 is transmitted from the exit terminal 4 to the store management server 1 along with the payment request.

Based on such customer behavior, the payment unit 115 of the store management server 1 determines whether a payment request has been obtained from the exit terminal 4 (step S31).

As a result of the determination in step S31, if it is determined that a payment request has not been obtained (step S31: No), the payment unit 115 continues to determine whether or not a payment request has been obtained (step S31). On the other hand, if it is determined that a payment request has been obtained as a result of the determination in step S31 (step S31: Yes), the payment unit 115 identifies at least one of the customer and the reading device 2 included in the payment request. Using the information, the customer who sent the payment request is identified (step S32). Note that since the customer and the reading device 2 are associated with each other, even if information specifying the reading device 2 is sent from the exit terminal 4 to the store management server 1, the payment unit 115 does not send information to the specified reading device 2. The associated customer may be identified as the customer who submitted the payment request.

Thereafter, the payment unit 115 determines the payment amount (that is, the total price of the products that the customer wishes to purchase) based on purchase list data for managing a list of products that the customer who has sent the payment request wishes to purchase. , the amount to be paid by the customer) (step S33). At this time, the payment unit 115 may transmit to the exit terminal 4 at least one of information regarding the list of products that the customer desires to purchase and information regarding the payment amount. The display device 45 of the exit terminal 4 may display at least one of a list of products that the customer desires to purchase and a payment amount.

Thereafter, the payment unit 115 determines whether information regarding the payment method desired by the customer has been obtained from the exit terminal 4 as information necessary for performing payment processing (step S34). At this time, the payment unit 115 may control the exit terminal 4 so that the customer inputs information regarding the payment method desired by the customer. For example, the payment unit 115 may control the exit terminal 4 to display a display screen (for example, a GUI (Graphical User Interface)) for the customer to input information regarding the payment method desired by the customer. The customer may use the input device 43 of the exit terminal 4 to enter information regarding the payment method.

The customer may wish to pay using cash. If the customer desires a payment method using cash, the customer inserts enough cash to pay the total price of the product into the deposit/withdrawal machine provided at the exit terminal 4. In this case, the exit terminal 4 transmits information indicating that the customer has selected a payment method using cash and information regarding the amount of cash inserted by the customer to the store management server 1 as information regarding the payment method. You may.

The customer may wish to pay using a credit card. If the customer wishes to pay using a credit card, the customer uses the input device 43 of the exit terminal 4 to enter information regarding the credit card (e.g., credit card number, expiration date, card holder, password, and security code). information regarding at least one of the codes). If the input device 43 is equipped with a credit card reader (for example, at least one of a magnetic reader and an IC card reader), the customer can input information regarding the credit card by inserting the credit card into the input device 43. You can also enter it. In this case, the exit terminal 4 may transmit information indicating that the customer has selected a payment method using a credit card and information regarding the credit card to the store management server 1 as information regarding the payment method. . Alternatively, if the information regarding the credit card is registered in the store management server 1 as part of the data for managing the customer, the customer does not need to input the information regarding the credit card. In this case, the exit terminal 4 transmits information indicating that the customer has selected a payment method using a credit card registered in the store management server 1 to the store management server 1 as information regarding the payment method. Good too.

The customer may request a payment method using electronic money. If the customer desires a payment method using electronic money, the customer uses the input device 43 of the exit terminal 4 to enter information regarding electronic money (for example, at least one of the electronic money account number, balance, name, and password). You may also enter information regarding the If the input device 43 is equipped with an electronic money reading device (for example, an IC card reader, a code reader, or a non-contact reading device such as a smartphone), the customer can use the input device 43 to input electronic money. Information regarding electronic money may be input by holding up a means (for example, an IC card, a code (for example, a one-dimensional code or two-dimensional code), or a smartphone). In this case, the exit terminal 4 may transmit information indicating that the customer has selected a payment method using electronic money and information regarding electronic money to the store management server 1 as information regarding the payment method. . Note that the exit terminal 4 may have a function for charging electronic money. The entrance terminal 3 may also have a function for charging electronic money.

As a result of the determination in step S34, if it is determined that information regarding the payment method has not been acquired (step S34: No), the payment unit 115 continues to determine whether or not information regarding the payment method has been acquired ( Step S34). On the other hand, if it is determined that the information regarding the payment method has been acquired as a result of the determination in step S34 (step S34: Yes), the payment unit 115 allows the customer to make the purchase using the payment method desired by the customer. The total price of the desired product is settled (step S35).

(3) Technical effects of the store management system SYS The store management system SYS described above allows a customer to select one reading device 2 suitable for use. For this reason, compared to the case where the customer does not select the one reading device 2 that is suitable for use, the customer is and/or in accordance with the customer's preferences).

Moreover, the store management system SYS can appropriately associate a customer with the reading device 2 used by the customer. Therefore, compared to the case where the customer and the reading device 2 used by the customer are not associated, the store management system SYS can appropriately manage the products that the customer desires to purchase. In other words, the store management system SYS can appropriately manage a product whose product code is read by a certain reader 2 as a product that the customer associated with the reader 2 desires to purchase.

Further, the store management system SYS can employ a reading device 2 that can be attached to at least one of the customer himself or something that the customer carries. In this case, the customer can shop without holding the reading device 2 in his/her hand. Therefore, convenience for the customer is improved compared to the case where the customer has to hold the reading device 2 by hand.

(4) Modification Next, a modification of the store management system SYS will be described. In the following description, the same constituent elements as those of the store management system SYS described above will be given the same reference numerals and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

(4-1) Store management system SYSa of the first modification
First, the store management system SYSa of the first modification will be described with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the store management system SYSa of the first modification.

As shown in FIG. 11, the store management system SYSa of the first modification differs from the store management system SYS described above in that it further includes a lending device 6a. Other constituent features of the store management system SYSa may be the same as those of the store management system SYS described above.

The lending device 6a can store a plurality of reading devices 2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, which is a side view showing an example of the structure of the lending device 6a, the lending device 6a includes a housing 61a, and a plurality of reading devices 2 that can be stored inside the housing 61a. (typically, a storage device 62a that can be accommodated). Note that in FIG. 12, constituent elements arranged inside the housing 61a are indicated using dotted lines.

Further, the lending device 6a can provide (that is, supply or lend) one reading device 2 associated with the customer among the plurality of stored reading devices 2 to the customer. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the housing 61a of the rental device 6a has a supply opening 63a for supplying the reading device 2 from the inside of the housing 61a to the outside of the housing 61a (that is, supplying the reading device 2 to the outside of the housing 61a). A supply port for discharging the reading device 2 or a discharge port for discharging the reading device 2 may be formed. In this case, the lending device 6a transports the reading device 2 from the storage device 62a to the provision port 63a via the passage 64a that connects the storage device 62a and the provision port 63a, and provides reading information to the customer from the provision port 63a. A device 2 may also be provided. As a result, the customer can pick up the reading device 2 provided by the reading device 2.

In the first modification, the device lending unit 113 of the store management server 1 controls the lending device 6a to provide one reading device 2 associated with the customer from the storage device 62a to the customer via the providing port 63a. In this way, the customer may be notified of the reading device 2 associated with the customer. In this case, if the reader 2 is provided through the provision port 63a, the customer recognizes that the provided reader 2 is the reader 2 that the customer should use (that is, associated with the customer). be able to. For this reason, the lending device 6a may include a communication device 65a for communicating with the store management server 1. In this case, the storage device 62a transfers the reading device 2 associated with the customer from the provision port 63a to the customer based on the instruction from the store management server 1 (in particular, the instruction from the device lending section 113) received by the communication device 65a. may be provided.

The lending device 6a may be able to sequentially provide a plurality of reading devices 2 respectively associated with a plurality of customers to a plurality of customers one by one from one provision port 63a. In this case, compared to a case where a plurality of reading devices 2 respectively associated with a plurality of customers are provided to a plurality of customers from a single provision port 63a, one customer can use the reading device 2 while another customer uses it. This reduces the possibility that one customer will misunderstand that the reading device 2 to be used is the reading device 2 to be used by one customer. In other words, one customer can appropriately recognize the reading device 2 that the one customer should use.

The store management system SYSa of the first modified example can enjoy the same effects as the store management system SYS described above.

(4-2) Second Modification Next, a second modification of the store management system SYSb will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the store management system SYSb of the second modification.

As shown in FIG. 13, the store management system SYSb of the second modification differs from the store management system SYS described above in that it further includes an in-store terminal 7b. Other constituent features of the store management system SYSb may be the same as those of the store management system SYS described above.

The store management system SYSb may include a single in-store terminal 7b, or may include a plurality of in-store terminals 7b. The store management server 1 can communicate with the in-store terminal 7b via the network 5.

The in-store terminal 7b is typically located within the store ST. Specifically, the in-store terminal 7b is placed in the shopping space SP2. Therefore, the in-store terminal 7b is a terminal that can be operated by a customer who is shopping in the shopping space SP2. The customer may obtain information regarding shopping by operating the in-store terminal 7b. For example, by operating the in-store terminal 7b, the customer may check a "list of products that the customer currently wishes to purchase", which is an example of shopping-related information. For example, by operating the in-store terminal 7b, the customer may confirm "the total price of products that the customer wishes to purchase at this time," which is an example of shopping-related information. Hereinafter, the configuration of such in-store terminal 7b will be further explained with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the in-store terminal 7b.

As shown in FIG. 14, the in-store terminal 7b includes a CPU 71b, a storage device 72b, an input device 73b, a communication device 74b, and a display device 75b. The CPU 71b, the storage device 72b, the input device 73b, the communication device 74b, and the display device 75b are connected via a data bus 76b.

The CPU 71b reads a computer program. For example, the CPU 71b may read a computer program stored in the storage device 72b. For example, the CPU 71b may read a computer program stored in a computer-readable recording medium using a recording medium reading device (not shown). The CPU 71b may obtain (that is, may download or read) a computer program from a device (not shown) located outside the in-store terminal 7b via the communication device 74b. The CPU 71b executes the loaded computer program. As a result, within the CPU 71b, a logical functional block is realized for executing the processing that the in-store terminal 7b should perform (for example, the processing for providing the above-mentioned shopping-related information to the customer). That is, the CPU 71b can function as a controller for realizing a logical functional block for executing the processing that the in-store terminal 7b should perform.

The storage device 72b can store desired data. For example, the storage device 72b may temporarily store a computer program executed by the CPU 71b. The storage device 72b may temporarily store data that is temporarily used by the CPU 71b when the CPU 71b is executing a computer program. The storage device 72b may store data that is stored long-term by the in-store terminal 7b. The storage device 72b may include at least one of a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, an SSD, and a disk array device.

The input device 73b is a device into which desired information is input. In the first modification, information that can identify at least one of the customer and the reading device 2 is input to the input device 73b. Therefore, the input device 73b has the same configuration as the input device 43 of the exit terminal 4, in which information that can identify at least one of the customer and the reading device 2 is input as information necessary for performing payment processing. It's okay. Therefore, a detailed description of the input device 73b will be omitted.

The communication device 74b can communicate with the store management server 1 via the network 5. For example, the communication device 74b may transmit information input to the input device 73b (for example, information that can identify at least one of the customer and the reading device 2) to the store management server 1 via the network 5. . As a result, the store management server 1 can identify the customer requesting the provision of shopping-related information. Furthermore, the store management server 1 can transmit information regarding shopping specific to the specified customer to the in-store terminal 7b. In this case, the communication device 74b may receive information regarding shopping to be provided to the customer from the store management server 1 via the network 5. Specifically, the communication device 74b receives from the store management server 1 at least one of information regarding the list of products that the customer currently desires to purchase and information regarding the total price of the products the customer currently desires to purchase. Good too.

The display device 75b can display a desired image (for example, at least one of a still image and a moving image). For example, the display device 75b may display information related to shopping (that is, information received by the communication device 74b from the store management server 1). Specifically, the display device 75b may display at least one of a list of products that the customer currently desires to purchase and a total price of the products that the customer currently desires to purchase.

The store management system SYSb of the second modification example can enjoy the same effects as the store management system SYS described above. Furthermore, the store management system SYSb can provide shopping-related information to customers who are shopping at the shopping space SP2. Therefore, the customer can appropriately shop while referring to the information provided from the in-store terminal 7b.

Note that if the customer desires a payment method using electronic money, the in-store terminal 7b may display the current charge amount of electronic money using the display device 75b. As a result, the customer can confirm whether the charged amount is sufficient or insufficient for the total price of the product that the customer desires to purchase at this time. If the charge amount is currently insufficient for the total price of the product the customer wishes to purchase, the customer may charge electronic money using the in-store terminal 7b. Therefore, the in-store terminal 7b may have a function for charging electronic money.

If the store management server 1 stores the customer's past usage history of the store ST (typically, product purchase history), the store management server 1 stores the past usage history and the customer's current purchase history. It may be determined whether there is a possibility that there is a product that the customer has forgotten to purchase by comparing it with a list of desired products. The store management server 1 may identify products that the customer is expected to purchase or that the customer is expected to like based on past usage history. Information generated based on the customer's past usage history of the store ST (for example, at least the products determined to have been forgotten to purchase, the products expected to be purchased by the customer, and the products assumed to be liked by the customer) information regarding one item) may be provided to the customer from the in-store terminal 7b. As a result, the customer can appropriately shop while referring to the information provided from the in-store terminal 7b.

In the above description, the in-store terminal 7b uses the display device 75b to provide shopping-related information to the customer visually. However, the in-store terminal 7b may provide shopping-related information to the customer in any manner as long as the customer can recognize the shopping-related information. For example, the in-store terminal 7b may use a speaker to provide information regarding shopping through the customer's hearing.

The reading device 2 may have the same functions as the in-store terminal 7b. That is, the reading device 2 may include a display device capable of displaying information regarding shopping. Further, a shopping cart (or an item carried by the customer) to which the reading device 2 is attached or integrated with the reading device 2 may have the same function as the in-store terminal 7b. That is, the shopping cart (or the item carried by the customer) to which the reading device 2 is attached or integrated with the reading device 2 may be provided with a display device capable of displaying information related to shopping.

(4-3) Other Modifications The store management system SYS does not need to perform the payment processing described above. A system different from the store management system SYS may perform payment processing. In this case, as shown in FIG. 15, which is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of the store management server 1, the store management server 1 may not include at least one of the purchase management section 114 and the payment section 115. . As shown in FIG. 16, which is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of the store management system SYS, the store management system SYS does not need to include the exit terminal 4.

Authentication information used by the store management server 1 to identify (that is, authenticate) a customer may be transmitted to the store management server 1 from a device different from the entrance terminal 3. In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, the store management system SYS does not need to include the entrance terminal 3.

The store management server 1 may select and associate a plurality of reading devices 2 for one customer. For example, for a customer who has a companion, the store management server 1 may select and associate the reading device 2 used by the customer with the reading device 2 used by the companion. As an example, when a parent as a customer enters the store ST with a child, the store management server 1 allows the parent to select a reading device 2 to be used by the parent and a reading device 2 to be used by the child. They may also be associated. In this case, not only the customer but also the accompanying person can use the reading device 2 to shop.

When a plurality of reading devices 2 are associated with one customer, the total price of products purchased using the plurality of reading devices 2 may be paid by the one customer. However, if the paying customer is unable to ascertain what kind of product was purchased using a reading device 2 that the customer is not using (for example, one that is being used by a companion), the customer may feel anxious. There is a possibility of holding it. Therefore, when a plurality of reading devices 2 are associated with one customer, the store management server 1 may set a master-servant relationship for the plurality of reading devices 2. As an example, the store management server 1 sets the reading device 2 used by a customer (for example, a parent) as the main reading device 2, and sets the reading device 2 used by a companion (for example, a child) as the secondary reading device 2. May be set. In this case, the store management server 1 may notify the customer using the main reading device 2 of information regarding the product to which the product code read by the secondary reading device 2 has been assigned. As a result, the customer using the primary reading device 2 (e.g., a parent) can appropriately understand what kind of shopping the customer using the secondary reading device 2 (e.g., a child) is doing. be able to.

(5) Additional Notes Regarding the embodiments described above, the following additional notes are further disclosed.

(5-1) Additional note 1
The store management device according to Supplementary Note 1 includes a specifying means for executing a specifying process for specifying the customer by performing an authentication process using customer information regarding the customer entering the store, and a customer for identifying the customer. associating means for performing an associating process for associating identification information with device identification information for identifying a portable reading device that the customer should use to read information about products in the store; The store management apparatus is characterized by comprising: a notification unit that executes notification processing to notify the reading device that has the device identification information associated with the customer identification information.

(5-2) Additional note 2
In the store management device according to appendix 2, the association means selects one reading device to be used by the customer from among the plurality of reading devices, and identifies the selected one reading device. The store management device according to appendix 1, wherein the device identification information is associated with the customer identification information.

(5-3) Additional note 3
The store management device according to appendix 3 is the store management device according to appendix 2, wherein the association means selects the one reading device based on data regarding the customer.

(5-4) Appendix 4
In the store management device according to appendix 4, the data regarding the customer includes data regarding attributes of the customer, data regarding past usage history of the store by the customer, and data regarding the reading device used by the customer in the past at the store. The store management device according to appendix 3, characterized in that the store management device includes at least one of data and data regarding the reading device that the customer desires to use.

(5-5) Additional note 5
The store management device according to appendix 5 is the store according to any one of appendices 2 to 4, wherein the association means selects the one reading device based on data regarding the reader. It is a management device.

(5-6) Appendix 6
In the store management device according to appendix 6, the data regarding the reading device includes at least one of data regarding the charging state of the reading device, the frequency of use of the reading device, and data regarding the start time of use of the reading device. The store management device according to appendix 5 is characterized in that:

(5-7) Appendix 7
The store management device according to appendix 7 is characterized in that the association means selects the one reading device based on data regarding the store. It is a device.

(5-8) Appendix 8
In the store management device according to appendix 8, the data regarding the store includes at least one of data regarding products that the store wants to sell, data regarding the degree of congestion of the store, and data regarding the area where the store is located. The store management device according to appendix 7 is characterized in that:

(5-9) Appendix 9
In the store management device according to appendix 9, the notification means supplies the reading devices to the customer from the supply port using a product supply device capable of supplying the reading devices one by one from the supply port. The store management device according to any one of appendices 1 to 8, wherein the store management device executes the notification process of notifying the customer of the reading device.

(5-10) Appendix 10
The store management system according to appendix 10 includes a store management device for managing a store, and a portable reading device for reading information about products in the store, and the store management device identification means for performing identification processing for identifying the customer by performing authentication processing using customer information regarding the customer entering the store; customer identification information for identifying the customer; and the reader to be used by the customer. an associating means for performing an associating process for associating the device with device identification information for identifying the device; and a notification for notifying the customer of the reading device having the device identification information associated with the customer identification information. The present invention is a store management system characterized by comprising a notification means for executing processing.

(5-11) Appendix 11
The store management system according to Appendix 11 is the store management system according to Appendix 10, and is characterized in that the reading device can be attached to at least one of the customer and an item carried by the customer. It is a store management system.

(5-12) Appendix 12
The store management method described in Appendix 12 includes performing identification processing for identifying the customer by performing authentication processing using customer information regarding the customer entering the store; executing an association process for associating customer identification information with device identification information for identifying a portable reading device that the customer should use to read information regarding products in the store; A store management method characterized in that it includes executing a notification process for notifying the reading device having the device identification information associated with the customer identification information.

(5-13) Appendix 13
The computer program according to appendix 13 is a computer program that causes a computer to execute the store management method according to claim 13.

(5-14) Appendix 14
The recording medium described in Appendix 14 is a recording medium on which the computer program described in Appendix 13 is recorded.

The present invention can be modified as appropriate to the extent that it does not contradict the gist or idea of the invention as read from the claims and the entire specification, and store management devices, store management systems, store management methods, and computers that involve such changes may be modified. Programs and recording media are also included in the technical idea of the present invention.

SYS Store management system 1 Store management server 11 CPU
111 Customer identification department 112 Equipment management department 113 Equipment lending department 114 Purchase management department 115 Payment department 2 Reading device 21 Code reading device 25 Mounting member 3 Entrance terminal 4 Exit terminal 6a Rental device 7b In-store terminal

Claims (8)

identification means for performing identification processing for identifying the customer by performing biometric authentication processing using biometric information of the customer entering the store;
Executing an association process for associating customer identification information for identifying the customer with device identification information for identifying a portable reading device to be used by the customer to read information regarding products in the store. an association means;
notification means for performing notification processing to notify the customer of the reading device having the device identification information associated with the customer identification information ;
The association means selects one reading device to be used by the customer from among the plurality of reading devices based on data regarding the customer, and the device for identifying the selected one reading device. associating identification information with the customer identification information;
The data regarding the customer includes data regarding the customer's attributes, data regarding the customer's past usage history of the store, data regarding the reading device used by the customer in the past at the store, and data regarding the reader device that the customer wishes to use. Contains at least one piece of data regarding the reading device
A store management device characterized by: The store management device according to claim 1 , wherein the association means selects the one reading device based on data regarding the reading device. The store management device according to claim 2 , wherein the association means selects the one reading device based on data regarding the store. The notification means notifies the customer of the reading device by supplying the reading device to the customer from the supply port using a product supply device capable of supplying the reading device one by one from the supply port. The store management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the store management device executes the notification process to perform the notification process. a store management device for managing the store;
a portable reading device for reading information about products in the store;
The store management device includes:
identification means for performing identification processing for identifying the customer by performing biometric authentication processing using biometric information of the customer entering the store;
associating means for performing an associating process for associating customer identification information for identifying the customer and device identification information for identifying the reading device to be used by the customer;
notification means for performing notification processing for notifying the customer of the reading device having the device identification information associated with the customer identification information ;
The association means selects one reading device to be used by the customer from among the plurality of reading devices based on data regarding the customer, and the device for identifying the selected one reading device. associating identification information with the customer identification information;
The data regarding the customer includes data regarding the customer's attributes, data regarding the customer's past usage history of the store, data regarding the reading device used by the customer in the past at the store, and data regarding the reader device that the customer wishes to use. Contains at least one piece of data regarding the reading device
A store management system characterized by: The store management system according to claim 5 , wherein the reading device can be attached to at least one of the customer and an item carried by the customer. Executing identification processing for identifying the customer by performing biometric authentication processing using biometric information of the customer entering the store;
Association processing for associating customer identification information for identifying the customer with device identification information for identifying a portable reading device to be used by the customer to read information regarding products in the store. to carry out and
executing a notification process for notifying the customer of the reading device having the device identification information associated with the customer identification information ;
The association process includes selecting one reading device to be used by the customer from among the plurality of reading devices based on data regarding the customer, and identifying the selected one reading device. associating identification information with the customer identification information;
The data regarding the customer includes data regarding the customer's attributes, data regarding the customer's past usage history of the store, data regarding the reading device used by the customer in the past at the store, and data regarding the reader device that the customer wishes to use. Contains at least one piece of data regarding the reading device
A store management method characterized by: to the computer,
Executing identification processing for identifying the customer by performing biometric authentication processing using biometric information of the customer entering the store;
Association processing for associating customer identification information for identifying the customer with device identification information for identifying a portable reading device to be used by the customer to read information regarding products in the store. to carry out and
causing the customer to perform notification processing for notifying the reader of the reading device having the device identification information associated with the customer identification information ;
The association process includes selecting one reading device to be used by the customer from among the plurality of reading devices based on data regarding the customer, and identifying the selected reading device. associating identification information with the customer identification information;
The data regarding the customer includes data regarding the customer's attributes, data regarding the customer's past usage history of the store, data regarding the reading device used by the customer in the past at the store, and data regarding the reader device that the customer wishes to use. Contains at least one piece of data regarding the reading device
computer program.

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