WO2022045225A1 - Work assistance device, work assistance method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention improves the efficiency of the work to be carried out when the shortage of an item on a shelf occurs. This work assistance device comprises: a reception unit that receives item shortage detection information identifying the shelf and the article for which an item shortage or partial item shortage has been detected, and inventory information indicating the inventory status of the article; and a processing unit that, on the basis of the inventory status which is indicated by the inventory information and which is the status of the article for which the item shortage or partial item shortage has been detected, controls the transmission timing of information prompting the replenishment of the shelf with the article for which the item shortage or partial item shortage has been detected, as indicated by the item shortage detection information.

Description

Business support equipment, business support methods, and computer programs

This disclosure relates to business support equipment, business support methods, and computer programs.

Conventionally, a technique of photographing a shelf on which products are displayed in a store (hereinafter referred to as "display shelf") with a camera device and analyzing the photographed image to determine whether or not the product is out of stock on the display shelf. Is known (Patent Document 1).

International Publication No. 2019/087519

However, Patent Document 1 is limited to detecting product shortages on display shelves, and does not refer to improving work efficiency when shortages are detected.

The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a technology for streamlining operations in the event of a shortage in a display shelf.

The business support device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a receiving unit that receives shortage detection information indicating a shelf and an article in which a missing item or a partial missing item is detected, and inventory information indicating the inventory status of the article. Based on the stock status of the article in which the shortage or partial shortage is detected shown in the inventory information, to the shelf of the article in which the shortage or partial shortage shown in the shortage detection information is detected. It is provided with a processing unit for controlling the transmission timing of information prompting the replenishment of the above.

In the business support method according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the information processing apparatus receives shortage detection information indicating a shelf and an article in which a missing item or a partial missing item is detected, and inventory information indicating the inventory status of the article. Then, based on the stock status of the article in which the shortage or partial shortage is detected shown in the inventory information, the missing item or partial missing item shown in the shortage detection information is detected. Controls the timing of sending information that prompts the shelves to be replenished.

The computer program according to one aspect of the present disclosure receives out-of-stock detection information indicating a shelf and an article in which a missing item or a partial missing item is detected, and inventory information indicating the inventory status of the article, and uses the inventory information as the inventory information. Based on the inventory status of the article in which the indicated shortage or partial shortage is detected, the shelf of the article in which the shortage or partial shortage indicated in the shortage detection information is detected is urged to be replenished. Let the computer do what it does to control when information is sent.

The business support device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a receiving unit that receives replenishment detection information indicating a shelf and an article in which the need for replenishment is detected, inventory information indicating the inventory status of the article, and the inventory information. Based on the inventory status of the article in which the need for replenishment indicated in is detected, the timing of transmitting information prompting the replenishment of the article in which the need for replenishment indicated in the replenishment detection information is detected to the shelf is set. It is provided with a processing unit to be controlled.

The business support method according to one aspect of the present disclosure receives replenishment detection information indicating a shelf and an article for which the need for replenishment has been detected, and inventory information indicating the inventory status of the article by an information processing apparatus, and the above-mentioned Based on the stock status of the article in which the need for replenishment indicated in the inventory information is detected, the transmission of information prompting the replenishment of the article in which the need for replenishment indicated in the replenishment detection information is detected is performed. Control the timing.

The computer program according to one aspect of the present disclosure receives replenishment detection information indicating the shelves and articles for which the need for replenishment is detected, and inventory information indicating the inventory status of the articles, and the replenishment indicated in the inventory information. Based on the inventory status of the article in which the necessity of the above is detected, the timing of transmitting information prompting the replenishment of the article in which the shortage or semi-deficiency indicated in the replenishment detection information is detected is controlled. Let the computer do that.

It should be noted that these comprehensive or specific embodiments may be realized by a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium, and the system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium may be realized. It may be realized by any combination of.

According to this disclosure, it is possible to streamline operations when a shortage occurs on a display shelf.

Further advantages and effects in one aspect of the present disclosure will be clarified from the specification and drawings. Such advantages and / or effects are provided by some embodiments and the features described in the specification and drawings, respectively, but not all need to be provided in order to obtain one or more identical features. There is no.

The figure which shows the configuration example of the business support system which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the structural example of the shortage detection apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the example of the surface where the product of the display shelf which concerns on Embodiment 1 is displayed. The figure which shows the example of the shelf allocation information which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the configuration example of the terminal which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the structural example of the business support apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows an example of the management information which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the example of the login UI (User Interface) for the business support service which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the example of the service menu UI in the business support service which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the example of the shortage information UI which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the example of the shelf map UI which concerns on the shortage information service which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the example of the display shelf UI which concerns on the shortage information service which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the example of the shelf map UI which concerns on the shelf map service which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the example of the display shelf UI which concerns on the shelf map service which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the example of the order history UI which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the example of the shelf map UI which concerns on the shelf allocation advice service which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the example of the shelf allocation advice UI which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the example of the shelf allocation change UI which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the example of the price change UI which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure for demonstrating an example of the shelf label detection method which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure for demonstrating an example of the setting method of the section which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows an example of the notification UI in the terminal which concerns on Embodiment 2. The figure which shows an example of the map UI in the terminal which concerns on Embodiment 2. The figure which shows an example of the notification list UI in the terminal which concerns on Embodiment 2. The figure which shows an example of the notification detail UI in the terminal which concerns on Embodiment 2. The figure which shows the modification of the display shelf which concerns on Embodiment 2. The figure for demonstrating an example of the process of detecting the appearance image of a product from the photographed image of the display shelf which concerns on Embodiment 3. The figure for demonstrating an example of the process which generates the shelving allocation information based on the detection result of the appearance image of the product which concerns on Embodiment 3. The figure which shows an example of the shelf allocation information which concerns on Embodiment 3. The figure which shows the display example of the shelf image in which the shortage was detected which concerns on Embodiment 3. The figure which shows the display example of the shelf image which detected the misplacement which concerns on Embodiment 3. The figure which shows the structural example of the business support apparatus 300 which concerns on Embodiment 4. A flowchart showing an example of the alert determination process according to the fourth embodiment. A flowchart showing an example of a complete shortage handling process according to the fourth embodiment. A flowchart showing an example of a partial shortage handling process according to the fourth embodiment. A flowchart showing an example of a non-deficient product handling process according to the fourth embodiment. A flowchart showing an example of the arrival handling process according to the fourth embodiment. The figure which shows the structural example of the business support apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 5. A flowchart showing an example of the shelf layout layout generation process according to the fifth embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the calculation method of the demand variable which concerns on Embodiment 5. The figure for demonstrating an example of the calculation method of the position point which concerns on Embodiment 5. The figure for demonstrating the first example of the shelf allocation layout change which concerns on Embodiment 5. The figure for demonstrating the 2nd example of the shelf allocation layout change which concerns on Embodiment 5.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters and duplicate explanations for substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy of the following description and to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter of the claims.

(Embodiment 1)
<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a business support system according to the first embodiment.

The business support system is a system that detects product shortages on the display shelves 10 arranged in stores and supports business when the shortages are detected. The store is, for example, a supermarket, a convenience store, a department store, a mass retailer, a discount store, a bookstore, or a store of various facilities. As an example of goods, goods sold in stores are displayed on the display shelves 10. The display shelf 10 is not limited to the inside of the store, but may be arranged outside the store.

Further, the display shelf 10 may be attached with a shelf tag 20 for displaying the product name, price, and the like of the products to be displayed. The shelf label 20 is an electronic shelf label provided with a liquid crystal display or electronic paper, and the display contents can be rewritten by wireless communication. However, the present embodiment is not limited to the electronic shelf label, and may be a shelf label in which the display content is printed or handwritten on paper. The shelf tag 20 may be read as another term such as a shelf tag, a shelf card, or a shelf label.

The business support system includes a camera device 100, a shortage detection device 200, and a business support device 300. The business support system may further include a terminal 400. The terminal 400 is possessed by, for example, a person (hereinafter referred to as a “person in charge”) who performs business for a shortage. The person in charge 2 is, for example, a clerk or a store manager of a store in which the display shelf 10 is arranged.

The camera device 100 is installed at a position where the surface of the display shelf 10 on which the products are displayed can be photographed. The camera device 100 transmits an image of the display shelf 10 (hereinafter referred to as a “photographed image”) to the shortage detection device 200 via a communication network. The communication network is configured by, for example, a wired LAN (Local Area Network) or a wireless LAN.

A plurality of camera devices 100 may be installed in one store. Further, one display shelf 10 may be photographed by one camera device 100. Alternatively, a plurality of display shelves 10 may be photographed by one camera device 100. Alternatively, one display shelf 10 may be photographed by a plurality of camera devices 100. The camera device 100 may be a PTZ (pan / tilt zoom) camera. The camera device 100 may be installed for monitoring in the store (that is, a surveillance camera). Alternatively, the camera device 100 may be installed to detect a shortage in the display shelf 10.

The shortage detection device 200 analyzes the captured image received from the camera device 100 and detects the display shelf 10 (hereinafter referred to as “out of stock shelf”) in which the shortage occurs. When the shortage detection device 200 detects a shortage shelf, the shortage detection device 200 transmits the shortage detection information including at least the identification information of the shortage shelf to the business support device 300 via the communication network 3. The communication network 3 is configured by, for example, the Internet. As shown in FIG. 1, the shortage detection device 200 is installed in the store. Alternatively, the shortage detection device 200 may be installed as a server (for example, a cloud server) that provides a predetermined service via the communication network 3. In this case, the camera device 100 may transmit the captured image to the shortage detection device 200 via the communication network 3. The shortage is not limited to the state in which the specific product is completely disappeared from the display shelf 10, but also includes the state in which the specific product is partially out of stock. The partially out of stock state may be a state in which the replenishment of goods in the display shelf 10 is less than 100%, for example, a state in which the replenishment of goods in the display shelf 10 is 50% or less or 30% or less. good. In addition, the partial shortage is a state in which 20% to 80% of the products are replenished in the display shelf 10, or a state in which a certain number (for example, 3 to 5 in a shelf capable of displaying up to 10 pieces) has disappeared. You may. That is, the partial shortage may be in a state where the display shelf 10 is at least not full.

The business support device 300 receives the shortage detection information from the shortage detection device 200, and based on the shortage detection information, information for supporting the business related to the shortage product of the person in charge 2 (hereinafter, “business support information”). ") Is generated. The business support device 300 transmits the generated business support information to the terminal 400 of the person in charge 2. The business support information is, for example, information for the terminal 400 to display a UI (User Interface) for business support. Further, the business support device 300 receives instruction information from the terminal 400 and performs processing corresponding to the instruction information. The instruction information is information indicating an instruction input to the terminal 400 by the person in charge 2. The business support device 300 is installed as a server (for example, a cloud server) that provides a predetermined service via the communication network 3.

Further, the business support device 300 transmits information for updating the display contents of the shelf label 20 attached to the display shelf 10 (hereinafter referred to as “shelf tag update information”) to the shelf label 20 of the store. good. The shelf label 20 that has received the shelf label update information updates the display content based on the shelf label update information. An example of the display content on the shelf tag 20 is a product name, a price, and / or POP information. The POP information is, for example, a catch phrase, a description, a discount price or a discount rate.

The terminal 400 receives the business support information from the business support device 300, and displays the UI for business support based on the business support information. Further, the terminal 400 transmits the instruction information input by the person in charge 2 to the business support device 300. The terminal 400 is, for example, a tablet, a smartphone or a PC. The UI displayed on the terminal 400 may be a UI generated by the application running on the terminal 400 based on the business support information. Alternatively, the UI displayed on the terminal 400 may be a UI generated by the WEB browser operating on the terminal 400 based on the business support information.

<Configuration of shortage detection device>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the shortage detection device 200. The shortage detection device 200 includes a processing unit 201, a memory 202, a communication unit 203, and a storage 204. These elements 201 to 204 are connected by an internal bus 205 capable of bidirectional communication. That is, the shortage detection device 200 may be configured by a computer device having a processor and a memory.

The processing unit 201 executes a computer program and realizes the functions of the shortage detection device 200. The processing unit 201 may be read as another term such as a processor, a controller, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or an integrated circuit. Further, in the following description, the processing mainly performed by the shortage detection device 200 may be read as the processing mainly performed by the processing unit 201.

The memory 202 stores computer programs and data related to the functions of the shortage detection device 200. The memory 202 may be configured by, for example, a ROM (ReadOnlyMemory), a RAM (RandomAccessMemory), or a combination thereof.

The storage 204 stores computer programs and data related to the functions of the shortage detection device 200. The storage 204 may be configured by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory. Further, the storage 204 may store the shelf allocation information 210. The shelf allocation information 210 is information used to identify the display shelf 10 and the section 30.

The communication unit 203 controls the transmission and reception of data with other devices via the communication network. The communication unit 203 may include a transmission unit 203A that controls the transmission of data and a reception unit 203B that controls the reception of data. The communication unit 203 may be read as another term such as a communication interface or a communication module.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a surface on which the products of the display shelf 10 are displayed. Next, with reference to FIG. 3, an example of a method in which the shortage detection device 200 detects the display shelf 10 in which the shortage has occurred will be described.

As shown in FIG. 3, the display shelf 10 is divided into a plurality of display spaces 12 by the shelf board 11. A shelf tag 20 is attached to the shelf board 11. In the space above the shelf tag 20, the same product corresponding to the shelf tag 20 is displayed. In the present embodiment, the space where the same product corresponding to the shelf tag 20 is displayed is referred to as a section 30. The shortage detection device 200 sets a section 30 for a photographed image of the display shelf 10. In FIG. 3, a gap is provided between each of the compartments 30, but this may not be provided. The shape of the compartment 30 is not limited to a rectangle, and may be a polygon, an ellipse, or a circle. The section 30 may be manually set for the captured image of the display shelf 10. Alternatively, the section 30 may be automatically set by the shortage detection device 200. An example in which the shortage detection device 200 automatically sets the section 30 will be described later.

In FIG. 3, the section 30 shown by the dotted line indicates the section 30 where the shortage has occurred. The shortage detection device 200 analyzes the images of each section 30 in the captured image of the display shelf 10 as shown in FIG. 3, and determines whether or not the display shelf 10 is out of stock.

For example, the shortage detection device 200 stores in advance an image (hereinafter referred to as “out of stock image”) of the section 30 when the product is not displayed (that is, when the product is out of stock), and takes a picture of the display shelf 10. When a missing item image is detected in the image, it is determined that the display shelf 10 is out of stock. The out-of-stock image is, for example, an image of the background of the display shelf 10.

The out-of-stock detection device 200 may specify the out-of-stock section 30 (hereinafter referred to as "out-of-stock section") in addition to the out-of-stock display shelf 10 (that is, the out-of-stock shelf). .. In this case, the shortage detection device 200 uses the shortage shelf identification information (hereinafter referred to as "out of stock shelf identification information") and the shortage section identification information (hereinafter referred to as "out of stock section identification information"). , May be included in the shortage detection information.

Further, the shortage detection device 200 identifies the products displayed in the shortage section (hereinafter referred to as “missing products”), and identifies the identified shortage products (hereinafter referred to as “out of stock product identification information”). ) May be included in the shortage detection information. The shortage detection device 200 may identify the shortage product in the shortage section by using the shelf allocation information 210 described later.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of shelf allocation information 210.

As shown in FIG. 4, the shelf allocation information 210 has an area ID, a shelf ID, a shelf, a position number, a displayable number, and product information as items.
-The area ID is information for identifying the area in the store.
The shelf ID is information for identifying the display shelf 10 in the area indicated by the area ID.
The shelf is information indicating the number of shelves counted from the bottom (that is, information indicating the display space 12) in the display shelf 10 indicated by the shelf ID. The shelf may be information indicating the number of shelves counted from the top.
The position number is information indicating the number of the section 30 counted from the left in the display space 12 indicated by the shelf. The position number may be information indicating the number of the section 30 counted from the right in the display space 12 indicated by the shelf.
-The number that can be displayed is information indicating the number of products that can be displayed in the section 30 indicated by the shelf and the position number.
-Product information is information on products displayed in the shelves and the section 30 indicated by the position number. The product information includes, for example, at least one of a product code, a product name, and a price corresponding to the product.

The shelf stage and the position number in the shelf allocation information 210 are examples of information for identifying the section 30 in the display shelf 10 indicated by the shelf ID (hereinafter referred to as “section identification information”). As the information other than the shelves and the position numbers, the coordinate values on the display shelf 10 can be considered. This is, for example, a value that specifies the position itself, such as how many mm to the right and how many mm below from this starting point, starting from the upper left of the display shelf 10.

The shortage detection device 200 identifies the shelf ID of the display shelf 10 (that is, the shortage shelf) in which the shortage has occurred with reference to the shelf allocation information 210, and includes the specified shelf ID in the shortage shelf identification information. You can do it. Further, the out-of-stock detection device 200 specifies the section identification information and the number of items that can be displayed in the section 30 in which the out-of-stock has occurred, with reference to the shelf allocation information 210, and the specified section identification information and the number of items that can be displayed are out of stock. It may be included in the partition identification information. Further, the shortage detection device 200 may specify the product information of the product in which the shortage has occurred with reference to the shelf allocation information 210, and include the specified product information in the shortage product identification information.

<Terminal configuration>
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the terminal 400. The terminal 400 includes a processing unit 401, a memory 402, a communication unit 403, an input unit 404, a display unit 405, and a storage unit 406.
These elements 401 to 406 are connected by an internal bus 407 capable of bidirectional communication. That is, the terminal 400 may be configured by a computer device having a processor and a memory.

The processing unit 401 executes a computer program and realizes the functions of the terminal 400. The processing unit 401 may be read as another term such as a processor, a controller, a CPU, or an integrated circuit. Further, in the following description, the processing mainly performed by the terminal 400 may be read as the processing mainly performed by the processing unit 401.

The memory 402 stores computer programs and data related to the functions of the terminal 400. The memory 402 may be composed of, for example, a ROM, a RAM, or a combination thereof.

The storage 406 stores computer programs and data related to the functions of the terminal 400. The storage 406 may be configured by, for example, an HDD, SSD or flash memory.

The communication unit 403 controls the transmission and reception of data with other devices via the communication network. The communication unit 403 may include a transmission unit 403A that controls the transmission of data and a reception unit 403B that controls the reception of data. The communication unit 403 may be read as another term such as a communication interface or a communication module.

The input unit 404 receives an operation input to the terminal 400. The input unit 404 is composed of an input interface such as a button, a switch, a touch panel and / or a microphone.

The display unit 405 displays UI characters, images, and the like. The display unit 405 may be read as another term such as a display or a monitor.

<Configuration of business support equipment>
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the business support device 300. The business support device 300 includes a processing unit 301, a memory 302, a communication unit 303, and a storage 304. These elements 301 to 304 are connected by an internal bus 305 capable of bidirectional communication. That is, the business support device 300 may be configured by a computer device having a processor and a memory.

The processing unit 301 executes a computer program and realizes the functions of the business support device 300. The processing unit 301 may be read as another term such as a processor, a controller, a CPU, or an integrated circuit. In the following description, the processing mainly performed by the business support device 300 may be read as the processing mainly performed by the processing unit 301.

The memory 302 stores computer programs and data related to the functions of the business support device 300. The memory 302 may be composed of, for example, a ROM, a RAM, or a combination thereof.

The storage 304 stores computer programs and data related to the functions of the business support device 300. The storage 304 may be composed of, for example, an HDD, an SSD, or a flash memory.

The communication unit 303 controls transmission / reception of data with other devices via the communication network.
The communication unit 303 may include a transmission unit 303A that controls the transmission of data and a reception unit 303B that controls the reception of data. The communication unit 303 may be read as another term such as a communication interface or a communication module.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of management information. The business support device 300 stores the management information 310 used for generating the business support information in the storage 304. The management information 310 includes at least one of the following information.
・ Product information that is information about products ・ Shelf allocation information that is information about shelf allocation of display shelves ・ Inventory information that is information about inventory of products ・ Shelf map information that is information about arrangement of display shelves ・ Information about price of products Certain price information ・ Demand forecast information related to demand forecast of products ・ Out of stock history information which is history information about shortages ・ Order history information which is history information about orders ・ Out of stock handling history information which is history information about dealing with shortages・ Shelf allocation advice handling history information, which is historical information on dealing with shelf allocation advice

The shelf allocation information held by the business support device 300 may be the same information as the shelf allocation information 210 held by the shortage detection device 200 shown in FIG. Alternatively, the shelf allocation information held by the business support device 300 may be information that is at least partially different from the shelf allocation information 210 held by the shortage detection device 200 shown in FIG. Further, the business support device 300 may hold the shelf allocation information for each store.

Next, the business support service provided by the business support device 300 to the terminal 400 of each store will be described.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a login UI for a business support service. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a service menu UI in a business support service.

When the business support device 300 receives access from the terminal 400, the business support device 300 first provides the login UI 900 shown in FIG. 8 to the terminal 400. The person in charge 2 inputs the user ID and password given in advance to the person in charge 2 to the login UI 900, and presses the login button 901. When the business support device 300 succeeds in authenticating the input user ID and password, the business support device 300 provides the service menu UI 910 shown in FIG. 9 to the terminal 400. The "press" of the button in the description of the UI can be read as another term such as "touch", "tap", "click" or "selection" of the button.

As shown in FIG. 9, the business support device 300 provides the following business support services.
・ Out of stock information service that provides information on shortages ・ Shelf map service that provides location information of display shelves ・ Order history service that provides order history information of products ・ Shelf allocation advice service that provides advice information on shelving allocation ・Shelf allocation change service that accepts changes in shelving allocation ・ Price change service that accepts changes in product prices

Next, each of the above business support services will be explained.

<Out of stock information service>
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a shortage information UI. When the shortage information service is selected from the service menu UI 910, the business support device 300 provides the shortage information UI 1000 as shown in FIG. 10 to the terminal 400.

The shortage information UI 1000 has an urgency area 1001, a shortage shelf information area 1002, a shortage product information area 1003, an inventory information area 1004, and a coping area 1005.

In the urgency area 1001, information indicating the high degree of urgency of replenishment of the out-of-stock product (hereinafter referred to as "urgency information") is displayed. The urgency information may be the values of A, B, and C in descending order of urgency. The business support device 300 may determine the urgency information according to the number of shelves in stock of the out-of-stock product, the demand information of the out-of-stock product, and the like. For example, the business support device 300 determines the urgency to A when the number of shelves in stock of the out-of-stock product is _{less than} a1, and determines the urgency to B when the number of shelves in stock of the out-of-stock product is less than a2. However, if the number of out-of-stock items on the shelves is less than a3 _, the urgency is determined to be C. a ₁ , a ₂ , and a ₃ are integers of 1 or more, and a ₁ <a ₂ <a ₃ . The person in charge 2 can appropriately determine the urgency of replenishing the missing product by referring to the urgency information. In addition, it is advisable to predict that demand will rise and fall due to marketing such as bargain sales, and raise the urgency before demand is predicted to increase. That is, even though the number of products placed on the shelves has not decreased, the demand forecast may instruct the product to be replenished and the urgency may be set high (A, B, etc.). ..

In the out-of-stock shelf information area 1002, as information for identifying the out-of-stock shelf and the out-of-stock section, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, information on an area ID, a shelf ID, a shelf stage and a position number, or coordinates is displayed. Will be done. The business support device 300 may specify such information based on the shortage detection information received from the shortage detection device 200.

Further, in the shortage shelf information area 1002, a button 1006 for displaying the position of the shortage shelf on a map is displayed. When this button 1006 is pressed, the business support device 300 provides the shelf map UI 1100 as shown in FIG. 11 to the terminal 400. The shelf map UI1100 will be described later (see FIG. 11).

In the out-of-stock product information area 1003, the product information of the out-of-stock product and the number of shortages are displayed. The product information includes the product code and the product name. For example, the business support device 300 identifies the product information and the number of shortages of the shortage product from the shortage detection information and the demand forecast information of the product received from the shortage detection device 200. The number of shortages may be identified based on the number of items that can be displayed in the shortage detection information, or before the demand is expected to increase by predicting that the demand will rise or fall due to marketing such as bargain sale. May be changed so that the number of shortages becomes large. That is, even though the number of products placed on the shelves has not decreased, the demand forecast may instruct the product to be replenished, or the shortage may be increased and set. In this case, due to the increase in shelf inventory, the shelving allocation may be changed. Further, the number of shortages does not necessarily have to be the absolute number of products, and the degree of shortage may be classified into A (1 to 10), B (11 to 20), C (21 to 30), and the like. good.

Inventory information of out-of-stock products is displayed in the inventory information area 1004. As shown in FIG. 10, the inventory information may include a first inventory position and inventory quantity of the out-of-stock product, and a second inventory position and inventory quantity of the out-of-stock product. For example, the first inventory position is the position of the inventory shelf existing in the same area as the display shelf 10, and the second inventory position is the inventory existing in an area different from the display shelf 10 (for example, the backyard of the store). The position of the shelf. In the example of FIG. 10, there are "10" out-of-stock products in the first inventory position "A-3" and "24" in the second inventory position "DD-47". show. The business support device 300 specifies, for example, how many out-of-stock products are in stock at which inventory position based on the inventory information of the store.

Further, in the inventory information area 1004, as shown in FIG. 10, a button 1007 for displaying the first inventory position on a map and a button 1008 for displaying the second inventory position on a map are displayed. To. The business support device 300 provides the stock position map UI to the terminal 400 when the buttons 1007 and 1008 are pressed. Although the inventory position map UI is not shown, it may be the same as the shelf map UI 1100 shown in FIG.

Further, in the inventory information area 1004, a button 1009 for ordering a missing product is displayed. When this button 1009 is pressed, the business support device 300 provides the terminal 400 with a UI (not shown) for ordering a shortage product.

In the handling area 1005, a button for selecting a handling for the out-of-stock product is displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, in the coping area 1005, an incomplete button 1010, a completed button 1011, a neglected button 1012, and an ordered button 1013 are displayed. The person in charge 2 may select the incomplete button 1010 when the handling of the out-of-stock product is incomplete. The person in charge 2 may select the completion button 1011 when the handling of the out-of-stock product has been completed. The person in charge 2 may select the leave button 1012 when leaving the handling of the out-of-stock product. The person in charge 2 may select the ordered button 1013 when the order for the out-of-stock product has been completed. The business support device 300 records the handling information corresponding to the selected button as the shortage handling history information.

The shortage information UI1000 may display a shortage occurrence ID for identifying the occurrence of a shortage. “K19-114” shown in FIG. 10 is a display example of a shortage occurrence ID.

Further, in FIG. 10, the left arrow button 1014 and the right arrow button 1015 are buttons for switching the display to the shortage information UI 1000 corresponding to another shortage occurrence ID. For example, the business support device 300 provides the terminal 400 with a shortage information UI corresponding to the previous shortage occurrence ID when the left arrow button 1014 is pressed, and when the right arrow button 1015 is pressed, the next The shortage information UI corresponding to the shortage occurrence ID is provided to the terminal 400.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a shelf map UI related to the shortage information service. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display shelf UI related to a shortage information service. When the button 1006 in the shortage shelf information area 1002 of the shortage information UI 1000 is pressed, the business support device 300 provides the shelf map UI 1100 as shown in FIG. 11 to the terminal 400.

The shelf map UI1100 displays a shelf map showing the arrangement of the display shelves 10 in the store and an image showing the out-of-stock shelves. For example, the out-of-stock shelves are displayed in a manner distinguishable from the other display shelves 10 (eg, in a different color).

In addition, the shelf map UI1100 displays information indicating the status of dealing with shortages in the display shelf 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a double circle mark is displayed on the display shelf 10 in which the response to the shortage is “incomplete”, and a black triangle is displayed on the display shelf 10 in which the response to the shortage is “left”. A black square mark may be displayed on the display shelf 10 for which the mark is "ordered" for dealing with the shortage. The display of the mark shown in FIG. 11 is an example, and a mark different from these may be displayed.

When the person in charge 2 selects a shortage shelf from the shelf map UI1100, the business support device 300 provides the terminal 400 with a display shelf UI1200 corresponding to the selected shortage shelf. As shown in FIG. 12, the display shelf UI1200 schematically shows the display shelf 10. Alternatively, the display shelf UI1200 may use an image taken by the display shelf 10 by the camera device 100.

In the display shelf UI1200, the shortage section 1201 may be displayed in a mode (for example, a different color) different from that of the other sections 30. Further, in the display shelf UI1200, the ordered shortage section 1202 may be displayed in a mode (for example, a different color) different from that of the other sections 30.

The person in charge 2 can efficiently confirm the information regarding the shortage by using the shortage information service. When the business support device 300 receives the shortage detection information from the shortage detection device 200, the business support device 300 may present the shortage information UI 1000 to the terminal 400 by push notification. As a result, when a shortage occurs, the person in charge 2 can immediately recognize the shortage product and the shortage shelf, so that the shortage can be dealt with quickly.

<Shelf map service>
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a shelf map UI related to the shelf map service. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display shelf UI related to the shelf map service. When the shelf map service is selected from the service menu UI 910, the business support device 300 provides the shelf map UI 1300 as shown in FIG. 13 to the terminal 400.

In the shelf map UI1300, when a shortage shelf exists, the shortage shelf may be displayed in a different mode (for example, a different color) from the display shelf 10 in which no shortage has occurred. Since the shelf map UI 1300 is almost the same as the shelf map UI 1100 described with reference to FIG. 11, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

When the person in charge 2 selects the display shelf 10 from the shelf map UI 1300, the business support device 300 provides the terminal 400 with the display shelf UI 1400 corresponding to the selected display shelf 10 as shown in FIG.

In the display shelf UI1400, when a shortage section exists, the shortage section may be displayed in a different mode (for example, a different color) from the other sections 30 as in FIG. 12. Further, in the display shelf UI1400, when the ordered shortage section exists, the ordered shortage section may be displayed in a different mode (for example, different color) from the other sections 30 as in FIG. 12. Since the display shelf UI1400 is almost the same as the display shelf UI1200 described with reference to FIG. 12, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The person in charge 2 can visually confirm the missing shelf from the shelf map by using the shelf map service.

<Order history service>
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an order history UI. When the order history service is selected from the service menu UI 910, the business support device 300 provides the order history UI 1500 as shown in FIG. 15 to the terminal 400.

The order history UI1500 displays the order date, order time, identification information of the shortage shelf and the shortage section, the product code, the product name, the number of orders, and the status related to the order for each ordered product. The business support device 300 may generate the order history UI 1500 based on the order history information.

The person in charge 2 can easily check the history information of the order for the shortage by using the order history service.

<Shelf allocation advice service>
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a shelf map UI related to the shelf allocation advice service. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a shelf allocation advice UI. When the shelf allocation advice service is selected from the service menu UI 910, the business support device 300 provides the shelf map UI 1600 as shown in FIG. 16 to the terminal 400. Since the shelf map UI 1600 is almost the same as the shelf map UI 1100 described with reference to FIG. 11, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

When the person in charge 2 selects the display shelf 10 for which shelves allocation advice is desired from the shelf map UI 1600, the business support device 300 provides the shelf allocation advice corresponding to the selected display shelves 10 as shown in FIG. The UI 1700 is provided to the terminal 400.

The shelf allocation advice UI 1700 has a display shelf area 1701, an advice area 1702, and a coping area 1703.

In the display shelf area 1701, the current shelf allocation in the selected display shelf and the information for specifying the section 30 to be advised are displayed.

In the advice area 1702, the content of the advice for the section 30 to be advised is displayed. For example, in the advice area 1702, as shown in FIG. 17, a sentence recommending the replacement of the products in the section “1-3” and the section “3-2” to be advised is displayed. Further, the reason for the advice may be displayed in the advice area 1702. For example, in the advice area 1702, as shown in FIG. 17, the number of missing items in the section “1-3” is “8 times”, and the number of missing items in the section “3-2” is “0 times”. A sentence indicating that is displayed.

In the coping area 1703, a button for selecting coping with the advice is displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, in the coping area 1703, the coping button 1704, the coping impossible button 1705, and the hold button 1706 are displayed. The person in charge 2 may select the addressed button 1704 when the response to the advice has been completed. If the person in charge 2 cannot deal with the advice, the person in charge 2 may select the unhandled button 1705. The person in charge 2 may select the hold button 1706 when he / she wants to withhold the response to the advice. The business support device 300 records the handling information corresponding to the selected button as the shelf allocation advice handling history information.

The business support device 300 may generate shelving allocation advice based on the shelving allocation information and the shortage history information. For example, the business support device 300 generates advice for exchanging a product section 30 in which the number of times of shortage occurs is b ₁ or more and a product section 30 in which the number of times of shortage occurs is less than b ₂ times. good. b ₁ and b ₂ are integers of 1 or more, and b ₁ > b ₂ . Products that frequently run out of stock are popular products, and it is considered that they will sell well even if the display area 30 (that is, shelving allocation) is changed. This is because it is considered that there is room for increasing the number of sales by changing the display area 30 (that is, the shelf allocation).

The shelf allocation advice UI1700 may display an advice ID for identifying the advice. “A19-21” shown in FIG. 17 is a display example of the advice ID.

Further, the shelf allocation advice UI 1700 may display a button (not shown) for transitioning to the shelf allocation UI (see FIG. 18) for changing the shelf allocation of the displayed display shelf 10.

Person in charge 2 can know the shelving allocation that can improve the sales performance by using the shelving allocation advice service.

<Shelf allocation change service>
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a shelf allocation change UI. When the shelf allocation change service is selected from the service menu UI 910, the business support device 300 provides the shelf allocation change UI 1800 shown in FIG. 18 to the terminal 400.

The shelf allocation change UI 1800 has a shelf area 1801 and a product input area 1802.

In the shelf area 1801, the current shelf allocation section 30 is displayed. The person in charge 2 can operate the compartment 30 of the shelf area 1801 to expand and contract the compartment 30, replace the compartment 30, and the like. For example, the person in charge 2 can expand the section 1803 by selecting the section 1803 and sliding the left side of the section 1803 in the direction of the arrow 1804.

In the product input area 1802, the product information of the product to be displayed in the section 30 is input. When the person in charge 2 selects the section 30 of the shelf area 1801 and inputs the product information of the products to be displayed in the section 30 into the product input area 1802, the business support device 300 requests the selected section 30. The shelving allocation information is updated so as to associate the product information input in the product input area 1802. The person in charge 2 may manually input the product information in the product input area 1802. Alternatively, the person in charge 2 may input the product information in the product input area 1802 by reading the barcode (or QR code (registered trademark)) attached to the product with the camera of the terminal 400.

When the confirmation button 1805 is pressed, the business support device 300 updates the shelving allocation information based on the changed section 30 and / or the product information.

In the shelf area 1801, the recommended shelf allocation section 30 may be displayed instead of the current shelf allocation section 30. For example, the business support device 300 determines the recommended shelf allocation section 30 by the same method as the above-mentioned shelf allocation advice based on the shelf allocation information and the shortage history information.

The person in charge 2 can easily notify the business support device 300 of the change of the shelf allocation by using the shelf allocation change service.

<Price change service>
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a price change UI. When the price change service is selected from the service menu UI 910, the business support device 300 provides the price change UI 1900 shown in FIG. 19 to the terminal 400.

In the price change UI 1900, the price change date, the price change time, the identification information of the display shelf 10 and the section 30 on which the product is displayed, the product code, the product name, the price before the change and the change are provided for each product whose price has been changed. The post-price is displayed.

The changed price may be determined by the business support device 300. Further, the person in charge 2 may select the changed price from the price change UI 1900 and re-change the changed price determined by the business support device 300.

When the confirmation button 1805 is pressed, the business support device 300 stores the changed price in the price information. Further, when the confirmation button 1805 is pressed, the business support device 300 updates the display price of the shelf label 20 to the changed price. The business support device 300 may change the price of the product according to the change of the section 30.

The person in charge 2 can efficiently change the displayed price of the shelf tag 20 on the display shelf 10 by using the price change service.

<Modification example of business support service>
The business support device 300 may provide the terminal 400 with information indicating the degree of shortage of each product in the store and / or area designated by the person in charge 2. The business support device 300 may provide the terminal 400 with information indicating the degree of shortage of each product in all stores.

<How to automatically set the display shelf compartment>
Next, an example of a method of automatically setting the section 30 in the shortage detection device 200 will be described.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining an example of a detection method for the shelf label 20.

For example, the shortage detection device 200 analyzes the photographed image of the display shelf 10 shown in FIG. 20, and is attached to the shelf board 11 on the m-th stage from the bottom, the nth shelf label 20 from the left and n + 1 from the left. The second shelf label 20 is detected. Similarly, the shortage detection device 200 is attached to the shelf board 11 on the m + 1st stage from the bottom, the nth shelf label 20 from the left, the n + 1th shelf label 20 from the left, and the n + second shelf label from the left. Detects the shelf tag 20. Similarly, the shortage detection device 200 is attached to the m + 2nd shelf board 11 from the bottom, the nth shelf label 20 from the left, the n + 1th shelf label 20 from the left, and the n + 2nd shelf label from the left. Detects the shelf tag 20. m and n are integers of 1 or more. In this way, the shortage detection device 200 may detect the shelf tag 20 from left to right for each shelf stage. Note that the detection from left to right is an example, and the shortage detection device 200 may detect the shelf label 20 from right to left.

FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining an example of a setting method of the section 30.

The shortage detection device 200 sets a section 30 corresponding to the shelf label 20 based on the position of the shelf label 20 detected as described above. For example, when the m-th row nth shelf label 20 corresponding to the product is attached to the lower left of the section 30 where the common product is displayed, the shortage detection device 200 performs the following processing. That is, in the shortage detection device 200, the width Rx from the position of the nth shelf label 20 in the mth stage to the position of the shelf label 20 in the mth stage n + 1st (that is, to the right) is set as the width of the section 30. The height Ry from the position of the nth shelf label 20 in the row to the position of the nth shelf label 20 in the m + 1st stage (that is, the upper row) is defined as the height of the section 30. Then, the shortage detection device 200 associates the section 30 set in this way with the nth shelf tag 20 in the m-th stage.

In this way, the shortage detection device 200 can automatically set the section 30 corresponding to the nth shelf tag 20 in the mth stage.

The method for automatically setting the section 30 of the display shelf 10 is not limited to the above method. For example, the shortage detection device 200 may associate the lower section 30 of the shelf tag 20 with the shelf tag 20. The shortage detection device 200 may have a predetermined width Rx centered on the shelf tag 20 as the width of the section 30. The shortage detection device 200 may divide the display space 12 into equal intervals and set each of the display spaces 12 in the compartment 30. The shortage detection device 200 may set the section 30 based on the partition plate physically present in the display space 12. Further, before the product is displayed, the business support device 300 may determine the section 30 of the display shelf 10 including the product to be displayed and provide it to the terminal 400. If it is desired to change the section 30 or the like due to the circumstances of the store, the instruction may be given by the shelf allocation change UI 1800 shown in FIG. 18 above.

<Modification example>
The function of the shortage detection device 200 may be included in the business support device 300. In this case, the business support device 300 receives the captured image from the camera device 100 via the communication network 3, and similarly to the above-mentioned shortage detection device 200, the section 30 is set in the display shelf 10 and the shelf allocation information 210 is generated. , And shortage detection and the like may be executed.

<Summary of Embodiment 1>
The business support device (300) according to the first embodiment is from a shortage detection device (200) that detects a shortage shelf, which is a display shelf in which a shortage has occurred, based on a photographed image of the display shelf (10) of goods. Based on the receiving unit (303B) that receives information about the shortage shelves, the information about the shortage shelves, and the shelf map information indicating the arrangement of the display shelves, the position of the shortage shelves is specified, and the shortage shelves are located. It includes a processing unit (301) that generates business support information including information indicating a position, and a transmission unit (303A) that transmits business support information to a terminal (400). As a result, the terminal can display information indicating the position of the out-of-stock shelf. Therefore, the person in charge can recognize the position of the shortage shelf through the terminal, so that the work related to the shortage can be streamlined.

The processing unit (301) may include information for the terminal (400) to display the shortage shelf in a mode different from that of the other display shelves (10) in the business support information. As a result, the terminal can display the shortage shelf in a manner different from that of other display shelves. Therefore, the person in charge can visually recognize the shortage shelf through the terminal, so that the work related to the shortage can be streamlined.

The receiving unit (303B) receives the information input to the terminal (400) indicating the handling of the shortage shelf, and the processing unit (301) receives the information indicating the handling of the shortage shelf as business support information. May be included in. As a result, the terminal (400) can display information indicating how to deal with the shortage of the shortage shelf. Therefore, since the person in charge can recognize the current response to the shortage of the shortage shelf through the terminal, the work related to the shortage can be streamlined.

The processing unit (301) may include information on the goods in which the shortage has occurred and information on the inventory of the goods in which the shortage has occurred in the business support information. As a result, the terminal can display information on the goods in which the shortage has occurred and information on the inventory of the goods in which the shortage has occurred. Therefore, the person in charge can recognize the information on the product in which the shortage has occurred and the information on the inventory of the product in which the shortage has occurred through the terminal, so that the work for the shortage can be made more efficient.

The processing unit (301) determines the urgency of replenishment of the goods with the shortage based on the information indicating the inventory status of the goods with the shortage, and provides the information indicating the urgency to the business support. May be included in the information. This allows the terminal to display the urgency of replenishing the missing item. Therefore, the person in charge can recognize the urgency of replenishing the article in which the shortage has occurred through the terminal, so that the work related to the shortage can be streamlined.

The information regarding the out-of-stock shelf may include identification information of the out-of-stock section, which is the section (30) in which the out-of-stock has occurred in the out-of-stock shelf, which is detected by the out-of-stock detection device (200). The processing unit (301) may include information for the terminal (400) to display the shortage section in a mode different from that of the other sections (30) in the business support information. As a result, the terminal can display the shortage section in a manner different from that of other sections. Therefore, the person in charge can visually recognize the shortage section through the terminal, so that the work related to the shortage can be streamlined.

The processing unit (301) may generate information on the change of the section based on the history information on the shortage in the section (30) and include it in the business support information. As a result, the terminal can display information regarding the change of the display shelf section (for example, shelving allocation advice information). Therefore, the person in charge can recognize the change of the display shelf to a more appropriate section through the terminal, and can streamline the work related to the shelving allocation.

(Embodiment 2)
In the second embodiment, another UI related to the shortage notification in the terminal 400 will be described. In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals may be given to the contents described in the first embodiment, and the description may be omitted. Further, in the following description, the process described mainly for the terminal 400 may be a process executed by the processing unit 401 of the terminal 400.

<Notification UI>
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the notification UI in the terminal 400. When the terminal 400 receives the shortage notification from the business support device 300, the terminal 400 displays the notification UI 2000 on the display unit 405 as shown in FIG. 22.

The notification UI 2000 includes the notification image 2001. The notification image 2001 includes, for example, an icon 2002 indicating a shortage notification, a sentence 2003 indicating that the shortage is detected, a time 2004 when the shortage is detected, and information 2005 indicating the status of the shortage.

The information 2005 indicating the status of the shortage may include, for example, the number of complete shortages 2006A and the number of partial shortages 2006B. Complete shortage means that all the products detected as out of stock are out of stock on the display shelf. Partial shortage means that the product for which the shortage is detected is partially out of stock on the display shelf. For example, in a product arranged side by side in a plurality of rows, if one row is out of stock and / or if it is less than a predetermined quantity or space, these are called partial shortages. ..

The interval at which the business support device 300 notifies the terminal 400 of a shortage is the interval at which the business support device 300 acquires information indicating detection of a shortage (hereinafter referred to as “out of stock detection information”) from the shortage detection device 200. May be longer than. For example, the business support device 300 acquires out-of-stock detection information from the out-of-stock detection device 200 at 5-minute intervals. Then, the business support device 300 determines whether or not to perform the shortage notification based on the acquired shortage detection information, and when it is determined to perform the shortage notification, the periodic timing (hereinafter, "outage notification timing"). ”) To notify you of the shortage. The out-of-stock notification timing may be set as a periodic time such as 0 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and 45 minutes every hour. Alternatively, the shortage notification timing may be set as a cycle such as a 15-minute interval or a 30-minute interval.

The business support device 300 may be set to notify the shortage during the business hours of the store (for example, between 8:00 and 22:00) and not to notify the shortage outside the business hours of the store. Further, the business support device 300 may collectively notify the shortage of a plurality of shortages occurring in the store at the shortage notification timing. Further, the business support device 300 may give a shortage notification when it detects a complete shortage or a partial shortage. Alternatively, the business support device 300 may give a shortage notification when it detects a complete shortage, and may not give a shortage notification when it detects a partial shortage.

Further, the business support device 300 does not have to re-notify the shortage that has been notified at the previous shortage notification timing at the current shortage notification timing. For example, when the business support device 300 acquires the same out-of-stock detection information as the out-of-stock detection information acquired at the previous out-of-stock notification timing at the current out-of-stock notification timing, the same out-of-stock detection information is notified and determined. It may be excluded from the target of.

By controlling the shortage notification as described above, the business support device 300 can prevent the terminal 400 from being excessively notified of the shortage. As a result, the usefulness and reliability of the shortage notification for the terminal 400 are improved, so that the person in charge 2 efficiently performs the work for the shortage (for example, replenishment of the shortage product) through the shortage notification of the terminal 400. be able to. Further, since the excessive notification of shortage of goods to the terminal 400 is suppressed, the traffic load on the communication network 3 can be suppressed.

The business support device 300 may determine whether or not to notify the terminal 400 of the shortage based on the latest plurality of shortage detection information acquired from the shortage detection device 200. For example, the business support device 300 may determine whether or not to give a shortage notification by any of the following determination methods 1 and 2.

<< Judgment method 1 >>
When any of the two or more latest shortage detection information acquired from the shortage detection device 200 indicates "out of stock", the business support device 300 determines that the terminal 400 is notified of the shortage, and the 2 is When any of the above-mentioned shortage detection information indicates "no shortage", it is determined that the terminal 400 is not notified of the shortage. Further, when at least one of the two or more shortage detection information is different from the others from the viewpoint of "with shortage" and "without shortage", the business support device 300 determines the previous shortage notification. The same judgment is made.

For example, when the shortage detection information acquired before 12:15, 5 minutes, and 0 minutes, respectively, indicates "out of stock", the business support device 300 is out of stock at 12:15. When it is determined that the shortage notification will be performed at the product notification timing, and the shortage detection information acquired 10 minutes before 12:15, 5 minutes before, and 0 minutes before indicates "no shortage". It is determined that the out-of-stock notification will not be given at the timing of 12:15. In addition, the business support device 300 indicates that the shortage detection information acquired before 12:15:10 indicates "there is a shortage", and the shortage detection acquired before 5 minutes and 0 minutes before 12:15. When the information indicates "no shortage", the judgment of the shortage notification at the shortage notification timing at 12:15 (this shortage notification timing) is determined, and the shortage notification timing at 12:00 (previous shortage notification timing) is determined. The judgment is the same as the judgment of the shortage notification in the notification timing).

<< Judgment method 2 >>
When the majority of the two or more recent shortage detection information acquired from the shortage detection device 200 indicates "out of stock", the business support device 300 determines that the terminal 400 is notified of the shortage, and the second or more. When the majority of the above shortage detection information indicates "no shortage", it is determined that the terminal 400 is not notified of the shortage. Alternatively, the business support device 300 determines that the terminal 400 is notified of the shortage when a predetermined number or more of the two or more latest shortage detection information acquired from the shortage detection device 200 indicates "out of stock". Then, when a predetermined number or more of the two or more shortage detection information indicates "no shortage", it is determined that the terminal 400 is not notified of the shortage. It should be noted that the latest out-of-stock detection information may be prioritized, and the judgment may be made in consideration of the previous out-of-stock detection information.

The "out of stock" or "no out of stock" indicated by the out of stock detection information generated by the out of stock detection device 200 may be incorrect due to the nature of image analysis. Therefore, as in the determination methods 1 and 2 described above, by determining whether or not to perform the shortage notification based on the plurality of shortage detection information, the reliability of the shortage notification to the terminal 400 is improved.

<Map UI>
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a map UI in the terminal 400.

As shown in FIG. 23, the terminal 400 displays the map UI 2100 indicating the position of the shortage shelf on the store floor and the position of the shortage section on the shortage shelf on the display unit 405. The map UI 2100 includes a floor map image 2101, a shelf map image 2102, and out-of-stock product information 2103.

The floor map image 2101 shows the position of the shortage shelf on the store floor. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, the floor map image 2101 shows the arrangement of display shelves on the store floor and shows the shortage shelves in a manner different from other display shelves. Missing shelves may be painted in a different color or pattern than other display shelves. Completely out of stock shelves may be painted in a different color or pattern than partially out of stock shelves. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, the missing shelves that are completely out of stock are painted in black, and the out-of-stock shelves that are partially out of stock are painted in diagonal lines.

The shelf map image 2102 shows the position of the shortage section on the shortage shelf. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, the shelf map image 2102 shows the shortage section of the shortage shelf in a different manner from the other sections. The missing compartment may be painted in a different color or pattern than the other compartments. The complete shortage section may be painted in a different color or pattern than the partial missing section. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, the shortage section of the complete shortage is painted in black, and the shortage section of the partial shortage is painted in diagonal lines.

The out-of-stock product information 2103 indicates the name of the product category of the out-of-stock product 2104 and the number of out-of-stock products 2105. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, in the shortage number 2105, the shortage number 2106A of the complete shortage and the shortage number 2106B of the partial shortage are shown separately.

<Notification list UI>
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of the notification list UI in the terminal 400.

As shown in FIG. 24, the terminal 400 displays a notification list UI2200 showing a list of out-of-stock notifications on the display unit 405. The notification list UI 2200 includes the number of notifications 2201 of the day, the refined search field 2202, the notification setting button 2203, the non-input tab 2204, the input tab 2205, the notification off tab 2206, and the notification list 2207.

The number of notifications 2201 on the day indicates the number of out-of-stock notifications received by the terminal 400 on the day.

In the narrowing search field 2202, search conditions for narrowing down the notification list 2207 are input. For example, in the refined search field 2202, search conditions related to elapsed time, shelf numbers, or product categories corresponding to the items in the notification list 2207 may be input.

Notification setting button 2203 is a button for setting notification on or off.

The non-input tab 2204 displays the notification list 2207 of the shortage notification for which no action has been taken yet. The number in parentheses of the blank tab 2204 indicates the number of out-of-stock notifications included in the notification list 2207 of the blank tab 2204.

The entered tab 2205 displays the notification list 2207 of the shortage notification for which some action has already been performed. The number in parentheses of the entered tab 2205 indicates the number of out-of-stock notifications included in the notification list 2207 of the entered tab 2205.

The notification off tab 2206 displays the notification list 2207 of the shortage notification that was not notified due to the notification off setting. The number in parentheses of the notification off-tab 2206 indicates the number of out-of-stock notifications included in the notification list 2207 of the notification off-tab 2206.

The notification list 2207 displays the shortage notification in a list format. The notification list 2207 displays the status, elapsed time, shelf number, product category, and position as items related to the out-of-stock notification.
-In the status, an icon based on the elapsed time since receiving the out-of-stock notification is displayed. For example, the state displays icons of different colors depending on the elapsed time.
-The elapsed time displays the elapsed time since the out-of-stock notification was received.
-The shelf number of the out-of-stock shelf is displayed in the shelf number. The shelf number corresponds to the shelf ID described in the first embodiment.
-In the product category, the name of the product category of the out-of-stock product is displayed. Alternatively, the product name may be displayed in the product category.
-The position of the shortage section on the shortage shelf is displayed in the position.

<Notification details UI>
FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of the notification detail UI in the terminal 400.

When one out-of-stock notification is selected in the notification list UI 2200, the terminal 400 displays the notification detail UI 2300 showing the details of the selected out-of-stock notification on the display unit 405 as shown in FIG. 25. The notification detail UI 2300 includes a shelf map image 2301, a shortage notification detailed information 2302, and an action input field 2303.

The shelf map image 2301 shows the position of the shortage section on the shortage shelf.

The shortage notification detailed information 2302 shows detailed information regarding the shortage notification. The shortage notification detailed information 2302 indicates, for example, a color band 2311, a shelf number 2312, a product category 2313, a position 2314, an elapsed time 2315, a final detection time 2316, and a notification setting 2317.
-The color band 2311 indicates whether the shortage notification is a complete shortage or a partial shortage in different colors.
-Shelves number 2312 indicates the shelf number of the out-of-stock shelf.
-Product category 2313 indicates the name of the product category of the out-of-stock product. Alternatively, the product category 2313 may indicate a product name.
-Position 2314 indicates the position of the shortage section on the shortage shelf.
The elapsed time 2315 indicates the elapsed time since the out-of-stock notification was received.
-Final detection time 2316 indicates the final time when a shortage is detected.
-Notification setting 2317 is a button for setting on or off of notification for each product.

The action input field 2303 accepts the input of the action for the shortage notification. For example, the action input field 2303 has an option 2321 of "replenishment" and an option 2322 of "not replenishing".
-The option 2321 of "replenishment" may further include sub-options of "currently being dealt with" and "replenishment completed". The person in charge 2 may select one of the sub-options in the "replenishment" option 2321 here when replenishing or replenishing the product corresponding to the out-of-stock notification.
• The "not replenished" option 2322 may further include sub-options "out of stock", "busy", "intentionally vacant", and "with customer". The person in charge 2 may select one of the sub-options in the "do not replenish" option 2322 here when the product corresponding to the shortage notification is not replenished or cannot be replenished.

In response to the shortage notification, the person in charge 2 selects an appropriate option from the options included in the above action input field 2303 and presses (touches) the enter button 2304. In this case, the terminal 400 transmits the content of the option selected by the person in charge 2 to the business support device 300 as an action of the person in charge 2 in response to the shortage notification. As a result, the business support device 300 can manage the action of the person in charge 2 in response to the shortage notification.

<Transformation example of display shelf>
FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a modified example of the display shelf.

The shortage detection system of the present disclosure is not limited to the display shelf 10 of the type in which products are arranged in the back direction, but can also be applied to the display shelf 10 of the type in which products are arranged or stacked on a flat surface as shown in FIG. In this case, the camera device 100 for photographing the display shelf 10 is installed at a position where the display shelf 10 is photographed from above, as shown in FIG. 26. As shown in FIG. 26, the compartment 30 is set with respect to the display shelf 10 viewed from above.

(Embodiment 3)
In the third embodiment, an example of automatically generating the shelf allocation information 210 from the captured image of the display shelf 10 will be described. In the third embodiment, the same reference numerals may be given to the contents described in the first or second embodiment, and the description may be omitted. Further, in the following description, the process described mainly by the business support device 300 may be a process executed by the processing unit 301 of the business support device 300.

FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining an example of a process of detecting an external image of a product from an image of a display shelf. FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining an example of a process of generating the shelf allocation information 210 based on the detection result of the appearance image of the product. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of the generated shelving allocation information 210.

The business support device 300 shows an external image of the product included in an image (hereinafter referred to as “first shelf image”) 3000 of the display shelf 10 in which the product is displayed without missing or misplaced products, and the external image shows the external image. The shelf allocation information 210 is generated by associating the product information such as the product name of the product with the position of the arrangement of the product shown in the external image on the display shelf 10, and is stored in the memory 302. For example, the business support device 300 generates the shelf allocation information 210 by the processing of the next steps S101 to S102.

(Step S101) The business support device 300 detects an external image of each product from the first shelf image 3000. At this time, as shown in FIG. 27, the business support device 300 displays an image in which the frame 3001 surrounding the detected appearance image of each product is superimposed on the first shelf image 3000 on the display unit 405 of the terminal 400. You may. As shown in FIG. 27, the business support device 300 displays the frame 3001 of the appearance image of a common product in a common mode (for example, the same color or pattern), and displays the frame 3001 of the appearance image of different products in a different mode (for example). It may be displayed in a different color or pattern). In FIG. 27, different aspects of the frame 3001 of the external image are represented by different line types.

(Step S102) The business support device 300 has an external image detected in step S101, a display position (for example, a section 30) on the display shelf 10 of the product indicated by the external image, and a product name of the product indicated by the external image. It is stored in the memory 302 in association with each other. At this time, as shown in FIG. 28, the business support device 300 may detect the number of rows of the same appearance image (that is, the same product) in the section 30 (hereinafter referred to as “the number of product rows”). As shown in FIG. 28, the business support device 300 superimposes the frame 3002 of the section 30 on the first shelf image 3000, and superimposes the number of product rows 3003 in the section 30 on the frame 3002 of the section 30. (Hereinafter referred to as “shelf allocation image”) may be displayed on the display unit 405 of the terminal 400. Here, since each section 30 is identified by the shelf number, the shelf step, and the shelf position, the business support device 300 includes the shelf number, the shelf step, and the shelf position (that is, the section 30) as shown in FIG. 29. The correspondence relationship with the product name of the product indicated by the appearance image detected in the section 30 may be stored in the memory 302 as the shelf allocation information 210. As shown in FIG. 28, the business support device 300 may display the frames of different sections 30 in different modes (for example, different colors or patterns). In FIG. 28, different aspects of the frame of the section 30 are represented by different line types. As shown in FIG. 29, the business support device 300 may include the number of stocks of each product in the shelf allocation information 210.

The business support device 300, for example, generates the above-mentioned shelf allocation information 210 before the store opens. At that time, as described above, the business support device 300 superimposes the frame 3002 of each section 30 and the number of product rows 3003 in the section 30 on the first shelf image 3000 as shown in FIG. 28. May be displayed on the terminal 400 of the store manager. As a result, the store manager can efficiently confirm from the shelf allocation image displayed on the terminal 400 whether or not the products are correctly displayed on the display shelf 10 before the store opens.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a display example of a shelf image in which a shortage is detected. FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a display example of a shelf image in which misplacement is detected.

The business support device 300 detects an external image stored in the memory 302 from an image (hereinafter referred to as “second shelf image”) 3100 obtained by taking a picture of the display shelf 10 after the first shelf image 3000, and uses the detection result as the result. Based on this, the notification regarding the placement of the product indicated by the appearance image (for example, the shortage notification and / or the misplacement notification) is controlled. Here, misplacement means that the goods are placed in a section 30 different from the section 30 in which the goods should be originally placed. For example, the business support device 300 detects a product shortage and misplacement by the processing of the next steps S201 to S203, and gives a shortage notification and a misplacement notification. The order of execution of steps S202 and S203 below may be interchanged.

(Step S201) The business support device 300 detects an external image of each product from the second shelf image 3100.

(Step S202) When the business support device 300 detects in the second shelf image 3100 that the appearance image stored in the memory 302 does not exist at the position of the product arrangement (for example, the section 30) indicated by the appearance image. , It is determined that the product shown in the appearance image is out of stock. At this time, as shown in FIG. 30, the business support device 300 is a shelf in which a frame (hereinafter referred to as “out of stock frame”) 3101 surrounding a portion detected as a shortage is superimposed on the second shelf image 3100. An image (hereinafter referred to as "out of stock shelf image") may be displayed on the display unit 405 of the terminal 400. Further, when the business support device 300 determines that the product is out of stock, the business support device 300 may notify the terminal 400 of the shortage as described in the first or second embodiment.

(Step S203) In the second shelf image 3100, the business support device 300 has a position (for example, a different section) in which the appearance image stored in the memory 302 is different from the position (for example, the section 30) of the product arrangement indicated by the appearance image. When it is detected that it exists in 30), it is determined that the product corresponding to the external appearance image is misplaced. At this time, as shown in FIG. 31, the business support device 300 superimposes a frame (hereinafter referred to as “misplaced frame”) 3102 surrounding the appearance image detected as misplacement on the second shelf image 3100. The shelf image (hereinafter referred to as “misplaced shelf image”) may be displayed on the display unit 405 of the terminal 400. Further, when the business support device 300 determines that the product is misplaced, the business support device 300 may give a misplacement notification in the same manner as the shortage notification described in the first or second embodiment.

By the above processing, the business support device 300 can generate and display a shortage shelf image and a misplaced shelf image that can visually confirm the positions of missing items and misplaced items. The business support device 300 may superimpose the shortage frame 3101 and the misplaced frame 3102 on one second shelf image 3100. In this case, the missing item frame 3101 may be displayed in a mode (for example, a different color) different from that of the misplaced frame 3102. As a result, the business support device 300 can display a shelf image that can visually distinguish between a missing item and a misplaced position.

The business support device 300, for example, carries out the above-mentioned shortage notification during the business hours of the store.
As a result, the store staff can quickly notice the section 30 of the display shelf 10 where the shortage has occurred through the terminal 400 during the business hours, and can quickly perform the work of replenishing the shortage. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the loss of sales opportunities in the store.

The business support device 300, for example, implements the above-mentioned misplacement notification not only during the business hours of the store but also after the business hours of the store. As a result, the store staff can quickly know the section 30 of the display shelf 10 in which the misplacement exists after the business hours, and the time required for organizing the display shelf 10 can be shortened.

Note that AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology may be used to detect the appearance image of the product described above. For example, the business support device 300 detects the appearance image of each product from the first shelf image 3000 and the second shelf image 3100 by using a learning device that has learned the appearance image of each product in advance.

Further, the processing of the business support device 300 described above may be read as the processing of the shortage detection device 200. Alternatively, the above-mentioned processing of the business support device 300 may be read as a cooperative processing of the business support device 300 and the shortage detection device 200.

The appearance image of the above-mentioned product is not limited to the appearance image of the package of the product, and may be the appearance image of the unpackaged product such as vegetables or fruits. Further, the product of the display shelf 10 according to the present disclosure is not limited to the product of the supermarket, and may be, for example, a book in a bookstore, a part in a factory, a corrugated cardboard in a warehouse, or the like.

Further, when the business support device 300 detects a misplacement, the business support device 300 may send a misplacement notification to the terminal 400. When the terminal 400 receives the misplacement notification, the terminal 400 may display the notification image 2001 indicating the misplacement notification in the notification UI 2000 as shown in FIG. 22. In addition, when the terminal 400 receives the misplacement notification, the terminal 400 may display the position of the shelf in which the misplacement is detected in the map UI 2100 as shown in FIG. 23. The terminal 400 may display the UI as shown in FIG. 11 or 12 instead of the UI shown in FIG. 22 or 23.

<Summary of Embodiment 3>
The business support device (300) according to the third embodiment has an external image of at least one article in the first shelf image (3000) obtained by photographing the display shelf (10) of the article, and the display shelf of the article indicated by the external image. The appearance image stored in the storage unit is detected from the storage unit (302) that stores the arrangement position in association with each other and the second shelf image (3100) in which the display shelf is photographed after the first shelf image. Then, based on the detection result, the processing unit (301) for controlling the notification regarding the arrangement of the articles indicated by the external appearance image is provided. According to this configuration, the appearance image detected from the first shelf image is used to detect the arrangement of articles in the second shelf image taken after the first shelf image, and the arrangement of articles is detected based on the detection result. Since the notification regarding the placement of the goods can be controlled, the business support device can control the notification regarding the placement of the goods without manually creating the shelf allocation information indicating the correct placement of the goods on the display shelf in advance.

When the processing unit (301) detects in the second shelf image (3100) that the appearance image stored in the storage unit (302) does not exist at the position of the arrangement associated with the appearance image, the processing unit (301) detects it. You may notify that the article shown in the external image is out of stock. The notification may include information indicating the identification information of the article shown in the external image and information indicating the position of the detected arrangement (that is, the position of the missing item). As a result, the business support device can, for example, notify the terminal of shortage without manually creating the shelf allocation information indicating the correct arrangement of the articles on the display shelf.

The processing unit (301) indicates that in the second shelf image (3100), the appearance image stored in the storage unit (302) exists at a position different from the position of the arrangement associated with the appearance image. If detected, it may notify that the article shown in the external image is placed in the wrong position. The notification may include identification information of the article indicated by the appearance image and information indicating a different detected position (that is, a position of misplacement). As a result, the business support device can, for example, notify the terminal of misplacement without manually creating shelf allocation information indicating the correct placement of the goods on the display shelf in advance.

(Embodiment 4)
In the fourth embodiment, a method of notifying the terminal 400 of an alert when a shortage of the display shelf 10 is detected will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals may be given to the contents described in the first to third embodiments, and the description may be omitted. Further, in the following description, the process described mainly by the business support device 300 may be a process executed by the processing unit 301 of the business support device 300.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the business support device 300 according to the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 32, the business support device 300 has the same configuration as that shown in FIG. However, the management information 310 may not include at least a part of the information shown in FIG. 7. For example, the management information 310 may not include the shelf allocation advice handling history information shown in FIG. 7. The business support device 300 receives the inventory information 4002 from a predetermined inventory management system that manages the inventory of the store through the receiving unit 303B, and stores the inventory information 4002 in the storage 304, for example.

When the business support device 300 receives the shortage detection information from the shortage detection device 200, the business support device 300 notifies (transmits) an alert (information) to the terminal 400 of the person in charge 2 of the display shelf 10 in which the shortage has occurred. At this time, the business support device 300 may determine the alert notification timing based on the alert status 4001 in the memory 302. The alert status 4001 is information used to control the alert notification of the out-of-stock product. Examples of alerts include alerts that prompt the replenishment of missing items and partially missing items (hereinafter referred to as "replenishment alerts"), and alerts that prompt the advance display of partially missing items (hereinafter referred to as "advanced items alerts"). Will be. Hereinafter, the process of determining the alert notification timing will be described in detail.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing an example of the alert determination process according to the fourth embodiment. The business support device 300 executes the alert determination process for each product that can be displayed on the display shelf 10.

The business support device 300 determines whether or not the alert status 4001 of the product conforms to any of "not applicable", "waiting for arrival on the day", or "under substitution" (S101). Here, the alert status 4001 "not applicable" indicates that the out-of-stock product (may be a partially out-of-stock product) is out of the target of the alert notification. Alert status 4001 "Waiting for arrival on the day" indicates that the out-of-stock item will be received on the same day. Alert status 4001 "Replacement" indicates that another product is being displayed as a substitute for the out-of-stock product. The other product is preferably another product displayed on the same display shelf 10.

When the alert status 4001 of the product conforms to either "not applicable", "waiting for arrival on the day" or "substitution" (S101: YES), the business support device 300 shall change the alert status 4001 of the product. This process is terminated (END).

When the alert status 4001 does not correspond to any of "not applicable", "waiting for arrival on the day", and "substitution" (S101: NO), the business support device 300 determines whether or not the product is out of stock. (S102). For example, when the business support device 300 receives the shortage detection information from the shortage detection device 200, it determines that the product is out of stock, and when it does not receive the shortage detection information, it determines that the product is not out of stock. ..

When the business support device 300 determines that the product is not out of stock (S102: NO), the business support device 300 executes a non-deficient product handling process (S400), and ends this process (END). The details of the processing for dealing with missing items will be described later (see FIG. 36).

When the business support device 300 determines that the product is out of stock (S102: YES), the business support device 300 determines whether or not the out-of-stock product is completely out of stock (S103).

When the out-of-stock product is completely out of stock (meaning a out-of-stock state that requires replenishment, including a partial out-of-stock state) (S103: YES), the business support device 300 executes a complete out-of-stock handling process. (S200), this process is terminated (END). The details of the complete shortage handling process will be described later (see FIG. 34).

When the out-of-stock product is not completely out of stock (that is, when the out-of-stock product is partially out of stock, or when the out-of-stock product is not judged to require replenishment) (S103: NO), the business support device 300 performs a partial out-of-stock handling process. Execute (S300) and end this process (END). The details of the partial shortage handling process will be described later (see FIG. 35).

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing an example of the complete shortage handling process according to the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 34 corresponds to a detailed description of the process of S200 in FIG. 33.

The business support device 300 refers to the inventory information 4002 and determines whether or not the inventory of the out-of-stock product exists (S201). When the inventory of the out-of-stock product exists (S201: YES), the business support device 300 executes the following processes S202 to S204.

The business support device 300 creates an alert list for out-of-stock products (S202). The alert list is a list of a plurality of alerts notified to the terminal 400 of the person in charge 2. For example, the business support device 300 collects alerts for a plurality of out-of-stock products belonging to a common category into one list to generate an alert list. At this time, the business support device 300 may generate an alert list by arranging the plurality of alerts in descending order of priority for replenishment.

The business support device 300 notifies the terminal 400 of the person in charge 2 of the display shelf 10 in which the shortage is detected, to notify the alert (replenishment alert) for replenishing the missing product, including the generated alert list (S203). ..

The business support device 300 changes the alert status 4001 of the out-of-stock product to "alert in progress" (S204), and ends this process (RETURN). The person in charge 2 who has been notified of the replenishment alert may replenish the shortage product to the display shelf 10 in the order indicated by the alert list included in the replenishment alert.

When the out-of-stock product is not in stock (S201: NO), the business support device 300 determines whether or not the out-of-stock product arrives on the same day (S205). For example, the business support device 300 confirms the arrival product and the arrival time at the corresponding store specified by the SCM (Supply Chain Management) related system, and makes the determination. Examples of SCM-related systems include an ordering system, a manufacturing management system, and an operation management system.

When the out-of-stock product arrives on the same day (S205: YES), the business support device 300 changes the alert status 4001 of the product to "waiting for arrival on the day" (S206), and ends this process (RETURN).

When the out-of-stock product does not arrive on the day (S205: NO), the business support device 300 determines whether or not the out-of-stock product is the target of the alternative layout (S207).

If the missing product is not the target of the alternative layout (S207: NO), the business support device 300 changes the alert status 4001 of the product to "not applicable" (S208), and ends this process (RETURN).

When the out-of-stock product is the target of the alternative layout (S207: YES), the business support device 300 executes the following processes of S209 to S211.

The business support device 300 generates an alternative layout showing a shelf allocation layout for displaying other products as a substitute for the out-of-stock product (S209).

The business support device 300 issues an alert (hereinafter referred to as “layout change alert”) for urging the display shelf 10 in which the shortage product has occurred to be changed to the shelf allocation indicated by the alternative layout, by the person in charge 2 of the display shelf 10. Notify the terminal 400 (S210). The layout change alert includes an alternative layout generated in S209.

The business support device 300 changes the alert status 4001 of the product to "substitute" (S211), and ends this process (RETURN). The first alert status 4001 of the product displayed as a substitute for the out-of-stock product may be set to "alert in progress". The person in charge 2 who has been notified of the layout change alert may sort the products on the display shelf 10 based on the alternative layout included in the layout change alert.

According to the above processing, the business support device 300 does not notify the terminal 400 of the replenishment alert when the out-of-stock product is out of stock. As a result, it is possible to prevent a replenishment alert from being notified when the stock of the out-of-stock product does not exist and replenishment is not possible. Further, when the out-of-stock product is in stock, the business support device 300 notifies the terminal 400 of a replenishment alert. As a result, when the stock of the out-of-stock product is in stock and replenishment is possible, the replenishment alert is notified, so that the person in charge 2 can receive the notification of the replenishment alert and quickly replenish the out-of-stock product.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing an example of the partial shortage handling process according to the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 35 corresponds to a detailed description of the process of S300 in FIG. 33.

The business support device 300 creates an alert list for products that are partially out of stock (S301). The business support device 300 sends an alert (previous alert) urging the arrangement of products so that the partial shortage is resolved to the terminal 400 of the person in charge 2 of the display shelf 10 in which the partial shortage is detected. Notify (S302). The business support device 300 changes the alert status 4001 of the partially out of stock product to "alert in progress" (S303), and ends this process (RETURN).

The person in charge 2 who has been notified of the advance alert may arrange the arrangement of the partially missing products in the order indicated by the alert list included in the advance alert and eliminate the partial shortage. For example, the person in charge 2 moves the partially missing product remaining on the shelf to an empty space in front of or next to the shelf to eliminate the partially missing product.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing an example of the missing item handling process according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 36 corresponds to a detailed description of the process of S400 in FIG. 33.

The business support device 300 determines whether or not the product alert status 4001 is "alert in progress" (S401). When the product alert status 4001 is "alert in progress" (S401: YES), the business support device 300 changes the product alert status 4001 to "completed" (S402) and ends this process (RETURN). When the product alert status 4001 is not "alert in progress" (S401: NO), the business support device 300 changes the product alert status 4001 to "normal" (S403) and ends this process (RETURN).

The above processing of S402 is executed for a product that is determined not to be out of stock (NO) in S102 and that the alert status 4001 is determined to be "alert in progress" (YES) in S401. That is, the process of S402 is a product in which a shortage occurs and the alert status 4001 is updated to "alert in progress" in S204 (S401: YES), and then the product is replenished by the person in charge 2. This is executed for the product determined in S102 that the shortage has been resolved (S102: NO). Therefore, in S402, the business support device 300 changes the alert status 4001 of the product to "completed" indicating that the replenishment of the product is completed. As a result, when the person in charge 2 replenishes the out-of-stock product, the replenishment is automatically reflected in the alert status 4001. That is, even if the person in charge 2 does not input to the business support device 300 that the replenishment has been performed after replenishing the missing product, the elimination of the shortage is automatically reflected in the business support device 300.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing an example of the arrival handling process according to the fourth embodiment. The business support device 300 executes the arrival handling process for each of the received products at the timing when the products are received.

The business support device 300 determines whether or not the alert status 4001 of the product is "waiting for arrival" (S501).

When the alert status 4001 of the product is "waiting for arrival" (S501: YES), the business support device 300 executes the following processes S502 to S504.

The business support device 300 creates a picking list for products whose alert status 4001 is "waiting for arrival" (S502). Hereinafter, a product whose alert status 4001 is "waiting for arrival" will be referred to as a backordered product. In the picking list, as described in S202 of FIG. 34, the products to be picked may be grouped into a common category or arranged in order of priority.

The business support device 300 notifies the terminal 400 of the person in charge 2 of the display shelf 10 of the backordered product of the replenishment alert including the generated picking list (S503).

The business support device 300 changes the alert status 4001 of the backordered product to "alert in progress" (S504), and ends this process (END).

When the alert status 4001 of the product is not "waiting for arrival" (S501: NO), the business support device 300 determines whether or not the alert status 4001 of the product is "substitute" (S505).

When the alert status 4001 of the product is not "substitute" (S505: NO), the business support device 300 ends this process without changing the alert status 4001 (END).

When the alert status 4001 of the product is "substitute" (S505: YES), the business support device 300 executes the following processes S506 to S508. Hereinafter, a product whose alert status 4001 is "substitute" is referred to as a product being replaced.

The business support device 300 generates an alternative restoration layout for restoring the changed shelf allocation based on the alternative layout to the original shelf allocation (S506).

The business support device 300 notifies the terminal 400 of the person in charge 2 of the display shelf 10 to be restored with a layout restoration alert prompting to restore the shelf allocation changed based on the alternative layout to the original shelf allocation (the terminal 400 of the person in charge 2 of the display shelf 10 to be restored). S507). The layout restore alert includes an alternative restore layout generated in S506. The person in charge 2 who has been notified of the layout restoration alert may sort the products on the display shelf 10 based on the alternative restoration layout included in the layout restoration alert.

The business support device 300 changes the alert status 4001 of the product being replaced to "alert in progress" (S508), and ends this process (END).

According to the above processing, a replenishment alert including a picking list is notified in S503 at the timing when a missing item that does not exist in inventory and is backordered arrives. Therefore, the person in charge 2 can directly pick the received shortage product based on the picking list without moving it to the inventory and replenish it to the shortage shelf. This improves the efficiency of the work of replenishing the missing products.

<Supplementary and modified examples>
The person in charge 2 described above may be a person in charge of the display shelf 10 of a predetermined product category. When the store is a supermarket, examples of product categories include a vegetable category, a meat category, a beverage category, a frozen food category, and a miscellaneous goods category. The product category may be read as the product area.

The above-mentioned determination of whether or not the product is in stock may be determined based on the logical inventory quantity of the product. The logical inventory quantity of the product may be calculated as "logical inventory quantity = previous day inventory quantity + arrival quantity-sales quantity + adjustment value". The number of arrivals may also take into account the arrival time. For example, when calculating the logical inventory quantity of products to be received after the opening time, the arrival quantity after the opening time may be substituted into the arrival quantity of the above calculation formula. The adjustment value may be determined according to the characteristics of the product. The adjustment value may be 0, a positive value, or a negative value. For example, the adjustment value of the goods specially displayed in the special corner may be a negative value. The adjustment value of the product picked up by a large number of customers during the in-store migration may be a negative value. The adjustment value of the product that can be stored for a long time and is in stock more than the number of inventories may be a positive value.

Alerts may be collectively listed and notified in units of display shelves 10. Further, when a plurality of alerts exist, the alert of the product having a high demand variable f shown in the fifth embodiment described later may be prioritized. For example, the business support device 300 may notify the terminal 400 of a list of alerts arranged in descending order of priority. The employee may look at the list notified to the terminal 400 and respond in order from the alert on the list.

When there are a plurality of display shelves 10 to be alerted, the business support device 300 gives priority to the work on the display shelves 10 according to the total size of the demand variables f of each product displayed on the display shelves 10. You may decide the degree. The list of alerts indicating the priority of the above response work may be generated in units of display shelves 10. In this case, prioritization across at least two display shelves 10 does not have to be performed.

<Summary of Embodiment 4>
The business support device (300) according to the fourth embodiment receives shortage detection information indicating a shelf and an article in which a missing item or a partial missing item is detected, and inventory information (4002) indicating an inventory status of the article. Based on the inventory status of the receiving unit (303B) and the article in which the shortage is detected shown in the inventory information (4002), the shelf of the article in which the missing item or the partial missing item shown in the missing item detection information is detected ( A processing unit (301) that controls the transmission (notification) timing of information (replenishment alert) prompting replenishment to 10) is provided. As a result, it is possible to control the notification timing of the replenishment alert of the article according to the inventory status of the article in which the shortage is detected.

Further, the processing unit (301) does not have to notify the replenishment alert when there is no stock of the article in which the shortage or the partial shortage is detected. As a result, it is possible to prevent the replenishment alert from being notified when the out-of-stock product is out of stock and replenishment is not possible, and the efficiency of the out-of-stock handling work of the person in charge 2 is improved.

Further, the processing unit (301) may notify a replenishment alert when there is an inventory of an article for which a shortage or a partial shortage has been detected. As a result, a replenishment alert is notified when the out-of-stock product is in stock and can be replenished, so that the efficiency of the out-of-stock handling work of the person in charge 2 is improved.

Further, when the processing unit (301) does not have an article in which a missing item or a partial missing item is detected on the shelf (10) and an item in which a missing item or a partial missing item is detected is present, the processing unit (301) has an inventory. You may be notified of replenishment alerts. As a result, when a product that is out of stock or partially out of stock exists on the shelf 10 and can be replenished, a replenishment alert is notified, so that the efficiency of the out-of-stock handling work of the person in charge 2 is improved.

Further, when at least a part of the articles in which the missing item or the partial missing item is detected is present on the shelf (10), the processing unit (301) prompts the organization of the articles existing on the shelf (10) (previous display). Alerts) may be notified (sent). As a result, when a shortage or a partial shortage occurs on the shelf 10, an advance alert is notified, so that the person in charge 2 can quickly resolve the partial shortage.

Further, when the processing unit (301) does not have the inventory of the article for which the shortage or the partial shortage is detected and the inventory of the other article existing on the shelf (10) exists, the processing unit (301) puts the other article. Information (layout change alert) urging replenishment may be sent (notified) on behalf of the article. As a result, the layout change alert is notified when there is no inventory of the article for which the shortage or partial shortage is detected on the shelf 10 and the inventory of other articles existing on the shelf 10 is present. The person in charge 2 can replenish other articles in place of the missing articles.

(Embodiment 5)
In the fifth embodiment, a method of automatically creating the shelf layout layout 5003 will be described. In the fifth embodiment, the same reference numerals may be given to the contents described in the first to fourth embodiments, and the description may be omitted. Further, in the following description, the process described mainly by the business support device 300 may be a process executed by the processing unit 301 of the business support device 300.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the business support device 300 according to the fifth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 38, the business support device 300 has the same configuration as that shown in FIG. However, the management information 310 may not include at least a part of the information shown in FIG. 7. For example, the management information 310 may not include the shelf allocation advice handling history information shown in FIG. 7.

The business support device 300 automatically creates a shelf allocation layout 5003 that is expected to improve profits based on the sales history information 5001 of each product obtained from the POS system and the shortage history information 5002 included in the management information 310. Generate. The shortage history information 5002 may be generated based on the past shortage detection result. Hereinafter, the process of automatically generating the shelf layout layout 5003 will be described in detail.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing an example of the shelf allocation layout generation process according to the fifth embodiment.

The business support device 300 calculates the demand variable f of each product to be displayed on each display shelf 10 in the area (S601). The demand variable f is a value indicating the magnitude of the demand for the product, and may differ for each store and product. The calculation method of the demand variable f will be described later.

The business support device 300 calculates the inventory variable g of each product to be displayed on each display shelf 10 in the area (S602). The inventory variable g is a value indicating an amount that can hold the product as inventory, and may differ depending on the store and the product. The method of calculating the inventory variable g will be described later.

The business support device 300 calculates the sales point C of each product to be displayed on each display shelf 10 in the area (S603). The selling point C is a value indicating the high selling ability of the product itself, and may differ for each product. The details of the calculation method of the sales point C will be described later.

The business support device 300 calculates the position point D of each display shelf 10 and each shelf stage in the area (S604). The position point D is a value indicating the high selling capacity of each display shelf 10 and the display position of each shelf, and may be different for each display shelf 10 and each shelf. The details of the calculation method of the position point D will be described later.

The business support device 300 generates a shelf allocation layout 5003 for each display shelf 10 in the area based on the sales point C of each product and the position point D of each display shelf 10 on which the product is displayed and each shelf stage. (S605). The details of the method of generating the shelf layout layout 5003 will be described later.

The business support device 300 displays the generated shelf layout layout 5003 (S606). The person in charge 2 modifies the displayed shelf layout layout 5003 as necessary (S607).

The business support device 300 reflects the shelf layout layout 5003 on the display shelf 10 in the actual area (S608). For example, the business support device 300 rewrites the contents of the electronic shelf label on the video rail of the display shelf 10 based on the shelf allocation layout 5003.

The person in charge 2 displays the products on the display shelf 10 in the area where the shelf layout layout 5003 is reflected according to the shelf layout layout 5003 (S609). For example, the person in charge 2 displays the product indicated by the electronic shelf label according to the position of the rewritten electronic shelf label.

<Calculation method of demand variables>
FIG. 40 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method of calculating the demand variable f according to the fifth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 40, the business support device 300 divides a map having the product sales record x on the horizontal axis and the product shortage record y on the vertical axis, and divides the sales record x by a predetermined threshold value T1 and lacks. By classifying the product performance y by a predetermined threshold value T2, it is divided into four segments.

The sales record x of the product may be obtained from the sales history information 5001. The sales record x may be the total number of products sold in a predetermined period (for example, one week). Alternatively, the sales record x may be a deviation value based on the average total number of sales of the products.

The product shortage record y may be obtained from the shortage history information 5002. The out-of-stock record y may be the number of out-of-stock occurrences (that is, the out-of-stock occurrence frequency) of the product in a predetermined period (for example, one week).

The threshold value T1 may be arbitrarily set by the user, or may be set according to the average total number of products sold in a predetermined period. The threshold value T2 may be arbitrarily set by the user, or may be set according to the average number of product shortages in a predetermined period.

Hereinafter, a segment in which the sales record x is the threshold value T1 or more and the shortage record y is the threshold value T2 or more is referred to as a first segment. A segment in which the sales record x is less than the threshold value T1 and the shortage record y is the threshold value T2 or more is referred to as a second segment. A segment in which the sales record x is equal to or higher than the threshold value T1 and the shortage record y is less than the threshold value T2 is referred to as a third segment. A segment in which the sales record x is less than the threshold value T1 and the shortage record y is less than the threshold value T2 is referred to as a fourth segment.

However, the number of map divisions and the division method are not limited to the above example. For example, the business support device 300 may increase the number of threshold values of at least one of the sales record x and the shortage record y, and divide the map into more than four segments. Alternatively, the business support device 300 has a threshold straight line such that the shortage record y increases as the sales record x increases, and a threshold straight line such that the shortage record y decreases as the sales record x increases. You may set and divide the map into multiple segments by the straight lines of those thresholds. In this case, the shape of the divided segment can be different from the shape of the rectangle.

The product is plotted in any of the first segment to the fourth segment based on the sales record x and the shortage record y of the product. The demand variable f of the product may be calculated by the following equation 1.
f = α × x ... (Equation 1)
Here, α indicates a shortage coefficient, and may be a value determined by the segment in which the product is plotted.

The shortage coefficient α ₁ of the first segment, the shortage coefficient α ₂ of the second segment, the shortage coefficient α ₃ of the third segment, and the shortage coefficient α ₄ of the fourth segment have the following relationships. good.
α ₁ ≧ α ₂ ＞ α ₃ ≧ α ₄ ＞ 0

Further, α ₁ and α ₂ may be set to a value larger than 1, and α ₃ and α ₄ may be set to a value of 1 or less.
The reason is as follows.

Since the products plotted in the first segment have a large sales record x and a large shortage record y, there is a high possibility that the number of sales will increase further by reducing the shortage. That is, since the demand for the product is expected to be higher than that indicated by the sales record x, α ₁ is set to a value larger than 1.

The products plotted in the second segment have a small sales record x but a large shortage record y, so there is a high possibility that the number of sales will increase by reducing the shortage. That is, since the demand for the product is expected to be higher than that indicated by the sales record x, α ₂ is set to a value larger than 1.

The products plotted in the third segment have a large sales record x, but a small shortage record y, so it is unlikely that the number of sales will increase any more. That is, since it is assumed that the sales record x indicates the current demand of the product, α ₃ is set to a value of 1 or less.

Since the products plotted in the fourth segment have a small sales record x and a small shortage record y, it is unlikely that the number of sales will increase any more. That is, since it is assumed that the sales record x indicates the current demand of the product, α ₄ is set to a value of 1 or less.

The demand variable f of the product may be calculated according to the strength of the positive correlation between the frequency of shortage of the product and the number of sales of the product. The strength of the correlation between the frequency of shortages and the number of units sold may be analyzed, for example, by multiple regression analysis.

<Calculation method of inventory variables>
The inventory variable g is calculated based on the size of the backyard of the goods. For example, the inventory variable g of a product is calculated larger as the size of the backyard in which the product is held as inventory is larger. The size of the backyard may differ depending on whether the type of product is, for example, normal temperature, refrigeration required, or freezing required. This is because products at room temperature, products that require refrigeration, and products that require freezing are stored in different backyards.

The size of the backyard may be shared by multiple products of the same type. In this case, a plurality of products of the same type are stored so as not to exceed the upper limit of the size of the backyard. In addition, the inventory variable g may be calculated based on the average daily sales volume of the goods.

<Calculation method of sales points>
The selling point C of the product may be calculated by the following formula 2.
C = f × g × P × U ... (Equation 2)
Here, f indicates a demand variable of the product for which C is to be calculated. g indicates an inventory variable of the product for which C is to be calculated. P indicates the price of the product for which C is calculated. U indicates the number of SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) to be calculated by C.

That is, the sales point C becomes larger as the demand is higher and the price is higher. Further, since the demand variable f includes the out-of-stock coefficient α as described above, the selling point C becomes a larger value as the product has a higher out-of-stock frequency. Further, the selling point C becomes a larger value as the product has a higher inventory capacity.

An upper limit may be set for the sales point C. When the calculated sales point C exceeds the upper limit value, the business support device 300 may set the upper limit value as the sales point C. The upper limit may be set based on the size of the area where the goods are displayed. For example, the larger the area size, the larger the upper limit is set. Further, the upper limit value may be set based on the supply point of the product. The supply point is a value indicating the supply capacity of the product. The supply point may be calculated based on the high efficiency of SCM (Supply Chain Management). The efficiency of SCM may be calculated based on the manufacturing capacity of the product and the distribution capacity. For example, the larger the supply point, the larger the upper limit is set. Further, the supply point may be a value that becomes larger as the value of "quantity x profit" that can be realized by one order is higher. Here, "profit = sales amount-cost" may be used. The profit may take into account the actual value of past discounts. The initial value of the sales point C of the new product may be the total value of the supply point and the inventory point of the new product.

<Calculation method of position point>
FIG. 41 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method of calculating a position point according to the fifth embodiment.

Position point D is assigned to each display shelf 10 installed in the area. The position point D may be different depending on the position of the display shelf 10. For example, the display shelf 10 near the flow line entrance to the area may be assigned a larger position point D than the display shelf 10 near the flow line exit of the area.

The position point D assigned to the display shelf 10 may be distributed to each shelf of the display shelf 10. The ratio of the position points D distributed to each shelf may differ depending on the ease of selling the position of the shelf. For example, if a shelf slightly below the customer's line of sight (for example, 120 cm to 130 cm) is the easiest to sell, the percentage of position point D assigned to that shelf is the position assigned to the shelf above the customer's line of sight. It may be larger than the ratio of point D. The position, height, width, etc. of the shelf where the product is most easily put can change depending on the product category, the shape of the shelf, and the like. For example, if the shape of a shelf is such that a large number of products are displayed at the bottom and the bottom is set to a height that is easy to pick up, the position of the bottom is the easiest to sell. In this case, the largest number of position points D may be allocated to the lowest position.

For example, in the business support device 300, as shown in FIG. 41, among the position points "100" assigned to the area, "50" is set to the display shelf 10A near the flow line entrance, and "30" is set to the middle of the flow line. "20" is assigned to the display shelf 10B and the display shelf 10C near the flow line exit. Then, in the business support device 300, among the position points "50" assigned to the display shelf 10A, "10" is assigned to the first shelf and "30" is assigned to the second shelf, which is the easiest to sell. 20 ”is assigned to the third shelf. As shown in FIG. 41, the business support device 300 also assigns position points to the display shelves 10B and the display shelves 10C to each shelf stage. As a result, the position point D is assigned to each shelf.

<How to generate a shelf layout>
Next, a method of generating the shelf layout layout 5003 will be described.

The business support device 300 determines an area for displaying products belonging to the product category for each product category. The business support device 300 generates a shelf layout layout 5003 for optimally arranging the products displayed in the area. Hereinafter, it will be described in detail.

As described above in the sales point calculation method and the position point calculation method, the sales point C is associated with each product, and the position point D is assigned to each shelf of the display shelf 10. When the business support device 300 sets a section for displaying products associated with the sales point C on the shelf to which the position point D is assigned, the product point F in the section is set to F = C × D. Calculated as.

The business support device 300 calculates the total of each product point F when each product to be displayed in the area is displayed on each shelf of each display shelf 10 in the area. That is, the business support device 300 calculates the total of the product points F of each product displayed in the area. Hereinafter, the total is referred to as an "area total value". The business support device 300 automatically generates a shelf layout 5003 for an area so that the total area value is maximized. For example, the business support device 300 prototypes various patterns of shelf allocation layouts 5003, compares the area total values of the prototype shelf allocation layouts 5003, and selects the shelf allocation layout 5003 having the maximum area total value.

The business support device 300 may provide a function for manually setting a section 30 for displaying a specific product in the shelf layout layout 5003. For example, the person in charge 2 manually sets the section 30 for displaying a specific product in the shelf layout layout 5003 based on an instruction from the store or the head office. In this case, the business support device 300 may execute the automatic generation process of the shelf allocation layout 5003 by excluding the manually set product and the section 30.

In addition, information indicating product characteristics such as standard products, new products, and limited-time products may be associated with products. The business support device 300 may provide a function for preferentially arranging a product having a designated product characteristic on a shelf with a high position point. For example, when the person in charge 2 specifies that the standard product is prioritized, the business support device 300 preferentially arranges the product having the product characteristic of "standard product" on the shelf with the higher position point D, and puts the shelf on the shelf. The split layout 5003 may be generated.

Also, areas where special events are held, such as special corners, may be excluded from the generation of the shelf layout layout 5003.

<Change of shelf layout>
42 and 43 are diagrams for explaining a modified example of the shelf layout layout 5003. In FIGS. 42 and 43, a product having a relatively large sales point C is represented by a horizontal line fill, and a product having a relatively small sales point C is represented by a pointillist fill.

In FIG. 42, the upper figure shows the original shelf layout layout 5003, and the lower figure shows the newly generated shelf layout layout 5003. For example, in the business support device 300, as shown in the change from the upper figure to the lower figure of FIG. 42, the section 30A of the product having a relatively large selling point C and the section 30A in which the product having a relatively small selling point C are arranged The shelf allocation layout 5003 enlarged in the direction of 30B (leftward) is displayed. In this case, as shown in the lower figure of FIG. 42, the business support device 300 may display an arrow 5004 indicating a direction in which the section 30A is expanded.

In FIG. 43, the upper figure shows the original shelf layout layout 5003, and the lower figure shows the newly generated shelf layout layout 5003. For example, in the business support device 300, as shown in the change from the upper figure to the lower figure of FIG. 43, the product having a relatively large selling point C arranged in the section 30C is replaced with the selling point C arranged in the section 30D. The shelf allocation layout 5003 replaced with the relatively small product of is displayed. In this case, as shown in the lower figure of FIG. 44, an arrow 5005 indicating the replacement of goods between the compartments 30C and the compartments 30D may be displayed.

<Supplementary and modified examples>
The product may be associated with basic product information indicating the basic information of the product. The basic product information may include the FACE size (height x width x depth) of the product, the release date of the product, the expiration date of the product, and the product category. The product category may have a plurality of layers, if necessary. The business support device 300 may correct the sales point C by using the basic product information.

The display shelf 10 may be associated with basic shelf information regarding the size and position of the display shelf 10. The shelf basic information may include information indicating the width, height, and depth of each shelf, and information indicating the expandability of the shelf. In addition, the shelf basic information may include information indicating the coordinates (including the store floor) where the shelves are arranged. The business support device 300 may correct the position point D by using the shelf basic information.

The business support device 300 is linked with at least one of the manufacturing execution system (Manufacturing Execution System; MES) and the transport management system (Transport Management System; TMS) when the product supply capacity is reviewed. , You may consider optimizing the supply capacity of the goods.

The business support device 300 calculates and calculates the product parameters of each product placed on the shelf based on at least one of the sales history information 5001 and the shortage history information 5002 of each product placed on the shelf. The shelf allocation layout 5003 may be generated by increasing or decreasing the number of each product arranged on the shelf based on the product parameters. However, the shelf layout layout 5003 may be generated not only in units of shelves but also in certain desired area units. For example, the shelf layout 5003 may be generated for each product category area (for example, milk area, seasoning area, stationery area, confectionery area, chocolate confectionery area, vegetable area, etc.).

(Supplementary information and modification examples related to this disclosure)
The above "display shelf" may be read as other terms such as "shelf", "gondola", and "high gondola". Further, the product is not limited to the case where it is arranged on the shelf, and may be arranged, for example, at the end of the shelf or on a shelf for flat placement.

The above shelves are not limited to the shelves in the store's sales floor, and may be, for example, shelves in a warehouse or backyard. Goods may be placed on shelves and / or cards in warehouses or backyards. Alternatively, the goods may be stored and stacked in cardboard in a warehouse or backyard. In addition, the storage location of the products in the warehouse or the backyard may be determined for each product category. In addition, the warehouse or backyard has a layout (that is, FIFO (First-In First-Out)) so that products with the oldest warehousing date and time (for example, products with an earlier expiration date or expiration date, or products with an older manufacturing date) can be delivered in order. ) Layout).

In the above, the display shelf 10 is photographed by the camera device 100, and the shortage is detected by analyzing the captured image. However, the missing item may be detected by using a device different from the camera device 100. For example, instead of the camera device 100 or together with the camera device 100, an infrared ToF (Time Of Flight) sensor is used to generate point cloud data on the shelf, and the shortage detection device 200 analyzes the point cloud data and is out of stock. May be detected. Alternatively, a weight sensor may be installed on the surface of the shelf on which the product is placed, and the shortage detection device 200 may detect the shortage based on the weight change obtained from the weight sensor. Alternatively, a temperature sensor may be installed on the surface of the shelf on which the product is placed, and the shortage detection device 200 may detect the shortage based on the temperature change obtained from the temperature sensor.

The product layout planned by the head office that controls each store is called "Planogram". On the other hand, the actual state of product placement in stores is called "Realogram".
The shelving layout 5003 described in Embodiment 5 may be generated as a planogram and recorded as a realogram.

Although the embodiment has been described above with reference to the attached drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can come up with various modifications, modifications, substitutions, additions, deletions, and even examples within the scope of the claims. It is understood that it belongs to the technical scope of the present disclosure. Further, each component in the above-described embodiment may be arbitrarily combined as long as the gist of the invention is not deviated.

Note that this application is based on a Japanese patent application filed on August 26, 2020 (Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-142828), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

This disclosure can be used for a system that supports operations related to shortages.

2 Person in charge 10 Display shelf 11 Shelf board 12 Display space 20 Shelf tag 30 Section 100 Camera device 200 Out of stock detection device 201 Processing unit 202 Memory 203 Communication unit 204 Storage 205 Internal bus 210 Shelf allocation information 300 Business support device 301 Processing unit 302 Memory 303 Communication unit 304 Storage 305 Internal bus 310 Management information 400 Terminal 401 Processing unit 402 Memory 403 Communication unit 404 Input unit 405 Display unit 406 Storage 407 Internal bus 900 Login UI
910 Service Menu UI
1000 Out of stock information UI
1100 Shelf Map UI
1200 Display Shelf UI
1300 Shelf Map UI
1400 Display Shelf UI
1500 order history UI
1600 shelf map UI
1700 Shelf allocation advice UI
1800 Shelf allocation change UI
1900 Price change UI
2000 Notification UI
2100 map UI
2200 Notification list UI
2300 Notification details UI
3000 1st shelf image 3001 Appearance image frame 3002 Section frame 3003 Number of product rows 3100 2nd shelf image 3101 Missing item frame 3102 Misplacement frame 4001 Alert status 4002 Inventory information 5001 Sales history information 5002 Missing item history information 5003 Shelf allocation layout

Claims (16)

1. A receiving unit that receives out-of-stock detection information indicating a shelf and an article in which a missing item or a partial missing item is detected, and inventory information indicating the inventory status of the article.
   Based on the inventory status of the article in which the shortage or partial shortage is detected shown in the inventory information, to the shelf of the article in which the shortage or partial shortage shown in the shortage detection information is detected. A processing unit that controls the transmission timing of information prompting the replenishment of
   Business support device.
2. The processing unit does not send the information prompting the replenishment when the inventory of the article in which the shortage or the partial shortage is detected does not exist.
   The business support device according to claim 1.
3. The processing unit transmits information prompting the replenishment when there is an inventory of the article in which a shortage or a partial shortage is detected.
   The business support device according to claim 1 or 2.
4. The processing unit prompts the replenishment when the article in which the missing item or the partial missing item is detected does not exist in the shelf and the inventory of the article in which the missing item or the partial missing item is detected exists. Send information,
   The business support device according to claim 1 or 2.
5. When at least a part of the article in which a missing item or a partial missing item is detected is present on the shelf, the processing unit transmits information prompting the organization of the article existing on the shelf.
   The business support device according to claim 4.
6. When the processing unit does not have an inventory of the article for which a shortage or a partial shortage has been detected and has an inventory of another article existing on the shelf, the processing unit replaces the other article with the article. Send information to replenish
   The business support device according to claim 1.
7. Depending on the information processing device
   Receives out-of-stock detection information indicating shelves and articles in which a shortage or partial shortage is detected, and inventory information indicating the inventory status of the article.
   Based on the inventory status of the article in which the shortage or partial shortage is detected shown in the inventory information, to the shelf of the article in which the shortage or partial shortage shown in the shortage detection information is detected. Control the transmission timing of information that prompts replenishment of
   Business support method.
8. Receives out-of-stock detection information indicating shelves and articles in which a shortage or partial shortage is detected, and inventory information indicating the inventory status of the article.
   Based on the inventory status of the article in which the shortage or partial shortage is detected shown in the inventory information, to the shelf of the article in which the shortage or partial shortage shown in the shortage detection information is detected. Control the timing of sending information that prompts you to replenish, let the computer do that,
   Computer program.
9. A receiver that receives replenishment detection information indicating the shelves and articles for which the need for replenishment has been detected, and inventory information indicating the inventory status of the articles, and
   Based on the inventory status of the article in which the necessity of replenishment indicated in the inventory information is detected, the information prompting the replenishment of the article in which the necessity of replenishment indicated in the replenishment detection information is detected is urged. A processing unit that controls transmission timing is provided.
   Business support device.
10. The processing unit does not send information prompting the replenishment when the article in which the need for replenishment is detected is not in stock.
    The business support device according to claim 9.
11. If there is an inventory of the article for which the need for replenishment has been detected, the processing unit transmits information prompting the replenishment.
    The business support device according to claim 9 or 10.
12. When the article for which the need for replenishment is detected does not exist on the shelf and the article for which the need for replenishment is detected is in stock, the processing unit transmits information prompting the replenishment. ,
    The business support device according to claim 9 or 10.
13. When at least a part of the article for which the need for replenishment is detected is present on the shelf, the processing unit transmits information prompting the organization of the article existing on the shelf.
    The business support device according to claim 12.
14. When the processing unit does not have an inventory of the article for which the need for replenishment has been detected and has an inventory of another article existing on the shelf, the processing unit replenishes the other article in place of the article. Send information to encourage you to
    The business support device according to claim 9.
15. Depending on the information processing device
    Receives replenishment detection information indicating the shelves and articles for which the need for replenishment has been detected, and inventory information indicating the inventory status of the articles.
    Based on the inventory status of the article in which the necessity of replenishment indicated in the inventory information is detected, the information prompting the replenishment of the article in which the necessity of replenishment indicated in the replenishment detection information is detected is urged. Control the transmission timing,
    Business support method.
16. Receives replenishment detection information indicating the shelves and articles for which the need for replenishment has been detected, and inventory information indicating the inventory status of the articles.
    Based on the inventory status of the article in which the necessity of replenishment indicated in the inventory information is detected, the shelf of the article in which the shortage or semi-deficiency indicated in the replenishment detection information is detected is urged to be replenished. Control the timing of sending information, let the computer do that,
    Computer program.

Images