JP2000078560A - Merchandise information display system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively execute adjustment between a remote customer on a communication network and the customer who actually comes to a store by permitting the customer or a clerk inside the store to know a purchase application by means of controlling a reporting means when the remote customer designates a certain merchandise in an image and applies for the purchase. SOLUTION: The image picked-up by a video camera 51 is opened to the public in a home page in the Internet which is opened by a store side through the use of a store side server 52. Besides, an infrared-ray signal transmitter 41 transmits signals for displaying the prices and merchandise codes of the corresponding merchandise 2-4 and the characters of 'for sale' or 'sold' on a screen to report panels 12-14 by the operation of the clerk 40. Thus, inconvenience such as the one where the commodity such as a single production specified merchandise and an unspecified merchandise with few stock is simultaneously desired for purchase twice by the user on the network and the customer who comes to the store and confusion is given is avoided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an online shopping system using a computer communication network such as the Internet, and more particularly to an online shopping system for displaying merchandise actually displayed in a store to a remote customer on the communication network. And a product sales system for selling in real time.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There has been an idea that an image of a product in a warehouse or a store is taken by a camera, the image is transmitted to a remote customer via a communication line, and the image is purchased on the screen while the user purchases the image. are doing. For example, JP-A-58-2
Japanese Patent Publication No. 17095 (applicant: Shigeo Sakano) proposes the following system. That is, the product in the store is photographed with a camera, and the image is transmitted to the customer's home.
While watching the video on the TV, select the product you want to buy,
The product type number, the product quantity number, and the customer code number of the selected product are transmitted to the store. And
In response to this, the store takes out the selected merchandise by the designated quantity while the mobile robot moves in the store.
The mobile robot further exits the store while holding the picked-up goods, arrives at the customer's house through a public road, and receives the goods in the container for goods provided at the customer's house. Put in. A system as described above has been proposed. However, such mobile robots that take out (pick up) a product selected by a customer have not been put to practical use yet. Also, in order to pick up with the mobile robot, it is necessary to arrange the products so that they can be easily picked up by the mobile robot, and it is necessary to keep this product arrangement as small as possible. To attract customers, the display of products in stores is usually done in a manner that is artistic, fashionable and appeals to the store,
Also, the contents of the display are usually changed one by one so as to be easy to sell depending on the time of day or even on the same day. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to use a mobile robot as described above in a store that displays products in a manner that enhances fashionability. Also, JP-A-3-143185
No. (Applicant: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation) discloses that video information (past real-time video information that is not real-time) of a product photographed by a camera is transmitted from an information provider to a remote user terminal. While viewing the transmitted video on the screen, the user specifies the position of the desired product, transmits the position information of the specified product from the user terminal to the information provider, and the information provider reads the user from the transmitted position information. Identifies the specified product and transmits information based on this identification to display on the user terminal the product specified to be distinguished from other products, and based on this display, confirms the user's confirmation information as information A system has been proposed that allows transmission to a provider. According to this system, the information provider can present all of the "stock items" (not described as "display products") that can be photographed by the camera to the user side, and the user side It is described that there is an advantage that a user can select a desired product in real time while providing a sense of realism in product selection. However, in this system, the user's confirmation information can be obtained, but if the visiting customer desires the same product as this user, and only the product that is displayed without stock in other products In this case, two customers wish to purchase one product in duplicate, and how to adjust the two becomes a problem. In order to avoid such inconvenience, after all, this system is used in wholesalers and large-scale retailers that have a large number of stocks (standard mass-produced products.
In other words, it can be said that this is an effective method only for "unspecified products" in the civil law. Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-224
No. 98 (applicant: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation) proposes the following system. In other words, a real image of a display of articles in the facility (a past image that is not real-time) is recorded as a video, and the recorded real image is reproduced by a remote customer in the manner of video reproduction.
The customer uses the operation during video playback (forward / backward, etc.) to look over each product in the facility, and if there is a favorite product, he / she sees the product in close detail as if he / she is close to the product. be able to. In other words, the article display video has a configuration in which each article placed in the facility (in the store) is viewed (video image), and the operator (customer) can use the normal playback display to display the facility. While viewing the articles in the order, it is also possible to simultaneously see other articles in the facility in a distant view. When there is a product or the like for which the operator wants to view detailed information, the reproduction of the image is stopped, and one of the articles shown on the stop screen is designated. Then, the in-facility article display video processing unit extracts the ID information of the designated article. This ID
The information is a number for specifying each article. Upon receiving the ID information, the article image / voice / character information processing unit can extract detailed information (article image / voice / character information) of the corresponding article and display the same on the screen of the operator's terminal. . Although this publication does not describe a method for the operator to place an order for a product, if the ID information of each of the above-mentioned articles is known, it will be possible to place an order by e-mail or the like. Further, in this publication, in order to extract ID information for each article from position information on a screen, an in-store space address is virtually assigned to the in-store space (see FIG. 13 of the present application) to form an in-store video. For each video frame, a correspondence table (see FIG. 14 of the present application) between the physical screen coordinates of the video and the in-store space address is created, and a table in which the in-store space address is associated with the product code (see FIG. 14). (See FIG. 15 of the present application). When the operator specifies a desired product on the article display screen (stop screen) displayed on the user terminal, the in-store space address is searched from the “screen coordinates / in-store space address correspondence table” and the store is searched. The product code (ID information) selected by the operator is extracted from the “store space address / product code correspondence table” using the internal space address as a key.
However, even in such a system, as in JP-A-3-143185, coordination between a customer who has actually visited a store and the remote operator (user) (that is, no stock is available) The problem of adjustment when a customer who visits the store and a remote operator wishes to purchase the product almost simultaneously at the same time has not been solved at all.
Therefore, this system can also be used for online shopping via a network that can be used only in large-scale retail stores and the like, where only a large number of stocks can be ordered and any number of items can be ordered (the above-mentioned mass-produced products, unspecified products). It can be said that it is a system.

[0003]

As described above, all of the online shopping systems using networks that have hitherto been proposed have products (standard mass-produced products, that is, "unspecified products") having a large number of stocks. Product). However, if (A) the displayed product is a "specified item" and only the displayed product can be sold, there is a great risk of becoming "contracted", or (B) the displayed product Even if is an "unspecified object," the conventional online shopping system described above, when there is a large risk of becoming "sold out" because the stock is small and it is not easy to add inventory,
Can not be used. In other words, products sold in actual stores include “unspecified items” and “specific items”.
"Unspecified" and "specified" are concepts in civil law.
It is a concept that distinguishes the properties of "things". According to civil law, an individual product that has a different personality from the others is a “specified product”, and a product that does not have a personality and is substitutable for other inventory products is called an “unspecified product”. Is defined. An “unspecified item” is a standard mass-produced item, which is exactly the same for the display item and the inventory item and has no change in value, and an item with no difference in personality between the display item and the inventory item. That is,
As for “unspecified items”, the products displayed in the store have only the same meaning as in the catalog. On the other hand, a “specific object” is an object that has a personality that cannot be replaced by another. “Specific objects” include antiques displayed at antique shops and other artefacts (paintings and paintings) displayed at galleries.
Sculptures), used goods, houseplants, pets (animals), real estate, etc. Also, in the strict sense, among the products that fall under the concept of “unspecified object”, there are products that are substantially similar to “specific object”. For example, luxury clothing (luxury ties, etc.) designed by famous foreign designers are purchased by buyers abroad, so even if there are multiple (small) productions, they actually look for the same ones. Is extremely difficult, and can be said to be close to "unspecified" in the sense that there is virtually no substitute (there is no stock) other than "the displayed product". In addition, for example, only 50 copies of prints, pottery products such as tableware and vases, interior goods, etc., are available in stock only if they are produced in limited quantities by the manufacturer or displayed by the manufacturer. Even if there are no items (or low inventory), the store has no inventory other than the products displayed (or the inventory is low and it is difficult to replenish the inventory). It is something that needs to be treated equal to ". Also, for example,
In the case of very popular products, such as the video game console "PlayStation (PS)" manufactured and sold by Sony Corporation, as soon as they are shipped from the manufacturer and displayed at the store, they are immediately purchased by the consumers in a fight. For products that are sold out within a short period of time and do not know when to ship from the manufacturer next time, and therefore can not make a "sale reservation", legally "unspecified items"
(Standard mass production), but "sold out" at stores
There is a risk that the situation will occur and inventory replenishment is not easy (because you do not know when the shipment from the manufacturer)
For this reason, it can be said that the same treatment as “specific items” is necessary at the storefront of the store. Also, figurines, dolls, stuffed animals,
"Products with handmade elements in the manufacturing process" such as folk crafts, jewelry (necklaces, brooches, etc.), artificial flowers, etc., are of the same type, but each is delicate because of "handmade elements" Has individuality. Even when purchasing a doll or stuffed toy, even if it is the same type at the same price, the appearance of the doll etc. is slightly different from item to item, and there are subtle differences such as `` This face is more cute than the next one '' There are many experiences that exist. In such a case, even when there are many products of the same type, since each product exerts its individuality, it is appropriate to treat it in the same way as "specific product". In other words, if there are two or more customers at the same time who want dolls (instead of stock dolls) for products displayed in the store, the idea that "anything should be fine because there is a lot of stock in mass production" Instead, we should consider that "the product has a personality and cannot be replaced, so it is necessary to coordinate between the two customers to purchase it." Therefore, the doll of the product should be treated in the same way as the "specific object". In addition, pottery products such as tableware and vases, interior goods, etc. can theoretically be in stock, but in reality there are often only a small amount of stock items, and orders from manufacturers have been canceled due to production discontinuation etc. Since these are often not possible, they must also be treated in the same way as "special items" at retail stores. As described above, the merchandise actually displayed at the store front includes (a) a “specified item” and (b) “an unspecified item, but there is no replaceable inventory item or the inventory item is Unspecified items that are not easy to replenish inventory because they are small and cannot be expected to be shipped from the manufacturer within a short period of time, and that it is necessary to treat them in the same way as specified items. And (c) "an unspecified item in which a large number of in-stock items exist and are shipped immediately upon ordering from the manufacturer, so that inventory replenishment is easy". According to the present invention, among these three types of products displayed at the store front, in particular, the two types of products (a) and (b) are remote-controlled via a computer communication network. It relates to a system that can be used when trying to sell to a customer. That is, for products such as (a) or (b) above,
When displayed in a store, there is, in principle, only a product that is present (it is highly likely that there is no stock, or even a small quantity, because it is small). Therefore, when trying to shop such a product online via a communication network, coordination between a customer on the network and a customer who is actually in the store is indispensable. This is because, in principle, it is necessary to consider that the above-mentioned products (a) or (b) are only actually displayed products (although there may actually be only a small amount of stock), This is because an adjustment is required when a visitor and a customer on the network overlap at the same time and desires to purchase, or a measure is required to prevent such a situation from occurring. The present invention has been made in view of such problems of the related art, and when a product that is difficult to substitute or a product that is difficult to replenish inventory is sold through a communication network, the present invention is applied to the communication network. It is an object of the present invention to provide a merchandise sales system capable of effectively performing adjustment between a remote customer and a customer who is actually visiting a store. In other words, the present invention provides a merchandise sales system using a computer communication network, which can avoid a situation in which a customer wishes to purchase one merchandise repeatedly between a visiting customer and a remote customer via a network. The purpose is to provide.

[0004]

In a conventional merchandise trading site, there is only one merchandise displayed in the store (there is no stock or it is difficult to restock).
In such a case, the order of priority for purchasing the product is determined by the "first-come-first-served order" of selling the product to the customer who first desires the purchase. It seems reasonable to maintain this “way” as well for online shopping via telecommunications networks. If, at the same time or as soon as possible thereafter, a remote customer purchases or makes an offer through the communication network, the remote customer on the network shall make a purchase or offer to purchase. It is necessary to inform the customer and the clerk in the store of the fact that the customer has done this. In other words, if the displayed product is sold, the stock is basically not (or likely not) to be sold, so in principle the product is already "sold" or "sold out", Will not be able to make multiple purchases, but leaving the product on display without notifying that it has been “sold” or “sold out” will cause unnecessary confusion to customers and clerks visiting the store. (On the other hand, when a customer who is actually visiting the store purchases the displayed product, the customer occupies the product and takes it to the checkout center, so the displayed product is displayed as “Sold Or "sold out" can be clearly seen by observing the appearance of the fact state of "external occupancy"). The present invention proposes the following product sales system based on such an idea. In the specification of the present application, “display” means displaying or displaying at a store for sale of a product. Further, in the specification of the present application, the “product” includes both an unspecified product and an unspecified product. Patent Application No. 2 of 1996, which is a prior application by the present inventors and in which the present application claims priority.
The term "in-kind" is used in the specification of 78678 and Japanese Patent Application No. 352033. The relationship between the “spot” and the “product” in the specification of the present application is as follows. The term “in-kind” is used in the specification of the above-mentioned prior application to mean “commodity displayed and displayed in a store”. In the specification of the present application, “displayed product” is “displayed in a store (here, the term“ displayed in a store ”) means that the product is displayed at the store entrance so that it can be seen from the road at the entrance of the store. ), That is, “products displayed in stores or at stores”. This is used with almost the same meaning as "in-kind" in the specification of the prior application. It should be noted that “products” include “stock products” in addition to “products displayed in stores or at stores”. (1) A merchandise sales system on a computer communication network, in which a camera for real-time imaging of merchandise displayed in a store or at a store, and an image from the camera are transmitted to a remote customer in real time via the communication network. And a notifying means attached to a surface of a displayed product in a store that can be purchased by a remote customer or disposed in the vicinity of the product. When an application for purchase or a necessary procedure for purchase (for example, transmission of own credit card number or transmission of electronic money, etc.) is performed, a customer or a clerk in the store or at the store is told that the product has been sold or sold out. Notification means for notifying that a remote customer has designated a certain product in the video and has to apply for or purchase the product. When the procedure, by controlling the announcement means, a commodity sales system including a notification control means to inform the "that the item becomes a Sold Out or sold out" to the customer or clerk in the store, the. In the present invention, as a method of “providing” the video information by the video providing means, for example, (a) each store establishes a homepage on the Internet, and stores the homepage in real time on the homepage. How to stream the video and let the remote customers grab the video with a browser (browsing software),
(B) Each store has a membership
A method of transmitting in-store images in real time via a communication network such as the Internet, and (c) each store transmits in-store images in real time to a member customer who has previously signed up for a member by digital satellite broadcasting. There can be various methods such as a method of performing. (2) Further, in the above (1), the notifying means:
It is desirable to include a display unit for notifying that the product has been sold or sold out by displaying light (including the presence or absence of lighting or blinking of light), characters, symbols, or marks (such as graphics). (3) Further, in the above (1), the notifying means:
It is desirable to include a sound generation unit for notifying that the product has been sold or sold out by sound generation (including the presence or absence of sound generation). (4) Further, in the above (1), (2) or (3), the notification control means transmits a control signal or data to the notification means by wireless communication such as optical communication or infrared communication. It is desirable that (5) Further, in the above (4), it is preferable that the notification control means transmits a control signal or data to the notification means by a laser beam which travels in a straight line. (6) Further, in any one of the above (1) to (5), the notifying means includes: a recording means for recording an identification code for distinguishing itself from other notifying means; And a transmission unit for transmitting the identification code by wireless communication such as optical communication or infrared communication in response to the request. (7) Further, the present invention provides a stock quantity recording means for recording the "current stock quantity" of a displayed product, and the above-described method, when the product is sold or reserved for sale by a purchase application (order) from a customer. Subtraction means for subtracting one from the stock quantity recorded in the stock quantity recording means; and determining that the "current stock quantity" of the product recorded in the stock quantity recording means is "0" and that the product has been sold. And notification control means for controlling the notification means when the determination is made that the product has been sold or sold out. For example, a notice panel incorporating a microcomputer is provided near each product, and a store clerk writes (in a portable controller) the stock quantity of the product in the memory of the microcomputer in advance. In addition, the number of stocks of a specific product such as an art product or a second-hand product produced from one product is written as "0" from the beginning. Then, when a customer who is actually visiting the store or a user on the communication network purchases the product, the stock quantity recorded in the memory is decremented by 1 (subtracted by 1), and the value of the stock quantity in the memory is updated. Then, when the stock quantity becomes -1 (minus 1) as a result of the update, the product is sold or sold out because the product has been sold. , "Sold" or "sold out".
In practice, when a visiting customer purchases the displayed product, the product is immediately removed (the "external occupation" of the product is transferred from the display shelf to the customer's hand), so the above-mentioned notice is given. There is no need to indicate by means. However, when selling to a user on a communication network, there is a time lag of several minutes or hours between the order of the user (purchase application) and the shipment of the product. It is necessary to avoid a situation where a remote user (customer) on the network accidentally orders the same product.
Therefore, it is necessary to display “sold” or “sold out” by the notification means. In the present invention,
As a method of "providing" the video information by the video providing means, for example, (a) each store opens a homepage on the Internet and plays the video in the store in real time on the homepage; Remote customers can view the streaming video with a browser (browsing software)
(B) a method in which each store transmits images in the store in real time to a member customer who has previously made a membership contract via a communication network such as the Internet, and (c) a method in which each store There may be various methods such as a method of transmitting an image in a store in real time by digital satellite broadcasting to a member customer who has subscribed in advance. (8) The present invention also provides a camera for real-time imaging of individual commodities displayed for sale in a store or at a store, and information on video captured by the camera as information indicating a target for sale. A video providing means for providing to a remote customer in real time through, a stock quantity recording means for recording the `` current stock quantity '' of each product, and a stock quantity recording means provided on or near the surface of each product. And a stock quantity display means for displaying the recorded “current stock quantity” to a customer or a clerk. Therefore, in the store or in the vicinity of the merchandise in the store, since the display means for displaying the current stock number is provided,
A remote customer accessing via the communication network, a customer visiting the store, and a store clerk in the store can grasp the stock quantity of the product while viewing the display.
In the present invention, as a method of “providing” the video information by the video providing means, for example, (a) each store establishes a homepage on the Internet, and stores the homepage in real time on the homepage. A method in which video is streamed, and a remote customer captures the streamed video with a browser (browsing software). (B) Each store communicates with a member customer who has previously signed up for a membership, such as the Internet. Through the network
There are various methods such as a method of transmitting the image in the store in real time, (c) a method of transmitting the image in the store in real time by digital satellite broadcasting to each member customer who has a member contract in advance. It is possible. (9) Further, the present invention provides a camera for real-time imaging of individual commodities displayed for sale in a store or at a store, and information on video captured by the camera as information indicating a target for sale. Means for providing video to a remote customer in real time via a remote network, and the remote customer designates a certain product and sends a message such as an impression, an inquiry, a request, or a purchase application (order) to the communication network through the communication network. Message providing means provided on the surface of each product, or a message recording means capable of recording a message from a customer, and a message provided from the message providing means, And a message writing means capable of transmitting and writing the information wirelessly to the device. A. In the present invention, the method of providing the message by the customer includes a method of transmitting the message as an e-mail, and a method of accessing the homepage in a homepage established by a store server on a communication network such as the Internet. There are various methods such as a method in which a customer writes and registers in an area where data input (writing) is permitted by a customer. In the present invention, when a remote customer provides a message, for example, the store server once records the message on its own recording device. Thereafter, the server wirelessly transmits the recorded message to a message recording unit near the product and writes the message. The clerk can read the message for each product from the message recording means near each product using an external display device or the like, so that the clerk can use the message for marketing and the like. (10) Further, the present invention provides a camera for real-time imaging of individual commodities displayed for sale in a store or at a store, and a communication network using information of video captured by the camera to indicate a sales target. Means for providing an image to a remote customer in real time via a communication network, and the remote customer specifying a certain product and sending a message such as an impression, an inquiry, a request, or a purchase application (order) to the product via a communication network. Message providing means, a message recording means capable of recording a message from the message providing means, a message display means provided on or near the surface of each product, and displaying the message from the message recording means. , Are included. The method of providing a message by the customer is a method of providing a message by sending it in the form of an e-mail or the like. There is a variety of methods, such as a method in which a customer user writes and registers in an area where data input (writing) by a customer user who is accessing is permitted. In the present invention, a message provided by a customer is temporarily recorded on a server, for example. The server sends the recorded message to message display means provided near each of the above-mentioned products by wireless communication, and displays the message there.
Therefore, the clerk can recognize the message about the product at the place where each product is placed and use it for marketing and the like. (11) Further, the present invention relates to a camera for real-time imaging of individual commodities displayed for sale in a store or at a store, and information on video taken by the camera as information indicating a target for sale. Image providing means for providing to a remote customer in real time through, and product identification data display means provided in or in the store or on the surface of each product in the store, and displaying product identification data of the product,
If a remote customer has comments, inquiries, requests,
A message providing means for providing a message such as a purchase application (order) with the product identification data displayed by the product identification data display means via a communication network, and a message from the message providing means is provided by the product And a message storage means for storing the data in association with the identification data. In the present invention, the customer looks at the product and the product identification data of the product on the screen of the information terminal of the customer, and provides the store with a message related to the product in association with the product identification data of the product. At this time, as a method of providing the message by the customer, a method of providing the message by sending it in the form of e-mail or the like; There may be various methods such as a method of providing by providing the customer user by writing and registering in an area where data entry (writing) is permitted by the customer user accessing the homepage. In the present invention, a message provided by a customer is temporarily recorded and stored in a server, for example. The store clerk can recognize the contents of the message recorded and stored by the server for each product using the product identification data as a key, and can utilize it for marketing and the like. (12) Further, the present invention relates to a camera for real-time imaging of individual commodities displayed for sale in a store or at a store, and information of video captured by the camera as information indicating a target for sale. Image providing means for providing to a remote customer in real time through, and product identification data recording means provided in or in the store or on the surface of each product in the store, and recording product identification data of the product,
The product identification data recording means which records the product identification data recorded by the product identification data recording means via wireless communication and provides the customer with the product identification data providing means, and a remote customer is provided with impressions, inquiries, requests, purchase applications (orders) concerning the product. ) Is associated with the product identification data from the product identification data providing unit, and a message providing unit that provides the message via the communication network, and the message from the message providing unit is stored in association with the product identification data. And a message storage means. In the present invention, for example, when a remote customer specifies a certain product and requests the product identification data, the server on the store side controls the product identification data recording means near the product to record the product identification data. Import product identification data,
Offer to customers. The customer provides a message about the product in association with the provided product identification data. As described above, the message can be provided in two forms, e.g., in the form of an e-mail and in the form of writing / registering in a user writable area of a homepage. The clerk can use the product identification data as a key to recognize the message for each product and use it for marketing and the like. (13) The present invention also provides a camera for real-time imaging of individual commodities displayed for sale in a store or at a store, and information on video captured by the camera as information indicating a target for sale. Means for providing video to a remote customer in real-time through the store, and product detail data provided in the store or on the surface of or in the vicinity of each product at the store, and recording product detail data such as dimensions and materials of the product A merchandise sales system comprising: a recording unit; and a merchandise detail data providing unit that captures the merchandise detailed data recorded by the merchandise detailed data recording unit via wireless communication and provides the detailed customer data via a communication network to remote customers. It is. In the present invention, when a remote customer wants to provide detailed product data (material, external dimensions, price, use, manufacturing company name, manufacturing place name, etc. of a product) on a terminal screen, Request the detailed product data by specifying the product. Then, for example, the store-side server controls the product detail data recording means near the designated product, wirelessly fetches the product detail data recorded there, and provides it to the customer. (14) The present invention also provides a camera for real-time imaging of individual merchandise displayed for sale in a store or a store, and information on video captured by the camera as information indicating a target for sale. Image providing means for providing to a remote customer in real time through, and product identification data display means provided in or in the store or on the surface of each product in the store, and displaying product identification data of the product,
Product detail data storage means for storing product detail data such as dimensions and materials of each product in association with the product identification data of each product; and a remote customer displaying the product displayed by the product identification data display means. When specifying the identification data and requesting the product detail data of the product, using the product identification data as a key, selecting the relevant product detail data from the product detail data storage means and providing the product to the remote customer And a detailed data providing means. In the present invention, for example, the merchandise detailed data of each merchandise is stored in advance in the store server in association with the merchandise identification data of each merchandise. The remote customer can recognize the outline of each product and the product identification data by viewing each product and the product identification data display means near the product on the terminal screen. Then, the remote customer can specify the recognized product identification data and request the product detailed data of the product in order to obtain more detailed information for determining whether to purchase the product. Then
For example, the store-side server provides the product detail data of the product to the customer using the product identification data as a key. (15) Further, the present invention relates to a camera for real-time imaging of individual commodities displayed for sale in a store or at a store, and information on video captured by the camera as information indicating a target for sale. Image providing means for providing to a remote customer in real time through, and product identification data recording means provided in or in the store or on the surface of each product in the store, and recording product identification data of the product,
Product identification data providing means for taking in the product identification data recorded by the product identification data recording means via wireless communication and providing it to the customer, and merchandise detail data such as its dimensions and materials for each product, A product detail data storage means for storing the product detail data in association with the data; and a remote customer designates the product identification data from the product identification data providing means and requests the product detail data of the product. A product detail data providing means for selecting the corresponding product detail data from the product detail data storage means and providing the customer with the data using the data as a key. In the present invention, for example, the store-side server stores in advance the product detailed data of each product in the recording device in association with the product identification data of each product. The remote customer requests the product identification data of the product for which detailed product data is desired while viewing each product on the terminal screen. Then, the server controls the commodity identification data recording means near the commodity, takes in the commodity identification data recorded there, and provides it to the customer. When the customer receives the product identification data, the customer can use the product identification data as a key to retrieve the product detailed data of the product identified by the product identification data from the recording device of the store-side server. (16) Further, the present invention can provide real-time sound, such as voice, sound, music, or the like, existing or generated in the vicinity of or around a product displayed in a store or a store, or in a store or the whole store. It includes sound capturing means such as a microphone to be collected, and sound information providing means for providing the sound information captured by the sound capturing means to a remote customer via a communication network in real time. By providing the remote customer with the sound that exists near or around the displayed product, the remote customer has a “realism” as if he / she were actually in the store, and the It is possible to carry out actions such as selection and purchase of products in the market.

[0005]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1 FIG. Next, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a product sales system according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a table for displaying goods in a store, reference numerals 2, 3 and 4 denote products which have almost no stock or are low in stock close to one-item production displayed on the table 1, and reference numeral 2 denotes a ceramic product ( (Art work), 3 is luxury clothing, 4 is pottery. In FIG. 1, 1
2, 13 and 14 are the displayed products 2, 3, 4
Is a customer (visiting the store) whether it is still "sold" or already "sold or sold out" (in the following description, "sold or sold out" may be abbreviated as "sold out"). A notification panel for notifying a customer and both a remote customer user who conducts online shopping via a computer communication network) or a clerk. Among these notification panels 12, 13, and 14, the notification panel 12 is attached to the surface of the product 2 with a chain 12a or a string. Also notice panel 1
Reference numeral 3 is attached to a button hole at the bottom of the commodity (high-grade clothing) 3 by a string or a chain 13a. The notification panel 14 is placed at a position near the product 4 on the table 1.

[0006] In this store, the price ($ 20,000) and the product identification code (A1101) for specifying the product are indicated by a paper product price etc. bulletin board 32 for the product 2. Whether the product 2 is “still sold” or “already sold (non-sellable)” is indicated to the customer or the clerk by the notification panel 12. The price of the commodity 3 ($
35,000) and a barcode 33a (a barcode indicating the content of "A1102"), which is a product identification code for specifying a product, are indicated by a paper product price etc. bulletin board 33. Accordingly, whether the corresponding product 3 is “still sold” or “already sold (not sellable)” is indicated to the customer or the clerk by the notification panel 13. The price of the commodity 4 ($
30,000) and an identification code (A1
103) and whether the corresponding product 4 is “still sold” or “already sold (not sellable)” is indicated to the customer or the clerk by the notification panel 14.

The configuration of each of the notification panels 12, 13, and 14 is as follows. First, the notification panel 12
And 13 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, in the notification panel 12, characters “on sale” and “contracted” are printed on the surface of a plastic panel 21 in a vertically parallel manner. Further, LEDs (light emitting diodes) 22 and 23 are attached to the left side of the characters “sold” and “sold”, respectively. Further, a receiving section 24 for receiving a signal from an infrared signal transmitter 61 described later is formed on an upper portion of the panel 21. FIG.
As shown in (c), the signal received by the receiving unit 24 is analyzed by a microcomputer 25 built in the panel 21. Based on this analysis, the microcomputer 25 turns on or blinks one of the LEDs 22 or 23. A customer visiting the store or a customer on the network can know whether the product 12 or 13 is "on sale" or "contracted" by turning on or off one of the LEDs 22 or 23. I can do it.

The notification panel 14 is configured as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, an LCD (liquid crystal display) 15 is mounted on a plastic frame 31. The LCD 15 displays the price of the product 4 ($ 30,000), the product identification code (A1103) for specifying the product 4, and whether the product 4 is “sold” or “sold”. Is displayed. Also, this frame 31
A receiving unit 34 for wirelessly receiving a signal transmitted from an infrared signal transmitter 61, which will be described later, is attached to the upper part of the receiver. Further, as shown in FIG. 3C, a microcomputer 35 is provided inside the frame 13, and the signal received by the receiving unit 34 is
Analyzed at 5. Then, the microcomputer 35 controls the LCD 15 based on the analysis of the signal,
Either “for sale” or “contracted” for the product 4 is displayed on the screen of the LCD 15. This allows the customer visiting the store and the customer (user) on the network to know whether the product 4 is “sold” or “sold”.

Next, the overall configuration of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 again. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 41 denotes an infrared signal transmitter carried by a clerk 40. The infrared signal transmitter 41 is operated by the clerk 40 to operate the notification panel 12.
And 13, a signal for turning on or off one of the LCDs 22 and 23 according to the situation. The infrared signal transmitter 41 is connected to a clerk 40.
By the operation described above, the price of the corresponding product 4 ($ 30,000) and the product code (A11
03) and a signal for displaying any of the characters “sold” and “sold” on the screen of the LCD 15 (see FIG. 3). Also, in FIG.
Reference numeral 51 denotes a video camera provided in the store. The video cameras 51 are for photographing products displayed in the store, and are provided at a plurality of locations in the store. The following correspondence is set between the plurality of video cameras 51 and the product display space in the store. In other words, the product display space in the store is virtually allocated to a plurality of addresses (FIG. 6 of JP-A-8-22498, which is a conventional technique (FIG. 6 of this publication is directly quoted in FIG. 13 of the present application)). See). Then, a correspondence table between the addresses and the identification numbers of the video cameras is created. Then, this correspondence table is recorded in the recording device of the store-side server 52. FIG. 5 shows an example of the “correspondence table between the in-store space address and the video camera identification number” used in the first embodiment.

The user designates (clicks with a mouse or the like) a desired point (sales corner) in the sketch while viewing the sketch in the store on the screen of the communication terminal 54, and the image of the space including the point is displayed. Can be viewed in real time. That is, when a user (remote customer) on the communication network designates (clicks with a mouse or the like) a predetermined point (point) in the sketch while looking at a screen on which a sketch or the like in the store is displayed, for example. The video camera identification number corresponding to the address of the space including the designated point is searched from the table (FIG. 5). Then, real-time photographed video data from the video camera 51 having the searched video camera identification number is provided to the user. The provision of this video data to the user side is made public on a homepage on the Internet and taken in by the user side by browsing software for browsing the homepage or transmitted to the user side by the server 52. By doing
Alternatively, the image is broadcasted from the communication satellite to the user. That is, in the first embodiment, the video captured by the video camera 51 is, for example,
The store is made public on a homepage established on the Internet by the store server 52. On the store side, the user who can access this homepage may be a general customer user by setting the server 52,
It may be limited to customer member users who have paid a predetermined membership fee to the store in advance and made a membership contract. A user who accesses this homepage can capture video data from the video camera 51 using browsing software for browsing, or can transmit the video data from the store-side server 52 and capture the video data into his / her computer. it can. Further, the video data can be broadcast from a communication satellite to a user's home. As will be described later, when a remote user sends an operation signal to the store-side server (computer) 52, the plurality of video cameras 51 can change the imaging direction and the zoom magnification of the imaging by the user's remote operation. It can be changed arbitrarily. Therefore, the user can use the video camera 51
, Video data of any direction and magnification can be captured (by transmission or browsing software for browsing).

Further, as shown in FIG.
In the above, video cameras are not installed for all the in-store space addresses, but the video cameras 51 are installed for every other in-store space address. Therefore, the video camera 51 corresponding to each of the spatial addresses SA01 and SA03 is provided, but the corresponding video camera 51 is not provided for the spatial addresses SA02 and SA04. Therefore, the actual video images of the space addresses SA02 and SA04 are respectively stored in their address spaces (for example, S
A02), the respective images from the video cameras corresponding to the two adjacent address spaces (for example, SA01 and SA03) adjacent to each other are combined into one, and the combined image is transmitted to the user. . Also,
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 61 denotes an infrared signal transmitter which is "on sale"
Or the signal of "sold" is sent to the notification panel 12,1.
It transmits wirelessly to any of 3 and 14. For example, an identification code for each notification panel is added to a signal transmitted from the infrared transmitter 61 (in addition, a unique identification code is recorded for each notification panel, and its own unique identification code is recorded. Is programmed so as to accept only the information provided with the information) and only the notification panel having the corresponding identification code among the notification panels 12, 13, and 14 selectively transmits the signal. Receive and process information. The notification panels 12 and 13 that have received this signal turn on or blink the LED 22 next to the word "sale" if "sale" by the built-in microcomputer 25 (FIG. 2A). State), and if "sales completed", the LED 23 next to the character "sales completed" is turned on or blinks (the state of FIG. 2B). The notification panel 14 that has received the signal controls the LCD 15 by the built-in microcomputer 35, and displays “sale” if “sale” (FIG. 3 (a)). )), And if it is "sales completed", the characters "sales completed" are displayed (the state of FIG. 3B). As a result, the customer or the clerk 40 who is visiting the store can be notified in real time whether the product is “sold” or “sold”.

[0012] In FIG. 1, reference numeral 52 denotes whether a user who accesses an Internet homepage via a public telephone line 53 captures an image captured by a video camera 51 using browsing (for browsing) software. Or a store-side server (computer) for providing digital data to a user by transmitting the digital data to the user. In other words, the user
The "real-time video data captured by the video camera 51" provided from the store-side server 52 in the form of a homepage on the Internet or the like can be loaded into its own computer by browsing software. May be transmitted from the store-side server 52 (further, broadcast from a communication satellite or the like). The store-side server 52 receives a signal from the user-side communication terminal 54 and controls the infrared signal communication device 61.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 54 denotes a remote user-side communication terminal (comprising a personal computer or the like), which includes a display device 54a having an LCD or the like and an input device 54b having a keyboard and a mouse. Is provided. FIG. 4A shows an example of an operation controller for the video camera 51 provided in the input device 54b. The illustration of the controller for operation of the input device 54b is based on the controller drawing described in the use manual of a video game machine (product name "NINTENDO64") using a 64-bit MPU of Nintendo Co., Ltd., a video game maker. It is quoted. This controller is provided with a stick 151 called a “3D stick”. The 3D stick 151 reads a tilt angle and a direction (see FIGS. 4B and 4C) of the stick 151 that moves three-dimensionally by a user's operation, thereby performing a subtle three-dimensional operation on the screen. This is an analog stick that enables The remote user can move the 3D stick 151 three-dimensionally and freely move three-dimensionally in the store while watching the screen via the communication network. You can move freely within the store as if you were in the store). When the user moves the 3D stick 151, the in-store virtual space address is detected in accordance with the movement of the 3D stick 151, and the "in-store space address" is moved based on the detected address. / Video camera identification number table ", the corresponding identification number of the video camera 51 is searched, and the data of the real video (or a composite video of the real video from the two video cameras) from the video camera 51 is retrieved in real time. It is done by having you provide. The real-time provision of the live-action video data may be performed, for example, by allowing the user to access the homepage and capture it with his / her own browsing (for browsing) software, or to have the server 52 transmit the data.
Or, by having it broadcast from a communication satellite,
Done.

In the first embodiment, the capture or transmission of the real-time photographed image can be performed for 24 hours regardless of whether the store is open or closed. Especially during the time when the store is open, the live-action video that is transmitted shows not only the displayed products but also the status of ordinary visitors and clerks, etc. Is displayed as a video (video), so the remote user can see through the screen as if he were in the shop and actually looking for the product at the site, just like the customer on the screen A great sense of “realism” can be obtained. In addition, by adopting the merchandise sales system of the first embodiment, if the indoor lighting in the store is turned ON, the store can be operated online (on a communication network) for 24 hours or by satellite broadcasting. Can be shown to the user, and there is also a chance to accept access from users living in remote areas and sell products. Therefore, the store can obtain the same effect as extending the business hours of the store, and can obtain the same effect as newly opening a sister store in another remote area. In addition, in stores that operate alone or with a small number of people, it is difficult for shopkeepers to take long vacations because they cannot open the store (they cannot close the store). Was more
If the merchandise sales system of the first embodiment is adopted, a business form of “stores operating on the network with the entrance key locked (closed)” is also possible. There is an advantage that it is easier to take a vacation.

FIG. 6 shows the user-side communication terminal 5.
4 shows an example of a display screen by the display device 54a of FIG. FIG. 6A shows a paper product price or the like in which the user wants to purchase the product 3 in FIG. The bulletin board 33 is magnified and imaged (the user transmits an operation signal to the store-side server 52 and remotely operates the zoom mechanism of the video camera 51 to magnify and photograph the bulletin board 33). In the center of the screen of the display device 54a, a reading unit 154 (FIG. 6)
(Parts indicated by broken lines in FIGS. 7A and 7B). When the user remotely operates the video camera 51 to cause the image of the barcode 33a to enter the reading unit 154 surrounded by the broken line and input a reading command, the reading unit 154 reads the barcode 33a. (The bar code 33a is first taken in as image data, which is analyzed and recognized as an identification code.) For example, a product identification code "A1102" is input. The product identification code “A1102” as a result of the reading is displayed in a small window screen 155 at the upper right of the display screen of FIG.
As described above, the product 3 is specified by the product identification code “A1102” between the user-side communication terminal 54 and the store-side server 52.

When the user wants to purchase the product 3, the purchase procedure is performed by operating, for example, as follows. First, the user uses the input device 54b of the communication terminal 54 to enter his / her name, address, credit card number, etc. (In some cases, the store is a department store, and the member number for the department store's own customer is entered. If there is a need for “prepayment for the product price”, the electronic money corresponding to the product price is transmitted.) Then, the user transmits the input information, the product identification code of the product 3 input by the reading unit 154, and the message of “I want to purchase” input by a keyboard or the like by e-mail transmission or homepage writing. In the form of registration in the area, etc., via the communication line 53,
It is provided to the store side server 52. When the shop server 52 receives the information, the shop server 52 controls the infrared transmitter 61 to output a product identification code of the product 3 and a signal for informing that the product 3 is "sales completed". The notification is sent to the notification panel 13. In particular,
The product identification code “A1102” unique to the product 3 and information that “a remote customer has made a purchase request or purchase application” are transmitted as an infrared signal. The microcomputer built in the notification panel 13 includes:
When a signal to which the notification panel 13 has previously been assigned a product identification code “A1102” unique to the corresponding product 3 has been transmitted, the signal is received and predetermined information processing (specifically, the notification is performed). A process of displaying “sold” on the panel 13) is performed.
Therefore, in the notification panel 13 which has received the above-mentioned signal, the LED 22 (LED at the position next to the character "sale") which has been lit up until then is turned off, and the LED 22 is turned off.
23 (the LED next to the character "sales completed") is turned on or blinks. That is, an infrared signal (a signal indicating a product identification code unique to the product 3 and a signal indicating an instruction to “display a contracted display”) emitted from the infrared transmitter 61 is transmitted to the notification panels 12, 13, 14, and the like. The information is received once by a plurality of notification panels in the store. However, each of the notice panels 12, 13, 14 etc.
A product identification code unique to each of the corresponding products 2, 3, and 4 is recorded, and only when a command signal indicating "sold" is sent together with the product identification code, the command indicating "sold" is executed. Is programmed in advance. Therefore, even if the signal is radiated from the infrared transmitter 61 to the plurality of notification panels 12, 13, 14, etc., the execution of the instruction of displaying "sold" indicates that the corresponding product identification code is recorded. That is, only the notification panel 13 is displayed. LED 23 above
(Display of "sales completed") makes it possible to inform customers and clerks who are visiting the store that the displayed product 3 has become "sales completed" from that point.
Further, since the lighting process of the LED 23 (display of “contracted”) is performed within a very short time from the time when the remote customer makes an application for purchase, the remote customer can also view the process on the screen to make a purchase. It is possible to confirm in real time that the application for is accepted by the store.

FIG. 6 (b) shows another example of the display screen of the display device 54a of the user-side communication terminal 54. This example shows an operation screen when the user wants to purchase the product 4 in FIG. In this case, the user remotely operates the video camera 51 to enlarge and image the notification panel 14 on which the product identification code “A1103” of the product 4 is displayed, and to display the product identification code “A1103”. The image of the portion is put in the reading section 154 (portion surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 6B) at the center of the screen, and a reading command is input.
Then, the reading unit 154 reads the alphanumeric characters of “A1103”. This reading is performed first by using the “A110
This is performed by capturing the alphanumeric characters of 3 "as image data and recognizing the captured image data as characters or numerical data (text data) by OCR software (character recognition program). Results read by this OCR software Product identification code "A
1103 ″ is displayed in the small window screen 155 at the upper right of the display screen in FIG. 6B. The product identification code of the product 4 is input in the manner described above. The method described is a method of reading the product identification code from the reading unit 154, but in the first embodiment, various other methods are possible.
As another method, for example, the user recognizes (visually) the product identification code of the product 4 to be purchased on the screen as “A1103”, and displays the product identification code input window screen 155 ( 6 (b) is displayed, and the recognized product identification code "A110
3 "is manually input with a keyboard or the like. When the user intends to apply for the purchase of the product 4, the product identification code" A1103 "of the product 4 thus input is separately input. Information such as the name, address, payment method, and a purchase application message is transmitted to the store server 52 via a communication line 53. The store server 52 performs the purchase application and the accompanying application. In response to the information, the infrared transmitter 61 is controlled to change the display on the notification panel 14 of the product 4 from “sale” to “sold”. Also,
The store clerk looks at the purchase application record of the store-side server 52, removes the product 4 from the display table 1, and performs a procedure for delivering it to the user's home by courier.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the video cameras 51 are attached to a plurality of locations in a store. Further, the infrared transmitter 61 also includes:
In correspondence with each video camera 51 (so-called video camera 5
1 in the form of a set) and attached to a position near each video camera 51. Also, the video from each video camera 51 can be viewed simultaneously by a plurality of remote users via a computer network. However, operating the directional control and zoom control of one video camera 51 first establishes a "priority" (priority for operating that video camera) by accessing that video camera 51. Only the user can do it. Then, only the user who can operate the video camera 51 can operate the infrared transmitter 61. Other users who do not have the “priority” can browse and view the video from the video camera 51.
It can only be captured and viewed by software. The other user who does not have the “priority” is the first time when the user having the priority relinquishes the priority of the video camera 51 that has been established (acquired) in order to move to another video camera 51. , Its video camera 51
Operation priority can be obtained. When the priority of operation of the video camera 51 is transferred to another user, the priority of operation of the infrared transmitter 61 provided corresponding to the video camera is automatically transferred to another user.
Note that the priority of the operation of the video camera 51 can be acquired in order from the user who accesses the video camera 51 earlier (first-come, first-served).

The first embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the first embodiment, and various modifications as described below are possible. For example, FIG.
As shown at 01, a sound collecting microphone 301 is provided adjacent to or near the video camera 51 so as to capture sound such as sound, music or voice of the whole store or the periphery of the product display place. The acquired sound information, together with the video information from the video camera 51, is transmitted to the remote customer in real time by the store server 52 via a communication network (such as an Internet homepage) or a broadcast through a communication satellite. Provided. In this way, remote customers can receive not only real-time in-store video but also in-store sound in real time, making shopping on the network more "realistic". Is obtained. Further, for example, in the first embodiment, the notification panels 12 and 13 provided with the LEDs 22 and 23 and the LCD 15 as notification means for notifying the visiting customer or the clerk that the product has been “sales completed”. Notification panel 1 with
4 is used to visually inform customers and clerks who are visiting the store that they have "sold".
The present invention is not limited to this. For example, the following method may be used to notify that "sales have been completed". For example, the notification panels 12, 13, and 14 have LEDs or LCDs.
Instead, a "buzzer" or "speaker" may be provided to output "predetermined sound or sound" to appeal to the hearing of customers or clerks who are visiting the store, thereby notifying that "sales have been completed". Further, in the present invention, a laser beam generating device controlled by the store server 52 is provided, and when a user designates a specific product and desires to purchase, controlling the laser beam generating device, By continuing to emit a colored laser beam for the item for which purchase has been reserved, and by continuing to emit the laser beam, the store clerk is told, "It is necessary to remove the item from the display table 1 and deliver it to the user. "
May be notified. In this case, even before the clerk removes the product from the display table 1,
Since the laser beam continues to be emitted, customers and clerks who are visiting the store can recognize that the product has already been "sales completed".

Embodiment 2 Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 7, parts common to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the second embodiment, each of the products 2, 3, and 4 has a notification panel 72, 7 that is thin and has a small area and the same shape as the “product tag”.
3, 74 are attached respectively. In this attachment method, the notification panel 72 is adhered to the surface of the product 2 by an adhesive tape (not shown) coated with an adhesive that can be attached and detached a plurality of times without leaving any trace. I have. Also, the notification panels 73 and 74 are:
They are attached to products 3 and 4 by strings 93 and 94, respectively. The appearance configuration of the notification panels 72, 73, 74 is the same as that shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b). The internal configuration of these notification panels 72, 73, 74 is as shown in FIG. That is, in FIG.
b is a CPU (central processing unit). 72a is C
Controlled by the PU 72b, a certain product is "on sale" on the display unit including the LEDs 22, 23 (see FIG. 2) or the LCD.
This is a display section for indicating whether or not "sold". Also 72
e is a transmission unit controlled by the CPU 72b and wirelessly transmits a signal to an external device. 72d is controlled by the CPU 72b and a reception unit for wirelessly receiving a signal from an external device (device). A memory that is controlled by the CPU 72b and records data. The memory 72c is a memory in which recorded data can be rewritten, and is constituted by, for example, a nonvolatile ferroelectric memory (FRAM). The above description is about the internal structure of the notification panel 72.
The same applies to No. 4. Also, in FIG.
Is a portable infrared transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the notification panels 72, 73, 74 carried by the clerk 40 and attached to the products 2, 3, and 4. The internal configuration of the portable infrared transceiver 81 is as shown in FIG. That is, in FIG.
U and 81b are memories for recording data under the control of the CPU 81a, 81c is an input unit such as a keyboard, 81d is a display unit such as an LCD, and 81e is a CP.
A transmission unit for transmitting data under the control of U81a, 81f
Is a receiving unit for receiving data from an external device.

Next, the operation of the infrared transceiver 81 will be described. The clerk 40, for a product displayed for sale in the store, the product identification code and data indicating whether the product is currently “sold” or “sold”,
Each data such as product name data, product price data, product material data, and product data such as product size (dimension) data is input by the input unit 81c. Each of the input data is sent to the CPU 8
1a, the data is temporarily stored in the memory 81b. Next, when the clerk 40 inputs a transmission command from the input unit 81c, the CPU 81a controls the transmission unit 81e to wirelessly transmit the data recorded in the memory 81b to the notification panel 72. . Each of the transmitted data is received by the receiving unit 72d of the
The data is recorded in the memory 72c by the PU 72b. Also CP
U72b displays the display unit 72a based on the data "whether the product (product) is currently on sale or sold" received together with the identification data and the product data.
LED 22 and 23 (see FIG. 2) are displayed to indicate either “sold” or “sold”, and notify the customer or the clerk of “sold” or “sold”. Next, in FIG. 7, reference numeral 82 indicates the store-side server 5.
2 for transmitting and receiving signals (data signals) to and from the notification panels 72, 73 and 74 wirelessly. The electrical configuration of the infrared transceiver 82 is as shown in FIG. 9, and includes a CPU 82a, a memory 82e for recording data,
A transmission unit 82b and a reception unit 82c for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data to and from the store-side server 52; and an I / O port 82d for transmitting and receiving data to and from the store-side server 52. Have been. Also, in FIG.
Reference numeral 83 denotes a light receiving section 72f of the notification panels 72, 73, 74 controlled by the store server 52 (see FIG. 9).
Laser beam generator for emitting laser beam to the
Reference numeral 84 denotes a direction controller for controlling the emission direction of the laser beam emitted from the laser beam generator 83 under the control of the store-side server 52.

Next, referring to FIG. 9, the store server 52, the infrared transceiver 82, and the laser beam generator 8
3. Direction control device 84 and notification panels 72, 73, 74
Will be described. The infrared transceiver 82, the laser beam generator 83, and the direction controller 84 described above.
Are the video cameras 51 provided at a plurality of locations in the store.
The video camera 51 is provided with each video camera 51 at a position near the video camera 51 so as to correspond to the video camera 51 respectively. Now, as in the first embodiment,
A remote customer user accesses a website on the Internet that publishes video data captured by the video camera 51 shown in FIG. 7, captures the video captured by the video camera 51, looks at the screen of the terminal 54, The operation when the user desires to purchase the product 2 (as long as the product has no stock) in FIG. 7 will be described below. First, the user needs to know the product identification code of the product 2. In addition, the user needs to know the price, size, and material of the product 2 before making an intention to purchase the product 2 and to determine whether it is really better to purchase the product 2 (the price and the price of the product 2 described above). The size and material may be known to some extent by looking at the product tag on which the price is entered based on the video from the video camera 51, or by enlarging the video of the product 2 and looking at the surface thereof. The information from 51 alone may not be enough.) The operation for that will be described below. In this case, the user first transmits a command signal for generating a laser beam from the laser beam generator 83 and a control signal for controlling the emission direction of the laser beam from the own communication terminal 54 to the store-side server. 52. In this case, the control of the emission direction of the laser beam is performed by the user using the display device 54.
3D (3D) as shown in FIG.
Using the operation stick, etc., the center of the target notification panel 72 (light is received at this center) in a manner similar to emitting a laser beam with a pistol type laser gun toward the target aimed at the video game Portion 72f) is brought to the center of the screen of the display device 54a, and a command of "firing" is input and transmitted so as to emit a laser beam toward the center (the portion having the light receiving portion 72f). It is done by doing. The store-side server 52 that has received the laser beam emission command signal and its emission direction control signal
First, a direction controller 84 based on the launch direction control signal
To control the emission direction of the laser beam. Next, the store-side server 52 controls the laser beam generator 83 to emit the laser beam in the above-described controlled direction. The emission of the laser beam is continued for a predetermined time. The emitted laser beam (see reference numeral 85 in FIG. 7) is sent to the notification panel 72 linearly in one or more lines, and is received by the light receiving section (see 72f in FIG. 9) of the notification panel 72. Received. When this laser beam is received, a signal indicating that is received by the light receiving section 72f.
Is sent to the CPU 72b. Next, the user operates the input device 54b while the laser beam is being emitted.
Is operated, the notification panel 72 performs a remote operation for receiving product data such as product identification data recorded in the built-in memory 72c. This operation is performed by the user inputting instruction data “transmit product data” from the input device 54b, and the store server 52
By sending it to When the store server 52 receives the command data, the store server 52 controls the infrared transceiver 82 to wirelessly transmit a command signal representing the command. Since the command signal by the infrared rays is diffused without going straight in a straight line like a laser beam, the same infrared command signal is received by each of the notification panels 72, 73 and 74 in FIG.
However, the program executed by the CPU 72b (the memory 7
2b) is preliminarily stored in "If the command signal is received while the laser beam is being received, the command signal is analyzed and executed. Even if received, ignore it without analyzing it. " Therefore, the command signal from the infrared transceiver 82 is received once by all of the three notification panels 72, 73, 74, but the received command signal is read (analyzed) and executed. Only the notification panel 72 receiving the laser beam at the same time among the above three is used. Then, the notification panel 72 reads the command signal and transmits a signal indicating the product data and the product identification data recorded in its own memory 72c to the infrared transceiver 82 by wireless. The transmitted product data and the signal indicating the product identification data are provided by the store server 52 to the user. The provision of the merchandise data and the merchandise identification data is performed by the user operating and reading the homepage on the store side or by having the server 52 transmit the data to the user side. When the product data and the product identification data are displayed on the screen of the display device 54a of the user terminal 54, the user:
While looking at this screen, it is possible to check product data such as price, size, material, and the like and product identification data of the product 2 to determine whether to purchase it.

Next, the user confirms the product identification data relating to the product 2 and the product data such as price, size, material, etc. on the screen of the display device 54a, makes a decision on the purchase, and applies for the purchase. The operation when trying to do is described. In this case, similarly to the case of requesting the product data described above, first, the user
To remotely control the direction control device 84 and the laser beam generator 83 to emit a laser beam toward the center of the notification panel 72 (the portion where the light receiving portion 72f is located), and emit the laser beam. For a predetermined time. This laser beam is received by the light receiving section 72f, and a signal indicating the reception is sent to the CPU 72b.
Sent to Next, the user may receive a purchase application message while the laser beam is continuously emitted,
Enter the necessary messages and data, such as your name and address, e-mail address, product identification data of the product 2 you want to purchase, payment method, and credit card number, and send them to the store server 52. I do. The store-side server 52 receiving these messages and data operates the infrared transceiver 82,
The user's name and address, email address,
A signal indicating the product identification data of the product 2, the payment method of the price, and the credit card number, a signal indicating an instruction to “record these data in the memory 72c”, and a notification indicating that the product 2 has been sold. Change the display on the display section 72a of the panel 72 to indicate that sales have been completed. " Unlike the laser beam, the signal transmitted by the infrared communication does not travel in a straight line and diffuses to the surroundings. Therefore, these transmitted signals are transmitted not only to the notification panel 72 but also to the notification panel 73 around the panel. And 74 at the same time. However, each notification panel 72, 73, 74
The program for controlling the CPU incorporated in the system includes, "If the laser beam 85 is received at the same time even when the signal from the infrared transceiver 82 is received, analyze and execute the received signal (simultaneously transmit the laser beam. If no signal is received, even if the signal is received once, do not analyze it and ignore it). " Therefore,
Even if the signal transmitted from the store-side server 62 is once received by all of the three notification panels 72, 73, and 74, analyzing and executing the received signal is based on the data and command. Only the notification panel 72 that receives the laser beam 85 simultaneously with the reception of the signal is limited. Thereby, the CP of the notification panel 72 is
U72b receives the received data (product identification data,
User name, address, e-mail address, credit card number, etc.) in the memory 72c,
By controlling the LED of the display unit 72a, the display of the display unit 72a is changed so as to notify the visiting customer or the clerk that "sales have been completed". And the notification panel 7
When these processes are completed, the second CPU 72b wirelessly transmits a signal indicating that to the store-side server 52. The store-side server 52 transmits a signal indicating this (end of the process) to the user-side communication terminal 54, and notifies the user of the end of the purchase application process by e-mail or the like. This allows the user to confirm that the purchase procedure has been completed. When the purchase of the product 2 by the remote user is completed in this way, the notification panel 72
Will show information that it is "sold".
The customer or the clerk 40 who is visiting the store can immediately know that the product has been "sales completed", and it is possible to avoid that the customer 2 who is visiting the store erroneously applies for purchase twice. In addition, the clerk 40 can know the name and address of the remote user who purchased the product 2 via the store-side server 52, but at the same time, can also use the portable infrared transceiver 81. it can. That is, as described above, since the data such as the user's name and address is recorded in the memory 72c in the notification panel 72, the clerk 4
0 instructs the CPU 72b of the notification panel 72 to transmit the data recorded in the memory 72c to the infrared transceiver 81 carried by the user, and transmits these data to the display (LCD) 81d of the infrared transceiver 81. The content of the data can also be known by displaying with.
The display section 72a of the notification panel 72 may be constituted by an LCD, and the contents recorded in the memory 72c may be displayed on the display section 72a by the CPU 72b.
0 can know the information of the remote user who applied for the purchase.

Embodiment 3 FIG. In the above-described second embodiment, while the laser beam 85 from the laser beam generator 83 continues to be received by the light receiving unit 72f, the infrared transceiver 82 displays "Display that the product 2 is on sale." Or a signal indicating an instruction to "display that the product 2 has been sold" and a signal indicating data such as the name and address of the remote user who has made the purchase application are transmitted to the notification panel 72. I am trying to do it. On the other hand, the third embodiment is characterized in that the function of transmitting the signal indicating the respective data by the infrared transceiver 82 is also replaced by the laser beam generator 83. That is, in the third embodiment, FIG.
A signal indicating a purchase application message of the remote user who has made the purchase application and a signal indicating data such as the name and address of the remote user who has made the purchase application are put on the laser beam 207 generated by the laser beam generator 206 (for example, The laser beam 207 is used to indicate data or signals composed of a combination of "0" and "1"). The laser beam 207 transmits these messages and signals indicating the data to the notification panel 2 of FIG.
02 is transmitted to the light receiving unit 202c (see FIG. 12). In this case, the signal received by the light receiving unit 202c is sent to the CPU 202a (FIG. 12). Upon receiving this signal, the CPU 202a displays the program on the display unit 202d based on a program stored in a memory in advance.
(FIG. 12) to change the display from "sold" to "sold". Further, the CPU 202a causes the memory 202d (FIG. 12) to record data such as the name and address of the user who has made the purchase application.

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 10 to FIG.
Embodiment 3 will be described in more detail. 10-13
The same reference numerals are given to the parts common to the second embodiment.
Description is omitted. First, in FIG.
51 are provided at a plurality of locations in the store.
In order to correspond to each of the video cameras 15,
Laser beam generator 206, direction controller 84, and infrared
The line receiver 209 is provided as a set
This is the same as in the second embodiment. Next, FIGS.
In 13, the products 202, 203 and 204 are products
Notification panel attached to 2,3,4, 205 is a clerk
40 carry and sell to the notification panels 202, 203, 204
Signals such as product identification codes and prices
The portable controller 206 for transmitting
Name and address of the customer who wants to purchase from bar 52
A signal indicating data such as
209 is a laser beam generator for transmitting
Purchase reservation confirmation signals from channels 202, 203 and 204
(Infrared signal) and sends it to the store server 52
(The store-side server 52 further receives the confirmation signal
The confirmation message of the purchase application
To the communication terminal 54).

Next, based on FIG. 11, the store clerk 40 stores the product identification code of each of the products 2, 3 and 4 and the product data such as the price and the material thereof in the corresponding notification panel 202, The operation at the time of transmission will be described in 203 and 204. The clerk 40 inputs data such as the product identification code of each of the products 2, 3, and 4 and their prices to the portable controller 205. Specifically, the code and data are input from the input unit 205b, and are recorded in the memory 205d by the CPU 205a. Next, the recorded code and data are transmitted on the laser beam from the laser beam generator 205e. In this case, the laser beam travels in a straight line, so if the laser beam is emitted aiming at the center of the notification panel corresponding to the target product, only the notification panel can reliably receive the laser beam. Therefore, there is no possibility that the laser beam is erroneously received by a notification panel other than the target notification panel. Light receiving unit 2 of notification panel 203
02c receives the signal from the laser beam and sends the signal to the CPU 202a, which records the data indicated by the signal in the memory 202d. Also C
The PU 202a controls the LED (or LCD) of the display unit 202b based on the recorded data to display whether the product 2 is "sold" or "sold".
When the clerk 40 wants to view the data recorded in the memories of the notification panels 202, 203 and 204, he operates the portable controller 205 to read “the data recorded in the memory 202 d of the notification panel 202. Is transmitted from the laser beam generator 205e of the controller 205. Then, the laser beam carrying this signal is received by the light receiving unit 202c of the notification panel 202, and the data recorded in the memory 202d is transmitted from the transmitting unit 202e by the CPU 202a, and this is transmitted by the receiving unit 205f of the portable controller 205. Received.

Next, an operation when a remote customer user accessing via a network desires to purchase the product 2 via the video camera 51 and makes a purchase application to the store. Will be described based on FIG. 10 and FIG. This operation is performed in the following (a) to (g)
Are performed in the order of (A) When a remote customer user finds a product that he / she wants to consider purchasing while viewing the image from the video camera 51 on the screen of the communication terminal 54, first, the material, dimensions, selling price, and price of the product It is necessary to know the product data such as the payment method. There are various methods for the store to notify the remote customer of the product data. For example, first, first, the store leans a sheet in advance near each product in which product data such as the material, dimensions, selling price, and price payment method of the product are leaned, and the user places the sheet on the video. There is a method of visually recognizing the image from the camera 51. In the second method, the user remotely controls the laser beam generator 206 (refer to the following description (b) for a specific method of remote control), and the information is recorded in the memory 202d in the notification panel 202. A signal that instructs to wirelessly return product data such as the material, dimensions, sales price, and price payment method of the product is transmitted to the notification panel 202 by a laser beam, and the product data is transmitted from the notification panel 202. There is a method of making them reply wirelessly. As a third method, the user remotely controls the infrared transmitter (see 61 in FIG. 1), and the material, size, selling price, and price of the product recorded in the memory 202d in the notification panel 202 are stored. A signal instructing to wirelessly return product data such as a payment method is transmitted to the notification panel 202 by infrared rays together with a signal indicating the product identification code of the corresponding product recorded on the notification panel 202. , Notice panel 20
2 to wirelessly return the product data (in the notification panel 202, it is determined whether or not the product identification code sent together with the signal indicating the command matches the product identification code recorded by itself. Only when they match, the above-mentioned instruction is executed). As a fourth method, the user sends an image of the product and a message indicating that the user wants to transmit product data related to the product to the store server 52 by e-mail, and the store clerk sends the e-mail to the store server 52. On the other hand, there is a method in which the store server 52 is used to return the product data of the product to the user. Although not described here, there are various methods other than the above method. When the user checks the product data of the product by any method and decides to purchase, the user applies for purchase as follows. (B) First, the user remotely operates the direction control device 84 via the store-side server 52, and
6 from the laser beam 207
Light receiving section 20 at the center of notification panel 202 corresponding to
The direction of the laser beam is controlled so as to exactly hit 2c. This is similar to firing a pistol or a laser beam gun at a target on a TV screen in a fighting game of a video game. ) Controls the direction of the laser beam to be emitted from the laser beam generator 206, aiming at the central portion (light receiving portion 202c) of the notification panel 202.

(C) Then, after controlling the direction, the user stores his / her name, address,
How to pay for the item price, your credit card number,
The user transmits his / her own e-mail address and data such as a message of a purchase application for the product 2. The store-side server 52 outputs a signal indicating the transmitted data and a signal indicating an instruction to “change the LED of the display unit 202b from the display for sale to the display for sale” from the laser beam generator 206. It is transmitted to the notification panel 202 on the laser beam 207. The store-side server 52 records the data sent from the user in its own external recording device (hard disk) 52a. (D) The laser beam 207 and the signal carried thereon are received by the light receiving section 202c of the notification panel 202,
It is sent to the CPU 202a. The CPU 202a analyzes the transmitted signal, and records data obtained by the analysis in the memory 202d. Also, this CPU 202
a is the L of the display unit 202b based on the instruction "change the LED of the display unit 202b from the display for sale to the display for sale" in the data obtained by the analysis.
By controlling the EDs 22 and 23 (see FIG. 2), the lighting or blinking display is changed from "sale" to "sold". As a result, the customer and the clerk who are visiting the store can immediately recognize (visually) that the product 2 has changed from “sold” to “sold” immediately after that point. In addition, a user who has made a purchase application via the network can also see in real time that the display on the display unit 202b of the notification panel 202 has changed from "sale" to "sold" by the video from the video camera 51. , My purchase application is surely in the memory 202d in the notification panel 202
Can be confirmed on the spot that the application has been recorded and accepted (the user can further confirm that the application has been accepted by a notice of confirmation of acceptance of the purchase application from the store-side server 52 described later). . In addition, C
The PU 202a controls the alarm buzzer 202f almost simultaneously with the control of the display unit 202b, and continuously generates an alarm sound having a predetermined tone color for a predetermined time. Clerk 4 in the store
0 hears the alarm sound, finds the product 2 for which the purchase application has been made, removes it from the display place, and prepares for delivery to the user who has made the purchase application.

When the display unit 202d changes the display from "sale" to "sold" under the control of the CPU 202a, an LED corresponding to the character "sale" (reference numeral 22 in FIG. To emit blue light,
If the LED corresponding to the character "sold" (see reference numeral 23 in FIG. 2B) is configured to emit red light,
For visiting customers, clerks, and remote users,
The confirmation becomes easier. In the example shown in FIG.
The LEDs 22 and 23 are located next to the characters “sold” and “sold”, respectively.
3 Form itself so that the plane is rectangular,
The characters “sold” and “sold” may be displayed on the plane, respectively. In the operation (b), the store-side server 52 sends the purchase application message signal transmitted from the user, a signal indicating data such as the user's name and the like, and “the LED of the display unit 202b is on sale. Change the display from the display to the sold display. "
And a signal indicating an instruction of the laser beam generator 2
The laser light 207 from 06 is transmitted to the notification panel 202, but among the signals transmitted on the laser light 207, the LED of the display unit 202b is sold. It is not necessary to transmit the signal indicating the instruction "change from the display in the display to the display of the contracted" from the laser beam generator 206. Because, when the message signal of the purchase application transmitted from the user and the signal indicating the data such as the name of the user are transmitted from the laser beam generator 206, the CPU 202a in the notification panel 202 stores the main storage device (RO).
M read-only memory) based on a program pre-installed in the display unit 202b.
Is changed from the display for sale to the display for sale. ", And the necessary control can be performed based on this command.

(E) Further, the CPU 202a reads all of the data transmitted on the laser beam 207 as "these data are correctly received and recorded (the purchase request from the user is surely received). For confirmation of "accepted", the transmitting unit 202e converts the signal into an infrared signal and transmits it to the infrared receiver 209 as it is. At this time, the CPU 202a
The product identification code of the product 2 previously recorded in the memory 202d (the portable controller 2 of the clerk 40 as described above)
05 is recorded by the operation of the transmission unit 202e to the infrared receiver 209 for checking and confirmation by the store server 52 described later.
Convert to infrared signal and transmit. (F) In the infrared receiver 209, when the transmitted infrared signal is received by the receiving unit 209b, the CPU 2
09a analyzes the infrared signal. Data obtained by analyzing the infrared signal is recorded in the memory 209c and transmitted to the store server 52 via the I / O port 209d. (G) The store-side server 52 checks the transmitted data against the data sent and recorded by the user at the time of the purchase application from the user,
If the two match, a notification of "acceptance confirmation message" indicating that "the purchase application from the user has been correctly received" is transmitted to the user. At this time, based on the identification code of the product 2 transmitted as an infrared signal from the notification panel 202, the store server 52 stores the product data such as the price, material, and size of the product 2 in the external recording device ( A search is made from a file in the hard disk 52, and the searched product data is transmitted to the user side, so that the user can check the quality of the product to be purchased or the like. At this time, the store-side server 52 also transmits the video data of the product 2 transmitted by the user to the user together with the product data for checking the product 2. At this time,
The store-side server 52 sends the product 2 together with the “reception confirmation message” (described above) for the purchase request of the remote user.
Information about delivery to the user, such as "I will deliver it immediately" or "I will deliver after confirming payment of the item price from you" is also sent to the user. (H) If the two data do not match each other in the collation check in (G), the store-side server 52 transmits the data from the user to the notification panel 202 again by putting the data from the user on the laser beam 207. The same operation is repeated. The store-side server 52
Records the above collation result and the above progress (transaction history) in an external recording device (hard disk) 52a connected thereto. As described above, in the third embodiment, the transmission function of the infrared transceiver 82 in the second embodiment (the function of transmitting a signal indicating data or the like from the user) is performed by the laser beam generator 206. Therefore, the infrared transceiver 82 used in the second embodiment only needs to have only a receiving function as the “infrared receiver 209”, and there is an advantage that the configurations of the devices and the system can be simplified. The configuration and operation of the third embodiment other than those described above are the same as those of the second embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes can be made. For example,
The following configuration can be added. (A) In the system of FIG. 1 (Embodiment 1), the video camera 51 can be shared (shared) with a security / security monitor camera in a store. (B) Embodiments of the inventions according to claims 7 and 8. In the system of FIG. 1 (Embodiment 1), the store-side server 52 records the product identification data and the stock quantity of each product in advance (in the case of a specific product, the stock quantity is set to “ 0 "), when an order (purchase application) is received from a customer who is actually visiting the store or a user (remote customer) on the communication network, the number of stocks is read using the product identification data as a key. The number of stocks is set to minus one (subtract one). As a result, only when the number of stocks becomes “0” and the product displayed at the store is purchased or reserved for purchase, the notification means 1
2, 13 and 14 are controlled and the display shows "sales completed"
Alternatively, a display of “sold out” may be displayed. In addition, the contents of the display by the notification means are described as "sales completed" for a specific product (arts and antiques, etc.), and "sold out" for an unspecified product having an in-stock product. Is desirable. When the number of unspecified products is “0” and the sales target is only the products displayed at the store, the notification panel displays “zero inventory” or “only store products”. May be.

Further, in the system shown in FIG. 7, the number of stocks of each product is indicated by notification panels 72, 73, 74 near each product.
If the recorded stock quantity is displayed on the display unit 72a, the display allows the store clerk, a remote customer, a visiting customer, and the like to easily grasp the stock quantity. In the system of FIG. 7 (Embodiment 2) or FIG. 10 (Embodiment 3), the notification panel 72, 73, 74 or 202, 203, 204 further stores in advance the stock of the product in its built-in memory 72c or 202d. The number (the stock number of a specific product manufactured as one item is “0” from the beginning) is recorded. When a customer who is actually visiting the store or a user on the communication network orders the product (purchase application), the notification panel 72,
The CPUs 72d and 202a of 202 decrement the inventory number recorded in the memory by 1 to update and record the inventory number in the memory. When the stock quantity after the subtraction processing becomes “0” and the merchandise on display at the store is sold, the notifying means panel is controlled to display “sold” or “sold out” on the display units 72a and 202d. So that
In addition, as the contents of the display by the notification panel, the display of "sales completed" is displayed for a specific product (arts, antiques, etc.), and the display of "sold out" is displayed for an unspecified product having an in-stock product. Is desirable. When the number of unspecified products is “0” and the sales target is only the products displayed at the store, the notification panel displays “zero inventory” or “only store products”. May be. Further, the CPU may control the notification panel to cause the display units 72a and 202d to display the current stock number of the product recorded in the memory.

(C) An embodiment of the invention according to claims 9 to 12. In the system shown in FIG. 1 (Embodiment 1), the user further specifies product identification data for each product and sends a message such as a question, an inquiry, a request, an impression, or an order regarding the product by e-mail or to a homepage. The information can be stored in the store-side server 52 in a form such as writing or registration. The store server 52 accumulates these messages for each product identification data. As a result, the store clerk can utilize the messages stored in the store server 52 as marketing data for each product. The product identification data of each product is stored in the memory 72c of the notification panels 72, 73, and 74.
(See FIG. 8). Therefore, the user (remote customer), for example, displays the recorded product identification data on the display unit 72a such as each of the notification panels 72, 73, 74 provided near each product, and displays the recorded product identification data from the display. The product identification data of each product can be known by reading the product identification data or by wirelessly transmitting the product identification data from the record of each of the notification panels 72, 73, and 74. In the system of FIG. 7 (Embodiment 2) or FIG. 10 (Embodiment 3),
The user can send not only a message of application for purchase of the product, but also a message of his / her own question, inquiry, request, opinion / impression, order, etc. regarding the product, to the infrared transmitter 82 in FIG. 7 or the laser beam generator 206 in FIG. Wireless transmission by remote control of the notification panel 72, 73, 7
4 or 202, 203, 204 in the built-in memory 72c or 202d (see FIG. 12). The clerk can cause the portable infrared transceivers 81 and 205 to receive and read the message from the user recorded in the memory of the notification panel. Further, each of these notification panels 202, 203, 2
04 may display the message from the user recorded in the memory on the display unit 202b (see FIG. 12). In this way, the clerk can see the message from the user at the location where each product is located.

(D) An embodiment of the invention according to claims 13 to 15. In the system shown in FIGS. 11 to 12, the detailed information (material, dimensions, etc.) of each product is recorded in advance in the internal memory 202d of each of the notification panels 202, 203, and 204, and the user (remote customer ) May be configured so that detailed product data of the product can be extracted from each of the notification panels 202, 203, and 204. In particular,
For example, the user can remotely control the laser beam generator 206 in FIG. 12 to issue an instruction to wirelessly transmit the detailed product data of the product, and wirelessly transmit the detailed product data to capture the product. Further, in the system shown in FIGS.
The product identification data of each product is recorded in advance in the built-in memory 202d of each of the notification panels 202, 203, and 204, and the user (remote customer) can use these notification panels 202, 203,
The product identification data of the product may be extracted from the product 204. Specifically, for example, the user remotely operates the laser beam generator 206 of FIG. 12 and issues a command to wirelessly transmit the product identification data of the product,
The product identification data recorded therein can be captured by wirelessly transmitting from each of the notification panels 202, 203, and 204. The storage device of the server on the store side stores in advance the product detailed data of each product in association with each product identification data (as a product database). Each user (remote customer) fetches the product identification data from each of the notification panels 202, 203, and 204 by the above-described method, specifies the fetched product identification data, and reads the product identification data from the product database of the store server. Receive product details data for the product. This detailed product data may be provided by browsing and retrieving a home page, but there may be various other methods such as a method of transmission by e-mail.

[0035]

(1) As described above, according to the present invention, in a store, a product such as a specific product which is manufactured as a single item or an unspecified product with a small inventory is displayed and displayed on a computer communication network (satellite broadcasting). And the same shall apply hereinafter) to a remote user via a network, the product that the user wishes to purchase is actually in the store that it is "sold" or "sold out". The system is equipped with a notification means that can immediately notify customers and clerks who are present. You can avoid it. (2) As described above, according to the present invention, not only the customers who actually visit the store but also the communication network can be displayed by displaying the store displaying the conventional product for sale on the communication network. Users in remote areas who access via the Internet will be able to reach customers. Therefore, by adopting the present invention, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effect as opening a new sister store in a remote area at low cost, in a short period of time, and with low risk.
In addition, when the inside of the store is opened to the public via a communication network (including satellite broadcasting), business can be performed for 24 hours without being restricted by the actual business hours of the store. Therefore, the same effect as extending the business hours of the actual store can be obtained at a low cost (only by adding the cost of the nighttime lighting and the operation cost of the communication and computer system) and at a low risk. Become. That is, according to the present invention, the business hours can be extended (24 hours) and the business area can be expanded (communication network) simply by adding the system (camera, etc.) of the present invention to the conventional store equipment. Become. Also,
If only the customers on the communication network are targeted, the store clerk is unnecessary, so that an "unmanned store" is also possible. In particular, in small-scale stores, shopkeepers are always required, so it is difficult for shopkeepers to take a vacation.
However, since it can be made available to general customers via the communication network, it is easy to take a vacation. That is,
According to the present invention, a new type of retail store called “locked store” is made possible. (3) In particular, if a signal is transmitted from the server on the store side by a laser beam to a notice panel arranged on or near the surface of a product that the user wants to purchase, the laser beam does not diffuse. The straight line allows the user to accurately target the notification panel corresponding to the product that the user wants to purchase and send a signal even when many products are displayed close to each other, A remote user can accurately and easily make a purchase application for a display product. (4) Further, if the product identification code is wirelessly transmitted and received between the store-side server and the notification means, when a remote user makes an application for purchase, the product for which the purchase application was made is displayed as a product. Since it can be specified by the identification code, it is possible to more reliably display the fact (that the purchase application has been made and the contract has been made) by the notification means. (5) According to the invention of claims 7 and 8, the number of items in stock is displayed (including the number of items “0”. The number of items in stock is “0”). In the case of the above, it may be displayed as "out of stock, only exhibit"), so that the clerk or the remote customer can easily know that, in the case of purchasing or selling the product, for example, on the remote customer side "Because the stock is small, let's buy it now before it's sold out." Or "We're only selling products displayed with stock" 0 "so let's buy it now." For example, it is possible to make a decision such as "Let's consider it for a while and decide whether or not to purchase because the number of stocks is large," and the clerk can provide more appropriate product guidance. (6) According to the inventions of claims 9 to 12, the store can receive a message such as an opinion / impression on each product from a remote customer for each product. Opinions can be used for marketing for each product. In addition, since the remote customer can also provide the store with messages such as their opinions and impressions, attachment to the store is increased, and an improvement in the repeat rate to the store can be expected. Also, bidirectional information exchange between the store side and the remote customer side becomes possible. (7) Further, according to the inventions of claims 13 to 15, when determining whether or not to purchase a certain product in the store on the terminal screen, the remote customer determines not only the video of the product but also the product. It is also possible to easily know the detailed product data such as the size and material of the product, so that it is possible to more appropriately purchase the product remotely via a communication network. In addition, the store does not need to give detailed data of each product to remote customers in the form of e-mail or the like, and sales activities are more efficient. Further, even a remote customer can receive the detailed product data of each product in real time, thereby making the purchase behavior more efficient. In addition, the store can determine which products have received requests for detailed product data from which customers,
They can be used as marketing data. Further, through exchange of the detailed product data, bidirectional information exchange between the store side and the remote customer side becomes more active. (8) Further, according to the invention of claim 16, since the sound in the store can be provided to the remote customer in real time together with the image in the store, the remote customer can enjoy shopping full of "realism". It can be performed on a network.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a notification panel used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a notification panel used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an input device of a user-side communication terminal used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a “correspondence table between a space address in a store and an identification number of a video camera” recorded in a recording device provided in the store server according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display screen of a display device of the user-side communication terminal used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of a notification panel 72 and an infrared transceiver 81 used in the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the configuration and operation of a notification panel 72, an infrared transceiver 81, a laser beam generator 83, and the like used in the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an entire configuration of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of a notification panel and a clerk portable controller used in a third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the configuration and operation of a notification panel, an infrared receiver, a laser beam transmitter, and the like used in the third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a prior art (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 8-22498).
2 is a configuration diagram of an in-store space address given in a store where products are displayed.

FIG. 14 is a prior art (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 8-22498).
3 is a table configuration diagram for associating screen physical coordinates of a display device of a user-side terminal with in-store space addresses in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a prior art (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8-22498).
FIG. 3 is a table configuration diagram for specifying the in-store space address and the product.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Commodity display table 2, 3, 4 Commodities (commodities) displayed 12, 13, 14, 72, 73, 74, 202, 20
3,204 Notification panel 15 LCD (liquid crystal display) 22,23 LED (light emitting diode) 24,34 Receiving part 25,35 Microcomputer 31 Frame 32,33 Bulletin board such as paper price 40 clerk 41,61 Infrared signal Transmitter 51 Video camera 52 Store-side server 53 Communication line 54 User-side communication terminal 54a Display 54b Input 81,82 Infrared transceiver 83,206 Laser beam generator 84 Direction controller 151 3D stick 154 Reading unit 155 Product identification code input Window 205 Sales staff controller 209 Infrared receiver

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A camera for real-time imaging of individual commodities displayed for sale in a store or at a store, and information of a video imaged by the camera, which indicates an object to be sold, is transmitted in real time through a communication network. Means for providing video to a remote customer, and notification means provided at or near the surface of the product in a store or at a store, wherein the remote customer is provided with the product via a communication network. When the product is sold or sold out as a result of the purchase application or necessary procedures for the purchase, the customer or clerk in the store or at the store is told that the product has been sold or sold out.
Notification means that can inform the customer that the product has been sold or has been sold or designated as a result of applying for purchase or performing necessary procedures for purchase by specifying a certain product in the video via the communication network. When sold out, controlling the notification means to notify a customer or a clerk in the store or at the store that the product has been sold or sold out, and Product sales system using a computer network. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the notifying unit includes:
"The product has been sold or sold out."
A merchandise sales system including a display unit for notifying by the presence or absence of light or by displaying characters, symbols, or graphics. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the notifying unit includes:
"The product has been sold or sold out."
A merchandise sales system including a sound generator for notifying by sound generation. 4. The product sales method according to claim 1, wherein said notification control means transmits a control signal or data to said notification means by wireless communication such as optical communication or infrared communication. system. 5. The notification control unit according to claim 4, wherein the notification control unit transmits a control signal or data to the notification unit by using a laser beam that travels in a straight line.
Product sales system. 6. The notification device according to claim 1, wherein the notification device includes: a recording device that records an identification code for distinguishing itself from other notification devices; and a request from the notification control device. Transmission means for transmitting the identification code by wireless communication such as optical communication or infrared communication. 7. A camera for real-time imaging of individual merchandise displayed for sale in a store or at a store, and information of a video imaged by the camera is indicated as a target of sale via a communication network in real time. A means for providing images to a remote customer, a means for notifying a customer or a clerk provided on or near each product to inform whether the product has been sold or sold out; and Inventory number recording means for recording "inventory number"; and when the product is sold or reserved for sale by a purchase application (order) from a customer, the inventory quantity recorded in the inventory quantity recording means is subtracted by one. And that the "current stock quantity" of the product recorded in the stock quantity recording means is "0" and that the displayed product has been sold. When in controls said notification means,
A notification control unit for performing a display indicating that "the product is sold or sold out". 8. A merchandise sales system according to claim 1, wherein a camera for real-time imaging of individual merchandise displayed for sale in a store or at a store, and information of a video imaged by the camera, As an indication, a video providing means for providing to a remote customer in real time via a communication network, a stock quantity recording means for recording a “current stock quantity” of each product, and a And a stock quantity display means for displaying the “current stock quantity” recorded in the stock quantity recording means to a customer or a clerk. 9. The merchandise sales system according to claim 1, 7 or 8, further comprising: a camera for real-time imaging of individual merchandise displayed for sale in the store or at the store; and information of a video imaged by the camera. An image providing means for providing to a remote customer in real time via a communication network as an indication of an object to be sold, and a remote customer specifying a certain product and giving an impression, inquiry, request, purchase application (order ), A message providing means for providing a message via a communication network, a message recording means provided on or near each of the commodities and capable of recording a message from a customer, and a message providing means provided from the message providing means. The message
And a message writing unit that can wirelessly transmit and write to the message recording unit. 10. The product sales system according to claim 1, 7 or 8, wherein a camera for real-time imaging of individual products displayed for sale in a store or at a store, and information of a video imaged by the camera, As an indication of the sales target, a video providing means for providing to a remote customer in real time via a communication network, and a remote customer specifying a certain product and giving an impression, inquiry, request, purchase application (order ), A message providing means for providing a message via a communication network, a message recording means capable of recording a message from the message providing means, and a message recording means provided on or near a surface of each product. And a message display means for displaying a message from the customer. 11. The merchandise sales system according to claim 1, 7 or 8, wherein a camera for real-time imaging of individual merchandise displayed for sale in a store or at a store, and information of a video imaged by the camera, Image providing means for providing to a remote customer in real time via a communication network as an indication of a sales target, and a product which is provided in a store or on or near each product in a store and displays product identification data of the product Identification data display means and remote customers can provide feedback, inquiries, requests,
Message providing means for associating a message such as a purchase application (order) with the product identification data displayed by the product identification data display means via a communication network; and transmitting a message from the message providing means to the product And a message storage means for storing in association with the identification data. 12. The merchandise sales system according to claim 1, 7 or 8, further comprising: a camera for real-time imaging of individual merchandise displayed for sale in a store or at a store; and information of a video imaged by the camera. An image providing means for providing to a remote customer in real time via a communication network as an indication of a sales target, and a product which is provided in a store or on the surface of or in the vicinity of each product at a store and records product identification data of the product Identification data recording means, product identification data providing means for taking in the product identification data recorded by the product identification data recording means via radio, and providing it to the customer; Request,
Message providing means for associating a message such as a purchase application (order) with the product identification data from the product identification data providing means via a communication network; and transmitting the message from the message providing means to the product identification data. And a message accumulating means for accumulating the message in association with the product sales system. 13. The merchandise sales system according to claim 1, 7 or 8, further comprising: a camera for real-time imaging of individual merchandise displayed in the store or at the store for sale; and information of video captured by the camera. An image providing means for providing to a remote customer in real time via a communication network as an indication of a sales target, and product details such as dimensions and materials of the product, which are provided in or on the surface of each product in a store or at a storefront Product detail data recording means for recording data; product detail data recorded by the product detail data recording means via wireless communication and provided to remote customers via a communication network And a providing unit. 14. The merchandise sales system according to claim 1, 7 or 8, wherein a camera for real-time imaging of individual merchandise displayed for sale in a store or at a store, and information of a video imaged by the camera, Image providing means for providing to a remote customer in real time via a communication network as an indication of a sales target, and a product which is provided in a store or on or near each product in a store and displays product identification data of the product Identification data display means; product detail data storage means for storing product detail data such as dimensions and materials of each product in association with the product identification data of each product; and a remote customer displaying the product identification data. Specifying the product identification data displayed by the means and requesting the product detail data of the product, use the product identification data as a key Product sales system, which comprises a, and product details data providing means for providing to the remote customer to select the appropriate product details data from the product details data storage means. 15. The merchandise sales system according to claim 1, 7 or 8, wherein a camera for real-time imaging of individual merchandise displayed for sale in a store or at a store, and information of a video imaged by the camera, An image providing means for providing to a remote customer in real time through a communication network as an indication of a sales target, and a product provided in a store or on a surface of or near a store for each product, and recording product identification data of the product Identification data recording means; commodity identification data provision means for taking in the commodity identification data recorded by the commodity identification data recording means via radio, and providing it to the customer; and commodity detail data such as dimensions and materials for each commodity. Means for storing detailed product data in association with the product identification data of each product; When the product detail data of the product is requested by designating the product identification data from the means, the corresponding product detail data is selected from the product detail data storage means using the product identification data as a key and provided to the customer. And a product detail data providing means. 16. The merchandise sales system according to claim 1, further comprising: sound, music, or voice generated near or around said displayed merchandise, in a store, or in a store. Sound capturing means such as a microphone for capturing sound in real time, and sound information providing means for providing the sound information from the sound capturing means to the remote customer in real time via a communication network. A product sales system characterized by the following.