JP2006338275A - Commodity and salesroom guide system, and commodity and salesroom guide method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a customer, who has visited a store, with high quality and sufficient commodity explanation and guidance on the salesroom using streaming video or the like, without depending on manpower of a guide, a salesperson or the like. <P>SOLUTION: A commodity and salesroom guide system is constituted by connecting a central management system 1 and a store system 2 through a communication network. A high-functional store terminal 210 is disposed in the store system 2 to provide a customer with sufficient commodity explanation and easy-to-follow guidance on the salesroom using streaming video or the like. On the basis of an inquiry to the central management system 1 from a customer who has viewed a leaflet advertisement 9 delivered previously, the request and consumption behavior of the customer is grasped previously, and on the basis of the grasping, video information or the like necessary for the commodity explanation is prepared in the store system 2 before the customer steps over to the store. Then, according to the operation of the store terminal 210, video or the like for the corresponding commodity explanation and salesroom guidance is reproduced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a product and sales floor guidance system used in a store or the like, and a product and sales floor guidance method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been proposed a sales floor guidance method for products in which a flyer advertisement and a mobile phone terminal are linked (see Patent Document 1). In this product sales location guidance method of Patent Document 1, a barcode of a flyer advertisement is read by a mobile phone and transmitted to a department store server, and the department store server sends the stock guidance and the map data of the shortest route to the sales location via the mobile phone. To provide.

  FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a conventional merchandise sales area guidance method in which a flyer advertisement and a mobile phone terminal are linked.

  As illustrated, the department store server 1002 is provided with an inventory confirmation unit 1003 and a department store navigation providing unit 1004. A customer who sees the flyer advertisement 1006 can access the department store server 1002 via the communication networks (Internet, etc.) 3, 5 using the mobile phone terminal 7. The tenant terminal 1001 can access the department store server 1002 via the department store network 1005.

  The customer who saw the flyer advertisement reads the bar code of the flyer advertisement with the mobile phone terminal 7 and transmits it to the department store server 1002. The department store server 1002 returns inventory information and map data of the shortest route to the sales floor. A stock guidance and a map of the shortest route to the sales floor are displayed on the display of the mobile phone terminal 7. Thus, the customer can go to the target sales floor while using the mobile phone terminal 7.

  Since the technique described in Patent Document 1 uses a mobile phone terminal as a communication medium, a charge is incurred on the customer. Further, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, only the presence / absence of a product inventory and a simple map to the sales floor can be displayed. In other words, only the effect of knowing the shortest route to the sales floor can be obtained.

  However, it is not enough for customers who have seen flyer advertisements to know the sales floor. The actual consumption behavior of customers is actually more complex. For example, a customer who has seen a flyer advertisement actually goes to a store, visits the sales floor, confirms the actual product, consults with a store clerk with specialized knowledge, receives sufficient explanation, and is convinced about the product. Then, follow the process of purchasing goods.

  Considering this point, it can be seen that it is actually necessary to sufficiently provide a high-quality product description that will motivate customers who have visited the store. In the technique of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, this point is not taken into consideration.

  In addition, since the display of the mobile phone terminal is small and the amount of data in the visual video image of the product is enormous, a high-quality product description that will motivate customers to purchase is provided via the mobile phone terminal. It is impossible in reality to do enough.

  The following problems arise when the product information available in advance is scarce. In other words, even if the customer goes to the sales floor, there is a frequent occurrence of a disappointment when looking at the actual product, unlike what he had imagined. Such inconveniences should be resolved if quality product descriptions can be received in advance.

  In addition, customers who visit the store have a desire not only to see the actual product, but also to “listen more about the product” or “recommend other related products”. Is normal. However, in reality, “There is no clerk in charge”, “The clerk's expertise is not enough to provide the explanation that the customer wants”, or “There are too many people to catch the clerk” Things often happen.

  In order to prevent such a situation from occurring, it is effective to increase the number of sales personnel with a wealth of specialized knowledge in the sales floor, but this leads to an increase in labor costs. There is a limit to the number of employees.

  In addition, elderly people who have visited large department stores and large-scale discount shops often cannot find a sales floor for the desired product. Even if the sales floor guidance service using the mobile phone terminal described in Patent Document 1 can be used, the route to the sales floor cannot be understood only by displaying a simple map to the sales floor on the small display of the mobile phone terminal. Sometimes it is possible. In this case, eventually, the department store's guidance staff will be borrowed, and ultimately, it will rely on human hands.

JP 2004-133768 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is possible to provide a very high-quality and sufficient product description and a sales floor using streaming video to customers who visit a store without relying on a person such as a guide or a sales clerk. It is an object of the present invention to provide a merchandise and sales floor guidance system and method capable of providing the guidance.

The product and sales floor guidance system of the present invention includes a store system including a store terminal that performs product description and sales floor guidance, and a central management system connected to the store system via a communication line,
The central management system stores product information storage means for storing product description information and product video information, reception information return means for receiving an inquiry from a customer and returning reception information, and inquiry information regarding the inquiry to the store system. Inquiry information transmitting means for transmitting, and product information transmitting means for transmitting information corresponding to the transmission request from the store system to the store system that issued the transmission request,
The store system manages the overall operation of the store system and communicates with the central management system, a product information server that stores product information of products handled in the store, and store sales information And a sales floor information server for storing information for
The store management server confirms with the inquiry information receiving means for receiving the inquiry information transmitted from the central management system, the commodity information server whether there is information on the commodity corresponding to the inquiry, and these information Product information acquisition means for acquiring a corresponding information by outputting a transmission request to the central management system,
The store terminal is necessary from the product information server or the sales floor information server according to the request input of the customer when the reception information is input, and reception information input means for inputting the reception information from a customer who has visited the store Distribution information receiving means for receiving distribution of various information, and information reproduction means for reproducing a product description or sales floor guide for the customer based on the distributed information.

  As a result, it is possible to provide a very high-quality product description and sales floor guidance using streaming video or the like to customers who have visited the store without relying on human resources such as a guidance staff or a sales clerk.

The product and sales floor guidance system of the present invention includes a store system including at least one store terminal that performs product description and sales floor guidance, and a central management system connected to the store system via a communication line,
The central management system has a merchandise information storage means for storing merchandise description information and merchandise video information for merchandise explanation at the store terminal, and accepts an inquiry from a customer who has viewed a flyer advertisement and returns acceptance information. There was an information return means, inquiry information transmission means for transmitting inquiry information related to the inquiry to a store system of a store where the customer is likely to go, and a transmission request for product description information or product video information from the store system. A product information transmitting means for taking out product description information or product video information corresponding to the transmission request and transmitting it to the store system that issued the transmission request,
The store system manages the overall operation of the store system, communicates with the central management system, stores a product information server that stores product description information of products handled in the store, A video information server that stores product video information of products handled in the store, and a sales floor information server that stores route explanation information and location video information including location information for sales floor guidance in the store,
The store management server includes: inquiry information receiving means for receiving the inquiry information transmitted from the central management system; whether the item description information and item video information of the item corresponding to the inquiry are present; Check with the video information server, and if there is no such information, the product information acquisition means for acquiring a corresponding product description information or product video information by outputting a transmission request to the central management system,
The store terminal includes reception information input means for inputting the reception information from a customer who has visited the store, and when the reception information is input, according to the customer's request input, the product information server, the video information server, or the Distribution information receiving means for receiving distribution of necessary information from the sales floor information server, and information reproduction means for reproducing product descriptions or sales floor guidance for the customer based on the distributed information.

  As a result, it is possible to provide a very high-quality product description and sales floor guidance using streaming video or the like to customers who have visited the store without relying on human resources such as a guidance staff or a sales clerk.

In addition, the present invention is the product and sales floor guidance system described above, wherein the central management system, when receiving an inquiry from a customer who saw a flyer advertisement, refers to the product purchase history of the corresponding customer, Related product list creating means for creating a related product list recommended for the customer, and related product information transmitting means for transmitting the created related product list to a store system of a store where the customer is likely to stop by The store terminal receives distribution of information related to the related product list in accordance with the request input of the customer when the reception information is input in the distribution information receiving unit, and the information reproduction unit receives the product of the related product The explanation and sales floor guide shall be reproduced.
Thereby, when a customer visits a store, a sufficient explanation of recommended products can be quickly given to the customer, and an improvement in sales can be expected.

Further, the present invention is the product and sales floor guide system described above, wherein the central management system analyzes an inquiry situation from a customer who has seen a flyer advertisement, and product description information and product video information about a popular product. It is assumed that the product has a popular product information transmitting means for distributing the information to each store system.
As a result, it is possible to grasp popular products and maintain efficient product information and video information based on market information at each store.

Moreover, this invention is said goods and sales floor guidance system, Comprising: The said shop terminal shall be provided with the display means to perform the screen display of information as said information reproduction | regeneration means.
As a result, it is possible to explain products using powerful streaming video or the like using display means such as a display of a store terminal, or to explain products using 3D sound or the like by using sound reproduction means. is there. Therefore, it is possible to provide a sufficient and high-quality product description that the customer is convinced with, and it is possible to motivate the customer to purchase.

Moreover, this invention is said goods and sales floor guidance system, Comprising: The said shop terminal shall be provided with the printing means which prints information as the said information reproduction | regeneration means.
As a result, the customer can appropriately print and visually check information such as a product description and a map to the sales floor, thereby improving customer convenience.

Moreover, this invention is said goods and sales floor guidance system, Comprising: The said shop terminal shall be provided with the card information input means which reads the information from the card | curd which a customer has as said reception information input means.
Accordingly, the customer can easily receive a high-quality product description and sales floor guidance providing service by inputting information using his / her card information such as a member card.

Moreover, this invention is said goods and sales floor guidance system, Comprising: The said shop terminal shall be provided with a touch-panel input means as said reception information input means.
Thereby, it is possible to easily perform an input operation while looking at the operation screen or the like, and it is possible to easily perform an operation such as menu selection.

Also, the present invention is the product and sales floor guide system described above, wherein at least one of the product video information and the route video information is a streaming video that is reproduced in real time.
Thus, using streaming video makes it possible to provide large-capacity multimedia data at high speed and to perform real-time playback. For this reason, it is possible to provide easy-to-understand sales floor guidance by a variety of product descriptions using powerful moving images and a method of displaying a moving route on a large screen or in detail.

A store terminal of the present invention is a store terminal used in a product and sales floor guidance system that is installed in a store and performs product description and sales floor guidance, and receives the reception information from a customer who has visited the store. An input information processing unit for processing the reception information, and a product information server, a video information server, or a sales floor information server of a store system provided in the store according to the customer's request input when the reception information is input Distribution information receiving means for receiving distribution of necessary information among product description information, product video information, route description information and route video information, a communication processing unit for communicating the distribution information, and the distributed information An information reproducing means for reproducing a product explanation or sales floor guide for the customer based on the information, and a reproduction information processing section for processing the reproduction information. A.
Thereby, it is possible to realize a product and a sales floor guidance system capable of providing easy-to-understand product explanations and sales floor guidance without relying on human hands using a store terminal.

The product and sales floor guide method of the present invention includes a store system including at least one store terminal that performs product description and sales floor guidance, and a central management system that is connected to the store system via a communication line. A guidance system product and sales floor guidance method,
The central management system accepts an inquiry from a customer who saw a flyer advertisement and returns an acceptance information return step, and sends inquiry information about the inquiry to a store system of a store where the customer is likely to go An inquiry information transmission step, and when there is a transmission request for product description information or product video information for product description from the store system, product information storage means stores product description information or product video information corresponding to the transmission request. Product information sending step to send to the store system that issued the transmission request,
In the store management server where the store system manages the overall operation of the store system and communicates with the central management system, an inquiry information receiving step for receiving the inquiry information transmitted from the central management system; Check whether the product description information and product video information of the product corresponding to the inquiry exists, and if these information does not exist in the own system, output a transmission request to the central management system and corresponding product description information Or a product information acquisition step for acquiring product video information,
In the store terminal, a reception information input step for inputting the reception information from a customer who has visited the store, and when the reception information is input, product description information, product video information, route description according to the customer's request input A distribution information receiving step for receiving necessary information out of the information and the route video information, and an information reproduction step for reproducing a product description or sales floor guidance for the customer based on the distributed information.
As a result, it is possible to provide a very high-quality product description and sales floor guidance using streaming video or the like to customers who have visited the store without relying on human resources such as a guidance staff or a sales clerk.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an extremely high-quality and sufficient product description and sales floor guidance to customers who visit a store without relying on a person such as a guide or a sales clerk. .

  In the following embodiments, a large-scale retail store having a plurality of stores such as a main store and a branch will be described as an example.

(First embodiment)
First, as a first embodiment, an outline of a product and sales floor guidance system and a product and sales floor guidance method according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a product and sales floor guidance system and a product and sales floor guidance method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The product and sales floor guidance system according to the present embodiment efficiently distributes large-scale product information in advance by cooperating with a flyer advertisement in advance, and uses visual images to customers who visit the store later. It is possible to effectively perform the guidance. This system includes a central management system 1 and a store system 2 that is connected to the central management system via a communication network (not shown in FIG. 1) and is installed in each of a plurality of stores. The

  The central management system 1 includes a customer management server 102 and an information storage unit 110. The customer management server 102 includes a product purchase history analysis unit 121 and a related product list creation unit 122. The information storage unit 110 includes a product information server 104 and a video information server 105. A central management server that controls the overall operation of the central management system 1 may be provided, but is omitted in FIG.

  The store system 2 includes a store terminal 210, a store management server 201, an in-store product information server 203, an in-store video information server 204, and a sales floor information server 202. The store terminal 210 includes a large screen display 205, a touch panel 206, and a store guide device 300. The store guide device 300 and the servers (201 to 204) are connected to each other via the in-store network 200 and can exchange necessary information.

  S1 to S8 in the figure show the main procedures of the product and sales floor guidance method of the present invention. Hereinafter, this procedure will be described.

  First, the customer P who has seen the leaflet advertisement 9 distributed in advance makes an inquiry to the central management system 1 using any one of telephone, e-mail, and the Internet (step S1). This inquiry information includes “product code”, “member number”, and “nearest store information”. The customer management server 102 receives the inquiry information from the customer.

  The customer management server 102 immediately returns a reception code (reception information) to the inquiring customer P (step S2). The customer P records the reception code (reception information). This reception code (reception information) is necessary when the customer P receives a product description from the store terminal 210 when he or she goes to the store later.

  Next, the product purchase history analysis unit 121 of the customer management server 102 refers to the past product purchase history of the customer P, and analyzes the past consumption behavior of the customer. Then, the related product list creation unit 122 creates a related product list that is estimated that the customer P is highly interested. The customer management server 102 stores the inquiry information of the customer P (“product code”, “membership number”, “nearest store information”) and related product list information with a high probability that the customer P will visit (that is, , The store specified by the nearest store information) is transmitted to the store management server 201 of the store system 2 (step S3).

  Upon receiving this transmission, the store management server 201 stores all the transmitted information. The store management server 201 then sends detailed product description information and product video information necessary for the product description to the product code or the related product list shown in the store product information server 203 and the store video information server 204. Is inquired whether or not is accumulated (step S4).

  If at least one piece of product description information or product video information is missing as a result of the inquiry in step S4, the store management server 201 transmits the missing information to the information storage unit 110 of the central management system 1. A request (download request) is transmitted (step S5). The product information server 104 and the video information server 105 of the information storage unit 110 transmit the product description information and the product video information requested to be transmitted to the store management server 201 (step S6).

  As a result, before the customer visits the store, the store distributes the information obtained at the time of inquiry and related product list information that matches the customer's preference, and also provides necessary product description information and product video information. A fully prepared state of completeness will be realized.

  Next, the customer P actually goes to the nearest store. The customer P who entered the store uses the touch panel 206 of the store terminal 210 disposed in the store to input the receipt code (reception information) distributed from the central management system 1 first (step S7). At this time, the customer P inserts his / her member card into the slot provided in the store terminal 210, and enters his / her member number, product information purchased at the store in the past, and the like. May be.

  When the reception code (reception information) from the customer P is input, the store guidance device 300 accesses the store management 201, the in-store product information server 203, and the in-store video information server 204. Then, detailed product description information and streaming video information sent from the in-store product information server 203 and the in-store video information server 204 are received, and the description of the product and the A visual moving image or the like is displayed (step S8). When the customer P desires for the sales floor guidance of the product, the store guidance apparatus 300 immediately displays visual video information indicating the shortest route to the sales floor on the display 205 of the large screen.

  Before the customer P visits the store, the consumption trend search of the customer P is completed, and the information necessary for the product description is completely equipped in the store without exception. When the reception code is input, it is possible to immediately start explanation of sufficient products using visual images, explanation of related recommended products, and sales floor guidance using visual images. Therefore, it is possible to provide high-quality product descriptions and sales floor guidance that can motivate customers to purchase without waiting time.

  In the present embodiment, a high-function store terminal is arranged in the store instead of a guide or a product salesperson. Using this store terminal, sufficient product explanation using streaming video etc. and an easy-to-understand sales floor Information can be provided to customers who have visited the store without exception. In the system using the store terminal of the present embodiment, detailed description information and streaming video for a large number of products need to be prepared without exception. Therefore, when building this system in each store, product description information And how to prepare streaming video information efficiently is the key to realization. Here, when considering, only the customers who come in are unable to make advance preparations at the store side, and it is necessary to construct a thorough system assuming every scene, and it becomes impossible to realize it.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, a prior inquiry using a flyer advertisement is utilized. In practice, the customer's request and behavior are grasped in advance based on the flyer inquiry, and the necessary information is prepared in the store before the customer visits the store based on the grasp (customer request by the flyer). And a method comprising two stages of information preparation for each store based on the grasp). That is, a leaflet advertisement is distributed in advance, and a customer who has viewed the leaflet advertisement makes an inquiry about a product to the central management system by telephone, e-mail, the Internet, or the like. This inquiry includes, for example, information such as “product code”, “membership number”, and “nearest store”. The central management system returns reception information (reception code, etc.). In addition, the customer's “membership code”, “reception code”, and “product code” are transmitted to the store system of the nearest store. When the store system does not have the product description information and product video information for the product, it issues a request for transmission of the missing information to the central management system and downloads the information to make the information necessary for product description more efficient. Replenish.

  As a result, before the customer visits the store, the store is distributed with the information obtained at the time of inquiry and related product list information that suits the customer's preference, and also provides necessary product description information and product video information. A fully prepared state of completeness will be realized. Therefore, if the customer who came to the store inputs the reception information (reception code) received earlier, the explanation of the product guide using the visual video image and the explanation of the sales floor guidance using the visual video image are immediately made. Can start. Since preparations are made by a pre-search using a flyer, it is possible to efficiently prepare product explanation information and video information required by the customer in the store. If the store does not have the necessary information, it can be downloaded from the central management system at night or the like, so the communication cost can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently realize a system capable of sufficiently explaining high-quality products that will motivate customers who have visited the store by using store terminals arranged in the store. be able to.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, by cooperating with the leaflet advertisement distributed in advance, the customer trend is caught in advance, and the customer may drop in the explanation information of the product that matches the customer trend. Can be efficiently placed in high stores. Therefore, it is possible to provide abundant product information and sales floor guide information very efficiently.

  In addition, it is possible to provide the customer who visits the store with a sufficiently high-quality product description and sales floor guidance using streaming video or the like without relying on a person such as a guide or a sales clerk. Therefore, it is possible to improve sales of products while reducing labor costs.

(Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 27, the product and sales floor guidance system and the product and sales floor guidance method according to the present invention will be described more specifically.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a product and sales floor guidance system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  This merchandise and sales floor guidance system has a central management system 1 that is installed at a main store or a general point of a large-scale retail store and manages the entire system, and a store system 2 that is installed for each store and manages each store. Also, the Internet 3, the wired telephone network 4, the mobile telephone network 5, the wired telephone 6 owned by the customer, the mobile telephone 7 owned by the customer, the personal computer 8 owned by the customer, a leaflet distributed to the customer by newspaper or direct mail. It has an advertisement 9.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a specific format of a flyer advertisement. The flyer advertisement 9 has at least a product inquiry block 901 and a product description block 905.

  The product inquiry block 901 includes an internet inquiry column 902, an email inquiry column 903, and a telephone inquiry column 904 as inquiry destinations for customers who have viewed the flyer advertisement 9 to obtain detailed product explanation and sales floor guidance services at the store of the product. One or more inquiry fields are provided. Further, the product description block 905 of the flyer advertisement 9 includes a product code column 906 in which at least a product code is described for reference at the time of inquiry.

  Next, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the customer makes an inquiry to the central management server 101 about the product code described in the product code column 906 of the flyer advertisement 9 by any means of the Internet, e-mail, or telephone. The sending procedure will be specifically described.

  First, the case of making an inquiry via the Internet will be described. FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining an inquiry procedure using the Internet.

  When the customer accesses the URL of the product inquiry homepage described in the Internet inquiry column 902 of the flyer advertisement 9 on the Internet, a product information screen as shown in FIG. 4A is displayed.

  As shown in the figure, the product information screen column describes at least a product code, a membership number, an area for inputting the nearest store, and an area for sending the information after the input. Customers can enter inquiries by entering and sending the required information on this screen.

  When the central management system 1 receives the inquiry, it displays a response page as shown in FIG. At least a reception code is described in the response page. With this reception code, the customer can receive service in the store when visiting the store.

  Next, a case where an inquiry is made by e-mail will be described. FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining an inquiry procedure by e-mail.

  When the customer sends an e-mail such as shown in FIG. 5A to the e-mail address of the product inquiry described in the e-mail inquiry field 903 of the flyer advertisement 9, the central management system 1 displays the e-mail address shown in FIG. A reply mail as shown in b) is returned.

  The customer can receive the service in the store when he / she visits the store by the reception code described in the returned e-mail. As for the mail transmission method, it is possible to reduce the troublesomeness of the customer by sending an empty mail and returning a reference format in response to the empty mail.

  Next, the case of a telephone will be described. When the customer calls the telephone number of the product inquiry described in the telephone inquiry field 904 of the advertisement flyer 9, the telephone guidance server 103 in the central management system 1 automatically responds, and the product code and member code are sent by voice message. Prompt for number and store number.

  The customer inputs the product code described in the product description field 906 of the flyer advertisement 9 by pressing the push-tone button. At this time, if the customer meets with a registered member, the user is also prompted to enter a member code. Once registered, a registration number is returned as a response. With this reception code, the customer can receive a service in the store when visiting the store. In addition, you may make it omit selection of the nearest store by setting another telephone number for every store.

  Next, a specific configuration of the central management system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a specific configuration example of the central management system.

  The central management system includes a network 100 inside the central management system, and a central management server 101 that provides services to the outside via the Internet and controls the central management system as a whole and cooperates with the store system 2. Also, a customer information server 102 that holds personal information and purchase history of customers registered in advance, a telephone guidance server 103 that automatically accepts customer inquiries by telephone, a product information server 104 that holds detailed product information, A video information server 105 that holds moving image video data such as descriptions is provided.

  Next, a detailed configuration of the store system 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a specific configuration of a store system deployed in each store.

  The store system includes a network 200 inside the store system and a store management server 201 that controls the entire store system and connects to a central management system at a remote location via the Internet and cooperates with the central management system. Is provided. Also, a sales floor information server 202 that stores sales floor map information and location information, an in-store product information server 203 that stores detailed information on products handled by the store, video video data of the products handled by the store, and the store And an in-store video information server 204 that holds data in which the route is a moving image.

  Furthermore, a store terminal 210 is provided that provides services such as product guidance and store guidance to customers who have visited the store. The store terminal 210 is arranged at a suitable place in the store, and provides high-quality product explanations and sales floor guidance to customers who visit the store on behalf of the guidance staff and sales floor clerk. The store terminal 210 is pasted on the display surface of a display device (large screen liquid crystal display or the like) 205 for displaying video output and the display device (large screen display) 205, and the position of the terminal is touched by the customer. A touch panel 206 that outputs to the store and a store guide device 300. This store guidance apparatus 300 incorporates a touch panel interface (not shown).

  Next, the configuration of the store guidance device 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a specific configuration example of the store guidance device that is a main component of the store terminal.

  The store guide device includes a processor (CPU) 301 that controls the store guide device 300 as a whole, a program memory 302 that stores a program executed by the CPU 301, and a work that is used for work when the CPU 301 executes the program. And a memory 303. In addition, a video processing unit 304 that processes video data from the CPU 301 and displays the data on the display device 205, a wired network processing unit 305 that controls transmission and reception of information and data by connecting to a wired network, and a wireless network are connected. And a wireless network processing unit 306 that performs transmission and reception of information and data. Further, a card receiving unit 307 that receives a member card owned by a customer, a card processing unit 308 that reads and writes information stored in a member card attached to the card receiving unit, and a printing mechanism that performs printing on printing paper A print processing unit 310 that controls the printing mechanism unit 309, and a touch panel processing unit (touch panel interface) 311 that receives a signal from the touch panel and transmits position information to the CPU 301.

  Next, the external configuration of the store terminal 210 will be described. FIG. 9 is a perspective view for explaining the external configuration of the store terminal.

  The store terminal 210 executes the program stored in the program memory 302 to process the video data by the display processing unit 304 and display it on the display device 205. In addition, a signal input using the touch panel 206 via the display device 205 is received by the touch panel processing unit 311, and the CPU 301 switches control according to the signal.

  Further, the store guidance apparatus 300 can communicate with an external device via the wired communication processing unit 305 and the wireless communication processing unit 306.

  In the present embodiment, the store guidance device 300 is connected to the store internal network via the wired communication processing unit 305, and can cooperate with the store management server 201 (see FIG. 7). Further, the store guidance apparatus 300 includes a card receiving unit 307, and when the member card 208 is attached, information in the card can be taken into the CPU 301 via the card processing unit 308.

  Further, the store guidance apparatus 300 includes a printing unit 309, and can send a print data from the CPU 301 via the print processing unit 310 to print a figure or a document. Thereby, a customer who uses the store terminal 210 can appropriately print a product description, a store guide map, and the like, and the convenience of the customer is improved.

  Next, the structure of data used in the present embodiment and its location will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure used in the central management system 1.

  The inquiry data 400 is sent to the central management system 1 by a customer who has viewed the flyer advertisement 9 by any one of a telephone, e-mail, and Internet homepage using a wired telephone 6, a mobile phone 7, or a personal computer 8. The data to send. The inquiry data 400 includes at least elements of a store code, a member code, and a product code. The inquiry data 400 is directly received by the central management server 101 (see FIG. 6) in the case of electronic mail or the Internet, and is received by the central management server 101 via the telephone server 103 in the case of an inquiry by telephone.

  Upon receipt of the inquiry data 400, the central management server 101 sends an e-mail reply in the case of an inquiry by e-mail, the response column of the home page in the case of an inquiry by the Internet, and the telephone server 103 in the case of a call. Reply with voice via.

  The product information table 401 is data that summarizes information related to all products handled by a large-scale retail store, and is constructed on the product information server 104, and includes at least a product code, a product name, a product number, a price, a category, and a product. The address of the database that holds the detailed information and the address of the database that holds the video data of the product are included as elements.

  The store list 402 is data in which information about stores belonging to a large-scale retail store that uses the present system is compiled, is built on the central management server 101, and includes at least a store code, a store name, a location, and a network of store management servers. Contains an address element.

  Member data 403 is data that summarizes personal information of customers registered in advance in the large-scale retail store of this embodiment, and is built on the customer management server 102. At least the member's name, address, contact information, and past purchases Contains history information as an element.

  The member list 404 is a list of member codes, is constructed on the customer management server 102, and includes at least address information indicating the location of the member code and member data 403 for each customer.

  The product information database 405 is a database that holds detailed product description information, is constructed on the product information server 104, and is a search target using the value of the information address in the product information table 401.

  The product video database 406 is a database that stores video data of products, is constructed on the video information server 105, and is a search target using the video address value of the video address of the product information table 401.

  Next, the related product list will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an outline of related product list data.

  The related product list 500 is a list in which the central management system 1 lists information related to products other than the target product in the purchase history of the customer, the store-side campaign, and the like. Product code is included as an element. The related product list 500 is generated by the central management server 101 and transmitted to the store management server 201 in the store system 2 together with the inquiry data 400.

  Next, the specific structure of data used in the store system 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of product guide data handled by the store system. The member code list 600 is a list of the codes of the members who have inquired about the product in the target store, and is constructed on the store management server 201. At least for each inquiry, a member code and a key to the guide product list 604 are provided. Include as an element. The reception code list 601 is a list of reception codes corresponding to product inquiries in the target store. The reception code list 601 is constructed on the store management server 201 and includes at least a reception code and a key to the guide product list 604 for each inquiry. Include as.

  The product code list 602 is a list of product codes of products included in the product menu prepared in advance by the target store. The product code list 602 is built on the store management server 201 and stores the product code and the guide product list 604 for each product. Contains a key as an element. The related product list table 603 is a table of related product lists received from the central management system, is built on the in-store product information server 203, and includes a plurality of related product lists 500 as constituent elements. The guide product list 604 is a list of product codes acquired from the inquiry data 400 received from the central management server 101, and is constructed on the in-store product information server 203, and includes at least product codes and related product list table 603. The address is included as a component.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another example of the structure of product guide data handled by the store system.

  The guide product data 700 is data generated by the store management server 102 based on the inquiry data 400 sent from the central management server 101, and includes at least a product code and a pointer to the related product list 701. The related product list 701 is a component of the related product list table 603.

  The product information table 702 is a collection of information related to products handled by the store, and is built on the in-store product information server 203 and holds at least product code, product name, product number, price, category, and detailed product information. And the address of the database holding the video data of the product as elements.

  The product information database 703 is a database that holds detailed description information (product description information) of each product. The product information database 703 is constructed on the in-store product information server 203 and uses the value of the information address in the product information table as a search target. Become. The product video database 704 is a database that stores product video data (product video information). The product video database 704 is constructed on the in-store video information server 204, and uses the video address value of the video address in the product information table as a search target. Become.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing still another example of the structure of product guide data handled by the store system.

  The sales floor guidance data 800 is data including route explanation information and route video information as information necessary for guidance of the sales floor where the products are displayed. The sales floor guidance data 800 is generated on the store management server 201 and distributed to the store guidance device 300. The sales floor guidance data 800 includes map information indicating a storage location of a map including a sales floor displaying at least products, a reference point passing from the store terminal to the target sales floor, and a route from the reference point to another reference point. Reference point information having explanatory data or the like indicating image data, and includes a storage address of video data as an element.

  The map / position information database 801 is a database that stores map information of each sales floor and position information of each spot. The map / position information database 801 is constructed on the sales floor information server 202 and uses the map number value of the sales floor guidance data as a search target. Become.

  The route video database 802 is a database that stores video data of a route from a certain reference point to another reference point. The route video database 802 is constructed on the video distribution server 204 and is searched for using the value of the video address of the sales floor guidance data. Become. The route explanation database 803 is a database for explaining a route from one reference point in the store to another reference point, and is constructed on the sales floor information server 202, and is searched using the value of the description address of the sales floor guidance data. Become.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 15-19, the operation example of the shop guidance apparatus 300 of the shop terminal 210 is demonstrated.

  FIGS. 15A to 15F are diagrams showing examples of screens when a menu of services that can be provided to the customer by the store guide device 300 is displayed on the display device 205.

  In the example of FIG. 15, four buttons of product guidance, sales floor guidance, entertainment guidance, and facility guidance are displayed as the top menu. In addition, the word “Please press the button on the screen” is also displayed on the screen.

  When the user (customer who visited the store) presses the screen of the part on which the button corresponding to the service he / she desires is displayed, the touch panel 206 pasted on the screen detects that and notifies the store guidance device 300 of it. . As a result, the store guidance device 300 displays a new submenu corresponding to the service at the pressed location.

  As a result of pressing the merchandise guide in FIG. 15A, the sub menu of the merchandise guide is switched in FIG. In addition, when the “customer inquired in advance” button in FIG. 15B is pressed, a transition is made to the screen shown in FIG. 15C, and when the receipt code input button is touched in FIG. The screen changes to the screen of 15 (d).

  In the screen of FIG. 15D, 10-key buttons are displayed for inputting a reception code, and the result of pressing each button is displayed in a reception code frame at the bottom of the screen. Here, when the “membership number input” button is touched on the screen of FIG. 15C, the screen is switched to FIG. In this case, the membership card can be automatically read by inserting it into the card receiving portion 307 of the store terminal together with the input using the numeric keypad.

  From the “customer guidance menu” screen shown in FIG. 15 (a), the store guidance device 300 displays the “product guidance” screen shown in FIG. 15 (b), the “customer already inquired” screen shown in FIG. When the process proceeds to “Reception code input” of 15 (d), it becomes possible to input the reception code obtained when the customer makes an inquiry in advance. The customer can input the receipt code by pressing a button on the screen with the touch panel.

  In addition, the member number input is selected from FIG. 15C and the screen is shifted to the “member number input” screen shown in FIG. 15E, where the member number is input using the touch panel or the member card is used. it can.

  The store guidance device 300 transmits the reception code or member code input by the touch panel to the store management server 201. The store management server 201 inquires of the member code list 600 or the reception code list 601. If the reception code or the member code is registered in advance, the store management server 201 extracts the product code from the corresponding guide product list 604 and stores the corresponding product code. The store information device 300 is notified that the detailed information and the video data are ready.

  Upon receiving the confirmation result of the store management server 201, the store guidance apparatus 300 displays a product menu as shown in FIG. 15 (f) and waits for a confirmation request from the customer. When the customer presses the touch panel 206 to select a menu, the store guidance device 300 issues a service request corresponding to the menu pressed by the store management server 201.

  The merchandise information server 201 searches the merchandise information table from the merchandise code of the guidance merchandise data 700 and distributes the merchandise description information and merchandise video information of the target merchandise to the store guidance device 300.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a product description display displayed on the display device of the store terminal.

  In FIG. 16, the upper left side of the screen is a product description screen combining text and photos. Further, the upper right side of the screen is an area showing the image of the displayed product as a moving image. Also, at the bottom of the screen, a supplementary explanation of this product (“More deals with men's clothing and sets”) is displayed as fluid characters.

  Further, when the related product information button is pressed in FIG. 15 (f), the store guidance device 300 issues a related product information transfer request to the store management server 201. The store management server 201 searches the product information table from the related product list 701, searches the product information database 703 and the product video database, and distributes the description information and video data of the target product to the store guide device 300. The store guidance device 300 displays related information similar to that in FIG.

  Further, in FIG. 15 (f), when the customer presses the sales floor guidance button, the shop guidance device 300 issues a distribution request for the sales floor guidance information on which products are displayed to the shop management server 201. The store management server 201 searches the product information table from the related product list 701 to check the position of the sales floor, and sales floor guidance data 800 indicating the route, reference point, and order from the store guidance device 300 that issued the request to the target sales floor. Is generated and distributed to the store guide device 300.

  The store guidance device 300 obtains a sales floor map from the sales floor guidance data, and displays a guidance map and a route to the sales floor on the screen of the display device 205. Further, the store management server 201 searches the route video database 802 and the route explanation database, prepares distribution of data necessary for route guidance, and stores necessary data in response to a distribution request from the store guidance device 300. Delivered to the device 300.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sales floor guidance screen. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing another example of the sales floor guidance screen (an example in which only the sales floor map on the upper left side of FIG. 17 is enlarged).

  In FIG. 17, on the upper left side of the screen, a map including the sales floor of the corresponding product and its route are shown. FIG. 18 shows a screen in which the map and route are enlarged and displayed. On the upper right side of the screen of FIG. 17, the route is displayed as an image. Further, a supplementary explanation (“moving to the second floor by escalator”) is displayed at the bottom of the screen of FIG.

  In the case of FIG.17 and FIG.18, the position of a shop terminal is A, the target sales floor is D, and it passes the reference point of B and C in the meantime. On the map, the route to the sales floor where the products are displayed is displayed together with the position of the reference point. The store guidance device 300 requests the route explanation and route video of the route from A to B to the store management server 201 using the sales floor guide data 800.

  The store management server 201 distributes target data from the route video database and the route explanation database to the store guide device 300. The store guidance device 300 displays the route from A to B on the map while displaying the route image, for example, by changing the color and knowing what route the customer should go through. Like that.

  In the case of this example, the part of the escalator on the way from the current reference point A to the reference point B is displayed as a moving image. In addition, as a guide sentence, a message “moving to the second floor by escalator” is displayed at the bottom of the display screen. Next, immediately before reaching B, the terminal similarly requests video data from B to C, and finally guides the route to D of the target sales floor using a map, a moving image, and an explanatory note.

  As described above, by linking the map and the video up to the actual sales floor, the customer can correctly grasp the route to the target sales floor. A voice commentary may be added when performing this route guidance.

  Further, the store guidance device 300 has a printing function, and can print and provide a simple guide to a map or a target sales floor according to a customer's request.

  Next, an example of selecting a product menu for a customer who has not made an inquiry in advance will be described with reference to FIG. FIGS. 19A to 19F are diagrams showing display examples for selecting a product menu for a customer who has not made an inquiry in advance.

  In this example, it is possible to search for a product using a product menu prepared in advance even if no inquiry is made in advance. FIG. 19A shows the upper menu. The customer presses the buttons on the touch panel in the order of FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C, 19D, and 19E to sequentially select menus. As a result, as shown in FIG. 19 (f), the customer can reach the target product (suit).

  When the customer wants to obtain detailed product information, the store guidance device 300 transmits a product code to the store management server 201. The store management server 201 searches the product code list 602 from the product code, and can provide services similar to those of customers who have made inquiries in advance, such as detailed product descriptions, related product descriptions, and sales floor guidance.

  Next, detailed operations of the central management server 101, the store management server 201, and the store guide device 300 will be described using a flowchart.

  First, the operation of the central management system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a characteristic operation (cooperation with a flyer advertisement) in the central management system. Note that the central management server 101 executes overall control of the central management system 1.

  As shown in the figure, in step S101, from the customer who saw the flyer advertisement 9, a telephone using any one of the wired telephone 6 owned by the customer, the mobile phone 7 owned by the customer, and the personal computer 8 owned by the customer. The product inquiry data 400 by any means of the Internet and electronic mail is received. The central management server 101 returns a reception code as reception information corresponding to the product inquiry data 400 to the customer by means corresponding to the inquiry means (step S102).

  Next, the member code is extracted from the received inquiry data 400 of the product (step S103). Then, the member list 404 of the customer management server 102 is searched to check whether there is a code corresponding to the extracted member code (step S104).

  If the member is not registered in step S104, it is determined as an unregistered member and the process proceeds to step S108. If the member is registered, the purchase history data is searched from the corresponding member data 403 on the customer management server 102 (step S105), and the information is received (step S106).

  A candidate list of products that the customer may be interested in is created from the received purchase history (step S107). When creating a candidate list, it is possible to narrow down product candidates based on conditions such as the customer has the largest number of purchases so far, or a category that has been purchased in the past and may be replaced over time. .

  Further, the product code of the product inquired by the customer is extracted from the inquiry data 400 (step S108). The product name and product code are also extracted for the product related to this product. In the case of extraction, another product of the same category may be set, or if there is a product that is particularly desired to be sold in a campaign or the like, it may be inserted (step S109). Next, the final related product list 500 is created by narrowing down the products from the product candidate list created in step S107 and the product code extracted in step S108 (step S110).

  Next, a store code is extracted from the inquiry data 400 (step S111). Then, the address of the target store is extracted using the extracted store code. And it connects to the store management server 201 of the target address (step S112). Next, the inquiry data 400 of the product for which an inquiry has been made and the related product list 500 are transmitted to the connected store management server 201 (step S113).

  Next, it waits for a product information request from the store management server 201 (step S114). When there is a request for product information from the store management server 201, the explanation information of the corresponding product is received from the product information database 405 of the product information server 104 and transferred to the store management server (step S115). If there is a product video request from the store management server 201, the video data of the corresponding product is received from the product video database of the video information server 105 and transferred to the store management server 201 (step S116).

  When the transfer of the product description information and video data is completed, the connection with the store management server 201 is terminated, and the processing of the central management system 201 regarding the product inquiry is terminated (step S117).

  Next, processing in which the store management server 201 cooperates with the central management server 101 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing main operations of the store management server that controls the entire store system.

  The store system 2 starts connection with the central management server 101 based on the connection request from the central management system 1 (step S201). Next, the inquiry data 400 and the related product list 500 are received from the central management server 101 (step S202).

  Next, since an inquiry request from a customer is generated due to the reception of information in step S202, the information is added to the guidance product list 604 as a new element. Specifically, the received related product list 500 is copied to the related product list table 603, and the value of the product code and the address on the related product list table 603 of the copied related product list 500 are stored in the guide product list 604 ( Step S203).

  Next, the member code is extracted from the received inquiry data 400 and added to the member code list 600. The added member code list includes keys to the elements of the target guide product list 604. If no code is entered in the member code, nothing is done in this step (step S204).

  Next, the reception code is extracted from the inquiry data and added to the reception code list 601. The added receipt code list includes a key to the element of the target guided product list 604 (step S205).

  Next, the value of the product code received from the central management server 101 and the code of the product described in the related product list 500 are checked to confirm whether they exist in the product information table 702 managed by the store management server 201 (step). S206, S207). If there is no product description information in the store system 2 in the received product code, the central management server 101 is requested to transfer the product description information (step S208). Next, after receiving the requested product description information and storing it in the product information database 703 of the in-store product information server 203, the product information table 703 is updated (step S209).

  Next, the presence / absence of the video data of the product is similarly confirmed (steps S210 and S211). If there is no product video data in the store system 2, a video data transfer request is issued to the central management server 101 (step S 212), the product video data is received from the central management server 101, and in-store video information is received. The product information database 704 is stored in the product video database 704 in the server 204, and the product information table 702 is updated (step S213). When the transfer of the product description information and the video data is completed, the connection with the central management server 101 is terminated and the processing is completed (step S214).

  Through the above processing, product information and related information corresponding to the product inquiry request from the customer who has read the flyer advertisement 9 are transferred in advance to the store where the customer visits. In the above description, one store has been described as an example, but in reality, similar requests are generated for a plurality of stores.

  In the system of the present embodiment, communication between the central management system 1 and the store system 2 does not have to be performed when a request from a customer occurs, so a time difference is provided between stores according to the network communication status. It is possible to resume processing when the network load is reduced.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 22 to 27, the processing of the store system 2 when the customer actually visits the store after receiving an inquiry about the product linked with the flyer advertisement 9 from the customer will be described. The customer can check the product information and the sales floor that the customer has inquired in advance via the store terminal 210 (see FIG. 9) installed in the store.

  First, the operation of the store management server 201 when the customer wants to confirm the product information by operating the store terminal will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining a specific operation procedure of the store management server when a customer who visits a store operates the store terminal and wants to confirm product information.

  In FIG. 22, the store management server 201 receives from the store guide device 300 a reception code that is made in response to a product confirmation request from a customer (step S301). The store management server 201 searches the reception code list 601 using the received reception code and confirms whether it is registered in advance (steps S302 and S303). If registered, since the product code of the target product and the address of the related product list are stored in the reception code list 601, they are taken out (step S307). If not registered, a product selection menu is transmitted to the store guidance device 300 so that the customer can select a product using a menu prepared in advance (step S304). Then, the product code of the product selected by the customer according to the product selection menu is received from the store guide device 300 (step S305).

  Next, the product code sent by menu selection is selected from the product code list 602, and the product code and the related product list 701 are extracted from the corresponding guide product list 604 (step S306). Thereafter, the product information table 702 is searched using the product code obtained in step S307 or step S306, and the product information on the in-store product information server 203 is used as the product information corresponding to the product code. The information is extracted from the information database 703 and transmitted to the store guidance apparatus 300 (steps S308 and S309). Similarly, as the product information corresponding to the product code, the video data of the corresponding product is extracted from the product video database 704 on the in-store video information server 204 and transmitted to the store guidance apparatus 300 (this step is not shown).

  Next, the content of the related product list 701 obtained in step S306 or step S307 is searched, and if there is a product code of the related product, an inquiry is made because the customer desires to view. If the customer wishes to view, the description information of the related product is transferred from the product information database on the in-store product information server 203 as the product information of the related product (step S310). Similarly, the video data of the related product is extracted from the product video database on the in-store video information server 204 and transferred to the store guidance device 300 (this step is not shown). When the transfer is completed, the merchandise guidance process on the store management server 201 side is terminated.

  Next, processing of the store management server 201 with respect to product sales floor guidance will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining the main operation of the store management server when performing sales floor guidance for products.

  The store management server 201 receives from the store guide device 300 the receipt code that was sent in response to the product confirmation request from the customer (step S401). Then, the store management server 201 searches the reception code list 601 using the received reception code and confirms whether it is registered in advance (steps S402 and S403).

  If registered, since the product code of the target product and the related product list 701 are stored in the guide product list 604, they are extracted (step S407). If not registered, a product selection menu is transmitted to the store guidance device 300 so that the customer can select a product using a menu prepared in advance (step S404).

  Thereafter, the merchandise code of the merchandise selected by the customer according to the merchandise selection menu is received from the store guidance device 300 (step S405). Then, the next product code sent by menu selection is selected from the product code list 602, and the product code and the related product list 701 are extracted from the corresponding guide product list 604 (step S406). Then, the product information table 702 is searched for the product code obtained in step S307 or step S306, and the sales floor position corresponding to the product code is acquired (step S408).

  Next, map data including the sales floor position is extracted from the sales floor information server 202 based on the sales floor position information of the product, and transmitted to the store guidance device 300 (step S409). Next, an optimal route is calculated from the position of the store terminal 210 in the store and the sales floor position of the product, a reference point on the route between them is searched, and a route list in which the position information of each reference point is listed is created. (Step S410). Then, a route list listing the position information of the reference points is transmitted to the store guidance device 300 (step S411). For the transmitted route list, a route guidance information request from an arbitrary reference point to the next reference point is received from the store guidance device 300 (step S412). In response to the route guidance information request, route explanation data and route video data are extracted from the sales floor information server 202 and transmitted as route guidance information (step S413).

  And step S412 and step S413 are repeated until the route guidance to the said sales floor position is complete | finished. It is determined whether or not the distribution of the route guidance information to the target sales floor is completed (step S414), and when it is completed, the process is terminated.

  Next, the processing of the store management server when a customer searches for a product using a membership number instead of an acceptance code will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the main operation of the store management server when a customer searches for a product using a membership number instead of an acceptance code.

  In FIG. 24, the store management server 201 receives from the store guide device 300 a membership code that has been sent in response to a product confirmation request from a customer (step S501). Then, the store management server 201 searches the member code list using the received member code and confirms whether it is registered in advance (steps S502 and S503).

  If registered, since the product code of the target product and the address of the related product list 701 are stored in the member code list 600, they are taken out (step S507). If not registered, a product selection menu is transmitted to the store guidance device 300 so that the customer can select a product using a menu prepared in advance (step S504).

  After that, the product code of the product selected by the customer according to the product selection menu is received from the store guidance device 300 (step S505). Next, the product code sent by menu selection is selected from the product code list 602, and the product code and the address of the related product list 701 are extracted from the corresponding guide product list 604 (step S506).

  Then, using the product code obtained in step S507 or step S506, the description information of the corresponding product is extracted from the product information database 703 on the in-store product information server 203 as the product information of the product corresponding to the product code. Then, the information is transmitted to the store guidance device 300 (step S508). Next, the video data of the product corresponding to the product code is extracted from the product video database 704 on the in-store video information server and transmitted to the store guidance device 300 (this step is not shown).

  Next, the content of the related product list 701 obtained in step S506 or step S507 is searched to check whether there is a code for the related product (step S509). If there is a code for the related product, the customer wants to watch it, so inquire. When the customer wishes to view, the explanation information of the related product is taken out from the product information database on the in-store product information server 203 as the product information of the related product and transferred to the store guidance device 300 (step S510). Next, similarly, the product video database on the in-store video information server 204 or the video data of related products is taken out and transferred to the store guidance device 300 (this step is not shown). When the transfer is completed, the merchandise guidance process on the store management server 201 side is terminated.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 25 to 27, the operation of the store guidance apparatus 300 will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a merchandise guidance processing procedure of the shop guidance device which is a component of the shop terminal.

  In FIG. 25, the store guide device 300 displays a menu on the display device 205 and prompts the customer to enter a receipt code (step S601). A touch panel 206 is mounted on the display screen of the display device 205, and the store guide device 300 selects a corresponding menu or number by pressing a place corresponding to a display block such as a button displayed on the display device 205. Can be recognized. The store guidance apparatus 300 also includes a wireless communication processing unit 306 that assumes a wireless LAN, Bluetooth, or the like (see FIG. 8), and a wireless terminal can be used instead of the touch panel 206.

  When the reception code is acquired by the customer's operation (step S602), the store guidance device 300 transmits the reception code to the store management server 201 (step S603). Here, if the reception code is not registered, the store management server 201 transmits a notification that there is no registration information and information on a product menu prepared in advance. Then, it is determined whether or not the product menu is transmitted from the store management server 201 (step S604). If the product menu is transmitted, the product menu is displayed on the display device 205 (step S605).

  Here, when the product code of the product selected by the customer is received (step S606), it is transmitted to the store management server 201 (step S607). Then, based on the reception code transmitted in step S603 or the product code transmitted in step S607, the description information of the product is received from the in-store product information server 203 as the product information of the corresponding product (step S608). Is received from the in-store video information server 204 (step S609).

  Next, the received product description information and video data are displayed on the display device 205 (step S610). When the display of the merchandise information is finished, an inquiry is made as to whether the customer wants to explain the related merchandise (step S612). When the customer needs to explain the related product, the store management server 201 is requested for the description information and video data of the related product (step S613).

  Next, as the product information of the related product, the explanation information of the related product is received from the in-store product information server 203 (step S614), and the video data of the related product is received from the in-store video information server 204 (step S615). Then, the product information of the related products received in steps S614 and S615 is displayed on the display device 205 (step S616). When the display is completed, the process ends.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 26, the shop guidance process of the store guidance apparatus 300 will be described. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a sales floor guidance processing procedure of the shop guidance device which is a component of the shop terminal.

  In FIG. 26, the store guide device 300 displays a menu on the display device 205 and prompts the customer to enter a receipt code (step S701). When the reception code is acquired by the customer's operation (step S702), the store guidance device 300 transmits the reception code to the store management server 201 (step S703). Here, if the reception code is not registered, the store management server 201 transmits a notification that there is no registration information and information on a product menu prepared in advance (step S704), so the menu is transmitted. In that case, a product menu is displayed on the display device (display) 205 (step S705).

  When the product code of the product selected by the customer is received (step S706), this product code is transmitted to the store management server (step S707). Based on the product code transmitted in step S703 or step S707, map information including the sales location of the product is received from the sales floor information server 202 (step S708). Similarly, a reference point position information list (route list) indicating the route to the sales floor location is received from the sales floor information server 202 (step S709). Then, based on the received map information and route list, a guide map showing the sales location of the product, the route to the product, etc. is displayed on the display device (step S710).

  Next, as the route guidance information from the reference point (initially the starting point) to the next reference point while displaying the map, the store management server 201 is requested for route explanation data and route video data between the reference points (step S711). When the route explanation data and route video data are received (step S712), the route explanation and video are displayed as route guidance on the same screen while the map is displayed (step S713).

  Then, it is determined whether the reference point is the target sales floor position (step S714). If the reference point has not reached the target sales floor position, the process returns to step S711. The route guidance explanation and video display processing (from step S711 to step S713) is repeated from one reference point to the next reference point until the route guidance display to the target sales floor is completed. After the route guidance display is completed, it is confirmed whether or not the customer needs a map to the target sales floor (step S715). If the map is necessary, the map is printed and the guidance is terminated (step S716).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 27, a description will be given of merchandise confirmation processing by the store guidance device 300 when a customer searches using a membership number instead of a reception code. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the main procedure of the product confirmation process by the store guidance device when the customer searches using the membership number.

  In FIG. 27, first, a menu is displayed to prompt the customer to input a member code (step S801). In the system of the present embodiment, the display device 205 of the store terminal 210 is equipped with a card reader together with a touch panel, and a member code can be automatically input by inserting a member card into the card reader together with the touch panel. Is possible.

  When the membership card data is read based on the customer's operation and the membership code is acquired (step S802), the store guidance device 300 transmits the membership code to the store management server (step S803). Here, if the member code is not registered, the store management server 201 transmits information indicating that there is no registration information and information on a product menu prepared in advance. Then, it is determined whether or not the product menu is transmitted from the store management server 201 (step S804). If the product menu is transmitted, the product menu is displayed on the display device (step S805).

  When the product code of the product selected by the customer is received (step S806), the product code is transmitted to the store management server 201 (step S807). Then, based on the member code transmitted in step S803 or the product code transmitted in step S807, the product description information of the corresponding product is received from the in-store product information server 203 as the product information (step S808). Is received from the in-store video information server 204 (step S809).

  Next, the received product description information and video data are displayed on the display device 205 (step S810). When the display of the merchandise information is finished, an inquiry is made as to whether the customer wants to explain the related merchandise (step S812). When the customer needs to explain the related product, the store management server 201 is requested for the description information and video data of the related product (step S813).

  Next, as the product information of the related product, the explanation information of the related product is received from the in-store product information server 203 (Step S814), and the video data of the related product is received from the in-store video information server 204 (Step S615). Then, the product information of the related products received in steps S814 and S815 is displayed on the display device 205 (step S816). When the display is completed, the process ends.

  In the system of this embodiment, since the customer's consumption trend by the advertisement flyer is grasped in advance, the transfer of information from the central management system 1 to the store system 2 only needs to be distributed. It becomes possible to use the communication network efficiently. That is, communication network overload is not a problem.

  Further, even for large-scale data such as video images, by using the communication network in the store efficiently, the store information of each store terminal 210 in the store can be obtained in real time from the product information server or the video information server. Device 300). Accordingly, it is possible to provide a high-quality product description that will motivate customers to purchase, and an improvement in product sales can be expected.

  In addition, since the product and the sales floor information are linked, it is possible to efficiently guide the customer to the sales floor, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in purchasing motivation due to the fact that the sales floor is unknown.

  In this embodiment, the efficiency of product guidance and sales floor guidance has been described. However, by using flyer advertisements, customer inquiry information, and customer purchase history, this system can also be used for product marketing. it can.

  Further, the store guidance apparatus 300 has a print processing unit, but points are added according to the purchase amount of the customer, and coupons are printed from the printing unit according to the points, thereby improving customer satisfaction. Various additional services can also be provided.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a sufficient function description using a streaming video or the like and a store guidance can be provided using a high-function store terminal instead of a guide and a product salesperson. Can be provided without exception to customers who visit.

  In addition, it is possible to quickly provide high-quality product information that stimulates purchase intent using a store terminal. In addition, the customer can immediately receive provision of desired product information simply by inputting the reception information (reception code) given from the central management system at the time of the inquiry of the flyer advertisement or by inserting the membership card. it can. Therefore, no unnecessary waiting time occurs.

  In addition, when explaining products at a store terminal, it is possible to effectively provide guidance on recommended related products in consideration of a customer's past purchase history. Thereby, the sales improvement effect can be acquired.

  In addition, the central management system analyzes the inquiry contents of flyer advertisements in advance and sends the inquiry contents to the store where the inquiring customer is likely to visit. By preferentially arranging videos and having the product description information and product video information in the store, preparations for product description are made before the customer visits the store. . Basically, each store only needs to download necessary product description information and product video information from the central management system, so communication load does not become a problem. Therefore, only necessary information can be efficiently prepared in advance in each store system.

  In addition, the central management system can grasp popular products from the inquiry status of flyers. This makes it possible to maintain efficient product information and video information based on market information.

  Also, by collaborating with flyer advertisements, customer trends can be caught in advance, and product explanation information that matches the customer trends can be efficiently placed in stores where the customer is likely to stop by Thus, it is possible to provide abundant product description information and sales floor guide information very efficiently.

  In addition, a product and sales floor guidance system capable of providing extremely high-quality product descriptions and sales floor guidance using streaming video to customers who visit the store without relying on human resources such as guides and sales staff. That method can be provided.

  Therefore, for example, the present invention can be applied as a product or sales floor guidance system and a product or sales floor guidance method in a large-scale store such as a department store. In addition, the product and sales floor guidance system (and method) of this embodiment can be applied to explanations of exhibits at exhibitions and expositions using an in-house terminal, etc., and provides a variety of information that does not rely on human resources. It can provide basic technology to realize services.

  The present invention has the effect that it is possible to provide an extremely high-quality and sufficient product description and sales floor guidance to customers who have visited a store without relying on human resources such as a guide or a sales clerk. It is useful for merchandise and sales floor guidance systems, merchandise and sales floor guidance methods, etc. used in stores and the like.

The figure for demonstrating the goods and sales floor guidance system and goods and sales floor guidance method which concern on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of a structure of the goods and sales floor guidance system which concern on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the specific format of the flyer advertisement which concerns on this embodiment The figure for demonstrating the inquiry procedure by the internet in this embodiment The figure for demonstrating the inquiry procedure by the email in this embodiment Block diagram showing a specific configuration example of the central management system according to the present embodiment The block diagram which shows an example of the specific structure of the store system deployed at each store which concerns on this embodiment The block diagram which shows the specific structural example of the shop guidance apparatus which is the main components of the shop terminal which concerns on this embodiment. The perspective view for demonstrating the external appearance structure of the shop terminal which concerns on this embodiment The figure which shows an example of the structure of the data used with the central management system in this embodiment The figure which shows the outline | summary of the related goods list data in this embodiment The figure which shows an example of the structure of the product guidance data which the store system in this embodiment handles The figure which shows the other example of the structure of the product guidance data which the store system in this embodiment handles The figure which shows the further another example of the structure of the merchandise guidance data which the store system in this embodiment handles The figure which showed the example of the screen when the menu of the service which the shop guidance apparatus in this embodiment can provide to a customer is displayed on a display apparatus The figure which shows an example of the goods description display displayed on the display apparatus of the shop terminal in this embodiment The figure which shows an example of the screen of the sales floor guidance in this embodiment The figure which shows the other example (example which expanded and displayed only the sales floor map of the upper left of FIG. 17) of the sales floor guidance screen in this embodiment. The figure which shows the example of a display for selection of the goods menu with respect to the customer who has not made the inquiry in advance in this embodiment The flowchart which shows the process sequence of characteristic operation | movement (collaboration process with a flyer advertisement) in the central management system of this embodiment. The flowchart which shows the main operation | movement of the shop management server which controls the whole shop system in this embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the specific operation | movement procedure of a store management server when the customer who visited the store in this embodiment wants to confirm merchandise information by operating a store terminal. The flowchart for demonstrating main operation | movement of the store management server in the case of performing sales floor guidance of goods in this embodiment The flowchart which shows the main operation | movement of a shop management server in case a customer searches for goods using a membership number instead of a receipt code in this embodiment The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the merchandise guidance of the shop guidance apparatus which is a component of the shop terminal in this embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the shop guidance of the shop guidance apparatus which is a component of the shop terminal in this embodiment. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the merchandise confirmation process by a store guidance apparatus in case a customer searches using a membership number in this embodiment A diagram for explaining the outline of a conventional product sales place guidance method in which a flyer advertisement and a mobile phone terminal are linked.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Central management system 2 Store system 3 Internet 4 Wired telephone network 5 Mobile telephone network 6 Wired telephone 7 Mobile phone 8 Personal computer 9 Flyer advertisement 100 Central management system internal network 101 Central management system 102 Customer information server 103 Telephone guidance server 104 Goods Information server 105 Video information server 200 Internal network of in-store system 201 Store management server 202 Sales floor information server 203 In-store product information server 204 In-store video information server 205 Display device 206 Touch panel 207 Wireless communication antenna 208 Member card 300 Store terminal 301 Processor (CPU)
302 Program Memory 303 Work Memory 304 Display Processing Unit 305 Wired Communication Processing Unit 306 Wireless Communication Processing Unit 307 Card Processing Unit 308 Card Processing Unit 309 Printing Unit 310 Print Processing Unit 311 Touch Panel Processing Unit 400 Inquiry Data 401 First Product Information Table 402 Store List 403 Member Data 404 Member List 405 Product Information Database 406 Product Video Database 500 First Related Product List 600 Member Code List 601 Reception Code List 602 Product Code List 603 Related Product List Table 604 Guide Product List 700 Guide Product Data 701 First 2 related product list 702 2nd product information table 703 2nd product information database 704 2nd product image database 800 Sales floor guidance data 801 Map / position information database 802 Route video database 803 Route explanation database 901 Product information inquiry block 902 Internet inquiry address block 903 E-mail inquiry address block 904 Telephone inquiry number block 905 Product display block 906 Product code block 1001 Tenant terminal 1002 Department store server 1003 Inventory confirmation unit 1004 Depernavigation providing unit 1005 In-store network 1006 Flyer advertisement

Claims (11)

A store system comprising a store terminal for product explanation and sales floor guidance, and a central management system connected to the store system via a communication line;
The central management system is
Product information storage means for storing product description information and product video information;
An acceptance information reply means for accepting inquiries from customers and returning acceptance information;
Inquiry information about the inquiry, inquiry information transmitting means for transmitting to the store system,
Product information transmitting means for transmitting information corresponding to the transmission request from the store system to the store system that issued the transmission request;
The store system
Managing the overall operation of the store system, a store management server for communicating with the central management system,
A product information server for storing product information of products handled in the store;
A sales floor information server for storing information for store sales floor guidance,
The store management server confirms with the inquiry information receiving means for receiving the inquiry information transmitted from the central management system, the commodity information server whether there is information on the commodity corresponding to the inquiry, and these information Product information acquisition means for acquiring a corresponding information by outputting a transmission request to the central management system,
The store terminal is necessary from the product information server or the sales floor information server according to the request input of the customer when the reception information is input, and reception information input means for inputting the reception information from a customer who has visited the store Product and sales floor guidance system comprising: distribution information receiving means for receiving distribution of various information; and information reproduction means for reproducing product explanation or sales floor guidance for the customer based on the distributed information. A store system including at least one store terminal that performs product explanation and sales floor guidance, and a central management system connected to the store system via a communication line,
The central management system is
Product information storage means for storing product description information and product video information for product description in the store terminal;
Acceptance information reply means for accepting inquiries from customers who saw flyer advertisements and returning acceptance information;
Inquiry information transmission means for transmitting inquiry information related to the inquiry to a store system of a store where the customer is likely to go;
When there is a request for transmission of product description information or product video information from the store system, product information transmission that extracts the product description information or product video information corresponding to the transmission request and transmits it to the store system that issued the transmission request Means,
The store system
Managing the overall operation of the store system, a store management server for communicating with the central management system,
A product information server for storing product description information of products handled in the store;
A video information server for storing product video information of products handled in the store;
A sales floor information server for storing route explanation information including location information for sales floor guidance in the store and route video information;
The store management server includes: inquiry information receiving means for receiving the inquiry information transmitted from the central management system; whether the item description information and item video information of the item corresponding to the inquiry are present; Check with the video information server, and if there is no such information, the product information acquisition means for acquiring a corresponding product description information or product video information by outputting a transmission request to the central management system,
The store terminal includes reception information input means for inputting the reception information from a customer who has visited the store, and when the reception information is input, according to the customer's request input, the product information server, the video information server, or the A merchandise and sales floor guidance system comprising distribution information receiving means for receiving distribution of necessary information from a sales floor information server and information reproduction means for reproducing merchandise explanation or sales floor guidance for the customer based on the distributed information. The product and sales floor guidance system according to claim 1 or 2,
When the central management system receives an inquiry from a customer who has viewed a flyer advertisement, the central management system refers to the product purchase history of the corresponding customer, and creates a related product list creation means for creating a related product list recommended for the customer; And the related product information transmitting means for transmitting the created related product list to a store system of a store where the customer is likely to stop,
The store terminal receives distribution of information related to the related product list in accordance with the customer's request input when the reception information is input in the distribution information receiving unit, and the information reproduction unit stores the product description of the related product. And a product and sales floor guidance system for reproducing sales floor guidance. The product and sales floor guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The central management system analyzes the inquiry situation from the customer who saw the flyer advertisement, and has a popular product information transmission means for distributing product description information and product video information about popular products to each of the store systems And sales floor guidance system. The product and sales floor guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The store terminal is a product and sales floor guidance system comprising display means for displaying information on the screen as the information reproducing means. The product and sales floor guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The store terminal is a merchandise and sales floor guidance system provided with printing means for printing information as the information reproducing means. The product and sales floor guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The store terminal is a merchandise and sales floor guidance system provided with card information input means for reading information from a card held by a customer as the reception information input means. The product and sales floor guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The store terminal is a product and sales floor guidance system provided with touch panel input means as the reception information input means. The product and sales floor guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
At least one of the product video information and the route video information is a product and sales floor guidance system that is a streaming video that is reproduced in real time. A store terminal that is installed in a store and used for a product explanation and sales floor guidance system for product explanation and sales floor guidance,
Reception information input means for inputting the reception information from a customer who has visited this store;
An input information processing unit for processing the reception information;
When the reception information is input, product description information, product video information, route description information, and route from the product information server, video information server, or sales floor information server of the store system provided in the store according to the request input of the customer Distribution information receiving means for receiving distribution of necessary information of video information;
A communication processing unit for communicating the distribution information;
Information reproducing means for reproducing a product description or sales floor guidance for the customer based on the distributed information;
A store terminal comprising: a playback information processing unit that processes the playback information. A product and a sales floor guidance method for a product and a sales floor guidance system comprising a store system having at least one shop terminal for product explanation and sales floor guidance, and a central management system connected to the store system via a communication line. And
The central management system is
Acceptance information reply step of accepting inquiries from customers who saw flyer advertisements and returning acceptance information;
Inquiry information transmission step for sending inquiry information about the inquiry to a store system of a store where the customer is likely to go;
When there is a transmission request for product description information or product video information for product description from the store system, product description information or product video information corresponding to this transmission request is taken out from the product information storage means, and the transmission request is A product information transmission step for transmitting to the issuing store system,
The store system is
In the store management server that manages the overall operation of the store system and communicates with the central management system, an inquiry information receiving step for receiving the inquiry information transmitted from the central management system, and a product corresponding to the inquiry The product description information and product video information are present, and if such information does not exist in its own system, a transmission request is output to the central management system to send the corresponding product description information or product video information. A product information acquisition step to acquire,
In the store terminal, a reception information input step for inputting the reception information from a customer who has visited the store, and when the reception information is input, product description information, product video information, route description according to the customer's request input Product information and sales floor guidance having a distribution information receiving step for receiving distribution of necessary information out of information and route video information, and an information reproduction step for reproducing a product description or sales floor guidance for the customer based on the distributed information Method.

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