JP2012181767A - Shopping assist system, shopping assist terminal device and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To set, as a guiding route, a vicinity of a display location of a commodity supposed to be purchased by a customer according to his/her shopping purpose even when he/she does not have a clear idea about a commodity to be purchased.SOLUTION: Category specification means for making a user specify one of categories which classifies various types of commodities displayed for sales in a shop is provided. Route setting means sets up a guiding route for guiding the user to a display location of commodities belonging to the category in the shop based on the category specified through the category specification means. Then, guiding means guides the user following the guiding route set by the route setting means.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a shopping assist system, a shopping assist terminal device, and a control program.

Conventionally, in large-scale retail stores such as shopping malls, DIY shops, supermarkets, etc., there are many types of products that are handled and the sales floor space is large. It was difficult to find and purchase.
In order to solve this, Patent Document 1 proposes a shopping cart that provides guidance to a predetermined destination in a store.

  However, in the prior art, even if there is no problem when the store side guides the customer to a predetermined destination, even if the purpose is clear, what kind of product can be actually purchased If you do not know, there is a possibility that you can not guide.

The shopping assist system according to the embodiment includes a category specifying unit that allows a user to specify a category to which a plurality of types of products displayed and sold in a store belong. Then, the route setting means sets a guide route for guiding the user to the display position in the store of the products belonging to the category based on the category designated via the category means.
Thereby, the guidance means guides the user according to the guidance route set by the route setting means.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a shopping assist system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a schematic configuration of the cart. FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the shopping assist terminal device. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration block diagram of the route navigation system. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the data format of the product master DB. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the data format of the category master DB. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the data format of the flyer master DB. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the data format of the shelf allocation master DB. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the data format of the customer master DB. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an outline operation process according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a cart rental registration screen. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a product registration screen in the shopping assist terminal device immediately after the cart lending registration process. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a category structure. FIG. 14 is a detailed process flowchart of the shopping list registration process of the embodiment. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a display example of the second category. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a display example of the third category. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a display example of the fourth category. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a display example of product names of products belonging to the fifth category. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a display screen after selecting a product and before searching for a route. FIG. 20 is a process flowchart of route guidance and settlement processing. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of the set route display state. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a display screen in the middle of moving in the store according to shopping. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of a map enlargement display screen.

Next, the shopping assistance system of embodiment is demonstrated with reference to drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a shopping assist system according to an embodiment.
The shopping assist system 10 can be broadly divided into a headquarter server 11 having jurisdiction over the entire store system, store systems SS-A to SS-C constructed for each store, a headquarter server 11 and store systems SS-A to SS. And a communication network 12 that connects the communication device C to be communicable.
In this case, the communication network 12 can be constructed as a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or the like in addition to a public communication network such as the Internet.

Next, the store systems SS-A to SS-C will be described. Since the store systems SS-A to SS-C have the same configuration, the store system SS-A will be described as an example.
The store system SS-A gives the POS system 21, the cart 22 with the shopping assist terminal device 23 to be rented to the shopper as a customer, and the position of the cart 22 in the store. Wireless communication is performed between the position detection system 24 to detect, the route navigation system 25 for guiding the movement route of the cart 22 at the time of product purchase in the store, and the shopping assist terminal device 23 which is arranged in each place in the store. A plurality of wireless access points (wireless APs) 26 to perform.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a schematic configuration of the cart.
The cart has a handle 34 attached to the rear part of the frame 34 by a frame 34 having loading platforms 32 and 33 each capable of placing a shopping basket 31 and four wheels 35 provided at the bottom. When 36 is pressed, it can be easily moved in a desired direction.
Further, in front of the handle 36, the shopping assist terminal device 23 is provided at a position where the customer can easily see and operate the display screen while being supported by the support frame 37.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the shopping assist terminal device.
The shopping assistance terminal device 23 includes a controller 41 that controls the shopping assistance terminal device 23 as a whole, a display 42 that displays various types of information, an operation unit 43 that has a touch panel function that is integrated with the display, and a hard disk. An external storage device 44 that is configured as a drive, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like and stores various data, and a communication interface (IF) 45 that performs communication with the wireless access point 26 are provided.
The controller 41 includes an MPU 46 that controls the entire controller 41, a ROM 47 that stores a control program that operates on the MPU 46, and a RAM 48 that temporarily stores various data.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration block diagram of the route navigation system.
The route navigation system 25 is configured as a so-called server, and includes a controller 51 that controls the entire route navigation system 25, a display 52 that displays various types of information, and input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse. An operation unit 53 for performing communication, an external storage device 54 configured to store various data, a communication interface (IF) 55 for performing communication between the communication network 12 and the wireless access point 26, It has.

  The controller 51 includes an MPU 56 that controls the entire controller 51, a ROM 57 that stores a control program that operates on the MPU 56, and a RAM 58 that temporarily stores various data.

  On the external storage device 54, a product master database (DB) 61 in which data related to products handled in the store A is stored, and a category master database (categorized database for handling products handled in the store A) (DB) 61 DB) 62, a flyer master database (DB) 63 that stores data relating to electronic leaflets of stores A or a plurality of stores including store A, and a shelf allocation master database that stores the status of product allocation in store A ( DB) 64 and a customer master database (DB) 65 storing data related to the customers of the store.

Here, the data format of each of the databases 61 to 65 will be described.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the data format of the product master DB.
The product master DB 61 stores product code data 61A storing a product code for specifying a product such as a JAN code (Japan Article Number code), and product name data storing a product name of a product corresponding to the product code data 61A. 61B, category data 61C for specifying the category to which the product corresponding to the product code data 61A belongs, and price data 61D storing the price (sales price, purchase price, etc.) of the product corresponding to the product code data 61A And inventory status data 61E in which the inventory status of the product corresponding to the product code data 61A is stored.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the data format of the category master DB.
The category master DB 62 stores data for specifying the category to which the product belongs, and includes first category data 62A for specifying the first category that is the highest category (the highest category) to which the product belongs, Second category data 62B for specifying a second category (higher category) that is a category immediately below the first category, and a third category (intermediate category) that is a category immediately below the second category Third category data 62C, fourth category data 62D for specifying a fourth category (lower category) that is a category immediately below the third category, and a fifth category (lowest level) that is a category immediately below the fourth category 5th category data 62E for specifying (category).

  In this case, each category data of the second category data 62B to the fifth category data 62E excluding the first category data 62A is the product itself described in FIG. 5 when there is no category data below the own category. The product code to represent is stored. Then, the category data lower than the category data storing the product code stores predetermined data (no data code) indicating that the data is not included. In FIG. 6, the case where the category has a tree structure with a maximum of five layers has been described. However, if necessary, a hierarchical structure with a further increased number of hierarchies or a hierarchical structure with a reduced number of hierarchies may be used. Is also possible.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the data format of the flyer master DB.
The flyer master DB 63 has the flyer image data 63A obtained by reducing the printing data used for the flyer printing as it is (for example, A2 size) or a predetermined size (for example, A3 size if the original is A2 size), Area coordinate data 63B representing an area for specifying the image for each image (for example, product image) on the flyer in accordance with the coordinate system of the flyer image data, and product code data of the product corresponding to the area coordinate data 63B 63C.

  That is, the flyer master DB 63 displays a flyer image corresponding to the flyer image data on, for example, the display screen of the display 42 of the shopping assist terminal device 23, and the user selects and clicks the product image in the flyer image. In this case, the clicked coordinates are used to specify a product corresponding to the area based on which of the areas corresponding to the area coordinate data is included.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the data format of the shelf allocation master DB.
The shelf allocation master DB 64 stores shelf allocation data 64A for specifying a place for displaying products and product code data 64B for specifying a product to be displayed at the display location.
In this case, the shelf allocation data 64A includes information on the floor on which the shelves on which the products are to be displayed are arranged, the arrangement on the floor of the shelves, and where the shelves are to be displayed (how many shelves on the shelves, On the shelf or in front of the shelf, the arrangement width, the arrangement width, the number of columns, etc.).

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the data format of the customer master DB.
The customer master DB 65 includes customer ID data 65A for identifying a customer, personal data 65B including customer personal data, purchase history data 65C storing purchase histories within a predetermined period in the past, and purchase at the previous visit. Previous purchase data 65D storing information about the product.
In this case, the personal data 65B includes so-called personal data such as the customer's name, age (age group), gender, address, telephone number, etc., and information on the object of interest (hobbies, types of events to be notified, etc.) And sales promotion data related to information necessary for the sales promotion.

Next, the operation of the embodiment will be described.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an outline operation process according to the embodiment.
First, a customer who visits store A performs cart rental registration processing in order to receive cart rental (step S11).
Here, the cart lending registration process is for identifying a customer and providing optimum information for each customer in consideration of the past purchase history of the customer, and is registered in advance and identifies the customer. To input a customer ID.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a cart rental registration screen.
The cart rental registration screen 71 is displayed on the display screen 42 </ b> A of the display 42 of the shopping assist terminal device 23.
On the cart lending registration screen 71, a device ID display area 72 for displaying a device ID for specifying the shopping assist terminal device 23, and a cart for specifying the cart 22 on which the shopping assist terminal device 23 is placed. The customer ID is displayed by inputting the cart ID display area 73 in which the ID is displayed and the customer ID using a software keyboard (not shown), or by inputting the customer ID from the customer's membership card via a card reader (not shown). Are displayed, and an approval button 75 that confirms that the customer ID displayed in the customer ID display area 74 is correct and gives an instruction to execute the lending registration process is displayed. .

Therefore, when the customer inputs the customer ID and displays it in the customer ID display area 74 and presses the approval button 75, the controller 41 executes the cart lending registration process.
By this cart lending registration process, the cart 22 is associated with the customer corresponding to the customer ID.
Subsequently, the customer performs a process of registering a product to be purchased or a product wondering whether or not to purchase in the shopping assist terminal device 23 placed on the cart 22 (step S12). The registration process for the product to be purchased will be described in detail later.

When the registration process for the product to be purchased is completed, the route navigation system 25 performs a guidance route setting process in the store A (step S13).
In this case, for setting the guidance route, for example, a technique for searching for a circular route using a genetic algorithm (see, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-177484) is used.

Here, the reason why the circular route search using the genetic algorithm is performed is as follows.
In general, in the case of a roundabout route search, when the roundabout calculation is performed with the current general arithmetic processing device when the number of the rounding points increases, a large amount of calculation (amount and time) is required and practically difficult. This is because, when a more suitable approximate solution is obtained, the amount of calculation is reduced and the calculation is performed in a short time.
When the guide route setting processing is completed, the route navigation system 25 notifies the guide route data to the shopping assist terminal device 23, and the shopping assist terminal device 23 performs route guide processing for guiding in the store A (step S14). ). This route guidance process will be described in detail later.

Thereafter, the controller 41 of the shopping assist terminal device 23 monitors the operation of the operation unit 43 by the customer, and determines whether or not a route change is necessary due to a predetermined operation (step S15). Here, as a predetermined operation that requires a route change, an operation of adding, changing, or deleting a product to be purchased can be considered.
If it is determined in step S15 that a route change is required due to a predetermined operation (step S15; Yes), the route navigation system 25 is notified via the wireless access point 26, and the store is again stored. A guide route setting process in A is performed to notify a new guide route, and a route guide process according to the new guide route is performed (step S14).

If it is determined in step S15 that a predetermined operation has not been performed and no route change is required (step S15; No), the controller 41 of the shopping assist terminal device 23 has acquired all the purchase target products. It is determined whether or not (step S16).
If it is determined in step S16 that all the purchase target products have not yet been acquired (step S16; No), the process proceeds to step S14 again to continue route guidance.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S16 that all the purchase target products have been acquired, as a part of the route guidance process, the guidance process to the checkout station where the POS terminals constituting the POS system 21 are arranged Is performed (step S17).

Then, a settlement process is performed on the purchased product by cash or credit payment by the customer (step S18), and the cart 22 is returned to the predetermined return position to perform the cart return process, and the correspondence between the cart 22 and the customer. Processing for canceling the relationship is performed (step S19).
Here, the route navigation system 25 updates the purchase history data 65 </ b> C and the previous purchase data 65 </ b> D in the customer master DB 65 at the stage where the payment process is performed.

Next, the registration process for the products to be purchased will be described in detail.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a product registration screen in the shopping assist terminal device immediately after the cart lending registration process.
The product registration screen 81 is displayed on the display screen 42 </ b> A of the display 42 of the shopping assist terminal device 23.

  The product registration screen 81 is roughly classified to display a product selection operation area 82 for selecting a product to be purchased (a product to be included in the shopping list), a product list to be purchased (a shopping list), a purchase price, and the like, and guidance. A product list display operation area 83 for performing a guidance route operation for performing a route search instruction, a map display instruction, and the like.

  The product selection operation area 82 includes a tab selection area 82A for selecting, using a tab, a selection method of a category, a product name, or a leaflet to which the product belongs, and a plurality of selection item display fields SL. And a selection item display area 82B for displaying a selection item (category name or product name) corresponding to the selection method selected in the tab selection area 82A, and the display contents of the selection item display area 82B in the vertical direction. A scroll operation unit 82C for scrolling.

  The product list display operation area 83 includes a product list display area 83A having a plurality of product name display fields CL in which the product name or category name of the product selected in the product selection operation area 82 is displayed as a product list to be purchased. A scroll operation unit 83B for scrolling the product name displayed in the display area 83A up and down, and a purchase planned product total price display for displaying the price of the purchase planned product registered to be displayed in the product list display area 83A The purchase which displays the total amount of the goods which the customer instructed to put in the shopping basket placed on the cart 22 among the purchase planned goods registered to be displayed in the field 83C and the product list display area 83A. A total product amount display field 83D.

  In addition, the product list display operation area 83 displays, as a purchase planned product list, data of a purchase planned product group registered in advance in the route navigation system 25 from the personal computer at the customer's home via the communication network 12 by the customer. A shopping list reading button 83E for reading in, a shopping list saving button 83F for saving in the route navigation system 25 all of the purchase planned product lists to be displayed in the product list display area 83A, and a store A. A map confirmation button 83G for making it possible to confirm on the map the current position of the cart in the cart, the guidance route, and the display position of the product to be purchased registered to be displayed in the product list display area 83A, and the product list display Cart 2 for purchasing a product scheduled for purchase registered to be displayed in area 83A And a, a route search button 83H for performing an instruction to search for the guide route to the route navigation system 25.

In FIG. 12, the tab selection area 82A includes a category selection tab 84, a product name selection tab 85, and a leaflet selection tab 86. The category selection tab 84 is selected (indicated by a bold line in FIG. 12). .)
Here, the category classification will be described.
In the present embodiment, the product category means a category to which a plurality of products belong.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a category structure. FIG. 13 shows a case where the category structure adopts a five-level tree structure of the first category CT1 to the fifth category CT5. Depending on the product category, it is not always necessary to adopt a five-layer structure, and a two-layer or more four-layer hierarchy or a six-layer or more layer structure may be used.

  Of the first category CT1 to the fifth category CT5, the lowest category, the fifth category CT5, actually stores only the product code for specifying the product, and the product for displaying the actual product name. Although the structure which refers to master DB61 is taken, in FIG. 13, the name of a product is also described for easy understanding. Of the categories belonging to the first category CT1, the product name data may be stored together with the product code in the lowest category. Specifically, when the third category CT3 is the lowest category, product name data and product codes may be stored in the third category CT3.

In the present embodiment, as specific examples of the first category data corresponding to the first category (top category) CT1, “food”, “fashion”, “drink / sake”,..., “Purchase history”, “Last purchase”, “By purpose”, etc.
As specific examples of the second category data corresponding to the second category (upper category) CT2, when the first category data = “by purpose”, “cooking”, “design change”, “daily carpenter”, “ "General cleaning", "Gardening" and the like.

Furthermore, as a specific example of the third category data corresponding to the third category (intermediate category) CT3, when the second category data = “main cleaning”, “around the kitchen”, “window / sash / screen door”,. “Lighting fixtures”, “around the bathroom” and the like.
Furthermore, as specific examples of the fourth category data corresponding to the fourth category (lower category) CT4, when the third category data = “around the bathroom”, “detergent for bathtub”, “detergent for tile”, “bath cleaner” And the like.

  Further, as the fifth category corresponding to the fifth category (lowest category) CT5, a product code such as a JAN code corresponding to the product is stored. For example, in the case of the example in FIG. 13, if the product is “△ ▽ Bath kettle detergent”, the product code is “49DDDDDEEEEEF” (D, E, and F each use a predetermined number for each product).

FIG. 14 is a detailed process flowchart of the shopping list registration process of the embodiment.
The controller 41 of the shopping assist terminal device 23 selects any one of the category selection tab 84, the product name selection tab 85, and the leaflet selection tab 86 in the tab selection area 82A of the product selection operation area 82 on the display screen 42A of the display 42. It is determined whether the selection tab has been selected (step S21).

  If the category selection tab 84 is selected in the determination in step S21 (step S21; category), the controller 41 reads the category master DB 62 if it has the category structure shown in FIG. Step S22) As shown in FIG. 12, category names belonging to the first category are displayed as selectable categories in the selection item display area 82B (step S23). Specifically, in the case of the example of FIG. 12, categories such as “food”, “fashion”, “drink / sake”,..., “Purchase history”, “previous purchase”, “by purpose” can be selected. (First category) is displayed as a category list.

Subsequently, the controller 41 determines whether or not the customer has performed a category selection operation for selecting any category (first category) via the operation unit 43 (step S24).
When the customer has not yet selected any category (first category) in the determination in step S24 and the selection operation has not been performed (step S24; No), the controller 41 enters a standby state.

  In the determination in step S24, when the customer performs a selection operation for selecting one of the categories (first category) (step S24; Yes), the selection operation registers the category in the shopping list or It is determined which operation is an operation for instructing display of a category (or product) immediately below the category (step S25). Here, examples of the operation for registering the category in the shopping list include a long press operation in which the selection item display field SL displaying the category to be registered is pressed for a predetermined time or longer. An operation for instructing display of a category (or product) immediately below the category includes an operation of tapping the selection item display field SL displaying the category to be registered.

  If it is determined in step S25 that the category is registered in the shopping list, it is determined whether or not the category (first category) is a category that can be registered in the shopping list (step S26). Here, the category whose category can be registered in the shopping list is a category in which all the products belonging to the category are displayed in a collective position in the store A, and the customer is guided to the corresponding display position. For example, the customer can easily find a product belonging to the category.

If it is determined in step S26 that the category (first category) is a category that can be registered in the shopping list (step S26; Yes), the controller 41 adds the selected category name to the shopping list and displays it. (Step S27).
Subsequently, the controller 41 determines whether or not a predetermined registration end operation has been performed (step S28).
If it is determined in step S28 that a predetermined registration end operation has been performed, the process ends.
If the predetermined registration end operation is not performed in the determination in step S28 (step S28; No), the process proceeds to step S21 again, and the same process is performed thereafter.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S26 that the category (first category CT1) is not a category that can be registered in the shopping list (step S26; No), the category immediately below the selected category (second category CT2). Is the lowest category including the product code (step S29).

  If it is determined in step S29 that the category immediately below the selected category (second category CT2) is the lowest category including the product code (step S29; Yes), the controller 41 searches the product master DB 61. (Step S30), the product names of the products belonging to the category (second category) immediately below the selected category are displayed so as to be selectable (Step S31).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S29 that the category immediately below the selected category (second category CT2) is not the lowest category including the product code (step S29; No), the process proceeds to step S23 again. Then, the category name (or product name) belonging to the category (second category CT2) immediately below the selected category is displayed so as to be selectable (step S23).

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a display example of the second category.
Specifically, in the example of FIG. 15, when the selection item display field SL (SLS) corresponding to “by purpose” is selected as the first category CT 1, “cooking”, “design change”, “Do-It-yourself” ”,“ General cleaning ”,...,“ Seasonal event ”,“ Diet ”and the like can be selected in a plurality of selection item display fields SL as a new category list.
In this state, when the customer performs a product selection operation for selecting any product name such as tapping any selection item display field SL (step S32), the controller 41 selects the selected product from the shopping list. (Step S33), the price is added to the planned purchase price and displayed on the display screen 42A of the display 42.

Subsequently, the controller 41 determines whether or not a predetermined registration end operation has been performed (step S28).
If it is determined in step S28 that a predetermined registration end operation has been performed, the process ends.
If the predetermined registration end operation is not performed in step S28 (step S28; No), the controller 41 proceeds to step S21 again, and repeats the same process. Become.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a display example of the third category.
Specifically, when the selection item display field SL (SLS) corresponding to “main cleaning” is selected as the second category CT2, as shown in FIG. 16, “around the kitchen”, “around the bathroom”, “toilet” A category (third category) CT3 in which “around”,..., “Wall / wallpaper”, “air conditioner”, “veranda / exterior” and the like can be selected is displayed as a new category list.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a display example of the fourth category.
Specifically, when the selection item display field SL (SLS) corresponding to “around the bathroom” is selected as the third category CT3, as shown in FIG. ”,“ Tile detergent ”,…,“ Sponges, scrubbing brushes for bathrooms ”,“ Anti-fogging agent ”,“ Tile joint repair agent ”, etc. (Category 4) CT4 is a new category list. Is displayed.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a display example of product names of products belonging to the fifth category.
In the determination of step S29, the fifth category CT5 is determined that the category (fifth category) CT5 immediately below the selected fourth category CT4 is the lowest category including the product code (step S29; Yes). The controller 41 searches the product master DB 61 (step S30), and displays the product names of products belonging to the category (second category) immediately below the selected category (step S31).

Specifically, when the selection item display field SL (SLS) corresponding to “detergent for bath tub” is selected as the fourth category CT4, as shown in FIG. “Bath kettle detergent ●●”, “Super OO bath kettle”,…, “Bath kettle ace”, “Bath kettle clean □□”, “Bath kettle detergent △ ▽ For one hole” The product name (fifth category) is displayed.
In this state, when the customer performs a product selection operation for selecting any product name such as tapping any selection item display field SL (step S32), the controller 41 puts the selected product into the shopping list. Additional registration is performed (step S33), and the price is added to the planned purchase price and displayed on the display screen 42A of the display 42.

Subsequently, the controller 41 determines whether or not a predetermined registration end operation has been performed (step S28).
If it is determined in step S28 that a predetermined registration end operation has been performed, the process ends.
If the predetermined registration end operation is not performed in the determination in step S28 (step S28; No), the process proceeds to step S21 again, and the same process is performed thereafter.

Further, in the determination of step S21, when a tab is selected and the product name selection tab 85 is selected (step S21; product), the shopping assist terminal device 23 inputs the product name or a part of the product name as text. A product name input box (not shown) for prompting the customer to do so is displayed on the display screen.
When the customer inputs the product name or a part of the product name in the product name input box, the route navigation system 25 searches the product master DB (step S34), and the product input via the shopping assist terminal device 23. The product name of the product that matches the search condition having the name or part of the product name is displayed in the product selection area (step S35).

As a result, when the customer performs a product selection operation for selecting one of the products displayed in the product selection area (step S36), the selected product is displayed in the shopping list (step S37).
Subsequently, the controller 41 determines whether or not a predetermined registration end operation has been performed (step S28).
If it is determined in step S28 that a predetermined registration end operation has been performed, the process ends.

If the predetermined registration end operation is not performed in the determination in step S28 (step S28; No), the process proceeds to step S21 again, and the same process is performed thereafter.
When the tab selection is made and the leaflet selection tab 86 is selected in step S21 (step S21; leaflet), the shopping assist terminal device 23 searches the leaflet master DB 63 (step S38). The flyer image data corresponding to the electronic flyer that can be displayed is read out, and the electronic flyer is displayed on the display screen of the shopping assist terminal device 23 (step S39).

Thus, when the customer performs an area selection operation for tapping any position on the display screen of the electronic flyer (step S40), it is converted into coordinates on the electronic flyer corresponding to the tap position, and the area coordinate data 63B is referred to. Then, the area corresponding to the tap position is identified, the commodity code is read from the commodity code data 63C corresponding to the identified area, the commodity master DB 61 is further searched, and the commodity name of the commodity corresponding to the commodity code is the shopping list. (Step S41).
Subsequently, the controller 41 determines whether or not a predetermined registration end operation has been performed (step S28).

If it is determined in step S28 that a predetermined registration end operation has been performed, the process ends.
If the predetermined registration end operation is not performed in the determination in step S28 (step S28; No), the process proceeds to step S21 again, and the same process is performed thereafter.

By the way, in the above description, it was not explained in detail about when to register a category in the shopping list, but the reason for adopting such a configuration is as follows.
Some customers sell what they want to buy in situations where they understand what they want to buy, but are not sure what they want to buy. If you are guided to the sales floor, you can actually see the product and choose from price, function, and usage.

For example, in the case of the example in FIG. 13, when the customer is going to purchase a bath detergent and does not know the specific detergent name, the product belonging to “bath cleaner” is displayed. It is enough to guide you to the place you are.
Therefore, in this embodiment, in such a case, the route setting is performed by registering the category of “detergent for bath tub” instead of the product so that route guidance can be performed.

Hereinafter, a case where route guidance is performed in a higher category that is not a product name will be described with a specific example.
As described above, when any category list is displayed and any item belonging to the category is selected, if the lower category exists, the lower level corresponding to the selected item is displayed. When a category list is displayed and one of the items belonging to the category is to be added to the shopping list, for example, one of the items belonging to the category is long pressed. Thereby, the item is added to the shopping list without shifting to the display of the lower category list.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a display screen after selecting a product and before searching for a route.
As shown in FIG. 19, the display screen 42 </ b> A of the display 42 is roughly divided into a map display area 90 for displaying an in-store map for displaying a guidance route, and the above-described product list display operation area 83. It is displayed.

In the map display area 90, the product list display area 83 </ b> A is displayed on the in-store map 91 displaying the layout of the entrances and exits, the layout of each sales floor, the layout of the POS terminals constituting the POS system 21, and the layout of the cart lending location. The balloon icons BI1 to BI6 indicating the display locations of the products to be purchased in the store A and the cart current position mark 22N as the current position of the cart 22 are displayed.
In this case, the cart current position mark 22N indicating the current position of the cart 22 is based on the radio wave intensity at the wireless access point 26 that can communicate with the shopping assist terminal device 23 mounted on the cart 22, a communication error rate, or the like. It is displayed at a position corresponding to the calculated position of the cart 22.

  On the other hand, in each product name display field CL of the product list display area 83A, the balloon icon index PID indicating the correspondence with the balloon icons BI1 to BI6 and the customer have already acquired (the product is acquired in the shopping basket to purchase the product). If it is already completed, a check mark box CHK that displays a check mark by tapping the area, a product name display column NAM of a product to be purchased, and the number of products purchased displayed in the product name display column NAM are displayed. A product purchase number display field NUM to be displayed, a count button CNT for changing the number of purchases displayed in the product purchase number display field NUM, and a price display field PR for displaying the price of the product to be purchased are provided.

  In FIG. 19, the fifth product name display column CL5 from the top displays “bath kettle detergent” as the category name, and the product of the bath kettle detergent to be purchased has not been determined. The price is not displayed in the display column PR. For this reason, there are only 6 types of products on the shopping list: “carrot”, “plastic bottle tea”, “british fillet”, “bread”, “bathroom detergent (product undecided)”, and “handkerchief”. If so, the planned purchase price is 666 yen, which does not include the price of the bath detergent.

In addition, in the state of FIG. 19, since no check mark is displayed in the check mark box CHK for any of the products, it is assumed that there is no product already acquired in the shopping basket, and the total amount display column for purchased products is 0. A circle is displayed.
Along with this, the display position of the balloon icon BI5 represents a place where a large number of bath pot detergents that are products to be purchased are displayed.

FIG. 20 is a process flowchart of route guidance and settlement processing.
When the route search button 83H is tapped in the state where the screen of FIG. 19 is displayed, the controller 41 of the shopping assist terminal device 23 applies a route search program that applies the genetic algorithm described above so that the moving distance of the customer is further shortened. Therefore, route setting processing is performed (step S51).

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of the set route display state.
When the route setting process is completed, the controller 41 displays the in-store map 91 on which the guidance route NR is displayed on the display screen 42A of the display 42 as shown in FIG. 21 (step S52).
Subsequently, when the customer starts moving in the store A according to the guidance route NR while pushing the cart 22, the controller 41 performs processing when the cart 22 moves in the store (step S53) and current position detection processing of the cart 22 (step S53). Step S54) is performed in parallel.

Here, the processing at the time of moving in the store means that, for example, when a customer wants to purchase a product and puts the product into the shopping basket, the check mark box CHK in the shopping list is tapped to display a check mark. Or when a new product is added to the shopping list, a product included in the shopping list is deleted, or the guidance route NR needs to be changed due to the addition of these products. Is requested to the route navigation system 25.
The current position detection process is a process of making an inquiry to the position detection system 24 to acquire the current position of the cart 22 on which the self is mounted and displaying the cart current position mark 22N on the map screen.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a display screen in the middle of moving in the store according to shopping.
As shown in FIG. 22, the customer performs shopping according to the guide route NR, and the cart 22 moves to the position indicated by the cart current position mark 22N, and four check mark boxes CHK corresponding to the product name display fields CL1 to CL4. It shows a state in which tapping is displayed and a check mark is displayed.

  In this state, since the purchase target products are four products corresponding to the product name display fields CL1 to CL4, the controller 41 displays the purchased product total price display field 83D every time the check mark box CHK is tapped. The total amount of these four products (666 in the case of the example in FIG. 22) is added to the amount displayed on the check mark box CHK. 83D.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of a map enlargement display screen.
When the map confirmation button is pressed again while the map confirmation screen shown in FIG. 22 is being displayed, a map enlargement screen is displayed as shown in FIG.
After confirming the position more accurately on the map enlargement screen in this way, the display is returned to the map confirmation screen shown in FIG. 21 again by tapping the return button, and shopping is continued while comparing the purchased product list with the map. be able to.

The controller 41 determines whether or not a checkout process is necessary after performing the above-described process of moving the cart 22 in the store (step S53) and the current position detection process of the cart 22 (step S54) in parallel. (Step S55). Specifically, it is determined whether or not all the products to be purchased are put in the cart 22 and all the purchase confirmation check boxes are checked.
If it is determined in step S55 that all the products to be purchased are not yet put in the cart 22 and there are unchecked items in the purchase confirmation check box (step S55; No), the process returns to step S52. The same process is performed thereafter.

In the determination of step S55, when all the products to be purchased are put in the cart 22, all the purchase confirmation check boxes are checked, and a checkout process is necessary (step S55; Yes), the controller 41 sends the POS terminal. The checkout guidance process for guiding the cart 22 to the checkout place where is arranged is performed.
When the customer performs a settlement process (settlement process) using cash or a credit card (step S56), the POS system 21 notifies the route navigation system 25 that settlement (settlement) has been completed. As a result, the route navigation system 25 notifies the shopping assist terminal device 23 mounted on the corresponding cart 22 via the wireless access point 26 to that effect.

Thereby, the controller 41 of the shopping assist terminal device 23 displays a display prompting the return of the cart 22 to the return place on the display 42.
As a result, when the customer moves the cart 22 to a predetermined return location, it is detected via the wireless access point 26 installed at the return location, and the setting of the correspondence relationship between the shopping assist terminal device 23 and the customer is canceled. Then, the initialization process is performed and the process is terminated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when the product to be purchased is not clearly determined, the vicinity of the display position of the product that is considered to be purchased according to the purpose of the customer is set as the guidance route, and the guidance is provided. can do.

In the above description, when selecting a product to be purchased using a flyer, the electronic flyer is used to select and instruct a predetermined area on the display screen of the shopping assist terminal device 23. The two-dimensional barcode or three-dimensional barcode is printed in advance on each product on the same paper medium leaflet as before, and the digital photo shooting function of the barcode reader or mobile phone terminal placed in the store is used. A bar code reader provided in the shopping assist terminal device 23 by being read into the used bar code reader, registered in the route navigation system 25 and read (transferred) from the route navigation system 25 to the shopping assist terminal device 23 It is also possible to configure the product to be purchased to be added to the shopping list by directly loading .
By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to easily construct a system for inputting a product to be purchased using a flyer, and it is easy to add a product to a shopping list in a customer and use an electronic flyer, Introduction of a shopping assist system can be facilitated.

In addition, the control program executed by the shopping assist terminal device 23 according to the present embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). And the like recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.
Moreover, you may comprise so that the control program run with the shopping assist terminal device 23 of this embodiment may be provided by storing on a computer connected to networks, such as the internet, and downloading via a network. Moreover, you may comprise so that the control program run with the shopping assistance terminal device 23 of this embodiment may be provided or distributed via networks, such as the internet.
Moreover, you may comprise so that the control program performed with the shopping assistance terminal device 23 of this embodiment may be provided by previously incorporating in ROM etc.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Shopping assistance system 11 Headquarters server 12 Communication network 21 POS system 22 Cart 22N Cart present position mark 23 Shopping assistance terminal device 24 Position detection system 25 Route navigation system (route setting means)
26 wireless access point 41 controller 42 display 42A display screen 43 operation unit (category designation means)
44 external storage device 61 commodity master database 62 category master database 62A first category data 62B second category data 62C third category data 62D fourth category data 62E fifth category data 63 flyer master database 64 shelf allocation master database 65 customer master database 65C Purchase history data 65D Previous purchase data 84 Category selection tab A Store AP Wireless CHK Check mark box CL Product name display column CNT Count button CT1 to CT5 First category to fifth category DB Category master DB Flyer master DB Shelf master DB Customer Master DB Product master ID Device ID Cart ID Customer NAM Product name display column NR Guidance route NUM Product purchase number display column PID Balloon icon Index PR price display column SL selection item display field SS-A~SS-C store system

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-152041

Claims (6)

A category specifying means for specifying a category to which a plurality of types of products displayed and sold in the store belong;
Route setting means for setting a guide route for guiding the user to a display position in a store of a product belonging to the category based on the specified category;
Guidance means for guiding the user according to the set guidance route;
A shopping assist system characterized by comprising:   The shopping assist system according to claim 1, further comprising category presenting means for presenting a plurality of preset categories to the user.   The shopping assist system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the category is classified based on a product type, a use of a single product or a group of products, and a use purpose according to the attribute of the product.   The shopping assistance system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the category includes a category to which the previous purchase product of the user belongs or a category to which a past purchase result product belongs. Category presentation means for displaying a plurality of categories to which a plurality of types of products displayed and sold in a preset store belong and presenting to the user;
Category specifying means for specifying the category;
Route display means for displaying, on a map screen, a guide route set based on the designated category in order to guide the user to the display position in the store of the product belonging to the designated category;
In accordance with the set guidance route displayed, guidance means for displaying the current position on the map screen and guiding the user,
A shopping-assist terminal device comprising: In a control program for controlling a shopping assist system that supports customer shopping by a computer,
The computer,
A category specifying means for specifying a category to which a plurality of types of products displayed and sold in the store belong;
Route setting means for setting a guide route for guiding the user to a display position in a store of a product belonging to the category based on the specified category;
Guidance means for guiding the user according to the set guidance route;
A control program characterized by functioning as a function.

Images