JP2021043692A - Store management device, store management system, store management method, computer program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a store management device that appropriately associates a reading device with a customer.SOLUTION: A store management device (1) includes: identification means (111) that executes identification processing for identifying a customer by performing authentication processing using customer information related to the customer entering a store (ST); association means (112) that executes association processing that associates customer identification information for identifying the customer with device identification information for identifying a portable reader (2) that the customer should use to read information related to products in the store; and notification means (113) that executes notification processing for notifying the customer of a reading device having the device identification information associated with the customer identification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

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

In stores such as supermarkets, a system is known in which store members (that is, customers) read the product code by themselves using a portable terminal for obtaining the product code assigned to the product sold in the store. (See, for example, Patent Document 1). Other prior art documents related to the present invention include Patent Documents 2 to 5.

JP 2015-09441 Special Table 2012-216237 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-157294 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-07178 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-189785

When the customer himself / herself reads the product code (that is, the customer himself / herself reads the information about the product), it is required to appropriately associate the reading device for reading the information about the product with the customer.

An object of the present invention is to provide a store management device, a store management system, a store management method, a computer program, and a recording medium capable of solving the above-mentioned technical problems. As an example, it is an object of the present invention to provide a store management device, a store management system, a store management method, a computer program, and a recording medium capable of appropriately associating a reading device for reading information about a product with a customer. And.

An example of a store management device for solving a problem is a specific means for executing a specific process for identifying a customer by performing an authentication process using customer information about a customer entering the store, and identifying the customer. An association means for executing an association process for associating a customer identification information for identifying a portable reading device for identifying a portable reading device to be used by the customer to read information about a product in the store, and an association means for executing the association process. The customer is provided with a notification means for executing a notification process for notifying the reading device having the device identification information associated with the customer identification information.

An example of a store management system for solving a problem includes a store management device for managing a store and a portable reading device for reading information about products in the store. A specific means for executing a specific process for identifying the customer by performing an authentication process using the customer information about the customer entering the store, a customer identification information for identifying the customer, and the customer use. Notifying the customer of the association means for executing the association process of associating the device identification information for identifying the reading device to be output and the reading device having the device identification information associated with the customer identification information. It is provided with a notification means for executing the notification process for the purpose.

An example of a store management method for solving a problem is to execute a specific process for identifying the customer by performing an authentication process using customer information about a customer entering the store, and to identify the customer. To execute an association process for associating the customer identification information for identifying the customer identification information for identifying the portable reading device to be used by the customer to read the information about the product in the store. The present invention includes executing a notification process for notifying the customer of the reading device having the device identification information associated with the customer identification information.

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

The computer program described above is recorded as an example of a recording medium for solving the problem.

According to the store management device, the store management system, the store management method, the computer program, and the recording medium described above, the reading device for reading the information about the product can be appropriately associated with the customer.

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

Hereinafter, embodiments of a store management device, a store management system, a store management method, a computer program, and a recording medium will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, the store management device, the store management system, and the store are used by using the store management system SYS adopted in the store ST in which the customer (that is, the shopper) reads the product code for identifying the product for sale. The management method, the computer program, and the embodiment of the recording medium will be described.

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

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

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

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

The operation performed by the store management system SYS when a customer makes a purchase at the store ST will be described in detail later, but the outline thereof will be briefly described below. A customer who visits the store ST first enters the entrance space SP1 from the entrance ENT. After that, the customer is authenticated by the store management server 1 using the entrance terminal 3. Specifically, the store management server 1 and the entrance terminal 3 execute a specific process for identifying the customer by authenticating the customer. Further, the store management server 1 associates (that is, associates or associates) the specified customer with the reading device 2 that the customer should use in the store ST to read the product code in the shopping space SP2. Execute the association process. Further, the store management server 1 executes a notification process for notifying (that is, notifying or teaching) the reading device 2 associated with the customer to the customer. As a result, the customer can recognize the reader 2 to be used by the customer (that is, associated with the customer) from among the plurality of readers 2 stored in the storage space SP3, and as a result, the customer can recognize the reader 2 to be used (that is, associated with the customer). The reading device 2 can be picked up. After that, the customer enters the shopping space SP2 from the entrance gate GI. When shopping in the shopping space SP2, the customer uses the reading device 2 to read the product code attached to the product he / she wishes to purchase. After that, the customer who has finished shopping pays for the product he / she wants to purchase by using the exit terminal 4. Specifically, the store management server 1 together with the exit terminal 4 performs a payment process for settling the price of the product that the customer wants to purchase using the payment method selected by the customer. After that, the customer exits from the exit gate GO to the entrance space SP1 and exits from the entrance ENT to the outside of the store ST.

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

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

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

The CPU 11 reads a computer program. For example, the CPU 11 may read a computer program stored in the storage device 12. For example, the CPU 11 may read a computer program stored in a computer-readable recording medium using a recording medium reading device (not shown). The CPU 11 may acquire a computer program from a device (not shown) arranged outside the store management server 1 via the communication device 13 (that is, it may be downloaded or read). The CPU 11 executes the read computer program. As a result, a logical functional block for executing the processing to be performed by the store management server 1 (for example, the above-mentioned specific processing, association processing, notification processing, and settlement processing) is realized in the CPU 11. That is, the CPU 11 can function as a controller for realizing a logical functional block for executing the process to be performed by the store management server 1.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a logical functional block realized in the CPU 11 for performing the processing to be performed by the store management server 1. As shown in FIG. 3, a customer identification unit 111, a device management unit 112, a device lending unit 113, a purchase management unit 114, and a settlement unit 115 are realized in the CPU 11. The operations performed by the customer identification unit 111, the device management unit 112, the device lending unit 113, the purchase management unit 114, and the settlement unit 115 will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10 and the like. A brief overview is given here. The customer identification unit 111 executes a specific process for identifying a customer. The device management unit 112 executes an association process for associating the reader 2 with the customer. The device lending unit 113 executes a notification process for notifying the customer of the reading device 2 associated with the customer. The purchase management unit 114 manages a list of products that the customer wants to purchase. Specifically, the purchase management unit 114 manages a list of products to which a product code read by a customer is assigned using the reading device 2. The settlement unit 115 performs a settlement process in which the price of the product that the customer wants to purchase is settled by using the payment method desired by the customer.

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

The communication device 13 can communicate with each of the plurality of reading devices 2, the inlet terminal 3, and the exit terminal 4 via the network network 5. That is, the communication device 13 can transmit information to each of the plurality of reading devices 2, the inlet terminal 3, and the exit terminal 4 via the network network 5. The communication device 13 can receive information from each of the plurality of reading devices 2, the inlet terminal 3, and the exit terminal 4 via the network network 5.

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

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

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

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

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

In the present embodiment, the reading device 2 is, for example, a device that the customer can carry (that is, portable) by himself / herself. For example, the reading device 2 may be a portable device (for example, a handy scanner or the like) that can be carried while being held by the customer. For example, the reading device 2 may be a device that can be attached (that is, can be attached) to at least one of the customer and the object carried by the customer. An example of items carried by customers is fashion accessories such as bags. Another example of what a customer carries is a trolley such as a shopping cart. For example, the reading device 2 may be a device integrated with an object carried by the customer.

When the reading device 2 is a device that can be mounted on at least one of the customer and the object carried by the customer, the reading device 2 may include a mounting member 25 as shown in FIG. The mounting member 25 is a member used to mount the reading device 2 on at least one of the customer and the object carried by the customer. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the reading device 2 includes a mounting member 25 attached to the housing 23 so as to function as a clip. In this example, in the reading device 2, the housing 23 and the mounting member 25 sandwich at least one of the customer himself / herself and the object carried by the customer (for example, sandwiching the body of the bag, the strap of the bag, and / or the handle of the bag). As a result, the reader 2 may be attached to at least one of the customer and the object carried by the customer.

The storage device 26 can store desired data. For example, the storage device 26 may temporarily store information regarding the product code read by the code reading device 21. For example, the storage device 26 may temporarily store the information related to the product code until the communication device 22 transmits the information related to the product code to the store management server 1. As a result, even when the communication status in the network 5 between the reader 2 and the store management server 1 is deteriorated, the information regarding the product code is appropriately transmitted to the store management server 1 after the communication status is improved. It becomes possible to send.

The notification device 27 notifies the customer that the code reading device 21 has read the product code. That is, the notification device 27 notifies the customer that the reading of the product code by the code reading device 21 is completed. As a result, the customer can appropriately grasp whether or not the product code can be read by using the reading device 2. For example, when the notification device 27 includes a display, the notification device 27 displays an image on the display for notifying the customer that the code reading device 21 has read the product code, thereby displaying the code reading device. The customer may be notified that 21 has read the product code. For example, when the notification device 27 includes a speaker, the notification device 27 outputs a sound from the speaker for notifying the customer that the code reading device 21 has read the product code, so that the code reading device 27 is a code reading device. The customer may be notified that 21 has read the product code. For example, when the notification device 27 includes a vibration motor (that is, a vibrator), the notification device 27 drives the vibration motor to vibrate the reading device 2, so that the code reading device 21 reads the product code. The customer may be notified of the fact.

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

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

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

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

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

However, depending on the content of the authentication process performed by the store management server 1, the entrance terminal 3 may not include the image pickup device 33. The entrance terminal 3 may include, in addition to or instead of the image pickup device 33, a device for acquiring customer information used for a specific process (authentication process). For example, when the store management server 1 performs the fingerprint authentication process, the entrance terminal 3 may include a device for acquiring information on the customer's fingerprint. For example, when the store management server 1 performs an authentication process using a membership card (for example, an IC card) in which information about a customer is stored, the entrance terminal 3 can read the information stored in the membership card. A device (for example, an IC card reader, etc.) may be provided. For example, when the store management server 1 performs an authentication process using an ID and a password entered by the customer, the entrance terminal 3 is a device (for example, a keyboard, a touch panel, etc.) capable of the customer to enter the ID and the password. At least one) may be provided.

The communication device 34 can communicate with the store management server 1 via the network network 5. For example, the communication device 34 may transmit the customer image captured by the image pickup device 33 to the store management server 1 via the network network 5.

The display device 35 can display a desired image (for example, at least one of a still image and a moving image). For example, since the entrance terminal 3 is installed near the entrance gate GI of the store ST, the display device 35 may display a guide image regarding how to use the store ST. Since the entrance terminal 3 is used for the specific process including the authentication process, the display device 35 may display a guide image regarding the flow of the specific process. Since the image pickup device 33 of the entrance terminal 3 captures the customer, the display device 35 may display a guide image related to the image pickup. However, the entrance terminal 3 does not have to be provided with the display device 35.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The data about the customer may include data about the attributes of the customer. Here, the "customer attribute" may mean a customer's own characteristic, characteristic, or property that can be used as an index for classifying a plurality of customers into a plurality of groups. Data related to such customer attributes may be stored in the storage device 12 of the store management server 1. Data related to customer attributes may be sequentially acquired by the store management server 1 from the entrance terminal 3. Data related to customer attributes may be sequentially acquired by the store management server 1 from a device (for example, an imaging device) that can acquire customer attributes arranged in the entrance space SP1.

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

The data regarding the customer's attributes may include data regarding the customer's gender. For example, a female customer may have difficulty carrying a relatively heavy reader 2 as compared to a male customer. Therefore, for a female customer, the device management unit 112 may select one relatively light reading device 2 so that the customer can carry the reading device 2 relatively easily. On the other hand, for a male customer, the device management unit 112 may select one relatively light reading device 2 or one relatively heavy reading device 2. For example, a female customer may have difficulty picking up a reader 2 stored at a relatively higher position than a male customer. Therefore, for a female customer, the device management unit 112 is stored at a relatively low position so that the customer can pick up the reading device 2 relatively easily. May be selected. On the other hand, for male customers, the device management unit 112 may select one reader 2 stored in a relatively low position, or one stored in a relatively high position. The reading device 2 may be selected. For example, female customer preferences, especially appearance preferences, can differ from male customer preferences. Therefore, for a female customer, the device management unit 112 may select one reading device 2 having an appearance (for example, at least one of shape, color, and size) that matches the taste of the woman. On the other hand, for a male customer, the device management unit 112 may select one reading device 2 having an appearance that matches the taste of the male.

The data regarding the attributes of the customer may include data regarding the age of the customer. For example, older customers are more likely than younger customers to be less able to carry all of the products they wish to purchase within the shopping area SP2 with their own hands (or in their shopping cart). Therefore, the device management unit 112 can be integrated with the shopping cart or can be attached to the shopping cart so that the elderly customer can carry the product that the customer wants to purchase relatively easily. One reader 2 may be selected.

The data about the customer's attributes may include data about the customer's companion. As described above, since the entrance terminal 3 includes the image pickup device 33, the store management server 1 can acquire data regarding the customer's companion from the entrance terminal 3. Further, the store management server 1 may acquire data regarding the customer's companion based on the images captured by other imaging devices arranged in the entrance space SP1. For example, a customer with a relatively large number of companions may purchase a relatively large number of products. Therefore, the device management unit 112 is integrated with the shopping cart so that the customer can carry the product he / she wants to purchase relatively easily for the customer who has a relatively large number of companions. Alternatively, one reader 2 that can be attached to the shopping cart may be selected. For example, an unaccompanied customer may not buy so many items. Therefore, for customers who do not have a companion, in order to reduce restrictions on the movement of customers within the shopping area SP2 and / or to improve convenience by hands-free shopping, the device management unit 112 sets the customer. One reader 2 that can be attached to itself or to the customer's fashion accessories may be selected. For example, a customer with a child's companion may have a desire to put the child in a cart. Therefore, for customers with children, the device management unit 112 integrates a shopping cart with a seat for the child or a seat for the child so that the child can get on the cart. One reader 2 that can be attached to the shopping cart provided may be selected.

The data regarding the customer may include data regarding the usage history of the customer's past store ST. Data regarding the past usage history of the customer's store ST may be stored in the storage device 12 of the store management server 1. For example, for a customer who often purchases a relatively large number of products according to the usage history of the store ST in the past, the device management unit 112 can purchase a relatively large number of products. One reader 2 integrated with the shopping cart or mounted on the shopping cart may be selected. For example, for customers who rarely purchase a relatively large number of products according to the usage history of the store ST in the past, the restrictions on the movement of customers within the shopping area SP2 are reduced and / or hands-free. In order to improve the convenience of shopping, the device management unit 112 may select one reading device 2 that can be attached to the customer himself or to the customer's fashion accessories.

The data regarding the customer may include data regarding the reading device 2 that the customer has used in the past at the store ST. The data related to the reading device 2 used by such a customer in the past may be stored in the storage device 12 of the store management server 1. For example, the customer may frequently use the reader 2 that matches the customer's taste. Therefore, the device management unit 112 may select a reading device 2 of the same type as the reading device 2 that the customer has used relatively frequently (or most frequently) in the past as one reading device 2. For example, a customer may have a desire to try out different readers 2 (as a result, find a reader 2 that matches the customer's tastes). Therefore, the device management unit 112 may select a reading device 2 of a type different from the reading device 2 that the customer has used in the past as one reading device 2. In particular, for a customer who does not have a reading device 2 that is used relatively frequently, the device management unit 112 has a reading device 2 (typically) of a different type from the reading device 2 that the customer has used in the past. A reader 2) that the customer has never used in the past may be selected as one reader 2. In this case, it is possible to satisfy the customer's request that the reading device 2 which is used relatively frequently does not exist due to the curiosity of trying a new reading device 2.

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

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

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

The data relating to the reading device 2 may include data relating to the frequency of use of the reading device 2. In this case, the device management unit 112 may select one reading device 2 that is used relatively infrequently. As a result, the bias in the frequency of use of the plurality of reading devices 2 is corrected. Further, considering that the degree of deterioration of the reading device 2 increases as the frequency of use of the reading device 2 increases, the bias of the degree of deterioration of the plurality of reading devices 2 is corrected.

The data relating to the reading device 2 may include data relating to the start time of use of the reading device 2. For example, the operator of a store ST may have a request for a customer to use a newly started reading device 2 and collect data on its usage status. In this case, the device management unit 112 may select one reading device 2 having a relatively new start time of use. For example, the operator of the store ST may consider replacing the reading device 2 which has been used for a relatively long period of time with a new reading device 2 although no abnormality such as a failure has occurred. However, since the reader 2 to be replaced has not yet undergone an abnormality such as a failure, the store ST operator may think that it is wasteful to dispose of the reader 2 without using it much. There is. Therefore, the device management unit 112 may select one reading device 2 whose use start time is relatively old (however, no abnormality such as a failure has occurred). As a result, the reading device 2 to be replaced can be fully utilized until the reading device 2 is actually replaced.

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

The data related to the store ST may include data related to the products that the store ST wants to sell to the customer (that is, the products that the operator of the store ST wants to sell to the customer and the products that the customer wants the customer to purchase at the store ST). Good. For example, if a store ST operator wants to sell a relatively large amount of products to a customer because a sale is held at the store ST, the customer can purchase a relatively large amount of products. In addition, the device management unit 112 may select one reading device 2 integrated with the shopping cart or mounted on the shopping cart. For example, when a relatively large product is set as a recommended product in the store ST, the device management unit 112 is integrated with the shopping cart so that the customer can purchase the relatively large product. One reader 2 that can be attached to the shopping cart may be selected.

The data relating to the store ST may include data relating to the degree of congestion of the store ST (particularly, the degree of congestion of the shopping area SP2). If a customer with a shopping cart continues to enter the shopping area SP2 while the shopping area SP2 is congested, the customer may be stressed when moving within the shopping area SP2. Therefore, when the degree of congestion of the store ST exceeds the permissible amount, the device management unit 112 sets the device management unit 112 to prioritize reducing the stress of movement within the shopping area SP2 rather than selling the product to the customer. One reader 2 that does not need to use the shopping cart may be selected. On the other hand, when the degree of congestion of the store ST does not exceed the permissible amount, the device management unit 112 is used to prioritize the sale of products to customers rather than reducing the stress of moving within the shopping area SP2. May select one reader 2 that can be used with the shopping cart (eg, one reader 2 that is integrated with the shopping cart or can be mounted on the shopping cart).

The data regarding the store ST may include data regarding the area where the store ST is provided. For example, when an event (for example, an event where a family gathers with their own lunch box) is held in the area where the store ST is set up, the number of customers is relatively large prior to the event. May visit a store to purchase a product. Therefore, for example, when an event is held in an area where a store ST is provided, the device management unit 112 is integrated with the shopping cart so that the customer can purchase a relatively large amount of products. Alternatively, one reader 2 that can be attached to the shopping cart may be selected.

After that, the device management unit 112 executes an association process for associating the customer specified in step S12 with the one reading device 2 selected in step S13 for the customer (step S14). As a result of this association process, the device management unit 112 can identify which customer is using which reader 2. The device management unit 112 can identify one reading device 2 used by a customer. The device management unit 112 can identify which reading device 2 is being used by which customer. The device management unit 112 can identify one customer who is using a certain reading device 2. Such an association process typically involves customer identification information for uniquely identifying the customer identified in step S12 and device identification for uniquely identifying one reading device 2 selected in step S13. Includes the process of associating (ie, associating or associating) information with. As a result, the device management unit 112 generates device management information including as many records as the number of customers entering the shopping area SP2 in which the customer identification information and the device identification information are associated with each other.

After that, the device lending unit 113 executes a notification process for notifying (that is, notifying or teaching) the one reading device 2 selected in step S13 to the customer specified in step S12. (Step S15). That is, the device lending unit 113 executes a notification process for notifying the customer specified in step S12 of the one reading device 2 associated with the customer in step S14 (step S15). Here, the notification process typically gives the customer located in the entrance space SP1 a reading device 2 to be used by the customer from among the plurality of reading devices 2 stored in the storage space SP3. This is a process for recognizing. Therefore, the notification process may notify the customer of the one reading device 2 to be used by the customer in any way as long as the customer can recognize the one reading device 2 to be used by the customer. ..

For example, when a plurality of reading devices 2 are stored in the storage space SP3 in a state of being associated with a plurality of light emitting lamps, the device lending unit 113 corresponds to one reading device 2 to be used by the customer. By turning on the light emitting lamp, the customer may be notified of one reading device 2 to be used by the customer. For example, when a plurality of reading devices 2 are stored in the storage space SP3 with their identification numbers written on the reading device 2, the device lending unit 113 is one that the customer should use via the speaker. By outputting the voice notifying the identification number of the reading device 2, the customer may be notified of one reading device 2 to be used by the customer. For example, when a plurality of reading devices 2 are stored in the storage space SP3 in a movable state, the device lending unit 113 moves one reading device 2 to be used by the customer (for example, the customer reads). By moving the device 2 toward the pick-up point), the customer may be notified of one reading device 2 to be used by the customer.

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

After that, the customer picks up one reading device 2 to be used based on the information notified by the notification process. After that, the customer enters the shopping space SP2 from the entrance gate GI together with the reading device 2 picked up. As a result, the customer can shop in the shopping space SP2 using the reading device 2.

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

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

When it is determined that the purchase code information has been acquired as a result of the determination in step S21 (step S21: Yes), the purchase management unit 114 reads the purchase code information by the customer using the reading device 2. The product is specified (step S22). Further, the purchase management unit 114 registers the product data related to the product specified in step S22 (for example, data related to the product name and price) in the purchase list data for managing the list of products that the customer wants to purchase (for example). Step S23). On the other hand, if it is determined that the purchase code information has not been acquired as a result of the determination in step S21 (step S21: No), the purchase management unit 114 does not execute the processes from step S22 to step S23. You may.

On the other hand, the customer may have a desire to cancel the product that he / she once wanted to purchase. In this case, the customer presses the cancel button installed on the reader 2 (or performs an arbitrary operation to indicate the intention to cancel), and then purchases the product using the reader 2. You may read the product code of the product you want to cancel. Information about the product code read by the reading device 2 (hereinafter referred to as "cancellation code information") is transmitted from the reading device 2 to the store management server 1. Therefore, the purchase management unit 114 may determine whether or not the cancellation code information has been acquired from the reading device 2 in tandem with or in parallel with the processes from step S21 to step S23 (step S24). ).

When it is determined that the cancellation code information has been acquired as a result of the determination in step S24 (step S24: Yes), the purchase management unit 114 reads the information using the reading device 2 based on the reading code information. The product is specified (step S25). Further, the purchase management unit 114 deletes the product data related to the product specified in step S24 from the purchase list data for managing the list of products that the customer wants to purchase (step S26). On the other hand, if it is determined that the cancellation code information has not been acquired as a result of the determination in step S24 (step S24: No), the purchase management unit 114 does not execute the processes from step S25 to step S26. You may.

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

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

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

Based on such customer behavior, the settlement unit 115 of the store management server 1 determines whether or not a settlement request has been acquired from the exit terminal 4 (step S31).

If, as a result of the determination in step S31, it is determined that the settlement request has not been acquired (step S31: No), the settlement unit 115 continues to determine whether or not the settlement request has been acquired (step S31). On the other hand, if it is determined that the settlement request has been acquired as a result of the determination in step S31 (step S31: Yes), the settlement unit 115 identifies at least one of the customer and the reading device 2 included in the settlement request. The information is used to identify the customer who sent the payment request (step S32). Since the customer and the reading device 2 are associated with each other, even if the information identifying the reading device 2 is transmitted from the exit terminal 4 to the store management server 1, the settlement unit 115 sends the specified reading device 2 to the specified reading device 2. The associated customer can be identified as the customer who sent the payment request.

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

After that, the settlement unit 115 determines whether or not the information regarding the payment method desired by the customer has been acquired from the exit terminal 4 as the information necessary for performing the settlement process (step S34). At this time, the settlement unit 115 may control the exit terminal 4 so that the customer inputs information about the payment method desired by the customer. For example, the settlement unit 115 may control the exit terminal 4 so as to display a display screen (for example, GUI (Graphical User Input)) for the customer to input information regarding the payment method desired by the customer. The customer may input information regarding the payment method using the input device 43 of the exit terminal 4.

The customer may prefer a cash payment method. When the customer desires the payment method using cash, the customer puts enough cash into the deposit / withdrawal machine provided in the exit terminal 4 to pay the total price of the goods. In this case, the exit terminal 4 transmits information indicating that the payment method using cash is selected by the customer and information regarding the amount of cash input by the customer to the store management server 1 as information regarding the payment method. You may.

The customer may prefer a payment method using a credit card. If the customer desires a payment method using a credit card, the customer uses the input device 43 of the exit terminal 4 to use information about the credit card (for example, credit card number, expiration date, cardholder, PIN and security). Information about at least one of the codes) may be entered. If the input device 43 is equipped with a credit card reader (eg, at least one of a magnetic reader and an IC card reader), the customer can insert the credit card into the input device 43 to obtain information about the credit card. You may enter it. In this case, the exit terminal 4 may transmit information indicating that the payment method using the credit card is selected by the customer and information regarding the credit card to the store management server 1 as information regarding the payment method. .. Alternatively, when the information about the credit card is registered in the store management server 1 as a part of the data for managing the customer, the customer does not have to input the information about the credit card. In this case, the exit terminal 4 transmits information indicating that the payment method using the credit card registered in the store management server 1 is selected by the customer to the store management server 1 as information on the payment method. May be good.

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

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

(3) Technical Effects of Store Management System SYS The store management system SYS described above can select one reading device 2 suitable for use by the customer. Therefore, the customer is more suitable (eg, easier to pick up, easier to use, more convenient, more satisfied) than if he / she does not select one reader 2 that is suitable for use by the customer. You can shop using the reader 2 (and / or according to the customer's preference).

In addition, the store management system SYS can appropriately associate the customer with the reading device 2 used by the customer. Therefore, the store management system SYS can appropriately manage the products that the customer wants to purchase, as compared with the case where the customer and the reading device 2 used by the customer are not associated with each other. That is, the store management system SYS can appropriately manage the product for which a certain reading device 2 has read the product code as the product that the customer associated with the reading device 2 wants to purchase.

In addition, the store management system SYS can employ a reading device 2 that can be attached to at least one of the customer and the items carried by the customer. In this case, the customer can shop without holding the reading device 2 by hand. Therefore, the convenience of the customer is improved as compared with the case where the customer needs to hold the reading device 2 by hand.

(4) Modification Example Next, a modification of the store management system SYS will be described. In the following description, the same configuration requirements as the above-mentioned configuration requirements of the store management system SYS are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

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

As shown in FIG. 11, the store management system SYS of the first modification is different from the store management system SYS described above in that it further includes a lending device 6a. The other constituent requirements of the store management system SYS may be the same as the other constituent requirements of the store management system SYS described above.

The lending device 6a can store a plurality of reading devices 2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, which is a side view showing an example of the structure of the lending device 6a, the lending device 6a can store the housing 61a and a plurality of reading devices 2 inside the housing 61a. It is equipped with a storage device 62a (typically capable of accommodating). In FIG. 12, the constituent requirements arranged inside the housing 61a are described using dotted lines.

Further, the lending device 6a can provide (that is, supply or rent) one reading device 2 associated with the customer among the plurality of stored reading devices 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the housing 61a of the rental device 6a is supplied with a provision port 63a (that is, a reading device 2) for providing the reading device 2 from the inside of the housing 61a to the outside of the housing 61a. A supply port for discharging or a discharge port for discharging the reading device 2) may be formed. In this case, the lending device 6a conveys the reading device 2 from the storage device 62a to the providing port 63a via the passage 64a connecting the storage device 62a and the providing port 63a, so that the reading device 6a reads from the providing port 63a to the customer. Device 2 may be provided. As a result, the customer can pick up the reading device 2 provided by the reading device 2.

In the first modification, the device lending unit 113 of the store management server 1 controls the lending device 6a so as to provide the one reading device 2 associated with the customer from the storage device 62a to the customer via the provision port 63a. As a result, the customer may be notified of the reading device 2 associated with the customer. In this case, if the reading device 2 is provided from the provision port 63a, the customer recognizes that the provided reading device 2 is the reading device 2 that the customer should use (that is, is associated with the customer). be able to. Therefore, the rental device 6a may include a communication device 65a for communicating with the store management server 1. In this case, the storage device 62a provides the reading device 2 associated with the customer from the provision port 63a based on the instruction from the store management server 1 received by the communication device 65a (particularly, the instruction from the device lending unit 113). May be provided to.

The lending device 6a may be able to sequentially provide a plurality of reading devices 2 associated with the plurality of customers to the plurality of customers one by one from one providing port 63a. In this case, one customer is used by another customer as compared with the case where a plurality of reading devices 2 associated with each of the plurality of customers are collectively provided to the plurality of customers from one providing port 63a. The possibility of misunderstanding that the reading device 2 to be used is the reading device 2 to be used by one customer is reduced. That is, one customer can appropriately recognize the reading device 2 to be used by one customer.

The store management system SYSa of the first modification can enjoy the same effect as the effect that can be enjoyed by the store management system SYS described above.

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

As shown in FIG. 13, the store management system SYSb of the second modification is different from the store management system SYS described above in that it further includes an in-store terminal 7b. The other constituent requirements of the store management system SYSb may be the same as the other constituent requirements of the store management system SYS described above.

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

The in-store terminal 7b is typically arranged in the store ST. Specifically, the in-store terminal 7b is arranged in the shopping space SP2. Therefore, the in-store terminal 7b is a terminal that can be operated by a customer who is shopping in the shopping space SP2. The customer may acquire information about shopping by operating the in-store terminal 7b. For example, the customer may check the "list of products that the customer wants to purchase at the present time", which is an example of information on shopping, by operating the in-store terminal 7b. For example, the customer may operate the in-store terminal 7b to confirm "the total price of the products that the customer wants to purchase at the present time", which is an example of information related to shopping. Hereinafter, the configuration of such an in-store terminal 7b will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the in-store terminal 7b.

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

The CPU 71b reads a computer program. For example, the CPU 71b may read a computer program stored in the storage device 72b. For example, the CPU 71b may read a computer program stored in a computer-readable recording medium using a recording medium reading device (not shown). The CPU 71b may acquire a computer program from a device (not shown) arranged outside the in-store terminal 7b via the communication device 74b (that is, it may be downloaded or read). The CPU 71b executes the read computer program. As a result, in the CPU 71b, a logical functional block for executing the process to be performed by the in-store terminal 7b (for example, the process of providing the above-mentioned information about shopping to the customer) is realized. That is, the CPU 71b can function as a controller for realizing a logical functional block for executing the processing to be performed by the in-store terminal 7b.

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

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

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

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

The store management system SYSb of the second modification can enjoy the same effect as the effect that can be enjoyed by the store management system SYS described above. Further, the store management system SYSb can provide information about shopping to customers who are shopping in the shopping space SP2. Therefore, the customer can shop appropriately while referring to the information provided from the in-store terminal 7b.

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

When the store management server 1 stores the customer's past usage history of the store ST (typically, the purchase history of the product), the store management server 1 has the past usage history and the customer's purchase at the present time. May be compared with the list of desired products to determine if there may be products that the customer has forgotten to purchase. The store management server 1 may specify a product that the customer is expected to purchase or that the customer is expected to like based on the past usage history. Information generated based on the past usage history of the customer's store ST (for example, at least the products determined to be forgotten to purchase, the products expected to be purchased by the customer, and the products expected to be preferred by the customer). Information about one) may be provided to the customer from the in-store terminal 7b. As a result, the customer can shop appropriately while referring to the information provided from the in-store terminal 7b.

In the above description, the in-store terminal 7b uses the display device 75b to provide information on shopping through the visual sense of the customer. However, the in-store terminal 7b may provide the shopping information to the customer in any manner as long as the customer can recognize the shopping information. For example, the in-store terminal 7b may use a speaker to provide information about shopping through the hearing of the customer.

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

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

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

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

When a plurality of reading devices 2 are associated with one customer, the total price of the products purchased using the plurality of reading devices 2 may be paid by the one customer. However, if the customer paying the price cannot grasp what kind of product was purchased using the reader 2 not used by the customer (for example, used by the companion), the customer is anxious. There is a possibility of embracing. Therefore, when a plurality of reading devices 2 are associated with one customer, the store management server 1 may set a master-slave relationship for the plurality of reading devices 2. As an example, the store management server 1 sets a reading device 2 used by a customer (for example, a parent) as a main reading device 2, and sets a reading device 2 used by a companion (for example, a child) as a secondary reading device 2. It may be set. In this case, the store management server 1 may notify the customer who is using the main reading device 2 of the information about the product to which the product code read by the secondary reading device 2 is attached. As a result, the customer (for example, the parent) using the main reading device 2 appropriately grasps what kind of shopping the customer (for example, the child) using the sub-reading device 2 is doing. be able to.

(5) Additional Notes The following additional notes will be further disclosed with respect to the embodiments described above.

(5-1) Appendix 1
The store management device described in Appendix 1 is a specific means for executing a specific process for identifying the customer by performing an authentication process using customer information about a customer entering the store, and a customer for identifying the customer. An association means for executing an association process of associating the identification information with the device identification information for identifying the portable reading device to be used by the customer to read the information about the product in the store, and the customer. The store management device is provided with a notification means for executing a notification process for notifying the reading device having the device identification information associated with the customer identification information.

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

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

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

(5-5) Appendix 5
The store according to any one of the following items 2 to 4, wherein the store management device according to the appendix 5 selects the one reading device based on the data relating to the reading device by the associating means. It is a management device.

(5-6) Appendix 6
In the store management device according to Appendix 6, the data relating to the reading device includes at least one of data relating to the charging state of the reading device, frequency of use of the reading device, and data relating to the start time of use of the reading device. The store management device according to Appendix 5, wherein the store management device is characterized by the above.

(5-7) Appendix 7
The store management device according to Appendix 7, wherein the association means selects the one reading device based on the data relating to the store. It is a device.

(5-8) Appendix 8
In the store management device described in Appendix 8, the data related to the store includes at least one of data related to the product that the store wants to sell, data related to the degree of congestion of the store, and data related to the area where the store is located. The store management device according to Appendix 7, wherein the store management device is characterized by the above.

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

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

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

(5-12) Appendix 12
The store management method described in Appendix 12 is for executing a specific process for identifying the customer by performing an authentication process using customer information regarding a customer entering the store, and for identifying the customer. Executing an association process for associating the customer identification information with the device identification information for identifying the portable reading device to be used by the customer to read the information about the product in the store, and the customer. On the other hand, it is a store management method including executing a notification process for notifying the reading device having the device identification information associated with the customer identification information.

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

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

The present invention can be appropriately modified within the scope of claims and within the scope not contrary to the gist or idea of the invention that can be read from the entire specification, and the store management device, store management system, store management method, computer accompanied by such changes. Programs and recording media are also included in the technical idea of the present invention.

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

Claims (10)

A specific means for executing a specific process for identifying a customer by performing an authentication process using customer information about a customer entering the store, and a specific means for executing the specific process for identifying the customer.
An association process is executed to associate the customer identification information for identifying the customer with the device identification information for identifying the portable reading device to be used by the customer to read the information about the product in the store. Associating means and
A store management device including a notification means for executing a notification process for notifying the customer of the reading device having the device identification information associated with the customer identification information. The associating means selects one reading device to be used by the customer from the plurality of reading devices, and uses the device identification information for identifying the selected reading device as the customer identification information. The store management device according to claim 1, wherein the store management device is associated with the device. The store management device according to claim 2, wherein the associating means selects the one reading device based on the data regarding the customer. The store management device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the associating means selects the one reading device based on the data relating to the reading device. The store management device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the associating means selects the one reading device based on the data relating to the store. The notification means uses a product supply device capable of supplying the reading device one by one from the supply port, and supplies the reading device to the customer from the supply port to notify the customer of the reading device. The store management device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the notification process is executed. A store management device for managing stores and
Equipped with a portable reading device for reading information about the products in the store.
The store management device is
A specific means for executing a specific process for identifying the customer by performing an authentication process using customer information about the customer entering the store, and a specific means for executing the specific process for identifying the customer.
An association means for executing an association process of associating the customer identification information for identifying the customer with the device identification information for identifying the reading device to be used by the customer.
A store management system including a notification means for executing a notification process for notifying the customer of the reading device having the device identification information associated with the customer identification information. The store management system according to claim 7, wherein the reading device can be attached to at least one of the customer and an object carried by the customer. To execute the identification process for identifying the customer by performing the authentication process using the customer information about the customer entering the store, and to execute the identification process.
An association process for associating the customer identification information for identifying the customer with the device identification information for identifying the portable reading device to be used by the customer to read the information about the product in the store. To do and
A store management method comprising executing a notification process for notifying the customer of the reading device having the device identification information associated with the customer identification information. On the computer
To execute the identification process for identifying the customer by performing the authentication process using the customer information about the customer entering the store, and to execute the identification process.
An association process for associating the customer identification information for identifying the customer with the device identification information for identifying the portable reading device to be used by the customer to read the information about the product in the store. To do and
A computer program that causes the customer to execute a notification process for notifying the reading device having the device identification information associated with the customer identification information.

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