JP2021149868A - Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technique that allows a customer or a clerk to easily check if a specific commodity is in stock in a shop.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus 100 comprises: a reading unit 102 that reads coupon information on a specific commodity; a specification unit 104 that specifies if the specific commodity corresponding to the read coupon information is in stock in a target shop; and a display processing unit 106 that displays, on display means, stock information on the specified presence or absence of stock in the specific shop.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program.

At convenience stores and drug stores, the distribution of coupons, etc. that can be used the next time a customer visits a store, such as when purchasing a product, is often used as an effective tool for sales promotion strategies that increase the chances of customers returning to the store.

In Patent Document 1, when displaying a coupon that can be used at the time of purchasing a product or service on a customer's mobile terminal, the position information of the customer's mobile terminal is acquired, and a store within a predetermined range from the position is specified. , It is described that the coupons that can be used at the store are extracted and notified to the customer's mobile terminal.

Patent Document 2 provides an information processing device that efficiently displays display information of the displayed products on an appropriate display terminal such as an electronic shelf label based on the products actually displayed on the product shelves. Have been described.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-71649 International Publication No. 2015/140852

There are various types of coupons. For example, among the products sold in stores, specific products that are targeted for promotion, newly released products, seasonal products, and products that are targeted for campaigns. There are some that can be exchanged for free, and some that are discounted. However, when the customer went to the store and tried to use the coupon, the customer had to search the store for the product using the coupon and take it from the product shelf to the cash register. After a lot of searching, the store may not be in stock. Even if the customer asks the clerk, the clerk may also look for it and eventually it is out of stock. In this case, the promotional coupon may warp and give the customer a bad feeling, and the store may miss the customer.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for easily confirming the presence or absence of inventory of a specific product in a store.

In each aspect of the present invention, the following configurations are adopted in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.

The first aspect relates to an information processing device.
The information processing device related to the first aspect is
A reading means to read coupon information about a specific product,
A specific means for specifying whether or not the specific product corresponding to the read coupon information is in stock at the target store, and
A display processing means for displaying inventory information regarding the presence or absence of inventory in the specified target store on the display means, and
Have.

The second aspect relates to an information processing method of an information processing apparatus executed by at least one computer.
The information processing method related to the second aspect is
Information processing device
Read coupon information about a specific product,
Identify the presence or absence of inventory of the specific product corresponding to the read coupon information at the target store.
This includes displaying inventory information regarding the presence or absence of inventory in the specified target store on the display means.

Another aspect of the present invention may be a program that causes at least one computer to execute the method of the second aspect, or a recording medium that can be read by a computer that records such a program. You may. This recording medium includes a non-temporary tangible medium.
This computer program includes computer program code that causes the computer to perform its information processing method on an information processing device when executed by the computer.

It should be noted that any combination of the above components and the conversion of the expression of the present invention between methods, devices, systems, recording media, computer programs and the like are also effective as aspects of the present invention.

Further, the various components of the present invention do not necessarily have to be independent of each other, and a plurality of components are formed as one member, and one component is formed of a plurality of members. It may be that a certain component is a part of another component, a part of a certain component overlaps with a part of another component, and the like.

Further, although the method and the computer program of the present invention describe a plurality of procedures in order, the order of description does not limit the order in which the plurality of procedures are executed. Therefore, when implementing the method and computer program of the present invention, the order of the plurality of procedures can be changed within a range that does not hinder the contents.

Furthermore, the methods of the present invention and the plurality of procedures of a computer program are not limited to being executed at different timings. Therefore, another procedure may occur during the execution of a certain procedure, a part or all of the execution timing of the certain procedure and the execution timing of the other procedure may overlap.

According to each of the above aspects, it is possible to provide a technique for easily confirming the presence or absence of inventory of a specific product in a store.

It is a figure which conceptually shows the structural example of the store system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the appearance of a POS terminal. It is a block diagram which illustrates the hardware configuration of the computer which realizes a POS terminal, a store server and a user terminal respectively. It is a functional block diagram which shows the logical configuration example of the information processing apparatus of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the information processing apparatus of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st operation example of the information processing apparatus of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd operation example of the information processing apparatus of this embodiment. It is a figure which conceptually shows the structural example of the store system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the information processing apparatus of this embodiment. It is a figure which conceptually shows the structural example of the store system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the information processing apparatus of this embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the logical configuration example of the information processing apparatus of another embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Further, in each figure, the configuration of the portion not related to the essence of the present invention is omitted and is not shown.

In the embodiment, "acquisition" means that the own device retrieves data or information stored in another device or storage medium (active acquisition), and is output to the own device from the other device. Includes at least one of entering data or information (passive acquisition). Examples of active acquisition include making a request or inquiry to another device and receiving the reply, and accessing and reading another device or storage medium. In addition, an example of passive acquisition may be receiving information to be delivered (or transmitted, push notification, etc.). Further, the “acquisition” may be to select and acquire the received data or information, or to select and receive the delivered data or information.

(First Embodiment)
<System overview>
FIG. 1 is a diagram conceptually showing a configuration example of a store system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The store system 1 includes a POS terminal 10 and a store server 20. The information processing device 100 of the present embodiment, which will be described later, realizes its function by incorporating a program into a computer constituting the POS terminal 10 and executing the program.

In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the information processing device 100 is realized by the POS terminal 10 will be described as an example, but the information processing device 100 may be realized by a so-called multimedia station (MMS). .. A multimedia station is a self-supporting information terminal installed in a convenience store or the like. The multimedia station has various functions such as providing information and services, booking tickets for concerts, movies, leisure facilities, transportation, etc., and various payment procedures.

The POS terminal 10 and the store server 20 are connected to each other via the communication network 3. Further, the database 22 is connected to the store server 20. The store server 20 and the database 22 may be connected via the communication network 3. However, the store system 1 may be configured not to include the store server 20. In that case, the database 22 may be connected to the POS terminal 10.

The store server 20 manages product information in the store, product inventory status, sales history, and the like. Information such as product information in the store, inventory status of products, and sales history is stored in the database 22. Further, the store server 20 is connected to the computer of the management center of the headquarters that manages each convenience store via a communication line (not shown). Examples of this communication line include a dedicated line, WAN (Wide Area Network), VAN (Value-Added Network), VPN (Virtual Private Network) and the like.

In addition, the customer U carries the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, a PHS, or the like.

For example, the customer U has completed the procedure for membership registration of the store in advance, and the store issues a digital coupon or the like regarding the specific product 54 that can be used at the store at any time. The digital coupon may be downloaded to the user terminal 30 by activating an application program or a browser provided by the store on the user terminal 30 and logging in to the site providing the service. In another example, as a coupon that can be used at the next visit to the store, a coupon printed on a paper sheet may be issued and distributed to the customer U.

Further, the coupon that can be used at the time of visiting the store may be printed by the multimedia station and distributed to the customer U. When printing is performed by the multimedia station, the information processing device 100 of the present embodiment, which will be described later, may be configured to print a coupon for the specific product 54 specified to be in stock in the store.

"Inventory of products" means that there are products displayed on the display shelf 50, and products that are placed and stored in the product storage area in the store other than the display shelf 50 such as the cash register counter and the backyard. There is at least one of them. "There is no product in stock" means that there are no products displayed on the display shelf 50, and there are products that are placed and stored in the product storage area in the store other than the display shelf 50, such as the checkout counter and backyard. Including at least not.

Coupons are a product exchange certificate indicating that the specific product 54 has the right to be redeemed, a gift certificate indicating that the specific product 54 has the right to be presented as a free gift, and a discount sale of the specific product 54. , Priority sale, limited sale, coupon showing that you have the right to receive limited privilege goods and services by purchasing the specific product 54, etc.

The customer U displays an image of the specific product 54 and a coupon screen 42 including a QR code (registered trademark) and a barcode 44 showing coupon information about the specific product 54 on the display of the user terminal 30 or on a paper sheet. Presenting a printed coupon for the specific product 54. For example, by reading the coupon information with the bar code reader of the POS terminal 10, the clerk can provide the customer U with the specific product 54 by confirming the right to acquire the specific product 54 of the customer U.

<Hardware configuration example>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the appearance of the POS terminal 10. The POS terminal 10 in the example of the figure shows a so-called self-registration in which the customer U himself performs the product registration operation, but the POS terminal 10 may be a manned cash register in which the clerk performs the product registration operation. The POS terminal 10 includes a first touch panel 80, a second touch panel 82, a receipt printer 84, a card reader 86, and a handy scanner 88.

The first touch panel 80 and the second touch panel 82 are, for example, liquid crystal displays, display an operation screen operated by the customer U or a clerk, and accept operation input. The POS terminal 10 may be operated by switching between a manned cash register and a self-checkout. When operating as a manned cash register, the store clerk and the customer U can operate face-to-face. For example, the clerk may use the first touch panel 80, and the customer U may use the second touch panel 82.

The receipt printer 84 prints out a receipt in which at least the contents of the product purchased by the customer U and the payment contents (payment method, price, change, etc.) are described, a coupon issued to the customer U as a privilege of visiting the store, and the like. ..

The card reader 86 reads, for example, a magnetic card, an IC card, or the like. Further, the card reader 86 includes a PIN input unit 87 having an input key for receiving the input of the personal identification number. The handy scanner 88 reads a bar code on which the product identification information given to each product is recorded, a QR code (registered trademark) or a bar code presented by the customer U, and the like. In the example shown in the figure, the handy scanner 88 is a handy type code reader, but may be a stationary bar code reader. The handy scanner 88 can be used by at least one of the clerk and the customer U.

The POS terminal 10, the store server 20, and the user terminal 30 are each realized by the computer 1000. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a computer 1000 that realizes a POS terminal 10, a store server 20, and a user terminal 30, respectively. The computer 1000 has a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, an input / output interface 1050, and a network interface 1060.

The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for the processor 1020, the memory 1030, the storage device 1040, the input / output interface 1050, and the network interface 1060 to transmit and receive data to and from each other. However, the method of connecting the processors 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to the bus connection.

The processor 1020 is a processor realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like.

The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a memory card, a ROM (Read Only Memory), or the like. The storage device 1040 stores a program module that realizes each function of the information processing device 100 (for example, a reading unit 102, a specific unit 104, a display processing unit 106, etc., which will be described later). When the processor 1020 reads each of these program modules into the memory 1030 and executes them, each function corresponding to the program module is realized. In addition, the storage device 1040 may also store each data of the storage device 110.

The program module may be recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium on which the program module is recorded includes a medium that can be used by the non-temporary tangible computer 1000, and the program code that can be read by the computer 1000 (processor 1020) may be embedded in the medium.

The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the computer 1000 and various input / output devices.

The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the computer 1000 to the communication network. This communication network is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The method of connecting the network interface 1060 to the communication network may be a wireless connection or a wired connection.

Then, the computer 1000 is a necessary device (for example, a first touch panel 80, a second touch panel 82, a receipt printer 84, a card reader 86, a handy scanner 88, not shown) via the input / output interface 1050 or the network interface 1060. Connect to operation keys, keyboard, mouse, speaker, microphone, etc.).

<Functional configuration example>
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a logical configuration example of the information processing device 100 of the present embodiment. The information processing device 100 includes a reading unit 102, a specific unit 104, and a display processing unit 106. Further, the information processing device 100 includes a storage device 110.

Various setting data and programs of the information processing device 100 are stored in the storage device 110. The storage device 110 may be provided inside the information processing device 100 or may be provided outside. That is, the storage device 110 may be hardware integrated with the information processing device 100, or may be hardware separate from the information processing device 100. The information processing device 100 and the storage device 110 may be connected by a communication network 3.

The reading unit 102 reads the coupon information related to the specific product 54. The specific unit 104 specifies whether or not the specific product 54 corresponding to the read coupon information is in stock at the target store. The display processing unit 106 causes the display means to display inventory information regarding the presence or absence of inventory in the specified target store.

The specific product 54 includes a specific product targeted for sales promotion, a newly released product, a seasonal product, a product targeted for a campaign, and the like.

The coupon information includes information indicating the contents of benefits provided to the customer U by the coupon, such as presenting the specific product 54 to the customer U free of charge when visiting the store, the expiration date of the coupon, and the stores where the coupon can be used. It can include information such as geographical conditions such as region, information indicating restrictions due to gender and age, and purchase conditions for other products. Further, the privilege provided to the customer U is not limited to the free gift of the specific product 54. For example, the privilege may include a discount sale of the specific product 54, a priority sale, a limited sale, a gift of a limited privilege product or a service by purchasing the specific product 54, and the like.

Coupon information is indicated by a code number, or a barcode or QR code (registered trademark). The reading unit 102 reads a barcode or QR code (registered trademark) with a handy scanner 88 or the like. Alternatively, the reading unit 102 may accept the code number input by the clerk or the customer U from the input screen (not shown) displayed on the first touch panel 80 or the second touch panel 82.

The target store is a store where the customer U is visiting. Alternatively, it may include a plurality of stores including a chain store in the vicinity of the store. For example, when the owner of the store manages a plurality of stores, other stores managed by the owner may be included.

The inventory information regarding the presence or absence of inventory of the specific product 54 is information on whether or not the specific product 54 is in stock at the target store. Further, the inventory information includes the remaining quantity of the specific product 54 in stock, the information indicating the display location or the inventory storage location of the specific product 54, the information on whether or not the specific product 54 is restocked, and the information indicating the date and time of the restocking. , Information on alternative products when out of stock, etc. may be included. Further, when there are a plurality of target stores, the inventory information may include information indicating other stores in stock (for example, store name and address).

Further, the display processing unit 106 may display the location of the specific product 54 in the target store on the first touch panel 80 or the second touch panel 82.

The location of the specific product 54 is information that can identify the position of the display shelf 50 (store map, fixture number, etc.), information that can identify the position in the display shelf 50 (shelf board number, etc.), and for the clerk. , Includes at least one of the cashier counter and information that can identify the location in the backyard (backyard map, furniture number, shelf board number, etc.).

<Operation example>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the information processing device 100 (POS terminal 10) of the present embodiment.
First, the customer U brings the coupon information printed on the sheet previously distributed from the store to the store, or downloads the digital coupon to the user terminal 30 and displays it on the display of the user terminal 30. Suppose there is.

The reading unit 102 reads, for example, the barcode printed on the sheet or the coupon information (for example, the barcode 44) related to the specific product 54 included in the coupon screen 42 displayed on the display of the user terminal 30. Read through the handy scanner 88 of the POS terminal 10 (step S101).

The database 22 of the store server 20 stores information regarding the inventory of products at the store. The reading unit 102 reads the coupon information and acquires the identification information of the specific product 54 to be provided to the customer U as a privilege. The identification information of the specific product 54 is, for example, the product code of the specific product 54. Then, the specific unit 104 specifies whether or not the specific product 54 read in step S101 is in stock at the target store (step S103).

Specifically, the specific unit 104 delivers the identification information of the specific product 54 to the store server 20 and inquires whether or not the specific product 54 is in stock at the store. The store server 20 refers to the database 22 to specify whether or not the specific product 54 is in stock at the store, and returns the specific result to the POS terminal 10.

The specific unit 104 specifies whether or not the specific product 54 is in stock from the specific result from the store server 20. The display processing unit 106 displays inventory information regarding the presence or absence of inventory of the specific product 54 in the store specified by the specific unit 104 on at least one of the first touch panel 80 and the second touch panel 82 of the POS terminal 10 (step). S105).

The presence or absence of inventory of the specific product 54 is not limited to the store. For example, it may be whether or not the specific product 54 is in stock at a store other than the store. For example, the inventory information may include the presence or absence of inventory of the specific product 54 in a plurality of stores including a neighboring chain store. In particular, when the owner of the store manages a plurality of stores, the specific unit 104 may specify whether or not the specific product 54 is in stock, including other stores managed by the owner.

For example, a procedure when the specific product 54 is in stock at the target store will be described.
First, the customer U downloads the barcode 44 indicating the coupon information of the specific product 54 to the user terminal 30 and displays it on the screen, and reads the barcode 44 using the handy scanner 88 of the POS terminal 10. The reading unit 102 reads the barcode 44 indicating the coupon information regarding the specific product 54 (step S101).

Then, the specific unit 104 inquires the store server 20 whether or not the read specific product 54 is in stock at the store, and receives a reply from the store server 20 that the specific product 54 is in stock at the store ( Step S103). The display processing unit 106 displays to notify the customer U that the specific product 54 is in stock on at least one of the first touch panel 80 and the second touch panel 82 of the POS terminal 10 (step S105).

The customer U or the clerk sees the display, goes to the display shelf 50 to pick up the specific product 54, returns to the POS terminal 10, and reads the product barcode of the specific product 54 with the handy scanner 88. After being confirmed by the POS terminal 10 that the specific product 54 can be exchanged for a coupon, the clerk hands the specific product 54 to the customer U.

On the other hand, the procedure when the specific product 54 is out of stock in the target store will be described.
After the barcode 44 indicating the coupon information relating to the specific product 54 is read in step S101, the specific unit 104 identifies that the store does not have the specific product 54 in stock (step S103). The display processing unit 106 displays on at least one of the first touch panel 80 and the second touch panel 82 of the POS terminal 10 to notify the customer U that the specific product 54 is not in stock at the store (step S105). When it is displayed only on the first touch panel 80 for the clerk, the clerk informs the customer U to that effect.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the reading unit 102 reads the coupon information regarding the specific product 54, the specific unit 104 identifies whether or not the specific product 54 is in stock at the target store, and the display processing unit 106 determines whether or not the specific product 54 is in stock. Information on whether or not the specific product 54 is in stock is displayed.

With this configuration, the presence or absence of inventory of the specific product 54 in the target store can be displayed on the display simply by reading the coupon information with the POS terminal 10 or the multimedia station, so that the customer or the clerk can be the target of the coupon. It is possible to easily confirm the presence or absence of inventory in the target store of the specific product 54.

As a result, it is possible to save the trouble of searching around the store even though there is no specific product 54, and it is possible to improve the convenience of the customer.

Since the store clerk does not have to search for the specific product 54 together, the store can prevent congestion at the cash register, save labor, and reduce human rights costs. It is possible to promote the use of coupons at customers' stores and increase the chances of visiting stores for the purpose of using coupons. As customers have more opportunities to visit the store, the probability that the customer will make an incidental purchase will increase, and the profitability of the store will also increase.

(Second Embodiment)
The information processing device 100 of the present embodiment is the same as that of the above embodiment except for the method of specifying the target store. Since the information processing device 100 of the present embodiment has the same configuration as that of FIG. 4 of the above embodiment, it will be described with reference to FIG.

The reading unit 102 acquires the store identification information together with the coupon information. The specific unit 104 sets the store indicated by the acquired store identification information as the target store, and specifies whether or not the specific product 54 is in stock at the target store.

Further, when the target store is out of stock, the specific unit 104 may select another store as the target store and specify whether or not the specific product 54 is in stock at the target store.

The store identification information acquired by the reading unit 102 is, for example, a store in the current position information of the user terminal 30 of the customer U, or a neighborhood existing within a predetermined distance from the current position information of the user terminal 30 of the customer U. Store identification information indicating a store, store identification information indicating a store designated by customer U on the store designation screen on the user terminal 30 of customer U, and store identification indicating a registered store set in advance by customer U as member information. It may contain at least one of the information.

The store identification information can be included in the coupon information downloaded to the user terminal 30.

The other store may include a plurality of stores including a neighboring chain store that exists within a predetermined distance from the location information of the store. Alternatively, other stores managed by the owner may be included, such as when the owner of the store manages a plurality of stores.

<First operation example>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a first operation example of the information processing device 100 (POS terminal 10) of the present embodiment.
This figure includes steps S201 and S203 instead of step S101 in the flowchart of FIG. 5 of the above embodiment.

First, the reading unit 102 acquires the store identification information together with the coupon information regarding the specific product 54 (step S201). Specifically, the barcode 44 on the coupon screen 42 displayed on the user terminal 30 is read by the handy scanner 88, and the store identification information is acquired from the barcode 44 together with the coupon information.

Then, the specific unit 104 targets the store indicated by the store identification information acquired in step S201 as the target store (step S203). Then, the specific unit 104 specifies whether or not the specific product 54 is in stock at the target store (step S103). Then, the display processing unit 106 displays the specified inventory information on the first touch panel 80 or the second touch panel 82 (step S105).

<Second operation example>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the information processing device 100 (POS terminal 10) of the present embodiment.
This figure further includes steps S205 and S207 in the flowchart of FIG. 6 described above.

Since the steps up to step S103 are the same as those in FIG. 6, the description thereof will be omitted. When the specific product 54 is specified as out of stock in the target store in step S103 (NO in step S205), the specific unit 104 selects another store as the target store (step S207). For example, the specific unit 104 may select another store designated in advance according to the priority order, may allow the clerk or the customer U to select another store on the selection screen, or the store or the customer. Stores at a distance within a predetermined distance from the current position of U may be selected according to a predetermined priority.

Then, the process returns to step S103, and the presence or absence of inventory of the specific product 54 in the target store designated in step S207 is specified. The processing after this step S103 is the same as above.

On the other hand, in step S205, when the target store has inventory of the specific product 54 (YES in step S205), the process proceeds to step S105, and the inventory information specified in step S205 is used on the first touch panel 80 or the second touch panel 80. It is displayed on the touch panel 82.

Further, even when the specific product 54 is not present in the target store in step S105 (NO in step S205), the display processing unit 106 provides information indicating that the specific product 54 is not present on the first touch panel 80 or the second touch panel 80. It may be displayed on the touch panel 82. Further, the display processing unit 106 may display that the presence or absence of inventory is confirmed by targeting another store as a target store.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment can be obtained, and the inventory status of the specific product 54 in the designated store can be confirmed. Therefore, for example, the inventory of the specific product 54 in the store can be confirmed. If there is no item, you can check the inventory status by specifying another store.

In addition, when the owner manages a plurality of stores and the store where the customer U currently exists does not have the specific product 54 in stock, the customer U is given the specific product 54 by designating another store managed by the owner. It is also possible to check the inventory status and, if the specific product 54 is in stock at another store, notify the customer to that effect and guide the customer U there.

(Third Embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a diagram conceptually showing a configuration example of the store system 1 according to the present embodiment.
In the present embodiment, the store system 1 further includes an image processing device 60 and a database 62 in addition to the configuration of the store system 1 of the above-described embodiment of FIG. Since the configuration of the information processing device 100 of the present embodiment is the same as that of FIG. 4, the information processing device 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The image processing device 60 processes the image of the specific product 54 presented by the customer U, recognizes the specific product 54, and delivers the information of the specific product 54 to the reading unit 102. In the database 62, the feature amount of the product image in the store including the specific product 54 and the product code are stored in association with each other.

The image of the specific product 54 may be printed on, for example, a leaflet or a catalog presented by the customer U, or may be displayed on the user terminal 30 of the customer U.

In addition to the configuration of the above embodiment, the POS terminal 10 further includes a camera (not shown) that captures an image of the specific product 54. The reading unit 102 uses a camera to capture an image of the specific product 54.

<Operation example>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the information processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment.
First, in the POS terminal 10, the reading unit 102 uses a camera to capture an image of the specific product 54, and transmits the captured image to the image processing device 60 (step S301). The image processing device 60 refers to the database 62, extracts the feature amount from the image received from the POS terminal 10, collates it with the feature amount of the product image of the database 62, recognizes the product, and displays the collation result in the POS terminal 10. (Step S303).

However, the process of extracting the feature amount from the image may be performed on the POS terminal 10 side. In that case, the feature amount extracted from the image is transmitted from the POS terminal 10 to the image processing device 60. The collation result includes, for example, identification information of the image-recognized product. If the product image does not match the product image stored in the database 62, the image processing device 60 returns information indicating that fact to the POS terminal 10.

Then, in the POS terminal 10, the specific unit 104 transmits the identification information of the product returned from the user terminal 30 to the store server 20 to inquire whether or not the product is in stock (step S305). When information indicating that there is no matching product is received from the image processing device 60, information indicating that the product matching the presented product image is not the specific product 54 is displayed on the display processing unit 106. And notify the customer or the clerk.

Then, the store server 20 refers to the database 22 to confirm whether or not the product corresponding to the received product identification information is in stock at the target store, and returns the stock information to the POS terminal 10 (step S307). ..

In the POS terminal 10, the display processing unit 106 displays the received inventory information on the first touch panel 80 or the second touch panel 82 (step S309).

According to the present embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment is obtained, and further, not only the coupon but also the image of the specific product 54 such as the special sale item posted on the leaflet is obtained by the specific unit 104. It is possible to specify whether or not the specific product 54 is in stock at the store, and the display processing unit 106 can display the inventory information on the first touch panel 80 or the second touch panel 82. This further improves customer convenience.

(Fourth Embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a diagram conceptually showing a configuration example of the store system 1 according to the present embodiment. The store system 1 of the present embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment except that it has a camera 5 for photographing the display shelf 50 in addition to the configuration of FIG. 8 of the above embodiment. Since the configuration of the information processing device 100 of the present embodiment is the same as that of FIG. 4, the information processing device 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The camera 5 includes an image sensor such as a lens and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor. The camera 5 may be used as a surveillance camera for monitoring the inside of the store, for example. The camera 5 adjusts and controls focusing, exposure compensation, aperture value, shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, etc. in order to improve the image quality of the image captured by the display shelf 50 and obtain the optimum feature amount for image authentication of the product. It may have a mechanism for automatic control. Further, the camera 5 is not limited to the inside of the store, and may capture the inventory status of the shelves in the backyard or the warehouse.

The image generated by the camera 5 may be captured in real time and transmitted to the POS terminal 10. The image transmitted to the POS terminal 10 does not have to be directly transmitted from the camera 5, and may be an image delayed by a predetermined time. The image captured by the camera 5 may be temporarily stored in another storage device (not shown), and the POS terminal 10 may read the image from the storage device at any time, sequentially or at predetermined intervals. Further, the image transmitted to the POS terminal 10 may be a moving image, a frame image at predetermined intervals, or a still image.

The specific unit 104 specifies whether or not the specific product 54 is in stock at the target store based on the image of the display shelf 50 of the specific product 54.

<Operation example>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the information processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment.
First, in the POS terminal 10, the reading unit 102 reads the coupon information presented by the customer U using a handy scanner 88 or the like (step S401).

Then, the specific unit 104 transmits the identification information of the specific product 54 included in the coupon information acquired in step S401 and the captured image of the display shelf 50 transmitted from the camera 5 to the image processing device 60 (step S403). However, the captured image of the camera 5 may be transmitted to the image processing device 60 directly from the camera 5 or via an image storage device or the like without going through the POS terminal 10.

However, after specifying the display position of the display shelf 50 in the store of the specific product 54 on the store server 20 from the identification information of the specific product 54, the captured image of the corresponding display shelf 50 is selected and the specific unit 104 selects the image. , May be transmitted to the image processing device 60. Alternatively, when a plurality of cameras 5 are installed, the corresponding camera 5 may be selected.

The image processing device 60 refers to the database 62 and collates the feature amount of the product image corresponding to the identification information of the specific product 54 received from the POS terminal 10 with the feature amount of the product image in the received captured image. , The collation result indicating whether or not the matching product is in the captured image is returned to the POS terminal 10 (step S405).

The identification unit 104 identifies whether or not the specific product 54 is in stock based on the collation result received from the image processing device 60 (step S407). When the collation result of the image processing device 60 indicates that there is no matching collation in the captured image, it is specified that the specific product 54 is out of stock. When the collation result of the image processing device 60 indicates that a matching product is in the captured image, it is specified that the specific product 54 is in stock.

Alternatively, the reading unit 102 may read the image of the specific product 54 included in the coupon information and transmit the image or the feature amount extracted from the image to the image processing device 60. The image processing device 60 may collate the image or the feature amount with the feature amount stored in the database 62, and return the product identification information of the matching product image to the POS terminal 10 as the collation result.

Then, the specific unit 104 may send the returned product identification information to the store server 20 to inquire whether or not the product is in stock.

The display processing unit 106 causes the first touch panel 80 or the second touch panel 82 to display the presence or absence of inventory of the specific product 54 specified in step S407 as inventory information (step S409).

According to the present embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment is obtained, and further, the presence or absence of inventory of the specific product 54 by image processing using the image captured by the camera 5 on the display shelf 50 by the specific unit 104. Can be identified. Since the POS terminal 10 does not need to inquire the store server 20 whether or not it is in stock, the communication load can be reduced.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than the above can be adopted.
For example, the display processing unit 106 may display the image of the display shelf 50 captured by the camera 5 in the fourth embodiment on the first touch panel 80 or the second touch panel 82.
The identification unit 104 identifies the identification information of the specific product 54 from the coupon information read by the reading unit 102, and inquires the store server 20 to specify the display shelf 50 on which the specific product 54 is displayed. The display processing unit 106 causes the captured image of the specified display shelf 50 to be displayed on the first touch panel 80 or the second touch panel 82.

According to this configuration, the store clerk or the customer U sees the captured image of the display shelf 50 to see whether or not the specific product 54 displayed on the first touch panel 80 or the second touch panel 82 of the POS terminal 10 is in the store. Can be confirmed. If it can be confirmed that the product is on the display shelf 50, the specific product 54 can be fetched by going to the display shelf 50. That is, neither the customer U nor the clerk need to search for the specific product 54 in the store.

Further, when the display shelf 50 does not have the specific product 54, it can be confirmed from the image captured by the camera 5 that the specific product 54 does not exist without going to the display shelf 50. Therefore, neither the clerk nor the customer U needlessly search for the specific product 54 in the store.

Further, in another embodiment, an IC tag such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag on which identification information of the product attached to the product is recorded is installed on the display shelf 50 on which the specific product 54 is displayed. The specific unit 104 may specify whether or not the specific product 54 is in stock by using the result read by the IC tag reader.

Further, in another embodiment, an output unit 108 that outputs coupon information regarding the specific product 54 may be provided. FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram that logically shows a configuration example of the information processing apparatus 100 of another embodiment. The output unit 108 outputs coupon information regarding the specific product 54 specified to be in stock by the specific unit 104. In other words, the coupon information for the product specified to be out of stock by the specific unit 104 is not output.

The output unit 108 outputs, for example, a receipt on which a QR code or a barcode indicating coupon information is printed from the receipt printer 84. When the customer U visits the store, the POS terminal 10 or the multimedia station is made to display the bar code or QR code indicating the member information on the membership card or the user terminal 30 and read the member information by the handy scanner 88 or the code reader (not shown). Identify the customer U who came to the store.

The member information may be acquired by other methods, for example, the member information recorded on the IC card of the user terminal 30 may be read by the card reader 86, or the member recorded on the magnetic card type membership card. Information may be read. Alternatively, the customer U may be identified by a biometric authentication device (not shown) and member information may be acquired.

The output unit 108 can select and output the coupon to be issued based on the customer U's store visit record, purchase history, attribute information, etc., which are stored in association with the member information.

According to this configuration, when a coupon is issued at the time of visiting a store at a multimedia station or the like, it is possible to issue a coupon for a specific product 54 in stock at the store, so that the customer's satisfaction with the store is improved. ..

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments and examples, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and examples. Various changes that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made within the scope of the present invention in terms of the structure and details of the present invention.
In addition, when information about a user is acquired and used in this invention, this shall be done legally.

Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described, but not limited to:
1. 1. A reading means to read coupon information about a specific product,
A specific means for specifying whether or not the specific product corresponding to the read coupon information is in stock at the target store, and
A display processing means for displaying inventory information regarding the presence or absence of inventory in the specified target store on the display means, and
Information processing device equipped with.
2. 1. 1. In the information processing device described in
The display processing means is an information processing device that causes the display means to display the location of the specific product in the target store.
3. 3. 1. 1. Or 2. In the information processing device described in
The information processing device is installed in the store
The target store is an information processing device that is the store.
4. 1. 1. From 3. In the information processing apparatus described in any one of
The reading means acquires the store identification information together with the coupon information, and obtains the store identification information.
The specific means is an information processing device that specifies the presence or absence of inventory of the specific product in the target store by setting the acquired store indicated by the store identification information as the target store.
5. 1. 1. From 4. In the information processing apparatus described in any one of
The specific means is an information processing device that, when the target store is out of stock, selects another store as the target store and specifies whether or not the specific product is in stock at the target store.
6. 1. 1. From 5. In the information processing apparatus described in any one of
The specific means is an information processing device that identifies whether or not the specific product is in stock at the target store based on an image of the product shelf of the specific product.
7. 1. 1. From 6. In the information processing apparatus described in any one of
Further provided with an output means for outputting the coupon information regarding the specific product,
The output means is an information processing device that outputs the coupon information regarding the specific product specified to be in stock by the specific means.

8. Information processing device
Read coupon information about a specific product,
Identify the presence or absence of inventory of the specific product corresponding to the read coupon information at the target store.
An information processing method for displaying inventory information regarding the presence or absence of inventory in the specified target store on a display device.
9. 8. In the information processing method described in
The information processing device
Further, an information processing method for displaying the location of the specific product in the target store on the display device.
10. 8. Or 9. In the information processing method described in
The information processing device is installed in the store
The target store is the store, an information processing method.
11. 8. To 10. In the information processing method described in any one of
The information processing device
Acquire store identification information together with the coupon information,
An information processing method for specifying the presence or absence of inventory of the specific product in the target store by setting the acquired store indicated by the store identification information as the target store.
12. 8. From 11. In the information processing method described in any one of
The information processing device
An information processing method for selecting another store as the target store and specifying whether or not the specific product is in stock at the target store when the target store is out of stock.
13. 8. From 12. In the information processing method described in any one of
The information processing device
An information processing method for identifying the presence or absence of inventory of the specific product in the target store based on an image of the product shelf of the specific product.
14. 8. To 13. In the information processing method described in any one of
The information processing device further
Output the coupon information about the specific product and output
An information processing method for outputting the coupon information regarding the specific product for which the inventory is specified.

15. On the computer
Procedure for reading coupon information about a specific product,
A procedure for identifying whether or not the specific product corresponding to the read coupon information is in stock at the target store,
A program for executing a procedure for displaying inventory information regarding the presence or absence of inventory in the specified target store on a display device.
16. 15. In the program described in
Further, a program for causing a computer to execute a procedure for displaying the location of the specific product in the target store on the display device.
17. 15. Or 16. In the program described in
The information processing device is installed in the store
The target store is the store, the program.
18. 15. From 17. In the program described in any one of
Procedure for acquiring store identification information together with the coupon information,
A program for making a computer execute a procedure of specifying the presence or absence of inventory of the specific product in the target store by setting the acquired store indicated by the store identification information as the target store.
19. 15. To 18. In the program described in any one of
A program for causing a computer to execute a procedure of selecting another store as the target store and specifying whether or not the specific product is in stock at the target store when the target store is out of stock.
20. 15. From 19. In the program described in any one of
A program for causing a computer to execute a procedure for identifying the presence or absence of inventory of the specific product in the target store based on an image of the product shelf of the specific product.
21. 15. From 20. In the program described in any one of
Let the computer execute the procedure for outputting the coupon information regarding the specific product.
A program for causing a computer to execute a procedure for outputting the coupon information regarding the specific product specified to be in stock by the specific procedure in the output procedure.

1 Store system 3 Communication network 5 Camera 10 POS terminal 20 Store server 22 Database 30 User terminal 40 Coupon screen 42 Coupon screen 44 Bar code 50 Display shelf 54 Specific product 60 Image processing device 62 Database 80 First touch panel 82 Second touch panel 84 Receipt Printer 86 Card Reader 87 PIN Input Unit 88 Handy Scanner 100 Information Processing Device 102 Reading Unit 104 Specific Unit 106 Display Processing Unit 108 Output Unit 110 Storage Device 1000 Computer 1010 Bus 1020 Processor 1030 Memory 1040 Storage Device 1050 Input / Output Interface 1060 Network interface

Claims (9)

A reading means to read coupon information about a specific product,
A specific means for specifying whether or not the specific product corresponding to the read coupon information is in stock at the target store, and
A display processing means for displaying inventory information regarding the presence or absence of inventory in the specified target store on the display means, and
Information processing device equipped with. In the information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The display processing means is an information processing device that causes the display means to display the location of the specific product in the target store. In the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.
The information processing device is installed in the store
The target store is an information processing device that is the store. In the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The reading means acquires the store identification information together with the coupon information, and obtains the store identification information.
The specific means is an information processing device that specifies the presence or absence of inventory of the specific product in the target store by setting the acquired store indicated by the store identification information as the target store. In the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The specific means is an information processing device that, when the target store is out of stock, selects another store as the target store and specifies whether or not the specific product is in stock at the target store. In the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The specific means is an information processing device that identifies whether or not the specific product is in stock at the target store based on an image of the product shelf of the specific product. In the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
Further provided with an output means for outputting the coupon information regarding the specific product,
The output means is an information processing device that outputs the coupon information regarding the specific product specified to be in stock by the specific means. Information processing device
Read coupon information about a specific product,
Identify the presence or absence of inventory of the specific product corresponding to the read coupon information at the target store.
An information processing method for displaying inventory information regarding the presence or absence of inventory in the specified target store on a display means. On the computer
Procedure for reading coupon information about a specific product,
A procedure for identifying whether or not the specific product corresponding to the read coupon information is in stock at the target store,
A program for executing a procedure of displaying inventory information regarding the presence or absence of inventory in the specified target store on a display means.

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