JP5421078B2 - Sales support device, sales support system, product cart, and sales support method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sales support device, a sales support system, a product cart, and a sales support method that support sales of products.

  Conventionally, as a form of sales of merchandise by retailers, a method of displaying merchandise in a store, selecting a merchandise desired by a customer, putting it in a shopping cart, etc., bringing it to a counter waiting for a clerk, and performing accounting There is.

  In a store adopting such a sales form, the sales performance of the product is managed using a POS (Point Of Sales) system. For example, a terminal device called a POS register is installed in a counter waiting for a store clerk. The POS register reads product information (for example, barcode information) brought in by the customer and registers it in a POS management server that manages information in a plurality of POS registers in the store. The POS management server collects information registered from a plurality of POS registers and acquires the sales results of the products in the store.

  However, when a customer selects a product, there is a problem that a queue of customers waiting for payment occurs at an accounting cash register, and the product is taken out of the store without being settled. On the other hand, customers can register sales information when putting products into shopping carts, etc., shortening the time required for accounting and managing the products to be taken out, improving the queue and not There has been considered a method for preventing liquidation taking out (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Further, in order to eliminate the operation of the customer carrying the product to the counter, a method of automatically collecting and delivering the product selected by the customer using an automatic collection and delivery device is considered (for example, see Patent Document 2).

JP 09-097382 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 08-166992

  By the way, in the present store, many customers move the display area of goods and select goods. For this reason, there is a problem that a great deal of labor is required for shopping for customers who are difficult to move in the display area due to injuries, illnesses, and obstacles. On the other hand, there is a demand for an environment that enables efficient sales of products to customers with physical disabilities in current stores.

  For this purpose, for example, it is conceivable that a store clerk collects products desired by the customer instead of the customer and can deliver it to the customer. In that case, for example, it is desirable that the store clerk properly grasps the products desired by the customer and can efficiently collect the products. In addition, for example, it is desirable to be able to accurately grasp the collection status so as not to give the customer waiting for collection of goods stress due to waiting.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and a sales support device, a sales support system, a product cart, and a sales that can efficiently support product sales in a retail form in which a store clerk collects products. The purpose is to provide support methods.

In the present invention, a sales support apparatus is provided to solve the above-described problems. The sales support apparatus includes a reception unit, a store clerk identification information reception unit, a product registration processing unit, and a transmission unit. When the reception unit receives a transaction start instruction including clerk identification information for identifying a clerk from the management device, the reception unit transmits the product selection input from the customer terminal device to the management device every time the customer performs selection input of the product using the customer terminal device. Start receiving one or more product input information indicating one or more products to be collected from the management device and store the received product input information in the collected product information storage unit until an input completion notification is received from the management device. To do. When the reception unit receives the transaction start instruction, the store clerk identification information reception unit waits for reception of the store clerk identification information included in the transaction start instruction. When the store clerk identification information receiving unit receives the store clerk identification information, the product registration processing unit displays a product list, which is a list of products to be collected, on the display device based on the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit. And waiting for the reception of the product identification information corresponding to the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit. When the store clerk identification information receiving unit receives the store clerk identification information, the transmitting unit transmits a registration start notification indicating that collection of products to be collected has started, to the management device, and the product registration processing unit stores in the collected product information storage unit. After receiving product identification information corresponding to all stored product input information, upon detecting the completion of product registration, a registration completion notification is transmitted to the management apparatus.
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, when a transaction start instruction is received from the management device, reception of one or more product input information indicating one or more products to be collected is started from the management device, and the received product input information is sequentially received. Until the receipt of the input completion notification is received from the management device, and when the receiving unit receives a transaction start instruction, the store clerk identification information that waits for acceptance of store clerk identification information for identifying the store clerk When the reception unit and the store clerk identification information reception unit receive the store clerk identification information, based on the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit, a product list that is a list of products to be collected is displayed on the display device, The product registration processing unit that waits for the reception of the product identification information corresponding to the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit and the store clerk identification information reception unit receive the store clerk identification information. The registration start notification indicating that the collection of the product to be collected has started is transmitted to the management device, and the product registration processing unit stores the product identification information corresponding to all the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit. A reception unit that sends a registration completion notification to the management device when the completion of product registration is detected after the acceptance, and the reception unit continues the selection input of the product by the customer who entered the product to be collected A customer status notification including information indicating whether or not the user has completed selection input of the product and whether the user is away from the management device, and the product registration processing unit is based on the customer status notification received by the receiving unit. Thus, a sales support device is provided, which displays a customer state on a display device.

Moreover, in order to solve the said subject, a sales support system is provided. This sales support system includes a management device and a sales support device. The management device includes a first reception unit, a resource operation management unit, and a first transmission unit. When the first receiving unit receives one or more items input information indicating one or more items to be collected from the customer terminal device, the first receiving unit corresponds to predetermined transaction identification information for identifying the contents of the transaction. At the same time, it is stored in the transaction management information storage unit. The resource operation management unit allocates a store clerk for dealing with each of the plurality of pieces of transaction identification information and a stored item for inputting the product to be collected. The first transmission unit provides clerk identification information for identifying the clerk to the clerk terminal device possessed by the assigned clerk and the sales support device installed in the storage based on the allocation result by the resource management unit. The transaction start instruction is transmitted, and the product input information stored in the transaction management information storage unit is sequentially transmitted to the sales support device. The sales support apparatus includes a second reception unit, a store clerk identification information reception unit, a product registration processing unit, and a second transmission unit. When the second receiving unit receives a transaction start instruction from the management device, the second receiving unit transmits one or more items to be collected that are transmitted from the customer terminal device to the management device each time a customer selects and inputs a product using the customer terminal device. Is received from the management device , and sequentially received product input information is stored in the collected product information storage unit until an input completion notification is received from the management device. When the reception unit receives the transaction start instruction, the store clerk identification information reception unit waits for reception of the store clerk identification information included in the transaction start instruction. When the store clerk identification information receiving unit receives the store clerk identification information, the product registration processing unit displays a product list, which is a list of products to be collected, on the display device based on the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit. And waiting for the reception of the product identification information corresponding to the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit. When the store clerk identification information receiving unit receives the store clerk identification information, the second transmission unit transmits a registration start notification indicating that collection of products to be collected is started to the management device, and the product registration processing unit collects the collected product information. After receiving the product identification information corresponding to all the product input information stored in the storage unit and detecting the completion of product registration, a registration completion notification is transmitted to the management device.
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, when one or more product input information indicating one or more products to be collected is received from a customer terminal device, a predetermined transaction for identifying the content of the transaction using the received product input information A first receiving unit stored in the transaction management information storage unit in association with the identification information; a store clerk for handling the transaction for each of the plurality of transaction identification information; and a storage for inputting the product to be collected. Based on the allocation result by the resource operation management unit that performs the allocation and the resource operation management unit, the transaction start instruction is transmitted to the sales clerk terminal device possessed by the allocated store clerk and the sales support device installed in the storage, and the transaction When receiving a transaction start instruction from the management device, a management device comprising: a first transmission unit that sequentially transmits the product input information stored in the management information storage unit to the sales support device; A second receiving unit that stores the received product input information in the collected product information storage unit until receiving an input completion notification from the management device, and identifies the clerk when the receiving unit receives a transaction start instruction When the store clerk identification information receiving unit and the store clerk identification information receiving unit accept the store clerk identification information for receiving the store clerk identification information, the collection target information is stored based on the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit. A merchandise registration processing section that displays a merchandise list, which is a list of merchandise, on a display device and waits for acceptance of merchandise identification information corresponding to merchandise input information stored in the collected merchandise information storage section, and a clerk identification information reception section Upon receipt of the clerk identification information, a registration start notification indicating that the collection of the product to be collected is started is transmitted to the management device, and the product registration processing unit stores all of the items stored in the collected product information storage unit. A sales support device comprising: a second transmission unit that transmits a registration completion notification to the management device upon detecting completion of product registration after receiving the product identification information corresponding to the product input information; The first receiving unit receives an input completion notification indicating that the input of the product to be collected from the customer terminal device is completed, and whether or not the customer who has input the product to be collected using the customer terminal device leaves. A sales support system, wherein the first transmission unit transmits the input completion notification and the customer status notification to the sales support device assigned by the resource operation management unit. Is provided.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, when one or more product input information indicating one or more products to be collected is received from a customer terminal device, a predetermined transaction for identifying the content of the transaction using the received product input information A first receiving unit stored in the transaction management information storage unit in association with the identification information; a store clerk for handling the transaction for each of the plurality of transaction identification information; and a storage for inputting the product to be collected. Based on the allocation result by the resource operation management unit that performs the allocation and the resource operation management unit, the transaction start instruction is transmitted to the sales clerk terminal device possessed by the allocated store clerk and the sales support device installed in the storage, and the transaction When receiving a transaction start instruction from the management device, a management device comprising: a first transmission unit that sequentially transmits the product input information stored in the management information storage unit to the sales support device; A second receiving unit that stores the received product input information in the collected product information storage unit until receiving an input completion notification from the management device, and identifies the clerk when the receiving unit receives a transaction start instruction When the store clerk identification information receiving unit and the store clerk identification information receiving unit accept the store clerk identification information for receiving the store clerk identification information, the collection target information is stored based on the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit. A merchandise registration processing section that displays a merchandise list, which is a list of merchandise, on a display device and waits for acceptance of merchandise identification information corresponding to merchandise input information stored in the collected merchandise information storage section, and a clerk identification information reception section Upon receipt of the clerk identification information, a registration start notification indicating that the collection of the product to be collected is started is transmitted to the management device, and the product registration processing unit stores all of the items stored in the collected product information storage unit. A sales support device comprising: a second transmission unit that transmits a registration completion notification to the management device upon detecting completion of product registration after receiving the product identification information corresponding to the product input information; The resource operation management unit assigns the store clerk based on the store clerk management information stored in the operation management information storage unit that stores the store clerk management information including the current work status of each store clerk and the number of dispatches of each store clerk to the present. To provide a sales support system characterized by the following.
Moreover, in order to solve the said subject, the goods cart which accommodates goods is provided. The merchandise cart includes a receiving unit, a store clerk identification information receiving unit, a merchandise registration processing unit, and a transmitting unit. When the reception unit receives a transaction start instruction including clerk identification information for identifying a clerk from the management device, the reception unit transmits the product selection input from the customer terminal device to the management device every time the customer performs selection input of the product using the customer terminal device. Start receiving one or more product input information indicating one or more products to be collected from the management device and store the received product input information in the collected product information storage unit until an input completion notification is received from the management device. To do. When the reception unit receives the transaction start instruction, the store clerk identification information reception unit waits for reception of the store clerk identification information included in the transaction start instruction. When the store clerk identification information receiving unit receives the store clerk identification information, the product registration processing unit displays a product list, which is a list of products to be collected, on the display device based on the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit. And waiting for the reception of the product identification information corresponding to the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit. When the store clerk identification information receiving unit receives the store clerk identification information, the transmitting unit transmits a registration start notification indicating that collection of products to be collected has started, to the management device, and the product registration processing unit stores in the collected product information storage unit. After receiving product identification information corresponding to all stored product input information, upon detecting the completion of product registration, a registration completion notification is transmitted to the management apparatus.

  Moreover, in order to solve the said subject, the sales assistance method which performs the process similar to the said sales assistance apparatus is provided.

  According to the sales support device, the sales support system, the product cart, and the sales support method, it is possible to efficiently support product sales in a retail form in which a store clerk collects products.

It is a figure which shows the sales assistance apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the sales assistance system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of a customer terminal device. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of a cart terminal device. It is a figure which shows a function structure at a customer terminal device. It is a figure which shows the function structure of a management server. It is a figure which shows the function structure of a cart terminal device. It is a figure which shows the data structure example of a goods master. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure of a goods input management table. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure of a transaction management table. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure of a cart terminal device management table. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure of a salesclerk management table. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure of a collection object goods management table. It is a figure which shows the data structure example of a transaction table. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the goods registration screen for shop assistants. It is a figure which shows the relationship of the process performed with each apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the merchandise input process of a customer terminal device. It is a flowchart which shows the resource allocation process of a management server. It is a flowchart which shows the merchandise information reception process of a management server. It is a flowchart which shows the collection merchandise information reception process of a cart terminal device. It is a flowchart which shows the merchandise registration process of a cart terminal device. It is a flowchart which shows the cart management process of a management server. It is a flowchart which shows the transaction information restoration process of a management server. It is a flowchart which shows the accounting process of a customer terminal device. It is a sequence diagram which shows the 1st specific example of the flow of transaction processing. It is a sequence diagram which shows the 1st specific example of the flow of transaction processing. It is a sequence diagram which shows the 2nd specific example of the flow of transaction processing. It is a sequence diagram which shows the 2nd specific example of the flow of transaction processing. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the operation screen for goods selection. It is a figure which shows the 1st example of a display of the product registration screen for shop assistants. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of an installation location input window. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of a display of a merchant product registration screen. It is a figure which shows the 3rd example of a display of the product registration screen for shop assistants. It is a figure which shows the 4th example of a display of the product registration screen for shop assistants. It is a figure which shows the 5th example of a display of the product registration screen for shop assistants. It is a figure which shows the 6th example of a display of a merchant product registration screen. It is a figure which shows the 7th example of a display of a merchant product registration screen. It is a figure which shows the 8th example of a display of a shop assistant product registration screen.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a sales support apparatus according to the first embodiment. The sales support apparatus 1 is connected to the management apparatus 2 via a network. The sales support device 1 is connected to the display device 3.

The sales support apparatus 1 includes a collected product information storage unit 1a, a reception unit 1b, a store clerk identification information reception unit 1c, a product registration processing unit 1d, and a transmission unit 1e.
The collected product information storage unit 1a stores one or more product input information indicating one or more products to be collected.

  The product input information is transmitted from the management device 2. For example, the management device 2 receives selection input of a product that the customer desires to purchase from a customer terminal device for the customer to perform a product selection operation, and generates product input information. The management device 2 stores and manages the product input information in a storage unit included in the management device 2 and transmits the product input information to the sales support device 1.

  When receiving a transaction start instruction from the management device 2, the reception unit 1 b starts receiving product input information from the management device 2. The receiving unit 1b stores the sequentially received product input information in the collected product information storage unit 1a until receiving an input completion notification from the management device 2.

  The input completion notification is information for notifying that the customer has completed the selection input of the product. When the management device 2 receives an input completion operation input from, for example, a customer terminal device, the management device 2 generates an input completion notification and transmits it to the sales support device 1.

When the reception unit 1b receives the transaction start instruction, the store clerk identification information receiving unit 1c waits for reception of store clerk identification information for identifying the store clerk.
The store clerk identification information is given in advance to the store clerk. For example, the clerk identification information receiving unit 1c may receive the clerk identification information by reading a barcode or an IC (Integrated Circuit) tag attached to an identification card owned by the clerk. In addition, it is conceivable to accept the clerk identification information input by the clerk from the input device.

  When the clerk identification information receiving unit 1c receives the clerk identification information, the product registration processing unit 1d displays a product list that is a list of products to be collected based on the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit 1a. The apparatus waits for acceptance of the product identification information corresponding to the product input information displayed on the apparatus and stored in the collected product information storage unit 1a.

  When the store clerk identification information receiving unit 1c receives the store clerk identification information, the transmission unit 1e transmits a registration start notification indicating that collection of the products to be collected has started to the management device 2. When the product registration processing unit 1d receives product identification information corresponding to all product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit 1a and then detects the completion of product registration, the transmission unit 1e completes registration. A notification is transmitted to the management apparatus 2.

  According to the sales support device 1, when the receiving unit 1 b receives a transaction start instruction from the management device 2, reception of product input information from the management device 2 is started. The product input information sequentially received by the receiving unit 1b is stored in the collected product information storage unit 1a until an input completion notification is received from the management device 2. When the receiving unit 1b receives the transaction start instruction, the store clerk identification information receiving unit 1c waits for reception of store clerk identification information. When the clerk identification information receiving unit 1c receives the clerk identification information, the product registration processing unit 1d displays a product list on the display device based on the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit 1a, and collects the collected product information storage. The reception of the product identification information corresponding to the product input information stored in the unit 1a is awaited. When the clerk identification information receiving unit 1c receives the clerk identification information, the transmission unit 1e transmits a registration start notification indicating that the collection of the collection target product is started to the management device 2. In addition, after the product registration processing unit 1d receives product identification information corresponding to all product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit 1a, the transmission unit 1e detects completion of product registration. A registration completion notification is transmitted to the management apparatus 2.

  Thereby, merchandise sales can be efficiently supported in a retail form in which store clerk collects merchandise. Specifically, the sales support device 1 causes the display device 3 to display a collection target product list based on the received product input information. For this reason, the store clerk can confirm which products should be collected by viewing the product list displayed on the display device 3. In addition, after receiving the input completion notification, the sales support device 1 receives product identification information corresponding to all product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit 1a, and then detects the completion of product registration. A registration completion notification is transmitted to the management apparatus 2. For this reason, the management device 2 can accurately determine whether or not the collection work of the product by the store clerk using the sales support device 1 has been completed. As a result, the management device 2 can take measures such as notifying the waiting customer of the status of the collection work of the store clerk.

In the following embodiment, the case where the sales support apparatus 1 is used in a retailer's store is taken as an example, and will be described more specifically.
[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a sales support system according to the second embodiment. This sales support system is provided in a retailer's store. This sales support system includes customer terminal devices 100, 100a, a management server 200, cart terminal devices 300, 300a, 300b, and clerk terminal devices 400, 400a.

The customer terminal devices 100 and 100a are terminal devices for the customer 50 to select a product to be purchased.
The management server 200 is a server device that manages the sales results in the store and the breakdown information of the products selected by the customer 50 using the customer terminal devices 100 and 100a.

Customer terminal devices 100 and 100 a and management server 200 are connected via network 10.
The cart terminal devices 300, 300a, 300b are provided in the carts 30, 30a, 30b. The carts 30, 30 a, 30 b are stored items for the store clerk 40, 40 a to put the goods into the shopping cart and carry them. The cart 30c indicates a cart in which all the products selected by the customer 50 have been collected. The cart terminal device is also provided in the cart 30c in the same manner as the carts 30, 30a, and 30b.

For example, the store clerk 40 loads and conveys a product designated by the cart terminal device 300 in a shopping cart provided in the cart 30.
Further, for example, the store clerk 40a delivers the cart 30c in which all the products have been input to the customer terminal device 100 on which the customer 50 stands by, and delivers the product to the customer 50. Then, the customer 50 uses the customer terminal device 100 to account for the product received from the store clerk 40a.

  Further, for example, when there is no request for collection of goods, the carts 30a and 30b are arranged at predetermined installation locations, or are circulated in the display area 60 by the store clerk 40 and 40a. At the installation location, the batteries for the cart terminal devices 300a and 300b are charged.

Here, the cart terminal apparatuses 300, 300a, and 300b are an example of the sales support apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.
The clerk terminal devices 400 and 400a are portable terminal devices possessed by the clerk 40 and 40a. Upon receiving the product collection / delivery work instruction from the management server 200, the clerk terminal devices 400, 400a notify the clerk 40, 40a to that effect. The notification method may be performed by, for example, displaying a character string on a display screen included in the clerk terminal devices 400 and 400a, outputting sound and vibrating the device housing, or a combination thereof. The information to be notified includes, for example, information for notifying the cart to be operated by the clerk 40, 40a.

  The cart terminal devices 300, 300a, and 300b are connected to the customer terminal devices 100 and 100a and the management server 200 via the network 10 and the wireless communication devices 20, 20a, and 20b. Further, the clerk terminal devices 400 and 400a are connected to the customer terminal devices 100 and 100a and the management server 200 via the network 10 and the wireless communication devices 20, 20a and 20b.

  Here, the wireless communication devices 20, 20 a and 20 b are wireless LAN (Local Area Network) access points connected to the network 10. However, the related lines between the wireless communication devices 20a and 20b and the network 10 are not shown.

  The wireless communication devices 20, 20a, 20b are arranged so as to cover the entire area in the display area 60, which is an area for displaying products in the store, as a communicable area. That is, the cart terminal devices 300, 300a, 300b and the clerk terminal devices 400, 400a can be connected to the network 10 through the wireless communication devices 20, 20a, 20b throughout the display area 60.

  It is assumed that there are a plurality of carts and cart terminal devices other than those illustrated. Further, it is assumed that there are a plurality of salesclerks and salesclerk terminal devices other than those illustrated. Further, it is assumed that there are a plurality of customer terminal devices other than those illustrated.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the customer terminal device. The customer terminal device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, an NVRAM (Non Volatile RAM) 103, a display processing unit 104, a display 104a, an input / output processing unit 105, a touch panel 105a, and a weight measurement unit. 105b, an IC card reading unit 105c, a slip issuing / reading unit 105d, and a communication processing unit 106.

The CPU 101 controls the customer terminal device 100 as a whole.
The RAM 102 temporarily stores at least part of an OS (Operating System) program and application software (hereinafter referred to as an application) program to be executed by the CPU 101. The RAM 102 stores various data necessary for processing by the CPU 101.

  The NVRAM 103 is a nonvolatile memory that stores programs executed by the CPU 101 and data used for processing. As such a storage unit, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like can be used.

The display processing unit 104 is connected to the display 104a. The display processing unit 104 displays an image on the display 104a in accordance with a command from the CPU 101.
The display 104a displays various images. The display 104a is located below the touch panel 105a. The image displayed on the display 104a is visible through the touch panel 105a through the touch panel 105a. The customer can perform a touch operation on the touch panel 105a while viewing the image displayed on the display 104a.

  The input / output processing unit 105 is connected to the touch panel 105a, the weight measuring unit 105b, the IC card reading unit 105c, and the slip issuing / reading unit 105d. When there is a touch operation on the touch panel 105a, the input / output processing unit 105 outputs a signal indicating the coordinates of the current touch position to the CPU 101. Further, when the product is placed on the scale provided in the weight measuring unit 105b, the input / output processing unit 105 outputs the measurement result of the weight of the product to the CPU 101. Further, when the IC card owned by the customer 50 is inserted into the card insertion slot provided in the IC card reading unit 105c, the input / output processing unit 105 transmits the customer identification information (customer identification information) stored in the IC card to the CPU 101. Output to. Further, the input / output processing unit 105 causes the customer issuer 50 to issue a predetermined slip indicating the contents of the transaction by the slip issuing / reading unit 105d in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 101. Further, when a slip owned by the customer 50 is inserted into the insertion slot provided in the slip issuing / reading portion 105d, the input / output processing portion 105 outputs the transaction identification information (transaction identification information) stored in the slip to the CPU 101. To do.

The touch panel 105a receives a touch operation of the customer 50.
The weight measuring unit 105b includes a scale for placing the product, and measures the weight of the placed product. For example, when the customer 50 packs the product in a shopping bag for take-out of the product, the product packed in the bag is placed on the scale.

The IC card reading unit 105c has an insertion slot for inserting an IC card owned by the customer 50, and reads customer identification information stored in the inserted IC card.
The slip issuing / reading unit 105d issues a slip. The slip issuing / reading unit 105d includes an insertion slot for discharging slips and inserting issued slips owned by the customer 50. When the slip is inserted into the insertion slot, the slip issuing / reading unit 105d reads the transaction identification information stored in the slip.

The communication processing unit 106 is connected to the network 10. The communication processing unit 106 performs data communication with the management server 200 via the network 10.
The other customer terminal devices can be realized by the same hardware configuration as the customer terminal device 100.

  The management server 200 can also be realized by the same hardware configuration as the customer terminal device 100. However, if there are unnecessary functions such as the weight measuring unit 105b, the IC card reading unit 105c, and the slip issuing / reading unit 105d, it is possible to omit those functions.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the cart terminal device. The cart terminal device 300 includes a CPU 301, a RAM 302, an NVRAM 303, a display processing unit 304, a display 304a, an input processing unit 305, a touch panel 305a, a barcode reading unit 305b, and a wireless communication unit 306.

  The CPU 301, RAM 302, NVRAM 303, display processing unit 304, display 304a, and touch panel 305a correspond to the CPU 101, RAM 102, NVRAM 103, display processing unit 104, display 104a, and touch panel 105a in the customer terminal device 100 described in FIG.

  The input processing unit 305 is connected to the touch panel 305a and the barcode reading unit 305b. When there is a touch operation on the touch panel 305a, the input processing unit 305 outputs a signal indicating the coordinates of the current touch position to the CPU 301. Further, the input processing unit 305 outputs the reading result to the CPU 310 when the barcode reading unit 305b reads the barcode.

  The barcode reading unit 305b reads a barcode attached to a product and acquires various types of information including product identification information. Note that a wireless tag reading unit may be further provided so that the wireless tag attached to the product can be read.

The wireless communication unit 306 performs data communication with the management server 200 via the wireless communication device 20.
The cart terminal device 300 is connected to a battery 70 that supplies power for operating each unit of the cart terminal device 300. The battery 70 is a rechargeable battery. The CPU 301 monitors the power capacity stored in the battery 70.

Other cart terminal devices can be realized by the same hardware configuration as the cart terminal device 300.
Further, the clerk terminal device can be realized by the same hardware configuration as the cart terminal device 300.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the customer terminal device. The customer terminal device 100 includes a product input operation receiving unit 110, a product description restoration receiving unit 120, an accounting processing unit 130, and a weight check processing unit 140. These functions are realized by the CPU 101 executing a predetermined program. Further, some or all of these functions may be realized by dedicated hardware.

  The product input operation accepting unit 110 accepts an operation for starting product input (starting a transaction) by the customer 50. For example, a transaction start button for accepting a transaction start operation by the customer 50 is displayed on the display 104a. And product input operation reception part 110 receives operation of transaction start, when touch operation which chooses transaction start button of customer 50 is detected by touch panel 105a. At this time, when the IC card reading unit 105c reads the customer identification information from the IC card owned by the customer 50, the product input operation receiving unit 110 receives the customer identification information together with the start of the transaction. In addition, the product input operation accepting unit 110 can accept customer identification information by key input.

  When receiving the operation for starting the transaction, the product input operation receiving unit 110 notifies the management server 200 of a transaction start notification. The product input operation reception unit 110 includes the customer identification information in the transaction start notification when the customer identification information is acquired.

  The product input operation accepting unit 110 accepts an input of a product by the customer 50 after accepting an operation for starting a transaction. The product input operation reception unit 110 provides a search screen for products to the customer 50, for example. Information to be displayed on the product search screen can be acquired from the management server 200. The product input operation reception unit 110 transmits the input product information to the management server 200.

  The merchandise item restoration receiving unit 120 restores the content of the entered transaction on the customer terminal device 100. For example, when the customer 50 leaves after completing the order, the function of the product detail restoration receiving unit 120 can be used to restore the contents of the order and appropriately perform the accounting process when receiving the product. For example, a merchandise receipt button for accepting a merchandise receipt operation by the customer 50 is displayed on the display 104a. The merchandise item restoration receiving unit 120 detects a touch operation for selecting the merchandise receipt button of the customer 50 using the touch panel 105a, and when the IC card reading unit 105c reads the IC card of the customer 50, there is a received transaction. In this case, a detail restoration request including customer identification information is transmitted to the management server 200. Alternatively, for example, when the slip issuing / reading unit 105d reads the slip issued after the order is received with respect to the customer 50 and acquires the transaction identification information, the product detail restoration receiving unit 120 issues a detail restoration request including the transaction identification information. It transmits to the management server 200.

  The accounting processing unit 130 performs accounting processing for the product received by the product input operation receiving unit 110. The accounting processing unit 130 can acquire information necessary for accounting, such as the amount of the input product, from the management server 200. The accounting processing unit 130 transmits the sales result of the product to the management server 200.

  The weight check processing unit 140 acquires the result of weight measurement by the weight measurement unit 105b of the product purchased by the customer 50. Then, the weight check processing unit 140 determines whether or not the weight is equal to a weight registered in advance for the corresponding product within a certain error range (weight check). The weight for each product is registered in advance in the management server 200. The weight check processing unit 140 can acquire the weight of the product included in the order from the management server 200. When there are a plurality of products included in the order, the weight check processing unit 140 measures the weight of the total of the plurality of products and compares the weight with the total weight of the plurality of registered products. The weight check can prevent a product that is different from the ordered product from being taken away without being accounted for.

Other customer terminal devices can be realized by the same functional configuration as the customer terminal device 100.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the management server. The management server 200 includes a product master storage unit 210, a transaction management information storage unit 220, an operation management information storage unit 230, a sales information storage unit 240, a customer terminal side processing unit 250, and a cart terminal side processing unit 260. These functions are realized by the CPU included in the management server 200 executing a predetermined program. Further, some or all of these functions may be realized by dedicated hardware.

The product master storage unit 210 stores a product master. In the product master, various types of information related to products are registered in advance in association with product identification information.
The transaction management information storage unit 220 stores transaction management information indicating the contents of the transaction ordered by the customer 50. The transaction management information includes the identification information of the customer terminal device 100 that has received the order, the identification information of the cart assigned to collect the products that have received the order, and the identification information of the clerk (clerk identification information). . Further, in the transaction management information storage unit 220, product input information that has been selected by the customer 50 is registered.

  The operation management information storage unit 230 stores operation management information for managing the operation resources of stores such as carts and shop assistants. The operation management information includes cart terminal device management information for managing a cart present in the store and a cart terminal device associated with the cart. Further, the operation management information includes clerk management information for managing clerk present in the store.

The sales information storage unit 240 stores sales information indicating sales performance at the store.
The customer terminal side processing unit 250 transmits and receives data to and from the customer terminal devices 100 and 100a. The customer terminal side processing unit 250 includes a product information transmission unit 251, a product input information reception unit 252, a detail restoration reception unit 253, and a sales information reception unit 254.

  When the product information transmission unit 251 receives a request for product search from the customer terminal device 100, the product information transmission unit 251 extracts a corresponding product from the product master according to the search keyword, the product classification information, and the like received together with the request. The product information transmission unit 251 responds to the customer terminal device 100 with information regarding the extracted product. Based on the product information received from the product information transmission unit 251, the customer terminal device 100 provides the customer 50 with information such as the product image, price, and whether the product is a sale item. The customer 50 can browse the information and select a desired product.

  When receiving the transaction start notification from the customer terminal device 100, the product input information receiving unit 252 newly generates a transaction management record (transaction management record) and stores it in the transaction management information storage unit 220. The merchandise input information receiving unit 252 includes transaction identification information for uniquely identifying the contents of the transaction in the transaction management record. Moreover, the merchandise input information receiving unit 252 includes the customer identification information in the transaction management record when the customer identification information is included in the transaction start notification.

  Further, when the product input information receiving unit 252 receives the product input information indicating the product selected by the customer 50 from the customer terminal device 100, the product input information receiving unit 252 generates a product input record in association with the transaction identification information, and the transaction management information storage unit 220. To store.

  When receiving the detail restoration request from the customer terminal device 100, the detail restoration receiving unit 253 refers to the transaction management information storage unit 220 and extracts the customer identification information included in the detail restoration request or the transaction information corresponding to the transaction identification information. To do. The detail restoration receiving unit 253 transmits the extracted transaction information to the customer terminal device 100.

  The sales information receiving unit 254 receives sales information indicating the sales record for the customer 50 from the customer terminal device 100. The sales information receiving unit 254 stores the received sales information in the sales information storage unit 240.

  The cart terminal side processing unit 260 transmits / receives data to / from the cart terminal devices 300, 300a, 300b. The cart terminal side processing unit 260 includes a transaction information transmission unit 261, a registration work notification reception unit 262, a resource operation management unit 263, and a pending cart call unit 264.

  When the product input information receiving unit 252 receives the transaction start notification, the transaction information transmitting unit 261 transmits the transaction start notification to the cart terminal device 300 together with the transaction management record generated by the product input information receiving unit 252. Then, the transaction information transmission unit 261 refers to the transaction management information stored in the transaction management information storage unit 220 and transmits the product input information stored in the storage unit to the cart terminal device 300. At that time, the transaction information transmission unit 261 extracts information on the unit price of the product corresponding to the corresponding product from the product master stored in the product master storage unit 210 and transmits it to the cart terminal device 300 together with the product input information.

  Further, when the transaction information transmission unit 261 detects that the customer 50 has completed the selection input of the product with reference to the transaction management information stored in the transaction management information storage unit 220, the transaction information transmission unit 261 sends an input completion notification to the cart terminal device 300. Send to.

  The registration work notification receiving unit 262 receives from the cart terminal device 300 a registration start notification indicating that collection of ordered products has been started or a registration completion notification indicating completion, and notifies the resource operation management unit 263 is notified.

  The resource operation management unit 263 manages the use status of the cart and the work status of the store clerk. The resource operation management unit 263 updates the operation management information stored in the operation management information storage unit 230 based on the status change notification received from the cart terminal devices 300, 300a, 300b and the clerk terminal devices 400, 400a. In addition, the resource operation management unit 263 is configured to collect a product and a clerk for collecting the transaction management records stored in the transaction management information storage unit 220 based on the operation management information stored in the operation management information storage unit 230. And assign. The resource operation management unit 263 registers the cart identification information and the clerk identification information assigned to the transaction management record.

  The holding cart calling unit 264 calls the holding cart that has been collected and has been put on hold when the customer 50 leaves after completing the input of the product and then returns to receiving the product. The pending cart calling unit 264 refers to the operation management information stored in the operation management information storage unit 230 based on the customer identification information or the transaction identification information received from the customer terminal device 100 by the detailed restoration receiving unit 253, and the customer 50 The pending cart corresponding to the order received from can be identified.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the cart terminal device. The cart terminal device 300 includes a collected product information storage unit 310, a transaction information storage unit 320, a transaction information reception unit 330, a store clerk identification information reception unit 340, a product registration processing unit 350, a registration completion operation reception unit 360, and an installation operation reception unit 370. , An operation information transmission unit 380 and a power information transmission unit 390 are provided. These functions are realized by the CPU 301 executing a predetermined program. Further, some or all of these functions may be realized by dedicated hardware.

  The collected product information storage unit 310 stores product input information indicating products to be collected using the cart 30 and information such as prices for the products. Hereinafter, the product input information and the information such as the price of the corresponding product are referred to as collected product information.

The transaction information storage unit 320 stores transaction management information regarding the cart 30.
The transaction information receiving unit 330 receives a transaction start notification from the management server 200. The transaction information receiving unit 330 stores the transaction management information included in the transaction start notification in the transaction information storage unit 320. Further, when receiving the collected product information from the management server 200, the transaction information receiving unit 330 stores the received collected product information in the collected product information storage unit 310.

  When the transaction information receiving unit 330 receives the transaction start notification, the store clerk identification information receiving unit 340 waits for reception of store clerk identification information for identifying the store clerk. The clerk identification information is registered in advance in, for example, a barcode or a wireless tag attached to the clerk terminal device 400. The clerk identification information is registered in advance in, for example, a barcode or a wireless tag attached to an ID (IDentifier) card owned by the clerk. The clerk identification information receiving unit 340 receives the clerk identification information by reading the clerk terminal device 400 and the ID card of the clerk 40. The store clerk identification information receiving unit 340 can also receive store clerk identification information by a key input operation on the touch panel 305a of the store clerk.

The salesclerk identification information reception unit 340 outputs the received salesclerk identification information to the product registration processing unit 350.
When the merchandise registration processing unit 350 acquires the clerk identification information from the clerk identification information receiving unit 340, the merchandise registration processing unit 350 refers to the transaction information stored in the transaction information storage unit 320 and determines whether the clerk identification information is assigned to the cart. Determine whether. If it is the clerk identification information assigned to the cart, the product registration process is started. The product registration processing unit 350 includes a product identification information receiving unit 351 and a product list display control unit 352.

  The product identification information receiving unit 351 waits for reception of product identification information. When the barcode reading unit 305b reads the barcode attached to the product, the product identification information receiving unit 351 receives the product identification information included in the barcode. Alternatively, the product identification information may be received by reading a wireless tag attached to the product. In addition, for a product without a barcode or the like, product identification information can be received by a key input operation on the touch panel 305a of the store clerk.

  Upon receiving the product identification information, the product identification information receiving unit 351 refers to the collected product information stored in the collected product information storage unit 310 and determines whether the product is a product to be collected. If it is a product to be collected, the fact that it has been collected is registered in the collected product information. If it is not a product to be collected, the store clerk is notified that it is not a product to be collected.

  The product list display control unit 352 refers to the collected product information stored in the collected product information storage unit 310 and causes the display 304a to display a product list to be collected. Further, the product list display control unit 352 refers to the transaction information stored in the transaction information storage unit 320 to display information such as the customer's state and the state of the own cart on the display 304a. In addition, the product list display control unit 352 causes the display 304a to display an operation interface for accepting the operation input of the store clerk. As operations that can be performed by the store clerk, for example, start and completion of product collection work, product registration, and product search can be considered.

  When the registration completion operation accepting unit 360 accepts a key input operation for completing the product registration on the clerk's touch panel 305 a, the registration completion operation accepting unit 360 generates a registration completion notification and outputs it to the operation information transmitting unit 380.

  When the installation operation reception unit 370 receives a key input operation of the installation location information of the cart 30 on the clerk's touch panel 305a, the installation operation reception unit 370 outputs the received installation location information to the operation information transmission unit 380.

  The operation information transmission unit 380 transmits the registration completion notification acquired from the registration completion operation reception unit 360 to the management server 200. In addition, the operation information transmission unit 380 transmits the installation location information acquired from the installation operation reception unit 370 to the management server 200.

  The power information transmission unit 390 periodically acquires power capacity information indicating the power capacity of the battery 70 installed in the cart terminal device 300. The power information transmission unit 390 notifies the acquired power capacity information to the product list display control unit 352 and transmits it to the management server 200.

The other cart terminal devices can be realized by the same functional configuration as the cart terminal device 300.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the product master. The product master 211 is stored in advance in the product master storage unit 210. The product master 211 is provided with an item indicating a product ID, an item indicating a product name, an item indicating a unit price, an item indicating a sales floor category, an item indicating a weight, and an item indicating an NBC (Non Bar Code) flag. Information arranged in the horizontal direction of each item is associated with each other to indicate information related to one product.

  In the item indicating the product ID, a product ID that is product identification information is set. In the item indicating the product name, the name of the product is set. In the item indicating the unit price, the unit price of the product is set. In the item indicating the display area, information indicating a place where the product is displayed is set. In the item indicating the weight, the weight of the product is set. In the item indicating the NBC flag, a flag indicating whether or not the corresponding product is an NBC product that is a product without a barcode is set. In the item indicating the NBC flag, 1 is set when the corresponding product is an NBC product. In addition, 0 is set when the corresponding product is not an NBC product.

  In the product master 211, for example, information that the product ID is “P0001”, the product name is “mandarin orange”, the unit price is “200”, the display area is “A003”, the weight is “300 g”, and the NBC flag is “0”. Is set.

  This means that the product name “Mikan” of the product ID “P0001” is displayed in the place indicated by the display area “A003”, the product unit price is “200” yen, the weight per product unit is “300 g”, the bar Indicates that the product has a code attached to it.

  In the product master 211, for example, the product ID is “P0011”, the product name is “Sanma”, the unit price is “100”, the display area is “A005”, the weight is “100 g”, and the NBC flag is “1”. Information is set.

  This means that the product name “Sanma” of the product ID “P0011” is displayed in the place indicated by the display area “A005”, the product unit price is “100” yen, the weight per product unit is “100 g”, the bar This indicates that the product has no code attached.

In the product master 211, other information about the corresponding product (for example, an image of the product, a description of the product, and information indicating whether the product is a sale item, or the like) may be further registered.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a data structure example of the product input management table. The product input management table 221 is stored in the transaction management information storage unit 220. The product input management table 221 is updated by the product input information receiving unit 252. The product input management table 221 includes an item indicating a transaction ID, an item indicating a product ID, and an item indicating the number. Information arranged in the horizontal direction of each item is associated with each other to indicate a product input record received for one product.

  The transaction ID which is transaction identification information is set to the item which shows transaction ID. A product ID is set in the item indicating the product ID. In the item indicating the number, the number selected and input is set.

In the product input management table 221, for example, information that the transaction ID is “T0001”, the product ID is “P0001”, and the number is “1” is set.
This indicates that for the transaction indicated by the transaction ID “T0001”, an order of “1” items indicated by the product ID “P0001” has been accepted.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of a transaction management table. The transaction management table 222 is stored in the transaction management information storage unit 220. The transaction management table 222 is updated by the product input information receiving unit 252 and the resource operation management unit 263. In the transaction management table 222, an item indicating a transaction ID, an item indicating a customer ID, an item indicating a customer state, an item indicating a long-term leaving, an item indicating a clerk terminal ID, an item indicating a cart terminal ID, and an acceptance register ID are shown. Items are provided. The information arranged in the horizontal direction of each item is associated with each other, and shows a transaction management record for managing one received order.

  The transaction ID is set in the item indicating the transaction ID. In the item indicating the customer ID, a customer ID which is customer identification information is set. Information indicating the current state of the customer is set in the item indicating the customer state. In the item indicating long-term leaving, a flag indicating whether or not the corresponding customer has left for a long time (1 when long-term leaving, 0 when not long-term leaving) is set. In the item indicating the clerk terminal ID, a clerk terminal ID that is clerk identification information given to the clerk terminal is set. In the item indicating the cart terminal ID, a cart terminal ID that is cart identification information for identifying the cart terminal device is set. In the item indicating the reception cash register ID, a reception cash register ID for identifying the customer terminal device that has received the product order is set.

  In the transaction management table 222, for example, the transaction ID is “T0001”, the customer ID is “C0121”, the customer status is “Busy”, the long-term leaving is “0”, the clerk terminal ID is “S0002”, and the cart terminal ID is “ Information of “K0002” and reception register ID “R0001” is set.

  For the transaction indicated by the transaction ID “T0001”, an order is received from the customer indicated by the customer ID “C0121”, the current state of the customer is “Busy”, and it does not correspond to the long-term withdrawal ( Flag "0"). Further, the clerk terminal device of the clerk assigned to the transaction is the terminal indicated by the clerk terminal ID “S0002”, and the cart terminal device of the assigned cart is the terminal indicated by the cart terminal ID “K0002”. ing. Furthermore, it is indicated that the customer terminal device that has received the order is the terminal indicated by the reception register ID “R0001”.

Here, according to the information set in the customer state, the following customer state can be managed.
(1) “Busy”: a state in which a customer is inputting a product at the customer terminal device.

(2) “Wait”: a state where the customer has completed the input of the product at the customer terminal device and the customer is waiting for the arrival of the cart.
(3) “Suspend”: the customer terminal device has completed the input of the product, and the customer is leaving.

(4) “Restore”: a state in which a customer who has left the seat returns to receive goods and is waiting for the arrival of the cart.
(5) “Pay”: a state in which the customer is accounting for the product at the customer terminal device.

By managing such a state, the resource operation management unit 263 can manage the state of the cart and the store clerk according to the state of the customer.
The transaction management information storage unit 220 stores in advance host management information in which a clerk terminal ID, a cart terminal ID, and a reception register ID are associated with, for example, an IP (Internet Protocol) address of each terminal device. The transaction information transmission unit 261 and the like can perform data communication specifying the destination by the LAN in the store by referring to the transaction management table 222 and the host management information.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the cart terminal device management table. The cart terminal device management table 231 is stored in the operation management information storage unit 230. The cart terminal device management table 231 is updated by the resource operation management unit 263. The cart terminal device management table 231 includes an item indicating the cart terminal ID, an item indicating the power state, an item indicating the remaining battery level, an item indicating the cart state, an item indicating the installation location, and an item indicating the traveling position. Yes. Information arranged in the horizontal direction of each item is associated with each other to indicate information of one cart and a cart terminal device.

  The cart terminal ID is set in the item indicating the cart terminal ID. In the item indicating the power state, information indicating whether the power of the corresponding cart terminal apparatus is ON or OFF is set. Information indicating the remaining capacity of the battery that supplies power to the corresponding cart terminal device is set in the item indicating the remaining battery level. In the item indicating the cart state, information indicating the current state of the cart is set. In the item indicating the installation area, information indicating the installation location of the cart (the cart terminal device installed in the cart) is set. In the item indicating the traveling area, information indicating the current traveling location is set for a cart that is traveling in the store.

  In the cart terminal device management table 231, for example, the cart terminal ID is “K0001”, the power state is “ON”, the remaining battery level is “100%”, the cart state is “Free”, the installation area is “A001”, Information that the area is "-" (no setting) is set.

  This is the state where the cart terminal device indicated by the cart terminal ID “K0001” is in the power “ON” state, the remaining battery level is “100%”, the state of the cart in which the cart terminal device is installed is “Free”, It indicates that the installation area of the cart is a place indicated by “A001”.

Here, the following cart states can be managed by the information set in the cart state.
(1) “Free”: A free state that is not assigned to any transaction.

(2) “Ready”: a state in which a transaction start instruction has been received from the management server 200 and is waiting for a store clerk's operation start (acceptance of store clerk identification information).
(3) “Busy”: A state in which store clerk identification information is received and a product clerk registering operation is performed.

(4) “Suspend”: Registration of a product has been completed for the assigned transaction, but the customer is leaving the seat, and the corresponding cart is in a suspended state where it is evacuated to a temporary installation location.
(5) “Restore”: a state in which the customer who has left the seat returns and is transporting the cart to the customer.

(6) “Return”: the state where delivery of the product to the customer is completed and the cart is being transported to the place where the cart is installed.
(7) “OFF”: The power is off and the cart is not used.

By managing such a state, the resource operation management unit 263 can efficiently allocate a cart to each transaction according to the state of each cart.
In the item indicating the traveling area, information indicating the area to which each cart terminal device belongs, which is periodically acquired by the resource operation management unit 263, is set. The resource operation management unit 263 can acquire the position of each terminal device in the store by performing position measurement by a TDOA (Time Difference Of Arrival) method using, for example, the wireless communication devices 20, 20a, and 20b. Further, in-store area information that associates with which area in the store the position acquired thereby belongs is stored in the operation management information storage unit 230 in advance. The resource operation management unit 263 can specify the area to which each cart terminal device belongs based on these pieces of information. As a method for measuring the position in the store, for example, it is conceivable to use an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) method.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the clerk management table. The clerk management table 232 is stored in the operation management information storage unit 230. The clerk management table 232 is updated by the resource operation management unit 263. In the clerk management table 232, an item indicating the clerk terminal ID, an item indicating the power supply state, an item indicating the clerk state, an item indicating the current position, an item indicating the number of dispatches, and an item indicating the number of times-out are provided. Information arranged in the horizontal direction of each item is associated with each other, and indicates one store clerk terminal device and store clerk terminal device information.

  The clerk terminal ID is set in the item indicating the clerk terminal ID. In the item indicating the power state, information indicating whether the power of the corresponding clerk terminal device is ON or OFF is set. Information indicating the current state of the clerk is set in the item indicating the clerk state. In the item indicating the current position, a place where a store clerk (a store clerk terminal device owned by the store clerk) currently exists is set. The item indicating the number of dispatches is set with the total number of product collection operations assigned during a predetermined period. In the item indicating the number of times-out, the number of times when the product collection work is requested but the request is not accepted is set. As a case where the product collection work is requested but the request is not accepted, a failure in the communication environment between the management server 200 and the clerk terminal device 400 may be considered.

  In the clerk management table 232, for example, the clerk terminal ID is “S0001”, the power state is “ON”, the clerk state is “Free”, the current position is “A005”, the number of dispatches is “5”, and the timeout number is “0”. "Is set.

  This is the state where the clerk terminal device indicated by the clerk terminal ID “S0001” is in the power “ON” state, the state of the clerk who owns the terminal device is “Free”, and the position where the clerk currently exists is “A005”. This indicates that the location is indicated by. In addition, the number of times the store clerk requested the product collection work was “5” in total for a predetermined period (for example, during the business hours of the day), and the number of times the request was not accepted even though the request was made. “0” times.

Here, depending on the state set to the clerk state, the following clerk state can be managed.
(1) “Free”: A free state that is not assigned to any transaction.

(2) “Ready”: a state in which a transaction start instruction is received from the management server 200 and is being moved to the cart to be operated.
(3) “Busy”: a state in which a product for which an order has been received by operating a cart is registered.

(4) “Return”: a state in which the delivery of the product to the customer is completed and the cart is being transported to the cart installation location.
(5) “Rest”: a resting state.

(6) “OFF”: The salesclerk terminal device is turned off, and the salesclerk is out of management.
By managing such a state, the resource operation management unit 263 can efficiently assign a clerk to each transaction according to the state of each clerk.

  In the item indicating the current position, information indicating an area where each shop assistant terminal device currently exists in the store is set. This information can be periodically acquired by the resource operation management unit 263 in the same manner as the method of acquiring the position of the cart terminal device. However, when the clerk status is “Busy”, it is set to “−” (no setting) because it overlaps with the information of the traveling area of the cart terminal device. However, area information may also be set in this case.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the collection target product management table. The collection target product management table 311 is stored in the collected product information storage unit 310. The collection target product management table 311 is updated by the transaction information receiving unit 330 and the product identification information receiving unit 351. The collection target product management table 311 includes an item indicating a transaction ID, an item indicating a product ID, an item indicating a product name, an item indicating a quantity, an item indicating the number of registered items, an item indicating a unit price, and an item indicating a state. It has been. The information arranged in the horizontal direction of each item is associated with each other to indicate information related to one collection target product.

  The transaction ID is set in the item indicating the transaction ID. A product ID is set in the item indicating the product ID. In the item indicating the product name, the product name is set. In the item indicating the quantity, the quantity of products to be collected is set. In the item indicating the registered number, the quantity of already registered products is set. In the item indicating the unit price, the unit price of the product is set. Information indicating whether the product has been collected or not collected is set in the item indicating the state. The item indicating the state is set to indicate that collection has been performed when the value indicating the quantity and the value indicating the number of registered items are equal. In addition, when the value of the item indicating the registered number is smaller than the item indicating the quantity, it is set to indicate uncollected.

  In the collection target product management table 311, for example, the transaction ID is “T0001”, the product ID is “P0001”, the product name is “mandarin orange”, the quantity is “2”, the unit price is “200”, and the state is “done”. Information is set.

  This indicates that, for the transaction indicated by the transaction ID “T0001”, orders for the product name “mandarin orange” “2” indicated by the product ID “P0001” are accepted. Further, the unit price of the product “mandarin orange” is “200” yen, which indicates that “2” oranges have already been “collected” in the cart.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a data structure example of a transaction table. The transaction table 321 is stored in the transaction information storage unit 320. The transaction table 321 is updated by the transaction information receiving unit 330. The transaction table 321 includes an item indicating a transaction ID, an item indicating a customer ID, an item indicating a customer status, an item indicating a clerk terminal ID, an item indicating a cart terminal ID, an item indicating a reception register ID, and an input completion flag. It has been. The information arranged in the horizontal direction of each item is associated with each other, and indicates information related to one transaction accepted by the cart terminal device.

  The transaction ID is set in the item indicating the transaction ID. A customer ID is set in the item indicating the customer ID. In the item indicating the customer status, information indicating the status of the customer is set. In the item indicating the clerk terminal ID, the clerk terminal ID of the clerk terminal device possessed by the clerk assigned to the cart is set. In the item indicating the cart terminal ID, the cart terminal ID assigned to the transaction ID, that is, the cart terminal ID of the own device is set. In the item indicating the reception cash register ID, a reception cash register ID for receiving the transaction is set. In the item indicating the input completion flag, a flag is set that indicates whether or not the selection input of the product by the customer has been completed for the transaction. When the selection input is completed, 1 is set, and when it is not completed, 0 is set.

  In the transaction table 321, for example, the transaction ID is “T0001”, the customer ID is “C0121”, the customer status is “Busy”, the clerk terminal ID is “S0002”, the cart terminal ID is “K0002”, and the reception register ID is “ Information R0001 "is set.

  This indicates that the transaction indicated by the transaction ID “T0001” is allocated, the customer ID of the customer of the transaction partner is “C0121”, and the current state of the customer is “Busy”. Further, the clerk terminal ID of the clerk who should operate the cart terminal device is “S0002”, the cart terminal ID of the cart terminal device is “K0002”, and the reception register ID of the reception register that accepted the transaction is “R0001”. Is shown.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a clerk product registration screen. The clerk product registration screen 500 is generated by the product list display control unit 352 and displayed on the display 304a. In the clerk product registration screen 500, an information display area 510 and an operation reception area 520 are provided.

  In the information display area 510, the cart terminal ID of the cart terminal device, the current state of the cart, and the remaining battery level are displayed. In addition, the reception register ID of the customer terminal device to which the order is input, the transaction ID of the transaction received from the management server 200, the customer ID, the customer state, and the time elapsed for the product registration work are displayed. In addition, the number of remaining uncollected items indicating how many types of uncollected products remain is displayed.

  The merchandise list display control unit 352 can acquire such information with reference to the transaction table 321 stored in the transaction information storage unit 320. Further, the product list display control unit 352 can acquire information on the remaining battery level of the battery 70 from the power information transmission unit 390.

  In the operation reception area 520, a product list indicating products to be collected received in the transaction indicated by the transaction ID and an operation unit for receiving various operations by the store clerk are displayed. The operation reception area 520 includes a list display portion 521, a start button 522, a search button 523, and a completion button 524.

  The list display unit 521 displays a product list. The list display unit 521 is provided with a scroll button, for example. The store clerk can refer to the entire list that does not fit on one screen by touching the scroll button and scrolling the list up and down.

  In the list display portion 521, for example, item No. The product name, the quantity required for collection, the number of registered items, the unit price, and information indicating whether all the necessary numbers are registered are displayed. For products for which all necessary numbers have been registered, “done” is displayed in the state, and the corresponding line is displayed in a dark state so that it is less noticeable than the line in the state “uncompleted”. For example, in the example of the list display unit 521, the line of product names “Mikan”, “Apple”, and “Milk” corresponds to “Done” and is displayed in dark. Note that “unknown” rows may be hidden. Alternatively, such a display method may be selectable by a store clerk.

  The start button 522 is an operation unit for accepting an operation start by a store clerk. The cart terminal device 300 can start a product registration operation by receiving a touch operation of the start button 522 by a store clerk. At that time, the clerk inputs the clerk terminal ID assigned to him. The reception of the operation start by the store clerk can also be performed by receiving the store clerk terminal ID from an ID card possessed by the store clerk or a store clerk terminal device. For example, the cart terminal device 300 detects whether or not the received clerk terminal ID matches the clerk terminal ID assigned from the management server 200 to the own device. Then, if they match, it is conceivable to start a product registration operation. On the other hand, if they do not match, it may be possible to notify the store clerk and not to register the product.

As a result, the work can be surely allocated to the clerk assigned by the management server 200. Further, it is possible to prevent a person other than the store clerk from operating the cart terminal device.
The search button 523 is a button for starting search for product information, sorting processing for unregistered products, and the like. When the cart terminal device accepts a touch operation on the search button 523, the cart terminal device displays a product search menu. In the product search menu, based on the product information input by the store clerk, the store clerk is provided with information for supporting collection of products such as a photograph of the product and a display area. For example, information set in the product master 211 stored in the product master storage unit 210 of the management server 200 can be used as such information.

  The completion button 524 is an operation unit for accepting completion of product registration by the store clerk and installation at the cart installation location. The cart terminal device 300 can request the store clerk to perform different operations depending on the customer state and the cart state at the timing when the touch operation on the completion button 524 is received. For example, when accepting that the installation of the cart at the installation location is completed by a touch operation on the completion button 524, the store clerk can be further prompted to input information indicating the installation location.

  Next, processing of the sales support system realized by the above configuration will be described. In the following description, a case where the customer 50 orders a product using the customer terminal device 100 will be described. Further, a case will be described in which the clerk 40 who owns the cart terminal device 300 and the clerk terminal device 400 is a work allocation target. However, the same processing is performed when work is assigned to another terminal device or a store clerk.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a relationship of processes executed by each device. The customer's 50 touch operation with respect to the transaction start button displayed on the display 104a of the customer terminal device 100 is received. Further, the customer terminal device 100 reads the customer ID recorded on the IC card inserted by the customer into the IC card reading unit 105c. Thereby, transaction processing is started.

  The customer terminal device 100 transmits the customer ID acquired at the time of accepting the transaction start to the management server 200. Moreover, the customer terminal device 100 receives the selection input of the goods which the customer 50 desires, and transmits the goods input information which shows this input content to the management server 200 (step ST1).

  The management server 200 generates a transaction management record based on the customer ID received from the customer terminal device 100, and executes resource allocation processing for the transaction. Here, it is assumed that the clerk 40 and the cart terminal device 300 are allocated as a result of the allocation process. The management server 200 transmits a transaction start instruction to the cart terminal device 300 and the clerk terminal device 400 possessed by the clerk 40 (step ST2).

  When receiving the transaction start instruction from the management server 200, the cart terminal device 300 stores the transaction management information included in the transaction start instruction in the transaction information storage unit 320. The cart terminal device 300 waits for reception of the clerk terminal ID of the clerk terminal device 400 included in the transaction management information. The cart terminal device 300 responds to the management server 200 that the transaction start instruction has been accepted. And if the salesclerk terminal ID is received, reception of the collection merchandise information containing merchandise input information will be waited (step ST3).

  When the clerk terminal device 400 receives the transaction start instruction from the management server 200, the clerk terminal device 400 refers to the transaction management information included in the transaction start instruction and instructs the clerk 40 to operate the cart terminal device 300. For example, the store clerk terminal device 400 displays the cart terminal ID of the cart terminal device 300 on the display of the store clerk terminal device 400 and gives an operation instruction (step ST4). As a result, the store clerk 40 can recognize that the product collection work has been assigned to him and that the use of the cart 30 has been instructed for the collection work. Note that the clerk terminal device 400 responds to the management server 200 that a transaction start instruction has been received from the management server 200.

  Management server 200 will register into transaction management information storage part 220, if goods input information is received from customer terminal unit 100. Further, the collected product information including the received product input information is transmitted to the cart terminal device 300 (step ST5). Thereafter, the management server 200 transmits the collected product information to the cart terminal device 300 every time a selection input for the product of the customer 50 in the customer terminal device 100 is received.

The cart terminal device 300 stores the collected product information sequentially received from the management server 200 in the collected product information storage unit 310 (step ST6).
When the clerk 40 arrives at the cart 30, the cart terminal device 300 reads the barcode attached to the clerk terminal device 400 and acquires the clerk terminal ID of the clerk terminal device 400. The cart terminal device 300 refers to the transaction management information stored in the transaction information storage unit 320, and starts the product registration process when the acquired clerk terminal ID matches the clerk terminal ID set in the transaction management information. . If they do not match, a notification is made that the cart to be operated is incorrect. Then, the cart terminal device 300 accepts registration of products to be collected by the store clerk 40. Furthermore, when the cart terminal device 300 receives an operation input indicating that the product registration is completed by the store clerk 40, the cart terminal device 300 transmits a registration completion notification to the management server 200 (step ST7).

  The cart terminal device 300 accepts an operation input for completion of registration by the store clerk 40 when the store clerk 40 delivers the product to the customer 50 or when the store clerk 40 retreats to the installation location to hold the cart 30. . The cart terminal device 300 can detect at which timing the registration completion notification is operated by referring to the customer state set in the transaction management information. That is, when the customer status is “Wait” at the time of receiving the registration completion operation input, it can be detected that the product has been delivered to the customer. Further, when the customer status is “Suspend” at the time when the registration completion operation input is received, it can be detected that the cart 30 is retracted. When it is time to retract the cart 30, the cart terminal device 300 can prompt the store clerk 40 to input information indicating the installation location of the cart 30. Further, the management server 200 can be notified of the registration completion notification including the status of the cart 30.

  When the management server 200 receives the registration completion notification from the cart terminal device 300, the management server 200 determines the status of the cart 30 based on the registration completion notification and updates the transaction management information stored in the transaction management information storage unit 220. When the management server 200 detects that the store clerk 40 has delivered the product to the customer 50, the management server 200 sets in the transaction management information that the customer 50 is accounting with the customer terminal device 100. In addition, when the management server 200 detects that the clerk 40 has put the cart 30 on hold, the management server 200 sets the installation location and the hold status in the transaction management information. In addition, when the management server 200 receives a notification from the cart terminal device 300 that the cart 30 has been delivered to the customer and has been installed at a predetermined installation location, the management server 200 displays information indicating that and the installation location. The transaction management information is set (step ST8).

  The management server 200 restores the pending cart 30 from the customer terminal device 100 and accepts a restoration request for requesting delivery of the product to the customer 50 (step ST9), so that the pending cart 30 is restored. The restoration instruction to instruct is transmitted to the cart terminal device 300 and the clerk terminal device 400.

  Upon receiving the restoration instruction from the management server 200, the clerk terminal device 400 notifies the clerk 40 that the restoration instruction for the cart 30 has been received based on the cart terminal ID included in the restoration instruction (step ST10).

  In the cart terminal device 300, the clerk 40 arrives at the cart 30 and acquires the clerk terminal ID of the clerk terminal device 400. The cart terminal device 300 transmits a restoration start notification to the management server 200 after checking the clerk terminal ID. The cart terminal device 300 also accepts an operation input for completion of delivery by the store clerk 40 at the timing when the store clerk 40 delivers the product to the customer 50. Then, the cart terminal device 300 transmits a delivery completion notification to the management server 200 (step ST11). Then, the customer terminal device 100 accepts a product accounting operation by the customer 50. The customer terminal device 100 settles the product price for the customer 50, accepts the price, and transmits the sales information of the product to the management server 200 (step ST12). And the transaction is completed.

Next, processing in each of the above steps will be described in detail.
First, the commodity input process in step ST1 will be described.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a product input process of the customer terminal device. In the following, the process illustrated in FIG. 17 will be described in order of step number.

  [Step S11] The merchandise input operation accepting unit 110 accepts a touch operation of the customer 50 on the transaction start button displayed on the display 104a. Thereby, the transaction start is received. Then, the product input operation accepting unit 110 generates a transaction start notification and transmits it to the management server 200. In addition, the commodity input operation reception unit 110, when the customer ID recorded on the IC card inserted in the IC card reading unit 105c by the customer before and after receiving the operation for the transaction start button is read, the transaction start notification Include in When the management server 200 receives this transaction start notification, it executes a resource allocation process (step ST2 in FIG. 16). The product input operation reception unit 110 receives the transaction ID assigned to the transaction from the management server 200.

  [Step S12] The product input operation accepting unit 110 displays a product selection screen on the display 104a. The product selection screen is provided with a predetermined interface so that the customer 50 can input an operation for searching for products. For example, according to this interface, the customer 50 can select a desired product from information such as keywords and product classifications associated with the product to be purchased. The product input operation reception unit 110 transmits the input search information to the management server 200. The management server 200 executes a search based on the search information and responds to the customer terminal device 100 with information indicating the search result. The product input operation accepting unit 110 displays the search result received from the management server 200 on the display 104a.

  [Step S13] The product input operation accepting unit 110 determines whether or not an operation for selecting and inputting a purchase desired product by the customer 50 has been accepted. The merchandise input operation accepting unit 110 accepts a merchandise selection input operation by detecting a touch operation on the touch panel 105a corresponding to the merchandise selection screen displayed on the display 104a, for example. If a selection input operation is accepted, the process proceeds to step S14. If the selection input operation is not accepted, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In addition, when selecting and inputting a product, the customer 50 can also input a quantity desired to be purchased for the product. As a result, it is possible to reduce the trouble of selecting a plurality of items to be ordered.

  [Step S <b> 14] The product input operation receiving unit 110 transmits product input information indicating the product for which the selection input has been received, to the management server 200. Management server 200 will perform goods input information reception processing (Step ST5 of Drawing 16), if goods input information is received.

  [Step S15] The product input operation receiving unit 110 determines whether or not a product input completion operation has been received. If accepted, a product input completion notification is generated, and the process proceeds to step S16. If not received, the process proceeds to step S12.

  [Step S <b> 16] The product input operation reception unit 110 determines whether or not an operation input indicating that the customer 50 is leaving is received. If accepted, the process proceeds to step S17. If not accepted, the process proceeds to step S20. For example, after receiving a product input completion operation, the product input operation reception unit 110 prompts the customer 50 to select whether to go back or wait for the product ordered by the store clerk to be delivered. A screen is displayed on the display 104a. In response to an operation input on the screen, the product input operation reception unit 110 can detect whether or not the customer 50 leaves.

[Step S <b> 17] The product input operation reception unit 110 transmits an input completion notification including information (customer state notification) indicating that the customer is leaving to the management server 200.
[Step S <b> 18] The product input operation reception unit 110 receives the product registration completion scheduled time from the management server 200. Here, the product registration completion scheduled time is a time at which collection of the product by the store clerk is expected to be completed. The product input operation accepting unit 110 displays the received scheduled completion time on the display 104a. The product input operation accepting unit 110 may display the transaction ID assigned to the transaction with the customer 50 and the scheduled completion time on an electronic bulletin board in the store.

  [Step S19] The merchandise input operation accepting unit 110 causes the voucher issuance / reading unit 105d to issue a slip indicating the transaction ID of the accepted transaction and the details of the merchandise for which the order has been received to the customer 50. Here, the slip is provided with a recording medium readable by the slip issuing / reading unit 105d. The transaction ID is recorded on the recording medium. For example, the slip is provided with a magnetic stripe, and the merchandise input operation accepting unit 110 causes the slip issuing / reading unit 105d to record the transaction ID on the magnetic stripe. Further, for example, a wireless tag may be provided in the slip, and the transaction ID may be recorded in a storage unit included in the tag. Alternatively, the transaction ID may be printed on the slip, and the transaction ID may be input when the customer 50 receives the product.

[Step S <b> 20] The product input operation accepting unit 110 transmits a product input completion notification to the management server 200.
In this way, the customer terminal device 100 accepts the selection input of the product of the customer 50.

  At this time, the merchandise input operation accepting unit 110 accepts a selection input as to whether or not to retreat from the customer 50 after the input is completed. By transmitting the result of the selection input to the management server 200, the management server 200 and the cart terminal devices 300, 300a, and 300b can operate the carts 30, 30a, and 30b according to the schedule of the customer 50 and the like. Further, the customer 50 can spend the time waiting for the collection of the goods for other business, and can effectively use the time.

The customer status notification shown in step S17 may be included in the input completion notification or may be transmitted separately from the input completion notification.
In step S19, a voucher may be issued only to customers who do not have an ID card. In that case, you may record transaction ID in the memory | storage part with which an ID card is provided, for example.

Next, the resource allocation process in step ST2 in FIG. 16 will be described.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing resource allocation processing of the management server. In the following, the process illustrated in FIG. 18 will be described in order of step number.

  [Step S <b> 21] The product input information receiving unit 252 receives a transaction start notification from the customer terminal device 100. The product input information receiving unit 252 generates a transaction management record based on the received transaction start notification and registers it in the transaction management table 222 stored in the transaction management information storage unit 220. At this time, the product input information receiving unit 252 gives a new transaction ID to the generated transaction management record. Moreover, the merchandise input information receiving unit 252 includes the customer ID in the transaction management record when the customer ID is included in the transaction start notification. In addition, the product input information receiving unit 252 notifies the customer terminal device 100 of the newly assigned transaction ID.

  [Step S22] When the merchandise input information receiving unit 252 generates a new transaction management record, the resource operation management unit 263 refers to the cart terminal device management table 231 stored in the operation management information storage unit 230 and stores the cart state. Search for a cart with "Free".

  [Step S23] As a result of the search, the resource operation management unit 263 determines whether or not a cart whose cart state is “Free” has been extracted. If it can be extracted, the process proceeds to step S24. If it cannot be extracted, the process proceeds to step S22.

  [Step S24] The resource operation management unit 263 refers to the cart terminal device management table 231 and identifies the cart having the largest remaining battery level from among the carts extracted in Step S23. Here, it is assumed that the cart 30 is specified.

[Step S25] The resource operation management unit 263 transmits a transaction start instruction to the cart terminal device 300 provided in the identified cart 30.
[Step S26] Upon receiving a response to the transaction start instruction from the cart terminal device 300, the resource operation management unit 263 sets the cart terminal ID of the cart terminal device 300 to the cart terminal ID corresponding to the corresponding transaction ID in the transaction management table 222. Set. Further, the resource operation management unit 263 sets the cart state corresponding to the cart terminal device 300 in the cart terminal device management table 231 to “Ready”.

[Step S27] The resource operation management unit 263 refers to the store clerk management table 232 stored in the operation management information storage unit 230, and searches for store clerks whose store clerk status is “Free”.
[Step S28] As a result of the search, the resource operation management unit 263 determines whether or not a clerk with a clerk status of “Free” has been extracted. If it can be extracted, the process proceeds to step S29. If it cannot be extracted, the process proceeds to step S27.

  [Step S29] The resource operation management unit 263 refers to the clerk management table 232 and identifies the clerk with the smallest number of dispatches among the clerk detected in step S28. Here, it is assumed that the clerk 40 is specified.

  [Step S30] The resource operation management unit 263 specifies the clerk terminal device 400 possessed by the clerk 40, and transmits a transaction start instruction to the clerk terminal device 400. The transaction start instruction can include information indicating the cart terminal ID of the cart terminal device 300 and the installation position of the cart terminal device 300.

  [Step S31] Upon receiving a response to the transaction start instruction from the clerk terminal device 400, the resource operation management unit 263 sets the clerk terminal ID of the clerk terminal device 400 to the clerk terminal ID corresponding to the corresponding transaction ID in the transaction management table 222. Set. Further, the resource operation management unit 263 sets the clerk state corresponding to the clerk terminal device 400 in the clerk management table 232 to “Ready”.

In this manner, the management server 200 assigns carts and salesclerks to accepted transactions.
Here, the resource operation management unit 263 assigns the cart based on the priority according to the battery capacity of the cart terminal device provided in the cart. As a result, it is possible to prevent the battery from running out during the collection of the product.

  Further, the resource operation management unit 263 assigns store clerk based on the priority according to the number of dispatches of each store clerk. As a result, work can be assigned while equalizing the load on the store clerk.

  In addition, the resource operation management unit 263 refers to the store clerk management table 232 stored in the operation management information storage unit 230, and gives priority to store clerk with a large number of timeouts (a store clerk who has previously failed to allocate work). Work can also be assigned. It is also possible to assign work in preference to a clerk with a small number of timeouts (a clerk who can assign work more reliably).

  In addition, the resource operation management unit 263 calculates the average time until the registration start notification of the product from each cart terminal device is received for each clerk terminal device after transmitting the transaction start instruction to each clerk terminal device. It may be possible to record in the management table 232. Then, it is conceivable that the resource operation management unit 263 assigns work in preference to a store clerk with a short average time. In this way, the quality of service to customers can be further enhanced by preferentially assigning store clerk with high work efficiency.

  In addition, when the cart terminal device in the “Free” state cannot be extracted in step S23, the resource operation management unit 263 further searches for the cart terminal device in the “Restore” state or the power-off state, and extracts the cart cart that has been extracted. It is also possible to assign work to the terminal device. Here, in order to activate the cart terminal device that is turned off, for example, a so-called Wake On Lan function can be used.

  In addition, in step S28, the resource operation management unit 263 may further search for a clerk in the “Restore” state and assign work to the extracted clerk when the “Free” clerk cannot be extracted. Conceivable.

  Furthermore, the resource operation management unit 263 may assign a store clerk present at the position closest to the selected cart. Specifically, the resource operation management unit 263 uses the cart installation area set in the cart terminal device management table 231 stored in the operation management information storage unit 230 and the current position information set in the clerk management table 232. The store clerk present in the position closest to the cart specified in step S24 can be specified. The distance between an area and another area (for example, the distance between the centers of the areas) can be acquired based on area arrangement information in which the arrangement of each area is defined by two-dimensional coordinates.

  As a result, the travel distance of the store clerk to the cart in the store can be reduced, and the product collection operation can be started quickly. Thereby, speeding up of collection work can be aimed at and waiting time of a customer can be reduced. It is also conceivable to assign carts and store clerk in consideration of the distance to the display area of the product for which the order has been accepted.

  Next, the merchandise input information acceptance process in step ST5 in FIG. 16 will be described. In the following, it is assumed that the cart terminal device 300 and the clerk terminal device 400 are allocated to a new transaction by the resource allocation process of FIG.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the merchandise information reception process of the management server. In the following, the process illustrated in FIG. 19 will be described in order of step number.
[Step S <b> 41] The product input information receiving unit 252 starts receiving product input information from the customer terminal device 100. The merchandise input information receiving unit 252 generates a merchandise input record in which the received merchandise input information and the transaction ID are associated with each other, and registers them in the merchandise input management table 221 stored in the transaction management information storage unit 220.

  [Step S42] The transaction information transmission unit 261 refers to the transaction management table 222 stored in the transaction management information storage unit 220, and the cart terminal ID has been set for the transaction ID of the newly registered product input record. That is, it is determined whether or not the cart used for the product collection work has been assigned. If it has been assigned, the process proceeds to step S43. If not assigned, the process proceeds to step S42 (waits until assigned).

  [Step S43] The transaction information transmission unit 261 specifies the cart terminal ID assigned to the transaction ID of the newly registered product input record. Then, transmission of the collected product information including the product input information to the cart terminal device 300 corresponding to the cart terminal ID is started. Thereafter, each time a product input record with the corresponding transaction ID is registered in the product input management table 221, the transaction information transmission unit 261 transmits collected product information based on the product input record to the identified cart terminal device 300. .

  [Step S44] The product input information receiving unit 252 receives an input completion notification indicating that the product selection input has been completed from the customer terminal device 100. The product input information receiving unit 252 outputs the received input completion notification to the resource operation management unit 263.

  [Step S45] The resource operation management unit 263 determines whether or not the customer 50 is scheduled to leave based on the input completion notification. If it is scheduled to leave, the process proceeds to step S46. If it is not scheduled to leave, the process proceeds to step S47.

  [Step S46] The resource operation management unit 263 sets the customer status of the transaction management table 222 stored in the transaction management information storage unit 220 to “Suspend”. Then, the process proceeds to step S48.

[Step S47] The resource operation management unit 263 sets the customer status in the transaction management table 222 to “Wait”.
[Step S48] Upon receiving the product input completion notification, the resource operation management unit 263 calculates the time required for product collection by the store clerk based on the number of products received for the corresponding transaction ID. For example, the resource operation management unit 263 can obtain the required time by multiplying the average time required for the store clerk to find one product from the display area 60 and put it in the cart by the number of products. Then, the resource operation management unit 263 calculates a scheduled time (registered scheduled completion time) for completing the product collection (registration) by the store clerk based on the calculated required time and the current time.

  [Step S49] The resource operation management unit 263 outputs the calculated registration completion estimated time to the product information transmission unit 251. The merchandise information transmission unit 251 transmits the acquired registration completion estimated time to the customer terminal device 100. The product information transmission unit 251 transmits the registration completion scheduled time to the cart terminal device 300.

[Step S <b> 50] The transaction information transmitting unit 261 transmits the input completion notification received from the customer terminal device 100 to the cart terminal device 300 by the product input information receiving unit 252.
In this way, the management server 200 transmits the collected product information to the cart terminal device 300.

  Note that the resource operation management unit 263 transmits the fact to the cart terminal device 300 when the customer status is changed. That is, when the customer status is updated in steps S46 and S47, the fact is transmitted to the cart terminal device 300 as a customer status notification. Further, the contents of the customer status notification may be included in the input completion notification and transmitted to the cart terminal device 300.

  In step S46, the resource operation management unit 263 starts counting the leaving time of the customer 50 who has become “Suspend”. When the “Suspend” state of the customer 50 elapses for a predetermined time (for example, 6 hours, 12 hours, etc.), the resource operation management unit 263 sets “1” as the long-term leave item in the transaction management table 222. Set. In this way, by making it possible to manage long-stay customers, for example, to notify the store clerk that the customer has not received the product, the email address registered in advance for the customer It is possible to take measures such as sending an email prompting receipt of the product.

Next, the collected product information receiving process in step ST6 in FIG. 16 will be described.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the collected product information receiving process of the cart terminal device. In the following, the process illustrated in FIG. 20 will be described in order of step number.

  [Step S51] Upon receiving the transaction start instruction shown in step ST3 in FIG. 16 from the management server 200, the transaction information receiving unit 330 subsequently receives collected product information from the management server 200 in sequence. The transaction information receiving unit 330 registers the received collected product information in the collection target product management table 311 stored in the collected product information storage unit 310.

  [Step S52] The transaction information receiving unit 330 determines whether or not an input completion notification has been received from the management server 200. When the input completion notification is received, it is detected that collected product information is not received for the currently accepted transaction, and the process proceeds to step S53. If the input completion notification is not received, the process proceeds to step S52 (collected product information is sequentially received until the input completion notification is received).

  [Step S <b> 53] The transaction information receiving unit 330 sets the item indicating the input completion flag of the transaction table 321 stored in the transaction information storage unit 320 to the effect that the customer has completed the input of the product.

In this way, the cart terminal device 300 sequentially receives the collected product information from the management server 200 and stores it in the collected product information storage unit 310.
Next, the collected product registration process in step ST7 in FIG. 16 will be described.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the merchandise registration process of the cart terminal device. In the following, the process illustrated in FIG. 21 will be described in order of step number.
[Step S61] When the clerk 40 arrives at the cart 30, the clerk identification information receiving unit 340 reads the bar code attached to the clerk terminal device 400 and acquires the clerk terminal ID of the clerk terminal device 400. Then, as described in step ST <b> 7 in FIG. 16, the clerk terminal ID is checked, and when it is detected that the operator is the clerk 40, a product registration start notification is transmitted to the management server 200.

  [Step S62] The product identification information receiving unit 351 starts waiting for the product ID. At this time, the product list display control unit 352 causes the store clerk product registration screen 500 to be displayed on the display 304a. The product ID is included in, for example, information obtained by reading a barcode attached to the product by the barcode reading unit 305b. The product identification information receiving unit 351 receives the product ID when the clerk 40 holds the barcode attached to the product over the barcode reading unit 305b. Alternatively, in the case of a product without a barcode, the product ID can be received by a key input to the touch panel 305a by the clerk 40. Specifically, it is conceivable that the clerk 40 touches the corresponding product in the list display unit 521 and inputs the product ID of the collected product to the cart terminal device 300.

  [Step S63] The product identification information receiving unit 351 refers to the collection target product management table 311 stored in the collected product information storage unit 310, and determines whether or not the received product ID is that of the product to be collected. judge. If it is the product ID of the product to be collected, the process proceeds to step S64. If it is not the product ID of the product to be collected, the process proceeds to step S65.

  [Step S64] The product identification information receiving unit 351 refers to the collection target product management table 311 and determines whether or not there is an uncollected product corresponding to the received product ID. If there is an uncollected portion, the process proceeds to step S66. If all the corresponding products have been collected, the process proceeds to step S65.

  [Step S65] The product list display control unit 352 displays on the display 304a that the product corresponding to the received product ID is not the product to be collected or that all the quantities have already been collected. Then, the process proceeds to step S62.

  [Step S66] The product identification information reception unit 351 adds 1 to the registered number of the corresponding product in the collection target product management table 311. Note that an operation unit for inputting a quantity may be provided in the operation reception area 520 so that a plurality of the same products can be input simultaneously.

  [Step S67] The product identification information receiving unit 351 refers to the collection target product management table 311 and determines whether or not all the products to be collected have been collected. If all the products have been collected, the process proceeds to step S68. If there is an uncollected product, the process proceeds to step S62. Note that whether or not all the products have been collected can be determined when an input completion notification is received from the management server 200. This is because when the input completion notification has not been received, the selection input of the customer's products has not yet been completed, and all the products that have been ordered for the transaction have not been confirmed. For this reason, when the input completion notification is not received, it is determined that there is an uncollected product, and the process proceeds to step S62.

  [Step S68] The merchandise identification information receiving unit 351 refers to the transaction table 321 stored in the transaction information storage unit 320 to determine whether or not the customer is away, that is, whether or not the customer status is “Suspend”. Determine. If the user is away (“Suspend”), the process proceeds to step S69. If the user has not left the seat ("Wait"), the process proceeds to step S71.

[Step S69] The merchandise list display control unit 352 causes the display 304a to display an instruction to put the cart 30 on hold.
[Step S <b> 70] The registration completion operation reception unit 360 receives a touch operation of the store clerk 40 on the completion button 524. The product list display control unit 352 displays an installation location input screen on the display 304a. Installation operation reception unit 370 outputs the area information input from the screen to operation information transmission unit 380. Then, the process proceeds to step S73.

  [Step S71] The merchandise list display control unit 352 causes the display 304a to display an instruction to move the cart 30 to the customer terminal device 100 that has received a merchandise selection input (the customer is waiting).

[Step S <b> 72] The registration completion operation reception unit 360 receives a touch operation of the clerk 40 on the completion button 524.
[Step S <b> 73] The operation information transmission unit 380 transmits a registration completion notification to the management server 200. When the cart 30 is put on hold, the operation information transmission unit 380 includes area information indicating the installation location of the cart 30 in the registration completion notification. In addition, information indicating that the registration is suspended may be included in the registration completion notification.

  In this way, the cart terminal device 300 performs a process for registering the collected products. When the completion of the registration process is accepted, the store clerk 40 is instructed to hold the cart 30 or move to the customer terminal device 100 according to the customer's condition.

Next, the cart management process in step ST8 in FIG. 16 will be described.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing cart management processing of the management server. In the following, the process illustrated in FIG. 22 will be described in order of step number.

[Step S81] Upon receiving the registration start notification of the product from the cart terminal device 300, the registration work notification receiving unit 262 outputs the received registration start notification to the resource operation management unit 263.
[Step S82] Upon acquiring the registration start notification, the resource operation management unit 263 sets the cart state corresponding to the cart terminal device 300 in the cart terminal device management table 231 stored in the operation management information storage unit 230 to “Busy”. To do. In addition, the resource operation management unit 263 sets the clerk state corresponding to the clerk terminal device 400 in the clerk management table 232 stored in the operation management information storage unit 230 to “Busy”.

[Step S <b> 83] Upon receiving the product registration completion notification from the cart terminal device 300, the registration work notification reception unit 262 outputs the received registration completion notification to the resource operation management unit 263.
[Step S84] The resource operation management unit 263 determines whether or not the cart 30 is on hold. If it is on hold, the process proceeds to step S85. If not, the process proceeds to step S89. For example, the resource operation management unit 263 can determine that the registration has been suspended if the registration completion notification includes the information indicating the suspension or the area information indicating the installation location.

  [Step S85] The resource operation management unit 263 sets the area information included in the registration completion notification in the installation area corresponding to the cart terminal device 300 in the cart terminal device management table 231 stored in the operation management information storage unit 230. .

[Step S86] The resource operation management unit 263 sets the cart state corresponding to the cart terminal device 300 in the cart terminal device management table 231 to “Suspend”.
[Step S87] The resource operation management unit 263 sets the clerk status corresponding to the clerk terminal device 400 in the clerk management table 232 stored in the operation management information storage unit 230 to “Free”.

  [Step S88] After that, the resource operation management unit 263 receives a restoration request for the transaction from any of the customer terminal devices (processing of step ST10 in FIG. 16), and restores the transaction information. Execute. Details of the transaction information restoration process will be described with reference to FIG. As a result of the transaction information restoration process, a delivery completion notification indicating that the cart 30 has been delivered to the customer is received from the resource operation management unit 263. In the transaction information restoration process, an operation for determining a store clerk to which a restore operation is assigned is performed. In the following description, it is assumed that the store clerk 40 is assigned again in this process.

[Step S89] The resource operation management unit 263 sets the cart state corresponding to the cart 30 in the cart terminal device management table 231 to “Return”.
[Step S90] The resource operation management unit 263 sets the customer state corresponding to the customer 50 in the transaction management table 222 stored in the transaction management information storage unit 220 to “Pay”. The customer terminal device 100 performs an accounting process (step ST16 in FIG. 16).

  [Step S91] The resource operation management unit 263 receives from the cart terminal device 300 a cart installation notification including the fact that the cart 30 has been installed at a predetermined location and area information indicating the installation location.

[Step S92] The resource operation management unit 263 sets the area information included in the cart installation notification in the installation area corresponding to the cart 30 in the cart terminal device management table 231.
[Step S93] The resource operation management unit 263 sets the cart state corresponding to the cart terminal device 300 in the cart terminal device management table 231 to “Free”. Further, the resource operation management unit 263 sets the clerk state corresponding to the clerk terminal device 400 in the clerk management table 232 to “Free”.

  In this way, the management server 200 manages the state of the cart 30 and the store clerk 40. This makes it possible to appropriately manage which store clerk's hands are free and which carts can be used, including whether or not a customer leaves. As a result, efficient operation of store resources can be achieved.

  Next, details of the transaction information restoration process shown in step S88 will be described. In the following, it is assumed that the customer 50 who has left the seat returns and performs a restoration request and an accounting operation at the customer terminal device 100. For example, the customer 50 touches the product receiving button displayed on the display 104a of the customer terminal device 100, and inserts the slip received when the product input is completed into the slip issuing / reading unit 105d of the customer terminal device 100. This makes it possible to perform a restore request operation. Alternatively, the customer 50 can perform a restoration request operation by inserting an IC card owned by the customer 50 into the IC card reading unit 105c.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing transaction information restoration processing of the management server. In the following, the process illustrated in FIG. 23 will be described in order of step number.
[Step S <b> 101] The detail restoration receiving unit 253 receives a restoration request from the customer terminal device 100. The restoration request includes a transaction ID indicating a transaction to be restored.

  [Step S102] The detail restoration receiving unit 253 refers to the product input management table 221 stored in the transaction management information storage unit 220, and sets the product ID and quantity of the product selected by the corresponding transaction ID to the customer terminal device 100. Send to. The detail restoration receiving unit 253 refers to the product master 211 stored in the product master storage unit 210 and transmits information such as the price and weight of each product to the customer terminal device 100.

  [Step S <b> 103] The resource operation management unit 263 refers to the transaction management table 222 stored in the transaction management information storage unit 220, and is assigned to the corresponding transaction ID, and the cart terminal ID of the cart 30 that is on hold. Is identified. The resource operation management unit 263 refers to the cart terminal device management table 231 stored in the transaction management information storage unit 220 and identifies the installation location of the cart 30. Further, the transaction information transmitting unit 261 transmits a restoration instruction to the cart terminal device 300 provided in the identified cart 30.

  [Step S104] Upon receiving a response to the restoration instruction from the cart terminal device 300, the resource operation management unit 263 sets the cart state corresponding to the cart terminal device 300 in the cart terminal device management table 231 to “Ready”.

[Step S105] The resource operation management unit 263 refers to the store clerk management table 232 stored in the operation management information storage unit 230, and searches for store clerk whose store clerk state is “Free”.
[Step S106] As a result of the search, the resource operation management unit 263 determines whether or not a clerk with a clerk status of “Free” has been extracted. If it can be extracted, the process proceeds to step S107. If it cannot be extracted, the process proceeds to step S105.

  [Step S107] The resource operation management unit 263 refers to the clerk management table 232 and identifies the clerk with the smallest number of dispatches among the clerk detected in step S106. Here, it is assumed that the clerk 40 is specified.

  [Step S108] The resource operations management unit 263 specifies the clerk terminal device 400 possessed by the clerk 40. The resource operation management unit 263 transmits a restoration instruction to the clerk terminal device 400. The restoration instruction can include information indicating the cart terminal ID of the cart terminal device 300 and the installation location of the cart terminal device 300.

  [Step S109] Upon receiving a response to the transaction start instruction from the clerk terminal device 400, the resource operation management unit 263 sets the clerk terminal ID of the clerk terminal device 400 to the clerk terminal ID corresponding to the corresponding transaction ID in the transaction management table 222. Set. Further, the resource operation management unit 263 sets the clerk state corresponding to the clerk terminal device 400 in the clerk management table 232 to “Ready”.

  [Step S <b> 110] The resource operation management unit 263 receives a restoration start notification from the cart terminal device 300. 16, when the clerk 40 arrives at the cart 30 and acquires the clerk terminal ID of the clerk terminal device 400, the cart terminal device 300 transmits a restoration start notification to the management server 200. (Process shown as step ST11a).

  [Step S <b> 111] The resource operation management unit 263 sets the cart state corresponding to the cart terminal device 300 in the cart terminal device management table 231 to “Busy”. Further, the resource operation management unit 263 sets the clerk status corresponding to the clerk terminal device 400 in the clerk management table 232 to “Busy”.

  [Step S <b> 112] The resource operation management unit 263 receives a delivery completion notification indicating that the product has been delivered to the customer 50 from the cart terminal device 300. As described in step ST <b> 11 of FIG. 16, the cart terminal device 300 accepts an operation input for completion of delivery by the clerk 40 at the timing when the clerk 40 delivers the product to the customer 50. Then, the cart terminal apparatus 300 transmits a delivery completion notification to the management server 200 (the process shown as step ST11b).

In this way, the management server 200 can manage delivery of products to customers who have left.
Next, the accounting process in step ST12 in FIG. 16 will be described.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the accounting process of the customer terminal device. In the following, the process illustrated in FIG. 24 will be described in order of step number.
[Step S121] The accounting processing unit 130 causes the display 104a to display a list of products ordered by the customer 50 and the total amount. For example, the display 104a displays an instruction that prompts the customer 50 to place a shopping bag on a scale provided in the weight measuring unit 105b and put in a product.

  [Step S122] The weight check processing unit 140 acquires the measured total weight of the product measured by the weight measuring unit 105b. In addition, the weight check processing unit 140 calculates the predicted total weight based on the sum of the weights for each transaction target product acquired from the management server 200.

  [Step S123] The weight check processing unit 140 determines whether the measured total weight and the predicted total weight match within a predetermined error range. If they match, the process proceeds to step S124. If they do not match, an error process such as displaying on the display 104a to prompt the customer 50 to confirm the product put in the shopping bag is performed, and the process proceeds to step S122 (weight reconfirmation).

  [Step S124] The accounting processing unit 130 acquires the amount of money input from the type and number of moneys input from the customer 50 to the customer terminal device 100, and returns change according to the difference from the total price of the product.

  [Step S125] The accounting processing unit 130 transmits to the management server 200 sales information including information such as the contents of the sold product, the amount paid, and change. The management server 200 stores the sales information received from the customer terminal device in the store in the sales information storage unit 240 and manages the sales results.

  In this way, the customer terminal device 100 performs payment for the product with the customer 50. At that time, if the weight does not match the weight on the product master 211 within a predetermined error range, a warning is issued to the customer. Thereby, it can prevent that goods are taken home without being settled.

Next, a specific example of the flow of processing executed by each device will be described.
First, a case will be described in which the customer 50 does not leave after completing the selection input operation of the product.
In the following description, it is assumed that “C0121” is given to the customer 50 as the customer ID. It is assumed that “R0001” is given to the customer terminal device 100 as the reception register ID. It is assumed that “K0002” is given to the cart terminal device 300 as the cart terminal ID. It is assumed that “S0002” is given to the clerk terminal device 400 as the clerk terminal ID.

25 and 26 are sequence diagrams showing a first specific example of the flow of transaction processing. In the following, the process illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26 will be described in order of step number.
[Step S <b> 201] Upon receiving the transaction start operation of the customer 50, the customer terminal device 100 transmits a transaction start notification to the management server 200. The transaction start notification includes the customer ID “C0121” of the customer 50. The management server 200 receives a transaction start notification from the customer terminal device 100. The management server 200 generates a transaction management record (here, transaction ID “0001” is given) and registers it in the transaction management table 222. In this transaction management record, the customer ID “C0121” and the reception register ID “R0001” of the customer terminal device 100 are set. Then, the management server 200 executes a transaction ID resource allocation process. Here, it is assumed that the management server 200 allocates the cart terminal device 300 and the clerk terminal device 400 as a result of the resource allocation process. Thus, the cart terminal ID “K0002” of the cart terminal device 300 and the clerk terminal ID “S0002” of the clerk terminal device 400 are set in association with the transaction ID “T0001” of the transaction management record. Further, since the customer 50 is not in the state of leaving, “0” is set for long-term leaving. The customer status of the customer 50 is set to “Busy”.

  [Step S <b> 202] The customer terminal device 100 transmits product input information to the management server 200 every time a selection input of a product by the customer 50 is received. The product input information includes product ID and quantity information. The management server 200 sequentially receives product input information from the customer terminal device 100. The management server 200 stores the received product input information in the product input management table 221 stored in the transaction management information storage unit 220 in association with the transaction ID “T0001”.

  [Step S <b> 203] The management server 200 transmits a transaction start instruction to the cart terminal device 300. The cart terminal device 300 receives a transaction start instruction from the management server 200. The transaction start instruction includes information such as a transaction ID, a customer ID, a customer state, and a cart terminal ID. The cart terminal device 300 generates a transaction table 321 based on the transaction start instruction and stores it in the transaction information storage unit 320.

  [Step S204] The cart terminal device 300 transmits an acceptance response to the transaction start instruction to the management server 200. The management server 200 receives an acceptance response to the transaction start instruction from the cart terminal device 300. The management server 200 sets the cart state (hereinafter simply referred to as “the state of the cart terminal device 300”) for the cart terminal ID “K0002” in the cart terminal device management table 231 stored in the operation management information storage unit 230 to “Ready”. Set to "".

[Step S205] The management server 200 transmits a transaction start instruction to the clerk terminal device 400. The salesclerk terminal device 400 receives a transaction start instruction from the management server 200.
[Step S206] The clerk terminal device 400 transmits an acceptance response to the transaction start instruction to the management server 200. The management server 200 receives an acceptance response to the transaction start instruction from the cart terminal device 300. The management server 200 sets the store clerk state for the store clerk terminal ID “S0002” in the store clerk management table 232 stored in the operation management information storage unit 230 (hereinafter simply referred to as “state of the store clerk terminal device 400”) to “Ready”. Set.

  [Step S207] The management server 200 has a transaction ID “T0001” among the product input information stored in the transaction management information storage unit 220 and has not yet been transmitted (a product received in a cart unexecuted state). Collected product information is generated based on the input information) and transmitted to the cart terminal device 300. The transmission of the collected merchandise information in this step may be executed at the timing when the cart terminal device 300 becomes “Ready” (that is, immediately after step S204).

  [Step S <b> 208] The customer terminal device 100 accepts a product selection input by the customer 50 and transmits product input information to the management server 200. The management server 200 stores the received product input information in the product input management table 221 in association with the transaction ID “T0001”.

[Step S209] The management server 200 generates collected product information based on the newly received product input information, and transmits the collected product information to the cart terminal device 300.
[Step S210] The cart terminal device 300 acquires the clerk terminal ID “S0002” from the barcode or the like attached to the clerk terminal device 400.

  [Step S211] When the cart terminal device 300 acquires the clerk terminal ID “S0002”, the cart terminal device 300 transmits a product registration start notification to the management server 200. The management server 200 receives a product registration start notification from the cart terminal device 300. The management server 200 sets the state of the cart terminal device 300 and the state of the clerk terminal device 400 to “Busy”.

[Step S212] The cart terminal device 300 sequentially accepts registration of products by the store clerk 40.
[Step S <b> 213] Upon receiving an operation input for completion of product input by the customer 50 (without leaving), the customer terminal device 100 transmits an input completion notification to the management server 200. The management server 200 receives an input completion notification from the customer terminal device 100. Note that the input completion notification in this step does not include information indicating that the customer 50 is going back. Therefore, the management server 200 sets the customer status of the customer 50 to “Wait”.

  [Step S214] The management server 200 transmits an input completion notification to the cart terminal device 300. The cart terminal device 300 receives the input completion notification from the management server 200. The cart terminal device 300 can detect that the customer is currently in the “Wait” state based on the received input completion notification.

  [Step S215] When the merchandise registration is completed and the clerk 40 moves the cart 30 to the customer 50, the cart terminal apparatus 300 accepts an operation input for registration completion by the clerk 40. Then, the cart terminal device 300 transmits a registration completion notification to the management server 200. The management server 200 receives a registration completion notification from the cart terminal device 300. The management server 200 sets the status of the cart terminal device 300 and the clerk terminal device 400 to “Return” and sets the customer status of the customer 50 to “Pay”.

  [Step S216] The management server 200 instructs the customer terminal device 100 to start accounting. The customer terminal device 100 starts a product accounting process in response to an accounting start instruction from the management server 200.

  [Step S217] The management server 200 transmits product weight information for checking the weight of the product that the customer has put into the shopping bag to the customer terminal device 100. The customer terminal device 100 performs a weight check based on the product weight information.

  [Step S218] The customer terminal device 100 transmits the sales information of the sold product to the management server 200 when the accounting process for the product is completed. The management server 200 receives the sales information from the customer terminal device 100 and stores it in the sales information storage unit 240.

  [Step S219] When the clerk 40 moves the cart 30 to the installation location, the cart terminal device 300 accepts the input of the cart installation location (area information) by the clerk 40. The cart terminal device 300 transmits a cart installation notification including this area information to the management server 200. Then, the cart terminal device 300 clears the information stored in the collected product information storage unit 310 and the transaction information storage unit 320. The management server 200 receives a cart installation notification from the cart terminal device 300. The management server 200 sets the installation location of the cart 30 based on the area information included in the cart installation notification. Further, the state of the cart terminal device 300 and the state of the clerk terminal device 400 are set to “Free”.

  [Step S220] The clerk terminal device 400 accepts a break input operation by the clerk 40. Then, the clerk terminal device 400 transmits to the management server 200 a break notification indicating that the clerk 40 is in a break state. The management server 200 receives a break notification from the clerk terminal device 400. The management server 200 sets the state of the clerk terminal device 400 to “Rest”. When the management server 200 receives a break cancellation notification from the clerk terminal device 400, the management server 200 changes the state of the clerk terminal device 400 from “Rest” to “Free”.

  As described above, when the customer 50 does not leave, the store clerk 40 moves the cart 30 to the location of the customer terminal device 100 operated by the customer 50 when the collection of the products is completed. And the salesclerk 40 will install the cart 30 in a predetermined installation place, after delivery of the goods with the customer 50 is completed. The cart terminal device 300 accepts an operation input to the cart terminal device 300 by the store clerk 40 at each check point of the operation of the store clerk 40. Then, the cart terminal device 300 transmits to the management server 200 that the operation input has been accepted.

Next, a case will be described in which the customer 50 leaves after completing the operation of selecting and inputting a product.
Note that the specific settings such as the ID and transaction ID assigned to each device are the same as the processing shown in FIGS.

27 and 28 are sequence diagrams showing a second specific example of the flow of transaction processing. In the following, the process illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28 will be described in order of step number.
[Step S221] Upon receiving the transaction start operation of the customer 50, the customer terminal device 100 transmits a transaction start notification to the management server 200. The transaction start notification includes the customer ID “C0121” of the customer 50. The management server 200 receives a transaction start notification from the customer terminal device 100. The management server 200 generates a transaction management record (transaction ID “0001” is given) and registers it in the transaction management table 222. In this transaction management record, the customer ID “C0121” and the reception register ID “R0001” of the customer terminal device 100 are set. Then, the management server 200 executes a transaction ID resource allocation process. Here, it is assumed that the management server 200 allocates the cart terminal device 300 and the clerk terminal device 400 as a result of the resource allocation process. Thus, the cart terminal ID “K0002” of the cart terminal device 300 and the clerk terminal ID “S0002” of the clerk terminal device 400 are set in association with the transaction ID “T0001” of the transaction management record. Further, since the customer 50 is not in the state of leaving, “0” is set for long-term leaving. The customer status of the customer 50 is set to “Busy”.

  [Step S <b> 222] The customer terminal device 100 transmits product input information to the management server 200 every time a selection input of a product by the customer 50 is received. The product input information includes product ID and quantity information. The management server 200 sequentially receives product input information from the customer terminal device 100. The management server 200 stores the received product input information in the product input management table 221 stored in the transaction management information storage unit 220 in association with the transaction ID “T0001”.

  [Step S223] The management server 200 transmits a transaction start instruction to the cart terminal device 300. The cart terminal device 300 receives a transaction start instruction from the management server 200. The transaction start instruction includes information such as a transaction ID, a customer ID, a customer state, and a cart terminal ID. The cart terminal device 300 generates a transaction table 321 based on the transaction start instruction and stores it in the transaction information storage unit 320.

  [Step S224] The cart terminal apparatus 300 transmits an acceptance response to the transaction start instruction to the management server 200. The management server 200 receives an acceptance response to the transaction start instruction from the cart terminal device 300. The management server 200 sets the state of the cart terminal device 300 to “Ready”.

[Step S225] The management server 200 transmits a transaction start instruction to the clerk terminal device 400. The salesclerk terminal device 400 receives a transaction start instruction from the management server 200.
[Step S226] The clerk terminal device 400 transmits an acceptance response to the transaction start instruction to the management server 200. The management server 200 receives an acceptance response to the transaction start instruction from the cart terminal device 300. The management server 200 sets the state of the clerk terminal device 400 to “Ready”.

  [Step S227] The management server 200 has the transaction ID “T0001” among the product input information stored in the transaction management information storage unit 220, and has not been transmitted (the product received in a cart unexecuted state). Collected product information is generated based on the input information) and transmitted to the cart terminal device 300. Note that the transmission of the collected product information in this step may be executed at the timing when the cart terminal device 300 becomes “Ready” (that is, immediately after step S244). Thereafter, every time the product input information is received from the customer terminal device 100, the management server 200 registers the product input management table 221 and transmits the collected product information based on the product input information to the cart terminal device 300.

[Step S228] The cart terminal device 300 acquires the clerk terminal ID “S0002” from the bar code or the like attached to the clerk terminal device 400.
[Step S229] When the cart terminal device 300 acquires the clerk terminal ID “S0002”, the cart terminal device 300 transmits a product registration start notification to the management server 200. The management server 200 receives a product registration start notification from the cart terminal device 300. The management server 200 sets the state of the cart terminal device 300 and the state of the clerk terminal device 400 to “Busy”.

[Step S230] The cart terminal device 300 sequentially accepts registration of products by the store clerk 40.
[Step S <b> 231] When the customer terminal device 100 receives an operation input for completion of product input by the customer 50 (with leaving), the customer terminal device 100 transmits an input completion notification to the management server 200. The management server 200 receives an input completion notification from the customer terminal device 100. The management server 200 sets the customer status of the customer 50 to “Suspend”.

  [Step S232] The management server 200 transmits an input completion notification to the cart terminal device 300. The cart terminal device 300 receives the input completion notification from the management server 200. The cart terminal device 300 can detect that the customer is currently in the “Suspend” state based on the received input completion notification.

  [Step S <b> 233] The management server 200 notifies the customer terminal device 100 of the scheduled time to complete the collection (registration) work of products by the store clerk 40. The customer terminal device 100 presents the notified scheduled time to the customer 50 by displaying it on the display 104a or displaying it on an electronic bulletin board in the store.

  [Step S234] When the registration of the product is completed and the clerk 40 moves the cart 30 to a predetermined installation position for holding, the cart terminal apparatus 300 inputs the area information indicating the completion of registration and the installation position by the clerk 40. Accept. Then, the cart terminal device 300 transmits a registration completion notification including area information to the management server 200. The management server 200 receives a registration completion notification from the cart terminal device 300. Then, the management server 200 sets the state of the cart terminal device 300 to “Suspend”, the state of the clerk terminal device 400 to “Free”, and sets the customer state of the customer 50 to “Suspend”.

  [Step S <b> 235] Upon receiving an operation input for a restoration request from the customer 50, the customer terminal device 100 transmits a restoration request to the management server 200. When receiving the restoration request from the customer terminal device 100, the management server 200 specifies the corresponding customer 50 and cart 30 based on the transaction ID included in the restoration request. Then, the management server 200 sets the state of the customer 50 to “Restore”.

[Step S236] The management server 200 transmits a restoration instruction to the cart terminal device 300. The cart terminal device 300 receives a restoration instruction from the management server 200.
[Step S237] The cart terminal apparatus 300 transmits a restoration instruction acceptance response to the management server 200. The management server 200 receives a restoration instruction acceptance response from the cart terminal device 300. Then, the management server 200 sets the state of the cart terminal device 300 to “Restore”.

  [Step S238] The management server 200 determines a store clerk to be allocated to the restoration work. Here, it is assumed that a clerk 40 is assigned. Then, the management server 200 transmits a restoration instruction to the clerk terminal device 400. The salesclerk terminal device 400 receives the restoration instruction from the management server 200.

  [Step S239] The clerk terminal device 400 transmits a restoration instruction acceptance response to the management server 200. The management server 200 receives a restoration instruction acceptance response from the clerk terminal device 400. Then, the management server 200 sets the state of the clerk terminal device 400 to “Ready”.

[Step S240] The cart terminal device 300 acquires the clerk terminal ID “S0002” from the bar code or the like attached to the clerk terminal device 400.
[Step S241] When the cart terminal device 300 obtains the store clerk terminal ID “S0002”, the cart terminal device 300 transmits a restoration start notification to the management server 200. The management server 200 receives a restoration start notification from the cart terminal device 300. The management server 200 sets the state of the cart terminal device 300 and the state of the clerk terminal device 400 to “Busy”.

  [Step S242] When the clerk 40 moves the cart 30 to the customer 50, the cart terminal device 300 accepts an operation input for completion of delivery by the clerk 40. Then, the cart terminal device 300 transmits a delivery completion notification to the management server 200. The management server 200 receives a delivery completion notification from the cart terminal device 300. The management server 200 sets the status of the cart terminal device 300 and the clerk terminal device 400 to “Return” and sets the customer status of the customer 50 to “Pay”.

  [Step S243] The management server 200 instructs the customer terminal device 100 to start accounting. The customer terminal device 100 starts a product accounting process in response to an accounting start instruction from the management server 200.

  [Step S244] The management server 200 transmits product weight information for checking the weight of the product that the customer has put into the shopping bag to the customer terminal device 100. The customer terminal device 100 performs a weight check based on the product weight information.

  [Step S245] Upon completion of the product accounting process, the customer terminal device 100 transmits the sales information of the sold product to the management server 200. The management server 200 receives the sales information from the customer terminal device 100 and stores it in the sales information storage unit 240.

  [Step S246] When the clerk 40 moves the cart 30 to the installation location, the cart terminal device 300 accepts an input of the cart installation location (area information) by the clerk 40. The cart terminal device 300 transmits a cart installation notification including this area information to the management server 200. Then, the cart terminal device 300 clears the information stored in the collected product information storage unit 310 and the transaction information storage unit 320. The management server 200 receives a cart installation notification from the cart terminal device 300. The management server 200 sets the installation location of the cart 30 based on the area information included in the cart installation notification. In addition, the management server 200 sets the state of the cart terminal device 300 and the state of the clerk terminal device 400 to “Free”.

  As described above, when the customer 50 leaves after selecting and inputting the product, the store clerk 40 moves the cart 30 to a predetermined installation location in order to place the cart 30 on hold when the collection of the product is completed. Then, the store clerk 40 receives input of area information indicating the installation location, and notifies the management server 200 of the input. When the management server 200 receives a restoration request from the customer 50, the management server 200 transmits a restoration instruction including the installation location of the suspended cart 30 to the clerk terminal device 400. Then, the clerk terminal device 400 notifies the clerk 40 of the cart terminal ID and installation location information of the cart 30 to be restored.

  Thereby, the management server 200 can appropriately manage the working state of the cart and the clerk. In particular, it is possible to efficiently operate the cart and the store clerk according to whether or not the customer 50 retreats. Further, the customer 50 can save time and effort for collecting the merchandise, and can spend time for the other tasks, so that the time can be effectively utilized.

  Note that the management server 200 notifies the cart terminal device of the work status of the cart and the store clerk whenever the status changes or periodically. Accordingly, the cart terminal device can instruct the store clerk to perform work according to the customer's condition.

Below, the example of a display of the operation screen which the customer terminal device 100 and the cart terminal device 300 provide is demonstrated.
First, an operation screen for product selection provided by the customer terminal device 100 to the customer 50 will be described.

  FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a product selection operation screen. The product selection operation screen 600 is displayed on the display 104a. The product selection operation screen 600 is provided with a search input area 610, a product details display area 620, a total amount display area 630, an input completion button 640, a selection cancel button 650, and a quantity change button 660.

  The search input area 610 is an area for accepting an operation for selecting and inputting a product by the customer 50. In the search input area 610, for example, a plurality of category selection keys for selecting a category of a product are provided. Each key displays a character string (for example, fruits and vegetables, fisheries, meat, etc.) indicating the classification of the product. In the search input area 610, when a touch operation on a key of any category by the customer 50 is received, the display content is switched to a list of products belonging to the category. In the list of products, for example, information indicating the price, photo, description, and whether or not the product is a sale item is displayed. The customer 50 can select a product to be purchased by further touching the desired product from the list of products. At this time, the quantity of the product can be input at the same time. Note that the merchandise input operation accepting unit 110 transmits merchandise input information about the selected merchandise to the management server 200 every time a merchandise selection is accepted.

  The product detail display area 620 is an area for displaying a list of products selected by the customer 50 in the search input area 610. The customer 50 can check the product selected by the customer 50 by browsing the product detail display area 620. The product detail display area 620 can also accept a touch operation by the customer 50. For example, a touch operation on a list of products can be received, and selection of a product corresponding to the received location (row) can be detected.

The total price display area 630 is an area for displaying the total price of the list of products displayed in the product detail display area 620.
The input completion button 640 is a button for accepting completion of a product selection input operation by the customer 50. The product input operation reception unit 110 transmits an input completion notification to the management server 200 when the customer 50 touch operation on the input completion button 640 is received.

The selection cancel button 650 is a button for accepting a selection cancel operation for the product selected in the product detail display area 620.
The quantity change button 660 is a button for accepting an operation for changing the purchase quantity of the product selected in the product detail display area 620. When receiving the touch operation on the quantity change button 660, the product input operation receiving unit 110 displays, for example, a predetermined operation screen for changing the quantity of the corresponding product on the product selection operation screen 600.

  In addition, if the merchandise input operation reception unit 110 receives a change content for the selected product, the merchandise input operation reception unit 110 transmits the content to the management server 200. The management server 200 can send the contents of the change to the cart terminal device 300 and notify the store clerk 40 of the contents of the change.

  Next, a display example of a screen displayed on the display 304a at each timing by the cart terminal device 300 will be described. The display content of each screen is controlled by the product list display control unit 352.

  FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a first display example of the clerk product registration screen. The clerk product registration screens 500a and 500b show a case where product collection work is not assigned. The store clerk product registration screen 500a is a display example when installed at the installation location.

  A display area 521a is provided in the clerk product registration screen 500a. In the display area 521a, a character string “Waiting” indicating that the cart 30 is currently waiting for work assignment is displayed. In this state, the search button 523a and the completion button 524a that do not accept a touch operation are displayed in a dark state. The start button 522 can accept, for example, a touch operation for the clerk 40 to start a patrol in the display area 60 (moving in the display area 60 while waiting for work assignment) while pushing the cart 30.

  A display area 521b is provided in the clerk product registration screen 500b. In the display area 521b, a character string “traveling” indicating that the cart 30 is currently in a traveling state is displayed. The start button 522a and the search button 523a that do not accept touch operations are displayed in a dark state. The completion button 524 can accept, for example, a touch operation for the clerk 40 to install the cart 30 at a predetermined installation location and release the patrol state. When the cart terminal device 300 releases the patrol state, the cart terminal device 300 displays an installation location input window for receiving an input of the installation location of the cart 30 on the display 304a.

  FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the installation location input window. For example, the installation location input window 525 is displayed in a superimposed manner on the clerk product registration screen 500a. The installation location input window 525 displays keys necessary for inputting area information such as numerical values of 0 to 9, alphabets, and the like. The store clerk 40 can input area information by touching each key.

  The installation location input window 525 is provided with a text box for displaying the input contents so that the input key can be confirmed. In addition, a clear key is provided for resetting the input contents in order to input again when the input information is incorrect. In addition, a completion key for confirming the input of the area information displayed in the text box is provided.

  When the position of each cart terminal apparatus can be automatically acquired by the above-described TDOA method or the like, the management server 200 may register the acquired position information as area information of each cart terminal apparatus. .

  FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a second display example of the clerk product registration screen. The store clerk product registration screen 500c is a display example when the customer 50 is executing a product selection input on the customer terminal device 100 and is waiting for an operation by the store clerk 40. A display area 521c is provided in the clerk product registration screen 500c. In the display area 521c, a character string “Waiting for clerk operation” indicating the state of the cart 30 currently waiting for operation of the clerk 40 (waiting for reception of the clerk terminal ID) is displayed. In addition, a character string “No. S0002” indicating the clerk terminal ID of the clerk terminal device 400 possessed by the clerk 40 to be operated is displayed. At this time, the search button 523a and the completion button 524a that do not accept a touch operation are displayed in dark. The start button 522 can accept a touch operation for the clerk 40 to start the operation of the cart 30. For example, the store clerk 40 can start registering the product by causing the cart terminal device 300 to read the barcode of the store clerk terminal device 400 owned by the store clerk 40 and pressing the start button 522.

  The store clerk product registration screen 500d is a display example when the customer 50 is executing a product selection input on the customer terminal device 100 and the store clerk 40 starts registering a product on the cart terminal device 300. A list display section 521 is displayed on the clerk product registration screen 500d. The clerk 40 can check the products to be collected with reference to the product list displayed on the list display unit 521. At this time, the start button 522a and the completion button 524a that do not accept the touch operation are displayed in dark. The search button 523 can accept a touch operation for the store clerk 40 to start searching for an image of a product, a display area, and the like. When the cart terminal device 300 receives a touch operation on the search button 523, the cart terminal device 300 displays a search reception interface on the display 304a. Then, the cart terminal device 300 transmits the received keyword or the like to the management server 200, acquires search result data from the management server 200, and displays the data on the display 304a.

  FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a third display example of the clerk product registration screen. In the clerk product registration screen 500e, the customer 50 is executing selection input of the product at the customer terminal device 100, and the clerk 40 registers the products "milk" and "2" on the clerk product registration screen 500d. It is a display example which shows the state after having performed. When the product identification information receiving unit 351 receives the identification information of the product “milk”, the display of the number of readings of the line corresponding to the product name “milk” in the list display unit 521 is changed from “0” to “1”. . Note that instead of inputting identification information, the corresponding line may be touched. When the identification information of the product “milk” is received again, the display of the number of readings is changed from “1” to “2”. Then, since the quantity “2” and the read number “2” in the corresponding row are equal, the status display is changed from “not yet” to “done”. Furthermore, in order to indicate that the touch operation on the corresponding line is not accepted, the corresponding line is displayed in dark. In addition, the quantity registered after receiving the identification information of the product “milk” can be further received. In this case, for example, it is conceivable that the product list display control unit 352 displays a window for inputting a quantity on the store clerk product registration screen 500e and waits for an operation of the store clerk 40.

Note that the display of the remaining uncollected number is changed along with the change in the number of readings.
The clerk product registration screen 500f registers products that the customer 50 is executing selection input of products on the customer terminal device 100 and the clerk 40 does not display on the list display unit 521 on the clerk product registration screen 500e. It is a display example when trying to do. In this case, a notification window 526 for displaying a message to that effect to the clerk 40 is displayed on the display 304a. In the notification window 526, for example, a character string “product registration error” and a message indicating the content of the error are displayed. The notification window 526 displays, for example, an OK key for deleting the notification window 526 and returning to the registration work.

  FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating a fourth display example of the clerk product registration screen. In the clerk product registration screen 500g, the customer 50 completes the selection input of the product in the customer terminal device 100, and the clerk 40 further completes the registration of the products “mandarin orange” and “apple” from the clerk product registration screen 500e. It is a display example which shows a state. In this case, for example, a character string “commodity input completion (waiting for cash register)” is displayed in the customer state in the information display area 510. The store clerk 40 can confirm that the display indicates that the customer 50 is waiting at the cash register to collect the product. The time display in the information display area 510 starts counting up from “00:00” (0 minute 0 second) at the timing when the customer status becomes “commodity input completion (waiting for checkout)”. The store clerk 40 can confirm the time that the customer 50 is waiting by displaying the time. Moreover, psychological pressure is given to the store clerk 40 by doing in this way, and the speeding up of the collection work by the store clerk 40 can be promoted. As a result, service quality can be improved.

  The store clerk product registration screen 500h is a display example showing a state where the store clerk 40 has completed registration of the remaining products from the store clerk product registration screen 500g. In this state, all the product rows are displayed in dark. For example, a character string “commodity registration completed” is displayed in the display of the state of the information display area 510.

  Further, when the product list display control unit 352 detects the state of the cart “product registration completed” and the customer state “product input complete (waiting for cash register)”, the customer terminal corresponding to the reception cash register ID “R0001” is sent to the store clerk 40. A message instructing the apparatus 100 to move the cart 30 is displayed on the display 304a. Thereby, the clerk 40 can easily confirm the work to be performed next. Such a message may be notified by voice from a voice output unit included in the cart terminal device 300.

  In addition, in the clerk product registration screen 500h, since the clerk 40 moves the cart 30 to the customer terminal device 100 and receives an input of a completion operation of the clerk 40, the completion button 524 becomes active. When the cart terminal device 300 receives a touch on the completion button 524, the cart terminal device 300 notifies the management server 200 to that effect. Then, the accounting process is executed by the customer terminal device 100.

  FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a fifth display example of the clerk product registration screen. In the clerk product registration screen 500i, the customer 50 completes the selection input of the product at the customer terminal device 100 and chooses to leave, and the clerk 40 further selects the products “mandarin orange” and “apple” from the clerk product registration screen 500e. It is an example of a display which shows the state which completed registration. In this case, in the customer state of the information display area 510, for example, a character string “commodity input complete (leaving away)” is displayed. The store clerk 40 can recognize that the customer 50 is leaving by confirming this display. The time displayed in the information display area 510 is the time until the scheduled completion time notified by the management server 200 to the customer 50 at the timing when the customer status is “commodity entry completed (leaving away)”. Count down. The cart terminal device 300 can acquire the scheduled completion time from the management server 200.

  For example, when the management server 200 notifies the customer 50 of the time 20 minutes after the current time via the customer terminal device 100, the time display is counted down from “20:00” (20 minutes 20 seconds). The The store clerk 40 can recognize the deadline of the collection work to be performed by the display of this time. Moreover, psychological pressure is given with respect to the salesclerk 40 by doing in this way, and speeding-up of the collection work by the salesclerk 40 can be promoted. As a result, service quality can be improved.

  Further, when the product list display control unit 352 detects the state of the cart “product registration completed” and the customer state “product input completed (leaving away)”, the store clerk 40 moves the cart 30 to the installation location for holding. A message instructing to do so is displayed on the display 304a. Thereby, the clerk 40 can easily confirm the work to be performed next. Such a message may be notified by voice from a voice output unit included in the cart terminal device 300.

  In addition, in the clerk product registration screen 500j, since the clerk 40 moves the cart 30 to the installation location for holding, and accepts the input of the completion operation of the clerk 40, the completion button 524 becomes active. When the product list display control unit 352 receives a touch on the completion button 524, the product list display control unit 352 causes the display 304a to display a window for receiving input of area information of the installation location.

  FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a sixth display example of the clerk product registration screen. The clerk product registration screen 500k shows a display example when a touch on the completion button 524 of the clerk 40 is received on the clerk product registration screen 500j. The store location input window 527 is displayed in a superimposed manner on the clerk product registration screen 500k. The display content of the reservation location input window 527 is the same as the display content of the installation location input window 525. However, for example, it may be possible to display a message indicating that the transaction is suspended in order to clarify the current situation. When the input of area information is received through the hold location input window 527 and a touch on the completion key is received, the cart terminal device 300 notifies the management server 200 of the received area information. Then, the holding place input window 527 is closed.

  The clerk product registration screen 500l is a display example showing a state after the holding place input window 527 is closed. A display area 528 is provided on the clerk product registration screen 500l. In the display area 528, for example, a character string “pending” is displayed. The store clerk 40 can recognize that the cart 30 is in a pending state by confirming this display. At this time, the start button 522a and the completion button 524a that do not accept the touch operation are displayed in dark. The search button 523 can accept a touch operation for the store clerk 40 to start searching for an image of a product, a display area, and the like.

  FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a seventh display example of the clerk product registration screen. The clerk product registration screen 500m is a display example when a restoration request from the customer 50 is received in the state of the clerk product registration screen 500l. In this case, in the information display area 510, for example, the display of the cart state is “Waiting for store clerk” and the display of the customer state is “Waiting for product arrival”. The display of time in the information display area 510 starts counting up from “00:00” (0 minute 0 second) at the timing when a restoration instruction is received from the management server 200.

  A display area 529 is provided in the clerk product registration screen 500l. In the display area 529, a character string “Waiting for clerk restoration” is displayed, which indicates a state in which the cart 30 is currently waiting for operation of the clerk 40 (waiting for reception of the clerk terminal ID). In addition, a character string “No. S0002” indicating the clerk terminal ID of the clerk terminal device 400 possessed by the clerk 40 to be operated is displayed. At this time, the search button 523a and the completion button 524a that do not accept a touch operation are displayed in dark. The start button 522 can accept a touch operation for the clerk 40 to start the operation of the cart 30. For example, the store clerk 40 can start the restoration work by causing the cart terminal device 300 to read the barcode or the like of the store clerk terminal device 400 held by the store clerk 40 and pressing the start button 522. Note that the product list display control unit 352 may display a message indicating that the cart 30 should be moved to the customer terminal device 100 on the display 304a when starting the restoration work.

  The store clerk product registration screen 500n is a display example in a state where the store clerk terminal ID corresponding to the store clerk 40 is received and restoration work is started in the store clerk product registration screen 500m. In this case, for example, “delivering” is displayed in the display of the cart state in the information display area 510.

  In addition, in the clerk product registration screen 500n, since the clerk 40 moves the cart 30 to the customer terminal device 100 and receives an input of the completion operation of the clerk 40, the completion button 524 becomes active. When the cart terminal device 300 receives a touch on the completion button 524, the cart terminal device 300 notifies the management server 200 to that effect. Then, the accounting process is executed by the customer terminal device 100.

  FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating an eighth display example of the clerk product registration screen. The clerk product registration screen 500o is a display example after the clerk 40 delivers the product to the customer 50 waiting at the cash register and touches the completion button 524. Specifically, a state after the completion button 524 is touched on the clerk product registration screens 500h and 500n is shown. At this time, for example, “in storage” is displayed in the cart state display.

  A display area 530 is provided in the clerk product registration screen 500o. In the display area 530, for example, a message instructing the store clerk 40 to move the cart 30 to the installation location is displayed. Such a message may be notified by voice from a voice output unit included in the cart terminal device 300.

  In addition, in the clerk product registration screen 500o, the completion button 524 is in an active state in order to accept the input of the completion operation of the clerk 40 after the clerk 40 moves the cart 30 to the installation location. When the product list display control unit 352 receives a touch on the completion button 524, the product list display control unit 352 causes the display 304a to display a window for receiving input of area information of the installation location.

  The clerk product registration screen 500p shows a display example when a touch on the completion button 524 of the clerk 40 is received on the clerk product registration screen 500o. An installation location input window 531 is superimposed on the store clerk product registration screen 500p. The display content of the installation location input window 531 is the same as the display content of the installation location input window 525. However, for example, it may be possible to display a message to change the cart 30 to a standby state in order to clarify the current situation. When the input of area information is received through the installation location input window 531 and a touch on the completion key is received, the cart terminal device 300 notifies the management server 200 of the received area information. Then, the installation location input window 531 is closed. Then, the product list display control unit 352 causes the display 304a to display the store clerk product registration screen 500a.

  The installation location input window 531 is provided with a tour start key for accepting an input to the effect that the cart 30 is not put into a standby state and the tour within the display area 60 is subsequently started using the cart 30. When the touch to the patrol start key is received, the cart terminal device 300 notifies the management server 200 to that effect. Then, the installation location input window 531 is closed. Then, the product list display control unit 352 causes the display 304a to display the store clerk product registration screen 500b.

  Here, when the cart terminal device 300 is in a standby state or a holding state, the battery 70 is charged. Further, when the battery capacity of the battery 70 is sufficient, it is conceivable that the cart terminal device 300 is set in a power saving state.

  In this way, the cart terminal device 300 displays on the display 304a the clerk product registration screen 500 that displays the current customer status, cart status, and the like. The cart terminal device 300 can be acquired from the management server 200 when the customer status or cart status is updated, or periodically. By confirming the contents displayed on the clerk product registration screen 500, the clerk 40 can accurately grasp the current state of the customer and the work to be performed by the clerk 40.

Thereby, the collection of goods and the operation of the cart by the store clerk are quickly performed, and the product sales can be efficiently supported.
The method for selling a product in this way is useful, for example, when the product is sold to a customer with a physical disability. For customers who are physically handicapped, it is convenient because they can purchase products without moving through the store. In addition, it is convenient for customers who want to spend time for selecting a product for other business because they can save the trouble of selecting the product by moving in the store.

  In addition, the management server 200 may distribute a product sold in a store via the Internet, for example, and accept a product selected by a customer from a computer or a mobile phone browser. In this way, since the store clerk can start collecting products before the customer goes to the store, convenience for the customer is further improved.

  As described above, the sales support device, the sales support system, the product cart, and the sales support method of the present invention have been described based on the illustrated embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the configuration of each unit has the same function. Any configuration can be substituted. Moreover, other arbitrary structures and processes may be added. Further, any two or more configurations (features) of the above-described embodiments may be combined.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sales support apparatus 1a Collected merchandise information storage part 1b Receiving part 1c Salesclerk identification information reception part 1d Merchandise registration process part 1e Transmission part 2 Management apparatus 3 Display apparatus

Claims (19)

When a transaction start instruction including clerk identification information for identifying a clerk is received from the management device, a collection transmitted from the customer terminal device to the management device every time a customer performs selection input of a product using the customer terminal device The reception of one or more product input information indicating one or more target products from the management device is started, and the received product input information is sequentially collected in the collected product information storage unit until an input completion notification is received from the management device. A receiver to store;
When the receiving unit receives the transaction start instruction, a store clerk identification information receiving unit waiting for reception of the store clerk identification information included in the transaction start instruction;
When the store clerk identification information receiving unit receives the store clerk identification information, the display device displays a product list that is a list of products to be collected based on the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit. A product registration processing unit that waits for acceptance of product identification information corresponding to the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit;
When the store clerk identification information receiving unit receives the store clerk identification information, a registration start notification indicating that the collection of the collection target product has started is transmitted to the management device, and the product registration processing unit stores the collected product information storage. After receiving the product identification information corresponding to all the product input information stored in the unit, upon detecting the completion of product registration, a transmission unit that transmits a registration completion notification to the management device;
A sales support apparatus characterized by comprising: When a transaction start instruction is received from the management device, reception of one or more product input information indicating one or more products to be collected is started from the management device, and the received product input information is sequentially input notification from the management device Receiving unit for storing in the collected product information storage unit until receiving,
When the receiving unit receives the transaction start instruction, a store clerk identification information receiving unit waiting for reception of store clerk identification information for identifying a store clerk;
When the store clerk identification information receiving unit receives the store clerk identification information, the display device displays a product list that is a list of products to be collected based on the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit. A product registration processing unit that waits for acceptance of product identification information corresponding to the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit;
When the store clerk identification information receiving unit receives the store clerk identification information, a registration start notification indicating that the collection of the collection target product has started is transmitted to the management device, and the product registration processing unit stores the collected product information storage. After receiving product identification information corresponding to all the product input information stored in the unit, upon detecting completion of product registration, a transmission unit that transmits a registration completion notification to the management device,
The receiving unit includes a customer status notification including information indicating whether or not the customer who has input the product to be collected continues to select and input the product, and whether or not the user has completed the selection input of the product and is away From the management device,
The product registration processing unit causes the display device to display the customer status based on the customer status notification received by the receiving unit.
A sales support device characterized by that. The receiving unit stores, in a transaction information storage unit, identification information of a customer terminal device that has received an input by the customer of the product to be collected included in the transaction start instruction,
When the customer is away from the product registration processing unit, the product registration processing unit stores all the products stored in the collected product information storage unit after the receiving unit receives the input completion notification. When the identification information of the product corresponding to the input information is received, an instruction to move the predetermined storage object into which the product to be collected has been input to a predetermined installation location is notified, and when the customer is not away, After the receiving unit receives the input completion notification, when the product registration processing unit accepts product identification information corresponding to all the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit, the transaction information storage unit An instruction to move the predetermined storage items into which the goods to be collected with reference to are moved to the place where the customer terminal device is installed is notified.
The sales support apparatus according to claim 2, wherein:   When the product registration processing unit detects that the customer is away from the store, the product registration processing unit acquires, from the management device, the time required for the management device to notify the customer as the time required to collect the product to be collected. 4. The sales support apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the remaining time of the required time is displayed on the display device.   The said merchandise registration process part will display the elapsed time from the said detection time on the said display apparatus, if it detects that the said customer is not the said leaving seat. Sales support equipment.   When the input device receives a predetermined operation input, the transmission unit detects completion of the product registration, and when the operation input is received, if the customer is out of the seat, the transmission completion is notified to the registration completion notification. 6. The sales support apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising area information indicating an installation location.   7. The sales support apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the transmission unit transmits the registration completion notification including the area information, the product registration processing unit shifts the own device to a predetermined hold state. The store clerk identification information receiving unit receives the store clerk identification information when the receiving unit receives a predetermined restoration instruction for instructing delivery of the product to be collected from the management device to the customer after entering the hold state. Stand by,
The product registration processing unit, when the store clerk identification information receiving unit receives the store clerk identification information, notifies the instruction to move the stored items to the place where the customer terminal device is installed,
The sales support apparatus according to claim 7.   9. The sales support apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the store clerk identification information reception unit waits for reception of store clerk identification information included in the restoration instruction. When one or more product input information indicating one or more products to be collected is received from the customer terminal device, the received product input information is associated with predetermined transaction identification information for identifying the content of the transaction, and transaction management information A first receiving unit stored in the storage unit;
A resource operation management unit for allocating a store clerk for handling the transaction for each of a plurality of the transaction identification information and a storage for inputting the product to be collected;
Transaction start including clerk identification information for identifying the clerk in the clerk terminal device possessed by the assigned clerk and the sales support device installed in the storage, based on the allocation result by the resource management unit A first transmission unit that transmits an instruction and sequentially transmits the product input information stored in the transaction management information storage unit to the sales support device;
A management device comprising:
When the transaction start instruction is received from the management device, the product input information transmitted from the customer terminal device to the management device every time a customer performs selection input of the product using the customer terminal device, from the management device A second receiving unit that stores the received product input information in the collected product information storage unit until an input completion notification is received from the management device;
When the receiving unit receives the transaction start instruction, a store clerk identification information receiving unit waiting for reception of the store clerk identification information included in the transaction start instruction;
When the store clerk identification information receiving unit receives the store clerk identification information, the display device displays a product list that is a list of products to be collected based on the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit. A product registration processing unit that waits for acceptance of product identification information corresponding to the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit;
When the store clerk identification information receiving unit receives the store clerk identification information, a registration start notification indicating that the collection of the collection target product has started is transmitted to the management device, and the product registration processing unit stores the collected product information storage. A second transmission unit configured to transmit a registration completion notification to the management device upon detecting completion of product registration after receiving product identification information corresponding to all the product input information stored in the unit;
A sales support device comprising:
A sales support system characterized by comprising: When one or more product input information indicating one or more products to be collected is received from the customer terminal device, the received product input information is associated with predetermined transaction identification information for identifying the content of the transaction, and transaction management information A first receiving unit stored in the storage unit;
A resource operation management unit for allocating a store clerk for handling the transaction for each of a plurality of the transaction identification information and a storage for inputting the product to be collected;
Based on the allocation result by the resource operation management unit, a transaction start instruction is transmitted to the clerk terminal device possessed by the allocated clerk and the sales support device installed in the storage, and the transaction management information storage unit A first transmitter that sequentially transmits the stored product input information to the sales support device;
A management device comprising:
When the transaction start instruction is received from the management device, reception of the product input information from the management device is started, and the sequentially received product input information is collected until an input completion notification is received from the management device. A second receiving unit stored in
When the receiving unit receives the transaction start instruction, a store clerk identification information receiving unit waiting for reception of store clerk identification information for identifying a store clerk;
When the store clerk identification information receiving unit receives the store clerk identification information, the display device displays a product list that is a list of products to be collected based on the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit. A product registration processing unit that waits for acceptance of product identification information corresponding to the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit;
When the store clerk identification information receiving unit receives the store clerk identification information, a registration start notification indicating that the collection of the collection target product has started is transmitted to the management device, and the product registration processing unit stores the collected product information storage. A second transmission unit configured to transmit a registration completion notification to the management device upon detecting completion of product registration after receiving product identification information corresponding to all the product input information stored in the unit;
A sales support device comprising:
Have
The first receiving unit has performed the input completion notification indicating that the input of the product to be collected from the customer terminal device is completed and the product to be collected using the customer terminal device. A customer status notification indicating whether the customer is leaving,
The first transmission unit transmits the input completion notification and the customer status notification to the sales support device assigned by the resource operation management unit.
A sales support system characterized by that. When the first receiving unit receives the input completion notification and the customer status notification indicating that the customer is leaving, the transaction identification information is based on the transaction identification information stored in the transaction management information storage unit. The sales support system according to claim 11, wherein the time required to complete the collection of the products included in the product is transmitted to the customer terminal device and the sales support device. When one or more product input information indicating one or more products to be collected is received from the customer terminal device, the received product input information is associated with predetermined transaction identification information for identifying the content of the transaction, and transaction management information A first receiving unit stored in the storage unit;
A resource operation management unit for allocating a store clerk for handling the transaction for each of a plurality of the transaction identification information and a storage for inputting the product to be collected;
Based on the allocation result by the resource operation management unit, a transaction start instruction is transmitted to the clerk terminal device possessed by the allocated clerk and the sales support device installed in the storage, and the transaction management information storage unit A first transmitter that sequentially transmits the stored product input information to the sales support device;
A management device comprising:
When the transaction start instruction is received from the management device, reception of the product input information from the management device is started, and the sequentially received product input information is collected until an input completion notification is received from the management device. A second receiving unit stored in
When the receiving unit receives the transaction start instruction, a store clerk identification information receiving unit waiting for reception of store clerk identification information for identifying a store clerk;
When the store clerk identification information receiving unit receives the store clerk identification information, the display device displays a product list that is a list of products to be collected based on the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit. A product registration processing unit that waits for acceptance of product identification information corresponding to the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit;
When the store clerk identification information receiving unit receives the store clerk identification information, a registration start notification indicating that the collection of the collection target product has started is transmitted to the management device, and the product registration processing unit stores the collected product information storage. A second transmission unit configured to transmit a registration completion notification to the management device upon detecting completion of product registration after receiving product identification information corresponding to all the product input information stored in the unit;
A sales support device comprising:
Have
The resource operation management unit is based on the store clerk management information stored in the operation management information storage unit that stores store clerk management information including the current work status of each store clerk and the number of dispatches to the current time of each store clerk, Making the assignment of the clerk;
A sales support system characterized by that. The operation management information storage unit further stores storage management information including the current usage status of each storage and the remaining battery level of each storage,
14. The sales support system according to claim 13, wherein the resource operation management unit performs the allocation of the storage items based on the storage item management information stored in the operation management information storage unit.   When the resource operation management unit receives the registration start notification from the sales support device, the resource operation management unit of the storage product corresponding to the sales support device included in the storage product management information stored in the operation management information storage unit The sales support system according to claim 14, wherein the usage status is set during use, and is excluded from the allocation target for other transactions. The operation management information storage unit further stores area information indicating a position of each store clerk and each stored item in the store clerk management information and the stored item management information.
16. The sales support system according to claim 15, wherein the resource operation management unit performs the allocation based on the area information. The resource operation management unit refers to the stored item management information stored in the operation management information storage unit when the first reception unit receives a predetermined restoration request including the transaction identification information from the customer terminal device. Then, among the stored items, the store clerk identifies the stored items that have been collected for the transaction and are in a predetermined hold state, and stored in the operation management information storage unit Performing the assignment of the clerk based on management information;
The first transmission unit is configured for the sales support device installed in the storage specified by the resource operation management unit and the clerk terminal device possessed by the store clerk assigned by the resource operation management unit. Transmitting a predetermined restoration instruction instructing delivery of the product to be collected to the customer;
The sales support system according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein A product cart for storing products,
When a transaction start instruction including clerk identification information for identifying a clerk is received from the management device, a collection transmitted from the customer terminal device to the management device every time a customer performs selection input of a product using the customer terminal device The reception of one or more product input information indicating one or more target products from the management device is started, and the received product input information is sequentially collected in the collected product information storage unit until an input completion notification is received from the management device. A receiver to store;
When the receiving unit receives the transaction start instruction, a store clerk identification information receiving unit waiting for reception of the store clerk identification information included in the transaction start instruction;
When the store clerk identification information receiving unit receives the store clerk identification information, the display device displays a product list that is a list of products to be collected based on the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit. A product registration processing unit that waits for acceptance of product identification information corresponding to the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit;
When the store clerk identification information receiving unit receives the store clerk identification information, a registration start notification indicating that the collection of the collection target product has started is transmitted to the management device, and the product registration processing unit stores the collected product information storage. After receiving the product identification information corresponding to all the product input information stored in the unit, upon detecting the completion of product registration, a transmission unit that transmits a registration completion notification to the management device;
A merchandise cart characterized by comprising: A sales support method of a sales support device for supporting the sale of a product,
When the receiving unit receives a transaction start instruction including the clerk identification information for identifying the clerk from the management device, the customer terminal device to the management device every time the customer inputs and selects a product using the customer terminal device Collected merchandise until one or more merchandise input information indicating one or more merchandise to be collected to be transmitted is received from the management apparatus, and the received merchandise input information is received from the management apparatus until an input completion notification is received. Stored in the information storage unit,
When the clerk identification information receiving unit receives the transaction start instruction by the receiving unit, it waits for reception of the clerk identification information included in the transaction start instruction,
When the product registration processing unit receives the store clerk identification information by the store clerk identification information receiving unit, the product is a list of products to be collected based on the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit Display a list on a display device, and wait for acceptance of product identification information corresponding to the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit,
When the store clerk identification information is received by the store clerk identification information receiving unit, the transmission unit transmits a registration start notification indicating that the collection of the product to be collected is started to the management device, and the product registration processing unit After completion of product registration is detected after product identification information corresponding to all the product input information stored in the collected product information storage unit is received, a registration completion notification is transmitted to the management device.
A sales support method characterized by that.

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