JP5889470B1 - Product management system and product management device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a product management system capable of grasping in real time where a specific product is placed in a store. A product management system includes a plurality of crime prevention tags attached to a plurality of products, and a product management device that manages the plurality of products. The product management apparatus displays a selection screen for causing the user to select one or a plurality of products from the plurality of products on the display unit (step S2). In addition, the merchandise management device identifies one or a plurality of crime prevention tags corresponding to one or a plurality of merchandise selected via the selection screen (step S4), and one or a plurality of crime prevention crimes via the second communication unit. An instruction to output current position information is transmitted to the tag (step S5). Based on the current position information output from one or more crime prevention tags, the merchandise management apparatus displays a store floor plan showing the positions of one or more products in the store on the display unit (step S7). [Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a product management system, and more particularly to a product management system that manages a plurality of products to which a security tag is attached.

  Conventionally, a merchandise management system such as a POS system has been widely used in managing various merchandise (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-250566

  However, in the conventional product management system including the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, although it was possible to manage the price of each product, it is possible to grasp in real time where the specific product is located in the store. Was difficult.

  Then, an object of this invention is to provide the merchandise management system which can grasp | ascertain in real time where the specific goods are arrange | positioned in a shop.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a product management system, comprising a plurality of security tags attached to a plurality of products in a store, and a product management device for managing the plurality of products. The plurality of security tags include a first communication unit that performs wireless communication with the product management device, and a position information output unit that outputs current position information in the store in response to an output instruction. The commodity management device includes a second communication unit that performs wireless communication with each of the plurality of security tags, an identification number for identifying a specific security tag from the plurality of security tags, A storage unit that stores product management data associated with specific product information to which the specific security tag is attached, a display unit that displays various screens, and a reception unit that receives an operation input from a user; With control And the control unit displays a selection screen for causing the user to select one or a plurality of products from the plurality of products on the display unit, and the one or more selected via the selection screen Identify one or more security tags corresponding to a plurality of products, send an output instruction of current position information to the one or more security tags via the second communication unit, and from the one or more security tags Based on the output current position information, a store floor plan showing the positions of the one or more products in the store is displayed on the display unit, and the output instructions are sequentially transmitted to the plurality of security tags. If there is at least one security tag that does not output current position information, an inventory check process for detecting at least one product to which the at least one security tag is attached as a missing product is executed. The storage unit stores each current position information regarding the plurality of crime prevention tags for which the current position information is output each time the inventory check process is executed, and the control unit stores the current position information in the current inventory check process. For at least one crime prevention tag that has not been output, the current position information stored in the previous inventory check process is referred to, and the previous position in the previous inventory check process is displayed in the store floor plan. The system is provided.

  The plurality of security tags are provided with a security wire and a disconnection notification output unit that outputs a disconnection notification when the security wire is disconnected, and the product management device includes an alarm output unit that outputs an alarm. The control unit preferably operates the alarm output unit to output an alarm when any of the plurality of security tags outputs the disconnection notification.

In addition, the present invention is a product management device that manages a plurality of products in a store, a communication unit that performs wireless communication with each of a plurality of security tags attached to each of the plurality of products, A storage unit for storing product management data in which an identification number for identifying a specific security tag from the plurality of security tags and specific product information to which the specific security tag is attached are associated with each other; A display unit that displays various screens, a reception unit that receives an operation input from a user, and a control unit, and the plurality of security tags output current position information in the store in response to an output instruction The control unit displays a selection screen for causing the user to select one or a plurality of products from the plurality of products, and is selected via the selection screen. 1 above Identifies one or more security tags corresponding to a plurality of products, transmits an output instruction of current position information to the one or more security tags via the communication unit, and outputs from the one or more security tags Based on the current location information, a store floor plan showing the position of the one or more products in the store is displayed on the display unit, and the output instruction is sequentially transmitted to the plurality of security tags. When at least one security tag that does not output current position information is present, an inventory check process is performed to detect at least one product with the at least one security tag attached as a missing product, and the storage unit Each time the inventory check process is executed, the current position information is stored for each of the plurality of crime prevention tags for which the current position information is output. At least with respect to one security tag location information is not output, with reference to the current position information stored in the stock confirmation processing of the previous, and displaying the last position in the previous inventory check process on the shop sketch A product management device characterized by this is also provided.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to grasp in real time where a specific product is arranged in a store.

The figure which shows the structure of the merchandise management system by embodiment. The block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a merchandise management apparatus. The figure which shows merchandise management data. The figure which shows a merchandise management screen. The flowchart which shows the process accompanying operation of a goods management screen. The figure which shows the goods list screen of clothing. Store sketch. The figure which shows the goods search screen which concerns on a modification.

<1. Embodiment>
A product management system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the merchandise management system 1 includes a merchandise management apparatus 10 and a plurality of security tags 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D,.

  The merchandise management apparatus 10 is an apparatus for managing merchandise in a store such as a recycle shop. Here, it is assumed that the merchandise management apparatus 10 is a store-dedicated terminal that is arranged in a cash register and can be operated by a store clerk. The merchandise management apparatus 10 has the same configuration as a known tablet terminal, and as shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 11, RAM 12, ROM 13, communication unit (communication IF) 14, storage unit 15, operation display unit 16, alarm An output unit 17 and the like are provided, and these are connected to each other by a bus 18.

  The CPU 11 is a central processing unit, and executes various processes described later in cooperation with the RAM 12, the ROM 13, and the like. Specifically, the CPU 11 executes various processes by executing one or more programs installed in advance. Thus, the CPU 11 functions as a control unit that comprehensively controls the operation of the merchandise management apparatus 10.

  The RAM 12 temporarily stores data when the CPU 11 performs calculations, and the ROM 13 is a read-only memory in which a program such as BIOS is stored.

  The communication unit 14 is a processing unit that performs data communication conforming to a wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The merchandise management apparatus 10 communicates with a plurality of security tags 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D,. The communication unit 14 is an example of a second communication unit according to the present invention.

  The storage unit 15 is composed of a flash memory, and stores later-described product management data 15d (FIG. 3) and the like.

  The operation display unit 16 is composed of a touch panel display. The operation display unit 16 is an example of a display unit and a reception unit of the present invention.

  The plurality of security tags 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D,... Have the same configuration. Specifically, each security tag includes a security wire, a disconnection notification output unit, a position information output unit, and a communication unit.

  The security wire is used to attach a security tag to a product. For example, when a security tag is attached to clothing, the security tag is attached to the clothing by passing the security wire through a clothing display tag or the like and then closing the security wire with a dedicated magnet. In addition, it is comprised so that the exclusive magnet which closed the crime prevention wire cannot be removed unless an exclusive removal tool is used.

  The cutting notification output unit is a processing unit that outputs a cutting signal when the security wire is cut.

  The position information output unit is a processing unit that outputs current position information (position coordinates) in the store in response to the output instruction. The position information may be output using a known position specifying sensor, or may be output using a GPS (Global Positioning System) function.

  The communication unit is a processing unit that performs data communication conforming to a wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). This communication unit is an example of a first communication unit according to the present invention.

  Next, the merchandise management data 15d stored in the storage unit 15 of the merchandise management apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The merchandise management data 15d is data for storing merchandise information related to merchandise in the store. Specifically, in the product management data 15d, an identification number for identifying a specific security tag from a plurality of security tags and specific product information to which the specific security tag is attached are associated with each other. It is data. Here, it is assumed that the security tags 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D,... Are assigned identification numbers 1, 2, 3, 4,.

  As shown in FIG. 3, “classification”, “brand”, “size”, “sale price”, “purchase price”, “state”, and the like are stored as the product information. The merchandise information is input and stored in advance by the store clerk when the security tag is attached to the merchandise. On the other hand, when the product is sold, the security tag is removed from the product, so the product information corresponding to the security tag is also cleared (erased). The security tag is attached to a new product and used again.

  Next, the product management screen 61 displayed on the operation display unit 16 of the product management apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The product management screen 61 is a screen for the store clerk to manage the product, and is displayed on the operation display unit 16 by performing a predetermined operation. This merchandise management screen 61 is provided with four selection buttons for selecting a merchandise category and an inventory confirmation button for executing an inventory confirmation process.

  After the merchandise management screen 61 is displayed, the merchandise management apparatus 10 executes the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 at predetermined intervals.

  First, in step S1, the merchandise management apparatus 10 determines whether any one of the four selection buttons has been pressed. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1, the process proceeds to step S2, and if a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S9.

  In step S <b> 2, the merchandise management apparatus 10 displays a merchandise category merchandise list screen corresponding to the button selected in step S <b> 1 on the operation display unit 16. For example, when a selection button corresponding to a clothing item is pressed on the product management screen 61, the product management device 10 displays a product list screen 63 related to the clothing on the operation display unit 16, as shown in FIG.

  In the product list screen 63, products classified as clothing are listed. In addition, the product list screen 63 is provided with a radio button for selecting a desired product and an in-store position display button.

  If it is determined that the in-store position display button is pressed after a product is selected via the radio button on the product list screen 63 (YES in step S3), the process proceeds to step S4.

  In step S4, the merchandise management apparatus 10 specifies a security tag for displaying the in-store position based on the identification number of the security tag corresponding to the selected merchandise. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the in-store position display button is pressed after two products in the first and second rows are selected, the product management apparatus 10 identifies the security tag identification number “1”, Two security tags 5A and 5C corresponding to “3” are specified.

  Thereafter, in step S5, the merchandise management apparatus 10 transmits an instruction to output current position information to each of the security tags 5A and 5C specified in step S4. The security tags 5 </ b> A and 5 </ b> C output current position information in response to an output instruction from the product management device 10 and transmits it to the product management device 10.

  When the current position information is received from the security tags 5A and 5C (YES in step S6), the merchandise management apparatus 10 displays a store sketch 65 shown in FIG. 7 (step S7). Here, as shown in FIG. 7, it is assumed that identification numbers “1” and “3” are displayed at the positions of the two products to which the security tags 5A and 5C are attached.

  On the other hand, when the stock confirmation button is pressed on the product management screen 61 shown in FIG. 4 (YES in step S9), the product management apparatus 10 executes a stock confirmation process.

  Here, the inventory confirmation process is a process for confirming whether or not all products to which the security tags 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D,.

  Specifically, the merchandise management apparatus 10 sequentially transmits an instruction to output current position information to the security tags 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D,. Then, the merchandise management apparatus 10 determines that the merchandise corresponding to the security tag for which the current position information is output is “stocked goods”. On the other hand, the merchandise management apparatus 10 determines the merchandise corresponding to the crime prevention tag for which the current position information has not been output as “non-stock merchandise” (“missing merchandise”). Here, the case where the current position information is not output includes a case where wireless communication is not established with the security tag.

  The merchandise management apparatus 10 records the current position information in the storage unit 15 with respect to the crime prevention tag to which the current position information is output every time the above inventory check process is performed. Then, regarding the security tag for which the current position information is not output in the current inventory check process, the merchandise management apparatus 10 refers to the current position information stored in the previous inventory check process, and the previous position in the previous inventory check process Is displayed on the store floor plan.

  As described above, the security tags 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D,... Are each provided with a security wire and a disconnection notification output unit. Therefore, when the crime prevention wire is cut, a cut signal is output by the cut notification output unit and transmitted to the merchandise management apparatus 10. On the other hand, the merchandise management apparatus 10 operates the alarm output unit 17 to output an alarm.

  As mentioned above, according to the said embodiment, based on the present position information output from each of security tag 5A, 5C, the shop sketch (FIG. 7) which shows the position of two goods with which security tag 5A, 5C was attached is shown. Is displayed. Therefore, it is possible to grasp in real time where the specified specific product is placed in the store.

  Further, according to the embodiment, the product corresponding to the security tag for which the current position information has not been output is determined as “out of stock product” (“out of stock product”). Therefore, it is possible to automatically check the inventory of products with security tags attached, and it is not necessary to check the presence of products one by one while moving in the store.

  In addition, regarding the security tag for which the current position information has not been output in the current inventory check process, the previous position in the previous inventory check process is displayed in the store floor plan with reference to the position information stored in the previous inventory check process. . Therefore, for example, if the current location information is not output in the current inventory check process even though the product actually exists in the store due to the battery running out of the security tag etc., refer to the previous location information. There is a possibility that the stock of the product can be confirmed.

  Further, when the crime prevention wire is cut, an alarm is output in the merchandise management apparatus 10, so that the merchandise can be prevented from being stolen.

<2. Modification>
The merchandise management system according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and improvements can be made within the scope described in the claims.

  In the above-described embodiment, the merchandise management apparatus 10 is illustrated as being used as a store-only terminal arranged in a cash register, but is not limited thereto. If a part of functions (such as an inventory confirmation processing function) is restricted, it may be used as a customer dedicated terminal that can be operated by the customer. In that case, the display of “purchase price” may be limited on the product list screen 63 shown in FIG.

  Moreover, when using as a customer exclusive terminal, you may provide the goods search screen 67 shown in FIG. On the product search screen 67, it is possible to search by inputting a brand name or by specifying a size and a selling price (upper limit value and lower limit value).

  According to such a modification, the customer can search by himself where the desired product is in the store. As a result, the number of inquiries from the customer to the store clerk is reduced, and customer service can be reduced.

  Moreover, although the case where only the text information by a character was enumerated in the said product list screen 63 was illustrated in the said embodiment, it is not limited to this, You may make it enumerate image information, such as a product image.

  As described above, the product management system according to the present invention is suitable for managing products in a store.

1 product management system, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D crime prevention tag, 10 product management device,
14 communication units, 15 storage units, 15d product management data, 16 operation display units,
17 alarm output unit, 18 bus, 61 product management screen, 63 product list screen,
65 store sketch, 67 product search screen

Claims (3)

A product management system,
Multiple security tags attached to multiple products in the store,
A product management apparatus for managing the plurality of products;
With
The plurality of security tags are:
A first communication unit that performs wireless communication with the product management device;
In response to the output instruction, a position information output unit that outputs current position information in the store;
Have
The product management apparatus includes:
A second communication unit that performs wireless communication with each of the plurality of security tags;
A storage unit for storing product management data in which an identification number for identifying a specific security tag from the plurality of security tags and specific product information to which the specific security tag is attached are associated with each other;
A display unit for displaying various screens;
A reception unit that receives an operation input from a user;
A control unit;
Have
The controller is
A selection screen for causing the user to select one or more products from the plurality of products is displayed on the display unit;
Specify one or more security tags corresponding to the one or more products selected via the selection screen, and output the current position information to the one or more security tags via the second communication unit Send
Based on the current position information output from the one or more security tags, a store floor plan showing the position of the one or more products in the store is displayed on the display unit ,
When the output instruction is sequentially transmitted to the plurality of security tags and there is at least one security tag that does not output current position information, at least one product to which the at least one security tag is attached is missing. Execute inventory check processing to detect as goods,
The storage unit stores each current position information regarding a plurality of security tags for which current position information is output each time the inventory check process is executed,
The control unit refers to the current position information stored in the previous inventory check process with respect to at least one crime prevention tag for which the current position information has not been output in the current inventory check process, and the previous position in the previous inventory check process. Is displayed on the store floor plan. In the merchandise management system according to claim 1,
The plurality of security tags are provided with a security wire and a disconnection notification output unit that outputs a disconnection notification when the security wire is disconnected,
The product management apparatus further includes an alarm output unit that outputs an alarm,
The control unit, when any one of the plurality of security tags outputs the disconnection notification, operates the alarm output unit to output an alarm. A product management device for managing a plurality of products in a store,
A communication unit that performs wireless communication with each of the plurality of security tags attached to the plurality of products,
A storage unit for storing product management data in which an identification number for identifying a specific security tag from the plurality of security tags and specific product information to which the specific security tag is attached are associated with each other;
A display unit for displaying various screens;
A reception unit that receives an operation input from a user;
A control unit;
With
The plurality of security tags have a function of outputting current position information in the store in response to an output instruction,
The controller is
A selection screen for causing the user to select one or more products from the plurality of products is displayed on the display unit;
Identify one or more security tags corresponding to the one or more products selected via the selection screen, and send an output instruction of current position information to the one or more security tags via the communication unit And
Based on the current position information output from the one or more security tags, a store floor plan showing the position of the one or more products in the store is displayed on the display unit,
When the output instruction is sequentially transmitted to the plurality of security tags and there is at least one security tag that does not output current position information, at least one product to which the at least one security tag is attached is missing. Execute inventory check processing to detect as goods,
The storage unit stores each current position information regarding a plurality of security tags for which current position information is output each time the inventory check process is executed,
The control unit refers to the current position information stored in the previous inventory check process with respect to at least one crime prevention tag for which the current position information has not been output in the current inventory check process, and the previous position in the previous inventory check process. Is displayed on the store floor plan.

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