WO1998013770A1 - Remote visit system - Google Patents

Abstract

A remote visit system includes a camera for imaging a scene that can be viewed from a certain place, image provision means for providing information of the image taken by the camera on a real time basis or on a substantially real time basis to users at remote places through a communication network, and display means installed at a position which a person visiting in practice can view with eye and can be imaged by the camera, for effecting predetermined display transferred from the users at the remote places. The system further includes message transmission means for transmitting the messages of the remote places through the communication network and message display means installed at the position which a person visiting in practice can view with eye and can be imaged by the camera, for displaying the messages from the users at the remote places transmitted by the message transmission means. The system makes it possible to exchange the messages such as opinions on each commodity between the shop side and the remote customers. Further, the remote users can leave the messages in the form of their names on the display panel or the display of the messages on the site (religious facility) without completing their message in the form of 'virtual space'.

Description

 Specification

Remote visit system Technical field

 The present invention relates to a remote visit system that can be used for remote shopping, visits to religious facilities, and the like using a computer communication network such as the Internet. Background art

 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a technique for real-time or near real-time appreciation of a scene of a distant point by a live image using a communication network such as the Internet. Such conventional technologies, that is, technologies that can transmit and view distant scenes in real time, leave a “trace” at the “site” where the video was captured, simply by receiving it simply by the user I couldn't do that. In other words, a user who has viewed the live video in real time has sent a message (e.g., impressions of the live video) and his / her name to the server (computer) on which the homepage has been installed by e-mail. Sending is done. Conventionally, each user can write his / her own message on the “electronic bulletin board” (a space where a service that allows free access from a remote user who accesses the site) is set on the website. It is being done.

However, such conventional technologies can be completed only in a “virtual space” such as the Internet homepage. That is, they do not generate any "physical" facts in "real space questions" outside of "virtual space". But the book The inventor thought that remote users would not be satisfied with the mere transmission of their messages, etc., simply by “virtual space”. In order to give real satisfaction to remote users, the `` force '' that generates some `` physical facts '' change in `` real space '' rather than in `` virtual space '' must be It is necessary to give it to the user, which is the fundamental idea from which the present invention was created by the inventor. Also, in the conventional technology, there is a communication between a remote user accessing a “real place” via a communication network and a real person visiting the “real place”. There is little idea to exchange or adjust interests. However, as described above, when giving a remote user the “power” that generates some “physical fact-change” in the “real space”, the remote user and the real person at the “site” There is also a need to consider interest coordination and exchanges with other people.

 Based on such an idea, the present invention enables a remote user to generate some physical change in the “real world” and to establish a communication between a remote user and a person in the real world. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a remote visit system that enables exchanges and interest adjustments in the Internet.

 In addition, all of the online shopping systems that have been proposed using the communication network have been used to sell products with a large number of inventories (standard mass-produced products, that is, “unspecified products”). Suitable to do. However, the following cases (A) and (B) cannot be applied well.

 (A) When the displayed product is a "specified item" and only the displayed product can be sold, so there is a high risk of being "contracted".

(B) Even if the displayed product is "unspecified," the inventory is low. It is not easy to add inventory by quantity, so there is a high risk of being “sold out”.

 In other words, products sold in actual stores include “unspecified items” and “specified items”. "Unspecified object" and "specified object" are concepts based on Japanese national law, and distinguish between the properties of "object". According to civil law, if an individual product has a different personality from others, it is a “specified item”, and if it has no personality and can be substituted for other inventories, it is an “unspecified item”. It is defined as

 An “unspecified item” is a standard mass-produced item that is exactly the same for its display item and its inventory item and has the same value, and that has no difference in personality between the display item and the inventory item. In other words, with regard to “unspecified items,” the products displayed in the store have the same meaning as Rikiyuguchi.

 On the other hand, a “specified product” is a product that has a personality that cannot be replaced by another product. “Specific objects” include antiques displayed at antique shops, artistic works (paintings and sculptures) displayed at galleries, etc., second-hand goods, houseplants, pets (animals), real estate, etc. is there.

Also, among products that formally fall under the concept of “unspecified”, there are products that are practically similar to “specified”. For example, luxury clothing (luxury ties, etc.) designed by famous foreign designers is purchased by buyers abroad, so even if multiple (small) production is performed, the same product is actually produced. It is extremely difficult to find. Therefore, such products can be said to be close to "unspecified" in the sense that there is virtually no substitute (no stock) other than the "displayed product". In addition, for example, prints, pottery products such as tableware and vases, and interior goods, etc., which are limited to 50 copies, are displayed in limited quantities by the manufacturer or displayed by the manufacturer. Product is in stock (or low in stock) There is no inventory at the store other than the products displayed (or the inventory is low and it is difficult to restock). Therefore, such products need to be treated in the same way as “specified products”.

 Also, for example, in super-popular products such as the video game console Γ PlayStation (PS) manufactured and sold by Sony Corporation and the portable electronic pet game machine “Tamagotchi” sold by Bandai Corporation, As soon as the product is shipped from the car and displayed at the store, it will be purchased by the consumer immediately and sold out within a short period of time. For this reason, products that cannot be “sold for sale” are legally “unspecified” (standard mass-produced products), but there is a danger of “sold out” at stores and inventory replenishment. Because it is not easy, it can be said that it is a product that needs to be treated in the same way as “specified goods” at retail stores.

“Products with handmade elements in the manufacturing process,” such as figurines, dolls, stuffed toys, folk crafts, jewelry (necklaces, approaches, etc.), artificial flowers, etc. Each element has a subtle personality due to the “element of”. Even when purchasing dolls and stuffed toys, even at the same price and the same type, the appearance of dolls etc. is subtly different from item to item, and subtle differences such as "This face is more cute than the next one" There are many experiences that exist. In such a case, even if there are many products of the same type, it is appropriate to treat them in the same way as “specified products” because each product has its own individuality. In other words, if there are two or more customers who want dolls (instead of stock dolls) for products displayed in the store at the same time, the idea of "anything should be fine because there is a lot of stock in mass production" Rather, "Because the product has a personality and cannot be replaced by another, the two customers decide which one to buy. It needs to be adjusted. " Therefore, the doll of the product should be treated in the same way as "special object".

 As described above, the following three types of products (a), (b), and (c) exist in products that are actually displayed at retail stores.

 (a) "Specific Items"

 (b) `` It is unspecified, but there is no or little inventory that can be replaced, and it is difficult to replenish inventory in a short period of time, so it is practically the same as specified Unspecified things that need to be treated like this "

(c) “Unspecified items that have a large number of items in stock and are easily shipped as soon as they are ordered from the manufacturer”

 According to the present invention, among these three types of products displayed at the storefront of a store, in particular, the two types of products (a) and (b) described above can be remotely controlled via a computer communication network. This is a remote visit system suitable for selling to a number of customers.

In other words, for products such as (a) or (b) above, when they are displayed in a store, in principle, only those products exist (there is a small amount even if there is no inventory, so Is high). Therefore, when trying to online-shop such products via a communication network, coordination between customers on the network and customers who are actually inside the store becomes indispensable. Because, in principle, the above item (a) or (b) must be considered as the only item actually displayed (although there may be a small amount of inventory in practice), This is because customers in the store and customers on the network need to make adjustments when they wish to purchase at the same time. In addition, it is necessary to take measures to prevent such a situation that customers in the store and customers on the network wish to purchase at the same time. Traditionally, antiques and antiques are often sold at auctions. In this type of product sales, participation in telephone auctions has been permitted for those who cannot go to the venue on the date and time of the auction. Recently, there has been an example of participating in auctions using a communication network. However, a system has not yet existed for people in the auction venue and those in remote locations to compete on a real-time basis with each other.

 Furthermore, in recent years, the power of communication networks such as the Internet has exploded in recent years. Even if a certain homepage is accessed via a communication network, it only communicates through the communication network. . In other words, it is not possible to directly communicate with people who are actually in a certain place via a communication network.

 The present invention has been made in view of such problems of the related art, and solves the following problems. Disclosure of the invention

 The present invention enables a remote customer to perform shopping at a store and activities related thereto at a position equivalent to a customer actually at the store via a communication network. . Activities related to shopping in this case include, for example:

 (1) Determine if a displayed product is currently "sold out or sold"

Knowing in real time or near real time,

 (2) knowing, in real time or near real time, the "current inventory quantity" of a displayed product;

(3) Know the "details of the product," such as the price, size, or material of the displayed product; (4) to provide a “message” about a displayed product from a remote customer to the store, and

 (5) To provide the store with the desired purchase price of a displayed product and participate in the auction.

 (6) Remote customers know the “planned period for restocking” of a displayed product.

 As described in (1) above, if a remote customer can know in real time or almost in real time whether a displayed product is “sold out or sold”, another alternative is available. When selling goods that are difficult or difficult to replenish inventory over a communication network, coordination between a remote customer on the communication network and a customer who is actually visiting the store is required. Can be done effectively. In other words, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a customer who is visiting a store and a remote customer via a network are repeatedly requested to purchase a product and trouble occurs.

 Further, the present invention is intended to enable a remote person to control the display content of a display device existing in a certain place via a communication network. According to the present invention, a remote user can send a message or the like to a person who is actually in a certain place.

 At a traditional merchandise trading site, if there is only one product displayed in the store (there is no stock or it is difficult to restock), the priority of purchasing that product is Are sold in the order of “first come, first served” to the customers who first want them. this

It is appropriate to maintain the “how” in online shopping via a communication network as well. If a remote customer purchases or makes an offer for purchase over a communication network, it must be done at the same time or as soon as possible thereafter (network). It is necessary that the fact that the above distant customer has made a purchase or an offer to purchase has been notified to the customers and clerks in the store. In other words, if the displayed product is sold, its inventory is, in principle, non-existent (or likely to be non-existent), so that, in principle, the product is already "sold" or "sold out" Others will not be able to make multiple purchases, but leaving the product on display without notifying that it has been `` sold '' or `` sold out '' will result in unnecessary confusion for customers and clerks visiting the store. (On the other hand, when a customer who is actually visiting the store purchases the displayed product, the customer takes the product and takes it to the checkout center, so the displayed product Whether a person is “sold” or “sold out” can be clearly seen by observing the appearance of the factual state of “external occupation”).

 The present invention proposes the following remote visit system for selling goods based on such an idea.

 A merchandise sales system on a computer communication network, a camera (imaging means) for real-time imaging of merchandise displayed in a store or at a store, and an image from the camera being transmitted in real time through a communication network. Video providing means for providing remote customers in near or near real time. And a notification means attached to the surface of the displayed product in the store where the remote customer can purchase or placed near the product, wherein the remote customer applies for or purchases the product. (E.g., sending your credit card number or sending electronic money) to the customer or the clerk in the store or at the store, "The product has been sold or sold out. Notification means to notify “

Note that, in the present invention, “providing video information by the video providing means” For example, (a) each store establishes a home page on the Internet and broadcasts the image of the store in real time on its homepage, and remote customers (B) Each store sends the video in the store to a member customer who has contracted in advance through a communication network such as the Internet. There are various methods such as a method of transmitting in real time, and (c) a method of transmitting images in a store in real time by digital satellite broadcasting to each member customer who has a membership contract with each store in advance.

 In addition, the above-mentioned notifying means includes a display unit for notifying that the product has been sold or sold out by displaying light (including the presence or absence of lighting or blinking of light), characters, symbols or marks (such as figures). It is desirable to include. Further, it is desirable that the above-mentioned notifying means includes a sound generating unit for notifying that the product has been sold or sold out by generating a sound (including the presence or absence of a sound). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a diagram 1 showing the overall configuration of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the notification panel according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the notification panel according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of the display panel of the third embodiment. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a remote visit system for selling goods according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In Fig. 1, 1 is a table for displaying goods in a store, 2, 3 and 4 are goods with little or no inventory close to one-item production displayed on this table 1, and 2 is a ceramic product (Arts), 3 is luxury clothing, 4 is pottery. In FIG. 1, 12, 13 and 14 indicate that the displayed products 2, 3 and 4 are still “sold” or already “sold or sold out” (described below). In some cases, the term “sold or sold” may be simply referred to as “sold” in some cases. It is determined whether a customer (a customer and a remote customer who performs online shopping via a computer communication network). Or both) or a notification panel to inform the clerk. Among these notification panels 12, 13, and 14, the notification panel 12 is attached to the surface of the product 2 by a chain 12 a or a string. The notification panel 13 is attached to the button hole at the bottom of the product (high-grade clothing) 3 by a string or a chain 13a. The notification panel 14 is placed on the table 1 at a position near the product 4.

In this store, for the product 2, the price (¥ 20,000) and the product identification code (A111) for product identification are displayed on a paper product price bulletin board 3 2 Whether the product 2 is “still sold” or “already sold (cannot be sold)” is indicated to the customer or the clerk by the notification panel 12. For the product 3, the price (¥ 35,000) and the barcode 33a ("A111"), which is a product identification code for product identification, are displayed. The bar code shown in the figure is indicated by a paper product price bulletin board 33. Therefore, whether the corresponding product 3 is “still sold” or “already sold (cannot be sold)” Is shown to the customer or the clerk by the notification panel 13. For the product 4, the price (¥ 30,000), the identification code (All03) for product identification, and the corresponding product 4 are "still sold" or "already sold." (Cannot be sold) ”is indicated to the customer or the clerk by the notification panel 14.

 Next, the configuration of the notification panels 12 and 13 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, in the notification panel 12, the characters “for sale” and “contracted” are printed on the surface of the plastic panel 21 in a vertically parallel manner. LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) 22 and 23 are attached to the left side of the letters “sold” and “sold”, respectively. In addition, a receiving section 24 for receiving a signal from an infrared signal transmitter 61 described later is formed on an upper portion of the panel 21. As shown in FIG. 2 (c), the signal received by the receiving section 24 is analyzed by a microcomputer 25 built in the panel 21. Based on this analysis, the microcomputer 25 turns on or blinks one of the EDs 22 and 23 described above. A customer visiting the store or a customer on the network can determine whether the product 12 or 13 is “on sale” or “consumed” by turning on or off one of the LEDs 22 or 23. It is now possible to know if there is.

The configuration of the notification panel 14 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the notification panel 14 includes a plastic frame 31 and an LCD (liquid crystal display) 15. The LCD 15 shows the price of the product 4 (¥ 30,000), the product identification code (A1103) for identifying the product of the product 4, and the product '4. The characters that indicate “sale” or “sold” are displayed. In addition, a signal transmitted from an infrared signal transmitter 61 described later is wirelessly received on an upper portion of the frame 31. The receiving part 3 4 to be connected is installed. Further, as shown in FIG. 3 (c), a microcomputer 35 (containing a CPU and memory) is provided inside the frame 13 and the signal received by the receiving section 34 is provided. Is analyzed by this microcomputer 35. Then, the microcomputer 35 controls the LCD 15 based on the analysis of the signal, and displays either “sale” or “sold” of the product 4 on the LCD 15 screen. . As a result, customers visiting the store and customers on the network (users) can know whether the product 4 is “sold” or “sold”.

 Next, an overall configuration of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 again. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 41 denotes an infrared signal transmitter carried by a clerk 40. This infrared signal transmitter 41 turns on or blinks one of the LCDs 22 or 23 with respect to the notification panels 12 and 13 according to the situation by the operation of the clerk 40. The signal of is transmitted. In addition, the infrared signal transmitter 41 operates the clerk 40 to send the corresponding product 4 price (¥ 30,000) and product code (A110) to the notification panel 14. 3) Send a signal to display the characters “sold” or “sold” on the screen of the LCD 15 (see FIG. 3).

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 51 denotes a video camera provided in the store. The video cameras 51 are for photographing products displayed in the store, and are provided at a plurality of locations in the store. The following correspondence is set between the plurality of video cameras 51 and the product display space in the store. In other words, the product display space in the store is virtually allocated to multiple addresses. Then, a correspondence table between the addresses and the identification numbers of the video cameras is created. This correspondence table is recorded in the recording device of the store-side server 152. The user can use the screen of the communication terminal 54 By designating (clicking with a mouse or the like) a desired point (a sales corner) in the sketch while viewing the sketch in the store on the surface, the image of the space including that spot can be viewed in real time.

 In other words, when a user (remote customer) on the communication network views (eg, clicks with a mouse or the like) a predetermined point (point) in the sketch while looking at a screen on which a sketch in the store is displayed, for example. The video camera identification number corresponding to the address of the space including the designated point is retrieved from the table. Then, a real-time video image from the video camera 51 having the searched video camera identification number is provided to the user. The provision of this video data to one user is performed by the following methods (a) to (c).

 (a) published on the Internet homepage and taken into the user side by browsing browsing software for the user who accessed the homepage, or

 (b) a method of being transmitted to the user side by the server 52, or

(c) A method in which the video is broadcast from a communication satellite to a user. In the first embodiment, the video taken by the video camera 51 is made public, for example, on a home page opened by the store on the Internet by the store server 52. On the store side, by setting up the server 52, users who can access this home page may be widely used as general customer users, or customer member users who have paid a predetermined membership fee to the store side and made a membership contract It may be limited to. The user who accesses this home page can download the video data from the video camera 51 by browsing for browsing-software or the like, or transmit the video data from the server 52 on the store side. Import to own computer You can also. Further, the video data can be transmitted from the communication satellite to the user's home.

 As will be described later, the plurality of video cameras 51 are operated by a remote user sending an operation signal to a store-side server (computer) 52 so that the imaging direction and the zoom magnification of the imaging are obtained. Can be changed arbitrarily by the user's remote control. Thus, the user can capture a video image in an arbitrary direction and magnification by remote control of the video camera 51 (with the transmission or browsing software for browsing). In the first embodiment, a video camera 51 is not provided for every space address in a store, but a video camera 51 is provided for every other space address in a store. Therefore, the space addresses S A01 and S A03 each have a corresponding video camera 51. The space addresses S A02 and S A04 have no corresponding video cameras. Therefore, the live-action images of the spatial addresses SA02 and SA04 are respectively two adjacent address spaces (for example, SA01 and SA03) adjacent to the address space (for example, SA02). Each video from the corresponding video camera is combined into one, and the combined video is transmitted to the user.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 61 denotes an infrared signal transmitter, which sends a signal indicating “sale” or “sold” to any of the notification panels 12, 13, and 14 by radio. To send. For example, a signal transmitted from the infrared transmitter 61 is provided with an identification code for each of the notification panels, and a unique identification code is recorded for each of the notification panels, and the unique identification code is recorded. By programming so that only the information with the identification code is accepted and processed, only the notification panel with the corresponding identification code among the notification panels 12, 13, and 14 can be used. Selectively receive that signal To process information. The notice panels 12 and 13 which have received this signal turn on or blink the LED 22 next to the word "sale" if "sale" by the built-in microcomputer 25 ( The status shown in Fig. 2 (a)), and if "sales completed", the LED 23 next to the word "sales completed" is turned on or blinks (the status shown in Fig. 2 (b)). In addition, the notification panel 14 receiving the above signal controls the LCD 15 by the built-in microcomputer 35, and displays “sale” if “sale”. Displayed (as shown in Fig. 3 (a)), and if it is "sold", the word "sold" is displayed (as shown in Fig. 3 (b)). As a result, the customer or clerk 40 who is visiting the store can be notified in real time whether the product is “sold” or “sold”.

 In FIG. 1, reference numeral 52 denotes browsing of the video imaged by the video camera 51 to a user who accesses the homepage of the Internet via public telephone line 53 * software. It is a store-side server (computer) for providing digital data to users, for example, by sending it to users or by sending it to software. In other words, the user receives the video data of the real sunset taken by the video camera 51 provided from the store server 52 in the form of a home page on the internet. ”Can be captured at the user's own convenience by browsing software, and the video data can be transmitted from the store-side server 52 (and broadcast from a communication satellite or the like). ) it can.

 The store-side server 52 receives a signal from the user-side communication terminal 54 and controls the infrared signal communication device 61.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 54 denotes a remote user-side communication terminal (comprising a personal computer or the like), which has a display device 54 such as an LCD. 479

 16

And an input device 54b having a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. The input device 54b is a stick of a controller attached to a conventional video game machine (for example, “3D stick” of a controller attached to Nintendo Co., Ltd. product name “NINTEND〇64J”). It is. This stick reads the tilt angle and direction of the stick that moves three-dimensionally by the user's operation, so that an analog stick that enables delicate three-dimensional operation on the screen is used. It is. The remote user can move this stick three-dimensionally while looking at the screen through the communication network, and freely move the space in the store three-dimensionally (remote user Can move freely in the store via the communication network as if they were in the store).

 When the user moves the stick, the virtual space address in the store is detected in accordance with the movement of the user, and based on the detected address, the “store space” is used. From the address / video camera identification number table, search for the identification number of the corresponding video camera 51 and retrieve the data of the actual video from the corresponding video camera 51 (or the composite video of the actual video from the two video cameras). Is provided in real-time.

 The real-time provision of the live-action video data can be performed, for example, by a user accessing a home page and fetching it with his / her own browsing (for browsing) / software, receiving a transmission from the server 52, or broadcasting from a communication satellite It is done by having you do it.

In the first embodiment, the capture or transmission of the real-time live-action video is possible for all 24 hours regardless of whether the store is open or closed. Especially when the store is open, not only the displayed products but also the regular visitors and stores The “current life” that shows the situation where employees are active is included as a video (moving image), so the remote user can see the screen through the screen in the same way as the visitor shown on the screen You can get the “realism” as if you were in the store and actually looking for products at the site.

 In addition, by adopting the merchandise sales system of the first embodiment, if the indoor lighting in the store is set to 〇N, the store can be used online for 24 hours (on a communication network) or by satellite broadcasting. As a result, the store can be shown to users, and there is also a chance to sell products by accepting access from users living in remote areas. Therefore, on the store side, it is possible to obtain the same effect as extending the business hours of the store and the same effect as opening a new sister store in another remote area. .

In addition, in stores that operate alone or with a small number of people, the problem that it is difficult for shopkeepers to take long vacations because of the fact that they cannot open the store (they cannot close the store) is a problem. However, if the product sales system of the first embodiment is adopted, it is possible to have a sales form of “stores operating on the network while the entrance is locked (closed)”. Therefore, there is an advantage that it is easy for the shopkeeper to take a long vacation. FIG. 4 shows an example of a display screen by the display device 54 a of the user communication terminal 54. . Fig. 4 (a) shows a paper on which the user wants to purchase the product 3 shown in Fig. 1 and displays the price of the product 3 and its product identification code (for example, a barcode indicating "A1102"). (The user sends an operation signal to the store server 52 and remotely controls the zoom mechanism of the video camera 51 to enlarge the bulletin board 33.) Imaged.) This display is 5 4a 1 o

At the center of the screen, a reading section 154 (portion indicated by a broken line in FIGS. 4A and 4B) is formed. When the user remotely operates the video camera 51 to put the image of the barcode 33a into the reading section 15 4 surrounded by the broken line and input a reading command, the reading section 15 The bar code 33a is read by 4 (the barcode 33a is first captured as image data, which is analyzed and recognized as an identification code). For example, a product identification code of "A1102" Is entered. Then, the product identification code “A11 02” as a result of the reading is displayed in a small window screen 155 at the upper right of the display screen of FIG. 4 (a).

 As described above, the product is identified by the product identification code “A1102” between the user's communication terminal 54 and the store-side server 52.

 When the user wants to purchase the product 3, the purchase procedure is performed, for example, as follows.

First, the user uses the input device 54b of the communication terminal 54 to input his / her name, address, credit card number, etc. (In some cases, the store is a department store and its own specialty. If there is a pre-payment for the product price, electronic mail corresponding to the product price will be sent.) Then, the user sends an e-mail of the input information, the product identification code of the product 3 input by the reading unit 154, and a message of "want to purchase" input by a keyboard or the like. The information is provided to the store-side server 52 via the communication line 53 in the form of registration in a writing area of a homepage or the like. When the store server 52 receives these information, it controls the infrared transmitter 61 so that the product identification code of the product 3 and the product 3 1

A signal for instructing that “sales have been made” is transmitted to the notification panel 13.

 More specifically, a product identification code “Al 102” unique to the product 3 and information that “a remote customer has made a purchase request or purchase application” are transmitted as an infrared signal. The microcomputer built in the notification panel 13 transmits a signal to which a product identification code of “A1202” unique to the product 3 corresponding to the notification panel 13 is added in advance. At that time, it is programmed to receive the information and perform predetermined information processing (specifically, a process of displaying “contracted” on the notification panel 13). Therefore, in the notification panel 13 which has received the above signal, the LED 22 (the LED next to the word “for sale”) that was lit up until then is turned off, and the LED is turned off. The ED 23 (LED on the pot next to the word “sales”) will light or flash.

That is, an infrared signal (a signal indicating a product identification code unique to the product 3 and a signal indicating an instruction to “display a contracted product”) emitted from the infrared transmitter 61 is a notification panel 12, 1. The information is received once by multiple notification panels in the store, such as 3, 14 and so on. However, on each of the notice panels 1, 2, 1, 3, 4, etc., a product identification code unique to the corresponding product, 2, 3, 4 is recorded. It is pre-programmed to execute its “sold” indication only when signaled. Therefore, even if the above-mentioned signal is emitted from the infrared transmitter 61 to a plurality of notification panels 12, 13, 14, etc., the instruction of “sold” is executed only for the corresponding product. This means that only the notification panel 13 with the identification code is recorded. More than that: The LED 23 is lit up (displayed as "sold") and displayed. It is possible to inform customers and clerks who are visiting the store that the above-mentioned product 3 has become “contracted” from that point. In addition, since the lighting process of the LED 23 (display of “sales completed”) is performed within a very short time from the time when the remote customer makes a purchase application, the remote customer can also see this process on the screen. By doing so, it is possible to confirm in real time or almost in real time that the application for purchase has been accepted by the store.

 FIG. 4B shows another example of the display screen of the display device 54 a of the user-side communication terminal 54. This example shows an operation screen when the user wants to purchase the product 4 in FIG. In this case, the user remotely operates the video camera 51 to magnify and image the notification panel 14 on which the product identification code “A1103” of the product 4 is displayed, and Put the image of the product identification code “A1103” into the reading section 154 (the part surrounded by the broken line in Fig. 4 (b)) in the center of the screen, and input the reading command. Then, the reading section 154 reads the alphanumeric characters of "A1103". In this reading, first, the alphanumeric characters of "A111" are captured as image data, and the captured image data is converted to character or numeric data (text data) by OCR software (character recognition program). It is done by recognizing as The product identification code “A1103” obtained as a result of reading by the 〇CR software is displayed in a small window screen 155 at the upper right of the display screen of FIG. 4 (b). In the manner described above, the product identification code of the product 4 is input.

Although the method described above is a method of reading the product identification code from the reading unit 154, the embodiment 1 can be implemented in various other ways. Another way to do this is to say, for example, that the user — on the screen, enters the product identifier of Is recognized (visually), a window screen for inputting the product identification code 15 5 (see FIG. 4 (b)) is displayed, and the recognized product identification code “A1103” is displayed on a keyboard or the like. It is a method of inputting manually. When the user wishes to apply for the purchase of the product 4, the user enters the product identification code "A1103" of the product 4 entered in this manner, and his / her name 'address and payment separately entered. The method and the information such as the message of the purchase application are transmitted to the store-side server 152 through the communication line 53. The store-side server 52 receives the application for purchase and the associated information, and controls the infrared transmitter 61 to change the display of the notification panel 14 of the product 4 from “sold” to “sold”. Let me change.

 Also, the store clerk looks at the purchase application record of the store server 52, removes the product 4 from the display table 1, and performs a procedure for delivering it to the user's home by a courier service or the like. .

As described above, in the first embodiment, the video cameras 51 are attached to a plurality of locations in a store. The infrared transmitter 61 is also mounted at a position near each video camera 51 in correspondence with each video camera 51 (in a so-called set with the video camera 51). Also, the video from each video camera 51 can be viewed simultaneously by multiple remote users via a computer-network. However, operating the directional control and zoom control of one video camera 51 requires first accessing that video camera 51 and giving “priority” (priority for operating that video camera). Only established users can do it. Then, only the user who can operate the video camera 51 can operate the infrared transmitter 61. Other users who do not have the "priority" can capture and view the video from the video camera 51 with browsing software. Only. The other users who do not have the “priority” may use the priority of the video camera 51 previously established (acquired) by the user having the priority to move to another video camera 51. Only when relinquishing the right can the user obtain the priority of operation of the video camera 51. When the priority of the operation of the video camera 51 is transferred to another user, the priority of the operation of the infrared transmitter 61 provided corresponding to the video camera is automatically transferred to another user. In addition, the priority of the operation of the video camera 51 can be acquired in an order (first-come, first-served) from a user who accesses the video camera 51 in an earlier time.

 As described above, the first embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the first embodiment, and various modifications as described below are possible.

 For example, as shown by reference numeral 101 in FIG. 1, a sound-collecting microphone 101 is provided next to or near the video camera 51, so that sound and music around the entire store or around the product display location are provided. Alternatively, sound such as voice is taken in. The acquired sound information, together with the video information from the video camera 51, is transmitted by the store-side server 52 in real time via a communication network (such as an Internet homepage) or a broadcast through a communication satellite. Provided to remote customers. In this way, remote customers can receive not only real-time in-store video but also in-store sound in real time, making shopping on the network more "realistic." The advantages such as are obtained.

Further, in the first embodiment, as a notification means for notifying a customer or a clerk who is visiting the store that the product has been “sales completed”, notification panels 12, 13 provided with LEDs 22, 23. In addition, a notification panel 14 equipped with an LCD 15 is used to visually inform customers and clerks who are visiting the store that the contract has been made, but the present invention is not limited to this. Without, for example For example, the following method may be used to indicate that the contract has been made. For example, the notification panels 12, 13, and 14 are provided with a buzzer or speaker instead of an LED or LCD, and output a predetermined sound or voice to appeal to the hearing of customers and clerks who are visiting the store. , Or that it has been "sold".

 Further, in the present invention, a laser beam generating device controlled by the store server 52 is provided, and when a user designates a specific product and desires to purchase, the laser beam generating device is controlled. The colored laser beam is continuously emitted to the designated product reserved for purchase, and by continuing to emit the laser beam, the store clerk is told, "The user is removed from the display table 1 and the user is removed. Need to be delivered to you. " In this case, even before the clerk removes the product from the display table 1, the laser beam is emitted and the merchandise is sold, so that customers and clerks who are visiting the store can recognize that the product is already `` sales completed ''. .

 Further, in the first embodiment, the fixed video camera 51 is used to image the displayed merchandise, but in the present invention, a mobile video camera may be used. For example, a rail may be fixed to a ceiling or wall in a store, and a camera attached to a moving body that moves along the rail may be used. A mobile robot that moves on the floor (passage) in the store and has a camera attached may be used.

Further, in the first embodiment, moving image data is created by capturing an image of a product displayed by the video camera 51, and the moving image data is transmitted through a communication network. However, in the present invention, the displayed products are captured by a camera at predetermined time intervals (for example, every few seconds or every several tens of seconds), and a still image is created, and the still image data is transmitted. Transmission via network JP97 / 03479

 twenty four

You may do so. In the case of this still image data, the status of the displayed product can be transmitted to a remote customer, for example, every few seconds or every several tens of seconds, and is not always instantaneously notified. Absent. However, in practice, if the image can be transmitted every few seconds or every several tens of seconds, the image can be transmitted almost in real time, so there is almost no problem. In addition, if a remote customer user finds a product that he / she wants to purchase while watching video from the video camera 51 on the screen of the communication terminal 54, first, the material, dimensions, and selling price of the product It is necessary to know product data such as price payment methods. There are various ways for stores to notify remote customers of the product release.

For example, first of all, the store first leans a sheet in advance near each product with product data such as the material, dimensions, sales price, price payment method, etc. of the product, and the user Is visually recognized by the video from the video camera 51. In the second method, the user remotely controls the infrared ray generator 61 (see FIG. 1), and the material, dimensions, and selling price of the product are stored in the memory of the notification panel 14 in advance. A signal for instructing to return the product data, such as the price payment method, wirelessly is sent to the notification panel 14, and the product data is sent back from the notification panel 14 wirelessly. (In the notification panel 14, it is determined whether the product identification code sent with the signal indicating the command matches the product identification code recorded by the user. ). As a third method, the user sends an image of the product and a message that the user wants to send product data on the product to the store server 152 by e-mail, and the store clerk In response to the e-mail, there is a method of using the store-side server 52 to return the product data of this product to the user. In addition to the above methods Although description is omitted here, various methods are possible. Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made. For example, the following configuration can be added. In the system shown in FIG. 1 (Embodiment 1), the store-side server 52 also records in advance the product identification data and the stock quantity of each product (in the case of a specific product, the stock quantity is calculated from the beginning. "0"), when an order (purchase application) is received from a customer who is actually visiting the store or a user (remote customer) on the communication network, the product identification data is used as a key. The number of stocks is read out and the number of stocks is set to minus one (subtract one). As a result, only when the number of stocks becomes "0" and the product displayed at the store is purchased or reserved for purchase, The notification means 12, 13, 14 may be controlled to display “sold” or “sold out” on the display. In addition, the contents of the notification by the above-mentioned notification means are shown as "sales completed" for specific goods (arts and antiques, etc.), and "sold out" for unspecified goods with stocks. Is desirable. In addition, when the number of unspecified items is "0" and the sales target is limited to the products displayed at the store, the above-mentioned notification panel indicates "zero inventory" or "only store products". You may let

 In the system shown in FIG. 1, the stock quantity of each product is recorded in the memory of the notification panel 14 near each product, and the recorded stock quantity is displayed on the display unit 15. For example, the display allows store clerks, remote customers, and visiting customers to easily ascertain the “current stock quantity” in real time.

In the system of FIG. 1 (Embodiment 1), the notice panel 1 4 records in advance the stock quantity of the product (the stock quantity of a specific product manufactured from one product is "0" from the beginning) in its built-in memory. When a customer or a user on the communication network who actually visited the store ordered the product (purchase application), the microcomputer 35 in the notification panel 14 was recorded in the memory. The stock quantity is subtracted by 1 and the stock quantity in the memory is updated and recorded. Then, when the stock quantity after the subtraction processing becomes “0” and the merchandise displayed at the store is sold, the notifying means panel 14 is controlled to display “sold or sold out” on the display section 15 thereof. So that The contents of the notification panel 14 are as follows: "Saled" is displayed for a specific product (arts, antiques, etc.), and "Sold out" for an unspecified product with inventory. It is desirable to make the display. If the number of unspecified items is "0" and the sales target is only the items displayed at the store, the above-mentioned notification panel will indicate "zero inventory (" 0 ")" or " Only “over-the-counter products” may be displayed.

 In the system shown in Fig. 1 (Embodiment 1), the user further specifies the product identification data for each product and sends messages such as questions, inquiries, requests, impressions, and orders related to the product by e-mail or to the homepage. It can be stored in the store server 52 in the form of writing and registration. The store-side server 52 stores these messages for each product identification data. As a result, the store clerk can use the messages stored in the store server 52 as marketing data for each product.

Further, in the present invention, the messages stored in the store server 152 may be displayed on a part of the display unit 15 of the notification panel 14. Note that this message is displayed when the remote customer 6 When an instruction to “display a message” is sent from 1 to the notification panel 14, or when a clerk or customer in the store uses a portable infrared transceiver 4

When an instruction to “display a message” is sent to the notification panel 14 by 1 or the like, it may be displayed only on.

 In addition, the product identification data of each of the above products is recorded in a memory in the notification panels 12, 13, and 14. Therefore, the user (remote customer), for example, displays the recorded product identification data on a display unit such as a notification panel 12, 13, 14 provided near each product, and displays the display. By reading this product identification data from or from each notification panel 1

The product identification data of each product can be known by wirelessly transmitting the product identification data from the memories 2, 3, and 14.

Further, in the system of FIG. 1 (Embodiment 1), in addition to the message of the purchase application for the product, the user can also receive his / her own question, inquiry, request, opinion, impression, order, etc. message for the product. Can be wirelessly transmitted by remote-controlling the infrared transmitter 61 in FIG. 1 to write or record the information in the internal memory of the notification panels 12, 13, and 14. The clerk can receive and read the message from the user recorded in the memory of the notification panel by the portable infrared transceiver 41. Further, each of the notification panels 12, 13, and 14 may display a message from a user recorded in their internal memory on their display unit. In this way, the clerk can see the message from the user at the location where each product is located. And the clerk can use these messages for marketing etc. Embodiment 2.

 Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The overall configuration of the second embodiment is almost the same as that shown in FIG. The main feature of the second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that the content displayed on the notification panel placed near the product is different from that of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 shows a notification panel according to the second embodiment. The notification panel 2 14 includes a frame 2 31 and a display section (LCD) 2 36. Further, the notification panel 2 14 includes a receiving unit and a microcomputer similar to those shown in FIG. 3 (c). The display section 2 36 shows the identification of the products (products that are to be sold by the oaksion method) supported by the notification panel 2 14, and each customer (visiting the store) for the products. (Including the customer and the remote user), the highest price to date among all suggested purchase prices, the date and time that the price was offered, and the store A receipt number that certifies that the receipt has been made is displayed.

 Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the remote user accesses the homepage of the store side on the communication network 53 and uses the browser (browsing software) to open the camera 51. The video (moving image or still image) can be displayed in real time or almost real time on the display device 54a connected to the own computer terminal 54, and can be viewed.

 The method of accessing this website and viewing it on a browser is called "pu11 type" (pull type) Internet. In the second embodiment, the video may be provided to a remote customer by a method called “push type” (push type) Internet.

That is, during the auction period and its preparation period, Merchandise 51 Images taken on the auction (products for auction) and the image on the display panel 2 36 of the notification panel 2 14 placed in the vicinity are distributed from the store side to the remote user side. Alternatively, the customer and the store may make a contract in advance, and the video may be sent from the store to the remote customer in real time during the auction holding period and the preparation period. According to this “push-type” Internet method, remote customers will not have to visit the store's homepage one by one.

 Next, there are two routes (A) and (B) for the customer to present the desired purchase price to the store side.

 (A) A route in which a customer who visits a store during the auction period presents the desired purchase price of a certain product to the store (store clerk) verbally or in writing.

 In this case, the clerk presented with the price issues a numbered ticket indicating the receipt number issued by the store to the customer. Then, as shown in FIG. 1, the clerk 40 uses the infrared transmitter 41 to perform “identification of the product overnight”, “name, address, and identification number of the customer”, “ The reception number, the date and time of reception (year, month, day and time) and the desired purchase price are converted into infrared signals and transmitted to the receiving section of the notification panel 2 14. Then, based on the infrared signal received by the receiving unit, the microcomputer built in the notification panel 2 14 receives the received “customer's name, address, and identification number”, “reception number”, “ The microcomputer records the received date and time and the desired purchase price J in the memory.The microcomputer also stores the received “reception number”, “reception date and time” and “the desired purchase price” in the memory. The display 2 3 6 is updated and displayed.

Since the maximum price of the desired purchase price presented up to that time is displayed on the display section 236, the price must be higher than that price. In other words, the customer cannot present it (because presenting it is meaningless). Nevertheless, if, by mistake, a price lower than the price displayed at that time is transmitted from the transmitter 41, the microcomputer will send the transmitted price and the currently displayed price. If the transmitted price is smaller than the currently displayed price, rejection of the update display on the display section 236 and display of “error” to that effect are performed. To the sales clerk.

 In the second embodiment, the auction is held within a predetermined period, and during that period, the customer is presented with a desired purchase price to the store, and the auction is offered to the customer who has offered the highest price. It has become so. The predetermined period may be a predetermined day, several hours, or tens of minutes, or may be a predetermined days or several months. In addition, each customer may purchase the auctioned goods stored at the auction site (store) or elsewhere during the auction period or during the preparation period before the auction is held, You can evaluate the value by actually seeing it with the camera or viewing it with a video taken by a camera described later.

 (B) A route in which a remote customer who accesses the store's homepage during the auction period presents the desired purchase price to the store via the communication network.

In this case, the remote customer can evaluate the value of the product for auction based on the video from the camera 51. Alternatively, the remote customer mentioned above actually visits the store (the venue of the shop) or a product storage place in the vicinity thereof during the preparation period before the auction period, sees the product, You can also evaluate its value. In this case, after returning home, the customer decides the desired purchase price while also taking into account the evaluation materials at hand and his / her own budget, and sends it via the communication network. Then, the desired purchase price is presented to the store by sending it to the store. According to the route of (B), when the auction is held for several days, the customer visits the site once. After seeing the actual product and returning home, you can slowly and calmly determine the desired purchase price. According to the route of (B), even if a customer cannot go to the auction site during the auction period, the customer goes to the place where the product is located during the auction preparation period and evaluates the value by actually seeing them. After that, during the auction period, the desired purchase price can be presented via the communication network.

 In the case of the route of (B), the remote customer receives not only the video of each product but also the customer (actually visited the store) by receiving the video from the camera 51 in real time. (Including customers and distant customers), the maximum price of the desired purchase price and the date and time of receipt can be known in real time. Therefore, the remote customer can use the display of the communication terminal 54 at home to view the product and the desired purchase price displayed on the display section 236 of the notification panel 214, while viewing the maximum price. You can calmly and calmly decide whether to offer a higher price.

Then, when the remote customer decides to offer a desired purchase price higher than the displayed maximum price, the remote customer performs the following operation. First, by operating the communication terminal 54, a screen for presenting a desired purchase price on the homepage of the store is called. Next, according to this screen, your own name, your address, your own identification number (remote customers will contract with the store in advance and get their own identification number), and the product identification data of the desired product (this The product identification data is displayed on the display section 2 36 of the notification panel 2 14 You can know by looking at the screen. That is, the display of the communication terminal 54 of the remote user is displayed on the display of the product and the notification panel 214.

Since the display screen of 2 3 6 is displayed, the remote user can know the product and the corresponding product identification data while looking at the display screen.) Send to store side server 52. Then, the store-side server 52 activates the infrared transmitter 61 disposed at a position near the camera 51, and the name, address, identification number, reception number, reception date and time of the remote user are received. Data such as a desired purchase price is transmitted by an infrared signal (in this case, it can be said that the remote user remotely controls the infrared transmitter 61 via a communication network). This infrared signal is received by the receiving unit of the notification panel 214. Then, the microcomputer built in the notification panel 2 14 checks whether the newly received purchase price is higher than the price displayed so far, and then checks the memory built in the microcomputer. The record contents and the display contents of the display section 236 are updated with the newly transmitted data. The data transmitted from the remote user is also recorded on the hard disk drive of the store server 52 for backup.

 The remote user should see on the display screen of his / her own communication terminal 54 that the display on the display section 2 36 of the notification panel 2 14 has been updated to the desired purchase price sent by him / her earlier. As a result, it is possible to confirm that the offer of the desired purchase price has been officially accepted by the store. Also, store side server

52 is to transmit a reception number to the remote user, and the remote user can confirm that his / her presentation has been officially received also by receiving the reception number.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, none of the above (A) and (B) Even if the desired purchase price is accepted through these routes, the latest purchase desired price will always be displayed in real time or almost real time on the notification panel 2 14. Therefore, the remote user and the customer who actually came to the store can participate in the auction from a completely equal standpoint. In addition, the highest purchase price from a large number of customers, including the remote user and the customer who actually came to the store, is always equal, in real time or near real time, for both the remote user and the customer who actually came to the store. This will ensure that the interests of the remote user and the customer who visits the store are properly adjusted (ie, one is not the other, and the other is not the disadvantage).

 In the present embodiment, the camera 51 may be fixed to a wall in a store or the like, or may be a camera that can be remotely controlled by the remote user via a communication network. That is, a remote user may be able to remotely control the shooting magnification and the shooting angle.

 In Embodiment 2 described above, the display unit 236 displays only the highest price so far, but in the present invention, other displays are also possible. That is, by changing the program that controls the display unit 236, for example, all of the presented prices can be displayed in the order of the highest price, It is also possible to display all of the prices presented in the order of the date and time of reception. Embodiment 3.

A remote visit system to a religious institution according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. Since ancient times, in religions such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism, pilgrimages to the sacred sites and worship at famous religious facilities have been performed. Devoted followers also go to distant foreign land, visit religious institutions, Donation of money · Make a donation. At the religious establishment, the name of the person who visited or donated to the religious institution was recorded in a memorial book, and a tag indicating the name of the donor was placed inside the religious institution. Posting is performed. As a result, worshipers and donated and donated people can enjoy great spiritual satisfaction.

 However, people in remote areas, such as the elderly, sick or disabled, cannot easily visit religious facilities in remote areas. Therefore, in the third embodiment, a person in a remote area visits a remote religious facility using a communication network, and makes a donation or donation there. The purpose is to provide a system that can record your name and message.

 FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the third embodiment. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 301 denotes a server (network management computer) connected to the Internet 302, which is a global communication network, and 303 denotes an external record of the server 301. A hard disk device as a dresser, 304 is an infrared transmitter for wirelessly transmitting a signal from the server 301 as an infrared signal, and 3005 is a wireless signal from the infrared transmitter 304 A display board for displaying predetermined characters, etc., is connected to the server 301, and images the precincts of a religious facility (in this case, a shrine) on which the server 301 is set up. 307 is a microphone for collecting voice or sound in the shrine, and 308 is an input device such as a keyboard for inputting data such as characters to the server 301. You.

The signboard 2005 is used as a substitute for a “book of donations and condolences” in many religious facilities. This display board 2005 is not electronically recorded with a brush or ballpoint pen as in the past, but rather is based on electronic digital data. It is composed of a recording medium for recording data and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) for displaying the recorded contents.

 In the third embodiment, it is necessary that the display plate 2005 is arranged in a position where the display content is picked up by the camera 300 (in other words, the camera 303 is not mounted on the display plate). It is necessary to arrange the display plate at a position where the display plate can be imaged>.

 In FIG. 6, reference numeral 311 denotes a computer terminal held by a remote user connected to the Internet network 302, and 312 inputs characters, graphics, or images to the terminal 311. An input device consisting of a keyboard and a mouse for inputting data to the terminal 310 is a microphone for inputting voice to the terminal 310, and a device 304 is controlled by the terminal 310 to output data such as characters and images. A display for displaying the evening is a speaker 315 for outputting voice or sound under the control of the terminal 311.

 In this embodiment, the remote user can access the home page of the server 301 via the internet 302 and receive the image from the camera 360 online and in real time. In addition, the remote user accesses the home page of the server 301 via the Internet 302 and obtains voice or sound information from the microphone 307 (for example, prayer or chanting). The voice information showing the situation) can be received online and in real time.

Next, FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the display panel 2005. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 321 denotes an infrared receiver that receives an infrared signal (a signal indicating data such as characters, figures, images, and voices) from the infrared transmitter 304, and reference numeral 322 denotes this infrared transmitter. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs predetermined information processing based on the signal from 322, and 323 is a ROM for recording a computer program that indicates an instruction to the CPU 322. (Re —Do-only memory 1), 324 is a RAM (random access memory) for recording data from the CPU 322, and 325 is a predetermined character based on the data from the CPU 322. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) for outputting graphics, images, etc., 326 is a speaker for outputting a predetermined sound or the like based on the data from the CPU 322, and 327 is the CPU 32 2 is a clock for outputting daily time data.

 In addition, since the calendar (calendar) is recorded in the R 暦 M 323, the CPU 322 determines the number of days today based on the time data from the clock 328. I'm sorry. The RAM 324 is preferably a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, a static RAM, an EP PRAM, or a FeROM (ferroelectric memory) capable of retaining data even when the power is turned off. .

 In FIG. 7, reference numeral 327 denotes a solar cell which supplies power to the infrared receiver 321, CPU 322, LCD 325, and speed power 326. By means of this solar cell 327 and a secondary battery (not shown) for storing the electric power generated by this solar cell 327, the display plate 305 can be used in a predetermined outdoor state while remaining wireless. The display of characters, etc., and the output of sound, etc., can always be performed.

Next, the operation of the third embodiment will be described. A remote user connects to the Internet 302 from his / her terminal 311 and browses the homepage established by the religious institution server 301. In this homepage, live-action images (images showing the situation inside religious facilities) captured by the camera 306 are stored so as to be transmitted in real time or almost real time. Therefore, the remote user can capture a real-time or almost real-time image (moving image or still image) from this homepage and view it on the display 314 of his own terminal. In addition, the On the home page, the voice or sound collected by the microphone 307 (for example, the sound of prayer or chanting, the sound of festivals in the precincts, etc.) is uploaded in real time. The voice or sound can be captured in real time and can be heard from the speaker 315 of the terminal 311 of the user.

 Next, when a remote user wants to make a donation or donation to the shrine that launched the accessed server 301, it is necessary to send electronic money or make a deposit by bank transfer. You can send it by e-mail with your name.

The operation of a remote user who wants to display his / her wish etc. on the display panel 2005 will be described. In this case, the user at the remote location transmits the predetermined electronic money or the credit card number of the user and pays the predetermined amount to thereby use the display board 3005. Can be obtained. A user in a remote place who has obtained this right can freely write his / her wish (a type of message) and his / her name in the unused part of the display board 2005 ( Display). In other words, the remote user sends a message (wish) to be written or displayed on the display board 3005 and his / her name to the server 301 via the homepage. In response to the transmission, the server 301 transmits the name and message of the remote user wirelessly from the infrared transmitter 304 as an infrared signal. The wirelessly transmitted signal is received by the infrared receiver 3221 of the display panel 305 and sent to the CPU 3222. The CPU 3222, based on the signal from the infrared receiver 321, the time data from the clock 328, and the calendar data recorded in the ROM 323, In addition, the name of the remote user, a message (a wish), and the Display time. Examples of the display contents are a message (wish) such as "I hope the business goes well.", A name such as "Nippon Taro", and a date such as "199.8.01.01.01". Is displayed in some cases).

 In the third embodiment, the ROM 32 3 stores a program of an instruction that the display of the CD 3 25 is valid only for `` one year '' and the display is erased after the lapse of that time. . Therefore, the display on the LCD 325 is automatically erased after one year has elapsed. Further, in the third embodiment, the display panel 305 is accessed via a communication network. Not only users in remote locations, but also those who actually visited the shrine (worshipers) can be used. In other words, worshipers write their names and wishes (messages) on a prescribed form and hand them to the religious institution. The religious institution inputs data into the bar 301 with the input device 308 while looking at the form. In the server 301, the infrared transmitter 304 transmits data to the display panel 305 based on the input data. The operation of displaying the above-mentioned data on the LCD 325 by the display board 305 to which this data has been transmitted is the same as the case of the above-described remote user.

In the third embodiment, the remote user can transmit only his / her own name and message. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the remote user can write freely. Handwritten characters, handwritten illustrations, self-marks, self-photos, and the like can also be transmitted to be displayed on the LCD 325 of the display board 3005. Further, in this embodiment, the user at the remote location captures a message by his / her own voice from the microphone 3 13 into the user-side terminal 3 11 1 The audio data may be transmitted to the server 301 so as to be recorded in the RAM 324 of the display panel 305. In this case, when someone presses a predetermined key (not shown) on the display board 305, a voice message recorded in the RAM 324 is output from the speaker 326. .

 As described above, according to the third embodiment, even if a user in a remote place does not actually go to a religious institution, his or her name or message can be displayed on the display board 300 of the religious institution. Can leave traces of your visits, just as you did. In addition, the user at a remote location keeps watching the display contents of the display board 105 in real time or almost in real time, so that the user's name or message is displayed on the display board 105 at the moment. You can check the scene. Therefore, a user in a remote place can obtain “realism” and “satisfaction” as if they were actually visiting the shrine precincts. In addition, the user at the remote place can see the signboard 105 of the religious institution via the communication network many times thereafter, and display his / her name, message, and Since it is possible to confirm that the attachment is displayed, it is possible to give a remote user a great sense of trust and satisfaction.

Further, in the third embodiment, since the display plate 2005 is provided in the premises of an actual religious institution, the display contents of the display plate 2005 are not only for remote users, but also for actual users. The worshipers who visited the shrine can also be seen. This means that the actual visitor can see the result (trace) of what the remote user has done in real time, so that the remote user can connect to the communication network. Through this, we have the power to make changes in the “real world”. According to This also gives remote users a great deal of “satisfaction”.

 In addition, the above-mentioned display board 300 can be placed not only in religious facilities such as temples but also in various places. For example, the peaks of Mt.Fuji and the Himalayas, which are usually difficult for people to reach, the ocean floor suitable for scuba diving in the Hawaiian Islands, a luxury cruise ship around the world, airplanes, buses, trains, famous tourist facilities, It can be placed in various places such as entertainment facilities, restaurants, concert halls, etc., and used for remote users.

 Further, the display plate 300 of the third embodiment is assumed to be set up in a facility, but the present invention is not limited to this.For example, a notebook type display device may be used. Good. This notebook type display device can be used in various facilities such as hotels, coffee shops, discos, clubs, temples, tourist facilities, recreational facilities, schools, department stores, boutiques, trains, buses, ships, airplanes, trains, etc. It is placed on the table. And, this display device allows anyone to freely write and see what has been written. That is, a person who has actually visited the facility can freely write data such as characters, figures, or photographs using an input device such as a predetermined keyboard, or display and read the written data. it can. In addition, a user at a remote location can freely write his / her own name, message, illustrations and other figures, his / her picture, etc. in real time or almost in real time through the image from the camera on the screen of this display device. The written content can be displayed and viewed. Industrial applicability

According to the present invention, a customer who actually visits a store by opening a store displaying conventional products for sale on a communication network is also disclosed. 1

Not only that, it will be possible for customers living in remote areas to access customers via a communication network. Therefore, by adopting the present invention, it is possible to obtain almost the same effect as opening a new sister store in a remote area at low cost, in a short time, and with low risk. In addition, if the inside of a store is open to the public via a communication network (including satellite broadcasting), it will be possible to operate 24 hours without being restricted by the actual business hours of the store. Therefore, the same effect as extending the business hours of the actual store can be obtained at low cost. In addition, if only customers on the communication network are targeted, clerks are not required, so “unmanned stores” are also possible. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the form of a new retail store called "the store with the door locked" becomes possible.

 Further, according to the present invention, from the store to a remote customer, “detailed data” such as dimensions and material of each product, “current stock quantity” of a certain product, or “stock replenishment” of a certain product. It is possible to provide a “scheduled period until”. Further, according to the present invention, messages such as opinions and impressions regarding each product can be exchanged between the store and a remote customer. Further, according to the present invention, the remote customer provides the store with the “price to be purchased” of the product to be auctioned, so that the remote customer is completely equal to the person who is actually at the venue for the auction from a remote location. Then you will be able to participate in the auction.

Further, according to the present invention, a remote user can not only complete his / her message transmission in a “virtual space” but also leave traces that can be seen on the spot (religious facilities, etc.). (In the form of displaying the name @ message on the display board). That is, in the present invention, the display means can see not only a remote user but also a person who has actually visited the point. This means that users at remote locations "can communicate over a communications network. Means that a visitor at a remote location can leave the result of the `` virtual visit '' in real time as a `` real form '' that can be seen by the actual visitor. Through this, you have the power to change and make changes in the real world. In addition, a remote user can confirm this “state of change and change in the real world” by watching the live video from the camera in real time with his / her own eyes. can do. Therefore, this also gives remote users a great sense of satisfaction and achievement.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. Imaging means for imaging one or more products displayed for sale in a store or at a store,

 A video providing means for providing, to a remote customer, in real time or almost real time via a communication network, a video report of the video imaged by the imaging means as an indication of a sales target; and

 Notification means arranged in the store or on the surface of the product at or near the store, wherein the remote customer is provided with a certain product via a communication network based on the provided video. When the product becomes `` sold out or sold '' as a result of performing `` application for purchase '' or `` procedure necessary for purchase or its reservation '', the product becomes `` sold out or sold '' Means to notify customers or clerks in the store or at the store,

A remote visit system for remote product sales using a computer network.

 2. An imaging means for imaging one or more products displayed for sale in a store or at a store,

 A video providing means for providing information of a video imaged by the imaging means to a remote customer in real time or almost real time via a communication network as an indication of a sales target;

A stock quantity recording means for recording the "current stock quantity" of each of the above-mentioned products, and a certain product is "sold or reserved for sale" by the "purchase or purchase application" from the remote customer or the in-store or in-store customer. , The "current inventory quantity" of the product recorded in the inventory quantity recording means is subtracted by the "sales or sales reservation" product quantity, thereby obtaining the inventory quantity record. Inventory update means for updating the "current inventory quantity" of the product recorded in the recording means, and

 Notification means arranged in or on the surface of the product in the store or at the store, wherein the "current stock quantity" of the product recorded in the stock quantity recording means is "0" and the product is in the store or If the product displayed at the store is also `` sold or sold '' as a result of being `` sold or sold '', the product is said to be `` sold out or sold '' in the store Or a means of notifying the customer or clerk at the store,

A remote visit system for remote product sales.

3. Imaging means for imaging one or more products displayed for sale in a store or at a store,

 A video providing means for providing information of a video captured by the imaging means to a remote customer in real time or almost real time via a communication network as an indication of a sales target;

 A stock quantity recording means for recording the “current stock quantity” of each of the above-mentioned products; '', The `` current inventory quantity '' of the product recorded in the inventory quantity recording means is subtracted by the number of the `` sales or sales reserved '' commodities, whereby the inventory quantity recording means An inventory update means to update the "current inventory" of the item recorded, and

 A stock quantity display means arranged on or near the surface of a product displayed for sale in a store or at a store, wherein the "current stock number" of the product can be viewed by a customer in the store or at a store. And a means for displaying the number of stocks to be displayed.

4. Remote product sales according to any of claims 1 to 3 In the sales system,

 Product detail data, which is located on or near the store or on the surface of the product displayed at the store, and records detailed product data such as the dimensions and material of the corresponding product, and evening recording means; and

 A product detail data providing means for providing the product detail data recorded in the product detail data recording means to the remote customer via wireless communication means and the communication network;

A remote visit system for remote merchandise sales, comprising:

5. In the remote merchandise sales system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

 Product detail data recording means that records product detail data such as dimensions and materials of each product, and

 Commodity detail data display means arranged in or on the surface of a commodity displayed in a store or at a store, for displaying commodity detail data of a corresponding commodity recorded in the commodity detail data recording means Detailed data display means,

A remote visit system for remote merchandise sales, comprising:

6. The remote visit system for selling remote goods according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:

 A message providing means for providing a message such as an impression, an inquiry, a request, a purchase application (order), etc. regarding a certain product from the remote customer to the store via a communication network; and

Message recording means disposed on or near the product, wherein the message from the remote customer provided by the message providing means is associated with a product specified by the remote customer. Message recording means for recording, A remote visit system for remote merchandise sales, comprising:

7. The remote visit system for selling remote products according to any one of claims 1 to 5 further comprising:

 A message providing means for providing a message such as an impression, an inquiry, a request, a purchase application (order), etc., of a certain product from the remote customer to the store via a communication network; and

 Message display means arranged on or near the product, wherein the message from the remote customer provided by the message providing means is visible to a customer or a clerk in a store or at a store. Or a message display means for displaying the message so as to be visible to the remote customer.

8. Imaging means for imaging the goods displayed in the facility for sale of goods, the information of the video imaged by the imaging means is used as an indication of a sales target in real time or almost real time via a communication network. , Means of providing video to remote customers,

 Means for providing a desired purchase price for the remote customer to provide data indicating the desired purchase price of the product to the sales facility side via a communication network;

 Desired purchase price display means provided on or near the surface of the product, the desired purchase price display means for displaying a desired purchase price from a customer who wants to purchase the product;

A remote visit system for remote sales.

9. The remote visit system of claim 8, further comprising:

When a plurality of customers are presented with the desired purchase prices, the desired purchase prices are displayed in accordance with a predetermined rule such as displaying the desired purchase prices in descending order of the amount or displaying only the highest amount among them. Display means Display control means for controlling,

A remote visit system for remote sales, comprising:

10. Imaging means for imaging one or a plurality of products displayed for sale at the product sales facility,

 A video providing means for providing information of a video imaged by the imaging means to a remote customer in real time or almost real time via a communication network as an indication of a sales target; and

 Notifying means arranged at or near the surface of the product in a store or at a store, wherein (a) the product is sold out or sold, (b) the current stock quantity of the product, (C) the expected period of restocking if the product is out of stock; (d) a suggested purchase price provided by the customer for the product; or (e) the price, performance, use, A means for notifying a customer in the product sales facility of "information on sale" of the product, such as detailed product data such as material or dimensions, and a computer network. A remote visit system for remote sales.

 1 1. Camera that captures the scenery seen from a certain place,

 A video providing means for providing information on video captured by the camera to a remote user in real time or almost in real time via a communication network; and

 Display means provided on a table that can be visually observed by a person who has actually visited the point and imaged by the camera, based on data transmitted from the remote user. Display means for performing a predetermined display

A remote visit system.

1 2. Camera that captures the scenery seen from a certain place, 48

A video providing means for providing information on video captured by the camera to a remote user via a communication network in real time or almost in real time;

 Message transmitting means for the remote user to transmit his / her own message via a communication network; and

 Message display means provided at a position where a person who has actually visited the place can visually observe and can be imaged by the camera, wherein the user at the remote place transmitted by the message transmission means Message display means for displaying a message from

A remote visit system.

 13. The remote visiting system according to claim 12, further comprising: voice data recording means for recording a message from the remote user as voice data; and

 Voice output means provided near the message display means, for outputting voice data from the voice data recording means by voice;

A remote visit system.

 1 4. Camera that captures the scenery seen from a certain place,

 A video providing means for providing information on video captured by the camera to a remote user via a communication network in real time or almost in real time;

 Message transmitting means for the remote user to transmit his / her own message via a communication network;

 A result deriving means for deriving a result caused by the message from the remote user; and

A person who has actually visited the place can see and A result display means provided at a position where the result can be imaged, and a result display means for displaying a result derived by the result derivation means.